contents

Volume 85, Number 2 . March / April 2006

F EATURES DEPARTMEN T S

5 NOTES FROM RIVER FARM

6 MEMBERS’ FORUM

8 NEWS FROM AHS AHS receives grant for Master Plan, AHS partners with green roof group, River Farm to be part of Historic Garden Week in Virginia, Chapel Valley is new Corporate Partner, AHS Horticultural Partner TGOA/MGCA plans national convention in South Carolina, new youth garden internship available at River Farm, AHS co-sponsors Williamsburg Symposium.

12 AHS NEWS SPECIAL: 2006 GREAT AMERICAN GARDENER AWARDS Meet this year’s 12 award recipients. papagege 18 16 AHS NEWS SPECIAL: 2006 BOOK AWARDS Here are five garden books of merit.

18 BY PAMELA THOMAS NATIVE BULBS 44 ONE ON ONE WITH… Try some of these unusual and notewor- Whitney Cranshaw, entomologist. thy native geophytes, which are suited to a variety of gardens. 46 HABITAT GARDENING Southern prairies and plains. 24 THE GARDENER TRANSPLANTED 48 GARDENER’S NOTEBOOK BY DOREEN G. HOWARD 2006 award-winning plants for Midwest, When it comes time to move, here’s garden groups partner on national plant some sound advice for gardeners on how database, study finds that plants produce to transport plants long distances and page 29 greenhouse gas, nurseries create brand for adapt to new climate zones. retail sales of native plants, ecoscaping pro- gram offered by Wild Ones, Virginia’s Nor- folk Botanic Garden designated a historic site. 29 HEAVENLY JACOB’S LADDERS BY RAND B. LEE The understated beauty of Jacob’s ladders adds charm to wood- 52 GREEN GARAGE® land and rock gardens. Good hand tools are essential for smart gardening.

34 BY LINDA ASKEY N TEXAS’S FIRST LADY OF HERBS 54 BOOK REVIEWS Madalene Hill has spent a lifetime promoting the benefits of Outside the Not So Big House, Begonias, and herbs for culinary, medicinal, and ornamental use. The New Garden Paradise. Special focus: Gardening with edible plants.

38 BY SHEPHERD OGDEN CREATING A KITCHEN GARDEN 57 REGIONAL HAPPENINGS An expert reveals how to create and maintain a beautiful and pro- 61 ductive vegetable garden from start to finish. HARDINESS AND HEAT ZONES AND PRONUNCIATIONS

62 RIVER FARM SNAPSHOT ON THE COVER: Gardener Shepherd Ogden shows off a bumper harvest from his 1,500-square- Signs of spring: Flowering winterhazel.

TOP: CAROL AND HUGH NOURSE. CENTER: BILL JOHNSO foot kitchen garden in Pennsylvania. Photograph by Rob Cardillo

March / April 2006 3 AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY 7931 East Boulevard Drive Alexandria, VA 22308-1300 (800) 777-7931 fax (703) 768-8700 www.ahs.org Making America a Nation of Gardeners, a Land of Gardens

American Horticultural Society President’s Council

PRESIDENT Katy Moss Warner CHAIRMAN'S CIRCLE Mr. and Mrs. John H. Ariail, Jr. ■ Mr. Bill Barry ■ Mr. Board of Directors and Mrs. Kurt Bluemel ■ Mr. and Mrs. Edward N. Dane ■ Mrs. Judy Daniel ■ Mrs. Dawn Ford ■ Mr. Gerald T. Halpin ■ Mrs. Minako Henderson ■ Mr. CHAIRMAN Arabella S. Dane Center Harbor, New Hampshire and Mrs. James S. Hutchinson ■ Mr. Robert E. Malesardi ■ Ms. Nancy FIRST VICE CHAIRMAN Brian E. Holley Cleveland, Ohio Petersen ■ Ms. Barbara Robinson ■ Mrs. Deen Day Sanders ■ Mr. Phil Snyder SECOND VICE CHAIRMAN Don E. Riddle, Jr. Davidsonville, Maryland ■ Mr. Arnold Steiner ■ Mr. Robert Stohler ■ Mr. and Mrs. W. Bruce Usrey ■ SECRETARY Albin MacDonough Plant Baltimore, Maryland Mrs. Pauline Vollmer ■ Ms. Claire Watson TREASURER Christine Perdue Middleburg, Virginia

IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR Kurt Bluemel Baldwin, Maryland LIBERTY HYDE BAILEY ASSOCIATES Ms. Sue Dick ■ Mrs. Elisabeth C. Dudley

■ Mr. A. Michael Gellman ■ Mr. and Mrs. Mickey Lynch ■ Dr. and Mrs. David GENERAL COUNSEL William A. Pusey Arlington, Virginia E. Morrison ■ Mr. and Mrs. Ken Mountcastle ■ Mr. and Mrs. J. Landon

Leslie Ariail Alexandria, Virginia ■ Allan M. Armitage Athens, Georgia ■ William E. Barrick, Ph.D. Theodore, Reeve IV ■ Mr. and Mrs. Don E. Riddle, Jr. ■ Mr. Timothée Sallin ■ Jeanne ■ ■ Alabama ■ Katherine Belk-Cook Charlotte, North Carolina ■ Katherine Stark Bull Washington, D.C. ■ John Shields Ms. Katy Moss Warner Ms. Harriet Zbikowski Alex Floyd, Jr. Trussville, Alabama ■ Joel Goldsmith Gilroy, California ■ Beverly Hanselman Nashville, HAUPT ASSOCIATES Dr. and Mrs. William E. Barrick ■ Mr. and Mrs. C. Tennessee ■ Carole Hofley Wilson, Wyoming ■ Natasha Hopkinson New York, New York ■ Margaret Kulp William Black ■ Mr. and Mrs. Robert L. Bogle ■ Mr. Richard C. and Mrs. Louisville, Kentucky ■ Melissa R. Marshall Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania ■ Carol C. Morrison Palatine, Illinois ■ Katherine Stark Bull ■ Dr. and Mrs. H. Marc Cathey ■ Mr. and Mrs. Richard J. Landon Reeve IV Woodbine, Maryland ■ Harry A. Rissetto, Esq. Falls Church, Virginia ■ Felder Rushing W. Hanselman ■ Mrs. Carole S. Hofley ■ Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Kulp, Jr. ■ Jackson, Mississippi ■ William Seale, Jr. Alexandria, Virginia ■ Jeanne Shields Greenville, Delaware ■ Mr. and Mrs. Malcolm Matheson, Jr. ■ Mr. and Mrs. Harold McClendon, Jr. Arnold Steiner Birmingham, Alabama ■ Steven Still Hilliard, Ohio ■ Howard McK. Tucker Alexandria, ■ Ms. Christine Perdue ■ Mr. Paul H. Pusey ■ Ms. Michele Richardson ■ Virginia ■ Susie Usrey Dayton, Oregon ■ Robert D. Volk San Marino, California ■ Harry A. Rissetto, Esq. ■ Dr. and Mrs. George E. Staehle ■ Mr. John Wm. Daryl Williams Lake Buena Vista, Florida Thomas and Mrs. Valerie Thomas ■ Mr. Howard McK. Tucker and Ms.

Megan Evans ■ Mr. and Mrs. Robert D. Volk 2006 Advisory Council Beverly Hanselman, Nashville, Tennessee – Chair PRESIDENT'S COUNCIL Mr. and Mrs. Richard C. Angino ■ Nancy J. Becker,

M.D. ■ Mrs. Katherine Belk-Cook ■ Dr. and Mrs. Joseph Benedict ■ Mr. Clarissa Bonde, Washington D.C. Robert and Joanna Martin, Menlo Park, Colorado Phillip Bermingham ■ Dr. Joel Birnbaum ■ Mrs. George P. Bissell, Jr. ■ Dr. Walter Bull, Columbia, South Carolina Mrs. Malcolm Matheson, Mt. Vernon, Virginia Sherran Blair ■ Count and Countess Peder Bonde ■ Mrs. Anne Bucher ■ Mr. Elaine Burden, Middleburg, Virginia Egon Molbak, Bellevue, Washington and Mrs. Cason Callaway, Jr. ■ Mrs. Susan M. Cargill ■ Mr. and Mrs. Charles Patty Bush, St. Louis, Missouri Dean Norton, Mt. Vernon, Virginia E. Carr ■ Mr. and Mrs. James L. Corfield ■ Mr. and Mrs. Edward Daisey ■ Dr. H. Marc Cathey, Silver Spring, Maryland Nancy Keen Palmer, Nashville, Tennessee Mr. and Mrs. James F. Delano ■ Ms. Doris Diman ■ William P. G. Dodson, Fred Clapp, Alexandria, Virginia Bob Patterson, Washington D.C. D.D.S. ■ Mrs. Robert Duemling ■ Mrs. Beverley W. Dunn ■ Dr. and Mrs. Russell Clark, Boston, Massachusetts Dr. Julia W. Rappaport, Santa Ana, California John A. Floyd, Jr. ■ Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Garcia ■ Prudence Gilmore ■ Mr. Bartie Cole, Owings Mills, Maryland Deen Day Sanders, Norcross, Georgia John Sward Gleiber ■ Mr. and Mrs. Joel Goldsmith ■ Mr. and Mrs. John H. Jim Corfield, Geneva, Illinois David Shultz, St. Cloud, Florida Guy, IV ■ Mrs. Richard W. Hamming ■ Dr. and Mrs. William O. Hargrove Virginia Hill Daisey, Dedham, Massachusetts Josephine Shanks, Houston, Texas ■ Mr. and Mrs. Max Hartl ■ Mr. and Mrs. Brent Heath ■ Mr. and Mrs. Edward N. Dane, Center Harbor, New Hampshire Barbara Shea, Baltimore, Maryland Richard F. Hohlt ■ Mr. and Mrs. Brian E. Holley ■ Mr. and Mrs. Allan L. David and Kitty Ferguson, Westwood, Massachusetts Holly Shimizu, Glen Echo, Maryland Holmstrom ■ Mrs. Elizabeth Hooff ■ Mr. and Mrs. Peter Hopkinson ■ Mr. Ben Griswold, Glyndon, Maryland Charles Henry Smith, Jr., Middleburg, Virginia Philip Huey ■ Mr. Henry Jameson ■ Mr. and Mrs. Robert B. Lindsay ■ Ms. Henry Jameson, East Sound, Washington Regina Smith, Middleburg, Virginia Joann Luecke ■ Mr. and Mrs. Randolph Marshall ■ Mrs. Dorothy Marston Dr. Richard W. Lighty, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania Nancy Thomas, Houston, Texas ■ Mr. George Cole S. McCray ■ Mrs. Rachel L. Mellon ■ Mrs. Rosalyn Carolyn Marsh Lindsay, Ponte Vedra, Florida Bryan Thomlison, Haddonfield, New Jersey Milbrandt ■ Mr. and Mrs. Egon Molbak ■ Mr. and Mrs. Malcolm Moore ■ Mickey Lynch, Dunmore, Pennsylvania Pauline Vollmer, Baltimore, Maryland Mr. and Mrs. William J. Moss ■ Mrs. Shirley Ann Nicolai ■ Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Malesardi, Easton, Maryland Joyce and Harvey White, Nashville, Tennessee William G. Pannill ■ Mr. and Mrs. Albin MacDonough Plant ■ Mrs. Charles Stu McMichael and Lucinda Crabtree, Joannah Williams, Sebring, Florida Price ■ Mr. and Mrs. William A. Pusey ■ Mr. and Mrs. William Seale, Jr. ■ Falls Church, Virginia Sheryl Wood, Middleburg, Virginia Mrs. Josephine M. Shanks ■ Mr. and Mrs. Charles Henry Smith, Jr. ■ Mr. and

Mrs. William M. Spencer ■ Mrs. Juliet Sproul ■ Mr. Harold Stahly ■ Ms. Lida Corporate Partners M. Stifel ■ Dr. and Mrs. Steven Still ■ Mr. and Mrs. John B. Strasenburgh ■ ■ Mr. and Mrs. Peter Tilles ■ Mr. Joe Viar ■ Mr. and Mrs. Harvey C. White ■ ■ The Care of Trees Chapel Valley Landscape Company Cherry Lake Tree Farm ■ Mr. and Mrs. John W. White, Sr. ■ Mr. and Mrs. D. Anderson Williams ■ ™ DK Publishing ■ EarthBox ■ Green Industry Yellow Pages ■ Homestead Gardens Mrs. Marilyn B. Wilson Kurt Bluemel, Inc. ■ Monrovia ■ NaturaLawn of America ■ Osmocote Thompson & Morgan HONORARY PRESIDENT’S COUNCIL Mrs. Enid A. Haupt ■ Mrs. John A. Lutz ■ Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Miller Horticultural Partners

America in Bloom ■ Bellingrath Gardens & Home ■ Colonial Williamsburg Foundation Garden Symposium ■ Communities in Bloom ■ Cox Arboretum ■ Epcot International Flower & Garden Effective February 1, the 2006 Festival ■ The Gardeners of America/Men’s Garden Clubs of America ■ Green Roofs for Healthy Cities ■ Great Southern Tree Conference ■ Homestead Resorts Horticultural Symposium ■ Horticulture member password for the AHS Gardening Institute ■ Leonard Haertter Travel Company ■ Magic of Landscaping Symposium ■ website (www.ahs.org) is tulip. Morris Arboretum ■ Oklahoma Horticultural Society

4 the American Gardener T he Am e ric a n C GARDENER NOTES FROM RIVER FARM

EDITOR David J. Ellis MANAGING EDITOR AND ART DIRECTOR MAZING THINGS happen when talented people grab hold of an idea and Mary Yee envision a world where they can make a difference. In this issue of The ASSISTANT EDITOR American Gardener you’ll read about 12 such individuals as we unveil the Viveka Neveln A 2006 Great American Gardeners—the winners of the American Horticultural So- EDITORIAL INTERN Linda McIntyre ciety’s annual awards (starting on page 12). CONTRIBUTING EDITORS All the award winners are inspiring leaders who through their work have elevated Rita Pelczar public awareness of plants, gardens, and horticulture in America. They share their pas- Joanne Wolfe sion by connecting people to the artistic expression and scientific wonderment in- CONTRIBUTING WRITER herent in gardening. They celebrate the very best in our human spirit and give us Carole Ottesen confidence that we can protect the natural beauty of our land and at the same time

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD enhance the designed environments in which we live. We will be honoring the 2006 award winners for their CHAIR John Alex Floyd Jr. Birmingham, Alabama unique contributions at the Great American Gardeners Allan M. Armitage Awards Celebration, which will be held on June 2 right Athens, Georgia here at George Washington’s River Farm, our national Nina L. Bassuk headquarters. I extend to you and all AHS members a spe- Ithaca, New York cial invitation to meet these horticulture heroes and join Richard E. Bir us at River Farm for a festive evening in a magical setting. Brevard, North Carolina Greatness, of course, is not reserved for a special few. John E. Bryan Each of us can envision a better world and do something San Francisco, California significant to make a difference. With inspiration and determination, little things be- John L. Creech come big things. Routine tasks become joyful memorable moments. Simple sentences Columbus, North Carolina become inspired poems. Recycling in your home becomes a project for the whole Panayoti Kelaidis Denver, Colorado community. Planting seeds with your students evolves into an outdoor classroom for Richard W. Lighty science, reading, and art. Hanging a beautiful flowering basket on your porch inspires Kennett Square, Pennsylvania a neighborhood lined with flowering hanging baskets. Donating a crape myrtle to a Elvin McDonald local park turns into an annual crape myrtle festival. It’s an incredible feeling when a West Des Moines, Iowa whole movement is born from one seemingly small individual effort! Felder Rushing You will notice that the AHS Annual Report for fiscal year 2005 (July 2004 to Jackson, Mississippi June 2005) is included in this issue of The American Gardener. Each year in the An- nual Report, we recap our programs and projects, summarize our financial picture, ADVERTISING The American Gardener and thank our donors. As you can tell from reading about our achievements, we AND CORPORATE 7931 East Boulevard Drive PARTNERSHIPS Alexandria, VA 22308 aspire to greatness at the AHS. But everything we do starts with your important (703) 768-5700 efforts and contributions. E-MAIL: [email protected] Some of you are members of the green industry who partner with the AHS to showcase the very best garden plants at River Farm. Some of you are participants in our AHS Travel Study Program act as ambassadors by sharing our appreciation for the art of the garden at destinations around the world. Some of you are inspiring lec- The American Gardener (ISSN 1087-9978) is published bimonth- ly (January/February, March/April, May/June, July/August, Septem- turers who share your knowledge and inspiration at our AHS Garden Schools and ber/October, November/December) by the American Horticultural symposia. Some of you are educators who attend our Children & Youth Garden Society, 7931 East Boulevard Drive, Alexandria, VA 22308-1300, (703) 768-5700. Membership in the Society includes a subscrip- Symposium in order to introduce a whole new generation to a love for plants and tion to The American Gardener. Annual dues are $35; two years, $60. International dues are $50. $10 of annual dues goes toward nature. What we have in common is that all of us are gardeners trying to make the magazine subscription. Periodicals postage paid at Alexandria, Vir- ginia, and at additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Please send world around us a little better. You have started something important at the AHS. Form 3579 to The American Gardener, 7931 East Boulevard Drive, Together, I feel confident, we are headed toward something great! Alexandria, VA 22308-1300. Botanical nomenclature is based on The American Horticultural Society A–Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants, on A Synonymized Check- Happy Gardening! list of the Vascular Flora of the United States, Canada and Greenland and on the Royal Horticultural Society Index of Garden Plants. Opinions expressed in the articles are those of the authors and are not necessar- ily those of the Society. Manuscripts, artwork, and photographs sent for possible publication will be returned if accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope. We cannot guarantee the safe return of unsolicited material. Back issues are available at $8 per copy. —Katy Moss Warnerr, AHS President Copyright ©2006 by the American Horticultural Society. Printed in the U.S.A. on recycled paper.

March / April 2006 5 MEMCRUM

PLIGHT OF NEW ORLEANS GARDENERS financial means can take a lesson from com/gwd) to see how customers rate their Pity the lot of the gardener in New Orleans her generosity and verve. Thanks to all of experience. Our main goal is to list nurs- who had his or her garden standing under you at AHS for all that you do to educate eries that provide reliable service, sell 12 feet of water for three weeks, at least. the public and perpetuate gardening. healthy and correctly-named plants, and Everything is dead: lawn, plants, most Celia De Frank don’t traffic in wild-collected stock. trees. My three tree-sized camellias and one Big Bear City, California tree-sized hibiscus drowned, as did 75 CORRECTION amaryllis bulbs. The only thing left was a REPUTABLE SOURCES FOR PLANTS In the article on weeds (January/February) crinum, which is a swamp plant. It will Do you make any attempt to ascertain issue, a quote attributed to Rolf Schilling, take me and other Gulf Coast gardeners whether the plant sources you list with horticulturist for the New England Wild years to put it all back together. most articles are reputable? Flower Society, was rendered incorrectly Marvin Bragg Carol Anderson because of an editorial error. Garlic mus- New Orleans, Louisiana Harmony, Pennsylvania tard (Alliaria petiolata) and ranunculus (Ranunculus ficaria var. bulbifera) are not IN APPRECIATION OF ENID HAUPT Editor’s response: We maintain a database native to North America. We apologize for It warmed my heart to read the article in of mail-order retail nurseries that we con- the mistake.  the January/February issue about the late sider reputable based on personal experi- Enid Annenberg Haupt. She gave not ence or feedback from other gardeners. PLEASE WRITE US! Letters should be addressed to only millions of dollars but energy and Before we include new nurseries in the Editor, The American Gardener, 7931 East Boulevard Drive, Alexandria, VA 22308, or you can love to the things about which she was database we also review their listings online e-mail us at [email protected]. Letters we print may be passionate. Even those of us without such at Garden Watchdog (http://davesgarden. edited for length and clarity.

LANDSCAPE DESIGN WORKSHOPS

With Julie Moir Messervy in Vermont

Author, with architect Sarah Susanka, of Outside the Not So Big House: Creating the Landscape of Home

Intensive Landscape Design Retreat October 24–27, 2006 The Art of Setting Stone: Stone Design and Walling Workshop with Julie Moir Messervy and Master Waller Dan Snow August 24–27, 2006

WWW.JULIEMOIRMESSERVY.COM

6 the American Gardener Immerse yourself in the intricacies of gardening with native plants, color in the garden, and garden photography at these three exclusive AHS Garden School offerings.

the AHS Garden Schools for 2006

hrough a variety of presentations, April 6 & 7, 2006 REGISTRATION NOW OPEN Tdemonstrations, and specially planned Gardening with Native Plants activities, participants will learn practical tips and AHS Headquarters at River Farm, Alexandria, Virginia techniques for mastering the effective use of Discover new plants, awaken your creativity, and surround native plants, color in the landscape, or the art of yourself in the rich world of native plants with “Gardening capturing the garden through photography. with Native Plants” at a truly inspirational setting —the Avid garden enthusiasts and horticultural Society’s River Farm headquarters overlooking the professionals alike will benefit from these beautiful Potomac River. Featuring guest horticulturist Carole Ottesen, author of inspirational and informative two-day program the Native Plant Primer: Trees, Shrubs and Wildflowers for workshops. Natural Gardens, and a special evening with Rick Darke, The AHS Garden Schools offer a truly unique author of The American Woodland Garden. CAROLE OTTESEN environment for life-long learning—intimate, in- depth workshops featuring personal instruction May 11 & 12, 2006 REGISTRATION NOW OPEN from noted garden authorities; opportunities for The Art & Science of Color in the Garden practical application and hands-on experiences; Franklin Park Conservatory, Columbus, Ohio and outstanding settings. Sharpen your skills, recharge your creativity, and immerse Visit www.ahs.org or call (703) 768-5700 ext. 137 yourself in the intricacies of color in the garden with “The for more information on these exciting events. Art & Science of Color in the Garden” at Franklin Park Conservatory, one of North America’s notable glass conservatories. Featuring guest horticulturist Heather Will-Browne of the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and a special evening with Julie Moir Messervy, landscape designer.

HEATHER WILL-BROWNE October 26 & 27, 2006 REGISTRATION OPENS AUG. 1 The Art & Science of Garden Photography Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, Austin, Texas

Look at the garden through a new lens, heighten your ability to capture the garden and gain a greater appreciation for the surrounding landscape with “The Art & Science of Garden Photography” amid the stunning landscape of the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Featuring guest horticulturist Robert Bowden of Orlando’s Harry P. Leu Gardens and a special evening Franklin Park Conservatory in Columbus, Ohio, with Van Chaplin, garden photographer at Southern Living site for “The Art & Science of Color in the magazine. Garden” workshop, May 11 and 12, 2006 ROBERT BOWDEN 8 A be honored Li al Trust AHS’s River Farm headquarters. ceived an THE AMERICANHORTICULTURALSOCIETY A Bai ties Conference tops ra Tr effective meansGRHCuses t ship “will bea s green roo an bers. c v Partner. GRHCcom c across Nort c sociation wor G ty tos h or ome a new AHSHorticulturaome anew ial, andenvironmental benefitsof erse arrayof berty HydeBa REEN R News P SReceivesGrantforMasterPla HS are in d HS PartnerswithGreenRoofGrou T p d l RRO presi orate, an ey Wa the American Gardene f e S h or Sustaina S O e annua teven Peck p G h f read theword abou d ow isoneo to fundtheschematicdesi ormation wit RRA f $ tec ent, i OO n awalkthat 18,000 grantfrom th lk A h d M America, , w k h i l in ley, knownasthefatherofAmer g f F Greenin p ing toincrease awareness o no ee S • reat opportuni- S ublic, bl , h d F Awards l l ivi s t ic e Communi- ogy.” , itsfounder O h h d E p f is part o ispart R HEALTHY e partner- t ua rises a V i h p s acentralpartofR h g h EN l e most rivate, Roo mem com- as , and from TTS b r d e S f i o - - - - t l f • t e h S

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TOP: COURTESY OF BAILEY HORTORIUM. BOTTOM: COURTESY OF GREEN ROOFS FOR HEALTHY CITIES Washington Blooms! and Historic Friends of River Farm Plant Sale

Garden Week in Virginia AN UNUSUALLY MILD winter in the mid-Atlantic region has APRIL, always a special month at River Farm, promises to be ex- gardeners here impatiently awaiting the planting season. To the ceptional this year. More than 17,000 bulbs, have been planted in rescue comes the annual Friends of River Farm Plant Sale on anticipation of our annual Washington Blooms! celebration, thanks April 21 and 22, with an AHS member preview night on April to generous donations by 20. Nearly 30 vendors will be offering a vast array of trees, Colorblends of Greenwich, shrubs, annuals, perennials, vines, and hanging baskets, ac- Connecticut; the Royal cording to AHS Horticulturist Peggy Bowers. Dutch Wholesalers Asso- Peggy says that the best introductions from recent years, in- ciation for Flowerbulbs cluding ‘Endless Summer’ hy- and Nurserystock of the drangeas and Knock-Out roses, will Netherlands; and K. van be available, along with new selec- Bourgondien and Sons of tions such as the disease-resistant Babylon, New York. ‘Lady Elsie May’ rose and the scent- On April 22, River Farm ed hosta ‘Fragrant Dream.’ Garden in all its spring finery will tools, books, and ornaments will be . welcome visitors touring available in the AHS Garden Shop, Alexandria as part of the and the Green Garage ® exhibit will 73rd annual Historic Gar- provide inspiration to gardeners den Week. The event, spon- ‘Blush’ Knock-Out rose seeking to be kinder to themselves sored by the Garden Club and the environment. Spring in full bloom at River Farm. of Virginia, features tours of The AHS members-only preview sale will be held on Thurs- more than 250 public and day from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Members must present a valid AHS private houses and gardens. Proceeds will help support the restora- membership card for admission. The sale is open to the public tion of important historic grounds and gardens throughout the on Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Saturday from 9 a.m. state. For additional information on Historic Garden Week tours, to 3 p.m. All proceeds from the sale will benefit the gardens and

LEFT: MARY YEE. RIGHT: COURTESY OF CONARD PYLE visit www.VAGardenweek.org. grounds of River Farm.

American Horticultural Society 2000066 Wasshihinggton BBloooommss! EvEveennttss at RRiivver FFaarmrm AApprril 1 • SpS rinngg Gaarrddeen & BBullbb Toouur ashington AAppriril 8 • SpS rinng Gardeen & Bulblb Toouur AAprriil 1155 • SSpprir nng Garrdeen &&BBullb TToouurr ApApriril 2200 • MMeemmberrs-s Onllyy Prreevieeww Nigghhtt FFrriiennds ofof Riivverer Fararm PPllant SSalle looms! Apriil 2211 & 22 • FFrrieiendn s ooff Riiverer Faarrm PPlant Saale W April 2929 • Spprriingng Gaarden & BBuullbb Touur BApril 1–29, 2006 • Famiilly Day at RRiivveer FFarmrm Ongoing ffor the montn h off Aprprill at RRiivveer FFaarrmm Jooinn us tthhiis Apriil for Washinnggtton Blolooommss!! aatt Rivivere Fararm.m. • Thousands off sppring bloooms! Noththining coompaarres with thehe beauty ofof thhe eaarrlyly spprriing blooomms • AHS Garden Shop in thhee NNaattiioonal Capittal arrea. Cherry bllosossosomms, ddaffodils, and • Botaanical and gag rden art exhibit ttuulliippss heerralald ththe ccomming of sprp ing in an exxplp osion of color. MMark yoouur ccaalleenndar andd plaan to visit Rivver Fara m and the Moorer reae sonss to vvisit thhe NaN tioonnaal Capitall Arreea NaN titionalal Caappiital area this April—yoou’ll findn a vararieiety of springn inn Aprili ddelil ghghtsts wiitth something for evevere y garddenner anndd gaarrdeden • NNatitionnal Chheerry Blossom Festtivala (M(Mara chh 25 – Aprril 9)) enenththuusiaasstt, nnoo matter whatt your paasss ion! • Histtoric Garden WeW ek in Virgr ini ia (April 22 – 29) ViV sisit wwwwww.aha s.org orr call (703) 768-57700 for moorre iinnfformation.

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VIVEKA NEVELN unteer groups can have. Spots of Pride, a well-established com- New Youth Programs Internship munity beautification project, has improved more than 70 previ- ously run-down sites with daylilies, junipers, crape myrtles, and THE AHS has been selected as one of 60 nonprofits in the other beautiful but tough plants. The Spartanburg Men’s Garden Washington, D.C. area to participate in the 2006 ExxonMo- Club, the largest TGOA/MGCA affiliate, is active in the Spots of bil Community Summer Jobs Program (CSJP). ExxonMo- Pride program and has planted over 2,200 trees along the city’s bil will provide a grant for a Youth Programs intern to work with streets and highways. For more information on the convention, the Education Programs staff at AHS’s River Farm headquarters. and to register, visit www.tgoa-mgca.org. The intern will assist with the planning and coordination of the 14th Annual National Chil- AHS Co-Sponsors Colonial dren & Youth Garden Sympo- Williamsburg Symposium sium, which will be held in St. Louis, Missouri, on July 28 to 30. ALONG WITH Fine Gardening magazine, the AHS will co- Other activities will include as- sponsor the 60th Colonial Williamsburg Garden Symposium, sisting with River Farm’s chil- “Celebrating the American Garden: Spaces for Relaxing and En- dren’s garden and The Growing tertaining” held April 30 to May 3 in Williamsburg, Virginia. AHS Connection demonstration gar- President Katy Moss Warner will be making opening remarks at den—a pilot program for middle the event, which will feature speakers such as garden writer school students on food plant Pamela Harper, bulb guru Brent Heath, garden designer and au- science, nutrition, and sustain- thor Julie Moir Messervy, and Laura Reilly, floricultural man- ability that the AHS administers The Growing Connection demon- ager for the Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, Virginia. with the United Nations Food stration garden at River Farm

S Symposium participants also may take part in optional ac- and Agriculture Organization. tivities such as walking tours, garden clinics, and a trip to Brent For more information about the internship, call (703) 768- and Becky’s Bulbs in Gloucester, Virginia. A discounted regis- 5700 ext. 121 or e-mail [email protected].  tration fee is available for AHS members. To learn more, call HARLOTTE ALBER C (800) 603-0948 or visit www.ColonialWilliamsburg.org/conted. News written by Editorial Intern Linda McIntyre.

March / April 2006 11 AHSC NEWS SPECIAL AHS 2006 GREAT AMERICAN GARDENERS NATIONAL AWARD WINNERS

HE AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY proudly announces the recipients of the Society’s 2006 T Great American Gardeners Awards. These individuals represent American gardening at its best. Each has made significant contributions to fields such as plant research, garden communications, landscape de- sign, youth gardening, horticultural technology, and conservation. We applaud their passionate commitment to American gardening and their outstanding achievements within their fields.

The 2006 awards will be presented on June 2 during the Great American Gardeners Awards Ceremony and Banquet at the AHS headquar- ters at River Farm in Alexandria, Virginia. To attend, visit www.ahs.org or call (703) 768-5700 ext. 137.

LIBERTY HYDE BAILEY AWARD decade career at the university, he made result of Hamernik’s 50 years of scouting, Given to an individual who resides in North many important contributions to horti- breeding, and testing plants suited for the America and has made significant contribu- culture and pub- Midwest region. He often lectures around tions to at least three of the following horti- lished hundreds of the country about the new and notewor- cultural activities: teaching, research, papers and articles. thy plants he has discovered for American writing, plant exploration, administration, His research focused gardens. His numerous honors include the art, business, and leadership. on the environmen- Perennial Plant Association’s Award of tal factors for flower Merit and becoming a Fellow of the Inter- Daniel J. Hinkley is the co-founder of control of crops such national Plant Propagator’s Society. Heronswood Nursery, a retail mail-order as chrysanthemums, nursery known for poinsettias, and carnations; tissue culture HORTICULTURAL COMMUNICATION its diverse offerings. for propagation; and the use of high in- AWARD Hinkley has traveled tensity discharge (HID) lamps for sup- Recognizes effective communication using the world for the plemental lighting for greenhouse-grown media and research techniques for the pur- past 15 years to bring crops during winter. pose of expanding horticultural awareness. back rare and unusu- Among his many professional acco- al plants for Ameri- lades, Langhans was elected as a Fellow After earning a degree in journalism from can gardeners. In to the American Society of Horticultur- the University of Maine, Paul J. Tukey addition to writing the Heronswood cat- al Science and the American Society for started off his career alog, Hinkley writes for numerous peri- the Advancement of Science. He was also as an award-winning odicals including The American Gardener, elected to the Hall of Fame of the Soci- newspaper editor and Horticulture, and Martha Stewart Living. ety of American Florists. sportswriter. He then His book, The Explorer’s Garden: Rare followed his love of and Unusual Perennials, received the AHS PAUL ECKE, JR. COMMERCIAL AWARD the outdoors into 2000 Book Award. Hinkley has received Awarded to an individual, firm, or compa- landscaping and the Scott Arboretum Gold Medal, the ny whose commitment to the highest stan- founded his own Medal of Honor from the Federated Gar- dards of excellence in the field of commercial company, Home ’n Land, in the late 1980s. den Clubs of America, and the Garden horticulture contributes to the betterment of People, Places & Plants magazine, Communicator of the Year Award from gardening practices everywhere. which he founded in 1995, combined the American Nurserymen and Landscape both of his passions of writing and gar- Association. Harlan F. Hamernik is president of dening. An HGTV television show, co- Bluebird Nursery in Clarkson, Nebras- hosted by Tukey and another AHS H. MARC CATHEY AWARD ka, a wholesale opera- award winner, Roger Swain, followed in Recognizes an individual who has enriched tion he founded in 2002. Through the magazine, broad- horticulture through outstanding and no- 1958. Over 2,000 va- casting, and countless personal appear- table research. rieties of plants are ances and speeches, Tukey and his grown at the nursery, company have demonstrated their com- Robert Wing Langhans is an emeritus including many mitment to supporting independent professor at Cornell University in Ithaca, award-winning intro- garden centers and promoting environ- New York. Over the course of his four- ductions that are the mentally friendly gardening.

12 the American Gardener LANDSCAPE DESIGN AWARD deners Teaching Award. His book, Of the magazine that coincided with the Acknowledges an individual whose work Place and Time: Reflections on Southeastern name change to The American Gardener. has expanded the awareness of horticulture Landscapes will be published later this year Fisher wrote several books, including in landscape architecture. by the Center for American Places. the Complete Guide to Water Gardens (2000) and Taylor’s Guide to Shrubs From 1983 to 1992, Darrel Morrison MERITORIOUS SERVICE AWARD (2000). She served as senior editor for Old served as the dean of the School of Environ- Awarded to a past Board member or friend House Journal, a Washington, D.C.-based mental Design at the of the Society to recognize outstanding and publication, from 2000 to shortly before University of Geor- exemplary service in support of the Society’s her death in 2005. gia, where he taught goals, services, and activities. and worked on design FRANCES JONES POETKER AWARD projects such as the The late Kathleen Fisher was the editor of Bestowed on a person who has made signif- Lady Bird Johnson the AHS’s magazine from 1989 to 1998. icant contributions to the appreciation of Wildflower Center in Under her leadership, creative floral designs in publications, on the Austin, Texas; the the magazine became platform, and to the public. Utah Botanical Center in Kaysville, Utah; a critically-acclaimed and the Native Wisconsin Garden at the publication known Hitomi Gilliam is a designer for Satsukis University of Wisconsin Arboretum. Now, for its in-depth arti- Flowers in Mission, British Columbia. as dean emeritus, Morrison continues to cles on plants, design, She has written, lec- periodically teach and work on design pro- and influential peo- tured, and demon- jects around the country. ple. Fisher enhanced strated the artistry of Morrison has received the Tom Dodd the magazine’s traditional emphasis on en- floral design for two Award of Recognition from the Cullowhee vironmental stewardship by running arti- decades. Her work Native Plant Conference, the Hutchinson cles on topics such as pesticide run-off has been enjoyed Medal from the Chicago Botanic Garden, from lawns and plant theft from national throughout North and the 1998 AHS Great American Gar- parks. In 1996, she oversaw the redesign of America and in the

American Horticultural Society’s 2006 National Children & Youth Garden Symposium July 27–29, 2006 “Cultivating a Sense of Place: A Youth Gardening Adventure”

Learn how to cultivate a sense of place for the next generation as you experience the gardens and programs of Missouri Botanical Garden, the host of the 14th Annual National Children & Youth Garden Symposium. The event will be headquartered on the beautiful campus of Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. Highlights will include the Missouri Botanical Garden’s brand new Doris I. Schnuck Children’s Garden, opening this spring, and inspirational keynote speakers including Richard Louv, the nationally acclaimed author of Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder. REGISTRATION OPENS MAY 1. For more information about the Symposium visit www.ahs.org or call (703) 768-5700 ext. 132. MarkMark youryour calendarscalendars nownow toto joinjoin thethe youthyouth gardeninggardening adventureadventure thisthis Background: Josh Monken. Right: Elizabeth McNulty. Both courtesy of Missouri Botanical Garden. summersummer inin St.St. Louis!Louis!

March / April 2006 13 United Kingdom, Japan, Mexico, Tai- CATHERINE H. SWEENEY AWARD TEACHING AWARD wan, and Hong Kong. Given for extraordinary and dedicated ef- Recognizes an individual whose ability to Gilliam is an active member of the forts in support of the field of horticulture. share his/her knowledge of horticulture with American Institute of Floral Designers others has contributed to a better public un- (AIFD) and received their Design Influ- Madalene Hill is an acclaimed expert on derstanding of the plant world and its im- ence Award in 1998. Gilliam is the co-au- herbs. She has grown them, sold them, pact on people. thor of two design textbooks and of “Earth introduced them, Man Spirit,” a photoessay of creative cooked with them, James Swasey is professor emeritus at the American design. Her new book, ArtFlor: written about them, University of Delaware, where he has Advanced Design and Process, was pub- and shared her taught since 1984. He lished in December 2005, and she writes a knowledge of them retired as the univer- regular column for Flowers& magazine. with American gar- sity’s coordinator of deners since 1957, the Longwood Grad- PROFESSIONAL AWARD the year she and her uate Program in Pub- Given to an individual who makes his/her late husband, Jim Hill, established the lic Horticulture in living as a leader or director of an arboretum business that became Hilltop Herb Farm 2005. Before moving or botanical garden and whose achievements near Houston, Texas. In 1984, she sold to Delaware, he was a during the course of his/her career represent the business but continued writing and professor of ornamental horticulture, a significant contribution to horticulture. speaking about herbs. With her daughter chairman of the Department of Plant and Gwen Barclay, Hill is the author of the Soil Sciences, and the landscape designer J. Dean Norton began his career at Houston Garden Book (1983) and South- for the University of Maine. George Washington’s Mount Vernon Es- ern Herb Growing (1987). Swasey served as the faculty advisor to tate in Alexandria, Since 1993, Hill has served as curator of the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity chapter Virginia, in 1969 as a the Susan McAshan Herb Gardens at the at the University of Delaware for nearly high school student. International Festival-Institute in Round seven years. Upon his retirement, the local After earning a degree Top, Texas, where she has created exten- chapter established the James E. Swasey in ornamental horti- sive herb gardens. (For more on Hill, see Scholarship for incoming freshmen. culture in 1977, he re- the article beginning on page 34.) turned to Mount URBAN BEAUTIFICATION AWARD Vernon as its first JANE L. TAYLOR AWARD Awarded to an individual, institution, or boxwood gardener. Three years later, he be- Awarded to an individual, organization, or company for significant contributions to came the estate’s horticulturist. Today he program that has inspired and nurtured fu- urban horticulture. serves as the director of horticulture. ture horticulturists through its efforts in chil- Norton lectures across the country dren’s and youth gardens. Edgar Aldridge opened the Aldridge and abroad, and appears regularly on TV Nursery Company with his parents in and in radio. He has been a board mem- Sheldon Fleming opened Wonderland 1954. He ran the gar- ber for the Southern Garden History So- Gardens in 1997, a 20-acre park near At- den center and ciety, serves as a screening committee lanta, Georgia, that greenhouses until member for the Garden Conservancy, has become a nation- 1995, when he deed- and has taught courses through the al model for environ- ed the family proper- USDA Graduate School and for George mental education ty to the City of Washington University. He has received and a hub of com- Hoover, Alabama, to the Award for Conservation from the munity involvement. establish Aldridge Garden Club of America and a conserva- Through Wonder- Gardens. He serves on the board of this tion medal from the Daughters of the land Gardens’ many 30-acre public garden as well as on the American Revolution. innovative programs and gardens, hun- board of Birmingham Botanical Gardens. dreds of children and youth have been Aldridge has received the Lifetime given the opportunity to learn about Achievement Award from the Alabama If you know someone you plants and make connections with the Nurserymen’s Association and the Florens would like to nominate for natural world. DeBevoise Medal from the Garden Club one of the 2007 Great Fleming also teaches classes on garden- of America. Recently, he established a per- American Gardener ing and speaks at events around the coun- petual chair in Auburn University’s horti- Awards, please visit our web- try. He serves on the advisory panel for the culture department in memory of his site (www.ahs.org) and click on AHS National Children & Youth Garden brother Loren Aldridge, who died in 1952. “Awards” for more information. Symposium and was a speaker at last year’s Aldridge patented Hydrangea quercifo- event. He is host of TV One’s “Can You lia ‘Snowflake’ in 1971 and introduced H. Dig It!” program. quercifolia ‘Harmony’ in 1972. 

14 the American Gardener Join us now to take advantage of the many benefits of membership in the American Horticultural Society

As an AHS member, you get The American Gardener Our beautiful full-color bi-monthly magazine offers in- Heat Tolerance Map In 1997, AHS introduced the AHS depth articles written by plant and gardening experts and enthusiasts. Plant Heat Zone Map, which has revolutionized the way American gardeners select region-appropriate plants. Free Admission or special discounts to 170 public gardens and flower and garden shows across the United States and Canada. Book Program AHS and DK Publishing, Inc., have teamed up to create a definitive horticultural Free Seed Exchange Program AHS’s annual seed exchange program enables reference library for the 21st century. members to obtain hundreds of uncommon varieties of seeds. SMARTGARDEN™ Launched in 2000, this AHS program uses Travel Study Program AHS and the Leonard Haertter Travel Company offer existing tools, such as the USDA Plant Hardiness and AHS Plant Heat Zone codes, superb national and international garden-based, educational tours to beautiful and considers new criteria to develop guidelines that bestbest reinreinforce our private and public gardens in the United States and abroad. stewardship of the earth.

Special invitations to educational programs such as the AHS Garden Schools and Horticultural Intern Program Horticulture students from around the country get AHS partner events that include the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival hand's-on experience in garden maintenance and design and an opportunity to and the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation Garden Symposium. work with leading gardening experts.

AHS Online Our Web site (www.ahs.org) contains a wealth of information, National Awards Program The Great American Gardeners Awards recognizes including articles from The American Gardener, members-only pages with special individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions to information and updates, and links to other prominent gardening sites. horticulture. The Flower Show Awards spotlight earth-friendly garden displays at flower shows. Noteworthy garden books are the focus for our Book Awards program. Your membershipp also supports our many national programs Annual Membership Levels Annual membership in the American Horticultural Society, George Washington's River Farm The AHS's National Headquarters is located on a including six issues of The American Gardener magazine and all the scenic 25-acre site overlooking the Potomac River. Formerly one of our First benefits described on this page, is available at the following basic President's farms, the property now features an artful blend of naturalistic and levels (for additional levels, visit www.ahs.org): formal gardens that offer year-round delight to visitors of all ages. • $35 Individual • $1,000 President's Council National Children and Youth Garden Symposium Since 1993, this annual program • $100 Family* • Corporate Membership (contact our office) has led the way in promoting the value of children's gardens and garden-based • $50 International • Horticultural Partner (contact our office) education. • $50 Couple *Up to four membership cards per household The Growing Connection This innovative educational program teaches children about the science of growing food plants and their role in a healthy diet. Online Gardening Courses Enroll in state-of-the-art online garden classes through To become an AHS member, call (703) 768-5700 AHS's partnership with the Horticultural Gardening Institute of Michigan State University. or visit us at www.ahs.org AHS NEWS SPECIAL 2006 AHSC BOOK AWARD WINNERS

INCE 1997, the American Horticultural Society has ter than others, it gives many ideas for garden use, and in- given its annual Book Award to outstanding gardening cludes useful, good quality photos,” said Ray Rogers. S books published in North America. Out of more than 40 nominated books received in 2005, the AHS Book Award Growing Hardy Orchids by John Tullock. Timber Press, Committee selected five winners, which are listed below. Portland, Oregon. Publisher’s price, hardcover: $29.95. Garden writer and editor Ray Rogers of North Brunswick, New Jersey, served as chair of the 2006 committee. Other com- “THIS BOOK IS important for both gar-- mittee members were Gene Bussell of Birmingham, Alabama, deners and horticulturists because you a garden editor for Southern Living magazine; Keith Crotz, can’t find this useful information compiled owner of American Botanist Booksellers in Chillicothe, Illinois; anywhere else,” said Lucinda Mays. “In ad- Susan C. Eubank, a horticultural librarian for the Los Ange- dition, it reads like a conversation with les County Arboretum and Botanic Garden in Arcadia, Cali- someone who is extremely knowledgeablee, fornia; Lucinda Mays of Chadron, Nebraska, a garden writer presenting the information in a very inter- and producer of gardening television shows; Marcia Tatroe of esting way.” Even the committee memberrs Centennial, Colorado, a writer for the Denver Post and Sunset without a great interest in orchids found magazine; and Marty Wingate of Seattle, Washington, a this book fascinating and enjoyable. “I waas columnist for the Seattle Post Intelligencer. intrigued by this topic,” said Susan Eubaank.ank. “T“Thishis bbookook coucouldld To view a complete list of previous AHS Book Award win- help anybody grow orchids outside,” she added. ners, visit www.ahs.org and click on “Awards.” The Wild Braid by Stanley Kunitz with Genine Lentine. The Art of the Japanese Garden by David and Michiko W.W. Norton, New York, New York. Publisher’s price, hard- Young. Tuttle Publishing, North Clarendon, Vermont. Pub- cover: $23.95. lisher’s price, hardcover: $40. SEVERALSES MEMBERS of the committ- “THIS BOOK IS so roundly written tee felt this book by Pulitzer prize-win- that it could, if necessary, serve as the nining poet Stanley Kunitz was a powerful only book one had to introduce and exx- example of how gardening can be a lifee- plain to Westerners the basic compoo- long passion as well as inspire other art nents of Japanese gardens,” said Lucinda foorms such as poetry. “This little book Mays. “It illuminates a style of gardenn- is a graceful bridge connecting poetryy, ing that greatly influences American gaardening, and growing old,” said Lu- gardens, but is not widely understood,” cininda Mays. “I liked the minimalist con- said Marcia Tatroe. “The authors do a cept, the aphorisms at length, even thhee good job of bringing the historical and poems. The book helps teach us to listen,” said Keith Crotz. The theoretical together, together ” said Susan EubanEubank.nk interplayinn of photographs, poetry, and proserose “captures theh essence of what gardening is about,” observed Marcia Tatroe. California Native Plants for the Garden by Carol Bornstein, David Fross, and Bart O’Brien. Cachumachuma Press, Los Olivos, YardY Full of Sun by Scott Calhoun. Rio Nuevo Publishers, California. Publisher’s price, softcover: $27.95. Tucson, Arizona. Publisher’s price, softcover: $22.95.

WHILE THE TITLE of this boookk “BEAUTIFUL PHOTOGRAPHY and seemed to imply a narrow scope, the an engaging writing style combined committee felt the book spoke to a with useful cultural information and broader audience because, as Marcia plp anting ideas distinguish this book as Tatroe said, “It lists native habitat as well the best of this year’s offerings on per- as range and cultural requirements. TThiis sonal gardening,” said Ray Rogers. reflects the current trend of planting by While the book focuses on the author’s habitat, one which should be encourr- experience of building his own house aged.” It also garnered praise for its auu- and garden in Tucson, Arizona, the thoritativeness, comprehensiveness, and committee felt it appeals to gardeners everywhere because of overall quality. “This book presents a grreat deal of cultural in- itts environmentally sensitive approach to common issues such formation, it compares plants and exxplainsih why some are bbet- asa water use and native plants. 

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MICHAEL S. THOMPSON Opening a week later, squirrel corn’s pendant, white, bell-shaped flowers are similar to the popular Asian bleeding heart (Dicentra spectabilis), and the Appalachian wild bleeding heart (D. eximia) but are smaller and lack the red or pink coloration. Their fragrance is reminiscent of lilacs. The common name is derived from squirrels’ predilection for their tasty yellow, tear- shaped bulblets. Dutchman’s breeches’ natural range is wide: from Nova Scotia and eastern Que- bec south to Georgia, Arkansas, and Kansas, with a few disjunct western popu- lations. Squirrel corn occurs naturally from southern Maine and Quebec, south to North Carolina, Tennessee, and Missouri. Both Dutchman’s breeches and squirrel corn have lacy fernlike foliage and do well in cultivation with shade or filtered light in moist, rich soils. Another eastern woodland ephemeral that blooms in spring is the yellow trout lily (Erythronium americanum, Zones 3–9, 9–2). It represents one of 14 North Amer- ican Erythronium species, many of them western in origin (for western native bulbs, see page 21). This species is widely distrib- uted in moist woodland habitats from Nova Scotia and western Ontario south to Georgia and Florida. Emerging from small corms, the three-inch-long, elliptical green leaves are splotched brown in lovely batik- like patterns. The leaves appear in April, Opposite: Western trout lily self-sows to make followed by bright yellow, solitary flowers attractive stands. Top: Yellow trout lily flowers whose petals curl backwards to reveal long, feature reflexed petals. Above: Bloodroot is salmon-colored anthers. The flower’s

O among the earliest blooming woodland plants. throat is sometimes brushed in a burnt rust Right: Dutchman’s breeches are native to color. The bloom cycle is concurrent with eastern and central North America. trout fishing season, an association that gave rise to the plant’s common name. gardeners in the Northeast, blooming just while, but the attractive deep green leaves Other early May bloomers in the after skunk cabbage (Symplocarpus persist and make a handsome low woodland garden are the ephemeral spring foetidus) and hepaticas (Anemone acutilo- groundcover through the summer. beauties Claytonia caroliniana and C. vir- BOTTOM RIGHT: DAVID CAVAGNAR ; ba, A. americana; these were formerly in Bloodroot has a wide natural range ginica (both Zones 4–9, 6–1). C. carolini- the genus Hepatica). from Nova Scotia to southern Manitoba, ana is found in woods and bottomlands Like many spring-flowering plants in south to Texas and Florida, where it grows from Quebec and Ontario south to Geor- the eastern deciduous forest, bloodroot in shade or partly sunny conditions in gia. Claytonia virginica is found in moist rushes to complete its bloom cycle early moist woods, slopes, and floodplains. woods from Nova Scotia to Minnesota, to take advantage of maximum light con- Other spring-flowering bulbs ideal for south to the mountains of Tennessee and ditions before the woodland canopy leafs the eastern woodland garden are Dutch- Georgia. Claytonia caroliniana begins out. Flowers appear in mid-April, pre- man’s breeches (Dicentra cucullaria, blooming a week or so ahead of C. virgini- ceded by a clasping pair of rounded, Zones 4–8, 8–1) and squirrel corn (Di- ca, but otherwise the two species are very deeply lobed leaves that fold down and centra canadensis, Zones 4–8, 8–4). similar with white to light pink, five- apart to unveil a single flower stalk of Dutchman’s breeches are named for their petaled flowers—sometimes with pink ve- pure white, daisylike flowers with yellow mid-April flowers, which resemble white nation—borne in racemes on six- to

TOP: ALAN AND LINDA DETRICK. BOTTOM LEFT: MARK TURNER centers. The flowers last only a short inverted pantaloons. eight-inch stems, with two to 15 blooms.

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TOP: MARK TURNER; BOTTOM: SAXON HOLT LEFT TO RIGHT: BILL JOHNSON; MARK TURNER (2) Name others tosunnybordersorrockgardens.Listedbelowarejustafewofthemanynativebulbspeciesforwestern forests tothedry,ruggedslopesofRockyMountains.Somethesespeciesaresuitedshadywoodlandgardens Bulbs nat WE Xerophyllum tenax Xerophyllum laxa Triteleia hyacinthina Triteleia Fritillaria affinis Fritillaria revolutum Erythronium Dichelostemma quamash Camassia leichtlinii Camassia superbus Calochortus amabilis Calochortus ( ( (C (Rice (Western troutlil (Firecracker flower) (Common camas) (Camas lily) (Mariposa lily) (Bear (Superb Mariposalily) camschatcensis ida-maia su Ithur W Camassia leichtlinii Camassia hocolate l C C C C C C C C C C C C Ca C C C C C Ca Ca Ca Ca Ca Ca Ca C C C Ca C C C C C C C C C C Ca Ca C C C Ca Ca C C C C C C C C C C Ca C Ca Ca Ca C Ca Ca Ca C C C C Ca Ca Ca C C C C C C C Ca C C C C C Ca Ca Ca C C C Ca Ca Ca C C C Ca Ca C C C C Ca Ca Ca Ca C C C Ca Ca Ca Ca C C C C Ca Ca Ca Ca Ca C C C C C C Ca Ca Ca Ca C C Ca Ca C C C C Ca C Ca Ca C C C C C C C C C C Ca Ca C Ca Ca Ca i b S ld hyac a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a sp. ma ma ma ma ma ma ma ma ma m ma m ma ma ma ma ma ma ma ma ma ma ma ma ma ma m ma ma ma ma ma ma ma m ma ma ma ma m m m m ma m ma ma ma m m m m m ma ma ma ma ma m m m ma m m m ma ma ma ma m m ma ma ma m ma m ma ma ma ma ma m m ma ma ma ma m m ma ma ma m m ma ma ma ma ma ma ma ma ma ma ma ma ma ma ma ma ma ma ma ma ma ma ma ma ma ma m ma ma ma ma m m ma ma ma m m m m m ma ma ma ma m m m ma ma TERN NATIVE B i g g a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a el's spear rain fritillar rass) ss ss ss s ss ss ss ss ss ss ss ss ss ss ss ss ss s ss ss ss ss s s s s ss ss ss s s ss ss s s s ss s ss s ss ss ss ss ss s ss ss ss ss ss suksdorfii s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s i ve tothewesternre i i i ia ia ia ia ia ia ia i i ia ia i i i i i i ia ia i i i i i i i ia i i i i ia ia ia i i i i ia ia ia i i i i i i ia i i ia i i i i ia ia ia i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i ia i i ia i i i i ia i ia ia ia ia ia ia i i i ia i i i ia ia ia ia i ia ia a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a i l l l l nth l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l i e e e ei ei ei ei ei ei ei ei ei ei ei ei ei ei ei ei e e ei ei ei ei ei e ei e e e e e e ei e e ei e ei e e e e e e e e e e e e ly i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i ch ch ch ch ch ch ch ch ch ch ch c ch ch ch ch ch ch ch ch ch c ch ch ch ch c c ch ch ch ch c ch ch ch ch c ch ch ch ch ch c ch ch ch ch ch ch c ch c c c c ch c c c ch c c ch c ch ch ch c ch c ch c c ch c c c ch ch c ch ) ) h h h h h h h h h h h h h h h h h h h h h h h h h h h h h h h h h h h h h h h h h h h h h h ) t t t t t t t tl t t t tl tl tl tl tl tl tl tl tl tl tl t t t t tl tl tl tl tl t t t t tl tl tl tl tl tl t tl tl tl t tl t t tl tl t tl tl t t t tl t t tl tl tl tl tl t tl tl tl tl t t t t t tl t t tl t t t t t tl t t tl t t tl t t t t t t l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l y i i i i i in in in in in in in in in in in in i i in in in i i i i i in i i in in in in in i i in in i in i in in in i i in in in in in in i in i i in i i in in in in in i i i i i i . ) n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n y ii i i i i i i ii ii ii ii ii ii ii ii ii ii i i i i i ii ii ii ii ii i i i ii ii ii ii ii ii i ii ii ii i i ii ii ii i i ii ii i ii i i i i i ii i ii ii ii ii i i i ii ii ii i i ii ii ii ii i ii ii i ii i ii ii i i i i ii ii ) i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i egtFoe lo ieCulture Bloomtime Flower Height 0wiet ra umrmit eldandwsenUS 5–8,8–5 westernU.S. moist,well-drained summer whitetocream 30 12 28 18 Ore 2 well-drainedsoil, lilac- 8–12 4–9,12– summer BritishColumbia crimsonwith 5–10,10– 8–12 6–10,10–6 moist,sunto California light 12–24 latespring California well-drained, cobaltblue 12–48 well-drained, latespring springtoearly white,cream, 16–24 deepyellow 4–20 ( n)colo in.) 4 U – LB 28 gi ons o S w g m g ti or yello to purple ihrdihearl with reddish akbu,early v dark blue, blue wh mo earlysummer black-purple, g blue- lavender-blue, i reen oryellow earl reenish white reen- ps hite olet, or ark i f eo aelatespr te orpale NorthAmer r i p p ng y n mid-s ink ur w ellow s p le Dichelostemma ida-maia Dichelostemma Dichelostemma ida-maia Dichelostemma Di D D Di D D Di Di Di Di D D D Di D Di D Di D Di Di D D D D Di D Di Di D D Di Di D Di Di D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D Di D D i i i i i c c c ch ch ch ch ch ch ch ch c c ch c ch c ch ch ch ch c c c c c c c h el el el el el el el el el el el e el i l l ca re os os os o o os os os os os o os os o os os os o o os os os os os o os os os o o al umrso early summer aesrn os ol lyBiihClmi 4–9,12– BritishColumbia moistsoil,clay late spring umrsandysoil,fullsu summer s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s te te t t t te te te te te te te t t te te te te te te t te te te t te te t te t t t t te te te te te te te te te t e e e e e e e e e mm mm mm mm mm mm mm mm m mm mm mm m m m m y y p s sme ol ulsnU.S. soil,fullsun summer m m m s resent hab p u p a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a rin i mmer rin gt sandy,welldra ng to i id i id i i id id id id id id id id i i id id i i i id i i id id id i i id d d d d d d d d d d d d d d g a a a a- a a- a- a- a- a- a a- a a- a a a- a- a a a a a a a- g ------t ver to m m ma m m ma ma ma ma ma ma ma ma m m ma ma m m ma ma m m ma ma m m m m m m m m m a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a i ia ia ia ia ia i i ia ia i ia ia ia ia ia i ia i ia i ia ia ia ia i ia i i ia ia i ia ia ia ia ia i ia ia a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a i tats thatran soil, fullsun to l full sun p r 5–8,8– p VancouverIsland moist, welldrained sandy soil,fullsun oeac,snt andManitobat tolerance, sunto ult atsnsouthernOrego full topartsun part sun soil, da so ock garden,mo art sun art shade i i l, gooddra l, y i i st so h hd Alaska, ght shade wl-rie otwsen7–9,9– northwestern well-drained f ull su pp i l, e rtonorthern led or f n l u northwesternU. ull sun g e i nage, i f e westernU. ned rom thehum i twestern st n Fritillaria affinis Fritillaria F F F F F F F F Fr Fr Fr Fr Fr F Fr Fr Fr F F F F F F Fr Fr F Fr Fr F Fr Fr Fr F Fr Fr Fr F Fr F F F F Fr Fr Fr F F Fr Fr F F F F F F F Fr F F F F F F F F Fr F Fr F F F F F F F F Fr F Fr F Fr F F F F Fr F Fr Fr Fr Fr Fr F F F F F Fr Fr F Fr Fr Fr Fr Fr F F F F F F F Fr Fr Fr Fr Fr F F F F Fr Fr F F Fr Fr Fr Fr F Fr F F Fr F Fr Fr Fr Fr Fr Fr F F F F F F F F Fr F Fr Fr Fr Fr Fr Fr F F F F F F F F Fr Fr Fr Fr Fr F F F F F Fr F Fr F F F Fr Fr Fr Fr Fr F F F Fr F F F Fr Fr Fr Fr Fr F F F F Fr Fr Fr F F Fr Fr F F Fr F F F F F Fr Fr Fr Fr Fr F Fr Fr Fr Fr Fr Fr Fr F F F Fr F Fr Fr Fr Fr Fr F F F F Fr Fr F Fr F F F F F Fr Fr Fr F F F F F F F F F Fr Fr Fr F F F F Fr Fr Fr Fr F F F Fr F F Fr Fr Fr Fr F F Fr F F Fr Fr Fr Fr Fr F F F F F F F Fr Fr F F F F F F F F Fr Fr Fr F F F Fr Fr Fr Fr r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r it i i i i it it i i it it it it i it i it it it it i i it it it it it i it it it it it it it i it it it it it it it i i it it it it i i i i i it it it i i i i it it it it it i i it i i i it it it it it i i i i i it it it it it it i i i i it it it i i i i i it it it i i i it it i i i i i i i i i it it i i i i i it i i i i i it i i i i i it it i i i it it it i i i it it i i i i it it i i i i i i i i i i i it it i i i i i i i i i it i i i it it i i it it t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t i i i i i i i il il il il il il il il il il il il il i i il i i il il il il i i i il i il il il il il i i i i il i il il il il il il il il il i il il il il il il i i il il il il il il il il il il i i il il il i i i il i i il il il il i i i i i i il il i il i il il il il il il i il il il i i i i i i il i il il i il i il il i il il il i i il i i i i i i i il il i i i i i i il i il il il i i i i i il i i i i il il il l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l aierneUSDA,AHS Native range Californi ( C northeast As Californi California, Uta to Californi la la l l l l la la la la la la la la la la l l l l l la la la la l l l l l l la la la la la la la l l l l l la la la la l l l l l l la la la l l l l l l l l l la la l l l l l la la la la l l l l la la la la la l l l la l l l l l l l l l l la la l l l l l l l la l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l la l l l l l l l l l l l l l l la l l l la la l l l l la l l l l l l l l l l la l l l la l l l l la l l l l l l l l l l Sierras a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a al ri r ri ri ri ri r ri ri ri ri ri ri r r r ri ri ri r r ri r ri ri ri ri ri ri r r ri ri ri ri r r r ri r r ri ri r ri r r r r r r ri i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i if g a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a nt 5–8,8– on to orn af af af af af af af af af a af af a af af af a a a a a a a a af a a i f f f f f f f f f f f f f f f f f d andm fi fi fi fi fi fi fi fi fi fi fi f f fi f f fi fi f fi fi fi fi fi fi i ) i ni ni ni ni ni ni ni ni ni ni n ni n ni ni n n n ni ni n n n ni n n a a an a i i i s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s S a M .7– i d arch a h i o n ld coastalra S ,4– ., / April 6 – 10 13 , , 8 2 Z 00 10 12 , one 8 6 – – – i n 6 7 2 7 5 5 1 1 6 s - ; 21 Coast, southern swamp lily (Crinum americanum, Zones 8–11, 12–8) bears flowers with slender white petals, red fila- ments, and a sweet, spicy fragrance in late summer to fall. It grows to two feet tall and is aggressively stoloniferous; in culti- vation confine it to a container in a pond. Meadow garlic (Allium canadense var. mobilense, Zones 5–9, 9–4) blooms in April with globes of lilac-pink flowers that smell like carnations. Its foliage, which dies back in summer, has a garlic scent. The species is indigenous to the Southeast where it grows in seasonally flooded areas and roadside swales. Although its com- mercial availability is limited, it is easily grown from seed. This variety has a less weedy appearance than the species. BULBS FOR DRY SUNNY SITES One of my favorite bulbs—technically, a corm or swollen underground stem—for rock gardens, containers, or the edge of border plantings is the charming but diminutive yellow star grass (Hypoxis hir- suta, Zones 5–8, 8–4). Similar in appear- ance to blue-eyed grass (Sisyrinchium spp.), this sulfur-flowered gem from the lily fam- ily is only six inches high but has a prolific Atamasco lily looks serenely cool even in the hot, humid summers of the Southeast. blooming period from May until the end of summer. Yellow star grass blooms in plays pink tepals and lavender blue an- from Pennsylvania into Virginia, West Vir- loose clusters with up to five half-inch thers with a fragrance that wavers be- ginia, Alabama, and Texas. flowers on a stem. Its dark green, linear tween clove and jasmine. After several For warmer regions, Scott Ogden, leaves grow in tufts that provide a bold years, swamp pinks form multiple noted southern bulb expert and horticul- contrast to the flowers. It ranges across clumps. Divide them by gently pulling turist, recommends a few species that are apart the thick, fleshy rhizomes after the indigenous to the southeastern United plants are finished flowering. Swamp States and tolerate soggy conditions. Ata- pinks are considered a threatened species masco lily or wild Easter lily (Zephyranthes in the wild, so be sure to look for nurs- atamasca, Zones 7–10, 12–10) bears funnel- ery-propagated divisions if you want to shaped white or pink flowers with shiny, grow this beautiful plant in your garden. grasslike leaves; it grows to six inches tall. When the flowers of most eastern Flowers appear in late winter to spring fol- woodland bulbs have faded, feather fleece, lowing periods of rain. They grow natu- N also called eastern featherbells (Stenanthi- rally in swampy, forested areas with azaleas um gramineum, Zones 7–9, 9–7), comes and Phlox divaricata. In gardens, grow in into its own with a fine, floral display from shade to sun in moist, acid soil. August through October. Blooms open The evergreen Louisiana marsh spider from bottom to top revealing a multitude lily (Hymenocallis liriosme, Zones 8–11, RIGHT: MICHAEL S. THOMPSO of small, white, deeply incised flowers, 12–8) produces showy white flowers with ; arranged in open panicles on two- to four- yellow throats that smell like Easter lilies. foot stems. The lower sprays of drooping They bloom from March to April in their flowers lend a graceful, airy effect to the native habitat of the marshy estuaries plant. It grows best in a sunny position in along the Gulf Coast. They prefer aquat- moist acid soil; its natural habitats include ic conditions. floodplain forests, moist woods, meadows, Another aquatic bulb found growing The sunny flowers of yellow star grass

and coastal plain bogs. Its native range lies in the brackish water along the Gulf brighten up dry sites and rock gardens. TOP LEFT: CAROL AND HUGH NOURSE

22 the American Gardener most of the central and eastern United States, growing in dry woodlands and wet, Sources slightly alkaline prairies. Yellow star grass grows well with good Some of the bulbs described in this article are rare or endangered in their nat- drainage in part to full sun alongside plants ural habitats, so, as always, don’t collect bulbs or other plants in the wild. And that are not overly competitive. It works before you purchase bulbs, be sure to ask a nursery or vendor its policy on col- well in the front of a bed or in a meadow lection of plants. Reputable sources for many of these bulbs are listed below, but with grasses and other small wildflowers. a few are only available intermittently or through seed exchanges. Because of its tiny size, it is most effective planted in large groups. To propagate, di- Brent & Becky’s Bulbs, Gloucester, VA. (804) 693-3966. vide corms in fall or early spring. www.brentandbeckysbulbs.com. Catalog online. Another choice bulbous plant for dry sun or partly sunny conditions is turkey- Heronswood Nursery, Kingston, WA. (360) 297-4172. www.heronswood.com. beard (Xerophyllum asphodeloides, Zones Catalog $5. 5–9, 9–5). Blooming in June, it is the east- ern counterpart of bear grass (X. tenax, New England Wild Flower Society, Framingham, MA. (508) 877-7630. Zones 5–8, 8–5) which is indigenous to the www.newfs.org. Seeds available until March 15. Nursery open April 15 to October 15.

Plant Delights Nursery, Raleigh, NC. (919) 772-4794. www.plantdelights.com. Catalog 10 stamps or box of chocolates.

Telos Rare Bulbs, Arcata, CA. www.telosrarebulbs.com. Catalog online.

Resources Bulbs for Garden Habitats by Judy Glattstein. Timber Press, Portland, Oregon, 2005.

Bulbs of North America, Jane McGary, editor. The North American Rock Garden Society and Timber Press, Portland, Oregon, 2001.

Garden Bulbs for the South by Scott Ogden. Taylor Publishing Company, Dallas, Texas, 1994.

The New England Wild Flower Society Guide to Growing and Propagating Wildflow- ers of the United States and Canada by William Cullina. Houghton Mifflin, Boston, Massachusetts, 2000. Turkeybeard grows with ferns and other woodland flora at Garden in the Woods.

Pacific Northwest (see chart, page 21). A rise on undulating four-foot stalks that are in the first season, take time to enjoy and member of the lily family, turkeybeard is coveredcovered withwith gpgrasslikegrasslike stipulesstipules. EachEachfo four-ur- appreciateappppreciate thethe diversity diversityy ofof bulbs bulbs nativenative toto endangered in the wild. It grows in pine foot stalk is topped with a single pompon North America. By selecting species that barren habitats and open dry rocky woods comprising hundreds of star-shaped white suit your gardening conditions, your ef- from New Jersey to North Carolina, and flowers with a very slight, sweet fragrance. forts will be rewarded with a delightful new in parts of the southern Appalachians. Plant in a well-drained site, because the group of plants to use in combination with This is a great plant for stumping horti- thick, fleshy rhizomes are sensitive to rot- annuals, perennials, and the other bulbs cultural friends, because its tall, showy ting from too much moisture. The species you currently grow.  flower racemes look like lilies, but its is also difficult to transplant successfully, clumping long, narrow-bladed foliage is so seeds should be planted where you want Pamela Thomas recently moved to San completely grasslike. them to grow. Although slow to become Luis Obispo, California. Before that she Garden in the Woods has a beautiful established, the long-lived plants are was a horticulturist at Garden in the display of these plants growing in sandy, worth waiting for. Woods, the headquarters of the New Eng- moist, well-drained, acidic conditions. Whether you select a slow-growing land Wild Flower Society in Framingham,

GAYLE S. MOORE / COURTESY OF NEW ENGLAND WILD FLOWER SOCIETY The blooms are truly memorable, as they plant or one that rewards you with flowers Massachusetts.

March / April 2006 23 2 when relocatin Above: Asturd 4 and adapttonewcl how totransportplantslongd When some soundadv the American Gardene i t comes y g handcartcanbe a

p lants toanewhome BY D i i ce me tomove,here’s r i O f mate zones or REEN g ardener’s bestfriend g . ardeners o G . H i stances O T WAR . the n D rans partment o partment on thebor ment, andhow toavoid costl even quirements islistedinthe“Resources” box (pa D r th s t w certain O s an Some statesrequire t INSPECTORS experience an I hardy totropical) andadapttoyet anotherplantin s drou c i tate’s of a department be equire et o anitar h f hen amover cer refused totake herhouseplantswithoutaphyto-sanitary icate. “Istrong e re a d K A ll g l accom g ast 20years an f s I an takin ate Copsey, agar enging spotsin g f on are somethat require inspections.Other stateswillnotallo gar ht, floods,andhurricanes.EachtimeImoved, Ihadtolearnane urt Ga y d b certificate, thisdocumentcanbeobtainedfrom thestatede- certificate, pl inspection ecame amore experience d h t p U o thesteamyTexas Gulf totem Coast,north ening tec ants toenter. A er nort ara , p d RI MOVERS f anie er ofIllinois an g agricu d valuable specimensandfavorites withmewhenImoved. Fo NG d t ise Ca l h d y recommen ose o h M

d b to current h y acerti , l Y f b ANDKEEPINGYOURSANIT ture. Ca niques, mastera or gypsymot l d h etween t i g g f f f en writer, rigi someot at anyp riculture,” shesays.Copseyhasrelocated ofteni ornia tot n h p i m l m t p t ar pl ow rental filledwithferns,orchids, bru truck n a20-inchredwood tub, nottomentiona50- ainer he lastthree moves, Irented lar ort sma ort oun ow p totransport eeded tosucceedimmediatel d ansias, an i l A d enin es toI l r f y Wisconsin, an ll this l y icate o d d d in mistakes.Here iswhatI’ve learnedfrom m l g Wisconsin. There have othe beenafew l t

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LEFT: RICK WETHERBEE. RIGHT: VIVEKA NEVELN from Albany, New York, more inspections ing a six-foot Norfolk Island pine and a MOVING PLANTS YOURSELF for gypsy moths and Japanese beetles when five-foot dieffenbachia. Each fit inside a Adventurous—or frugal—gardeners may moving a couple of years later to Virginia, wardrobe carton and was easy for the choose to move plants by themselves, es- and another inspection for gypsy moths crew to put on the van. pecially if the move is fairly short. Avid when moving to Indiana. Copsey urges all To avoid potential problems, ask the gardeners Liz Ball and Rick Ray faced gardeners to get the inspections out of the moving company in advance what it will this situation in a slightly more compli- way early and have the certificates in hand take in the way of plants. Many van dri- cated way a few years ago when they de- when dealing with moving companies. vers are independent contractors, how- cided to combine their separate gardens Most professional moving companies ever, so they may not always toe the after they bought a new house together. will take plants in the van if the move is company line. Both Ball’s and Ray’s existing houses less than 150 miles and delivery is within The longer the trip, the more likely it were within a 40-mile radius of the new 24 hours. When I moved from Spring- is that plants will suffer damage or die in house near Springfield, Pennsylvania. So field, Illinois, to Janesville, Wisconsin, moving vans, which are not climate con- they rented an open trailer and over the the moving company, despite delivering trolled. Temperatures in the cargo area of course of several weeks moved hundreds 48 hours later and crossing a state line, a van can reach 130º F in summer and of plants, including several large trees that took some of my biggest plants, includ- below zero in the depths of winter. Ray, who taught horticulture at Delaware Valley College for more than 20 years, had collected over the years. The two did all of the digging and most of the moving themselves except for a few big trees, for which they had to call in some extra help. Most of the woody plants were dug up in very early spring be- fore they started growth. The largest trees and shrubs were balled and burlapped but smaller ones and perennials were moved in pots or boxes lined with wax paper.

Left: A new garden begins to take shape with plants moved from Rick Ray’s and Liz Ball’s former homes. Below left: Moving a balled- and-burlapped chamaecyparis to its new home required several pairs of hands and a sturdy hand truck. Below: Young trees and divisions of various perennials are packed in plastic bags or individual pots and trans- ported to their new home by car. ) 3 ( ICK RAY R

March / April 2006 25 2 was “ rea cific plants—RickRaydidthisforalar cause thepeoplewe bou clude w t holes where shr t ment. dicate thisinyour homesaleora w I PLAYIN in f movin t t B the United States ofA Department zones inyour gar a o Before diggingplantsfrom you you start GET INTHEZONE mo p agreement t ter. Ot as we did,ittakescareful plannin known to rom were niceenoug he he plantswhilewe tookcare oftheactua l f you wanttotakeprized h 6 l ld a a ement inspectionrevea so ant totake it g e new ownerse new tore p ll d One ofthecriticaldecisions,Ball sa “I In somecases,you canne plantsover before theymoved out. h gar v p er . “It o wassort y top d e before settlement. you w the American Gardene f lants inwaves.” f you’re b o a in G g h d ar p Usin p process an BYTHERULE N d erwise, t erwise, lants canbetrans en tota rovisions inthesettlement k ing astagingarea, ap l l e ant t itt g ma w g et quiteupsetwhenapre-set h h l g zonema

en you move, e researc w at a oin pl h h ith onesofsimilarcharac- em. We were u omeo e t k h g ll bs have beenremove e wit d e tomove asmanyp f ow you toremove spe- h d en-to-

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h d ar he at i h d p g y - - t t t , T can improve t ums t Ocean, ont l C Z A t n U n a b i i h w a i v s t l com l your p you have claysoil,you mayneed toad i appears rapidlyindicatessandysoil.A h I pro g an s instance, orifthe w potash,andma of phosphorus, ing fortestin oratory or sen Extension a g s your c new O S pl 30 hotda San amendments, whichhelptoretain mois eaves to arly withplentyoforganicmattersucha as, even thou m n the d ng toasout ure an oil. Start by u oi o 150“heat” da f an t the new house t thenew seacoast.For instance, olved taking divisions of every perennialolved takingdivisionsofevery radually within20minutes,your soili WITHTHE TART ar od ave soi ot orcoo io issti io, Texas, andPortland, Ore HS Zone 9accor hether thesoilneedsmore one Map. Portland, nearthePacific har ere inthesameUSDA h ool-climate perennials suchasdelphini- ant SDA Hardiness Zone 8.Yet San Anto- ea nce ff d p l Knowin My S A d e ana ’s ’s b k icient

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d l ff l ing y er im l l d ysis wi y, an y, rea oam, i l l ow ow iness zone. s a h your soi your summersare—is equa s wi rains we g g l p g h ave imate, getto h yu H Heat Zone— your AHS ents caneitherdooneforyo g ll articularly ifyou arearticularly relocat- e. Di d k l e ot h h a h y g ette ettin d s you t u uring t d p ear andisinAHSZone 4 water. I h thecitiesare inthesame ern stateora e soi rainage. ll SO l f you wi ortant ste ortant p ot o ami d

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VIVEKA NEVELN GETTING PLANTS READY FOR THE MOVE To determine whether your grandmother’s iris will survive in Montana or if it’s wise to dig up Oriental poppies to take with you to Florida, consult catalogs for climate zone listings on each plant as well as climate zone maps to find your new home. With borderline hardy plants, remember you can gain a zone of warmth by creating a microclimate. A USDA Zone 5-hardy hydrangea may survive and even flower in Zone 4 if planted next to a warm house foundation and mulched thickly, for instance. After you have determined what to move, the following guidelines will help you get started. Some plants, particularly those with tap roots, may be difficult to move. Other may require larger rootballs.

Small Trees and Shrubs Dig a circle about 12 inches in diam- eter and 12 inches deep around the shrub to be moved. The re- sulting root ball will fit into a five-gallon nursery container or 14- inch flower pot. Pack extra soil around the roots and water thoroughly. Then prune the shrub or tree by at least a third or even by half. Reduced roots cannot support the whole plant, and a smaller one is easier to move. Plant as soon as possible at the new location. Potted shrubs and trees can be held in their container for a month or two if necessary. Check daily, and keep plants evenly moist and in a protected location.

To move daylilies, dig the entire plant and divide it into sections with a sharp spade for easy handling.

Perennials Dividing perennials that you want to move allows you to leave a clump behind as you pack some to take to your new home. Dig up the entire plant and cut or separate the clump into manageable pieces. Replant one clump. Put each clump you are taking with you in a plastic bag. Dampen the dirt, but do not close bags. Stack the bags in a shoebox or small cardboard box in an upright position. A dozen or so perennials will fit into a box. Keep plants cool while moving. If the garden is not ready, heel them into a holding bed and transplant later into permanent beds.

Bulbs and Tubers Dig up bulbs and tubers and brush off as much soil as possible without disturbing their roots. Pack them in paper bags filled with peat moss or soilless potting mix. Plant immediately at the new location unless they are Severing the roots around a small tree or shrub in the fall will summer-flowering ones like dahlias, cannas, and caladium enable it to be moved with less stress the next growing season. and it is near summer’s end. Store these warm-season tubers

S and bulbs in a dark place that is between 40º F and 60º F un- Bert Dunn, who often moves shrubs, trees, and grape vines til the next spring. around his vineyard and orchard in Schomberg, Ontario, ad- vises that if you have enough advance notice, use a sharp Houseplants Water them well before putting plants in moving spade to dig a circle around the base of woody plants the au- cartons or boxes to take with you. Most houseplants can sur- tumn before transplanting. This technique, known as root vive up to 10 days without water with little harm. They can al- pruning, helps mitigate transplant shock. “By severing the so tolerate darkness for up to a week if they are moist and not roots in the fall, you encourage the plant to put out many subjected to temperature extremes. Avoid putting plants in a feeder roots, and you’ll have an increased root mass close to car trunk, where they can overheat or freeze, depending on the trunk,” Dunn explains. the season. Put them inside the car with you. LEFT: MARY YEE. RIGHT: CAROLE OTTESEN / AHS ARCHIVE

March / April 2006 27 be different. Local gardeners are the best source of this kind of knowledge. A good Resources first point of contact is the county Exten- sion office, which usually has lists of plant AHS Heat Zone map, www.ahs.org. varieties that do well in the region and can refer you to reputable nurseries that stock The Garden Club of America, appropriate plants. Extension agents are www.gcamerica.org. trained horticulturists who can also answer your questions on amending the soil and The Gardeners of America/Men’s direct you to others with more informa- Garden Clubs of America, tion. Many agents also conduct Master www.tgoa-mgca.org. Gardener classes once or twice a year, which are packed with local gardening in- Master Gardeners—link to state One of the first things to do after you move to formation in addition to basic instruction. MG groups through the AHS a new garden is have the soil tested for Garden clubs are another means by website (www.ahs.org/master_ nutrient levels and pH. which to meet and learn from local gar- gardeners/index.htm. deners. Look for listings in the newspaper raised beds. I dug down 18 inches to plant or visit the website of the National Garden National State Garden Clubs, a peach tree shortly after I moved to the Clubs, the Garden Club of America, or www.gardenclub.org. Gulf Coast, and I hit water! The area was The Gardeners of America/Men’s Garden a coastal plain about two inches above sea Clubs of America to find a chapter near State Cooperative Extension Services level, the water table was high and the you. Club programs usually cover specific Directory, www.reeusda.gov/ ground was pure clay. problems or plants unique to the area. The 1700/statepartners/usa.htm. Hot, dry, windy places, on the other first meeting I attended of the Springfield hand, demand the opposite strategy of Garden Club included information on State Plant Regulations, www.national digging pits. Sink garden beds six inches how to prepare perennials for winter, plantboard.org/laws/index.html. below the grade in places like Albu- something I needed to learn, having just querque and Phoenix to save water and moved from a tropical climate. USDA Plant Hardiness Climate Zone shelter emerging seedlings from desiccat- Local botanical gardens often have map, www.growit.com/zones. ing desert winds. brochures of gardening information tai- lored to local conditions and demonstra- MAKE FRIENDS tion gardens that can guide you in plant to network with other avid gardeners. When relocating long distances, planting selection and design. Many also offer ed- Explore Internet listservs and bulletin times, techniques, and even varieties will ucational programs and the opportunity boards, too. Many gardening sites have chat rooms or places to leave messages. These e-mail exchanges give people world- wide the opportunity to share experiences and knowledge on a specific topic. Before I moved to Wisconsin, I posted a message on three listservs that I was moving and wanted information about the climate. Within 12 hours, I had four responses from gardeners near my new home. I had ready teachers waiting when I arrived. One

brought several native perennials for my S new garden, and another showed me how to properly prune overgrown lilacs that were dwarfing the house. So if you do some research ahead of time, you may develop new friendships even before you move. And it will certain- ly make it much easier to get settled in your new home and garden. 

A former garden editor at Woman’s Day, Talk to local gardeners and garden center staff near your new home; they are great sources Doreen Howard currently lives in Roscoe,

of information on what plants grow well in a particular region. Wisconsin. TOP: SAXON HOLT. BOTTOM: CAROLE OTTESEN / AHS ARCHIVE

28 the American Gardener TOP: LYNNE HARRISON. BOTTOM: BILL JOHNSON d’An native towoodland andmountainre stri I potte g Greek word wor all theshoutin g “Howd c o th many ph naeus chosethename (althou un t h a, Euro u oo f temperatetosu is use e genus.T l d ires’—s Ladders Jacob’s heavenly F ar The understatedbeaut k d ld erstate or themost Jaco N until recent years, whenacou ing variegate j l t d ou (‘Blan y inapt t g E po h f ardeners withrenewed interest in h g y V u ing inmyopinion,consi p b h Isupposethat, inapinch, ese !” from the border, whichis l e, andAsia ER TH l genuso ’s ’s emonium, swun h d owe

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e forthi t h e fiv e s f centra use a t d a n t t w ily r i w p L B Sh s com fuzz 25 s n ural com heir mainflower show. But several are ide withsufficientforce, mi end tofadeintosemi-dormanc ig ppropriate inrock rran ative tosunny a e lant describedby theancientRoma innaeus con ritis riter P oo g (Po f h ow). T The virtues thattwokin virtues f ining p u t toc y dl p ecies, mostofwhichare suitedt andstick l h g wa ose l l an ri

ed more orlessparallelalon emoniaceae), an g g l ar iny aspossessingsomany d b enus belon l d y f p aim its h . In some species,t ors eature ist d -c o ound leaves, eachofwhichis e exp en writerLys l f earer att f

use f h y eat a , whichaddsto thefun. l l d d anation, accor pine sitesan d M e h iscovery. Jaco g arch ery ery g g h ardens. The s tothephlox fam ar h e d g d e C h b s fou p consistso ens, w / ’s ’s April ig innate d g h e Bray, ist l hl ardens a e h g dd g l y arc e d ht over the sea F ht makea h 2 are more l er wit eaves are 00 ere t d l g y ea f ing t h enus’s 6 some l after h ower itec fl . ea h h h g ets 2 e at a a l n o o 9 y - - - The eye-catching dark green-and-cream-colored foliage of P. caeruleum Brise d’Anjou helps light up shade gardens.

It is their leaves, of course, that give Zones 9–1). The common form, P. ders have been reported since the 17th cen- Jacob’s ladders their imaginative com- caeruleum subsp. caeruleum, was culti- tury, but by Victorian times these seem to mon name, which apparently was in- vated in Britain in medieval times, but have disappeared from regular commerce. spired by the story of the Israelite this highly variable species can be found So the introduction in the mid-1990s by patriarch Jacob, who dreamed of a ladder growing wild in cool, moist woods and Blooms of Bressingham of Brise d’Anjou stretching from earth to heaven, angels meadows from subarctic and northern ascending and descending it. Eurasia to subarctic North America. Nu- For polemoniums, the “angels” are the merous other subspecies are identified in little five-lobed flowers, generally scentless, some references. which can appear from late spring to early Also known as Greek valerian or char- fall depending on the species. Shaped like ity, it stands one to three feet tall by about bells or narrow-necked trumpets, they can two feet wide at maturity. It is sometimes vary in size from a half-inch to an inch long listed as “Greek valerian” because its lad- and equally wide at their lips; and they are dered foliage somewhat resembles that of S held in either upright clusters or drooping the true valerian (Valeriana officinalis); racemes. Each flower possesses both male and just as cats can find the true valerian’s and female parts: yellow stamens and pis- roots intoxicating, so they are said to get tils that in some species protrude beyond high on the foliage of P. caeruleum (I have the petals and in others do not. Most not observed this). The flowers are usual- flower in the lavender-blue-violet range, ly blue (though white-flowered forms list- though you can find polemoniums that ed as P. caeruleum var. lacteum, or ‘Album’ bloom white, pink, yellow, bicolor, and exist), appearing anywhere from April to even a kind of chartreusey tan. August depending on how quickly your summers heat up. COMMON JACOB’S LADDERS Several cultivars of P. caeruleum have The most prevalent Jacob’s ladder grown found their way into the trade, but none in American gardens is P. caeruleum has had the impact of the delicious Brise P. caeruleum ‘Snow and Sapphires’ shows

(USDA Hardiness Zones 4–9; AHS Heat d’Anjou (‘Blanjou’). Variegated Jacob’s lad- off its upright habit and striking variegation. TOP: RICK WETHERBEE. BOTTOM: COURTESY OF TERRA NOVA NURSERIE

30 the American Gardener TOP: MICHAEL S. THOMPSON. BOTTOM: JERRY PAVIA p yellowish broadly stri itor inches wi name ‘Apricot De d’An see i d’An ‘Snow an h bu o v New Mexico shade h utation for“meltin niva l l modern selectionbearsrich Frenc —which wasdiscovered asas w it ton, itstan tain woodlandsinOre l flattish bell-sha b l thrive infree-drainin w habitats from alpinepeakstotemperate ite Nort ALL-AMERI tion bloome the otherhand,“lastedpretty well throu f Hancock, “and itdidnotre-emer z in Des Moines, Iowa. “Brise d’An upri the summer,” andHancock iswaitin cent creamy-white. Thepatternin called salmonorro Terra Nova Nurseries inTigar intro flowerin mer zine, has ant ofhotsummersorhumidit i eaves isso aven eve o l arie n gh h een va as not eat to , e hite-flowered form oo ll oraselectionofit d ires’. Growing twotot t No sooner P I haven’t e p owin ts upas l outoncesummer . carneu g l f f r dl o s o b h air. A j o itreturns t g ect h du j d ht clump, itssky-blueflowers bloom ou. Justin Hancock, horticulture ed- h ou whenaneven more promisin l eginning in e wor r ate Americais emoniums a er ast an nurser

f G l lu ce

d g g erant an ste l d ig d isrendered irrelevant becausei year.” ‘Snow an C d d arden, Deck &Landscape one t g e d p Sapp AN P se l e an rown bothBrise d’An b s. In genera d m h d t p h ink anddarken to P. d o h g d sinceVictorian times m h t exposure an ont ed ina a s. rown ‘Snow andSapphires’, ld s 12to15inc oug l initsfirstseason

ey age.A y d h ection emer caeruleum

d h (Zones , wasver O t y spotwit a p h issai at so h LEM d h h ed flowers, whicho h d ires’ in is spring.Neit Ita at its l h e street ist t vigorous t l ate spring.I d g y g ig ome tomanyexquis h O p ” inhotsummers,it al Jacob’s ladder, has arden. a d is cu NI h f , p k ale, almosttranslu- g , h offered underthe ar inmySanta Fe g ‘Album’ tobloomalls t’. T en a 5 soilwithvaryin te d l U eat cameon,”say ess-t on andWashin – h

y enizen o h M l d ‘ h d 9 ree t we Snow andSap- l is s d toavariety o S tivar ana Sapp , g h are notto f h h e h 9 ancy toBrise h es ta f h g l ere isa d ese specie an-vigorous –1), t eet ta come. T at itismor d reen leaves . a . In 2002, h l d p , Oregon, h h , most car h p y. h an Brise andan- e gar ur f ave see as arep er se j ort in ort ll ires’, o g moun ou an j ll ou fiz ofthe

h g maga- p f b inan or it e the e so- l le o u y 16 so a g p d l l m- ec h er- to g en e g- i n n n h d g g a e r s s s s ------t f , ot c i rig i t s bears flowers ofadarker pinkthanth selection o tolerant trum Native totheAmericanSouthwest, n regions wit nch-lon hrive in part shadeandfree-draininhrive inpart pecies. T h h errimum h Th er se t c p ets, to e Paci l ump- l g p ection, ‘Rose Queen’, w f leaves. In early summer, i olemoniums. Above:Awhit

h P. caeruleum P. ( f e speciesan f ic Nort Zones 4–8,8–1 p ormer wit h , isoneofthemorehea coo l summers h west native, h is

f d

ive-an so itscu l ) d , isanu .

as d ‘Al -a- l P tivar . pu g bu h h p soi a ic in m’. p- lf- l h e e e s - t l t g U t f make asatisfyin th n s flared-lipped, s a p M 7 bl i hit of h b i lf h d t L th purp l d b un n sunny or partly shadedrock n sunnyorpartly ow- irst Jaco hou tripe ummer, it bout afootwideatmaturit iven proper can behandled elin u m i m b t whole sheban s s o conditioning (anditwon’thurtthe m s T P PR danger o ally, thenplantthemouts p s f s etable crisperfortwomonths and contents oftheba ense – een wei ears l atin binomialof“most bea omial n “s SDA Zone 7,Ihave foundthati ic bag;andrefrigerateitintheveg- ew weeks.Assoonastheseedl ant growing 10to20inc li mall eedl eed betweenjust-moistpapertow- e tart bych exico, isastur nes thatdon’t).Eithersprinkleyour nder growl y ott o growpolemoniumsfromseed, 9 f P O g illed ed ost speciesseemtorequirecol ortunate, t ortunate, g theendofthis , I k theseed fl ine trum th htl g O f seedshaven’tbegunsproutin LEM g l i p y,y,pp , un d 9 e i ng m owers are numerous enoug h thebookssayitisonlyhardy t p

f ormixitwithatables um. Thenplacetheconta i fl roa PA rom itsstem-ti – inmute ngs appear,generallyw p y rov , fl at-to p whichmeans“few-flowered kl dam 7 ots filledwithafree-drainin b g owers t ottin ), native to Texas andNew f ’s ’s t hted withthecommonname ea G i hard O e i de bottomheatunt x. Hardenthemo l d, f ATIN a b i pp NI d

p ll dd J p i ears termina g

rainage itoverwinters very ghts or aco ets h i h i g vermiculite; mix, e ng theseed,because nto thesur g U en, t d inaloosel er I a g d f h reenish-tan trumpets rost haspassed. lf russet. Despite its russet. show. Thisisthevery M c b (P. pauci at amp M dy , G - p ’s ’s l transferthemto g i usters o arch g S eriod, transferthe nc h toaflatoffinel l , j rew rew a ust li i at t d dd n agreenhouse h p own w s an / er.” It April200 l f h y justi fl rom see g i hit f is species y f de a u orum l ace o htl c tied c y p d tif h ff h -stemme e lace th y —

p l y . es ta u , gradu . In earl l usters o u g d

i

oon o f ea p th R bby, bl ter al i ardens. l.” How f oes , l th p f ress- . y t f i the d B Z i i ue las ngs 6 n a ner -axi , an . ll one h L h

b y , d g g e e

h y . t - f - b l o ei est b e 31 as , ls i- l d d o o y y ” r r s - f f , Sources Alplains, Kiowa, CO. (303) 621- 2590. www.alplains.com.

Big Dipper Farm, Black Diamond, WA. (360) 886-8133. www.bigdipper.com.

Bluestone Perennials, Madison, OH. (800) 852-5243. www.bluestoneperennials.com.

Chiltern Seeds, Bortree Stile, Ulverston, Cumbria, England. www.chilternseeds.co.uk.

Forestfarm, Williams, OR. (541) 846-7269. www.forestfarm.com.

Las Pilitas Nursery, Santa Margarita, CA. (805) 438-5992. www.laspilitas.com. Resources Herbaceous Perennial Plants by Al- lan M. Armitage. Stipes Publishing, Champaign, Illinois, 1997. ‘Stairway to Heaven’ is a new variegated cultivar of Polemonium reptans. successfully in my Zone 5b/6a garden. ters at the stem-tips and in the leaf-axils. mum var. foliosissimum (Zones 4–9, 9–1), Native fromfrom Montana south south throughthrough Thhe plants’ overall dimensions, hardiness, which hails from the central and southern the Rocky Mountains to Arizona, P. and bloom colors vary considerably over United States has blossoms that are usual- brandegeei (Zones 4–8, 8–1) is the only its wide range in North America, and it is ly blue to violet. strongly fragrant Jacob’s ladder. It forms sometimes divided into regional sub- Easterners lay claim to spreading pole- dense, hairy, sticky basal rosettes to about species. The long-blooming P. foliosissi- monium (P. reptans, Zones 4–8, 8–1). one foot wide, and puts up four-to 12- Though not a true “creeper,” this inch-tall upright stems topped with one- charmer makes a rather lazily upright inch-long, narrow-tubed, funnel-shaped clump 12 to 28 inches tall by one foot flowers. P. brandegeei subsp. brandegeei wide. From spring to early summer it bears yellow to golden yellow blossoms bears large, six-to eight-inch clusters of from late spring to summer; the leaves dangling green-eyed blue flowers. This and stems are said to be scented pleas- easy-to-grow species will fare well in any antly of musk. But in P. brandegeei subsp. moist woodland or shade garden, paired mellitum), both the foliage and the with other spring blooming natives. white- to-yellow flowers are fragrant, the A white-flowered form of spreading blossoms very sweetly so, appearing from polemonium is sometimes offered as summer to early autumn. ‘Album’, and a variegated selection was The leafy Jacob’s ladder (Polemonium introduced in 2004 by William Cullina, foliosissimum, syn. P. filicinum, Zones 4–8, nursery director of the New England 8–1), is an upright clump-former with lots Wild Flower Society’s Garden in the and lots of one-to-six-inch-long com- Woods. Named ‘Stairway to Heaven’, it pound leaves, their leaflets held in neat grows a foot or slightly more in height ranks, like Busby Berkley chorines. The Leafy Jacob’s ladder is a variable species that with a mounded form. The foliage is

bell-shaped flowers are held in dense clus- features dense clusters of bell-shaped flowers. dark green with cream-colored margins TOP: BILL JOHNSON. BOTTOM: JERRY PAVIA

32 the American Gardener MARK TURNER one alsohasasister inches b grant se hybrids orselectionsfloatin as asee wh A GR see t cosum. f Neither ofthese‘Bl three feettall is describedasablue-flowered u e fl to t scribe itasasubspecies) P. caeru Mid-Atlantic, itisclosel d moist woodlandsfrom Ontari b App blue medium to pale to that sometimesturn propriate re soun as soms over a use d Name M runtiae n own t owers. In someareas itisnow part from therockpart P. yezoense P. viscosum P. pulcherrimum P. P. P. boreale Polemonium s l asrare oren O d itt A T Northern Jacob’sladder (Cultivar ‘BlueWhirl’ S su (‘Polbress’) ic un h O WING P d er t

h alachian Jacob’s ladder( ky p Bressin to not d h h ree l wit Lmro av’1/8droo 18/18 ’Lambrook Mauve’ b e c e ast RE JA s i ere are a o wi sp. d

(For this,andother, polemoniums h h medium l r y straino h l d e name‘B h i , ection o roug f h eu lot

afoot.Anotherisdescribed co art a art entica eet ta ll Zones er eastern delicatum ‘B h O t m ree mont g o l LEM on h l ham Pur l g ue W h , w b CO rive in ( withazure-blue blos- l ion andaltitude, Jacob’s New Eng New so a ove.) g some re ll d l O ea f save

perio wit

an 3 blue f NI P. caeru

lu –8, 8–1).Foun t B’ P h h U g u , . reptans f e Pear ‘White Pearl’ ‘White ir er ew po ere M h e Pearls’ istobecon- h p S p p . f l f s . d me S o or t ’, acu e2–01–4bluetolavender/ 24–30/12–24 le ink ifex u LADDER It f , d. l f rom sowing. T g ll g emonium is g bl l erences s rows to14inches y eum, l rowin l sunint arden species h ’. One s d an fl l related t oomin emonium e i ow , l u tivar o d fl g 10 H –281 droo 6–12/8–16 2–7, 7–1 4– circumpolar 4– compactalpine violet-blueclusters/ 7–10/10 (inches m P. tot ower co about tw er g p g

20/2 8/6 .wdhFoesbomtm Notes Flowers/bloomtime t./width , t ose van blu tw fra- s d o 12 l o g u d ist , ar i in which he c h f to e –

n h d o o o S P. e e e a - - - ) 10 –

8 vis l h or p is - - , , . ) ladders potting w mon g d i ric habitat g K t isim flowers/late s late s s dry clusters o v bell-shaped, blueto t m summe lilac bells/lates ood luck ood additiontorock raine nown assk o earl u i ith arichmix ofpeat-orcoir-base olet i h mme dsummer soi p p p / p in in summe o y d , rin l summe r r g g l p in part to inpart f . Here inSanta Fe, I g Polemonium viscosum Polemonium emoniums in i cutr fbu dark-coloredfolia clustersofblue clustersof ortant thatthe soilbewell ortant b g row bestinmoist,compost f blue tosummer er, we g y rowin p r

p rin r ilot becauseofitsal p f unnels ll rin g t ins to -rotte f g g u manyofthecom g ll ardens s h /f h d a a lf manure, com d - e. In a b p garden . l u,rc mounta ull sun,rock arre ur i h p p sh, sandyso ma le folia ave rin l ll s k case g f i es p h ll ine a e

g d d d a s - - - - eh i swesternU. ls N G w ‘Am to themarmalade-colored gate you can’t dobetterthanplantin s le fl w g h o g ake you up, nothin oodland eJa ar ew a i w a d d b d bit. Perha w fl w South— th t g s th none o ums ten many sources claimthatpolemoni- w t s s r post, an offer asubtlecounter in ers e gar ains, is very ains, isvery imple flowers, andthere issomethin en writerRan spp ummer s hem thatIcannotima M ock fordraina o Eng er Waves’. I se et intothe90seven inourmoun am ort ith shade-lovin it g at e western N.Amer aiehbttUSDA,AH Native habitat h N their out put they July and June In exico ( h , dyin l y y ection suc Tiare p .), and sundry ferns.Andifyou .), andsundry p b brid brid f out t h o matterwhere

d orces t an ossi June oyant p p a en nee f hlo . l d dd mine d is y togo lla per bl i ou canfindaJacob’s ladde h p g h h ns o

x ing toyour gar and a down totheircrowns s itisheat em. Furt e exce -cottage-gar f

h d spp ( t S d Phlox l l em toaestivate, e gar d h ite orcrus ants, matc h . ry in f d M

h 4– at com s a July d asBrise Leelives inSanta Fe g .), co arch ave ever g ormant a e. will. p g d l i d

itt ca d natives such as tion o they en, t ee ivaricata) l h / um y April200 l b 6 e ermore, w d. p p ou live—with ination – lus humidity oint tomor

d b h h put h d 5–8; 8–1 4–8, 8–1 4–8, 8–1 ?9 b d ’Anjou nex rig g e oug f ing upwe eny a f ines d ter ie d ine doin t 8 , H en. T g

vo Z h d out 10 , h avarie ones h euchera bl tening

8 , e f d b ( itca or m l f – – 6 Aqui oom- oesn’ cani ac oa

b d 4 1 their S h h ou ee k m  33 i ey le a n p ll g g y c e r r - - - - t t t , , , 3 ninth decade ment inagran soi (HSA), withaccomplishmentsbothin more about twohoursfrom Houston. Known above, is h curator ofthe Herb ex w th herbalist, andauthorinherown ri t k t v c quisite arc t t member oftheHerb Societ th M BY LINDAA Sout il McAshan Herb Gar Texas, Madalene’s da sicians. There Madalene shares ana er, Gwen Barc raining institute eacher, author, andplantswoman. iona u 4 er dau enue formusical nown asMenke House withherdau y orlds, havin , andfriends ings e l l The Festival-Institute isanoasisof Current Ma ture tuc an h the American Gardener h l Festiva east an f er d d g h ami a p hter GwenBarcla print,Ma b er l p ert MadaleneHill,to ene an a h o e r ADALENE HILL’S b l l l k ings p itecture, y curatoro rs’ ears,especiallyinthe , cu a iar ular withman e l g S d , d . Anactive an g l sheisthematriarch ofall ardens atFestivalHill,where Deep Sout . KEY -Institute inRoun l l int traveled the country and traveled thecountry y asFestiva d ay, anaccomp f l ami Gwen are we inary, an d f or aspiringyoung mu- Victorian d h p T g y d l a e Texas countrysi iar inmanygar erformances and erformances s are enrichedb ar l ens attheInterna- f ene isac t d h y ens, music, ’s herbalcuisine e Susan C y h visitors. d . Now in l y d Hi gar exas’s FirstLa ofAmerica in l ll is

p k b h h ll fl ri nown in ui e eris , itis d uentia d d l g enin n g ayton ld To c p ht, i f d ht. y ame am- h h art- ex in g h en e e d h p er f, d g g a a e - - - , l s , also received theor 1987, issti ciety ofAmericapresented Madalene an Conway Me th Exce Nanc t for Excellence inHerbal Literat G its re in HerSouthern h uncommon insi b heir work, 18years afteritwas eyon er wen withthe Gertr g e 2006reci M A bookwithappealthatextendsbeyon b s tograte ll

g ost recentl f y ence in1 iona d ormer HSA Howard Award for Horticultura , b ringing t ll l

inprint.It isac f ocus. Lastyear t d b p a f Growin 997 ient o u l o l y au , Madalene wasnamed g f h . Honor in1978an ht intotheworldo p eir commonsensean g d f anization’s Helen de resi ud t iences. T g, h e B.Foster Awar e AmericanHor d first ent, Ma l assic gar h p e Her ublished in h p eir ublished u d b re fo re a b d oo d l So- ene en it k, d d d d r s - - f . l lene ispra umes onthedesk, thickl A dens andher ers toensure t the Nevertheless, she isinthe h “feels 120 f aging, this award, seepa o awar ticultural Societ and dedicated lifetime efforts insuppor and dedicatedlifetimeefforts in orwar f er toget n t h Having recent d h g er motorize in e d ardens’ HenryFlow horticulturist , w f ie d b h ut s -t ld er h y h ic o g ears old,”soitisdifficultfor b in h matic abouttherealities o h h f oo p er isgiven e issti h k h lant collectionscontinue orticu ing. S y k at d h ’s CatherineH.Sweene - g c f an h e 14.) l i y turne ll h er vision ll d e air an l d ture. (For more o c s h f o e says or extraor h d ff aracteristica irty anymoreirty y dy ice, o d d tabbed,an g wor 92,Ma arden daily f or t h p er k h en vo d s wit e gar inary b ac d lly a- l- n h d k y - - t f . .

LEFT: KAREN BUSSOLINI. TOP: COURTESY OF MADALENE HILL. Madalene Hill has spent a lifetime promoting of the benefits of herbs for culinary, medicinal, Herbs and ornamental use.

slides sorted into rows, are signs of rope—basil and oregano. Madalene re- FROM HILLTOP TO FESTIVAL HILL workshops and articles to come. members the family grew sage to make a “I always wanted to grow herbs,” Mada- tea they drank on Saturdays “to keep lene says with a grin that acknowledges the A LIFE LIVED WELL from becoming bilious.” extent of the understatement. Her desire Over a cup of tea, Madalene intersperses Travel began when the tall, gentle- quickly grew into Hilltop Herb Farm, thoughts on the impending garden sea- manly Jim Hill came into her life. Jim, 25 where Madalene and Jim built display gar- son with vignettes of her intriguing life. years her senior, was an engineer and ma- dens and sold plants. “I was born 50 miles from here, and here chinist, a horticulturist, and a fine gar- It seemed natural that the bounty of I am again,” she says. Her mother was dener. After they married, they took their herb gardens would inspire them to from Kansas, her father was a Texas rice several extended trips to eastern Europe, venture into the culinary world. “We farmer. The oldest of 13 children, she be- Central and South America, and the So- started serving lunch in 1965,” recalls came her mother’s assistant. viet Union. Madalene. “Before we knew it, we had Madalene’s interest in herbs seems in- In 1957, Jim Hill left his job in Hous- 100 for dinner.” Hilltop’s niche was fresh nate. In her youth in Kansas she re- ton to pursue his interest in horticulture. I members every family having sage, He and Madalene bought a farm and they The Cloister Garden at Festival Hill displays chives, caraway, sweet marjoram, dill, spent several years growing gladiolus for an abundance of herbs in beds and in and then—after World War II, with an the cut flower industry before they decid- containers set against a backdrop of rustic AREN BUSSOLIN

K influx of immigrants from eastern Eu- ed to try something else. stone walls.

March / April 2006 35 3 in oneo o an evenin unti an G ca h top, be d not an o other l torna w everythin noonewashurt, fortunately wh and havin b December 10,1983,atornadohitHillto h G v the five-course dinnerss food withfresh herbs.There G r ter Gar t in t l O A w homes buttostayovernifor concerts, tiva broadened thereputation ofFes- r w h in1993,a services e l Me an s t tival Hill. Visitors usuallybe move ene says.“Icouldhave is y renowne h h o h ace Gardens 6 ations started fillin ations started d ff e rawing ont e er o ork outside as a CO wen leftherwork asam ar wen hadbeen l e gar ver theyears, Madalene estab- h e re e Wa ll f d l d t d es, t ld ere lk “I hadtowork ver Gwen She andGwen rented ahomeand Life seemedtobe p run t p run ore t at itwas,”saysMa b d e l

h d k Beethoven’s Woo l d h k Hi LLE ff f d h s. A the American Gardener icina s. Ma Jim passe int nowin d en, t e Me rom Festiva b new Jamesnew Dic emo er d d severa er camea y e institutein1971.T h g d o experienceco , ui intomore su ear, butitwasn’t thesame.Whe

ll C g d have adelicious dinner b , andtoattendworkshops h e wor p ens. W ll TI an lecturin Gar en. Near a l e ositions ont . Peo f t Hi b l l O h l h ew g CactiGar f

f is d ecame d l d N t irst

h e Fruit Tree Gar e g unc g iterranean Gar a h l concert pianistw concert w e gar k h new gar new d b , rown upinKansas,Ikne O l ll h e y becamecuratorof ene, pre t pl eir vast experienceatHi usiness. en h , F GARDEN d top an ears d e c d h theSun-Shad h h l i . e comenoton ong tose awayin1982.T at wou inner course.“I l ey eons. , g e p d an b l oin osition shestill b h Hi irector o d y are t h l g ot g arming o ater, t ens int k ave d monthsinadvance. d d y andwritin d g h l , t h t en an hard nottoletth or my operate ll g ens atFes- f d to concerts ther toconcerts p e sta

ld erring to h h g iven up.” Instead, h S . Ma a p d d ervisory e C ave now oin comenext e internationa l h ll read, andreser one s. The ene. A h u , s e Ter f ff. e d sic teacherto

d f d l g y l h oo t d ois- p i g g en h en, smoothly receive f e seize d h h a h ht utation o in ld h e,” Ma a ly d l it e e e o s - , , ey were ene an h l g h t f ear h about f en, on oun or an oug . d d d d it it d- ll- a-

w l n h d p g a e e - - - f , , , men s mint mari h t h l luci t k friendshi i r P cu pressive plantcollection.These ene foundthis nc ions wasMexican mintmarigo u arra esearc een senseo ot weat eat. S h Resources 1 l Hi Southern HerbGrow www.festivalhill.org. Round Top,Texas.(979)249-3129 T b ishing, Fredericksburg,Texas l he Internat armac 987 Q O l tivation stitute d u ll and d a g uite a few uite afew ne ofMa d e ) on, anherbthat e p , d h h . w to e imme an h yyy l p hich aMexican G er—simi f ants s Gar g or gar s, travel, curiosity, andhe wen Barclay. h d old’s potentialasatarra f b er asan a o i ear d p onal Fest b d b p alene’s earliestintro h d lant—which i en testi d servation lants now commonly in l e iate it ens int h l h y ar in er name,inc toassem as garnere i l h ng y rea er fy i g b b S fl val-Inst h rows poorlyi w

. toMa y avor toFrenc hearer Pub e sout f l or tea.Ma ize oman recom- M p a d bl ros d ld d Mexica t h e anim- a i

d p g tute west. ( h l l en Tagete ardens ered in a u roug l d ene’s du e g - . , , ing d o c a n n n h h r - - s fruticosa, f ‘ o a R ornamental attr po fo i s d ble ‘H ‘M f v th w Wh montana fee journey.j For example,there ishenna,cof- H T PL Tucker, inethnobotanyandth anexpert at De rector oftheClaudeE.Philli A find Wh mary, 228salvias,andabout50ore w (Cam Ne’we Ya’ar’,above,ah rom acrossbetween M H o n or t h ri ario rran are andcommonmedicinal o i o rt Tuc ith her, you heartherespect shehasfo it u e r s i e me A e g site page. t ill Hard urin ll isabitliketakin mation, see“Madalene’s Plants,” op coveries ist mint. One o adalene Hill’ rosemar H , observed tobeunusuall observed h NT h in thePharmac thecarnationofIndia en s en touringt , h over 100 sheoftensendsittofriendssucha e town o u er bedsare ofherbalmuseum asort g S ousan p l s c aware State University inDover ed accordin FR d totheca acuminata) g k h icina Ma er, aresearc u e wantsin is d O lt ivaricata) y M NEARANDFAR p u d ) ’) and‘Madalene Hill’ dou- rized forbothculinar d res thathave n s o l f potentia a i Ar d butes h l f f ene’s i Ma e ‘Ar years. ff h p erent varieties o f , Texas. (For more in- g e P ormation a h . d totheir , y pro p as a g S. officinalis S. Garden,left. g ’ rosemary, w n h ar l l o aninternationa ene’s d armacy Gar y d f y f t essor an (oftenlistedas brid develo p ens atFestiva h p u f l e tree o y rom s Herbariu ants an rt b g coldhard ( b p est- u eo Ta out ane lants are re y usean g b d C d k ra ernae f co- a g Salvia them nown rose f hina. n anos. d

h p l d d t p ove hic ic d ed e h m S. w i n h d y e e r s - - - - l . l

KAREN BUSSOLINI (2) MADALENE’S PLANTS Several herbs are named after Mada- lene or were discovered or introduced by her. They are listed chronological- ly by the date they were identified or released.

Mexican mint marigold (Tagetes lu- cida), 1960. Madalene recommends this herb as a warm-climate substi- tute for French tarragon, but it is also prized for its late-season display of golden flowers.

Doublemint (Mentha ✕gracilis ‘Madalene Hill’), 1961. This is the only mint that contains both pepper- mint and spearmint oils.

Hilltop oregano (Origanum ✕majori- cum ‘Hilltop’), 1965. Considered to be one of the best culinary oreganos, this plant was given to Madalene by a woman from California.

Tufted or ball basil (Ocimum basili- cum ‘Thrysiflora’), July 21, 1969. Madalene remembers the date a Mexican woman brought her this basil because it was the day Neil Armstrong walked on the moon.

A floriferous and statuesque ‘Arp’ rosemary steals the show in this bed of mixed plants. Arp hardy rosemary (Rosmarinus of- Madalene introduced this particularly hardy rosemary cultivar in 1972. ficinalis 'Arp’), 1972. Madalene took cuttings from a 40-year-old chemical components that distinguish writing, and sharing her knowledge of woody rosemary found growing in herbs and other plants, shares Madalene’s herbs with others. Arp, Texas, and dated by family sense of curiosity and quest for knowledge. As I walk with Madalene in her garden, real estate records. This rosemary While teaching a cooking class in she turns the leaves of a plant with the tip was brought as a cutting from a Houston, Madalene noticed that some of her walking stick. She tells me the story rosemary growing in Oklahoma. pieces of sage bought for the demonstra- of the man who bred it in Arkansas and the tion were not typical. She rooted some cut- friends who gave it to her. For Madalene, Madalene Hill rosemary (Rosmarinus tings and sent one to Tucker and one to the each plant is a storehouse of treasured officinalis ‘Madalene Hill’, syn. ‘Hill U.S. National Arboretum. Chemical memories and personal connections. Hardy’), 1973. A wonderful upright analysis determined that it was a culinary Some weeks after returning from inter- form of hardy rosemary. and ornamental sage developed in Israel for viewing Madalene for this article, I reached commercial production in the desert. A into the pocket of my jacket and pulled out Silver sage hybrid (Salvia officinalis cross between Salvia officinalis and S. fru- an allspice leaf she had pressed into my hand ✕ fruticosa ‘Ne’we Ya’ar’), 1990. ticosa, this cultivar is now called ‘Ne’we as a gift when she said goodbye. “Break it This hybrid sage is a no-melt, sil- Ya’ar’, Yiddish for “good plant.” again and again,” she had said. When I do, very-foliaged plant that does well in the aroma is appetizing, a bit floral—but the humid Southeast. LOOKING BACK AND AHEAD most of all, Madalene.  R The trials Madalene has faced during her RNE U life have been great, but so have been her Linda Askey is a freelance writer and horti- ARK T

M accomplishments. She is still researching, culturist living in Alabama.

March / April 2006 37 3 b help ortimeto spare. Yet Iwasablet w d kitchen more nutritious. A in available year round atthelocal b S t store? Consi h 8 ui ot iffic An expertrevealshowheturnedapatchoflawn intoaproductivevegetablegardeninoneyear from Garden Kitchen creating a or e BY SHEPHERDOGDEN BYB y As asin ld h l our own k an Y the American Gardene er, t u ing a S h f O S lt tocreate ormaintain. d oo ave ave h HEH scape, an ME PE g h ig f arden canbeapleasin d E u ey as systemasanexcuse nott hl PHP ll gl d H time,I y pro y er t e man ER ard istastier, fresher, an k O R , w d h g PL D , i etable is: T d h l uctive 1,500-square- f OOG E so, awe we en d G l t h on’t ivin DDE scratch a ll f e k res E p f g e t N oo l g arden. Why h h anne r a h ave a ll pro d e mo -execute you gro l one an g d g part of part d , isno rocery uce i l ot o d ern w d d d o o s t f t 2 is where you intendto t the lawnhasslowed down, then in t tostar requires sotry considerableeffort, spring, If S i b f n asing h oot h 50 square feet,myadviceisto TART INTHEFAL TART ack h you start a you start e grass.Spraying an e so tome.For asma h e y k d ard—from scratch,outoflawn itc f wit a k ll i l h ll e season.Here’s . Wait unti en gar ing t h a g h g ar L ar e grasswit d d en inmyPennsy d en spa en g l t ll row foodseemsfool h h gar er f e active growt rom b d h ici h d e. ow I I ow out en, sayun d l e ongroun awn int j ust stripof h g d er et rido i d b l ici it. vani h d d — o he e e d a r s - t f f f i pieces o W d m w i s o o i i n ng t n one nc n hould beabletowork down four toei n ther. Whilethefirstcoupleofpasseswill eed atwo-stepstrate i it g il” plasticworks bestandisavailable in ff ei l For a A h h t y c erent sizes atmost g es—t

h h fter rototillin bl ht itdown well withloosebrickso e winter, t h e area, ma d ac op upt f irection, t

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p e o d b l ept er soit h yet e so h k en h in h h g d y o , cover the entire spac en inanot d g en, suc l l ene. T mu , i f eave itunti d t g f oesn’t h y. Start by rototill- you e tines. h l tip ar h h d k asmine,yo l e t bl e passes, h eep atit,you ware stores. er, t ow o ow h l ic spring. k h er, “six ff en an-

d f g irs ur . ht u e r - t

ROB CARDILLO early Oct. 2004

mid-Oct. 2004 July 2005

When the author moved into his Pennsylvania home in 2004, the property consisted of a house, shed, and typical expanse of lawn. In order to create his kitchen garden, he rototilled the ground in the fall, top left, and covered those areas with black plastic held in place with bricks and pieces of wood for the winter, center left. The plastic served both to discourage the regrowth of weeds and grass and prevented the soil beneath from becoming too wet. In the spring, after removing the plastic, paths and planting beds were laid out, bottom left. The author planted the gardens intensively, as shown above in full production later in the season. Spacing plants closely minimizes the area where weeds can grow, thus reducing maintenance. Apr. 2005 Opposite: The author enjoys the payoff—a bumper harvest of fresh, organic vegetables, including green onions, peppers, and a variety of tomatoes.

Over the course of the fall, the black can be moved from bed to bed without a three sections that I subdivided into a total plastic will catch the heat of the sun, raise lot of tinkering. Visualize how your space of 25 beds, which gave me a wide range of the temperature of the soil, and cause the can be subdivided into manageable units. planting and rotation options. chopped sod pieces to regrow. But, de- Rectangular growing beds should be nar- prived of sunlight by the plastic, they will row enough for you to be able to reach the SPRING GARDEN PREPARATION use up their energy reserves and die, then center from the path on either side, and If you have a strong back and the weath- rot. Because the plastic also sheds water, generally no more than four paces long; er cooperates, it’s possible to prepare a come spring you’ll have a relatively easy this means from three to four feet wide and 250-square-foot garden in an afternoon. job of preparing the garden for planting, eight to 12 feet long. Even if your garden is If it’s any larger than that, you might even if the rest of the yard is still soggy going to be in an irregular spot, or you want to spread the job over several and cold. want to have beds that are not rectilinear, days—or hire some local teenagers. Ei- it still pays to make them modular. ther way, the process is straightforward. WINTER DESIGN AND PLANNING My new garden was basically a pair of First, mark out and create the perma- ) 4

( One of the key elements of an attractive rectangles, one with a tapered side. I made nent paths. If you plan to take a two- and efficient kitchen garden is modularity: two permanent paths: one lined up with wheeled cart into the garden, make sure Make as many of the planting beds as pos- the door of a shed at the rear, where the ta- the paths are wide enough to accommo- sible similar in shape and size. That way, pered side began, and the other bisecting date it. For foot traffic or a wheelbarrow, HEPHERD OGDEN S trellises, row covers, and other equipment the remaining, larger space. This yielded three feet is a good size—a single sheet of

March / April 2006 39 4 usin cu lined withtwo-b sixes ifyou wanta an mu one-by-ei string Wh w four-foot landsca comp cover a of path;acubicyard ofloosemulchwil manent, wee w screwe f w ing more t t lay down thelandsca o packed soilbeneathwillbecomethebas w w o pat cross-pieces well. worksFold very theed t beneath tokeepthemfrom distortin Outlined withtwo-b rom t h h 0 f f ee it hat willbecomebeds it it t your pat e pat e b d Once the Now fillthes Once themain, h h h h h dd l ic t d en you’ve sett g oosene

wa o e wee in t the American Gardene h h contro aflat-backshovel, takethesoilfrom f l l ar y. For at ff h en t oot o ete, you canprepare t ines to h b d e weig set notc ll d -wa out 25 h ornai s an woo e d g h h h d ht orascrapofplywoo matupover t p e cross-pieces. T ll f an two- l . soi mu d at oncet d s p d d - h stap l ath hasbeenshoveled out h f f emarcate engt

t o l h b h ree pat eet o l s e you roto-ti l ar e ree- c d y p y p d h f h p -fours, g -fours, aboveleft,andmulchedwithbarkoverlandsca tot k ace between thewall t l ace an en h e h e tot

reater mulchdepth b e fabricwill mu f p f h e wise a f or eac y- l pat ermanent ocation o oot-wi e soi p h p d p f e fabric.Next, la h at t s an ours—or two- l ace. Remove only b c h e h h h h d h ot y e outsi at wi l . e outsi b l isconstructe h int

ou’ll needone ong f d d h ll h ottom o or asemi- running running d across-piece e um ese are not r si h d e ll h d f e growing ; t b p t never p e es. T p d ot d at h h p aths ar itonto e. b e o e e rovide h h e h si p d out- f f h f t ar p at s. A t oo b d en, g g er — h h h- d- h d y- es es et d g y e e e e s - t . , , l M main paths:Mark theed T mat. Once eachsprin p a solidbaseforthe b dump theloose,tilledsoilonad out a n b b e e iled directly onthesoil,withoutawee e in ulch aroundthese ‘Tri-Star’strawberriessu h d d d M e process issimi g toincrease its s, wit s. In m perpendiculartothemainpaths. u p l c at h h h

one- f wit y or t case,t h f h oot a ese secon d l p ar tot fl ept h ath p g at- e at , as new mulchma , asnew p y h . e fabric,themain h g b were aserieso w es withlines,di s ac h b at use h d k etween, run- i ary ary s l e provi p a d p d

at f e, an j or t acen h d s is in h d d g g e p - t f aths pp your mower t t th th d b t t mess c resses weedsand reduceswaterloss. he contentsofthepathon eria her reserve as her reserve p he next,oncethe l ecomposed, provides thevast ma e ippings rovide eas e nutrientsnee at I d For thismulch,Iuse s. T l

b b y mowing one k ecomes avai h eep is organicmateria d y ai accesstothebeds,aboveri f l h rom rottin y unti as aco p ot tofluffthecollected d e d l y l a

t have driedout.If f bl ll or d h ection system,ei- e, I ay an ey b g g um intoa d rass clippin l l , now most ry, orsprea i k d p e to ra er cro g k j rowin ority o ing up g d ooey ump p s. g gs ht. l d g y f

TOP LEFT AND BOTTOM: SHEPHERD OGDEN. TOP RIGHT: ROB CARDILLO them in thin layers so they dry in place. The surface of the growing bed will like- ly be six to eight inches above the soil in the path, so that is the depth to shoot for with your organic mulch. Over the course of the season, it will pack down to an impermeable inch or so that will stop weeds in their tracks. Once the rough form of the beds is cre- ated, break up any remaining soil clods, spread fertilizer or soil amendments as rec- ommended by a soil test, then smooth and shape the surface with a stiff-tined rake. Whether you proceed one bed at a time or do them all at once, at this point you are ready to plant. OTHER GARDEN INFRASTRUCTURE Before planting, it makes sense to think about how to get the most out of your planting plan. In traditional farm gardens, where single rows of vegetables are sepa- rated by tillable inter-rows, fast-maturing bush-type plants make sense. You get the seed in the ground, get the crop up, har- vest once over, and replant. But in a small, intensively managed garden, larger plants that are trained to climb trellises will bear over a longer harvest period and con- tribute to a more aesthetic landscape. Consider trellises and other supports that fit your landscape style. I happen to like bamboo. Given the range of sizes and types of bamboo available, it is possible to build almost any kind of structure, and its natural appearance suits most gardens. Other supports, from wire enclosures to permanent arbors, can be equally effective. Whatever kind of trellis you choose, think Supports of all sizes can be inexpensively constructed from bamboo. Set supports in place long term: How will your crop rotation early in the season and train or allow plants to climb upward as they grow. plans figure into things, and will the trel- lises be easy to maintain? such as arugula, mustard, or cutting let- next page.) There are other practical pair- tuces, for example—plan “succession” ings of crops. Basil plants, for example, fit GROWING TIPS plantings, where you plant the seed, har- easily along the edge of a bed of peppers, Consider carefully both the size of the vest the crop, and replant several times a eggplants, or determinate tomatoes; and garden and what crops you want most. I season. These can be scattered here and cool-weather greens thrive beneath bean or grow things that are expensive in the there, where there’s space close to the cucumber trellises, where they benefit market but easy to grow, such as shallots, paths so you can pick just what you need from the shade of those heat lovers. leeks, and celeriac (celery root), as well as just when you need it! Finally, keep in mind that the condi- favorite varieties of commonly available For long-season crops, such as leeks or tions you supply affect the taste and nutri- vegetables, such as heirloom tomatoes celeriac, you can “companion plant” other tion of the crops you grow—a key reason that don’t ship or store well. crops in the same bed that use the space the to grow your own instead of buying your Work out a schedule of planting that main crop only needs later in its growth vegetables at the market. Beneath floating N keeps the garden producing, just as you period. This approach uses space more ef- row covers—fabric or plastic sheeting used would plan the bloom schedule of a ficiently and reduces the amount of open to protect plants from frost—the flavor of perennial garden. With short-season crops space in the garden that needs to be kept piquant salad greens is mellowed and their HEPHERD OGDE

S such as spinach and other salad greens— weed free. (See “Sample Crop Plans” on leaves are more tender and less affected by

March / April 2006 41 insects. Melons and tomatoes grown on trellises are more resistant to diseases that spread rapidly in humid conditions, and if you can reduce their water supply once the fruit has started to ripen, they will be much more flavorful. Other crops, such as carrots and Brussels sprouts, only develop their prime flavor in the fall, when low temper- atures trigger the creation of plant sugars.

SAMPLE CROP PLANS The fall harvest from the author’s garden You’ll get the most out of your kitchen garden if you match plants that either grow well included beets, daikon, turnips, and Brussels together or grow at different times of the year. Timing will vary according to where you sprouts. Although his garden is primarily live, but the relationships stay the same. Here are some combinations and successions devoted to vegetables, the author found room that have worked well for me in three-foot-wide beds. —S.O. for a few zinnias and other cutting flowers.

Sample Bed 1: Lengthwise, plant three rows as soon as the ground can be worked in So why fight the traffic and crowds at spring. In the center, peas; on the sides, arugula, spinach, pak choi, or kohlrabi. Trel- the market just to buy the same old veg- lis the peas, and harvest the side rows as the pea plants get larger. When the peas are gies? Instead, take that time and enjoy the finished, plant beets or turnips in the center and carrots on the sides. quiet of your garden in the evening. Munch a zesty radish or nibble on a crisp Sample Bed 2: In early spring, transplant leeks lengthwise down the center of a bed. fresh snow pea while you are picking your Sow carrots, lettuces, and scallions on both sides (you can also use shallots, onion dinner, and daydream about what’s going sets, or seedlings). When they are harvested, use the soil from the edges to hill the to go into the next bed when that bumper leeks. This same process works well with celery root in the center. crop of spinach comes out. You’ve planned and built a productive, low-maintenance Sample Bed 3: After the last-frost date, plant a row of pole beans or cucumbers vegetable and flower machine in your own lengthwise down each edge of the bed and a row of lettuce, salad greens, or dill backyard, and now it’s payout time! down the center. Make a tepee-style trellis for the beans or cucumbers to climb; As that first of all foodies, Epicurus, they will shade the greens beneath, extending the season into midsummer. might have said: Have fun, eat well, and know you’ve got it made.  Sample Bed 4: Set a row of eggplant or pepper seedlings two feet apart down the center of the bed, with the first plant one foot from the end. Starting two feet from Shepherd Ogden is Director of Heritage Or- the end, and six inches in from the edge, set basil or parsley plants every two feet ganics, a Pennsylvania corporation dedicat- ) 2 so that they are equidistant between the plants in the center row. Harvest the ed to sustainable agriculture. He is the ( herbs regularly so they don’t flower and go to seed too quickly. author of several books, including Step by Step Organic Flower Gardening and The OB CARDILLO

New American Kitchen Garden. R

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Setting the standard in gardening reference Available wherever books are sold • For more great ideas visit www.dk.com and sign up for our FREE newsletter 44 by W IPM Press, 2004),Cranshaw recently s the b you termine amana l rio trols. For example,tomana w cyc com t causeofplantdama to findthetrue g cause plants. For example,wiltin of Wh d Lynda DeWitt: many t are t caused by root diseasesorsoilproblems. So attention, but in important ascorrectimportant i e sects are o arge in h gg ar eners needto een incorporate h e p d L d Once you A en itismostsuscepti l s; withscaleinsects,thecritical pe roblems isbasic.Insects are onlyoneof hitney Cranshaw,Entomologist p itney Crans e an isatt h eners nee b ssessin h the American Gardener p ro y ave tocatc d ine e b o nda DeWit

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TOP: COURTESY OF STEVE NEWMAN / COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF HORTICULTURE AND LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE; BOTTOM: COURTESY OF WHITNEY CRANSHAW grant institution (a state university). I Cranshaw introduces the suggest contacting local Cooperative fascinating world of

E Extension offices, the outreach arm of insects to a group of Cub the land grant universities, for leads. Scouts. “I was always Most Extension services have prepared interested in natural materials that can be accessed online history as a kid,” says and many incorporate IPM training in Cranshaw. A college gardening classes. class sealed his interest There are many books on the subject. in insects, “particularly,” A recent one is IPM for Gardeners [by says Cranshaw, “after I Raymond A. Cloyd, Philip L. Nixon, got to look at them under and Nancy R. Pataky, Timber Press, the microscope.” Portland,Oregon, 2004]. My book, Pests of the West [Fulcrum Press, Boulder, Col- orado, 1992], incorporates IPM practices throughout.

What do you see as the most serious insect pest facing us today? America, it could devastate ash trees (Frax- country. Currently, it is found over much Exotic pests establishing in North Amer- inus spp.) much the same way that Dutch of the northeastern quadrant of the Unit- ica. We already are overrun with insects elm disease did to American elms (Ulmus ed States, where it is modestly damaging. of European origin. Now we are inadver- americana) in a previous generation. There However, it is particularly threatening to tently acquiring many from Asia. have been no breakthroughs in biological dry turfgrass sites, which predominate in Many entomologists would rate the controls for this pest. many arid western states.  emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis Fair- I am also very worried about European maire) to be the most serious new insect chafer (Rhizotrogus majalis) as a potential Freelance writer Lynda DeWitt lives in

OURTESY OF STEVE NEWMAN / UNIVERSITY COLORADO DEPARTMENT HORTICULTURE AND LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTUR pest. Based on its brief experience in North turfgrass pest in the western part of the Bethesda, Maryland. C

March / April 2006 45 46 Southern Prairies s ment, souri rooted Kansas mix ofplantsforyour habitat p and smallmammals,en A i l t pl Bir S f t h h i “ ciety can p t preserves f b h shr t orado Mexico ofthepanhandle),easternNewportion t C port eac port prairies andplains.Thearea includescen- gion. Aswit provi and tall HABITAT N arge, pyrami n sprin oo t c ra ound intall o ures at10to15 h opsoi Resources,” oppositepage) MALL-GARDEN TREA lum ut remnants o ere willhelpyou reserves andyourreserves localnative ave si abitat plantin t ant smoot ru l b l Prior toEuro A A d d an u ative plantsprovidenectar, east 32specieso h ui b s wi an not lthou bs an , the American Gardener d a an , s, an ( ld d Kansas ll e Prunus mexicana l g l g , d ivestoc t west Texas (except , enging torecommen aswell asinarboreta andnatur g nificantly altered theplantscape g h communitieso f rasses anchored andhelpedbuild t ll d h th and soilconditionscharacteriz H s oo rass prairiesdominatedthere- andflamin h er attractive sma

h t ot h g fl h d d ALLENGING WEATHE e region at supporte h the e sout h h thesize ofthere e d oc

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ei s, aswe t oy itsfruit. e region. T f ll pl w h e l o tree isMexica l f gh ants su ; h d -green ement, s hich bearsfra- d or t ants t someo y u f d en w e growt e maximu stems can . O t an man settle- agricu h g b g h d e sout ion makes ra arden (se kl g e wester ll p speci e infall h h ) d a as lant so h gg . fl h at su en yo sport

f e It f owers t oma. d Co h este l l h h h m h b eep- arg tur ort- ern ose em o est f G be p m a i l- n n R u d c e e e e e r s - - - f , . T (Rhus glabra) (Rhus The blue- grant t w attractsavariet blossoms anditsfruit f olerant anacua,orsand h i ruit, andseeds ruit, e ldl n ecta i f fl e. I owers ear r-f f g you i reen leavesof smoothsuma ll ed t urn bri fl l ive inTexas, try l o y inspring.Bees w e g r s ht redinautumn.

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TOP: DAVID CAVAGNARO. BOTTOM: MARK TURNER COLOR ME NATIVE Daisylike Verbesina species bloom Native Penstemon and Salvia species are from July into October, adding their Resources big winners in the summer habitat gar- cheerful radiance to the fall landscape. In den. Not only do they attract a variety of the Midwest, drought-tolerant golden PLANT SOCIETIES bees, moths, butterflies, and humming- crownbeard (Verbesina encelioides) and Colorado Native Plant Society, birds, but they are also showy and yellow crownbeard (V. helianthoides) www.conps.org. drought-tolerant. Popular Texas penste- quickly cover bare ground and help an- mons include P. barbatus, P. cardinalis,P. chor perennials and grasses. In Texas, try Kansas Native Plant Society, havardii, and P. secundiflorus. In southeast white-flowered frostweed (V. virginica). www.kansasnativeplantsociety.org. Colorado, try P. secundiflorus and P. virens, and in the Midwest, plant P. cobaea and P. Missouri Native Plant Society, www. digitalis. Small-flowered P. ambiguus, a missouri.edu/~umo_herb/monps/. pollinator magnet, is native throughout the prairies and plains region. Native Plant Society of New Mexico, Colorful salvias are premium hum- http://npsnm.unm.edu. mingbird attractors. Salvia farinacea is native to Texas, New Mexico, and Okla- Native Plant Society of Texas, homa; S. greggii and S. regla also are Texas www.npsot.org. natives. Blue, or pitcher sage (Salvia azurea var. grandiflora) blooms from July Oklahoma Native Plant Society, through October and attracts bumblebees www.usao.edu/~onps/. and hummingbirds. Other summer prairie garden favorites PUBLIC GARDENS include several species of coneflowers Dyck Arboretum, Hesston College, (Echinacea spp.) and black- or brown- Hesston, Kansas. eyed Susans (Rudbeckia spp.). Echinacea Summer-blooming Verbesina encelioides is www.dyckarboretum.org. purpurea, E. pallida, and E. paradoxa also known as the butter daisy. bear purple, pink, or yellow daisylike The Shaw Nature Reserve, Missouri flower heads on erect stems. With flowers A WORLD OF GRASSES Botanical Garden, Gray Summit, of similar form in shades of yellow and or- Grasses such as the bluestems (Andropogon Missouri. www.shawnature.org. ange, Rudbeckia hirta, R. triloba, and R. and Schizachyrium spp.), gramas (Boute- fulgida bloom from summer to autumn. loua spp.), rye- and wheatgrass (Elymus BOOKS Butterflies sip nectar from all these species, spp.), switchgrass (Panicum spp.), feather- Native Texas Plants, 2nd edition, by and birds eat their seeds in fall and winter, grass (Nassella and Hesperostipa spp.), and Sally and Andy Wasowski. Gulf so don’t deadhead their flowers. Beebalm a host of others add movement, depth, Publishing Company, Houston, (Monarda fistulosa) and lemon mint (M. and visual weight to your habitat garden. Texas, 1997. citriodora) appreciate a partly shaded spot, Grasses weave plants together and help where they attract a variety of pollinators. support taller perennials. They also pro- A Practical Guide to Prairie Recon- If you enjoy vining plants, try maypop vide shelter for ground-feeding and nest- struction by Carl Kurtz. University of (Passiflora incarnata), which is a food ing birds and small mammals. Iowa Press, Iowa City, Iowa, 2001. source for the larvae of the Gulf fritillary In Texas gumbo or sandy soils, try Gulf butterfly. Be careful where you site it, how- muhly (Muhlenbergia capillaris), which Sources ever, because it will spread aggressively. Mi- sports stunning, deep pink blooms in fall. grating hummingbirds sip nectar from In central Texas, use Lindheimer muhly High Country Gardens, Santa Fe, crossvine (Bignonia capreolata) and many (M. lindheimeri) as an accent plant in NM. (800) 925-9387. birds enjoy the fruits of white limestone place of invasive, non-native pampas grass. www.highcountrygardens.com. honeysuckle (Lonicera albiflora). In Colorado, try mountain muhly (M. As summer shifts into fall, ironweeds montana). For Midwest gardens, choose Missouri Wildflowers Nursery, Jeffer- and goldenrods take center stage. Wool- M. mexicana and M. cuspidata. son City, MO. (573) 496-3492. ly ironweed (Vernonia lindheimeri) and Finally, Indiangrass (Sorghastrum nu- www.mowildflowers.net. western ironweed (V. baldwinii) are tans) is one of my favorites for a tallgrass hardy, drought-tolerant plants that bear prairie garden, with its showy, blue-green Native American Seed, Junction, TX. purplish-pink flowers that are stunning blades and golden fall flowers.  (800) 728-4043. when teamed with showy goldenrod www.seedsource.com. N (Solidago speciosa) or rigid goldenrod Joanne Turner Wolfe is a contributing edi- (Oligoneuron rigidum var. rigidum, syn. tor for The American Gardener and a key ILL JOHNSO

B S. rigida). voice in the habitat gardening movement.

March / April 2006 47 4 in red rose hipsthatlastintowinter. Grow- autumn. It can USDA Har more regiona Sh Zo l I k b T its 2006 an t se t N g promote top-per g g o A 2 o P t spring orear r in s c c spp.). This Rosa glauca Rosa eaves t ant toblacks t has hat are reliabl he Nebraska Statewide Arboretum. I u up-shaped flowers thatbloominsprin 8 i 006 er rams have sprun ram, a ional climatesandsoils,more and a f f re erennia s gardeners are becomingmore awar d l ursery &Lan ursery

g t b Horticultural NewsandResearch ImportanttoAmericanGardeners l d ects an d ru n g ine-to One exam uptosix uous ri e h h ornamenta ii) i es : AWARD-WINNING PLANT ff the American Gardene e nee f b a C olia) g . erent soi

d : Thiss 8 ray, scalybark andsharp-toothe h h es o R –2 at turnye p l pl in j e d erant an . l oint e d lants oftheyear. . dl : promotes exceptiona ants k g Fra d tousep f roup ofclump-formin a ea f

iness Zones 4–8,AHS Heat Pas l p eet ta l p p y summerare p aven ecies isoneofthemore al ll f g l in oa le istheGreatPlants y typesan rose ot. Zones 2–8,8–1. ll rant pinkflowers inlat d y-speci hard h q g ff y wort f sca row upto50feettall. as ue d orming p g ll ort o ort ll d uptoreco

ow topa , itto f k l er, re f p ( aster-growing oa ants a ( ern Rosa g fl y e Associationan , eas Q ower h f f d ic awar uercus mue t l w l is i d erates avariety k h h S d y , pin l l e auca, i e Ne h r ants. f tocare for apte l l e orangein o e. Here ar l ig ( eaves an ll g Pu hl nize and owe k d d l b l y resis- p s , s pro tore sati y g ras bl hl l n d p , de ant . ue

en- ro- k ll b ka R. s d d d g a y e e e s - - - - t , , . NATI Re v g r s i c G 4–7, 7–1. t an t A 1 H v 5 “ A v I T G on thecover ofthisissue. (CBG), t up tofourfeettall.Silveryplumesappea n all andprefer awell-drained site.Zone Miscanthus sinensis sinensis Miscanthus ‘Autumn Red’ anthus sinensi o develo 5 are trikin nstitute o 0), andtheUniversit Peop isit o ersity Researc iona ices, theChica ARDEN GR G merican Plant Collections Consorti ssociation (formerl hanks toathree-year rass istory Museumistory are collaboratin b d d T l otanic ARD ate summeran ly O w ’). T o seein NAL PLANT DATABA PLANT NAL se l u : l awar h e an g r we ‘Autumn Re ite. T lf reddish oran h -sows. Zones 4–9,9–1. h p E is c g OU C e AmericanPu

f d b ar f PlantCollections d Museum an ormation onmanyot P site P -winnin l d s h ump- S l en mem v ey grow upto18inc PARTNER PARTNER aces int a h ( r Centeran www.a . g p f o BotanicGarden d d ur var. orming grassgrows ’ miscant y t g y S p theAABGA,see g p b ofKansasBiodi- h E urascens e inautumn.I h purpurascens ers o h e g O l d e News,” page s.org) ants rant from the N l Li bl eaves turn , E ic Gar f d t b a f h B n h Natura rary Ser- rary a or 2006 ‘ Autumn us n e Nort OO at d h g ( i c with er re- d o Mis- l u ens h K n ic m es a h k a r s t , l l more t formation painstakin Boyce Tan catin Germany, database systemforplantinformation. among t t l w l Plant botanic entere count forasignificant amount(upto30 s b g b credits forplantin t cord onclimatechan wh t cited to v s i l “ q s When thejournal ANDCLIMATECHANGE PLANTS e fyin tance toenvironmenta locatin conservation, w w cordin cessible—often even tothestaff,” sa other iving p ic an ieve are contri he K n o helpcontrol hi titute tories su tu g ff reenhouse ironmental y Frank Keppler oftheMax Planck In on sin uantities o ill openthedoorsfor i i g reenhouse” ll ll ects o s W “ I I ic d —numerous hi inf

n somecases,t n t For too g b y initsJanuary 12,2006 issuein p h y invasive tendencies, studyin g C h e d rovi p isanintegra oto treat h d t h f en com g scienti ollection f o ractical a or Nuc l k e stu ree an h intop an 150 countries participating i an 150countriesparticipating toTankersley, h ant q g rm s,” orreceptac dd f em— ardens inac- hasbeenvirtually uestion theuseofreforestation at p d c f e vita k at g en l oun d l d ong, t f ers as emissions. imate c i v ocumentation. “T met y, agroup o l d o pl f l l y illains. ants pro h y casttrees as ic comm ear P g g accessi s n l —the United States isnot l b ant recor d ete a reenhouse pp ey, project ases thatscientistsbe- and CBG’s mana . l uting tog d ” g t in h h h l forests to serve as“car- forests toserve esta lications d part o part h e stu ane—one o e treasure trove o h N f , t at p g ormation ysics inHei h g g ature e. Governments of h bl plantswithresis g l bl ange, an h-profile news extremes, i d d l e on ly collectedan u es e toanyone. Ac- Plant is l y’s uce si f ants mig f nities toacces d researc h t f g

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COURTESY OF UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA (2) percent) of atmospheric methane. Attractive curved beds planted with a Emissions levels appeared to increase variety of trees, shrubs, and flowers with higher temperatures. add value to a home. Keppler and his colleagues, del- uged with inquiries from reporters, large and varied plants and colored scientists, and others, issued a state- hardscapes such as brick or stone. ment maintaining that plants were These attributes increased perceived not to blame for climate change and property values by 5.5 to 11.4 per- the effects of their emissions were cent. Conversely, less-developed minimal compared with the overall gardens, with small plants and less benefits of reforestation. More re- sophisticated designs featuring only search, they said, was needed, espe- foundation plantings, detracted cially on variations in emissions due from perceived values by an average to plant type and environmental con- of 2.1 percent. Design sophistica- ditions. But any impact of these tion—curved bed lines as opposed emissions was part of the natural to straight ones, for example, and greenhouse effect, they stated, and island beds—mattered most to not part of “the recent temperature buyers, followed by plant size and increase known as global warming.” the type of plants used. Earlier research on this issue, GOOD GARDENS ENHANCE the September 2005 issue of the Journal of using the same methodology, had shown PROPERTY VALUES Environmental Horticulture, analyzed con- similar perceptions of property values but New research by Michigan State Universi- sumer attitudes to plant selection, plant indicated that plant size was the most im- ty professor Bridget Behe and colleagues size, and design sophistication. portant attribute. The authors of the reveals that the time and energy invested in Data collected in seven eastern and more recent study speculated that in the garden can pay off when it’s time to sell central states consistently showed a pref- Michigan, where the earlier data were ERRY PAVIA J the house. The study, which appeared in erence for sophisticated designs using collected, and in other colder climates

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March / April 2006 49 50 S co ier for servation an servation in recently be p ural landscapingisaboutandto teachpeo- e W E l Unite Beauties collectiontoeachre partners cate l g exp t call attentiontothesenative in eries,” saysTim Kane,sa and ‘hidden’ throu native perennials,shrubs, and To N Lebanon easier t See BRANDIN p is more hi wh T aroun o proceeds will Northeast andmid-Atlantic re (NWF), Pri tween theNational Wildlife Federation ca ogo. T earn more h d COSC reen potsemblazoned withthebrand’ h f l l h aces, w urseries o e t g eir ll ucation an ll ild Ones is anon a g This sprin Since re native plantsvary Look fortheseplants ere p e AmericanBeauties k mana h d l ection o e h g ether, theyhave created apro ains Kane. ing outnative p d e,” an ese the American Gardene ories ca ow to practiceit,t d b d APING F AmericanBeauties d epen ene h States ast g h pl 100varieties o l ey wi ardeners tomake G g h ants an , h ants Connecticut NATIVE PLANT NATIVE ar ip p g f d ere p , k g its visi er forPrides CornerFarms. g d “Moist Sun.” A f d f d ll s to a new co s toanew hly prized thaninwarme Lan outstan d an offerin en centersa g ll e O ent gar e g g l a f d row more s

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LINDA MCINTYRE Good Grips Gel-e Trowel and the com- pany’s narrower transplanting trowel fea- Sources for Tools ture cushioned, non-slip handles and calibrated stainless steel blades so you can Florian Garden Tools & Accessories, monitor the depth of your hole. (800) 275-3618. If your wrists tire easily, consider a www.floriantools.com. trowel with a blade that is bent at a right angle to the handle, like the Wristsaver The Garden Hardware Company, from Florian Tools. It is equipped with a (888) 476-4426. comfortable grip and an arm support de- www.gardenhardware.com. signed to employ the larger arm and shoulder muscles so that the wrist doesn’t Index Innovations, Inc., (800) 735- do all the work. 4815. www.circlehoe.com. Certain gardening chores rate special- A Korean hand plow, or Ho-Mi digger, can ized tools: For planting bulbs in an estab- be used to plant as well as weed. Johnny's Selected Seeds, (877) 564- lished bed or lawn, nothing beats a bulb 6697. www.johnnyseeds.com. planter. Its cylindrical blade cuts out a core etable row. Hand forks or cultivators are of soil so you can drop in your bulb and great for digging out weeds—roots and Lee Valley Tools Ltd., (800) 871-8158. all. Deep-rooted weeds may require a dan- www.leevalley.com. delion weeder or asparagus knife, which has a long, narrow shaft that is notched at OXO. www.oxo.com. Available through the end. This tool, which looks something many catalogs and major retailers. like a screwdriver with a fish-tail tip, is very useful for digging up weeds without much soil disturbance. The idea is to in- shapesshapes—l linear,inear, circucircular,lar, or triangtriangular.ular. TheThe sert the weeder alongside the taproot and two hand-held sizes of the Circlehoe ©, twist it to loosen the root, allowing you to available from Index Innovations, are de- pull out the entire weed, root and all. signed for weeding in tight spaces. The For weeding between pavers, a nar- dulled leading edges effectively push a row, sturdy blade is required. Lee Valley plant's foliage out of harm’s way while the Tools offers the crack weeder with its lower sharpened edge can cut through E sharp pointed, right-angled, hardened weeds very close to the plant’s stem. steel blade. Unless transplanting is the main task A variety of garden knives—sometimes of the day, I have found that I can often identified as Dutch, Korean, or Japanese do without my trowel; instead I carry a garden knives—make quick work of cut- triangular hand hoe for the dual purpose ting weeds off at the roots so you can get of digging and weeding. Johnny’s Select- very close to your plants. Sharpen the blade ed Seeds offers a model that is light- of these tools regularly for best results. weight, well balanced, and very sharp. Its The T-shaped handle of this dibble reduces Also effective for slicing weeds down to blade narrows to a pointed tip so you can strain on hands when planting holes. the ground are hand hoes that are available work close to plant stems, and its wider with blades in a variety of sizes and end is useful for digging small holes or replace the soil without disturbing nearby trenching seed rows. plants or digging up your lawn. Similarly, the Korean hand plow— To make lots of small holes for trans- sometimes called a Ho-Mi digger—func- plants, a dibble is just the thing. Its han- tions both as a trowel and a cultivating dle is usually T-shaped and its sharp tool, with its curved neck and long, sharply business end penetrates soil easily. By ro- pointed blade. Garden Hardware Compa- tating the dibble in a circular pattern, ny, and Lee Valley offer similar versions. you can widen the hole to accommodate The selection of gardening tools is high- the roots of your seedling. ly personal. For the most satisfying results, take into account the specific jobs at hand HAND WEEDERS as well as the size, strength, and mobility of Unlike long-handled hoes or cultivators the hands that will perform those jobs.  that address weeds on a grand scale, hand weeders are meant for fine tuning the The unique design of the Circlehoe enables Rita Pelczar is a contributing editor for The

LEFT: COURTESY OF JOHNNY’S SELECTED SEEDS. TOP RIGHT: LEE VALLEY TOOLS. BOTTOM LINDA MCINTYR weed issues in your flower bed or veg- you to weed in close proximity to plants. American Gardener.

March / April 2006 53 BOOKC REVIEWS

Recommendations for Your Gardening Library

Outside the Not So Big House: “Outside Up-Close” sidebars explain search program on the systematics of cul- Creating the Landscape of Home practical ideas for planting and hardscape tivated ornamental plants, with a special Julie Moir Messervy and Sarah Susanka. design. Featured side-by-side in each emphasis on Begonia. (In the interest of Taunton Press, Newtown, Connecticut, 2006. chapter, “Outside Parallels” and “Inside full disclosure, I served as director of spe- 216 pages. Publisher’s price, hardcover: Parallels” show how interior and exterior cial projects at BBG from 1985 to 1992.) $34.95. design choices can mirror each other. Tebbitt’s monograph is the first on the The photography enhances these lessons, subject since Alphonse de Candolle’s IN THIS NEW book by award-winning as in Messervy’s Asian-style landscape for published in 1864, and it couldn’t come landscape designer Julie MoirMoir MesservyM a renovated ranch house near Boston. at a better time. Begonias are enjoying a and best-selling author-architect Sarah She designed circular “windows” for an renaissance as both house and garden Susanka, the outdoor teahouse, providing as much sat- plants. Some of the notable and popular visionary duo isfaction for the owner as the home’s begonias this book describes are: shows home- “framed openings” (open doorways) that • B. grandis, a hardy species native to owners and highlight views toward a circular Zen- China. Tebbitt, who notes that it “sur- profo essionals like gravel area in the front yard. vives winter temperaturestemperature down to 19ºF how to break The takeaway from this well-written (-7ºC)” at BBG, down design and practically-illustrated book resonatees maay be surprised barriers be- with anyone who “lives” in their gaarden: to hear that B. tween a home “When inside and outside are designned as grandis has been and its surroundings. They calll this uni- one, the results can inspire you on a dailyy thriving in my fied design concept ““thethe llandscan cape of basis, feeding your spirit, and allowinng you Iowa garden for home.”home.” Susanka, famous for her ““Not So to truly delight in the natural world with- nine years, where Big” book series, blends her views with out having to go outside to do so.” winter routinely Messervy’s compelling ideas for extend- —Debra Prinzingng brings us deep- ing a home beyond four walls and into freeze tempera- the landscape. Debra Prinzing is the “NW Style” columnist tures that make his low seeem balmy. Illustrated by 20 diverse residential pro- for the Seattle Post-Intelligencer and authoauthoror • B. prismatocarpa, a yellow-floweredy jects, Outside the Not So Big House is orga- of The Abundant Garden (Cool Springs miniature first collected on the West nized into four themes: Site (embracing Press, 2005). African island of Bioko by Gustav Mann the habitat of home), Flow (composing in 1861. Since then it has proved to be one journeys), Frames (linking the inside with Begonias: Cultivation, Identification, of the best flowering plants ever intro- the out), and Details (crafting the elements and Natural History duced for growing in a terrarium. of nature). Within each category, Messervy Mark C. Tebbitt. Timber Press (published in • Fancy-leaf rex begonias and the and Susanka describe how “Not So Big” association with Brooklyn Botanic Garden), angel wings that grow on canelike stems concepts such as “variations on a theme,” Portland, Oregon, 2005. 272 pages. Publish- are increasingly appreciated for the beau- “spatial layering,” and “shelter around ac- er’s price, hardcover: $34.95. ty they bring to shade gardens. tivity” are echoed inside and outside to cre- Bessie Raymond Buxton, whose pop- ate a well-integrated design. IN AN AGE when gardening books brim ular book Begonias and How To Grow In a home and garden in California’s with ankle-deep information, Begonias is Them was published by the Macmillan Berkeley Hills, the idea of adjacent places a whole-body experience. If you like be- Company in 1946, wrote that if more for shelter and activities is well illustrated. gonias, this book has the power to make people grew begonias, the world would In the garden, a teak bench on its own you fall in love with them. And if you are be a better place. Amen! small terrace is backed up against the up- already a begonia lover, who knows —Elvin McDonald ward-facing slope of plantings, allowing where it could lead! the owner to enjoy views beyond. Indoors, Like Liberty Hyde Bailey, Tebbitt is a Elvin McDonald is the deputy garden editor a corner of the dining room is “sheltered” botanist with a keen appreciation for for Better Homes and Gardens. He also by window mullions, suggesting the pro- horticulture. At the Brooklyn Botanic serves on the editorial advisory board of The tection of a screened porch. Garden (BBG), Tebbitt manages a re- American Gardener.

54 the American Gardener The New Garden Paradise: showcases the work of some of today’s Great Private Gardens of the World most inspiring garden designers, including PARADISE Dominique Browning and the editors of House Piet Oudolf, Topher Delaney, Patrick & Garden. W.W. Norton & Company, New Chassé, Yoji Sasaki, and Isabelle Greene. York, New York, 2005. 464 pages. Publish- Resist the temptation to skip over the IN BLOOM er’s price, hardcover: $65. text and lose yourself in these displays of horticultural eye-candy. Storytelling, if IF YOU’RE LOOKING for a tome to only subliminally, can be just as essential stimulate ygyour garden-dreaming glands, to great gardens as is the creation of un- chkheck out TheThe NewNew GardenGard Parradise. Yes, forgettable visual imagery. Dominique it’s anotheer weighty Browning, a master storyteller (as revealed coffee-table book in two captivating collections of essays and fillede with images the introductory musings to each issue of of breathtaking gar- House & Garden) obviously made sure the dens. Nonetheless, book also focused on the stories and ideas sincce thee gardens that infuse these evocative gardens. profiled were cho- The tale of Andrew Cao stands out. sen for theeir design While the images of his California gar- sensibilities, which den might peg him as an innovator using are often translatable at ana y scala e, there’s new materials, the text reveals how his much to be gleaned hhereer beyond seeing passion to recreate the remembered beau- what you might be able to do if money ty of his native Vietnam led him on a per- were no object. sonal journey that seems mythic in its The book’s structure offers an intro- scope and moving in its results. ductory lesson in contemporary ap- Despite the profusion of beauty depict- proaches to garden design. Chapters are ed in these pages, I found myself wanting organized to illustrate “new” ways of inter- more—to enter and meander around these preting classicism, traditionalism, natural- spaces, to immerse myself in their sensory ism, cottage gardens, and modernism, as magic. It also made me want to get outside well as gardens inspired by personal visions and tinker in my own private paradise.  or a passion for plant collecting. The over- —Virginia Small all message is that there are limitless possi- Saving the Plants of the World bilities for expression in garden making— Virginia Small is a freelance writer, editor, BY ANTHONY HUXLEY with examples that range from lush and photographer, and speaker. She gardens in Foreword by Sir David Attenborough flamboyant to minimalist and serene. It Woodbury, Connecticut. Huxley’s magnificent global overview por- trays the beauty, diversity, and history of wild and cultivated plants, highlighting HILE GARDENERS wait impatiently for spring to begin in earnest, it’s their profound importance in our lives. $29.95 paperback W easy to forget that summer vacation season is just around the corner. Those planning to visit the Golden State or just dreaming of a trip there will want to have a look at the latest in the Insiders’ Guide Gardenwalks series. Native Treasures Gardenwalks in California, by Alice Joyce, features a Gardening With the Plants of diverse yet concise selection of destinations for the horti- California cultural tourist. Like recently-published Gardenwalks BY M. NEVIN SMITH guides to the mid-Atlantic and New England, this book of- Smith shares his years of experience fers useful, up-to-date information on public parks and at- growing native California plants in this tractions, botanic gardens, and arboreta. But Joyce, who lively, informative book. Native Treasures lives in California, seizes the opportunity to show readers combines Smith’s personal thoughts, all the huge and eclectic state has to offer, from winery gar- sometimes maverick opinions, and dens to specialty nurseries to the San Diego Wild Animal matchless expertise with practical advice. $24.95 paperback, $60.00 hardcover Park. She also includes a chapter on accommodations of particular interest to gardeners, and a helpful list of re- sources, including websites, periodicals, shops, and regular events. At bookstores or www.ucpress.edu All of this information is arranged in a user-friendly manner that makes Gar- denwalks in California the perfect traveling companion for those who want to sam- ple California’s horticultural riches. —Linda McIntyre, Editorial Intern

March / April 2006 55 GARCD OOKS

Gardening with Edible Plants

NYONE WHO HAS raised and eaten homegrown pro- flip side is that containers need to be duce knows the flavor, freshness, and fun it can provide. waatered more often than earth gar- A Edible plants are also a great way to involve children in dens—hence the importance of the gardening. One of my earliest horticultural experiences was help- selfl -watering element. In the book, ing my grandfather with his vegetable patch when I was a child. Smmith divulges his methods for get- It seemed magical that he could grow food right in his backyard, tingn the most out of a containerized and nothing tasted as delicious as those plump peas, crunchy car- vegetable garden, including his “se- rots, and tangy ground cherries that I helped to harvest. cret” potting soil mix, design ideas, Historically, growing one’s own food was a necessity, as Steve and harvesting tips, all accompanied Solomon points out inin GardeningGardeni When it Counts: Growing byy color photographs of his garden. A Foodo in Hardr Times (New Soci- final section describes the vegetables, herbs, and edible flowers ety Publishers, 2006, $19.95). Pre- that do well in containers and includes details such as contain- dicting lean years ahead duee to er size,size recommended cultivars,cultivars and potential pests. pests risingn costs and dwindling re- For a comprehensive reference book on edible plants, there’s sources, Soloomon makes the case Vegetables, Herbs & Fruit: An Il- for raising food with time-tested lustrated Encyclopedia by Matthew techniques that require minimuumm Biggg s, Jekka McVicar, and Bob input to get maximum output. TTo Flowerdew (Firefly Books, 2006, help gardeners achieve this, he cov- $29.95). It contains information on ers topics suchc as essential tools aannd hundn reds of edible plants accompa- how to use them, composting, nied by more than 1,800 color pho- water strategies, and pests and ddiis- tographs and illustrations. Entries eases. Charts and sidebars suppple- include the origins and history of ment thethe texttext,, anandd llineine drawingsdrawingn s illustrateillustr salient concepptts. each plant, descriptions of recom- There’s also a chapter on “what to grow and how to grow it” that mended varieties, cultivation infor- describes various vegetables and their cultural requirements. mation, and companion plant In addition to providing food, a well-designed vegetable ggaar- suggestions as well as culinary, medicinal, and cosmetic uses. A den also can look beautiful. Taking inspiration from classic Eu- yearly calendar of garden tips and tasks is organized by season, ropeanroppean kitchen gardens, Designinging and a section devoted to general gardening practices such as the New Kitchen Garden: An crop rotation and site preparation complete the volume. Ammericanc Potager Handbook byy If yygou’d like to deviate from growingpg the usual suspects, 75 Jennifer Bartley (Timber Press, Excitinc g Vegetables for Your Garden 2006, $34.95) explains how to by Jack Staub (Gibbs Smith, 2005, achieve an edible garden witth $24.95) will provide plenty of alterna- mulu ti-seasonal appeal. It exploorees tivees. From Amaranth ‘Joseph’s Coat’ historical kitchen gardens and soomme to Zebra Hybrid Eggplant, this book contempm orary examples, and dee- introduces 75 “really superb vegetables scribes nine principles such as “enn- in current culture that are as exciting close the garden,” “design for thhe for their physical beauty as they are for counterpoint,”counterpoint,” anandd “consider“consider wwinter use” that are importannt their taste.” Staub’s lively writing style guidelines for creating a potager. The book includes several dee- maakes this not only a useful book, but signs by Bartley, accompanied by colo or sketches, as well as ideas alsoo an entertaining read. Along with for plant combinations for various design purposes. beautiful, old-fashioned watercolor il- ContainersCi can work kllf well for growing edibles, especiallyy foor lustrations by Ellen Buchert, you’ll those with limited space or time. In Incredible Vegetables frfromm find enticingenticing physicalphysical descriptions,descri practical growing tips, and Self-Watering Containers (Storey Publishing, 2006, $19.95),) fasc inati ng t idbits a bout t he geograp hic or ig ins an d histor ica l author Edward Smith writes, “Containers need little weeding uses of the plants. Staub even provides imaginative suggestions and no cultivating. Container plants are often less likely than for how to enjoy their unique flavors.  earth garden plants to be bothered by pests or diseases.” The —Viveka Neveln, Assistant Editor

56 the American Gardener REGIONALC HAPPENINGS

Horticultural Events from Around the Country

NORTHEAST AHS APR. 20–22. Friends of River Farm CT, MA, ME, NH, NY, RI, VT Events sponsored by or including official Spring Plant Sale. AHS members only on RAP participation by AHS or AHS staff members MAR. 25. Gardener’s Health Clinic. are identified with the AHS symbol. April 20. George Washington’s River Farm, Lecture and demonstration. Berkshire Alexandria, Virginia. (703) 768-5700. Botanical Garden. Stockbridge, Massa- www.ahs.org. chusetts. (413) 298-0826. Events hosted by botanical gardens and www.berkshirebotanical.org. arboreta that participate in AHS’s Reciprocal APR. 29. Eastern Shore Garden Tour. Spon- Admissions Program are identified with the sored by the Garden Club of the Eastern MAR. 22. An Affair with a Garden. Lecture. RAP symbol. Current AHS members showing a Shore as part of Historic Garden Week. Del- Wave Hill Friends of Horticulture. New York, valid membership card are eligible for free or marva Peninsula, Virginia. (757) 331-4662. New York. (718) 549-3200 ext. 216. discounted admission to the garden or other www.esgardentour.com. www.wavehill.org. benefits. Special events may not be included; AHS contact the host site for details or visit APRIL 30–MAY 3. Colonial Williamsburg MAR. 24. Capital District Garden and Flower ww.ahs.org/events/reciprocal_events.htm. Garden Symposium. Williamsburg, Virginia. Show. Troy, New York. (518) 786-1529. (800) 603-0948. www.colonialwilliams www.gardenandflowershow.com. burg.org. States Botanic Garden. Washington, D.C. APR. 20–23. International Orchid Show. New (202) 225-8333. www.usbg.gov. SOUTHEAST York, New York. (212) 332-6577. AL, FL, GA, KY, NC, SC, TN www.gnyos.org. MAR. 26. A Gardener’s Tale: The 18th Centu- ry World of Annapolis Silversmith William RAP MAR. 25 & 26. Spring Plant Sale. APR. 28–30. Daffodil Weekend. Nantucket, Faris. Opening of exhibition. Maryland His- Harry P. Leu Gardens. Orlando, Florida. Massachusetts. (508) 228-1700. torical Society. Annapolis, Maryland. (410) (407) 246-2620. www.leugardens.org. www.nantucketchamber.org. 685-3750 ext. 334. www.mdhs.org. RAP APR. 1 & 2. Spring Plant Sale. APR. 29. Innovative Design for Beds, Borders, APR. 5 & 6. Annual Daffodil Show. Middle At- Crosby Arboretum, Mississippi State Univer- and Containers. Symposium. New England lantic Regional Show of the American Daf- sity, Picayune, Mississippi. (601) 799- Wild Flower Society. Framingham, Massa- fodil Society. Fredricksburg, Virginia. 2311. www.msstate.edu/dept/crec/camain. chusetts. (508) 877-7630. (540) 371-5656. www.newenglandwildflower.org.

Looking ahead RAP MAY 2–4. Plant Sale. Members only on April is National Garden Month first day. Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Brooklyn, New York. (718) 623-7200. www.bbg.org. THE NATIONAL GARDENING ASSOCIATION (NGA) is once again promot- ing April as National Garden Month. Now in its fourth year, the celebration of gar- MAY 4–7. Spring Herb Sale. Lyman Estate dening seeks to encourage anyone who grows plants, on a windowsill or a farm, to Greenhouses. Waltham, Massachusetts. feel proud of their stewardship with the theme “This is My Garden.” The Burling- (781) 891-4882. www.historicnew england.org. ton, Vermont-based NGA wants gardeners of all levels to share their knowledge with their communities and especially with children. RAP MAY 19 & 20. Second Annual Spring This year NGA is working with the New York City Department of Parks and Fair. Sales of rare plants and garden Recreation to celebrate National Garden Month with a new program, NYC GROWS. antiques. Blithewold Mansion, Gardens From April 22 to April 29, events focusing on environmental stewardship, health and & Arboretum, Bristol, Rhode Island. wellness, community development, home gardening, and garden-based education (401) 847-9428. www.blithewold.org. will be held in New York. The grand finale will be a festival on April 29 in Manhattan’s Union Square with MID-ATLANTIC exhibits by groups such as the American Community Gardening Association, the PA, NJ, VA, MD, DE, WV, DC American Horticultural Therapy Association, the American Rose Society, the New York and Brooklyn Botanical Gardens, the Environmental Protection Agency, the RAP MAR. 18–APR. 23. Spring Flower Show. Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. International Society of Arboriculture, the National Wildlife Federation, and the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (412) 622-6914. North American Pollinator Protection Campaign. For more information, visit www.phipps.conservatory.org. www.nationalgardenmonth.org. —Linda McIntyre, Editorial Intern RAP MAR. 23. Easy Gardening With No Work. Lecture by André Viette. United

March / April 2006 57 RAP APR. 6–8. Spring Plant Sale. Looking ahead Birmingham Botanical Gardens. MAY 5 & 6. Annual Symposium and Tours. APR. 29. Spring Garden Symposium. LaPorte Birmingham, Alabama. (205) 414-3900. Carolina Gardener magazine. Asheville, County Master Gardener Program. LaPorte, www.bbgardens.org. North Carolina. (800) 245-0142. Indiana. (219) 324-9407. E-mail: www.carolinagardener.com. [email protected]. APR. 7–9. Bloom ‘n’ Garden Expo III. Williamson County Master Gardeners Associ- MAY 11–13. Annual Symposium. American Looking ahead ation. Franklin, Tennessee. (615) 790- Boxwood Society. Memphis, Tennessee. MAY 6–13. Tulip Time Festival. Holland, Michi- 5721. www.wcmga.net. www.boxwoodsociety.org. gan. (800) 822-2770. www.tuliptime.com.

RAP THROUGH APR. 16. Art in the Garden. AHS MAY 11 & 12. AHS Garden School: NORTH CENTRAL Exhibit. Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden. Bel- The Art & Science of Color in the Garden. IA, IL, IN, MI, MN, ND, NE, OH, SD, WI mont, North Carolina. (704) 829-1256. Franklin Park Conservatory. Columbus, Ohio. www.dsbg.org. RAP THROUGH MAR. 26. Orchid Mania. (703) 768-5700, ext. 121. www.ahs.org. Flower show. Cleveland Botanical Garden, RAP APR. 21–23. Plant Sale. Memphis Cleveland, Ohio. (216) 707-2834. SOUTH CENTRAL Botanic Garden. Memphis, Tennessee. www.cbgarden.org. AR, KS, LA, MO, MS, OK, TX (901) 685-1566. www.memphisbotanic garden.com. RAP APR. 15 & 16. Daffodil Show. Fellows APR. 1. Azalea Symposium. Austin State Riverside Gardens. Youngstown, Ohio. (330) University. Nacogdoches, Texas. (888) 653- AHS APR. 21–JUNE 11. Epcot International 740-7116. www.millcreekmetroparks.com. 3788. www.visitnacogdoches.org. Flower & Garden Festival. Orlando, Florida. www.disneyworld.com. RAP APR. 21–23. Antiques and Garden Fair. APR. 5. Greening the Urban Landscape. Chicago Botanic Garden. Glencoe, Illinois. Annual Nancy Stallworth Thomas Horticul- RAP APR. 22. Native Plant Sale. Georgia (847) 835-8326. www.chicagobotanic.org. ture Lecture. The Museum of Fine Arts. Native Plant Society. Atlanta Botanical Gar- Houston, Texas. www.gchouston.org. den. Atlanta, Georgia. (404) 876-5859. RAP APR. 22. Wildflower Sale. Cox Arbore- www.atlantabotanicalgarden.org. tum and Gardens MetroPark, Dayton, Ohio. APR. 8–19. Binkley Gardens. Private garden (937) 434-9005. www.coxarboretum.org. open for “Tulip Time” viewing to benefit APR. 29 & 30. Flower and Garden Expo. Topeka Beautification. Topeka, Kansas. St. Johns County Agricultural Center. St. APR. 22–30. Cincinnati Flower Show. Cincin- (785) 478-4624. Augustine, Florida. (904) 829-3295. nati, Ohio. (513) 232-8230. www.cincy www.epiccommunityservices.org. flowershow.com. APR. 22 & 23. Heart O’ Texas Orchid Society's R PHOTO BY JAMES TRACY FROM 2006 GARDENER’S CALENDA 2006 “Gardener’s” Calendar $6.95 ($59.00 for 10) Postpaid Computerp Screen Saver $10.00 Postpaid 13 prize color photos in both items

The Gardeners of America Men’s Garden Club of America Box 241 Johnston, IA 50131-0241 Phone: 515-278-0295 www.tgoa-mgca.org

58 the American Gardener LYNNE HARRISON H Phoen nal, andornamentalplants. tum andBotan (214) 515-6540. 3500 i Arbor APR. 2 gardens.org. C RAP (916) APR. 1 and v MAR. 2 (80 MAR. 24–26. RAP Shows.com. 1691 sca MAY Look www.downtownboulder.com. val APR. www.thearb.org. tours o RAP www.dbg.org. S RAP H APR. 5 Butte Garden.SaltLakeCity,Utah.(801 RAP RAP Texas. Plant Sale. 6 Descanso Gardens,LaCañadaFlintridge Or Fla and Ecology (505) 764-6200. Garden. Albuquerque,NewMexico. (707) 874-1557ext.201. c th AnnualNew al 81 h i ome an stor c G o . g if p hid Show. 5

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p 774. e r 86 de arden. 4 orn i p Festi A Guided n b Bota fi g fo t r 8 i n. . el 5- e sta b t and , i 5 R i ore- , ) a. c r d s - e - i n ff - - d - . ti A 1481. P Sp A ucdavis.edu/agriculture. ucdavis.edu/agriculture. f demonstrations ornia. PR. 2 PR. 23. d se a cl e lt ic /ag ed is cda o d d o a pare notesa so youcanswapsee y peop since 2002.“Youmeetcoo H Sh summer camp th gar H B W cover Vas B B t man DanHin ma ed Garden; andRichardTurner S of R h D Ch d a a t Plant StudyWeekend,June16to19inBellevue,Washington.Thepopulareventfea d T Hardy PlantStudyWeekend ve plants. ark, a ures threedaysoflectures,fourgardentours,andsalesrarenewplant n nd discounted ou wanttosta war ther,” shesays. rin r c enin iscuss designtrendssuchascontainerplantingandfoliageforms,broadergar- enin orticu en designerJillBillington otanica ain or osemary A HE NOR lk an Benarci ar eronswoo T e eventtoa“ h d itor o ashin e vi d g I D S antic sen oo atarece g d dy n additiontolearnin S 9 en writerinSeatt azine. Renowne pea s h l PlantSale b d h ebra Prinzin www.northwestperennialalliance.org. ers attheBellev – ( i e eattle, Wash g g t 800 as participate 30. l ri P -winning Britis e Eng N att issuessuchassustainablepractices.Formoreinformation,call (425)814-1481 fortheLeftSideofContinent:TheGardenerasArtist,”its2006Hardy f d l www.northwest rom ot g d orthwest Perenn turist Ric f k l l p l ton, theSeattlearea, ant Stu eer Gar ge Is ers wi P Wildflower Show G ) h h 752-0881. h aci A l T d i oto on Is l b K, ID,MT,OR,WA,WY p e C de, k exan l Nursery. NORTHWEST HWES , out newp tion att is d ; Mi f f y h kl and discussion.Davi ic Horticu or grownups.” h en. Tourswi g . h intouc h er p h g O rap dy ey wi orticu S l g Gar d ortic i ardenin an e l ll regon. h and PointMagnuso ngton. , afreelance ll an l er, Wee inc ie Ste sea P er Gar h l d d aces w d d T l s toeac d, e, h , an s, com f int ll p ul d PERENNIALALLIANCE oun e NPA h p www. l h La give l enin i turist l l i k erennialalliance.or wit t al Asso h ants, gar- ants- g ( k ( ff l l u g 54 en 4 . tur u aboutplants—withafocusonperennials—participantswil ysi d ens d ra en; books. h he k 2 Display ofna- u de e er h d d ll o h e 1) 5 ex n - g l l a c e e , ; )

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BOOKS

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60 the American Gardener PRONUNCIATIONSC AND PLANTING ZONES

Most of the cultivated plants described in this issue are listed here with their pronunciations, USDA Plant Hardiness Zones and AHS Plant Heat Zones. These zones suggest a range of locations where temperatures are appropriate—both in winter and summer—for growing each plant. While the zones are a good place to start in determining plant adaptability in your region, factors such as exposure, moisture, snow cover, and humidity also play an important role in plant survival. The codes tend to be conservative; plants may grow outside the ranges indicated. A USDA zone rating of 0–0 means that the plant is a true annual and completes its life cycle in a year or less. To purchase a two-by-three-foot glossy AHS Plant Heat Zone Map for $9.95, call (800) 777-7931 or visit www.ahs.org. Hardi- ness and Heat zone codes are generated by AHS and documented in the Showtime© database, owned by Arabella Dane.

A–E DiiD. eximia D. eks-ZIM-ee-uh MMuhlenbergia hl b i capillaris ill i mew-len- Rosa glauca RO-zu h GLAW-k uh (3–8, 10–1) BUR-jee-uh kap-ih-LAIR-iss (2–8, 8–1) Adiantum pedatum ad-dee-AN-tum Dichelostemma ida-maia dye-kel- (11–12, 10–5) peh-DAY-tum (USDA 3–8, AHS OS-tem-uh EYE-duh MAY-uh M. cuspidata M. kus-pih-DAY-tuh S–Z 8–1) (5–8, 8–5) (3–8, 8–1) Allium canadense var. mobilense Sanguinaria canadensis san-gwi- Echinacea pallida ek-ih-NAY-see- M. lindheimeri M. lind-HY-mur-eye AL-ee-um kan-uh-DEN-see var. NAIR-ee-uh kan-uh-DEN-siss uh PAL-lih-duh (4–8, 8–1) (6–10, 11–5) mo-bil-EN-see (5–9, 9–4) (3–9, 9–1) Ehretia anacua eh-RET-ee-uh M. mexicana M. mex-ih-KAN-uh Anemone acutiloba uh-NEM-o-nee Salvia azurea var. grandiflora ah-NAK-yew-uh (7–9, 10–8) (3–10, 11–1) ak-yew-tih-LO-buh (3-8, 8-1) SAL-vee-uh as-YEW-ree-uh Erythronium americanum air-ih- M. montana M. mon-TAN-uh A. americana A. uh-mair-ih-KAN- gran-dih-FLOR-uh (5–9, 9–4) THROW-nee-um uh-mair-ih- (4–9, 10–1) uh (3–8, 8–1) S. farinacea S. fahr-ih-NAY-see-uh KAN-um (3–9, 9–2) Oligoneuron rigidum var. rigidum Arbutus ✕alapensis AR-byew-tus (8–11,12–1) E. revolutum E. reh-vo-LOO-tum o-lig-o-NUR-on RIH-jih-dum var. al-uh-PEN-sis (7–8, 9–7) S. greggii S. GREG-ee-eye (5–8, 8–5) RIH-jih-dum (4–9, 10–1) Bignonia capreolata big-NO-nee-uh (7–9, 9–4) kap-ree-o-LAY-tuh (6–9, 9–5) Solidago speciosa sol-ih-DAY-go F–O P–R Calochortus amabilis kah-lo-KOR- spee-see-O-suh (5–9, 8–4) tus uh-MAB-uh-liss (6–10, 10–6) Fritillaria affinis frit-ih-LAIR-ee-uh Passiflora incarnata pass-ih-FLOR- Stenanthium gramineum steh-NAN- C. superbus C. soo-PUR-bus uh-FEE-nis (7–9, 9–7) uh in-kar-NAY-tuh (5–10, 12–1) thee-um grah-MIN-ee-um (5–10, 10–6) F. camschatcensis F. kam-chat- Penstemon ambiguus PEN-steh- (7–9, 9–7) Camassia leichtlinii subsp. suksdorfii CHEN-sis (4–8, 8–2) mon am-BIG-yew-us (4–9, 9–1) Symplocarpus foetidus sym-plo- kuh-MASS-ee-uh lykt-LIN-ee-eye Helonias bullata hel-O-nee-us P. barbatus P. bar-BAY-tus KAR-pus FEE-tih-dus (5–9, 9–1) subsp. sooks-DORF-ee-eye bul-LAY-tuh (5–9, 9–5) (4–9, 9–2) Triteleia hyacinthina try-tee-LEE-uh (4–9, 9–1) Hymenocallis liriosome hy-men-o- P. cobaea P. ko-BE-yuh (4–9, 9–1) hy-uh-sin-THEE-nah (7–13, 12–7) C. quamash C. KWAH-mash KAL-is leer-ee-O-so-me P. cardinalis P. kar-dih-NAL-iss T. laxa T. LAK-suh (6–10, 10–6) (4–9, 9–1) (8–11, 12–8) (5–9, 9–2) Verbesina encelioides vur-beh- Claytonia caroliniana clay-TOH- Hypoxis hirsuta hy-POX-iss P. digitalis P. dih-jih-TAL-iss SY-nuh en-see-lee-OY-deez nee-uh kair-o-lin-ee-AN-uh her-SOO-tuh (5–8, 8–4) (3–8, 8–1) (4–9, 10–4) (4–9, 6–1) Lilium canadense LIL-ee-um P. havardii P. huh-VAR-dee-eye V. helianthoides V. hee-lee-an- C. virginica C. vir-JIN-ih-kuh kan-uh-DEN-see (3–8, 8–1) (6–9, 9–4) THOY-deez (5–8, 8–4) (4–9, 6–1) L. superbum L. soo-PUR-bum P. secundiflorus P. seh-kun-dih- V. virginica V. vir-JIN-ih-kuh Clintonia borealis clin-TOH-nee-uh (4–8, 8–3) FLOR-us (4–8, 8–1) (5–9, 9–4) bor-ee-AL-iss (2–7, 8–1) Lonicera albiflora lah-NISS-er-uh P. virens P. VY-rens (3–7, 7–1) Vernonia baldwinii vur-NO-nee-uh C. umbellulata C. um-bel-yew-LAY- al-bih-FLOR-uh (6–9, 9–6) Prunus mexicana PROO-nus bald-WIN-ee-eye (5–9, 9–5) tuh (4–8, 9–1) Mahonia trifoliolata mah-HO-nee- mex-ih-KAN-uh (4–9, 10–4) V. lindheimeri V. lind-HY-mur-eye Crinum americanum KRY-num uh try-fo-lee-o-LAY-tuh (6–8, 9–6) P. besseyi P. BESS-ee-eye (6–8, 9–6) uh-mair-ih-KAN-um (8–11, 12–8) Melanthium latifolium ma-LAN- (3–8, 8–3) Xerophyllum asphodeloides Dicentra canadensis dy-SEN-truh thee-um lat-ih-FO-lee-um Quercus muehlenbergii KWER-kus zeh-rah-FIL-lum as-fo-deh-LOY- kan-uh-DEN-siss (4–8, 8–4) (4–8, 8–4) mew-len-BUR-gee-eye (4–8, 8–2) deez (5–9, 9–5) D. cucullaria D. kew-kew-LAIR- Monarda citriodora muh-NAR-duh Rhus glabra RUS GLAB-ruh X. tenax X. TEN-aks (5–8, 8–5) ee-uh (4–8, 8–1) sih-tree-o-DOR-uh (7–10, 10–1) (3–9, 9–3) Zephyranthes atamasca zef-ih- D. spectabilis D. spek-TAH-bih-liss M. fistulosa M. fis-tyew-LO-suh Ribes aureum RY-beez AW-ree-um RAN-theez at-uh-MASS-kuh (3–9, 9–1) (3–9, 9–1) (5–8, 8–5) (7–10, 12–10)

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THE LEADER I N ORGANI C- BASED LAWNCARETM © 2005. NaturaLawn of America, Inc. All rights reserved. Each office independently owned and operated. www.nl-amer.com For permission to reproduce this piece, call 800-989-5444.