The Boxwo odBulletin A Quarterly Devoted to Man's Oldest Garden Ornamental

The arch of ancient English boxwoods greets visitors as they approach the road-front entrance to the house at Woodlawn. See article on page 64.

IN THIS ISSUE

ABS Annual Meeting Scheduled for May 15-16, 1998 ...... 63 ABS Garden Tour Saturday, May 16 ...... 64 Designing with Boxwood, Sigrid Georgii Harriman ...... 69 Boxwood Hardiness in Southwestern Pennsylvania, Clyde Weber ...... 72 The Rt. 50 Boxwood, C. T. Fooks ...... 73 Garden Week Highlights for Boxwood Enthusiasts, Suzanne Munson ...... 74 Maryland House and Garden Pilgrimage ...... 76 News of the Society ...... :...... 78

f. April 1998 Volume 3;, Number 4 57 The American Boxwood Society

The American Boxwood Society is a not-for-profit organiza­ Available Publications: tion founded in 1961 and devoted to the appreciation, scien­ tific understanding and propagation of the genus Buxus L. Back issues of The Boxwood Bulletin (thru Vol. 36) (each) $ 4 Boxwood Handbook: A Practical Guide (Revised) $ 17 Officers: Boxwood Buyer's Guide (4th Edition) $ 6 International Registration List of Cultivated Buxus L $ 3 PRESIDENT: Index to The Boxwood Bulletin 1961-1986 $ 10 Dr. Stephen D. Southall Lynchburg, Va. Index to The Boxwood Bulletin 1986-1991 $ 4 VICE-PRESIDENTS: Index to The Boxwood Bulletin 1991-1996 $ 3 Mr. Thomas Saunders Piney River, Va. Publications may be ordered from Mrs. K. D. Ward, ABS Mrs. Malcolm L. Holekamp Port Huron, Mich. Treasurer, 134 Methodist Church Lane, West Augusta, V A SECRETARY: 24485-2053. Prices include tax, postage and handling. Mrs. Joan C. Butler Winchester, Va. EXECUTIVE TREASURER: Contributions: Mrs. Katherine D. Ward West Augusta, Va. Gifts to the Society are tax-deductible and may be undesig­ REGISTRAR: nated or applied to: Mr. Lynn R. Batdorf Washington, D.C. Boxwood Memorial Garden Fund DIRECTORS: Boxwood Manual Fund Mr. John W. Boyd III (1998) Roanoke Va. Boxwood Research Fund Mr. Scot Butler (2000) Winchester, Va. Mr. Charles T. Fooks (1999) Salisbury, Md. Correspondence: Mrs. Robert L. Frackelton (2000) Fredericksburg, Va. For address changes, memberships, dues, contributions, or to Dr. Henry Frierson (2000) Charlottesville, Va. order back issues or publications, write: Mrs. Sigrid G. Harriman (1999) Fredericksburg, Va. Treasurer, The American Boxwood Society Mr. Richard D. Mahone (1998) Williamsburg, Va. P.O. Box 85, Boyce, Va. 22620-0085 Mr. Clyde Weber (1999) Bentleyville, Pa. Mr. Steve Zapton (1998) Port Republic, Va. For general information about the Society, advice concerning EX-OFFICIO: boxwood problems or cultivar selection, write to The Ameri­ Dr. Michael Bowers Boyce, Va. can Boxwood Society at the same address. You are also welcome to write directly to the President: BULLETIN EDITOR: John S. McCarthy Webster Groves, Mo. Dr. Stephen D. Southall 3912 Faculty Drive Memberships: Lynchburg, Va. 24501-3110 Memberships for the year May through April include $16 for four quarterly issues of The Boxwood Bulletin: Call for Papers: Technical articles, news, history ,lore, notes, and photographs Individual $25 Sustaining $75 concerning boxwood specimens, gardens or plantings are Family $35 Life $500 Contributing $50 solicited for possible publication in The Boxwood Bulletin. Material should be submitted to: Non-member subscriptions for groups and institutions, such Chairman, Bulletin Committee as botanic gardens and libraries, are $25 by the calendar 1714 Greenway Drive year as established or current year for new subscriptions. Fredericksburg, Va. 22401-5209

The Boxwood Bulletin (lSSN 0006 8535) is published quarterly for $16.00 per year by The American BOllwood Society, Blandy Ellperimental Farm, Boyce, Va. 22620. Second class postage paid at Boyce, Va. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Boxwood Bulletin, P.O. BOll 85, Boyce, Va. 22620. The Bulletin is printed by M-J Printers, Fredericksburg, Va. 38th Annual Meeting Scheduled for May 15-16,1998 ABS Meets in the Washington, D.C. Area Co-sponsored by the U.S. National Arboretum

Speakers and their programs: Dr. Bonnie Appleton Schedule of Events An Extension Nursery Specialist Thursday, May 14 and an Associate Professor of Hort­ 8 p.m. Board meeting (TBA) iculture at Virginia Tech University, Friday, May 15 At u~ N a..,f' I ;H-b 0 r.::;f", J¥I she has a B.S. in Plant Science, an 8-9 a.m. Registration (pick up packets; pre-registration) M.S. in Ornamental Horticulture and 9 a.m. Welcome, business, coffee break, program a Ph.D. in Crop Science. Her work 12:30 p.m. Lunch an~ book signing has focused on topics such as con­ 1: 15 p.m. Tours of the National Buxus Collection tainer nursery design, landscape 2:45 p.m. Program with speakers continues renovation, herbicide injury, and 5:00 p.m. Boxwood auction (TBA) growing trees, shrubs, and vines. A 7:30 p.m. Banquet dinner at the Holiday Inn, Calvert, Md. noted and well-respected author, she Speaker: Mr. Wayne Amos has written four books and more than "White House Gardens" 500 articles for a variety of trade and Saturday, May 16 popular publications. 7:30 a.m. Coffee at the Holiday Inn on Powder Mill Road, Her topic for the meeting is "Ergo­ Calverton, Md. nomic Garden Tools." Many of the 8:30 a.m. Bus departs for tour of private gardens, lunch and tasks performed in caring for box­ tour of Sotterley in St. Mary's County, Maryland wood, such as digging, raking, prun­ (see next page) ing and spraying involve repetitive motions. One of the best ways to prevent some of the repetitive motion injuries (carpal tunnel syndrome, His presentation, "Boxwood at Mt. low and Above Stairs'" is a tale of the tennis elbow, trigger finger) that Vernon," as the title suggests, will life and experiences of Bertie the plague gardeners is to use ergonomi­ focus on the boxwood and their long Boxwood as he struggles with the cally-designed garden tools. The public history. The well documented realities of existence under the guard­ science of ergonomics will be exp­ gardens of Mt. Vernon have a rich ianship of Peter the Person. It is a lained, and a wide variety of tools and interesting history regarding their gripping tale with a moral. demonstrated. Ways to make existing design usage and cultural consider­ Mr. Lynn R. Batdorf tools more ergonomic (body friendly) ations. Curator of the National Boxwood will also be presented. Dean and his entertaining style Collection at the U.S. National Arbor­ Mr. Dean Norton will both inform and delight the etum, he has a B.S. in Horticulture. The Horticulturist at Mount participants. He serves as the Boxwood Registrar Vernon, the home of George Wash­ Mr. Ian Robertson for The American Boxwood Society, ington' he has a B.S. in Ornamental A Landscape Design and Horticul­ which is the International Registra­ Horticulture. Dean is responsible for tural Consultant, trained at the Royal tion Authority for Cultivated Buxus. applying the latest plant science and Botanical Gardens in Edinburgh, he He wrote the popular, and authorita­ management techniques to horticul­ manages his own design and build tive Boxwood Handbook. He has ture in a historic setting. He super­ firm. An internationally acclaimed published numerous articles and, vises 21 employees who tend the horticulturist, he has worked on lectured widely on a variety of box­ gardens and grounds. Besides being garden projects throughout the U.S. wood topics. interviewed on television and radio, He frequently lectures on horticul­ His presentation, "Knowing and he has lectured before many profes­ tural, environmental, and design Growing Boxwood," explores the sional organizations throughout the topics. cultural conditions to promote healthy country. His lecture, "A Short Story, 'Be- boxwood. Planting, pruning, soil

April 1998 63 conditions, winter effects, pests and and enthusiastic society is involved in diseases of boxwood are discussed. numerous, high profile activities. Her REGISTRATION: Mr. Wayne Amos presentation will detail the exciting Forms were mailed in the A native Georgian, and graduate projects of the EBTS. January issue of The Boxwood of the University of Georgia in Horti­ Mrs. Elizabeth Braimbridge Bulletin. If you've misplaced culture, after working for nurseries in Mrs. Braimbridge and her hus­ yours, please contact Mrs. California and Georgia, he has been band, Mark, started the Langley Robert L. Frackelton, 1714 with the National Park Service, White Boxwood Nursery, south of London, Greenway Drive, Fredericks­ House grounds, for 21 years, with an in 1983. In 1993, this nursery was burg, VA 22401-5209. ,Regis­ exception of three years when he was awarded the status of a National tration fee includes refresh­ conservatory manager for the green­ Collection of Buxus. Today, the ments, lunch and banquet house and nursery production that nursery is world-renowned for its dinner on Friday, May 15, and services the White House grounds. selection and quality of boxwood and bus trip with coffee before He lives and gardens in Alexandria, topiary. They are responsible for departure with lunch and tours V A. His program will show the organizing the European Boxwood on Saturday, May 16. prominent and historical gardens and Topiary Society, several box­ which surround one of the world's wood expeditions to Cuba, various COST: most easily recognizable houses. scientific research projects, and many Registrations received Countess Veronique Goblet other significant programs involving before April 10: ABS members d'Alviella boxwood. Her presentation will $115, non-members $135. General Secretary of the European summarize the many interesting facts Registrations received April Boxwood and Topiary Society surrounding boxwood expeditions in 10-25: ABS members $125, (EBTS). This young, highly energetic Cuba. non-members $145. Make checks payable to The American Boxwood Society ABS Garden Tour Saturday, May 16 and mail with registration form to Mrs. Robert L. Frackelton, For the learning enjoyment of Cross Manor, on St. Inigoes Creek. 1714 Greenway Drive, Freder­ those on the garden tour, visits to four Many believe this to be the oldest icksburg, VA 22401-5209. Be sites have been planned for Saturday. home in Maryland dating back to sure to include telephone The tour is a big step back into time, 1643. The manor of 2,000 acres was number. to see a few of the oldest houses and granted to Captain Thomas Corn­ gardens in St. Mary's County, Mary­ walleys. Cross Manor received its LODGINGS: land. All tour stops, except Sotterley, name from a hunting accident when Registrants are responsible are private homes. The owners gra­ Cornwalleys accidentally shot and for their lodgings and any ciously opened their Manor Houses so killed a friend. Cornwalleys was so meals not specified. Rooms are that we may experience and learn grieved that he built a large cross on being held until April 29. 1998, from what they have to offer. the spot where his friend died. The at the Holiday Inn, 4095 Pow­ Maryland "manor houses" were cross is said to have lasted a hundred der Mill Road, Calverton, MD., built under the feudal manorial sys­ years. The manor was named after the phone (301) 937-4422. Iden­ tem as established in Maryland in the cross, the name it still bears today. tify yourself with The Ameri­ 17th century by Lord Baltimore. The A great deal of activity occurred can Boxwood Society for a Maryland manor was a grant of one when the present owners purchased special rate of $75 plus tax for thousand or more acres with Court the property in 1985. The manor, single or double room and $125 privileges and other privileges as in bam, com crib and other buildings plus tax for a suite. After April the manors of England. These houses were completely restored to their 29, regular rates and availabil­ are relatively small for the most part earlier glory. The summer kitchen ity will apply. and are not to be confused with the was rebuilt into a guest house. Other popular conception of a manor-house. structures were built to include a Cross Manor second guest house, pool and tennis manor on three sides. Two large One of the most famous of all of court. masses of English boxwood can be the Maryland manors is Cornwalleys' English boxwood surround the seen between the house and the

64 April 1998 The "land side " entrance to Cross Manor. The "water side" view of Cross Manor with masses of 6- 8' English boxwoods.

Vie w from the second story porch to the water, showing the large boxwood masses that dominate the landscape.

April 1998 65 waterfront. These boxwood masses and his heirs continued to live here house was in very bad repair. It was are thought to be 300 years old. A through the American Revolution. they who diligently preserved what rich assortment of roses, perennials, The original house was plundered by Clark had started nearly 200 years herbs and a vegetable garden are the British militia and has not sur­ earlier. They added a contemporary found near the main house. vived. kitchen wing with running water in Visitors may notice a monument at In 1798 Colonel Matthias Clarke 1987 to make living in the 20th cen­ Cross Manor. A gunboat, the U.S.S. started building this home in the neo­ tury easier. In 1990, shortly after Tom Tulip, was assigned to the Potomac classical style to portray the new Cox's death, they were awarded the Flotilla during the Civil War. It was Republic. This 180-acre portion of Grand Prize by the National Trust for usually docked at a wharf at Cross Trinity Manor was named Woodlawn Historic Preservation for their out­ Manor. In 1864, the Tulip started out Farm about 1875 and is presently a standing restoration of the house. for the Washington Navy Yard for working farm. The house is large and Woodlawn Farm was sold in 1994 to boiler repairs. The boilers were in fully-developed, exhibiting vernacu­ Elizabeth and Hans Wolf, who now very bad condition, and when a few lar characteristics of 18th-century feel fortunate to be stewards of this miles up the river from Cross Manor, architecture: brick ends laid in Flem­ beautiful home and its environment. they exploded. Most of the 9 passen­ ish bond with frame facades, and The house is surrounded by mag­ gers and 22 crew members aboard projecting chimneys linked with two­ nificent tree specimens and ancient were killed. In memory of those who story "pents" and brick nogging. It boxwood gardens. The recently re­ died on the Tulip, the Federal Gov­ retains almost all of its original wood­ opened arch of ancient English box­ ernment erected a monument. This is work, adapted from English pattern woods (150- to 200-year old Buxus one of the smallest of all Federal books of the 18th century. Notewor­ sempervirens 'Suffruticosa') greets Parks. thy is the abundance of fretwork and visitors as they approach the road­ Woodlawn Farm the over-mantles of the two riverfront front entrance to the house. The In 1634 Cecilius Calvert (the parlors. Interior furnishings are pri­ original waterfront entrance faces second Lord Baltimore) granted 600 marily American 18th- and early Calvert Bay, the Potomac River and acres named Trinity Manor to his 19th-century, including some Mary­ the State of Virginia in the distance. brother, Leonard Calvert, first Gover­ land pieces. A fine view can be seen after walking nor of the colony of Maryland. His Virginia and Thomas Cox bought through the kitchen garden. son, William, inherited the Manor, Woodlawn Farm in 1972 when the Visitors can enjoy the elegant

Woodlawn Farm as approachedfrom the land with a glimpse of The house at Woodlawn is surrounded by Calvert Bay (right center in photo) magnificent tree specimens and ancient boxwood gardens.

66 April 1998 simplicity of the Federal-style home from the house, forming an open "V." cotton. Cooks, stable hands, waiters, in rural Maryland and see how the The house and the two large depen­ and housekeepers gave the mansion present owners mix living in the early dencies have a very unusual feature and the thicket of outbuildings around 19th and late 20th centuries, all under for St. Mary's County; they use all it the appearance of a busy village. A one roof. header brick bond, rather than Flem­ nearly matched pair of service build­ Mulberry Fields ish bond. ings, a kitchen and a "workhouse," Built about 1760 by Captain The plantation reached the height still flanks the dwelling on the rear, William Somerville. The kitchen and of its prosperity around the tum of the its business end. A dairy, meathouse, office buildings (originally slave 18th century in the tenure of William two carriage houses, and a long quarters) are placed symmetrically Somerville. Shortly before his death, granary that once stood nearby have with the great house, but off the long he had increased his slave labor force disappeared. axis. The beautiful Georgian house from 46 to 180 men, women, and Inside the house, the rooms were sits on top of a steep hill, with a children. An old brick quarters (per­ comfortable if somewhat over- fur­ magnificent view of Breton Bay and haps the one that old-timers remem­ nished with the accumulations of at the Potomac River. The house is quite ber was dated "1760" on the gable) least two prosperous generations of distant from the Bay, but it was made could not accommodate all, and Clarkes and Somervilles, and heirs to seem closer by an optical illusion frame quarters had to be built to from three to four different branches created by the planting of two rows of house the newcomers. Most, of of the family. Mahogany and walnut trees from the house down to the bay course, worked in the fields, cultivat­ tables and chairs bookcases, looking shore. The two rows of trees diverge ing mainly com, wheat, flax, and glasses, a huge Wilton carpet, and

This spectacular view from the manor at Mulberry Fields to the Potomac River involves an optical illusion. The row of trees appear to be planted in a parallel row. Actually, along this one-mile view to the Potomac River, the rows of trees are planted 200' apart at the house, and slowly widen to 800' at the river.

April 1998 67 innumerable beds. The crannies and portico. The Lokers sold it to Jessie the outbuildings are originals, where comers hid the usual clutter of fish Fay in 1916 from whom it passed to Williamsburg' s are replicas. In 1961 , hooks, pickle pots, paper, and crock­ the present owners, Holger and Mary Mabel Satterlee Ingalls gave the ery (a tradition still honored by the Jansson and their family . property to the Sotterley Mansion present owners). Some things were A garden path winds along the Foundation. This is a trusteeship new: the "Burnt Black china" tea set, slopes of the hillside among ancient which manages the plantation and for instance; others were "antique" American and English boxwood. The makes it available to the public from and "broke". "2 prints Royal Family" American boxwood are some of the April to November. suggests that more than the furniture largest to be found. Near the entrance The house is built of brick covered was out of date by 1806. to the mansion, which is one of the with wide clapboard siding. It is a The new master of Mulberry finest in the county, stands the largest long low building, painted white, with Fields, William's son, William Clarke black walnut tree in Maryland. The large porticoes and tall chimneys. The Somerville, was one of those youth­ entrance road winds through a beauti­ interior is full of fine woodwork. ful , cosmopolitan creatures who ful old forest containing some of the There are numerous outbuildings inhabit romantic novels. An Army largest remaining white pine trees in such as a stable, bams, custom house, Major in the War of 1812, he subse­ the county. Approaching the manor, a spinning house, smoke house, "neces­ quently toured Europe, called on bowling green with its rising berm sary," and the north gatehouse used as beautiful people like Lord Byron, the and strong axis, frame the front door. quarters for household slaves. These Duke of Wellington, and the Marquis The first floor of the mansion is open form a cluster around the mansion, de Lafayette. He returned from Italy for tour participants. creating a self-sufficient community, to re-christen his pedestrian Mulberry Sotterley as most Southern Mary land planta­ Fields "Montalbino." But when he This mansion, built in 1727 by tions were known to be. sold the plantation in 1822, every­ James Bowles, stands on a high The large perennial and vegetable body in the neighborhood went back plateau, and commands a wonderful garden has a sundial which bears the to calling it by its old name. The view of the Patuxent River. A visit Plater, Briscoe, and Satterlee coats­ property then passed quickly through here is a very pleasant experience, as of-arms. These were previous owners several hands until it was acquired by it has been a working plantation since of Sotterley. Thomas Loker in 1832, who probably the early eighteenth century. The house is dedicated to George made the first and last major addition Williamsburg has a similar feel, but Plater III, 1735 to 1792. He was the to the house: the two story Doric Sotterley is more authentic, because sixth Governor of the State of Mary-

The present owner at the land entrance to Mulberry The "water" side o/the manor at Mulberry Fields Fields. showing the English boxwood.

68 April 1998 land and a lifetime resident of Sotterley. He was also a Naval Of­ ficer of Patuxent, a Delegate to the State Convention, a Delegate to the Continental Congress, and President of the Maryland Convention to ratify the Federal Constitution.

An entrance to the Sotterley gardens. Sotterley is on a high plateau, with a wonderful view to the Patuxent River.

Designing With Boxwood Before and After, the Frierson Boxwood Garden Sigrid Georgii Harriman

John Brookes, the English garden from the past. It will reveal those comfort upon entering them. designer, states that gardens are components slowly and evoke all our It was my fortune last year, to get reflections of the age in which they longings for shelter, beauty, and to know such a garden in Charlottes- are created. The successful ones are a synthesis of the conditions of their time; their style is detennined by function and by the manner in which their functional fonn is realized. Early gardens were enclosed by walls, divided by irrigation channels, planted with fruit-bearing trees, herbs and vegetables, and surrounded by boxwood. Early gardens are direct descendants of Eden and reflect our desire to create a small paradise in an otherwise hostile environment. The components of today' s gardens stri ve to achieve this: plants that flower and bear fruit, provide shade for protec­ tion from the elements, and water that cools the atmosphere and irrigates the land. Thus, a successful garden of today will welcome you and provide that mythical haven we know only through illustrations and descriptions Friersonfront before redesign. (Photo: Sigrid Harriman)

April 1998 69 Buxus sempervirens and Buxus sempervirens 'Suffruticosa' strained mightily against walls and windows. Other evergreens contributed to an overwhelming impression of a house run out of breath. The generous front walk of polished soapstone is lined with newly planted Buxus 'Green Gem' and leads via a hand-forged iron railing to the stoop of the house. A row of Buxus microphylla var. japonica 'Green Beauty' encloses the front garden at the street. The finish­ ing touches were to be a new planting scheme in front of the residence. We decided to use different, slow-growing boxwood cultivars in a balanced pattern reminiscent of a historic boxwood parterre. After all old plantings and their extensive root systems were removed, the ground was prepared and readied for the new boxwoods. Two mature Buxus sem­ pervirens 'Meyers Columnar' were Hidden living room window before redesign. (Photo: Sigrid Harriman) placed either side next to the top of the stoop, together with two good sized Buxus sempervirens 'Elegant­ issima' at the bottom . The outer comers of the residence were empha­ sized by placing three Buxus sem­ pervirens 'Graham Blandy' diago­ nally to each comer. Thus, two de­ fined spaces under the dining and living room windows emerged­ ideal for two diamond-shaped box­ wood parterres. Our choice for the ideal edging plant: Buxus sinica var. insularis 'Justin Brouwers' was successful, the glossy, dark green slender leaves contrast beautifully with all the other less glossy ones. (See reduced planting plan.) The inner planting area of the diamond-shaped boxwood beds was underplanted with white daffodils for best spring showing. For summer and late summer interest, white blooming hostas will provide a lush background New planting under living room window. (Photo: Melinda Frierson) for the various boxwoods in the front garden. Meticulously groomed lawn ville, Virginia. I was asked by Dr. plantings in front of the 1940 gam­ areas wrap around the house and lead Henry Frierson and his wife Melinda brel-roof brick house had overtaken the visitor to the real treasure of this to help rejuvenate the entrance to the dining and living room windows garden: the "back yard" oasis which their garden. The foundation on either side of the entrance. Both many strive to achieve.

70 April 1998 Overgrown plants were replaced with boxwood and bulbs. Front porch after replanting.

New planting under dining room window. (Photos: Entry to a new secluded sitting area. (Photo: Dr. White Melinda Frierson. except as indicated) M. Wallenborn. courtesy Garden Club o/Virginia))

D,x '9"&~ •• .~~--~--~-----+~

• Frierson revised plot plan. (Drawing: Sigrid Harriman)

April 1998 71 Boxwood Hardiness in Southwestern Pennsylvania Clyde Weber

Background and B. microphylla 'Winter Gem' be referred to as Oak Hill Nursery, Until recently, boxwood has not have survived our Zone 5/6 condi­ "Boxwood Memorial Test Gardens," been a popular landscape plant in this tions and have even thrived when in memory of my beloved wife, Janet, region, but with the increase in deer planted with some minimal protec­ who passed away suddenly on Oct. population, and the beginning tion. The original plants of these 18, 1997. realization that there are hardy species were obtained from Miami Test Gardens cultivars to be grown here, boxwood Nursery in Ohio. The Buxus sinica Some of the test garden plants is now coming into increased use. In was purchased under the name Buxus have been in place 3-6 years, but our nursery, boxwood has never been koreana 'Little Leaf and the B. these are mostly the cultivars de­ touched by deer, while many other microphylla 'Winter Gem' was scribed in "Background" above. More landscape plants have been devas­ purchased under the name B. micro­ recent types were added in 1996 and tated. In this situation, there is a need phylla 'Large Leaf. I have been 1997, with observations made on Jan. for boxwood information as to informed that the 'Large Leaf variety 10, 1998, and described below. The cultivar selection, hardiness, and has been renamed'Winter Gem~ It fall and winter temperatures to this culture. certainly retains its dark green color date were unusually mild, with the This article is being written to throughout winter when the cultural low being around 10°F. or -12°C. record some of the information conditions include good soil, drain­ Plantings #1 and #2 are around the learned by growing, first Buxus sinica age, and minimal winter protection. old farm house which was built in and Buxus microphylla over the past Under more adverse conditions of 1868. Planting #IA consists of B. 25 years. In the past several years, we exposure and less than good drainage, microphylla 'Winter Gem', B. sinica, have started some small plantings of both B. sinica and B. microphylla B. microphylla 'Compacta', B. Buxus sinica [sic], Buxus micro­ 'Winter Gem' have bronzed or sempervirens 'Dee Runk', and B. phylla, and selected Buxus semper­ discolored heavily, but recovered sempervirens 'Elegantissima'. All virens cultivars. It has been our their green color with the warm days except the last two are well-estab­ intention to record our observations of spring. The B. sinica varieties that lished plants. This planting has on hardiness as related to growing we have grown are light green, and protection from a high-branched conditions and cultural practices. the B. microphylla 'Winter Gem' is a Norway spruce, which is probably as The comments made in this article glossy, very dark green. old as the house, a pink dogwood, and are based on observations made in A third variety that we have grown the farmhouse. The planting also our nursery which is located in Zone is Buxus microphylla 'Compacta', contains low-growing mixedcompan­ 6 of the USDA hardiness map. We which was originally purchased as B. ion plants. All of the boxwood in this are located about 25 miles west and microphylla 'Kingsville Dwarf. This group have excellent mid-winter north of Chestnut Ridge, the most variety has been found to be hardy appearance (Jan. 10, 1998), with no western of the series of parallel ridges only under protected conditions. It is discoloration or bronzing except for of the Allegheny mountains. This and the slowest-growing boxwood the B. microphylla 'Compacta', the adjacent Laurel Ridge create a cultivar with 25-year-old plants which show minimal bronzing. finger of colder weather (Zone 5) that reported to be only 10 inches in Planting #1B consists of B. sinica, passes further south, and sometimes height and 25 inches in width. We B. microphylla 'Compacta' and B. spills out over adjacent areas. Our have grown some to 12-15 inches in microphylla 'Jim's Spreader'. The B. normal Zone 6 reports minimum diameter in about 15 years. sinica show no discoloration or temperature readings of -10 to O°F, The above mentioned boxwood bronzing, and the 'Jim's Spreader' while Zone 5 reports -20 to -10. In types are being used as controls in our only very slight scattered bronzing, our nursery we have occasionally new test plantings. One or more of which may be normal leaf loss. These seen -20, with -27 being the lowest these varieties will be planted in each plants have almost full winter temperature that we have personally new grouping or test garden of exposure as evidenced by the toll experienced here. boxwood, and the new test varieties taken of the B. microphylla 'Com­ Our two mainstay species of B. will be compared directly to these pacta', with 2 dead, 3 heavily bronzed sinica (several unnamed cultivars), controls. These new test gardens will with dead branches, and the remain-

72 April 1998 ing 3 moderately bronzed. indicate good selections for this above plantings are better than those Planting #2 is currently B. sinica heavily exposed area. The two made on the field plantings. The more used as a partial border for a flower bronzed 'Winter Gem' may be caused adverse results of the field plantings bed. The appearance on Jan. 10, by a localized wet spot. are due to full exposure and poor wet 1998, is excellent, with light green Planting #5 consists of B. sem­ weather drainage. Summer droughts color and no bronzing, even though it pervirens 'Dee Runk', B. microphylla have also been hard on our boxwood. is heavily exposed to winds from the 'John Baldwin', B. sempervirens Our plans call for an increase in west. 'Graham Blandy', B. sempervirens these small plantings with an increase Plantings #3 and #4 have south, 'Inglis', B. sempervirens 'Joe Gable', in the number of plants of each west, and north exposure. The B. microphylla 'Winter Gem', B. cultivar or variety. This will give planting consists of B. microphylla sinica, and B. microphylla 'Com­ more reliable results. japonica 'Green Beauty', B. sinica pacta'. Also some seedlings taken Also many of the plants, except insularis, B. microphylla 'Winter from under an old plant in this county for B. sinica, B. microphylla 'Winter Gem', B. sinica var. insularis and B. are included. These are labeled Buxus Gem', and B. sempervirens 'Joe microphylla 'Compacta'. The 'Winter X, Andy, indicating the person who . Gable', were recently planted (ABS Gem' show 2 heavily bronzed, and 13 gave them to me. auction plants) and are therefore still minimally bronzed. The B. sinica var. This planting borders a gully small. Periodic updates of hardiness insularis and B. sinica insularis which is a seasonal water course in a observations will be issued. If anyone exhibit only scattered light bronzing low spot with Hemlo(;k trees breaking wants to suggest or supply test plants while the B. microphylla var. the west wind. All plants exhibit please get in touch with me: Clyde A. japonica 'Green Beauty' show no excellent color except the B. Weber clo Oak Hill Nursery, 281 discoloration. All B. microphylla microphylla 'Compacta'. Sumney Road, Bentleyville, PA 'Compacta' are fully bronzed. These It should be mentioned that in 15314. Comments, corrections, and plants, except for the 'Compacta' general, the observations made on the additional notes are also welcome.

The Rt. 50 Boxwood C. T. Fooks In the early 1960s the State of developed into a compact, conical conclusion that I had, that these were Maryland completed the last leg of a shape about 8 feet tall and 3 feet wide desirable plants for the nursery trade, much needed dual highway from the at the base with a good dark green and began propagating them. Blaine Bay Bridge to Ocean City. This color. It occurred to me that these tells me they grew them in the field, section of road from Salisbury to plants had developed naturally with where they developed with well­ Ocean City passed through a field of many desirable characteristics that shaped, upright forms of good color. nursery stock of the former Tingle landscapers were looking for. I don't They called them "American Box­ Nursery Company. Some of the have the exact records, but sometime wood" and shipped a lot of them to nursery stock was left on each side. in the 1970s I began propagating this the New England states where they To this day, in the woods on the north plant. Without having a name (some were well received by their customers side, one can see Acer Palmatum and people have the plants and no name, as "good, hardy American Box­ Magnolia Grandifiora mixed with while others have the names without wood." native trees·which have come up and the plants), we labeled it "Rt. 50." We For several years after propagating outgrown them. have continued to propagate and still it, we did not grow it in very large On the south side, a group of three identify it as "Buxus Rt. 50." We sell quantities. Recently, we made a boxwood were left close enough to it as American Boxwood. decision to produce large landscape­ state right of way that they were not About the same time that I was sized Buxus for the landscape trade. enveloped by the growing woods. I observing these plants, so was Blaine The Rt. 50 boxwood is one of several casually observed these boxwood as Bunting, Sr., who was at that time that we have chosen to produce. In they continued to grow by the side of propagator for the former Bunting evaluating the performance we have a busy highway, without any help or Nursery Company of Selbyville, compared it to the cultivar 'Belle­ hindrance from man. They gradually Delaware. Blaine came to the same ville', which we like v,ery much. The

April 1998 73 foliage and general appearance of the these observations, we have con­ plants are similar. Comparing Rt. 50 cluded that the Rt. 50 boxwood is one and 'Belleville' planted from I-gallon that will fit well into our production containers at the same time in the and that we can market it with same block, we have made the confidence that it will perform well in following observations: the final landscape where it is planted. I. Rt. 50 has grown faster, about 18 After the 1996 ABS meeting we inches in height compared to gave Regina Boehm and Wolfgang 'Belleville' at 15 inches. Kohnert of Mettman, Germany a 2. 'Belleville' has developed with a small plant of Rt. 50. They later wrote better conical form at the same an article which was published in The age. The Rt. 50 is columnar at this Boxwood Bulletin, October 1996, size. Vol.36 No.2 entitled "Impressions 3. Both are about the same color. from a first visit to the United States." 4. Both have endured winters under In the article they mentioned receiv­ harsh field conditions equally ing "Buxus IRt .. 50/Mr. Fooks own well. variety." Since it had been published We have found that the Rt. 50 The Rt. 50 boxwood about 7 years in the Bulletin I thought society develops a nice conical form by the from cutting. 30-36" high. J5-inch members might be entitled to know time it reaches 3 feet in height. From base. (Photo: Charles Fooks) the story of the Rt. 50 boxwood. Garden Week Highlights for Boxwood Enthusiasts By Suzanne Munson, Historic Garden Week Executive Director Among the many tours featuring fruticosa', some as old as the 1940- clubs will also sponsor a walking tour lovely boxwood gardens are three vintage house. The owners are of the University of Virginia' s events in the Charlottesville area enthusiastic boxwood collectors and beautiful Pavilion Gardens April 21 , April 19-22. The concept of the have added a row of B. microphyila designed by Thomas Jefferson and Friendly Gardens tour, April 19 and var.japonica 'Green Beauty' border­ featuring boxwood and other plants 20, was developed in 1950 when ing the sidewalk in front and Buxus authentic to the early 19th century, members of The Rivanna Garden 'Green Gem' flanking the stone and a Country Estates and Gardens Club suggested opening small entrance walk. tour April 21 and 22 showcasing gardens which were maintained The weeping form of B. harlandii magnificent rural properties. One of solely by their owners. The event was is found against the side of the these is Kinloch, once described as so successful that the Friendly garage, anchored at the end by a "in a grove of forest oaks on the slope Gardens have been on the Historic fastigiate variety. A row of B. sem­ of a gentle hill with a bold spring at Garden Week tour for many years. pervirens 'Graham Blandy' lines the its foot." Its formal gardens were This year's event features a walking rear picket fence. Entering the back started in the 1930s by Mrs. Linton R. tour of 12 city gardens. yard from the right, the owners have Massey. She planted five varieties of added a bed of boxwood which boxwood and used the hedging and Charlottesville Garden Features 15 includes cultivars B. microphylla brick walls to create "outdoor living Cultivars of Boxwood 'Compacta', 'Helen Whiting' , and rooms," developing eight gardens. 'Grace Hendrick Phillips', along with Landscape architect Rachel Lilly used One of the Friendly Gardens B. microphylla var. japonica 'Morris Mrs. Massey's foundations of stone includes more than 15 cultivars of Midget'. Among larger plants here and brick walls and added brick boxwood. When the current owners, are B. sinica var. insularis 'Justin walkways, an assortment of trees and Dr. and Mrs. Henry F. Frierson, Jr., Brouwers', B. sempervirens 'Memo­ a vast array of flora. The focal point purchased it in 1985, the yard had rial,' and a variegated B. semper­ of the garden is the Roman-ended groupings of large common tree virens (see p. 69). pool which is enveloped with greens, boxwood and B sempervirens 'Suf- The Charlottesville-area garden whites and silvers.

74 April 1998 Boxwood Estate Open in Richmond April 23 On the Richmond tour April 23 is an impressive home known as Box­ wood, designed in 1924 by Duncan Lee and located on three and a half acres of manicured lawn and gardens overlooking The Country Club of Virginia's Westhampton golf course. Noted landscape architect Charles F. Gillette designed the original land­ scaping and gardens, among them an English boxwood garden. Some of his work remains, including the ancient English and American boxwood along the front entrance walkway. Regard­ ing Boxwood, Mr. Gillette com­ mented in 1934: "In this work, which has turned out very well, we stuck to the Virginia text and a truly old atmosphere already pervades the Old Mansion, built in 1669, the source for some of the National Cathedral place. We used, of course, boxwood, boxwood in the 1930s. (Photo: Ashland Garden Club) yews and crape myrtle in quantity and filled in with all the other usual things-lilacs, old-time roses, etc. This, in a word, is my description of the place: Modest and to the point." The garden and landscaping have been renovated by the present owners with the assistance of Richmond landscape architect C. Preston Dalrymple. Among the fine properties on the Ashland Garden Club's tour in Caroline County April 18 is Old Mansion, built in 1669 and said to be the oldest continuously inhabited

Mulberry Place on the Ashland Garden Club tour has mature boxwood and is undergoing a long-term restoration. (Photo: Ashland Garden Club)

residence in Virginia. Huge trees and entrance border of the Bishop's Boxwood in the pool area of Kinloch boxwood have always surrounded the Garden at Washington National in Albemarle County on the Char­ house; some still present are original Cathedral were transplanted from Old lottesville tour April 21-22. (Photo: and are over 300 years old. Some Mansion in the 1930s. Garden Club of Virginia) English boxwood now growing in the Another handsome old property on

April 1998 75 this tour is Mulberry Place, con­ Caroline County tour will be Mrs. Detailed information about these structed in 1827. The present owners Gordon Penick's Reedy Mill, an and the many other wonderful purchased the estate in 1988 and are extraordinary lakeside garden which properties open this April is included in the process of an exciting long­ h?~ been featured in Horticulture in the 1998 Garden Week guidebook. term restoration of the garden. To be magazine, Southern Living, Time-Life Guidebooks are available free of incorporated in the plan are more than Books and on the cover of White charge at many information centers 400 ancient English boxwood. Flower Farm Catalog. The two-acre throughout the state or by mailing a Garden Week visitors are invited to landscape and garden area on the $4 donation for postage and handling view the plans and designs in shores of a 45-acre lake includes a to Historic Garden Week, 12 E. progress. bog garden, a dwarf conifer collec­ Franklin St., Richmond, VA 23219. tion, a mixed border of inspired Reedy Mill-Caroline County Gem English design, a gazebo and patio A horticultural highlight of this garden, and a new shade garden.

Maryland House and Garden Pilgrimage - 1998 This is the 61 st Annual Pilgrim­ Daniel St. Thomas Jenifer, a signer of midland and increasing urbanization age, a series of tours from Saturday the Constitution; Drs. James Craik from the Washington, D.C., area. April 18 through May 9,1998: and Gustavus Brown, physicians to Mt. Air is one of the jewels of the George Washington. Pilgrimage Tour. An elegant water­ Saturday, April 18- Charles County The countryside was pillaged in front estate, it is situated on a mag­ Sunday, April 19- Baltimore City 1812 when the British landed at nificent promontory commanding a Saturday, April 25- Dorchester Benedict on the Patuxent River and breathtaking view of the lower County marched to Washington. During the Potomac and Port Tobacco Rivers. Sunday, April 26- Talbot County Civil War, Charles County changed The main manor house was con­ Saturday, May 2- Howard County from a basically agrarian area. Today structed about 1801, by Mr. Luke Saturday, May 9- Washington it is influenced by the pressures of a Thomas Matthews, incorporating into County major coastal highway through its the foundation a small structure There are many historic and notable places open to the visitor. Charles County in Southern Maryland will play host on Saturday, April 18 for the Maryland House and Garden 1998 Pilgrimage. In 1632, Charles I of England by charter made Cecil Calvert, Lord Baltimore, Proprietor of Maryland. Only he and subsequent Lords Baltimore had power to grant land. In 1658, Charles County, named in honor of his Lordship's son and heir apparent, was separated from St. Mary's County. The 18th century was a prosperous era of plantation life with tobacco the "gold of the province." Among the notables from Charles County were General William Smallwood; John Hanson, president of the Continental Congress; Thomas Stone, a signer of Mt. Air in Charles County with ancient boxwoods framing the house is on tour the Declaration of Independence; April 18. (Photos: Maryland House and Garden Pilgrimage)

76 April 1998 described as "old" in 1725. It is a regionally typical Federal-style house of clapboard over brick nogging. The central block is three stories high. In 1994, a full historical renovation was undertaken and a south wing added. The beautifully maintained grounds feature one of America"s largest gardens of English boxwood. The formal design has grown into a maze over the years. Shading the gardens are walnut, cedar, elm and chestnut trees. Color is added by magnolias, lilacs, weeping cherries, crape myrtles, rosebushes and forsythias . The main gardens also contain notable marble statuary. Mt. Air remains a 480-acre working farm with numerous dependencies. Mr. Aire, showing a portion of the house with the continuation of masses of Al so open in Charles County are ancient boxwoods. (Photos: MaryLand House and Garden PiLgrimage) Yatten and Westwood Manor. The latter is situated on a hill overlooking the Wicomico River valley on a portion of a manorial grant to Sir Thomas Gerrard in 1651 . Dorchester County (Saturday, April 26) is the largest county on the Eastern Shore. It offers natural beauty and recreational opportunities in a pristine environment. Almost sur­ rounded by water, the county has the Chesapeake Bay on the western and southern shores with the Choptank River on the north and the Nanticoke River on the east. The hi story of the county dates back more than 300 years. It was named for Sir Edward Sackville, fourth Earl of Dorset and a close friend of the Calvert family . Early settlement was along the Yatten, aLso in CharLes County, shows mature boxwood and a handsome shorelines. Six Maryland governors Magnolia grandiflora to the right. have been among Dorchester County's noted citizens, including freedom via the Underground Rail­ Church, begun in 1883, occupies the Thomas Holiday Hicks, who was way. Cambridge, the county seat, was site of two earlier church buildings credited with keeping Maryland in the founded in 1684 and is the site of dating back to 1692. There is a rose Union. Other noted citizens were several of the tour places. window portraying the Sermon on the Anna Ella Carroll, the silent member Meredith House, built circa 1760, Mount, five smaller panels represent­ of Lincoln's cabinet who is buried in is the home of the Dorchester County ing Love, Joy, Peace, Patience and Old Trinity Churchyard, just west of Historical Society. The original milk Humility, a Tiffany window and Cambridge, and Harriet Tubman, house, still to be restored, is to be one panels portraying the story of the known as "the Moses of the people," of the beneficiaries of the tour. good samaritan. who led more than 300 slaves to The gothic-style Christ Episcopal The Dorchester Arts Center is

April 1998 77 located in a house dating from 1790. wrought their damage, but the 19th century. It was part of a larger house, half of community has survived and visitors Plumb Grove, built in 1831, the which was split off in 1906 and can enjoy Colonial Craft demonstra­ overseer's house at Montpelier moved 15' closer to the water. tions and gifts in a restored log cabin (Maryland), built in 1771; Stafford Cambridge House, a good ex­ and history in the B&O Station Hall; early 19th century, on the ample of Queen Anne architecture, Museum as well as featured places on National Register; St. Mary's Episco­ has had many notable owners, the tour. pal Church, its cornerstone laid in including two governors. In 1719, the Among the places on the tour are early 1849 and ,another early 19th property (with no house) was sold for Mt. Ida, the last home built by the century house are among the show­ $30. In 1789, a brick house on the site Ellicotts, c. 1828, a blend of Greek places open in Washington County. burned and was replaced in 1830 by a Revival and Italianate styles; Patap­ Weldon, a contraction of Well wood-framed cottage. In 1874, the sco Female Institute Historic Park Done, was built c. 1741 on land cottage was moved and a brick which has the stabilized ruins of a granted by Frederick Calvert, the last structure added. In the 1880s, the former girls school, located atop Lord Baltimore. An article in the main part of the house was added to Ellicott City'S highest elevation; and Baltimore Sun of September 27, the back cottage and a final addition a charming Victorian farmhouse, built 1925, describes the large garden of was constructed around the tum of in 1888, with lush perennial gardens old flowers and boxwood as a the century. The house was divided and mature boxwood said to have sanctuary for birds. Today the garden into apartments, but has now been come from cuttings of George still holds the ancient boxwoods. returned to its original splendor. Washington's Mount Vernon box­ The landscaping of Cambridge wood. House was designed by award­ Washington County, on tour winning Dallas architect, David Saturday, May 9, 1998, was formed In Memoriam Rolston. It incorporates magnificent from Frederick County in 1776. It English boxwoods which were was the first county named in honor Janet Weber planted 100 years ago. of George Washington. Hagerstown, Member since 1989 The Davis House, a Victorian the largest town in the county, located style 1894, was remodeled to Colo­ in the center of the valley, is the Mary Carolyn Jones nial Revival style and presently has county seat. Many log houses remain Member since 1984 Greek and Colonial Revival influ­ from the late 18th and early 19th S. Douglas Fleet ences; and the Hooper-Wolff House, centuries. The stylish elements of Charter and Life Member dating back to the late 1700s are also British and European designs began on the tour. to appear in the county by the late The Howard County tour (May 2) is based around Ellicott City. Named for the Ellicott brothers who bought 700 acres in the wilderness in 1771 on the steep rocky banks of the Minutes of the Winter Board Meeting Patapsco River, the town sprang up around the settlement they developed. The winter meeting of the Govern­ Sigrid Harriman, and Steve Zapton. The town became a major outlet for ing Board of The American Boxwood The meeting was called t~ order at 1 the farming community which Society was held on Friday, January p.m. by the President, who introduced followed the lead of Charles Carroll 16, 1998, at the Double Tree Inn in Dr. Michael A. Bowers, interim of Doughoregan Manor and switched Charlottesville, Virginia. In attendance Director of the State Arboretum of from soil-depleting tobacco to wheat were President Dr. Stephen D. Virginia, Blandy Farm, and ex-officio crops. Southall, First Vice President Tom Board Member, who was accompanied With the arrival of the B&O Saunders, Executive Treasurer Mrs. by Mrs. Mary Olien, Assistant Curator railroad in 1830, Ellicott Mills, as it Katherine D. Ward, Secretary Joan for Education at the State Arboretum. was then called, became one of the Butler, Registrar Lynn R. Batdorf and She will be organizing school pro­ most important manufacturing centers Directors John W. Boyd, ill, Scot grams and workshops. in the state. Flood (1868), hurricanes Butler, Charles Fooks, Mrs. Robert L. The minutes of the September 5, (1972 and 1974), and fire (1984) have Frackelton, Dr. Henry Frierson, Mrs. 1997, fall Board meeting were ap-

78 April 1998 proved as published in The Boxwood had asked for ABS funding support for available to visitors in the Garden. Bulletin, Vo1.37, No.2, pp.36-37. a research project. Mr. Batdorf believes Board members were asked to send her Mrs. Ward presented the Treas­ the problem is a result of sanitation suggestions for content, such as urer's Report showing balances of neglect in a much damper climate than explanation of the way plants are $3,320.70 in the checking account and our U.S. experience. No support was organized in the beds, an overview of $15,345.95 in the certificate of deposit, voted. Buxus species, description of character­ which was renewed on November 16, Mr. Batdorf reported that a new istics of cultivars, history of ABS and 1997. The costs for printing the revised 1996 boxwood garden at the Missouri the Garden. edition of the Boxwood Handbook have Botanic Garden has encouraged Internet home page. Discussion been paid in full. horticulturist Dan Moses to collaborate followed acknowledging the desirabil­ with Mr. Batdorf on two articles for The ity of creating an ABS web site, but Committee Reports: Boxwood Bulletin. unfortunately Mrs. Ward is not able to Finance Committee. The President On July 20-26, 1998, Mr. Batdorf participate because her local telephone appointed a Finance Committee will attend the Third Annual Interna­ company cannot act as her local service consisting of Mrs. Ward, Mr. Batdort, tional Symposium on Taxonomy of provider. President Dr. Southall has Mrs. Frackelton and Mr. Saunders, to Cultivated Plants of the International reserved the name "boxwoodsociety. prepare the 1998-1999 annual budget Society for Horticultural Science org" so that no other entity can use it. to be presented at the Board meeting on (ISHS) in Edinburgh, Scotland, and An e-mail account would cost about May 14, 1998. Board members who will present a paper on boxwood on $50 per month. Lengthy discussion expect to need funds for the next fiscal July 22. ensued about the purposes for our year should normally request them Mr. Batdorf reviewed plans for the Internet presence. We need to promote before the January Board meeting, but Annual Meeting on Friday, May 15, and the Society'S goals and educational this year should submit their requests Saturday, May 16, 1998. A maximum objectives. Dr. Frierson and Mr. immediately. Mr. Saunders asked Mrs. of 120 participants can be accommo­ Batdorf will explore records of contacts Ward to provide comparison figures on dated. The meeting and garden tours and costs from web sites at the Univer­ expenditures for 1996-97 and 1997-98. will be advertised to the general public sity of Virginia and the National The Boxwood Bulletin and on April 5. Members are urged to Arboretum; Mr. Batdorf will contact Membership. Mrs. Frackelton register early:Mr. Fooks will provide the Water Lily Society to research their requested more articles for The plants of Buxus microphylla var. experience with their home page. Boxwood Bulletin and contributions for japonica 'Morris Dwarf as gifts to all The State Arboretum of Virginia the Seasonal Gardener; news of special who attend. Mrs. Frackelton will handle Blandy Farnt. Dr. Michael A. Bowers, gardens; new uses or experiences with registration for the meeting and Mr. interim Director of the State Arbore­ specific cultivars. Sixty-one new Saunders will bring some plants for the tum, noted that 3,000 hits have been members have joined as a result of auction. recorded since a web site was created advertising for the revised Handbook,' a The spring meeting of the Govern­ at Blandy Farm in March 1997. He membership application envelope is ing Board will be held on Thursday welcomed the long ABS-State Arbore­ sent to everyone who orders a copy. evening, May 14, 1998, prior to the tum partnership and sought members' Each Board member was asked to Annual Meeting on Friday. The 1999 support for a legislative bill in the 1998 write a list of their favorite cultivars Annual Meeting will be centered in the Virginia General Assembly, amending and about alternative uses of box. A list Richmond area; Mrs. Ward will contact the 1998-2000 University of Virginia of Internet sites referring to boxwood the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden and budget request to provide money for a would be interesting. other possible sites. staff horticulturist and additional Registrar. Mr. Batdorf announced Memorial Boxwood Garden. Mrs. ground~ personnel to maintain the that Dr. and Mrs. Mark Braimbridge Butler requested authorization to order appearance of the Arboretum. Board and Countess d'Alviella will attend the 361!ew plant labels and stakes for the members agreed to telephone expres­ ABS Annual Meeting in Mayas Memorial Garden at the State Arbore­ sions of support to their legislators. representatives of the European tum, Blandy Farm. Sample labels were NQminating Committee. Mr. Boxwood and Topiary Society, of circulated and funds for labels were Zapton, Chainnan, reported on which Dr. Braimbridge is the Chairman approved, the style to be chosen in progress to date. and Countess d' Alviella is General consultation with Bob Arnold, Grounds The meeting adjourned at 4:45 p.m. Secretary. The EBTS has encountered Superintendent. Mrs. Butler noted the a seriousfosarium fungus problem and need for a printed brochure to be made Joan Butler, Secretary

April 1998 79