"/!;eautlj dt,,,n /!;uLb~" SCHEEPERS' ::::J)ufck "~uem()ne" ::::J)akfia:J. Scheepers' Superior Quality Stock Imported from Holland

They are ideal as bedding dahlias. Planted in Spring. Flower all season long. As illustrations show they have a row of outer petals and the center of the blooms are filled with tufts of petals that are tube-like, for a lovely effect. Ideal for cutting and table arrangements. For gar­ den planting space 9 inches apart. Planted one clump to a six inch pot, they make beautiful pot specimens for decorating the patio, around the pool, close to the garden seats, etc. Average height 18-22 inches. Very little care required, just water thoroughly once a week. To assure continuous flowering, old blooms must be removed as they fade. Varieties BRIDESMAID. White, tufts lemon. HONEY. Apricot, tufts lemon. GRANATO. Orange-scarlet. GUINEA. All Yellow. Any of above priced at: $8.00 for 3; $25.00 for 10; $55.00 for 25

SPECIAL COLLECTIONS 1 each of the 4 varieties. SPECIAL PRICE $10.00 2 each of the 4 varieties. SPECIAL PRICE $16.00

Place your order now, we will ship at proper time for planting in your climate. Full planting and cultural instructions included with each order.

HONEY Our spring catalog " Beauty from Bulbs" listing other superior Dahlias, as well as Gladioli, Lilies, Montbretias, Begonias and other spring planting items, will be sent upon receipt of your order, or by special request. Cata­ log is color illustrated. NOTE: Residents N.Y. State please include applicable sales tax with remittance. Delivery Charges Billed After Shipment Is Made

JOHN SCHEEPERS, !NC. '][O(tTn 23u{f ~/2E.ciaLiiti 63A Wall Street, New York, N.Y. 10005 GUINEA Serving America's Finest Gardens for over 70 yea rs'l

Telephone 212-422-1177 212-422-2299 American HG)rticulturist Volume 58 Number 1 February, 1979 Editor: Murray Keene Editorial Assistant: Jane Steffey Publications Committee: Henry M. Cathey, Gilbert S. Daniels, Donald P. Watson and Donald Wyman Art Director: Rebecca McClimans/ Grafik Book Department: Tom Stevenson Production Coordination: John Simmons Publisher: The American Horticul­ tural Society, Mount Vernon, Vir­ ginia 22121. 703/768-5700 For United Horticulture ... the particular obj ects and busin ess of the American Horticultural Society are to promote and encourage na­ Cover Photo: Era nthus, tional interest in scientific research Crocus and Iris by Malak and educa tion in horticulture in a ll of its branches. AMERICAN HORTICULTURIST is Education the official publicatio n o f T h e American Horticultural SOCiety, 2 Plant Explorers-Tom Stevenson 7931 East Boulevard Drive, Alexan­ 3 Bonsai Basics-Frances H. Quint dria, Virginia 22308, and is issued in February, April, June, August, Oc­ 8 Organic Gardening-A Misnomer?-Wesley P. Judkins and tober and December. Membership in the Society a utomatically in­ Floyd F. Smith cludes a subscription to American 12 A Memorial to an Insect-Dr. S. A. Pieniazek Horticulturist and $1 .50 is d esig­ nated for each of this publica tion . 26 The Garden 's Foundation-R. Milton Carleton Membership dues start at $15 .00 a 34 Towers, Topiaries and Trellises-Dr. Henry M. Cathey year. Editorial Matters: Refer to Murray Keene, American H orticulturist, Travelog Mount Vernon, Virginia 22121 4 Plantation Gardens-Lorraine and Guy Burgess Advertising Matters: Refer to Pub­ lisher Services, Inc., 621 Du ke 22 British Gardens-American Plants-J. Stanley Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314 AMERICAN H OR TICUnURIST is devo ted to the dissemination of Gardener's Notebook knowledge in the science and art o f 11 Mrs. Delany's Curious Flora-Elizabeth Pullar growing ornamental plants, fruits, vegetables, and related subjects. 14 Foliar Finery-Mrs. Ralph Cannon Original papers w hich increase 19 Essence of the Garden-Jon Ortner knowledge of plant materials of economic and aesthetic importance 30 Woodland Groundcovers-Martha Prince are in vited. For manuscript speci­ fications please address the editor, Mount Vernon, Virginia 22121. My Favorite Plants Replacement Issues of AMERICAN 20 Herbs and Folklore-Shelton E. Stewart, Ph.D. HORTICULTURIST are available at a cost of $2.50 per copy, but not be­ 21 Urban Herbs-Linda Yang yond twelve months prior to date of current issue. Departments The opinions expressed in the arti­ cl es which appear in AMERICAN 42 Books HOR TICULTURIST are those of the 44 Gardener's Marketplace authors and are not necessarily those of the Society. They are pre­ sented as contributions to contem­ porary thought. Second class pos tage paid a t Alexandria, Virginia and at addi­ tional mailing offices. Copyright © 1979 by The American Horticultural Society. Color separations by CHROMAGRAPHICS INC . quarantine for the prescribed period of time). Some of them look like wonderful possibilities./I One of the future projects of the Arboretum is the establishment of an area providing a display of fall foliage color. The Japanese maples will fit in very well with that. "My plant press was filled with The Arboretum has become a material for the Herbarium," said leader in developing, evaluating and Meyer. "I think our trip was very distributing new woody ornamental successful. Of course, it will take plants. Some 40 cultivars have been time to determine the full value of introduced in the last decade, and the collections we made." numerous seedling selections have In Kyoto, with a population of been made which will yield superior about a million, Meyer talked with a shrub and tree cultivars for future cab driver who had been collecting - herbarium material for many years By Tom Stevenson ge nera tio ns. Although the azalea collection at as a hobby. He had a very good col­ A century ago azaleas were rarely the Arboretum is a large one, it is lection, Meyer says, and was deter­ seen in American gardens. There known that there are many, many mined to have them destroyed after were only a few native species and a kinds that are not included; some his death. They were precious to him small group of hybrids developed in could provide the possibility of and he didn't want them to fall into England from which to choose. Al­ plants that can be grown farther unappreciative hands. Meyer made niost all of the evergreen kinds are north, and perhaps many other im­ arrangements to have them sent to native to eastern Asia. The first provements. the National Arboretum, where, ones introduced in the U.S.A. were Three members of the Arboretum Meyer said, they most certainly Southern Indian Hybrids at Mag­ staff, Dr. John Creech, director, Dr. would be appreciated. nolia Gardens, near Charleston, Sc, Frederick G. Meyer, curator of the Meyer was particularly impressed in 1840. Arboretum herbarium, and Sylves­ by the friendliness of the Japanese Today azaleas are among the most ter G. March, Arboretum chief hor­ toward the Americans. He met some popular plants for landscaping in ticulturist, made a plant exploration of the people who contributed to the areas where they can be grown. At trip to Japan in late October, made bonsai collection given to the United the National Arboretum, Washing­ possible by a grant from National States by the Japanese government ton, DC, for example, 80,000 of them Geographic Society. They also vis­ and now on display at the Ar­ produce multi-colored blooms be­ ited off shore islands looking for boretum. They are very proud of it, neath a canopy of tulip, oak and azaleas native to China that may be he says. dogwood trees in late April and early useful for American breeding pro­ John Creech is a world leader in May. grams. Creech is a world leader in the field of plant explorations for or­ Located on 412 acres in metropoli­ the field of plant explorations for o!­ namentals. In his travels, he has tan Washington, the Arboretum is namentals, Meyer and March also specialized in the wild and ornamen­ one of the great showplaces of the have made several exploration trips tal trees and shrubs of the Far East, East, ranks among the major ar­ to various parts of the world. They with particular emphasis on azaleas, boreta of the country and is one of returned to the U.s.A. in mid-De­ camellias and hollies. He has under­ the best known in the world. It is not cember. taken eight explorations, including only for looking but also a place of "The Japanese maples (Acer three trips to Japan, two to the Soviet research and education. A staff of japonicum) were in full color and Union, and once each into Nepal, ten scientists conducts research on particularly beautiful," said March. Taiwan and Yugoslavia. In Sep­ shrubs and trees, and other staff "The Japanese Forest Service was of tember, 1974, he was sent to the members develop methods for in­ great assistance to us. We made People's Republic of China as a forming the public on culture, prop­ more than 475 living collections of member of the Plant Science Delega­ agation and selection of better plants plants which were sent immediately tion appointed by the National 2 for gardens. to the United States (they will be in Academy of Sciences. 0 BONSAI BASICS

Fran ces H. Quint 18995 Bircilcres t Drive Detroit, MI 48221

When I first saw the little pine tree, in the spring seven years ago, it stood about four feet from the base of its potato chip can container to its topmost bundle of needles. It had been dug and brought into the build­ ing by a teacher as an aid to his les­ son on "Michigan Week. " The white pine has been adopted , symboli­ cally, as the Michigan state tree. "What are yo u going to do with it when Michigan Week is over?", I asked. A 33 year old Japanese maple " I don't know," was the response, " do you want it?" height. Then I a ttacked the roo ts light blue ceramic bowl. By n ow I I did. Here was an unexpected and ruthlessly and forced what was left had developed a bolder attitude, I welcome opportunity to experiment of them, along with some of the na­ bo u g ht a masonry drill bit a nd with something I had heard a little ti ve soil , into a thin metal bowl drilled two holes through the bottom bit about: Bonsai. through which I had punctured a of the bowl. Then, with the aid of I had seen a few pictures and had few drainage holes. My little pine some chicken wire to hold them in rea d just enough to know that " bon­ tree lived happil y on a table on my place, I planted six maple seedlings sai," freely translated from the Japa­ terrace all summer. I would com e and called it a forest. nese, means " plant in a dish," and hom e each evening and examine its Upon learning about my newly that many normally tall species of habit and assess it for design. Al­ found interest, a friend brought me a tree can be dwarfed into exquisite though I felt that some areas might baby spruce from h e r woods. A miniatures which, if pro pe rly be improved by pruning or wiring I search in my closet turned up a ha nd treated , can live for hundreds of did not want to press my luck. made pot which served as a planter years. I knew that part of the training Now, having one bonsai is like eat­ for the young tree. It also gave it techniq u e is to prune roots an d ing on e peanut. Impossible ' some class. branches, and that another training The terrace to which I referred, In the fall, my maple trees turned device is to use wire to bend or con­ has a fl agstone floor which does not sca rlet. I was thrilled . Now winter tort the little trees to one's will. But always get the best of care. There, in was coming and I began to worry what branches, which roots, I knew the grass fille d cracks, grew a about what to do next with my little not, nor did I know which bending number of maple seedlings. These friends. would result in harmony and grace were undoubtedly the results of My basement windows are built or which cutting might very well re­ seeds which had blown over from a quite deep into the ground. Each one sult in disaster. neighbor's tree, probably the sum­ is fronted by a semi-circular window It was days before I mustered up m er before. Because I co uld not de­ well to let in the light. A grate across enough courage to do anything but cide w hich had the best potential for the top, at ground level, prevents admire my prize. Then,suddenly, on a bonsai and because they didn't be­ masses of leaves and other solid ma­ impulse, I cut off the whole top! It long there anyway, I decided to up­ terials from falling into th~ m . I a m was now about half of its original I root them all. I found a very sh allow Continued on page 25 3 Lorraine and Guy Burgess A few strive to reclaim the land for ragged gardens that surround the 202 Old Broadmoor Road its original use as cotton or rice plan­ plantation mansions. The restora­ Colorado Springs, CO 80906 tations. But there are pitfalls. The tion and enhancement is never easy, rice fields need to be flooded in sea­ but because most of the gardens In these days of high infla tion, the sons when the river water turns have strong design patterns, reflect­ preservation and restoration of the brackish, and that's not as easy as it ing the talents and inspirations of Old South's grand plantations is a once was. Many early irrigation sys­ early French and English landscape difficult and expensive task. The tems were based on slave labor and professionals, each renovation is a easy days of the gentleman farmer collapsed after the Civil War. rewarding experience. Not only are no longer easy and plantation The taxes on plantations still in does an upgraded garden add to the owners are having as much financial private hands are so high that prop­ value of the property, but it creates a trouble as our dirt farmers. It is a erties cannot just sit there in decay­ handsome tourist attraction that continuing struggle to keep planta­ ing splendor as remnants of our helps keep the plantation legend tion acreages intact. To survive, tumultuous past. To survive, they alive. some owners have turned to timber must not only regain their beauty, Because many of the choice plan­ farming; others to plant propag?,tion but provide a source of income as tations are located along the shores for commercial nurseries; and at well. of scenic southern rivers, twentieth least one, to boarding and swapping In many cases, the best solution is century restorers start with the ad­ horses. in the overgrown and sometimes vantages of magnificent settings and ideal climate. The tired old garden plots seem to respond well to the ministrations of these dedicated plant people who work to revive the beauties of the land. With so many plantations in so many southern states, Louisiana, Mississippi, Georgia and the Carolinas, you might think that the American Tourist would tire of these renovations, but not so. Each great garden-Magnolia, Middleton, Or­ ton, Cypress, Boone Hall, Rose­ down and Brookgreen-has its own special attributes, and gathers its own share of old and new devotees.

Left-Rose-coral azalea. (Magnolia Gardens, Charleston, SC) Right-A redbud blossoms beside the 4 Ashley River.

To the surprise of some, the proces­ trees some distance from the formal Ashley River. sion of out-of-state, garden-oriented gardens. Tourists are invited to In this place of 300-year old trees visitors increases each year. The 'walk back into history' to view the and shrubs, the design of the garden North Carolina Chamber of Com­ plantation in the 1690s when it was is somewhat obscured by the foliage. merce has recognized this horticul­ first developed. The Middleton Oak Still Magnolia is a vital and thriving tural upswing, and admits that 'top stands beside the Sundial Garden. It enterprise, a happy blending of old gardens attract not only bees but vis­ is considered one of the oldest trees and new, designed to sustain the itors' to their state, and that's a good in the nation with a spread of 145 plantation. thing for them. feet. Two, 200~year old camellias still Cypress Gardens, once known as Through the rigors of the recent stand on the grassy terrace, and still the Dean Hall Plantation, is 23 miles cold winters in the north, gardeners flower. Secret gardens are hidden north of Charleston on US 52 . In from Cleveland, Buffalo and New behind an eight foot azalea hedge. 1963, the property was deeded to the York dream of escape to the old The matching, wingshaped butterfly city of Charleston. Once a rice plan­ South. They not only dream, they lakes are best viewed from the broad tation with a vast system of reser­ jump into their economy cars and terrace where the main house once voirs in the cypress forest, the land head for the land where the living is stood. was reeognized in 1927 for its pic­ easy. From late winter through Magnolia Plantation and Gar­ turesque qualities. Forty different spring, they are greeted by a pro­ dens, also on Highway 61 and two kinds of azaleas and a bright array of gression of glorious bloom. Camel­ miles closer to Charleston, is dedi­ flowering vines-supple-Jack, cross lias, azaleas, magnolias and kalmias cated to the pleasure of its guests vine, yellow jasmine and Chinese offer a series of spectacular displays and urges visitors to enjoy the gar­ wisteria were added to mirror in the on a grand scale in charming set­ dens, woods and water as their own. black water of the cypress pools. tings. Visitors can return home in­ It counts itself as America's oldest These additions made the gardens spired, and still have time to intro­ man-made tourist attraction in con­ more beautifut and a bit mysterious. duce some of the ideas to their own tinuous operation. Magnolia makes Orton Plantation, 16 miles south gardens as the soil begins to warm. a point of catering to modem tourist of Wilmington, North Carolina on Admissions to these fine planta­ requirements. It offers picnic areas, a NC 133, was a rice plantation as far tion gardens run as high as 100,000 petting zoo and a mini-horse ranch, back as 1725. The plantation was visitors per garden, per year. Fees plus a snack shop and gift shop. once owned by Roger Moore, range from two to five dollars per There are hiking trails through a known to some as 'King' Roger for person. Middleton Place, northwest waterfowl wildlife refuge, quiet his opulent and expansive way of of Charleston, maintains a purist electric-boat tours, bicycles, wheel­ life. Today Orton is noted in the stance. Le Notre influences are evi­ chairs, and canoes, a plantation guide books as 'famous for its gar­ dent in its reflecting pools and kitchen serving southern dishes, dens', and well it might. It's a beauti­ precisely-diagramed flower beds. To and torchlight walks in the evening. ful place and, like the other large protect the Colonial image, visitors' All this is in addition to the 30 acres plantations a bit awesome to those cars are hidden in a grove of pine of informal gardens beside the who garden on a half-acre of land. Brookgreen Gardens, at Murrels Inlet, South Carolina on US 17, is now a garden museum of American sculpture. The plantation on which it was superimposed dates back to the mid -1700s, but only one building remains of the original plantation complex. Yet, the Avenue of Oaks that once framed the main house still stands in all its monumental glory. Development of the garden­ museum concept was begun in 1930 by Brookgreen's owners, Archer and Anne Hyatt Huntington. They are credited with bringing 'a garden long since dead to life'. Then to in-

. Left-Spring's prelude-daffodils. Right-Ashley River cypress grove and 6 rice plantation. sure the perpetuity of the Gardens, the ownership of the 10,000 acre property was transferred to a eleemosynary corporation. The en­ tire tract is now a wildlife refuge, with a distinctive garden in the heart of it. A few fine plantations remain in private hands and are not open to the public. Medway and Mulberry are shining examples. Boone Hall, north of Charleston, was originally a 17,000 acre cotton plantation. Today it has a valuable pecan forest. But its claim to fame rests on being the most photo­ graphed plantation in America. It was the set for the now-classic "Gone With the Wind," and is still a favorite among Hollywoodians. Oaks Plantation on John's Island in South Carolina has found another way to go. It functions as a camp­ ground, and advertises in the tourist brochures. Two plantations, Middleton and Magnolia, have been designated as National Historic Landmarks. Such citation brings distinction, but little revenue. Drayton Hall, immediately south of Magnolia, is now owned by the National Trust for Historic Pres­ ervation and the state of South Carolina. The manor house is the oldest and finest surviving example of early Georgian architecture. The house was saved in the Civil War, either by ruse or by fact, because small pox flags that were set out turned the Union troops away. To­ day, the prime goal at Drayton is to restore the house to its original beauty. It stands alone, one of its flanking buildings destroyed by earthquake and the other by fire and hurricane. Emphasis here is still on architecture rather than horticul­ ture, and the process of restoration will be difficult and time-con­ suming. There are many ways plantation owners can go to save these fine old properties, but the way that seems most successful and pleases garden­ ers most is in the recovery of these ancient garden plots, for public en­ joyment. 0 7 • erung• A Misnomer?

Wesley P. Judkins Professor Emeritus of Horticulture Virginia Polytechnic In stitute & State Univers ity Blacksburg, VA 24060 and Floyd F. Smith Resea rch Entomologist USDA Agricultural Research Center Belts ville, MD 20705

As a part of our present concern for a cleaner, more healthful environment, the use of organic foods is being promoted as a means to this end. This subject deserves the serious attention of all consumers because, if such foods are superior to those which are usually eaten, we should all adjust our menus and include more of these items. The designation "organic food" is actually a misnomer because all foods are in fact organic-except for an ex­ tr e ~ely small amount of preservatives or flavoring com­ pOllents. The term organic food refers to foods which are proliuced without the use of inorganic chemical fertiliz­ ers, pesticides, preservatives, or flavoring ingredients. The organic enthusiast considers inorganic chemicals to be harmful to both man and his environment. Foods consumed by the earliest, prehistoric human creatures were truly organic. Men roamed acres of land to kill wild game, catch fish and gather berries, nuts and 8 other plant parts for food. The Development of Modem Agriculture tical when they received fertilizer from either inorganic or As early man subsisted for many thousands of years by organic sources. This is, in fact, the case. Experiments killing and eating wild animals and feeding on plants conducted at several State and Federal Experiment Sta­ growing within his vast range of foraging, he filled a tions have found no differences in the mineral or vitamin niche in the balance of nature. His increase in numbers content of crops grown with organic as compared to was limited by the available food which nature supplied. inorganic sources of nutrients. Gradually, as man discovered ways to cultivate some of The cost of foods produced organically may be 50 to 100 the wild plants and to domesticate livestock, he increased percent higher than the prevailing market price. There is his available supplies of food. This allowed an increase in no justification for paying these excessive prices. Such population and the establishment of family and tribal expendi tures for food could bring financial disaster to units in stable communities. low income families. Also, there have been many cases He soon discovered that the use of manure from live­ reported where merchants changed the labels on conven­ stock and poultry promoted higher yields of his corn and ti onal produce or canned items and sold them as organic vegetables. Later he found that material from deposits of foods at inflated prices. guano, marl, potash and nitrate of soda also improved The organic enthusiast may become quite concerned crop production. As he acquired a knowledge of chemis­ about his diet and consume a grea ter variety of fruits, try, he learned that nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium vegetables and whole grain cereals. This is superior to a were the principal elements he needed to add to the soil more restricted selection of highly refined, unfortified to produce better growth. He then learned how to utilize foods. But, it must be realized , any improvement in diet natural deposits m ore efficiently and to synthesize inor­ is the result of consuming more healthful types of food, ganic commercial fertilizers. and not because an organic or inorganic fertilizer was It is this involvement with inorganic chemicals which used to produce the crop. disturbs the organic enthusiast. Organic compounds are Some organic food fadists express concern that crops those which contain carbon, whereas inorganic materials may be grown on soils deficient in certain minor elements do not. The conclusion seems to be that inorganic com­ and thus be less healthful. This is ex tremely rare beca use pounds in general are harmful, whereas organic ones are farmers know they cannot produce crops profitably on beneficial. such soils. Agricultural crops are grown on relatively In reality, we live in a chemical environment in which fertile soil s with adequa te reserves of minor elemen ts. An either type may be harmful or beneficial. Water, which is outstanding exception to this situation is the production inorganic, is essential for life . Salt, also inorganic, is of citrus-a prized, healthful fruit-on infertile, sandy essential for most humans, but quite harmful to those soils in Florida. The grower, however, must supply the with certain m edical problems. Sugar, one of the basic needed fertilizer and minor elements to insure normal organic components of food, is beneficial as a source of tree growth, productivity and fruit quality. This is typi­ energy for most people, but detrimental to the diabetic. cally in the form of organic fertilizer. Many organic materials in excess may be harmful or The Benefits of Organic Matter deadly such as poison ivy, poisonous mushrooms, al­ Organic matter is extremely important for improving cohot marijuana, tobacco and heroin. Aflatoxins, com­ the physical condition and productivity of the soil. It plex chemicals produced naturally by certain fungi found makes plowing and cui tiva ting easier. It also increases on stored food, are the most potent carcinogens known the nutrient reserve and water holding capacity of sandy to man. Entry of aflatoxin-producing fungi is encouraged or clay type soils. by insects feeding on nuts, fruits and vegetables. The home gardener derives several benefits by mulch­ Some Facts About Organic Foods ing with organic matter. It reduces erosion caused by In considering the advantages and disadvantages of runoff of rain or irrigation, increases the infiltration of organically and inorganically grown crops, it is necessary water into the soil and conserves this moisture by reduc­ to understand how the plant absorbs its nutrient ele­ ing evaporation. Organic matter helps suppress weed ments and synthesizes them into food. Regardless of the growth. original source, fertilizer in the soil must break down into Some of the best organic materials to use as mulch are its ionic form before it can be used by plants. The ions, leaves, lawn clippings, fresh sawdust, fine wood shav­ which the plants absorb, are identical whether they are ings, pine needles, chopped straw, ground corn cobs, derived from an organic or inorganic source. Therefore, shredded tobacco or sugar cane stems, peanut hulls, or in terms of benefits to plants, when similar quantities of cotton seed hulls. These materials do not add important nutrients are available, there is no advantage for either amounts of nutrients or have a Significant effect on the organic or inorganic fertilizer. pH of the soil. Green plants are the initial and ultimate source of The dead vegetable and flower plants in your garden human food . It is logical to conclude tha t, since these should be chopped down and left on the ground as a plants can absorb their nutrient elements only in the ionic protective mulch during the winter. This trash mulch form, the food value of agricultural crops would be iden- Continued on page 17 9

Left-Rosa 'Halifax'

Elizabeth Pullar though Mrs. Delany gave away a Discovering the amazing truth, she Route 1, Box 258 few of her precious floral creations. urged Mrs. Delany to make copies of Thomaston, CT 06787 Whether or not they were ever re­ other blossoms. Thus from a mere turned to the original folios is a mat­ happenstance, a new pastime was Anyone who, at the age of 74, can ter of conjecture. begun for the elderly lady. Her first create a garden of paper flo wers and Mrs. Delany began her hobby attempt being so successful, Mrs. have her work preserved and es­ quite by accident. The elderly lady Delany was s timulated to make teemed in the British Museum for was sitting at her work table in the many more. That year (1774) , she some two hundred years is worthy home of her dearest friend, the co mpleted four fl owers in her new of admiration for her genius. The Duchess of Portland. She was list­ art. Sixteen were made the second gentle lady was Mary Granville De­ less and lonely, for her husband, the year and during the third yea r, one lany who was born in 1700 and lived Dean of Down (Patrick Delany) had hundred and sixty were perfected. a full life of 88 years. She was one of died five years before. She missed Her goal was to copy one thousand the great women of the 18th century. his encouragement and the pleasure flowers. Unfortunately, when she In addition to excelling in the social he took in her diverse activities. On was but twenty short of her plan, her manners of her day w ith undisputed the table before her was a scrap of eyesight failed and she could no wit and charm, she could wield her bright scarlet Chinese paper. Nearby longer see well enough for the pre­ pen to originate both poetry and happened to be a potted geranium of cise cutting that her craft required. prose, make paintings far from exactl y the same color. The fact that It is difficult to imagine exactl y amateurish and was adept at the the two reds coincided prompted how Mrs. Delany was able to achieve modern equivalent of landscape ar­ Mrs. Delany to action. For amuse­ these accurate replicas of fl owers in chitecture. ment, she took up her scissors and form, color, light and shade and per­ Mrs. Delany's curious craft is cut the pattern of the geranium pet­ fection of perspective. To enlighten known by several names. To her, it als by eye from the brilliant red the reader as to the process of imita­ was her Flora, her Book of Plants, paper. Placing the paper petals one tion, the following quotation by the her Hortus Siccus or her Pa per over another on a dark background, editor of " Autobiography and Cor­ Mosaiks. Actually, it was a method she was so pleased with the outcome respondence of Mary Granville, of producing life-like flowers in that she decided to complete her Mrs. Delany" of 1862 will serve as a paper mosaic form. The perfection of flower. With green paper of various true depiction. her work was so individualized that shades, she cut the calyx, stem and "Mrs. Delany placed the growing no one since has been able to rival foliage. She then pasted them in cor­ plant before her or a branch of it if her skill. Her art is protected now in rect proportion to the flower head. too large to be copied. At the back of ten volumes in the Department of Her geranium mosaic was complete. the plant, but not to touch it, she put Prints and Drawings in the British The Duchess of Portland saw the a shee t of black paper, doubled in Museum. It is assumed that all of her flower on the table and mistook the the form of a folding-screen, which paper flowers are there today, al- paper imitation for a real geranium! Can tinu ed on page 37 11 A Memo an

Clockwise from top left-Moth borer ca terpillars at work. Moth borer-adult stage. The author inspects stand of prickly pear. Fruits of prickly pears are full of seeds.

£'" o 12 n.L=~.c ______"""; N orth Am erica. Severa l s pecies ing places in prickly pear scrub. The Dr. S. A. Pieniazek were imported to Australi a. Two snake population grew to alarming Research Ins titute of Pom%gy, species tha t played such a unique pro portions. ul Pom%giczna 22 role in Q ueensland, Opun tia inermis The enthusiasm with which the Skiern iew ice, Poland and Opun tia stricta, were establish ed farmers received the prickly pears there between 1840 and 1860 . They soon gave way to apprehension and Memorials were built in the hi s­ were used fo r h edges and estab­ alarm . In 1887, prickly pear was rec­ tory of humanity most often to vic­ li sh ed easily w ith cuttings . The ognized in Q ueensland as a major tori ous kings and generals, to saints hedges proved so effective that the pest. Nobod y pla nted Opuntia and political leaders, to poets and cuttings were distributed by farmer h e d ges a n ym ore. A search h as scientists. A memoria l erected to an organiza tions. Fruits w hich formed begun fo r a method to destroy the insect is som ething unusu al indeed . abundantly each year, and even weed . Physical destruction was not Much of the Northwestern Aus­ yo ung cladodes of the prickly pear, realistic. Arsenic pentoxide proved tralian continent is sparsely settled . were considered to be a good source to be the only effective chemical but Soils are shallow and not very fertile; of fo dder fo r the animals in th e time it was too costly. annual rainfall fr om 20 to 30 inch es is of prolon ged drought and scarcity of The problem was so grave that the irregularly distributed . The clim ate other fee d. Queensland Government ca lled on is too hot for sheep. When the land Fruits o f many species o f Opun tia scientists asking for h elp. After was cleared , it was used fo r grazing are edible. O ne species, Opul1 tia ficus length y studies and deliberations, it by beef cattle w hich becam e an im­ indica, is cultivated in many warm was concluded that biological con­ portant part of prim ary industries in weather countries fo r its fruits, espe­ trol of the pest was the only solution . the state of Q ueensland. ciall y in the countries around the The Pri ckly Pear Travelling Com­ In the middle of the 19th century Mediterranean Sea in Europe and mission, co mposed of entomologists fencing was not easily available and Africa. They are not the most tasty and phy to pa thologis ts, was ap­ some containment of the cattle on fruits, but are large and nutritious. pointed by the Queensland Gov­ the vast tracts of land was desirable. Fruits of Opun tia inerm is and Opuntia ernment in 1912 . The Commission Someone had a brain storm. Why stricta are small a nd full of hard m ade ex peditions to the regions of not plant the prickly pear to form seeds, but in Qu eensland were often Ameri ca wh ere Opun tia is native to hedges around the grazing grounds? consumed by aborigines. look for its n atural enemies. The The re are about 350 species of Both prickly pear species intro­ work of the Commission slackened prickly pear (Opun tia) in the South, duced to Queensland found an ideal som ewha t during the First World Central and So uthern regio ns o f home. They thrived in the Austra­ War. But soon, the prickly pear lian climate in an absence of natural danger grew to such proportion that enemies. Pear hedges proved to be the Common wealth Government effective, indeed . Opuntia stricta is took charge of the fight against the armed with big, sharp spines. No weed. The Commonwealth Prickly beast could pass throu gh the hedge. Pear Board was formed to cope with Opuntia inermis has, at most, very the problem . More sci entists were small and n ot numerous spines, but sent to America to look for the grows so densely that its hedges are natural enemies of Opuntia. By 1925 , nearly im penetrable. the weed occupied close to sixty mil­ Both species of Opun tia were eas­ lion acres of land. ily propagated b y cuttings, and Op untia in erm is is native in the seeds were disseminated by animals Southern United States, from Texas and birds. Soon seedlings began ap­ to Florida; Opun tia stricta to Florida pearing all over grazing lands. There and the West Indies. Australian en­ were instances in which a pasture of tomologists found over a hundred several thousand acres hedged with insects feeding exclusively on cacti prickly pear became a dense forest of in America. They selected fifty odd Opuntia three to fi ve feet high within species and after control investiga­ five to eight years. The cactus ex­ tions sent them to Australia. Ex­ cluded all cattle by the sheer mass of treme care was taken in order not to its weight which amounted , in some introduce an insect which would at­ cases, to 800 tons per acre . Only tack other native Australian plants. poisonous snakes found good hid- Continued on page 29 13 14 blue by (H. tokudama or H. siebo ldiana 'Elegans'); steal the Mrs . Ralph Cannon limelight. The variegations may be green and yellow as in Professor Emeritus The University of Chicago the case of (H . ventricosa 'Aureo maculata' or H. siebol­ 5849 North Kosh1er Avenue diana 'Aureo maculata') or green and white such as H. Chicago, IL 60646 crispu la or the H. undulata cultivars. Few plants are lovelier to look upon than the leaves of a Nature knows no boundary to the infinite variety of group of distinctive hostas. They are so large that they forms, size and shapes into which she fashions flowers give a mass effect like the sheen on silk under the shady and leaves. For most people a mass of flowers is the only light of the summer sky. When fa ll arrives, the leaves satisfying part of a plant. A true plantsman appreciates paint themselves into glowing colors of yellow and gold. the plant as a whole: particularly the leaves which have Another useful pla nt with ornam ental leaves is their own form and texture. They work to manufac ture Bergenia cordifolia. It is a tough, easily grown perennial. food from air and light. However important fl owers are The large glossy, round ish, leathery leaves are decorative with their color, leaves are the visible ornament for the and ever-colorfu l for the entire year. In spring, the rose­ greater part of the year. Leaves show strength and colored flowers are borne on sturdy s tems among the beauty. They diffe r m arkedly in size, color, shape and tender green leaves. In late fa ll, the bold leaves begin to manner of growth. turn reddish in preparation of their winter picture. These If a plant has elegant leaves it should be given space for burnished tints add to the effectiveness of the leaves. The development, so that it can be enjoyed in its entirety. The clumps multiply easily. Because of their shallow roots herbaceous large leaf and sm all leaf hostas with their they can be d ivided for extra propagation after flowering. superb form and eye-catching leaves have priority in my Once planted, they should be left undisturbed until it is garden and woods. From such a bevy of charm it is not necessary to lift and div ide. They w ill grow in sun or easy to choose particular favorites. This is such a noble shade. Since they co me fro m Siberia and the Himalayas, and prolific genus that it may be unwise to single out an y they are hardy in our winters of -20 degrees F. They member as a favorite. There are the large-leaf, the small­ remain winter green . leaf, the blue, the green, the gold and the variegated Helleborus orientalis is a sturdy plant with rich, gleam­ leaves. Variegations m ay be in the form of margins, lines ing, deep green, polished leaves. It is handsom e through or splashes w ith colors of green and yellow or green and the year in all its multitudinous forms. In early spring, white. All hostas flower triumphantly and after flower­ the blossoms rise above the evergreen, palmately ser­ ing the foliage rem ains splendid through the fall. Hostas rated leaves, deeply cut into seven lobes. The bowl­ prefer shade or half shade with moisture. They are noted shaped flowers have a wide range of colors: white, for their hardiness, long-life and minimum maintenance. cream, purple, rose, lilac. Many have lovely checker­ They can be used in any part of the garden and are rings and fl eckings of color on the sepals. These flowers effective along paths, stone walls or beside lakes or pools. last six to eight weeks. Its foliage needs space and shade The lily-like flowers bloom on scapes taller than the leaf for growing, otherwise the full beauty and character != an­ mound and range in color from white to pink, deep blue not be seen and enjoyed . Plants will grow into vast or light purple. There are species and cultivars from clumps, and should not be moved once established . New which to choose. The species originate in Japan and the colonies can be grown from fresh seed . Plant, and wait cultivars are mostly from chance seedlings or mutants until the fo llowing spring fo r germination . Transplant and are given vernacular nam es. Hostas are among the young seedlings into cool, well drained soil. After flower­ flowers whose seed have limited viability. Only buy seed ing and seed harvest, cut down the stalks to ground level that have been gathered fresh the same year you buy. to make room for the new shoots that will carry the These seed will produce hybrids. fl owers the next spring. To obtain true plants, propagation must be by vegeta­ A larger plant with a distinctive personality to be tive division of the root stock. The different greens all grown in the back of the border or in isolated clumps is have their own quiet and proud beauty such as (H. ventri­ Macleaya cordata . Once nam ed Bocconia after the Sicilian cosa); but the gold illustrated by (H . 'August Moon'); the botanis t, P . Bocconi, this plume poppy, if grown in isola­ tion, will always be enchanting. Growing up to eight or Clockwise from top le ft-Pulmonaria saccharata, Hosta crispula, ten feet in height, they will dominate an area with their Bergel1 ia cordifalia, Stylapharum diphyllum. slender shapes. The stems are thick but taper toward the 15 top. The gray, heart-shaped, blue-green, notched leaves bloom. It gives the air of permanence to the planting. are silver underneath and diminish in size as they reach After blooming, these plants retain their large oak-like skyward. Wilfrid Blunt writing in the Journal of the Royal leaves covered with fine hairs, once or twice pinnatifid Horticultural Society notes, " that the leaves look like and bright green in color. Self-sown seedlings occur ancient yellow chinese silk; a faint grape bloom adds when soil disturbance is minimal. If it is possible to grow patina to the upper surface while the under surfaces are these plants, no effort should be spared to encourage silvered with innumerable white hairs./I At the top of the them. plants are plumes of airy buff-colored, pinkish small A colony of Pulmonaria saccharata is a fine sight through flowers . They are secondary in importance to fine foliage. the entire growing season. These plants are useful in Plumes of seed heads form after the flowers are spent. A shaded corners or in full sun. They do not mind having to rich orange sap flows through the leaf veins and stems. If compete with the roots of trees. Although grown for its the plants are grown where the sunlight filters through, attractive foliage, the plant is among the first to bloom in or where the garden breezes flick the silver underside of early spring. The flowers, first pink and later a porcelain the leaves, the whole clump becomes very fanciful. blue, are a beautiful picture among the dark green leaves. It is not always size that demands attention. Many The pointed hairy leaves have bizarre patterns and plants only a foot or so in height have this attentive splashes of silver-white blotches painted on them. This quality. Often loveliness of leaf is accompanied by beauti­ brings lighting effect into the shade where they like to ful flowers. For example, Stylophorum diphyllum is a grow. Spotting on the upper side of the leaves is caused dainty plant that demands admiration. A small patch of by the stomata-little breathing mouths used for gaseous these poppies growing in dappled shade steals much of exchange. The species is invaluable for foliar display in the scene. The yellow, bowl-like, four petaled flowers any position where low growing plants are required. about 2/1 wide come in May. They resemble those of Division is the easiest method of propagation. Meconopsis and are a delight for the eye. During flowering One of my favorite foliage plants for a hillside in the season they are admired but in smaller gardens, where woods is the Ostrich fern; Matteuccia struthiopteris . In color over a longer period is taken into account, it is early spring, when the foliar fronds begin to unfurl, they important that a plant be decorative even when not in provide the most exciting young growth with their fiddle-heads. The fronds grow tall and stately, reaching five to six feet in height. They are pale green in color, leathery, lustrous, I-pinnate, deeply pinnatifid. They Announcing grow in a circle leaving an open center but spreading the first outward at the top like a giant shuttlecock. Unlike most modern guide in hardy ferns, the spores are not produced on the back of English to grapevine the foliar fronds but carried on fruiting fronds which identification ... appear in late June or early July. They are about one half the height of the foliar fronds. In August, the spore cases open releasing millions of spores. As fall approaches, these fertile fronds turn to a bronze color, then to brown APractical and remain like brown-black erect feathers all winter. As Ampelography frosts arrive, the green fronds turn to a variety of colors .. . yellow, brown, mottled. Since ferns have under­ By PIERRE GALET. Trans­ lated and adapted by LUCIE ground stolens running far and wide, they are a marvel­ T. MORTON. Foreword by ous ground stabilizer. This makes them ideal for a hill­ LEON D. ADAMS. The book side. co vers European wine and table varieties of grapes , The leaf of leaves, sparkling with vitality, belongs to American species, French and the Ligularia . Ligularias are vigorous plants, and easy to American hybrids, and root­ grow. They produce large, thick, rounded leaves on stocks. With 20 pages of full­ color plates and more than 225 foot-high stems. The bright yellow daisy-like flowers other illustrations. emerge from the curious pouches that form on the stems. They are a great asset to the garden even when not in Save $6.00 for a flower. A few plants well spaced can alter the design of limited time . .. CORNELL any planting. They are easily propagated from seed. Until publication date (May 31 , UNIVERSITY This list of a few particular favorites of ornamental 1979) $ 22 .50 ; thereafter It $28 .50 . Reserve your copy or PRESS foliage is very incomplete. only gives an idea of the send for free brochure today I Ithaca, New York 14850 wealth of fine plants with distinctive leaves of character. Seek and you will find the right foliage plants with their sheer individuality, interest and variety to give solidity, 16 form and design to your garden. 0 geographically, but fluctuates from year to year in the Organic Gardening same region. Continued from page 9 Winter temperatures determine how many eggs, reduces erosion and improves the organic matter content pupae, or adult insects survive from autumn to spring. of the soil when the garden is prepared for planting in the Cool or warm spring weather influences disease infec­ spring. Corn stalks, toma to vines and other tall plants tion. Temperature also determines the time of emergence should be cut into eigh t inch pieces with a sickle or of pests from hibernation, their build up to damaging pruning shears. Chop up low plants like beans and numbers on early planted crops and the development of bushy flowers by running along the row with a rotary parasites and predators of these pests. Prolonged lawn mower. Unmulched areas in gardens and fields, not droughts and high summer temperatures kill eggs or occupied by growing crops, should be planted to green other stages of many pests by heat or desiccation. High manure crops such as rye, ryegrass, millet, sorghum, or humidity and rainy periods are favorable for rapid crimson clover. They will reduce leaching of nutrients spread of plant diseases, but also enhance disease and increase organic matter for the next crop as they are epidemics tha t suddenly destroy thriving infestations of worked into the soil. a ph ids or ca terpilla rs. Salvaging and Recycling Organic Waste Materials Time of planting is important in avoiding losses by Organic waste materials such as leaves, manure from diseases and pests in certain regions. Since seed corn livestock and poultry, treated sewage sludge and the or­ maggots destroy early plantings of beans and corn, you ganic portion of urban trash collections should be sal­ should delay planting until the soil warms. Early matur­ vaged and used as fertilizer, mulch, or compost. Farmers ing varieties of sweet corn can avoid the worst earworm and gardeners should use such ma terials whenever they problem. Likewise, delay plantings of summer squash to are available . avoid early season activity and resultant damage by the In promoting our concern for salvaging waste, how­ squash vine borer. ever, we must apply our efforts a t the most effective place Controlling Plant Diseases in the recycling process. For example, organic en­ During recent years, plant breeders have made tre­ thusiasts commonly suggest that bone meal, cottonseed mendous contributions to agriculture by developing new meal, dried blood, fish meal and tankage should be used varieties which are resistant to diseases. These allow as fertilizer. The need for food by humans is much too large yields of high quality crops to be produced without critical to justify such a practice. These costly by-products the use of disease controlling sprays. When sprays are should be recycled as food for livestock and poultry to needed, be sure to select EPA approved biodegradable produce meat, eggs, or milk and their manure then re­ materials and follow all label directions. turned to the soil as fertilizer. When planning for vegetable production in a home Some cities accumula te leaves in huge piles during fall garden or commercial enterprise, consult your local Ex­ collection periods. After several months of composting, tension agent or seed catalog for information on disease the material is available at little or no cost to gardeners. resistant varieties. Excellent new introductions are avail­ This is a practical way to reduce environmental pollution able each year and should be selected to improve the and supply organic material for gardens and farms. efficiency of production, and reduce the need for spray­ The solid portion of sewage may be effectively sal­ ing. Comparable insect resistant varieties have not been vaged and used as fertilizer. Numerous cities now follow developed. this practice, and all should be encouraged to do so. Some vegetable crops are highly subject to damage by Compos ted sewage sludge has a composition of about pests or disease organisms and require special treatments five percent nitrogen and two percent phosphoric acid, by experienced growers to insure a crop. Others are and is an excellent organic fertilizer. relatively pest-free and may require no treatments in The solid waste from urban areas which is hauled away some seasons. The beginner should first plant only as garbage to be burned or buried should also be recy­ trouble-free crops, later trying the more difficult ones as cled. Processes are now available, and are being used by a he gains experience. limited number of cities, whereby gla ss, metal and paper Mechanical Control of Insects are salvaged for use by industry, and the remaining or­ Attack by cutworms can be prevented by placing a ganic portion is utilized to produce heat or is made into simple collar of stiff paper (cut from a drinking cup or compost for crop production. Future generations may milk carton) around newly set tomato, cabbage and pep­ justifiably condemn us for wasting these valuable re­ per plants-and even sweet corn. The collar should ex­ sources. tend about one inch into the soil and two inches above Losses by Insect and Disease Attack ground. Probably the greatest deterrent to successful growing Slugs that emerge at nigh t from hiding places in wall of vegetables is the damaging effect or crop loss by insect crevices, loose mulch, piles of plant stakes or trash, can pests and disease organisms. The severity of damage is be trapped under pieces of board, shingles or flat stones greatly influenced by the weather which varies, not only Continued on page 40 17 Clockwise from top righ t-Chrysan them um, African daisy, Daylily.

18 Jon Ortner 37 Bellingham Lane Great Neck, NY 11023 At one time or another, most of us have picked up a camera and attempted to capture the beauty of a plant or flower on film . To a certain degree, we have all succeeded. A few of us have excelled. Jon Ortner ranks among the few. He is an explorer, mountaineer, naturalist with concentrations in entomology, mammology and botany. According to Mr. Ortner, "I try to use a graphic color impact . I feel that the'essence' of a certain object can be shown; a sort of view from the minds eye. I describe my work as almost impressionistic where the use of form and color evoke an emotional rather than intellectual response . I try to allow people to see things in a way that is unique and beautiful. I feel that people forget about the incredible beauty that surrounds us. They lose their sense of wonder about nature and the intricate web of life. Through photography perhaps the public can be persuaded to value this beauty, and to save our natural heritage in every possible way. /I 0

Clockwise from top right- African pouch plant, Camellia, Grasses.

19 royal or kingly. According to Greek myths basil is called basilisk. A basilisk is a mythological lizard which breathes death upon its vic­ Herbs& tims. Basil is called "Kiss-me Nicholas" in Italy and is a token of love. Girls used to wear it in their hair as a signal that they were ready Folklore to be kissed. According to legend in Romania a boy who accepts a sprig of basil from a girl became engaged. Their bond is Shelton E. Stewart, Ph.D. assured to last forever. Chairman , Science Department In India basil is called "tulasi. " It is Lander College a holy herb grown in pots near every Greenwood, SC 29646 temple and dwelling of devout Hin­ dus. The Hindus burn it as incense Eighteen centuries before Christ, during religious ceremonies. Joseph was sold by his brothers to a Herbalist Nicholas Culpeper company of Ishmaelites. They had wrote in 1652: " This is the herb come from Gilead, with their camels which all authors are together by the bearing spices and balm and myrrh. ears about, and rail at one another These were the Arabs of the spice like lawyers. Galen and Dioscorides trade, already monopolists for more hold it not fit to be taken inwardly, than 3,000 years. Their products and Chrysippus rails at it with came from the Indians, the Chinese downright Billingsgate rhetoric. and the Javanese who put into In­ its perfume and ordered his bed Pliny and the Arabian Physicians de­ dian ports. linens scented with sachets of anise fend it ." Anise (Sweet Alice) was a favor­ seeds. Today in the Orient, anise is John Gerard, Shakespeare's con­ ite of the ancient Romans. Anise, a still used as a breath sweetener. temporary said, " A smell of basil is small annual of the parsley family, Anise is used in breads, cookies and good for the heart and head it cureth originated on the eastern Mediterra­ fruit dishes in the United States. the infirmities of the heart, taketh nean, Fertile Crescent. The seeds are Pimpinella bread is an example of away sorrowfulness which cometh characterized as being comma bread with seeds of anise. of melancholia and maketh a man shaped, pungent and similar in taste Basil, a memb~r of the mint fam­ merry and glad." to shoestring licorice candy. Seeds ily, has been the number one herb Caraway is a member of the fell from the Roman banquet tables used in the United States for many parsley family. It is known as the and grew, thereby spreading years. Basil is the most savory of the ancient spice. It is an annual from throughout the countyside. Accord­ culinary herbs being used in all veg­ Asia Minor and was scattered by the ing to mythology, anise has the etable dishes. The ancient Greeks Romans. The English and Germans magic powers of safeguarding one believed that only the sovereign have used caraway seeds for the past against an evil eye and keeping one himself should be allowed to cut the 1,000 years. Shakespeare wrote free of nightmares. King Edward IV basil. He always used a golden sickle "Pippin of my own graffing, with a 20 of England (15th century) cherished to cut it. It is the Greek word for Continued on paRe 38 •••

Add a handful of ground limestone to this mix, and you're ready to plant. If you have no garden center nearby, a good source for these Urban suppli es is your local fiv e-and-ten­ cent store. Basil If you've room to try growing only Herbs one herb, then you must begin with sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum). As with most herbs, the folklore which comprises its long history makes it as Linda Yang fascinating as it is useful. A pot of 505 East 79th Stree t basil in a window was considered to New York, NY 10021 be a sign that a lady expected her lover. And farmers' wives were You've never grown your own known to give basil plants to friends, herbs? Then you've missed one of not only for cooking, but to help life's most sublime joys. To experi­ keep away fli es. ence their fragrance and freshly har­ Young basil plants may be pur­ vested flavors just once is to risk a chased at garden centers, but they're life-long addiction. also easily started from seed in the Botanically speaking, the word spring. Basil isn't at all fussy in its " herb" is not always used accu­ growing requirements, and does rately. Herbs (short for "herbaceous fine with only a few hours of sun a plants") are technically those peren­ day. Be sure to water generously nials with fleshy green stems. Some bottom for draining excess water. though, at the first hint of dryness. plants called herbs are actually Prepare your tubs or boxes by lin­ Basil is well known for its use in woody perennials. But "herb" is the ing the bottoms with about half-an­ the sauce pesta and in other Italian commonly accepted term for a inch or so of gravel, small stones, or dishes. But once you've grown the number of plants with the unique broken crockery. Cover this drain­ plant, you'll find its fragrant leaves characteristic of providing culinary age layer with some newspaper (to improve a nearly limitless range of delight. And make no mistake, some keep the soil from sneaking out past cooked or raw vegetables: spinach, of them can raise the most simple it), and then fill the box with a pot­ zucchini, green beans and, espe­ fare to a level worthy of royalty. ting mix. There are many combina-/ cially, tomatoes. Salads, meat stews Grow Them In Tubs tions possible, but a good basic mix­ and meat sauces are also good with Herbs are very amenable to con­ ture which will satisfy most herbs is basil. tainer gardening. They will thrive on as follows: Scissors are preferable to knives a patio, rooftop, terrace, or balcony 1/2 volume of an all-purpose pot­ for taking the leaves from the plant, where they can be grown in large ting soil as well as preparing them in the flowerpots, wooden tubs, plastic 1/4 volume of perlite and vermicu­ kitchen. Knives tend to crush the windowboxes, or any other contain­ lite freshly harvested stems or leaves ers you can spare. The only require­ 1/4 volume of well-rotted compost and generally are impractical be- ment is that there be holes in the or peat moss Continued on page 33 21 ens American Plants

J. Stanley Lecturer in Horticulture Merrist Wood Agricultural College Surrey, England.

Garden design in the British Isles has developed through six major changes. The first gardens were for­ mal, small and basically yards surrounding and protect­ ing the house, gradually the Renaissance in France and Italy)nfluenced the design and more flamboyant gardens were created on a larger scale, but still very formal. At the same time people became increasingly interested in plants, resulting in the first botanical gardens and com­ mercial nurseries being opened. In the 17th Century the English landscape garden was born, a result of a revolt against formality, influenced by the great painters, such as Salvator Rosa, Claude Lor­ raine and Poussin and implemented by designers such as 'Capability' Brown, William Kent and Humphrey Repton who used native and newly introduced exotic plants. With the crowning of Queen Victoria and a return to formality, gardens were constructed with terraces, balus­ trading, 'Italian-Style' ornaments and glasshouses. This was also the period of the great plant hunters; Robert Fortune went to Japan and China, while David Douglas travelled America. Liquidambar styraciflua By the early 20th Century British gardeners had a great variety of plants at their disposal. The 'Surrey School' gardens. was born, led by William Robinson and Gertrude Jekyll A hundred years after his first expedition to America who created the back-to-nature effect in a semi-formal the Gardeners' Chronicle wrote "There is scarcely a spot arrangement using a variety of plant material. deserving the name of garden, either in Europe or in the The modern gardener is in debt to these past designers United States, in which some of the discoveries of Doug­ and to the plant hunters, especially people like David las do not form the chief attraction." Douglas who between 1799 and 1834 travelled exten­ From these early introductions nurserymen in Europe sively in the United States, bringing back plants such as have carried out further improvements to increase the Arbutus menzies ii, Pseudotsuga menzesii, Ribes sangu in eum, variety of plant material. Mahonia aquifolium, Lupinus polyphyllus, Abies nobilis, A common tree for urban gardens is Robinia 22 Pinus radiata, Picea sitchensis and many others to beautify pseudoacacia, the False Acacia, a native of eastern U.S.A.; Ceal1 oti1u5 am eriCa l1 U5 ·'"10 ~ ui Q) o c: l' o'" >­ D '"o .<: 0.." Acer negundo 'Variegatum' it is now common world-wide, a street tree in China, naturalized in France and common in British industrial cities due to its resistance to pollution. Many clones have been developed on both sides of the Atlantic, but the most common in English gardens is cv. 'Frisia' which forms a medium sized tree with bright yellow foliage; it is often used in association with purple leaved plants. This plant was raised in 1935 at W. Jansen's Nursery in Hol­ land, obtaining an Award of Merit at the Royal Horticul-

Right-Magnolia grandiflora 23 tural Show in 1964. It has now become one of the most which has crimson-red foliage, 'Lane Roberts'. popular trees for small gardens. An older golden form of One of the best evergreen Magnolias for the British this tree is Robinia pseudoacacia 'Aurea', the foliage of climate is Magnolia grandiflora from the south east of the which turns green as the summer progresses. U.S.A. A more upright form with narrow leaves was A popular Maple in Britain is Acer negundo, the Box discovered in the garden of Sir John Colliton at Exmouth, Elder, which was introduced in 1688; it is still growing at Devon. He used to rent the tree out to nurserymen to Kew, but the typical American form is now rare in Eng­ collect rooted layers, by this method the tree was released lish Gardens, being superceded by forms such as Acer through the trade. Unfortunately, the original tree was negundo 'Variegatum' which appeared as a sport on a felled by mistake, but 'Exmouth' is still available and green plant in a nursery in Toulouse, France in 1845. This sought after due to its flowering potential at an early age. female form eventually grows into a medium sized tree, Probably the greatest American impact on English gar­ although it needs constant attention to prune shoots. dens and the landscape has been Douglas' conifer intro­ Catalpa bignonioides, Indian Bean Tree, is a common tree ductions. Chamaecyparis lawsoniana is still one of our most in the United Kingdom, many a tourist having admired popular selling conifers and hundreds of forms have them in London outside the Houses of Parliament. In been introduced since the seed was sent to Lawson's gardens the best form is the Golden Indian Bean Tree, cv. Nursery, Edinburgh in 1854. Early clones were raised in 'Aurea' the golden colour intensifying as the summer Boskoop, Holland and this has meant introductions such progresses. The true origin of this clone is difficult to as 'Columnaris' from Jan Spek's in 1940, 'Hollandia' and establish, although very fine specimens exist in Sun­ 'Triomf van Boskoop'. ningdale Nurseries, Windlesham, Surrey and these English nurserymen were also busy raising new forms, could be original trees. 'Aurea Densa' was raised at Messrs. Rogers Ltd., South­ In late spring and summer, the best blues in the garden ampton; ' Aurea' at Waterer's Nurseries, Bagshot, 'Erect a come from the species of Ceanothus, the Californian Viridis' and 'Gracilis' at Knaphill Nursery, Surrey, Lilacs, which in the United Kingdom require full sun and 'Green Hedger' from Jackman's Nursery, 'Lane' a golden a well drained soil. Various forms have been developed form from Lane's Nursery, Berkhamsted and 'Pembury in Europe, and these are now a common sight in many Blue' from Baggesen's Nurseries, Pembury, Kent. South of England gardens. Apart from plants being purpose raised, sports were C. arboreus 'Trewithen Blue' originated in Cornwall at also occurring and being exploited by growers, these Trewithen Gardens. This form has deeper blue flowers included 'Elwoodii' at Swanmore Park, Bishop's on larger panicles than the species. Waltham and 'Fletcheri' at Ottershaw Nursery, Chertsey A common hybrid is 'Burkwoodii' which originated in and sold by Fletcher Brothers in 1913. the nurseries of Burkwood and Skipworth at Kingston­ Probably the greatest impact made on the British hor­ upon-Thames, Surrey. The parents were C. floribundus ticultural scene in recent years has been the crossing in and cv. 'Indigo' which have produced a medium sized 1888 at Leighton Hall, Gwent, Wales of two American evergreen bush which will flower during the summer conifers. Six seedlings of a cross between Cupressus mac­ and autumn. In 1930, the raisers were awarded the Cory rocarpa and Chamaecyparis nootkatensis resulted in the Cup for the best artifically raised hybrid of the year. most common hedging plants, X Cupressocyparis leylandii. In the 19th Century French nurserymen and breeders It is the fastest growing conifer in the British Isles, and the were very keen on introducing new forms of Ceanothus best seller for ornamental purposes. Several clones are which have been called the French Hybrids, the parents now being sold including 'Green Spire' (Clone I), mainly the tender deciduous C. coeruleus from Mexico 'Haggerston Grey' (Clone 2), 'Leighton Green' (Clone 11) and C. americanus, a more hardy white flowered decidu­ and 'Naylor's Blue' (Clone 10) . In recent years, we have ous plant. The results of these crosses are now common seen the introduction of golden and variegated forms in the English garden, including 'Delilianus', 'Gloire de which are now proving just as popular. Versailles, 'Indigo', 'Leon Simon' and 'Marie Simon'. One of the paren ts, Cupressus macrocarpa , the Mon terey Liquidambar styraciflua, the Sweet Gum, is increasing in Cypress, has produced many variants in its own right. popularity due to its autumn colour and clones are now 'Donard Gold' was raised in Ireland, whilst another being introduced with superior colouring. This tree only golden form 'Goldcrest' was introduced by Treseders of grows to half its potential height in the United Kingdom, Truro. The best dwarf form 'Pygmaea' was raised in 1920 rarely being seen taller than sixty feet. Marchant Nurse­ by Mr. Marcham from Carshalton Nursery in Surrey. ries of Wimbourne, Dorset have introduced a form called It is impossible in a paper of this length to include all 'Levis' which produces excellent autumn colour, but the American introductions and how they have been lacks the normal corky wings on its branches. Jackman's manipulated by the European growers and climate. As Nursery of Woking, Surrey found an excellent form in a gardeners, we are indebted to the great plant hunters local village, they propagated it and it is now a popular who first introduced these plants and also to the nursery seller, still retaining the origin in the name, 'Worples- trade for providing a greater variety. Without their en­ 24 don'. Hilliers Nurseries of Winchester also have a form thusiasm our gardens would be duller places. 0 sive. I have not yet bought a plant and "when. " So I keep records. I Bonsai Basics already trained by a bonsai expert. I take photographs of all except those Continued from page 3 am sure tha t such a one would be least likely to succeed and keep each able to open the windows from the more beautiful than mine, but not one in its own little cl ear plastic en­ inside and place my potted plants on nearly as much fun . velope in a photograph album. In the well drained floor of the window Part of the pleasure of this collec­ the same envelope I keep an index wells. They are rained on and tion is in studying the forms of these card with the name o f the plant, snowed on, get plenty of light and little treasures. Part of the excite­ when and where I obtained it, and air, but are well protected against ment is in pruning, snipping, and any pertinent information such as zero temperatures and high winds. wiring, and hoping that these steps dates of pruning, repotting and fer­ I did nothing to them all winter will prove to be the ri gh t ones in my tilizing. As I only began this kind of but observe, from time to time, partnership with nature. I am heart­ record keeping two years ago I can­ through the basement windows. It ened in the fall when I see evidence n ot yet ascertai n the changes in was exciting to see the crisp green of next year's buds. I am ecstatic in maturity which I hope ultimately needles, often poking through the the spring when I watch them open will prove to be of great interest. snow. Toward spring, the leaf buds into fresh light green leaves or nee­ In spite of my enthusiasm and began to swell. I brought them back dles. what may appear, on paper, to be a up to the terrace in early April and During the growing season the meticulous approach to these fas­ watched them behave like their collection requires a certain amount cinating problems, I lack the pa­ adult counterparts. of care. If one is to be away, the ser­ tience and discipline to hold strictly Thus ended the first year of an vice of a reliable plant sitter is vital. to the rules. I have gone to botanical engrossing new activity which, up to Watering is, of co urse, the most ur­ gardens and exhibits and have been this time, had cost nothing more gent n eed . In the h o t s ummer inspired by the masterpieces of bon­ than the price of a masonry drill bit. weather, the plants sometimes must sai in the sam e manner that I have I enjoyed studying my little trees be watered twice a day as the soil is gone to museums to be moved by as I have studied pieces of sculpture, so shallow and the roots so confined the Rembrandts and Picassos. Yet I from all angles, trying to visualize by the pots. This condition is one of am happy to return to my own small how each would look with a stem off the fundamentals of bonsai. As the efforts which grace a bench in the here or a branch wired there. It was roots of most trees spread under­ garden and which, on occasion I will after a great deal of cogitation that I ground to the perimeter of their bring into the house briefly, one or further pruned the white pine and branches, so with bonsai, since the two at a time, to be admired as a took the first steps to convert the roots are ke pt from spreading the centerpiece or to be placed at some spruce into a cascade. branches will maintain a similar cir­ other focal point indoors. It was at abou t this time tha t I cumference. My approach is, after all, amateur, began to expand my efforts. I The small trees need to be fer­ but it has opened up whole new bought a few small plants from local tilized , some authorities say fre­ areas of awareness. My absorption nurserymen and ordered a few more quently. Although I am bold with with the little trees has brought from bargain catalogs. I slipped a pruning and wiring I am very cauti­ about a parallel interest in the dozen or so into a large plastic bag ous, maybe overly so, about fertiliz­ names, shapes and growing habits and brought them home with me ing. Because I once lost five or six of some of the big trees. My in­ from New Hampshire where I had plants due, I am sure, to being over­ volvement with the little trees has been given carte blanche in the zealous, I now rarely fertilize more heightened my sense of proportion woods behind my niece's cottage. I often than once a year. I do, how­ and balance, those very qualities had found a tiny birch not more than ever, lift them out of their pots at which cause some to consider bonsai an inch outside the lawn mowers least once in every three years, cut to be an art form. However, I cannot path. I packed a six inch boxwood in away most of the hairy little roots become too serious about art and my suitcase when I flew home from and some of the larger ones, and re­ science in this connection because I Williamsburg. I weeded a Chinese fresh them with the addition of new know that, for me, the real value of elm and a small oak out of my own soil. I use mostly ordinary garden my bonsai collection is simply that it rock garden and a twelve inch horse soil on the premise that what is good is a pleasant pastime. 0 chestnut out of an inner city alley. for the flowers is good for the trees. * *Editors Note: Som e of the authors cul­ By this time I had long since run With the frequent handlings and tural practices would give a "profes ­ out of ceramic pots and bowls and administerings a unique intimacy sional bonsai practitioner" severe had had to invest in some which are develops. Even so, since my collec­ heartburn. Yet, Ms. Quint's technique made specifically for bonsai. These tion now numbers between forty works for her. For a more classical look at already have holes in the bottoms and fifty plants, it is impossible to bonsai, please refer to American Hor- and, fortunately are not very expen- remember what I did to " whom" ticulturist, Volume 55, 1976, page 22 . 25 Far from being simple and be­ long before the beginnings of re­ R. Milton Carleton neath contempt, soil is perhaps the corded history, without understand­ 1938 High Point Drive most complex and least understood ing its complex nature, he has man­ Sarasota, FL 33577 of any element with which Man aged to work it and improve its works. It is vital to the survival of yields of food and fiber. But because Although soil is, obviously, the practically every living land or­ of his lack of understanding of the basis of all gardening, it is given far ganism, whether animal or vegeta­ actions and reactions within soil, less thought than seeds, tools, fer­ ble, from microscopic bacteria and false concepts have arisen which tilizers and other elements in the fungi to the giant redwoods a!1d the stand in the way of both further im­ growing of plants. All too often it is larger animals. provement and of conservation of its described in contemptuous phrases Of all living creatures, the human productive capacity. such as "cheap as dirt," or "lower animal alone manipulates and mod­ The first of these concepts affect­ 26 than the dirt under your feet." ifies soil to better serve him. Since ing present-day gardening is the idea that soil serves only as a sup­ ate them. used by plants directly. In spite of porting medium for the plant-a How do they serve as agents for the complex mass of roots a si ngle mechanical mixture of sand, silt and contributing richness to soil? One of plant can produce, these do not oc­ clay, to which plant food elements their most important functions is to cupy more than a small fraction of can be added in the same way as digest highly complex organic com­ the soil in which that plant grows. money can be deposited in a bank pounds. The organisms use part As a result, any soluble food ele­ and later withdrawn by check. of these for their own energy needs ments can be lost quickly in drainage What is missing here is a lack of and ex ude the rest as simpler forms waters, unless the soil contains both appreciation for two vital elements which plants ca n absorb and use. In s pongy organic matter and mi­ without which true soil is impossi­ spi te of the claims made for the im­ croorganisms that can absorb these ble. The first of these is organic mat­ portance of pure organic matter in elemen ts and use them for their own ter, a subject so complex that the late growing plants, no one has ever nutrition. Dr. Selman Waksman once wrote a seen a cabbage consume a ham­ When absorbed in this way, al­ book of nearly 1,000 pages on a burger. It la cks teeth and a digestive though some energy is used and lost single element of organic matter, system to utilize complex organic to plants, much of it becomes part of humus, in which he had to leave al­ matter. Only after these simpler the living cell. Fortunately for gar­ most as many unanswered ques­ forms of life have reduced orga nic deners, as wei! as for plants, all mi­ tions as he answered. matter to near-ele me ntal che micals croorganisms have a very short life The second neglected element, are roots able to absorb it. Whether cycle. Dying off, they release the also an essential part of the organic you are an organic gardener or a food or energy they contain and it is content of soil, is biologic-the pres­ non-believer, you must face one again available to roots. ence of microorganisms, tiny bits of fact-no plant can use solid organic A word tha t has been more or less life which make soil a living thing. It matter: it can only take up simple lost in recent times is " tilth. " In a has been said that soil management ch emicals in completely soluble sense this means tillable, but it has is almost totally the culture of bac­ form. further meaning as well. A soil in teria. If we add to that statement This fact in no way diminishes the good tilth not only turns readily other forms of soil life such as fungi importa nce of organic ma tter. Space under the plow or spade, but when (including mycorrhizae), actino­ does not permit a discussion of the not to o wet or dry crumbles to a myces, protozoa and rotifers, it value of this soil ingredient in sup­ spongy mass in which roots can find about sums up their importance in plying certain grow th-promoting room to grow, moisture and plant soil. substances, etc. In their claims of food elemenrs. The late Ralph Bailey The numbers of these tiny bits of serious effects of the use of simpler described soil in the highest degree life are impossible for the human forms of plant nutrition, organic of tilth as a Gardener's Loam, a mind to grasp. Turn over a spadeful gardeners have missed an opportu­ phrase worth preserving. of rich garden soil and you will dis­ nity to make a real co ntribution by Unfortunately, practically all gar­ turb more living organisms in that investigating the effects of the use of deners are forced to cultivate areas single clod of earth than there are plant extracts. At the 1966 Interna­ that they own. It is a rare gardener human beings in the world. In spite tional Horticultural Congress, I had who buys a home with spade in of their abundance and their con­ a long talk with a Dr. Penningsfeldt hand, determined to find the perfect tribution to soil fertility, they are all from Germany about some astonish­ soil. This calls for the use of ma terials but ignored, while the less impor­ ing improvements he had effected in and tillage practices which will bring tant role of earthworms is greatly plant growth by the use of peat existing sand, clay or silt up to gar­ exaggerated. extracts. At first, I was misled by his dener's loam standards. None of these earth-inhabiting use of the word peat, but later when Clay presents the most difficult organisms actually contribute any he described this as "white pea t," I problem, yet when modified be­ energy (richness) to soil; only green realized that he was talking about comes a soil to envy. The problem is plants are capable of doing so. sphagnum moss that has dried after to somehow separate the micro­ Through the magical, mysterious harvesting. Here is a field for inves­ scopically-fine clay particles so processes of photosynthesis, plants tigation which would be a real ser­ they do not form a barrier to the are able to capture energy from the vice to horticulture. penetra tion of water, roots and nu­ sun, combine it with carbon from the To return to the functions of mi­ trients. A remedy often recom­ air and water from the earth to man­ croorganisms: perhaps their great­ mended for this purpose is the addi­ ufacture starches and sugars-the est service to the gardener is in tion of sand, but this is a treatment to energy foods on which the whole their conservation of plant food ele­ be used with caution. Unless the world exists. Non-chlorophyll or­ ments. When we apply a fertilizer­ gardener is willing to add so much ganisms in the soil live on the whether chemical or mineral, to a sand that the final mixture contains starches and sugars; they do not cre- soil, only a fraction of this can be at least one-third sand to two- 27 thirds clay, the resulting combina­ depth of several inches will produce ing through a half inch mesh sieve tion will be worse than before treat­ a more porous soil. (four squares to the inch) will re­ ment. Even more effective is the use of move particles too large to be of The clay particles surround the organic matter. Decaying manure or much use in soil modification. sand grains and form a compact uncomposted vegetable matter For small areas, the use of ver­ mass resembling concrete. Sand can tends to add acidity. Combining an miculite and perlite is highly effec­ only be used successfull y if the sand early treatment of limestone with an tive. These chemicals are expanded grains, which are much larger than application (about a month later) of by heat to produce a porous struc­ the clay particles, a re able to hold the compost, humus or other forms of ture which is capable of holding latter apart without being com­ organic substance is the ideal treat­ from five to ten times their weight in pletely coated. ment. water, or a similar volume of air. Another remedy is to pull the fine The delay in applying organic They are chemically inert and not clay particles into larger clumps so rna tter is to allow the lime to become readily broken down by soil acids. they will form a more porous soil. In partially bound to the clap particles; In thinking about garden soil, it is otherwise a loss of nitrogen in the soils tha t tend to be too acid, the important to forget the idea that form of ammonia will result from in­ growth in the garden and in the wild addition of fine limestone particles teraction between the two applica­ are identical. Except perhaps for the will attract the clay particles (which tions. culture of orchids, the growth of are colloids and tend to stay in sus­ Where clay soils are naturally rich, flowers, vegetables and lawn is the pension) into flocules or tufts. In a simple soil modifier is the use of most artificial use of soil in existenCE? theory, one particle of lime attracts steam cinders, usually available free Our purpose is not na tural growth, eight particles of most clays, but this or at low costs from steam generat­ but accelerated, superior growth in ideal is seldom reached in practice. which we discipline plants and make ing plants. Because these contain Spreading a two inch thick layer of them produce at maximum. In order either agricultural limestone or of harmful but soluble residues, they to do so, we must strive for the de­ the fine limestone used for topping should be exposed to weather for an velopment of soil far beyond that we driveways on clay and tilling it in to a entire winter before using. Screen- find in nature. 0

window size to room size 186inall Lord & Burnham has a greenhouse that fits your space, your use, your lifestyle ... a size that meets your needs ot a price within your reach ... a perfect place for you and your plants to grow. It's the best there is. You won't seriously consider any others. Window size from $200, room size more than a greenhouse from $650. You can build one yourself. r------, II ~~ ~~s~~ B~nh!U~o~P~~i~ II Ir ~ I IRVINGTON, N Y 10533 Dept. 8-2 I Send Lord & Burnham's new color catalog to: I I Name I I I I Address I L ______~ I City State __ Zip __ I

28 "the greenhouse people . .. since 1856" orange red with black spots. They Insect Memorial are very voracious and consume the Continued from page 13 soft tissues of the cladodes. As a re­ Travelling Australian entomolo­ sult, the whole plant collapses. New gists spent most of their time in the cladodes sprout from the roots but Southern United States, the ances­ they are attacked in turn. The plant tral homes of the prickly pear species dies after two or three trials. introduced to Queensland. These To the amazement of the Queens­ species did not become dangerous land farmers, the spread of Cactoblas­ weeds in Florida because their tis was so fast that in 1930-1932, spread was limited by natural prickly pears simply vanished from enemies, mostly by red spiders and the land. Regrowth occurred in the cochineal insects. For some time, 1931-1933, but the Cactoblastis put a the cochineal Oactylopius opuntiae speedy end to them. Sixty million was most promising. It was brought acres of land returned to Queens­ to Queensland, reared in great quan­ land agriculture. tities and released in prickly pear The Commonwealth Prickly Pear scrub. It destroyed the prickly pear Commission was dissolved on May plants but it worked much too 31 , 1939. Allan P. Dodd was slowly for the liking of the exasper­ awarded an Order of British Empire ated Australian farmers who were (OBE) for his accomplishments. He losing 3,000 new acres of land to the is retired by now and lives a quiet life terrible weed each day. in Brisbane as an amateur floricul­ Meantime, in 1914, a young en­ turist. In 1936, grateful farmers built tomologist Allan P. Dodd, a member a Cactoblastis Memorial Hall for their of a Travelling Commission, had vis­ meetings, socials and other ac­ ited a Botanic Garden in La Plata, tivities. The Hall was erected in Argentina. He noticed there a moth Boonarga, a little settlement about borer (Cactoblastis cactorum) on an 200 miles west from Brisbane, the opuntia plant but did not pay much capital of Queensland, on the 10th attention to it. Cactoblastis is native anniversary of the first experimental to Argentina and Uruguay. It release of Cactoblastis. Boonarga was seemed not to do too much harm to the place where first release of the the plant. However, eleven years Cactoblastis was made. later Dodd knew much more about I made my pilgrimage to Boonarga Cactoblastis. Research had shown in August 1978 on the occasion of a that Cactoblastis spread like a fire on visit to Australia to attend the XXth Opuntia inerrnis and Opuntia stricta, International Horticultural Congress the two species that were acclimated in Sydney. in Queensland. I found in the vicinity of Chinchilla In 1925, Dodd shipped 2,750 eggs near Boonarga some prickly pears, of the Cactoblastis to Queensland. very sparsely scattered in the savan­ The insect multiplied rapidly. Under nah bush forest. Fortunately, not all controlled conditions Dodd and his prickly pears were exterminated. people collected 2.5 million eggs in Some survived through the years 1926. The first experimental release and thanks to them the Cactoblastis of the insects was made under also survived. Wherever a few Dodd's supervision in 1926. During plants appear, the moth borer at­ the next two years more than two tacks and destroys them. billion eggs were collected from When I came to Brisbane I found open fields and distributed in the that hardly anybody there remem­ prickly pear scrub. bered the story of Cactoblastis. Local Cactoblastis is a grey inconspicuous horticulturists were glad to ac.com­ moth with a wing spread of 1 to 1.5 pany me in my pilgrimage to Boon­ inches. Caterpillars that hatch from arga. They took as many pictures of its eggs burrow into the cladodes. the Memorial Hall and of the heroic They are rather beautiful, bright insect as I did. 0 29

Comus canadensis (Bunchberry)

covers

England to Georgia. A completely Martha Prin ce flat little ground-hugging vine, Par­ 9 Windin g Way tridgeberry has tiny evergreen Locust Valley leaves, bears minute white blossoms NY 11560 in the spring, and is sprinkled with cheery red berries in autumn and Pachysandra bores me. The more winter. A typical habitat is along a usual forms of ivy (especially Hedera stream I know; the waterside is he/ix, English Ivy) cover mile upon edged with Dog-hobble (Leucothoe mile of suburban ground, in endless fOl1tanesiana) and ll ex opaca. Par­ dullness. I do like the other one of the tridgeberry covers the ground, in­ " Big Three" in ground covers, terspersed with Christmas Fern Periwinkle (Vinca minor); early (Polystichum acrostichoides), a few spring is the brighter for it. Small outcro ppings of flat rock, and blue stars, like bits of fallen sky, lie clumps of Trilliums (the big white on neat, dark green leaves. I admit to one, Trillium grandiflorum). Here at having all three genera in our gar­ Galax un ceo /ata home, we have a lovely large patch den. However, we pull out of it (started from one plant) growing Pachysandra (Pachysandra terminalis) trate cotoneasters (c. horizon talis, for under a Larch tree (Larix americana) . by the bushel, chop helplessly at the example) or junipers (perhaps Some of our most precious ivy (which hides the lovely old-brick Junip erus communis 'Montana') do wildflowers are growing in it, Shortia wall it was meant to enhance, and not come under such a definition. gala cifolia and the pink Lady's­ positively eats the driveway) and Nor do I include most wildflowers, Slippers (Cypripedium acaule), among clip judiciously at the Periwinkle, which, though low, may be too others. when it threatens to obliterate a treasureable to be tread upon, ever. A southern delight, which will do flagstone. I find that Nature does a far more well even on Long Island, is Galax The other ubiquitous "ground­ beautiful job of carpeting than we urceolata (formerly listed as Galax cover" (as I am using the word) is usually do. How often have I seen a aphylla). From Virginia southward, grass. If we had a gardener or two, lovely forest floor, and wished in the glossy, serrated leathery leaves gras$ would be marvelous! I enjoy vain that I could cut out a few square are one of the most distinctive of all kicking off my shoes on a warm day yards and bring them home, intact. the woodland plants. The leaves and walking barefoot on a soft green Actually, many of Nature's most bronze beautifully in the fall. In one carpet. As there is no gardener, one perfect low plants, in varying tex­ real " forest" of huge old Rhododen­ small area near our terrace has all the tures and forms, are quite practical dron maximum I have found the grass with which we can cope. for the home garden. May I tell you ground covered completely in Perhaps I should make clear that of a few woodland miniatures I love? double-size leaves. The heavy rain- by ground cover I mean only really All can be " domesticated", if your fall in part of the Nantahala Moun­ low, preferably creeping or spread­ soil is acid and at least partly shaded. tains of North Carolina brings forth ing plants with which one can carpet One of the best, and easiest, of gigantic Galax, that suggests that a an area, and within which other our native groundcovers is Par­ heavily watered spot in your garden plants and wildflowers can grow. tridgeberry (Mitchella repens ). I find it will make the plants happiest. A Such often useful covers as the pros- in many pretty places, from New bonus is the burst of small white 31 flower spikes in the spring. You probably think of Trailing Ar­ white dogwood " flowe rs" (the If you know any of the Wild Gin­ butus (Epigaea repens) as a very spe­ shape of the white bracts is similar to gers, yo u may know Asarum cial wildflower, you're right, and to C. kousa, being pointed). By the end canadense, one of our native " Little use it as a carpet will prove expen­ of July golf-ball-sized clumps of red Brown Jugs." That strange name is ::; ive. However, if it " takes", it is re­ berries are everywhere. In Maine, or appropriate, for the flowers are little markably hardy even under tram­ other New England spots, the brown jugs, hidden on the ground pling feet. I nev.er thought of it as a Bunchberry covers acres upon acres ben eath the leaves. Pats of A . groundcover, myself, until I saw of spruce and fir forest, interspersed canadense grow in rich woods down wall-to-wall Trailing Arbutus for an with the grey tufts of Reindeer Moss, into Georgia . I first knew it as a area of at least 500 feet by 100 feet! and perhaps groups of yellow Bead child, by a creek in a ravine clothed Part is in com pletely open sun (never Lilies (Clintonia borealis) and ferns. in pink Rhododendron minus . A more recommended in any plant instruc­ New York is as far south as you can interesting species is A. shuttle­ tions) and part in a woodland filled try it-and here it must have shade worth ii, which is mottled and has with Flame Azalea (Rhododendron and plenty of moisture. pointed leaves. Too often, alas, it calen dula ceum) . Don 't, and I em­ I have omitted many forest car­ grows as single, scattered leaves. For phasize this, try to dig plants in the pets. An easy one to grow I prefer to carpeting purposes, however, you wild. Not only would you have to think of as an easily spreading can buy sturdy clumps from good move each plant with an enormous wildflower. This is Phlox stolonifera; wildflower nurseries. (Note: similar chunk of its soil, but if so treated it one of the best cultivars is 'Blue in shape to our A. canadense is A. will last at most three years. Buy Ridge'. Although perfectly useable europaeum, a glossier species. If you nursery plants, or experiment with as an area cover, the masses of clear are not a purist on keeping American seed. Tough ovate leaves are a foil blue flowers, held erect on six inch natives toge ther, you will find it use­ for the most fragrant blossoms of stems, somehow seem more at home ful and handsome. It spreads beauti­ early spring. as a foreground for small spring fully for us, tossing its seeds about Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, Bearberry, azaleas, rhododendrons and dwarf with abandon.) is yet another small-leaved ever­ conifers. We have looping ribbons of green which has tiny flower-bells in it, varying in width, before many of the spring and red berries in the fall. our best evergreens. A lovely view It will happily take full sun if neces­ from the living room window is of Inside sary, and likes a sandier soil than the the cerulean blue phlox fronting the Gardening previous plants, though still an acid soft, pink three-foot ball of the mar­ with one. Transplanting is extremely velous small-leaved rhododendron, " iffy," so either buy pot-grown 'Windbeam'. The ground-covering e~® plants or propagate from cuttings. I leaves are basal, and here on Long GREENHOUSES first met Bearberry here on Long Is­ Island last well into December. This land, in rather sandy, scrubby phlox spreads very rapidly. ~ woods. By the way, the Indian name I warmly suggest you go " shop­ for Bearberry is kinnikinnick, a fact I ping" in the woodlands to see the first learned in Maine. I've often array of native ground covers avail­ wondered what the word, means able. Unmentioned are the Lycopodi­ but I don't know which tribal lan­ ums, the first-rate Wintergreen guage it is. (Gaultheria procumbens), Va ccinium A lovely, though not evergreen, vitis-idea minus, the little Mountain Everlite answers all your needs all cover is Foamflower, Tiarella cord­ Cranberry (useable only if you live in year 'rou nd with : ifolia. The leaves are somewhat a cold climate-although I have • Over 90 models starting at $308 maple-like, and the flower spikes are found it on a mountain-top in North • Precision prefabrication for fast assembly. the " foam"- fluffy, white and very Carolina as well as in Maine), and • Quality engineered throughout pretty. It is especially at home under many more. Treasures, all. True, the • Full accessories line including automatic climate controls: and around Kalmia latifolia and other wildlings are slower to camouflage Get the inside story . . . members of the Heath Family. bare ground than are the Same Old Write for catalog-price list AH-29 If you would like Christmas-in­ Three. This deficiency is offset by c5Uumill.um AugusC I can think of nothing their special and enduring beauty. QreenJtpuses.lrt,c. brighter or more spectacular than If we ever build another house, I the little Canada Dogwood, or Bunch­ can promise you there will be no berry (Comus canadensis). That it is Pachysandra terminalis! To me, a not evergreen is beside the point! In groundcover of unraked leaves is 32 spring, you can delight in miniature prettier by far. D can grow and use fresh . A final word begin w ith plants from a garden Urban Herbs of warnin g ... they are habit form­ center. Watering the plant properly Con till ued from page 21 ing! can be a bit tricky, since it does best cause they're so unwieldy in the Sweet Marjoram and Oregano when kept a bit on the dry side. garden. Sweet marjoram (Origanum However, wh en grown indoors, To enjoy maximum yield from a majorana) and oregano (Origanum especially in the winter, don't let it basil plant, cut off the small stem vulgare)-sometimes ca ll ed "wild dry completely. which is just below the leaves you marjoram"-are two closely related French Tarragon remove for cooking. This will pro­ and often confused herbs. Both val­ Tarragon (Artemsia dracunculus), vide a clear growing area and uable in the kitchen, the stronger ano ther essen tial h erb to grow, branching can begin again . Basil is flavored oregano is primarily as­ means " little dragon," and in early typical of many culinary herbs in sociated with pizza, but is actuall y times its fresh leaves were chewed to that the more you cut, the more useful in many other sa uces, stews, dull the taste of bitter medicines. you'll grow. or vegetable dishes. Sweet mar­ Although there is a Russian vari­ If you've space, you can also try joram has a more subtle taste, and is ety, the more flavorful French tarra­ the "Dark Opal" variety which is a good in sou ps, or with chicken, gon is the plant to seek out and buy. beautiful, purple-leaved plant. It's pork, lamb, or eggs. And that's the only way to start, sli ghtly more pungent than the The seeds are often hard to start, since there are no seeds to be had, green basil, but adds wonderful so it's better to begin with small and propagation methods require a color to vegetable dishes. store-bought plants. Unlike basil, fair amount of gardening expertise. Dill which lives for only one season, Once you own a tarragon plant, it's The final herb in this selected col­ oregano and sweet marjoram can rather easy to grow, prefering part lection, dill (An ethum graveolens) is survive in the garden for years, sun to full. After the fir st leaves are wonderful to use in dressing where they do best in full sun. Since harvested, add some fertilizer, such cucumbers and other fresh salad the stems become woody as they as a dilute solution o f fish emulsion. vegetables, as well as in soups, on age, some cooks prefer to strip off While tarragon may live for years chicken, lamb, fish dishes and, of and discard them, using only the in the garden, it can also be grown as course, in pickles. tender leaves. a houseplant in cold climate areas. If Dill was traditionally a favorite of During the growing season , you decide to bring your garden magicians and sorcerers for use in growth frequently exceeds need; plant inside, do so well in advance of their spells, and as a charm against therefore, it's useful to dry and store the weather change. If it doesn' t witch es. It has also served in a the surplus. (Some cooks insist that survive the adjustment period number of medicinal capacities, not drying improves the flavor of mar­ (which happens frequently) don't the least of which was a cure for hic­ joram and oregano). To do this, sim­ despair ... for its aromatic leaves cups: boiled in wine, and inhaled. ply spread the fresh leaves on a pan are excellent dried. Try tarragon If your gardening space is very or cookie sheet in a warm, dry place. rubbed on chicken, sprinkled on limited, don't bother to try dill, since Several days later, w hen they're fish, or added to egg dishes. Vinegar it can grow to between three and completely dry, they can be placed flavored with tarragon for salads, or four feet tall. In addition to a large in a sealed, labeled jar for future use. green vegetables sauteed with butter tub, it needs full sun and continual This drying m ethod can be used for and a sprinkling of fresh tarragon are fertilizing. It grows easily from seed, many herbs. other ideas. but must be sown where it will ma­ Rosemary The pine-like, narrow leaves of ture, since it doesn't transplant eas­ The delectable h erb rosemary rosemary are excellent on pork, ily. (Rosmarinus officinalis) was once be­ lamb, chicken, or veal. And, if you Because dill lives for only one sea­ lieved to possess important infec­ absolutely hate peas, try adding a son, and the harvesting time is tion-preventing properties. To con­ sprig of rosemary to the cooking wa­ short, it should be stored for con­ trol diseases among prisoners, the ter. I guarantee you'll change your tinued use later on. The feathery floors of courthouses and prisons mind! 0 foliage of dill is easily preserved by were strewn with branches. It was quick freezing. Rinse and then dry also used at funerals, both for its Linda Yang, author of Th e Terrace the plants very well, and put them scent and m edicinal value for those Gard ener's Handbook (Doubleday , immediately into the freezer in a attending. 1975), grows her own herbs on the ter­ closed plastic bag or covered jar. Its An excellent, good-looking plant, race of her 19th-floor apartment. tasty and aromatic flavor will be as rosemary does need several hours of This article originally appeared in the good as the day it was stored. direct sun each day. Although it can April, 1978 issue of DIVERSION under This is a small sampling of some of be grown from seeds, they are very the name 'Growing Herbs: A Co ok's the many herbal delights which you slow to germinate, so it's best to Garden'. 33 Dr. Henry M. Cathey Research Horticulturist & Chief Florist & Nursery Crops Laboratory U.S. Departmen t of Agriculture Beltsville, MD 20705

For some of us, the once exciting combinations of space and form, using trees, shrubs, and vines are becoming monotonous and static. We can achieve new and interesting forms with plants if we learn to train vines and small-leaved plants to grow in towers, topiaries, and trellis es. We will continue to use all of the techniques we have learned in growing plants in hanging baskets but will add the additional skills of pinching and training the branches to cover the frames. Frames: Frames may be made out of wood, metat or plastic stripping. Any design idea can be created if one only has the imagination. I classify the frames into three basic types. Towers : Most gardeners have already seen towers in use for growing tomatoes in the garden. The tower is made out of welded wire, hot-dipped to prevent rusting. The wire mesh has a six-inch square (other sizes are also available) through which vines can be twined and twisted to cover the tower. Any size (diameter and height) tower can be made to fill any space. I anchor the wire cylinders into the container with thick wire rods which are tied to the frame. The vining foliage will quickly cover all of the wires. Topiary Frames: Garden magazines list sources of to­ piary frames made out of wire about the thickness of a coathanger wire. The frames are painted a dull green and are available in all kinds of designs: peacocks, turkeys, rabbits, bears, parasols, columns, chairs, and tables. The frame is a welded-wire sculpture on which the vines and small-leaved plants can be trained. Trellises: Simple or complex frames of rings, spokes, and bars are available in polyethylene coated wire, in either a green or white finish. The posts can be pushed into the ground to provide a support for training plants. Container: Use any type of container that will hold at least one gallon of growing media by volume. Containers with less volume tend to dry out rapidly. Containers can be clay, ceramic, plastic, metat or wood (redwood or your own design). Be sure to provide drainage holes in the container. Use a nail to drive holes that are three­ eights of an inch in diameter and are spaced 3 inches apart near the bottom of the container. Growing Media: Bagged growing media is available in most vari~ty and garden stores. These usually contain fertilizers in slow-release form. To make your own general-purpose mix use the following formula: To 2 parts of sandy loam soil add 1 part course sphagnum peat moss and 1 part coarse aggregate (vermiculite, perlite, or 34 washed cinders). To each bushel of mix add 4 ounces of pulverized dolomitic limestone, 4 ounces of 20 percent Set up a schedule for watering. If you are combining superphosphate, and 2 ounces of 5-10-5 fertilizer. Mix plants with different water requirements, label each type thoroughly and add just enough water to crumble the with small plastic tags. For example, green tags could be media in large masses; do not add so much water the used for plants needing frequent watering (wet), yellow media becomes soggy. tags for less frequent watering (moist) and so on. Some Drainage: Line the bottom 2 inches of the container plants need watering only every 10 to 14 days. Dry plants with coarse aggregate. Shield the drainage holes with tend to have course roots and are well adapted to dark coffee filters to hold the growing media in place until the and dry conditions. They can be trained to withstand new root system meshes into a solid mass. Pack the prolonged periods of slowed growth which delays rate of aggregate loosely to leave air pockets that will permit leaf formation, prevents death of old leaves, and helps easy drainage of water out of the con tainer. Cover the top maintain the size of the plant. More frequent watering of the aggregate with a half-inch layer of aggregate that will cause new leaves to grow at a rapid rate, and usually has been finely crushed; this will prevent the growing an old leaf will die for every new leaf formed. Less fre­ media from plugging up the drainage holes. quent watering will cause many leaves to die. Moist Fertilizer: Fill container to within one inch of the top plants need watering every 4 to 7 days. These plants tend with moistened growing media. Mix in 2 tablespoons of a to have a fine root system that will die immediately if the coated, slow-release 14-14-14 fertilizer per ten-inch con­ soil dries out. More frequent watering or less frequent wat­ tainer. This concentration of fertilizer should la st for ering will cause same results as for "dry" plants. Wet about 3 months; plan to add a second tablespoon on the plants n eed watering every other day. They must have a surface about 21/2 months after planting. Continue to relatively uniform amount of water in the growing media fertilize at regular intervals throughout the life of the at all times. Even one period of drying usually means plant. damage to the leaves and the possibility that the plant Planting: Hold the potted plant on its side with one wil l die. Do not let potted plants stand in saucers holding hand protecting the plant. Tap the pot gently until the water. soil ball and plant fall out. Remove the network of roots Training Plants: Knowing what constitutes an ad­ on bottom of soil ball. Dig a hole to perfectly fit the soil justed or condition ed plant enables you to exert maxi­ ball. The growing media of the soil ball and of the new mum control over its growth. Your plant has no native container should be on the same leve1. Firm the soil ball ability to live in the surroundings you have picked for and growing media to insure a good flow of water and the it-whether hom e, office, or public area. It needs to be knitting of the root system. trained to adjust to its alien environment. To aid in this Location: Plants that require at least 6 hours daily of adjustment you must: direct sunlight should be placed in areas where they will • Slow down plant growth. be shaded for only part of the day-by a porch, in a • Permit leaves to get accustomed to dark, dry condi­ window, or by the entrance to your home. Petunias tions in the area where the plant is to be placed. grown in too much shade develop long, poorly-branched • Permit the plant to accumulate mineral ions and car­ shoots with few flowers. Foliage plants as listed in the bohydrates to help maintain itself during periods of guide may be grown successfully with less light than stress. flowering plants. Follow the guide for selecting location. These procedures will assure a conditioned plant; they Watering: Of all steps in the care of an indoor garden, require much patience, but they are well worth the effort. watering is most important. If plants do not get enough Conditioned Plants: A conditioned plant has the fol­ water, they dry and die. If they get too much water, they lowing characteristics: drown and rot. The proper procedure is to water thor­ • The foliage is dark green, thick, and lush all the way to oughly, but only often enough to prevent wilting. Spe­ the soil line. cific water requirements are given in the plant guide. As • Growth is slowed and, consequently, few new leaves soon as you put plants in the container, begin adjusting show. The little growth that does show is dark green. them to their new environment. Water the soil, clay pot The stem at the top of the plant is thick in diameter. and surrounding media to saturation, but do not flood • The net of roots is well established and fills most of the the planter box. Allow the whole container to dry until pot. the plants are near wilting. You can detect wilting early There are certain things you can do at the beginning by watching the leaves; they change from green to gray­ that will make for well-adjusted or conditioned plants. green and begin to droop. When the plants begin to wilt, Here are some points to keep in mind: water them thoroughly again. While plants are adjusting Choosing plants: The plant you pick depends on your to the indoors, some of the oldest leaves may yellow. If taste, space available, and use. Every plant should be so, remove them. Wash the remaining leaves with mild, potted individually. It is almost impossible to train plants soapy water, rinse with clear water, and stake the plants. when they are planted together. They should now be ready for a long life in the indoor Washing and cleaning plants: All plants except those with garden. hairy-surfaced leaves should be washed in warm soapy 35 water of bath temperature, about 90 to 100°F. Wash all Guide to Plants: leaves, stems, and buds. Clean both sides of leaves. Be Decorative Plants for Training to Ascend sure to support each individual leaf with your hand while Light Water doing this. Rinse with water, shake and allow to dry Name Levels Requirements overnight in the sink or on a newspaper. This procedure Abutilon speci es High Moist removes dirt, insect eggs, and insecticides. Repeat at (Flow ering maple) frequent intervals to bring out the natural shine of the Ach im enes High Moist-in ground foliage. Dry-when dormant (Magic Ylower) Locating training area: Pick a spot with bright light, but Aeschynanth us Medium Moist (Lipstick plant) avoid places where direct sunlight shines on the leaves. Asparagus sprengeri Medium Moist Keep plants away from drafts, heating ducts, or open (Asparagus fern) doors. Place them on a waterproof area; this may be a Beloperone guttata High Dry wooden frame covered with polyethylene which is then (Shrimp plant) covered with a layer of coarse gravel or sand. Or use Bougain villea glabra Very high Dry (Bougainvillea) colorful inexpensive plastic trays, tubs, pans, and basins. Browallia spec iosa High to Moist Take care not to scar the underside of these containers- it (Browallia) medium ruins the waterproofing. Campanula isophylla High Moist Light Level: Light level determines the types of plants (Star of Bethlehem) that can be grown. Light is measured in foot-candles (a Chlorophytum Medium Moist (Spider plant) foot-candle is the light of one candle falling on a surface Cissus an tarctica High Moist one foo t away from the candle). Plants will grow in (Kangaroo vine) higher light levels than the preferred levels stated below, Cissus rh ombifolia Medium Dry but they will not survive below minimum levels of light. (Grape ivy) Low designates a minimum light level of 25 foo t- Clerodendrum thomsonae High to Moist (Bleeding-heart vine) medium candles and a preferred level of 75 to 200 foot-candles. Coleus Very high Wet Your hand will make no shadow under this lighting Co[umnea species Medium Moist condition. (Columnea) Medium designates a minimum of 75 to 100 foot- Davallia fejeensis Low Moist candles and a preferred level of 200 to 500 foot-candles. (Fiji Rabbit's foot fern) Epiphyllum hybrids High Moist-in ground Your hand will make a shadow under this lighting condi- (Orchid cactus) Dry-over winter tion. Euphorbia m ilii High Dry High designates a minimum of 500 foot-candles and a (Crown-of-thorns) preferred level of 100 foot-candles. Your hand makes a Ficus pumila Medium Moist strong shadow under this lighting condition. (Creeping fig) to low Hedera helix High Moist Very high designates a mininum of 800 to 1000 foot- (English ivy) candles. Your hand will appear very bright to your eyes Hoya carnosa Medium Dry as well as cast a strong shadow. You will find this condi- (Wax plant) tion will cause eye strain if you remain in the area. Lan tan a camara High Dry The Final Steps: You will soon learn it takes time for (Trailing lantana) PassifIora species Very high Moist the plants to cover the frames. At least at weekly inter- (Passion flower) vals, twist and train the branches onto the frames. Fine Parth enocissu s hen ryana Medium Moist wires (paper covered) may be used to hold the branches (Ampelopsis) in place until the form is obtained. Plan to remove these Petunia hybrida Very high Moist wires at a later stage. The wires can girdle the expanding (Cascade type) Philodendron oxycardium Low Dry stems as the plants become older and larger. The leaves (Common philodendron) will turn and face the direction of the light. Rotate the Plectranthus australis Medium Moist position of the plant to encourage a symetrical develop- (Swedish ivy) ment. Remove tips of shoots to promote branching. Re- Sen ecio m ikan ioides Medium Moist move them individually by hand, avoid damaging any of (German ivy) Seicreasea purpurea Medium Dry the leaves or stems left on the plants. It may be necessary (Purple heart) to remove some of the developing shoots to permit the Syngo n ium podophyllum Low Moist maintenance of a uniform covering. Also, to preserve the (Nephthytis) appearance of the plant, pick off yellowing or damaged Tradescan tia species Medium Dry l ~ aves and give the foliage a monthly wash with warm (Wandering Jew) Vin ca major 'Variegata' High Moist soapy water. (Periwinkle) Reward: You will experience new forms and spaces for 36 Zebrina species Medium Moist plants in your gardening designs. 0 Mrs. Delany's Flora g reatest harmo ny of colo ring from O ne of the last fl owers made by Mrs. Delany in 1782 was the Portlan­ Con tinued fro m page 11 the va rious semi - to nes of tint laid on. But th at part of th e work which dia grandi/lora, a sh rub named for h er forming a dark backg round threw appears likely ever to rema in a mys­ dear fri end th e Duchess of Portl and. o ut dis tin ctl y the o utline o f the te ry, beca use no o th er pe rson pos­ The branch to copy had bee n sent to leaves and fl owers, and mad e the sesses the same g ift, is the way in her from th e royal ga rdens a t Kew on lights a nd shadows more d is tinct. which , by the eye alone, scissors co mmand of Queen Cha rlo tte. But Mrs. Delany did not draw the plant; co uld be directed to cut o ut the in­ th e queen a nd King Geor,ge III were but by he r eye cut out each fl ower or numerable parts necessa ry to co m­ admirers of the mosaic £1 ~we r s and ra ther each pe tal as they appea red; plete th e o utline and shadowing of th eir ori gin a tor. Other fa mo us 18th the lights and shades and tints were every leaf, fl ower, a nd stem, w ith cen tu ry contempo raries me ntio n afterward all likewise cut o ut and such exactness th at they a ll hung to­ M rs. Delany'S unusual craft in their laid o n , be ing pas te d over o n e gethe r and fitted each o ther as if th ey d ia ri es or letters. Fa mous botanis ts another,-the stam en s, style and had been prod uced ins tanta neously such as Dr. Darwin, Dr. Solander, leaves were separately done in the by the s troke of a magic wa nd, and Lord Bute and Sir Joseph Banks es­ sa me 111. a nne r, in va ri o us colored yet w ithout a fa ult in perspecti ve or teemed her work so greatly tha t the papers, which she used to procure d ifficult fo reshorte ning. " la tter wrote th a t her rep resentations from ca ptains of vessels co ming The backg ro unds of all th e speci­ "were the o nl y imitati ons of nature fro m China a nd fro m p a p e r­ mens Mrs. Dela ny made were a uni­ tha t he had ever seen, from which h e stainers, fr om who she used to buy fo rm bl ack. Eac h was ca ref ull y coul d ven ture to describe botanica lly pieces of paper in which the colors marked as to the co mmo n and La tin any plant w ithout the least fear of had run and produced ex traordina ry naITles an d often th e region fro m com mitting an error." and unusual tints. In this manner which the fl ower ca me a nd th e date It is ins p irin g to beco m e ac ­ she p rocured her materials, and was she made it. Her ini ti als "M. D ~ ' appea r q uain ted w ith such a talented lad y as enabled to produce the utmost bril­ on each m ounting in different color­ M rs. De la n y, even if nearly two liancy wh ere it was required w ith the ed letters to represent a given year. hundred years after h er dea th. 0 Send for the one Seed and Nursery you shouldn't be without... HENRY FIELD'S 1979 SPRING Clip out and mail coupon below to receive CATALOG your FREE copy of the Henry Field Catalog. ---M:rit~~;;:------­ 116 pg. new, colorful HENRY FIELD catalog contains: Seed &: Nursery Co. • 1,990 illustrations! 706 Oak Street, Shenandoah , Iowa 51 602 rush me my free "no obligation to buy" • 24 pages of garden supplies. YES , 1979 Henry Field Catalog. • Growing charts and tips on gardening. Name • High germination-tested seeds. Address • Special money-saving offers. I City I • Hard-to-find fruit and vegetable items. I State Zip I • Tree and shrub size comparison charts. L______J (i 37 excites sexual desires, aids slender­ courtyard. It was used by the Greeks Herbs & Folklore ness, restores and sharpens and Romans as a crown for happy Con tinued from page 20 eyesight, stops hiccups, frees one young couples. It was custom in dish of caraway seeds. " Pierre from loathing, cures wheezing, a Rome to plant Marjoram on graves Pomet, druggist to Louis XIV of body fortifier and improves the pale to delight the souls of loved ones. In France, said, "The Germans have color of the face according to the England it has been used as a charm such regard for it, they always put it herbalist Culpeper. Fennel sup­ against witchcraft, for it is said that: into the pie crust, mix it in their posedly makes people lean rather "He who had sold his soul to the bread and in great measure in all than fat and takes away pangs of devil could not endure the fragrance their sauces." hunger. of Marjoram." The Austrians use it in beef stew; Garlic (lily family) originated in Mint (mint family) is the Symbol Germans cook it with pork; and Asia. Legend has it that when Satan of Hospitality. It originated from the Hungarians make a soup with cara­ made his way out of the Garden of shores of the Mediterranean Sea. way seeds thickened with bread Eden after the fall of man, onions One of Ovid's tales of gods and god­ crumbs. Caraway seeds are used sprang up from the place left by his desses written 2,000 years ago gives today as a "whiskey killer" because right footprint, garlic from the left. the following story. Philemon and it serves to mask an alcoholic breath. The Egyptians regarded garlic as Baucis lived in Asia Minor. Two Chervil (parsley family) origi­ food and m edicine; they swore by it strangers came to their home and nated in Russia or the northern when offering some solemn vow. asked for food. Philemon and Baucis shores of the Mediterranean. It was The Israelites developed a taste for prepared the best meal possible for distributed by the Romans. Legend garlic during their stay in Egypt and their guests from their m eager has it that it makes one merry, after the Exodus, yearned for it on supplies. They rubbed the dining sharpens a dull wit, prods the mem­ their exhausting trek to the Prom­ table with mint leaves just before ory and gives the aged the spirit of ised Land. The Greeks of old dis­ meal time. At that point their anxi­ youth. It is a good substitute for liked garlic; today they use it. Roman eties of hunger passed. The guests parsley. legions freely consumed garlic in the were Zeus and Hermes, incognito. Cumin (parsley family) is native to belief that it would make them better Zeus and Hermes transformed the Egypt. Cumin discourages disloy­ and fiercer fighters. It was used by lowly dwelling into a temple. Priests alty of husbands. Cumin was carried the Romans through the middle were made available to minister to all by both bride and groom in m edieval ages. Pliny claimed that 60 ailments the needs of Philemon and Baucis for weddings in Germany for faithful­ could be cured with garlic. Medieval the duration of their lives. ness, forsaking all others so long as doctors brought garlic along while Mint was once the n ymph they both lived. In Europe, a soldier visiting, as a charm and disinfectant. Mentha, a young goddess. Mentha leaving home carries with him a loaf Ginger (Ginger family) is native attracted the eye of Pluto. Pluto's of bread with cumin baked by his to India and southern China. Ginger wife, Persephone, trod Mentha sweetheart, or drinks wine with her was one of the first oriental spices to ferociously underfoot. Pluto was which contains cumin. To the enter Greece. It was brought into unable to control his w ife's fury. He Greeks, cumin was a symbol of Greece as early as 2,400 B.C. Greek changed Mentha into a delightful greed. This verse is recorded in bakers were the first to use ginger herb (mint) to be sacred forever. Matthew 23:23, !'For ye pay tithe of for baking gingerbread. Queen Mint was used by the Greeks as a mint and anise and cumin." Elizabeth I hired artist bakers to body deodorant and perfume. Pliny Dill (parsley family), an annual, is make gingerbread cookies into the the Elder had the highest regard for a native to the Mediterranean coun­ shapes of lords and ladies, etc., for mint as a medicine. "The very smell tries and Asia Minor. Folklore tells serving to afternoon guests. of it re-animates the spirit," he us that dill contains a magic potion Marjoram (mint family) is known wrote, considering mint to possess used for and against sorcerers­ as the Herb of Honor and Happi­ many virtues. It could stop hiccups, "getting there fustest with the most­ ness. It is a perennial from Western provide an antidote for the stings of est" was common practice. Dill is Asia and the Mediterranean. In the sea serpents and, if consumed just used by mystics to combat an Evil 12th century, King Stephen of Eng­ before an oration, it would clear the Eye by carrying a bag of dried dill land, spread fresh straw in the voice. Mint was distributed into over the heart. winter and Marjoram in the summer Europe by the Romans. Fennel (parsley family) is a peren­ on the floor for his court to kneel and Oregano (mint family) is known nial and is known as the venerable sit upon. King Stephen appointed a as the Pizza Herb. It originated on panacea. Seeds smell like anise. "Strewer of Herbs in Ordinary to His the Mediterranean hillsides. In the Fennel is one of the nine sacred Majesty." At the coronation of James practice of ancient medicine, Pliny herbs that could cure the nine causes II of England, the Strewer scattered prescribed it for indigestion, as well 38 of medieval diseases. It rejuvenates, 18 bushels of Marjoram on the as a first aid treatment for spider and scorpion stings. During the Middle ing fro m Herod's soldiers with the New Year's custom in En gland for Ages Oregano was used to "cleanse Christ child, she hung her skyblue each person to visit his neighbor or the brain" and improve sight. Cul­ cloak on a rosemary bush. From that fr iend and give him a sprig of rose­ peper, the herbalist stated in 1649, day on the color of rosemary blos­ mary with a pomander. Culpeper tha t: " Oregano soothes jittery soms was ch an ged to blue. The also stated that sprigs of rosemary nerves and to use it for trea ting bites symbol of remembrance and fidelity were used in courtrooms to ex pel of ve nomous beasts." He further comes from Shakespeare's Ham let, con ta gion of the pestilence from stated that: "There is scarcely a bet­ when the tragic Ophelia speaks the which poor prisoners suffered . ter herb growing for reli eving loss of immortal line: "Th ere's rosemary, Sage (mint family) originated on a ppeti te." that's for remembrance." During the the northern shores of the Mediter­ Parsley (parsley family) has its 17th century it was the custom for ranean. Sa lvia officinalis means to origin lost in Greek mythology. Her­ bridesmaids to presen t the bride­ save or to heal. It has been said in cules supposedly wore a garland of groom with a bunch of Rosemary on England that sage is supposed to parsley. Juno's horses were said to the morning of the wedding to en­ m ake m e n act wisely and to have accelerated their speed after signe wisdom, love and loyalty in strengthen their memories. It has nipping parsley, as did the chargers hands, h eads and hearts. Henry been an English custom on a Mid­ of H om er's h eroes. Ro m an s VIII's bride, Anne of Cleves, wore a summer's Eve, just after sunset, for a fashioned it into crowns for banquet wrea th of Rosem ary. Their marriage group of young ladies to gather in a guests in h o pes o f preventing ended in divorce a few months later. lon ely garden collecting sage; at 12 drunkenness and raucousn ess at the There is an English superstition that midnight their future husbands table. "Where rosemary fl ourisheth, the would appear and use the sage to Rosemary (mint family) has been woman ruleth. " Rosem ary h as been sprinkle on the smocks of their a symbol of remembrances and fidel­ used to decorate churches and ban­ brides-to -be. Superstitions about ity since the days of the Rom an Em­ quet halls, as incense in religious sage include the saying that sage will pir.e. Rose m ary is native to the ceremonies, as an omen against the thrive w hen all is well with its owner Mediterranean area. Legend states Evil Eye and as a hair restorer. Ac­ and droop w h e n misfortune that when the Virgin Mary was fl ee- cording to Culpeper, there was a threa ten s! 0 Trees SELECTED HOME GARDEN VARIETIES • 20th Century Pear-Apple. Double-flowered Fantastic Elberta Peach. Santa Rosa Plum • Ambassador Hardy English Walnut • Semi-dwarf apples • Proven standard varieties of pears, , cherries, nectarines, peaches, plums, apricots, almonds, walnuts, and grapevines.

FLOYD ZAIGER'S "NEW GENERATION OF FRUIT" dwarfed fruit trees for small space or tub culture: cherry, apricot, peach, nectarine • Standard size extra early ripening with mid-season quality • Low-chill varieties for mild-winter • Plum-Cots and Cherry-Plums.

grow all of the trees described in our catalog, and ship only vigorous, quality stock.

Ask for our new 1979 Catalog. DAVE WILSON NURSERY Box 460M I Hughson, California 95326

39 insect pests in home gardens and on farms. Although Organic Gardening great numbers of moths and other insects are attracted to Con tin ued fro m page 17 individual black lights and captured in the attached traps or killed on electric grids, there is little or no reduction of laid in the garden. Lift them each day and destroy the the pest insects that attack your vegetables. Sometimes slugs. Slugs are attracted to shallow vessels partially the insect pests in the vicinity of the trap will be greater filled with beer into which they crawl and expire. Slug than normal. Insects attracted to the light may not enter baits moistened with a teaspoon of beer will be twice as the trap, but linger to lay their eggs in the vicinity. effective. Likewise, certain bait traps, as for the Japanese beetle, An aluminum foil mulch around low growing plants may actually increase the infestation in the vicinity of the reflects the ultraviolet rays from the sky and repels flying trap. insects (including aphids, leafhoppers, thrips, Mexican Routine inspection and handpicking of tomato bean beetles and cucumber beetles) from landing on the hornworms on your dozen or so tomato plants is highly plants. Summer squash, Chinese cabbage, lettuce and effective and less time consuming than preparing and peppers have been protected from virus infection trans­ applying a spray. In some years, hornworms may not mitted by aphid feeding. Roses, gladiolus, beans and appear at all. Handpicking can also eliminate small infes­ cucurbits have been protected from chewing and sucking tations of squash bugs, Mexican bean beetles and potato insects. beetles. Black polyethylene mulches, used extensively by Interplanting of Vegetables with Repellent Plants commercial fruit and vegetable growers, help to control A recent calendar for home gardeners lists a number of weeds, conserve moisture and prevent leaching of fertil­ plants that should be planted among your vegetables to ity in the home garden. They also keep the produce from deter cabbage worms, Mexican bean beetles, Colorado resting on the soil, thus reducing rot infection from soil potato beetles, Japanese beetles, borers and tomato contact. hornworms. Blacklight traps are frequently advertised for control of Carefully conducted experiments by research en-

Humidity Display Table

Introducing a new, unique and practical way to dis­ play plants. Made of an extra-heavy durable plastic with an elegant satin black finish, the humidity dis­ play table provides a near-perfect environment for displaying bonsai, flowering and foliage plants, and cacti. It is particularly excellent for rock plantings. As the plant is watered, the excess water is retained in the tray providing humidity for the plant's environ­ ment. Simply add small pebbles, crushed rock or sand to the tray to keep the plant container above the water level. Neither direct sun nor water will ad­ versely affect the table, as the quality material will not crack, chip, warp or peel. Now you can display sun-loving plants, special or finicky plants, cut or dried arrangements with confidence and pride . .. and control the growing environment at the same time. Write us for details and prices. ole OrchardHill Rectangular Rectangular Square Route One, Kingsley, MI 49649 12" x 16" 12" x 16" 12" x 12"

40 Products designed for you with your plants in mind. tomologists at State and Federal Ex periment Stations preyin g mantids hatch from the egg masses in late have shown no beneficial results from such interplant­ spring. The tin y mantids scramble for safety-usu ally ings except for the reducti on of one type of nematode by into dense shrubbery-to avoid being eaten by their mari gold roots. Moreover, these experiments showed bro th ers and sisters. O f the hundreds that hatch in the that Mexica n bean beetles and Colorado potato beetles spring, only a few survive until fa ll and they are usu all y found their respective host pl ants in mixe d plantings. fo und in the shrub border; rarely on the more exposed Onions and garlic supported thrivin g populations of vegetables where you need them. onion thrips and mites, and had no measurable repelling O ne authority h as stated th at " the chief benefit to be effect on cabbage worms, bean beetles, cucumber beetl es deri ved fro m the purchase of mantid egg m asses is the and aphids that infes ted their respecti ve interplanted fee lin g of virtue in believin g th at you h ave established a host plants. hi ghly beneficial insect w hi ch will protect the neighbor­ Parasites and Predators hood by destroyin g many harmful garden pests. O f the Few gardeners ever see the most efficient parasites and hundreds o f young mantids that come tumbling out of a preda tors at work among the pests on their plants. case, perchance a few w ill survive. With avid appetites Exa mples o f bene fi cial insects are: the ye llow and bl ack and rapacious fro nt legs they ca pture many insects; in­ banded thrips; the tiny O rius plant bug; syrphid fl y lar­ cluding their brothers and sisters, and harmful insects as vae; aphis lions-the ugly looking larvae of the delica te well as be neficial in sects. Nevertheless, the mantid is a lacewin g fli es; and larvae and adults of our nati ve ha ndsome in sect that is interesting to have around. So let ladybird beetl es that suck and juices fr om plant-fee ding us co ntinue to protect it and encourage others to do the thrips, spider m ites, aphids, young caterpillars and sam e, but do not depend upon it to rid our garden of all leafh oppers. noxious pests." Oft en during periods of cool dam p weather, epidemics The ladybird beetles you buy are collected from their of insect disease, ca used by bacteria, fungi, or vi ruses, hibernating quarters in California canyons and are w ill suddenly destroy thriving populations of pests­ shi p ped to you. When you release them in your garden especially aphids, cabbage worms, cabbage loopers and they usu all y disperse to other areas just as they disperse other caterpillars. fro m their hibe rna ting quarte rs in canyo ns o r Until recently, the Mexican bean beetle has defoliated woodlands-often fo r several miles-in search of culti­ beans, lima beans and soy beans over w ide areas without va ted fi elds. Few, if any, rem ain for long in your garden . the depressing effect of parasites or predators. A tin y Ladybird beetles fo und in your garden are local, natur­ wasp was recently introduced from In dia that la ys 10 or all y occurring bee tles which migrate from hibernating more eggs in each bean beetle larva, and soon, the larva sources earl y in the spring. turns black and dies. This mi croscopic parasite disperses The information set forth in this article will aid you in for 10 miles or more in search o f bean beetle infestations. producin g an abundance of m any but not all kinds of The parasite does not survive our w inters for la ck of food , vegetables in most years, and without resorting to use of but, if reintroduced each season from laboratory cul­ chemical fertilizers or sprays. In some years w ith poor tures, it has the potential fo r reducing the Mexican bean crops it will be necessary to accept foods of lower quality. beetle to a minor pest requiring few or no sprays. Ex perience will enable you to select to grow only the Ea ch Orius bug destroys 20 or more fl ower thrips per more reliable, trouble-free vegetables. 0 day. He and his fellows are responsible fo r reducing high spring populations of this insect to low levels for the remainder of the season . References on Organic Gardening Our native ladybird beetles, that come into our gar­ Many books, bulletins and articles have been dens in late spring, lay their orange-yellow eggs among published on organic gardening. The following aphids on flowers and vegetables where each alligator­ may be of interest to readers w ho would like to have like larva sucks the juices from 10 to 20 aphids per day for more information on this subject. a total of 300 or more during its growth period. Thus, Natural Gardening Handbook . Brooklyn Botanic thriving aphid colonies developing in early spring, virtu­ Garden Record Plants & Gardens. Vol. 21, No. 1, ally disappear for the summer and do not reappear until Spring (May) 1975 . autumn when temperatures are lower, and the ladybird Th e Encyclopedia of Org an ic Gardening. J. 1. Rodale, beetles are less active. Editor. Rodale Books, Inc. , 1971. In contrast to these least recognized but highly efficient How to Grow Vegetabl es and Fruits by the Organ ic parasites and predators discussed above, much attention Method. J. 1. Rodale, Editor. Rodale Books, Inc., is given by amateur ecologists in their publications to the 1971 . more conspicuous but least effective predators. They Handbook on Biolog ical Control of Plant Pes ts. Brook­ urge you to buy preying mantid egg masses and pints of lyn Botanic Garden Record Plants & Gardens. Vol. ladybird beetles and release them in your garden for 16, No. 3, 97 pp., 4th Printing 1974. Cost $1.50. season-long insect control. You should realize that the 41 plete and up-to-date a collection of tall bearded irises may be, there is always something different and lovely to add. Many of these beautiful flowers are illus­ trated in the color pages of this book." by Torn Stevenson arranged in a magnificent architectural form in a series of three parts. They are The stimula ti on of our sense of smell Mention the word Iris to the average flamboyant in a spectrum of colors that and its effects on the mind and emoti ons person and he will think of tall bearded must be seen to be appreciated. In the iris and behavior is little understood. It is irises. There is good reason for this, as growing world they command a most thought that incoming odors are the tall bearded irises are truly the ex­ intense admiration and devotion. screened by the nervous system centers troverts of the iris world. They are the The present classification defines the and automatically graded in such a way largest of the bearded irises, with flowers Standard Tall Bearded class as including as to steer us towards or away from the all bearded irises over 71 centimeters (27 stimu lus. Noxious and putrid odors inches) in height, according to Melba B. repel us, absence of odor produces no Hamblen and Keith Keppel, authors of a stimulation, pleasant ones attract us. chapter, "Tall Beardeds ," in a new book, When what we smell is spicy and dry, "The World of [rises ," edited by Bee Warbur­ we are excited to action; the narcotic ton with assistant editor Melba Hamblen, scents of flowers and drugs relax us into with by-lines by 34 specialists, published by reverie. The odors of food, except when The American Iris Society, 226 East 20th we are ill or full, attract a nd please us, Street, Tulsa , OK 74119. There are 494 perhaps the only area where the sense of printed pages, more than 200 illustrations self-preservati on through smell is still at and 32 color plates, appendixes reviewing work for man. special methods of culture (m eristem , young Other a nimals have a much more inflorescence and embryo), and colchicine in­ highly developed sense of smell. They duced tetraploidy, a selective glossary, an ex­ are lured by the odor of a flower, or of a tensive bibliography and a complete index. potential mate, and will travel great dis­ Th e book can be ordered direct from the Soci­ tances in search of the life-sustaining, ety, $12.95 including postage until Jan . 1, life-continuing object. 1979, then $14 .95 including postage. The effect of fragrance on one person In the book the dramatic development may be entirely different on another, of all garden groups, from the small says Ann Tucker Fettner, writer, film­ bearded and beardless to their large maker, director, teacher and scent-maker, counterparts, crested and bulbous, less and author of a new book, "Potpourri, In­ well known types and novelties, is well cense and Other Fragran t Concoction s," pub­ documented. lished by Workman Publishing Co. , New Chapters on culture and propagation, York, NY, 139 printed pages, illustrated, on pollination and seed growing, on dis­ $2 .95, paperback. eases and pests and pigments and gene­ "Ten people inhaling the same aroma tics of irises, comprehensible to the aver­ would probably perceive and be affected age iris grower, yet invaluable to the by it in as many different ways," she more experienced irisarian make "The says. "If I describe lily-of-the-valley as World of Irises" a book for every iris having a beautifully sweet, delicate fra­ grower. grance, there is no way to be sure that "The inheritance of the tall beardeds is you will find this true for yourself." Vegetable Factory® compounded of genes from nearly all of How can one describe a perfume? the bearded iris species including a few People have h"ied for thousands of years. of the arils, " according to Hamblen and Fragrances have been equated with the SOLAR PANEL Keppel. musical scale, wi th the highest note on " We are enjoying the result of a the treble clef assigned to civet, the low­ GREENHOUSE hundred years of breeding. We now see est note to patchouli. Each cord formed a flowers of large size and full form, but bouquet. The bouquet of C chord in the USES 60% with ruffles and lace to keep them from bass was formed of sandalwood, looking coarse. These have sturdy stalks geranium, acacia, orange flowers and LESS HEAT. to hold the blooms upright without stak­ camphor, G chord in the treble was Th is practical thermal wal l greenhouse ing, and the stalks carry branches that sweet pea, violet, tuberose and orange solves the energy cost problem. Patented hold the flowers effectively so that their flowers again. rigid double-wall construction, tested in Verm ont. Cost about Y3 as much to heat form may be enjoyed. Although the musical equation as ord inary greenhouses. More than pays "Improved substance makes the fl ow­ doesn't work unless we all know music, for itself in heat savings alon~ , Exclusive, ers last for days, with brilliant nonfading and are in complete agreement on odors fa ctory direct only. All models and sizes, 5 year warranty. Free Color Brochure. color. We have clearer colors free from as well, there is a close analogy between , • " Call or Write for Info rmation the veining of older varieties, colors that the art of perfumery and music. The P.O. Box 2235 run the gamut of the rainbow and colors careful development and building of one Dept. AH-2 the rainbow never carried. note or fragrance on another should re­ Grand Central Station "Each year brings the charm of new sult in harmony. New York, NY 10017 color combinations as well as refine­ Animal and other similar odors, such 42 (212) 867 -0113 ments of the old. No matter how com- as costus root and amberette seed, have sex-stimulating quality in perfumes, s he bloom in the spring, you ca n arra nge pollina tors in turn have evolved with the says . They are blu nt a nd alkaline a nd l11ulti season, lo ng-blooming disp lays. precise instin cts and s tructures to obtain may have a fatty or waxy overtone. Of­ The key to this is the choice of plan ts food from specifi c flowers, thus e nsur­ ten, th ey a re sli ghtly ra ncid-smelling that bear their bl ossoms over exte nded ing, not incidenta ll y, that each orchid alone . In perfumes th ey impart a " low" pe ri ods, or choosing varie ties that are s pecies will pe rpe tuate itself. base note, a " dark" quality. showy in s pring and summe r into fall . Skelsey and th e Editors of Time- Life Books Anti-sexual or refreshing fr agra nces The re are fi ve basic steps to s uccessfu l are the authors of a /l ew book, "Orchids," are in direct contrast to the animal odors. la ndscaping, Swenson says. Th e firs t is re tail distribution by Little, Brown an d Co., They a re the "green" resin fr agrances to develop a li st of ex is ting a nd desired Bos ton, MA, 159 pages, beau tifully illus­ ou tdoorfea tures. The second is to draw a produced by the sa ps and leaves of trated in fill! c% r, inclu dilig 82 orchid gen­ p la nts, by camphors, pines a nd some of base pla n. The n yo u s ho uld o utline era, $8.95. the mints. Eau-de-cologne with its base major la ndscap e features in gene ra l. Despite th e orchid's re puta ti on as a of citrus oils is a good example. Th ese Afte r that, loca te desired fea tures in their fragil e hothouse pla nt, most varieties of fr agra nces, w he n used as the sig nature proper la ndscap e a reas. Fina ll y, pl o t some 30,000 known species ca n be raised of a product, give it a " healthy," cl ea n your fini shed la ndscape p lan so it ca n w ithout a greenhouse. They do, how­ feeling. Most a ft e r- s have lo ti ons a re serve you well as a guide as you di g to ever, require more humidity tha n the formulated with this in mind, the sig na­ pla nt trees, shrubs, gro und covers, beds desert-dry artifi cial a tmosphere found in ture is a "wake-up" note rath er th a n a a nd borders. ma ny modern homes. But in raising the relaxing one. humidity to be nefit their orchids, gar­ In her book, Fe ttner provides recipes In the mid-19th century, orchid fl ow­ de ne rs will find their own personal com­ and easy-to-foll ow ins tructi ons for mak­ ers, li ke oth er intrica te s tructures in na­ fort improved . Moreover, " the orchid ing scented concocti o ns-po tpo urris, ture, were widely regarded as bea uty pla nts ca n be humidified loca ll y using sachets, incense, poma nder ball s, toil et fashi oned solely by th e Crea tor for the hUI1,idi fy ing tr ays, mis te rs o r room wate rs a nd o the r fl owery things . delight of ma n. O ne w ho doubted this humidifi ers," Skelsey says. Sources w here ma teri als ca n be pur­ no ti on was the grea t Eng li sh na tura li s t, As bota ni s ts poked into th e priva te chased to make most of th em are in­ Charl es Da rwin, w ho felt there mus t be li ves of orchids, they ga ined e no ugh cluded . Ma ny of them ca n be grown in logica l reasons why orchids had evolved knowledge to begin hybridizing them, your own garden. in ways that ca ll ed so much atte ntion to crossing two parent pla nts with different th emselves. characteri sti cs to crea te new p la nts with Attracti ve, well pla nned a nd pla nted Not fa r fr om hi s country home in Ke nt the trai ts of both . And it turned out tha t la ndscape is a n investme nt that grows he ca me upon w ha t he ca ll ed th e Orchis orchid crosses could be made not onl y for you. Not o nly d o you e njoy the Ba n k, w here a va ri ety of na ti ve orchids be tween rela ted species within a genus, beauty of trees a nd shrubs, fl owers a nd grew amo ng th e trees, a nd he bega n to fruit, but your property increases in d o l­ s tudy the ways in w hi ch insects polli­ lar valu e. A well landscaped home will nated the fl owers. sell for as much as 20 percent more than a Da rwin demons tra ted th a t orchids a re similar one without trees, shrubs, pl a nts almost perfectl y ada pted to specifi c pol­ and a healthy lawn. lin ators, w he th e r bee, fly, mosquito, You can do the la ndscaping yourself, butterfly, mo th, hummingbird or ba t, according to Allan A. Swenson , nation­ according to Ali ce Skelsey, and tha t the all y syndica ted newspaper garden col­ umnist who appears on the " Good Day" TV show as America's Green Thumb WORRIED ABOUT Gardener. Swe nso n is the author of a l1 ew book, "Plan pH FACTOR? Your Own Landscap e," published by Grosset END SOIL Increase your growing & Du nlap, New York, NY, 120 pages, well GUESSWORK space with a illu strated, $6. 95 paperback. The book pro­ pH Controls: Janco Greenhouse vides 50 la ndsca pe arrangements you • microrganisms in can adapt for your home w ith blueprints soi l When you've run out of space for your for step-by-step landscaping d esig n. • fertility indoor plants ... when you want to "open It tells how to improve your soil, how • plant"s ability to up" a living or family room, bedroom or 6" use fertilizer to select the right plants for your d esign, kitchen to sunshine & flowers . . .when • plant"s resistance to you want "growing pleasure" all year how to place trees, flowers and shrubs disease round, then you 're ready for an all alumi­ for privacy, beauty and shade, how to • mature development growth & yield num, minimum-maintenance Janco. ferti li ze, pru ne a no propaga te your Quality, price, design-these are the 3 pla nts and how to create a n indoor pH ANALYZER major reasons customers give for choos­ pla ntscape . $19.95 prepaid ing a Janco. Over 100 lean-to & curved eave models to fit any site, every budget. Picking jus t th e right tree for th e ri ght Easy-to- use preC ISion instrument s pot sounds easy, but deserves careful shows pH status instantly. No soil Write for FREE 48-pg. full color cata­ attention, Swenson says. Trees offer a samples . Chemicals or dyes. Simply log today~ompare our quality, price wide va riety of sizes, shapes, colors, tex­ insert pro bes in to SOi l. Fundamental & deSign! tool for growlI1g all p lants. Free pH tures a nd features. Some are short a nd guidebo ok . hug the ground, others almost cascade. Order from: Janco Greenhouses Any tree for your lawn should have Environmental Concepts Dept. AH-2 branches high enough to walk under and 710 NW. 57th St., Dept. AH 9390 Davis Avenue Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. 33309 Laurel, Md. 20810 mow under without stopping. (305) 491-4490 A lthough mos t trees and s hrubs (301) 498-5700 43 but between species of different genera, the fungus was to produce sugars that almost unheard of in horticulture until the germinating seed could use. After then-like creating an entirely new bird many experiments he came up with a by crossing a cardinal wi th a goldfinch. new medium: basically a sugar, mixed Over the years hybridizers learned with mineral nutrients, in a jelly-like how to include as many as five genera in extract of algae called agar-agar. Greatly the cross-pollina ti on process. With increased numbers of seeds could be thousands of species to choose from, the germinated using the agar-jell y method, number of combin.ations possible was as­ though it still required care, sterile condi­ tronomical. tions and the sowing of the seeds in little Despite their discoveries in crossing incuba tors made ou t of stoppered glass orchids, growers still had one final major flasks. hurdle to overcome: growing new plants It took one more discovery, in the reliably from seed. The only method that 1960s, to bring orchids truly wi thin had met with much success was to place mass-market reach. A French scientist, ripened seed at the base of the mother Georges Morel, found that a laboratory plant in a bed of moist sphagnum moss technique ca lled tissue culture could be and hope for the best. used to produce thousands of plants Though this worked sometimes, dis­ from a single orchid's growing tip, ca lled appointment was more often the case, the meristem. the authors say. The obstacles were for­ The implications were staggering. In midable. Orchids produce among the the United States, the firs t mericlone-a Give a friend smallest of all plant seeds; scientists plant grown from a bit of tissue taken once counted more than three million in from a meristem-bloomed in 1966 in a a gift membership a pod of Cycnoches ventricosum var chlor­ commercial greenhouse in Kensington, in the chilon. The seeds are light enough to be Maryland. It was an exact duplicate of its waft ed high on air currents, and there parent plant, and so were other meri­ American Horticultural are enough of them so that a few will clones that fo llowed. Today, thanks to the Society. come to rest in spots where they have a meristem method, some of the most fa­ chance to survive. mous species of orchids of the past, as They are as fragile as their size might well as thousands of new hybrids, are indicate, and they have no tough seed widely available in quantity and a t prices coats to protect them and no food re­ almost any gardener can afford. serves to nourish them until they germi­ A hundred years ago, or even 25, it nate. To keep going they must land would have been unthinkable that e;.:::>tic where they can coexist with a specific orchids could become everyday house fungus that helps to nourish them. plants. Yet that is exactly what they When growers discovered this they are- and to those who catch orchid FREE! tried introducing into the seedbed speci­ fever, plants that become more fascinat­ fic fungi fo und in associati on with the ing and more beautiful every year. EVERGREEN parent plants. But this was a tri cky busi­ Since the range of choice is so wide, ness because the fungi, or invading bac­ most orchid fanciers end up speciali zing, SEEDLING teria, often destroyed the seeds. Skelsey says. Some gardeners shift from WHEN YOU ORDER In 1917, a breakthrough fina ll y came. the showy, large-flowered hybrids to OUR BRAND NEW Dr. Lewis Knudsen, a scienti st at Cornell less common species, such as minia tures University, believed that the real role of so small they must be admired through a magnifying glass. Other gardeners end 1979 up trying to push hybridization to the r------,Miniature ultimate no t yet reached by any orchid CATALOG breeder. 0 Our 1979 catalog features a wide grows selection of the finest evergreens for ··Greenbelt·, planting around your home. Such plantings beautify golden AMARYLLIS and increase your property's value. They also create privacy, reduce air eggs World' s Finest and Largest Sizes and noise pollution, lower heating Bears dozens of costs by acting as a windbreak on Carelully selected varieties. Send for new list cold. windy days. All stock carries eggs, size of hens showing 30 colored illustrated varieties . Mail the Western Maine Warranty which eggs, the first $1 .00. Will credit on first order . covers our customers allover the season. New country. Write for catalog TODAY! LOUIS SMIRNOW & SON Mediterranean 85 Linden Lane discovery. Easy to Glen Head P. O . Brookville. L I .. N Y. 11545 PLEASE SEND :n¢ TO grow. Edible fruit COVER POSTAGE COST prepares like egg­ FOR CATALOG AND BLUE plant. Great gift ideal SPRUCE SEEDLING I WATER LILIES New FREE nursery catalog shows big GOLDFISH. SCAVENGERS selection for indoor and outdoor I AQUA TIC PLANTS. LIGHTS _ESTERN gardeners. Fully guaranteed. I PUMPS. FILTERS. FOUNTAINS FIBERGLASS GARDEN POOLS. KOt RAINE FREE GIFTS for early orders! : New colorful 48 page calalog only $1.00. LlLYPONS WATER GARDENS For.at Nura.ry Co. Andrews Nursery ~~~~~v~~~ I 1529 Amhort Road 1529 .!.mhorl Road Dept . AH29, Fryeburg, Maine 04037 Ulypons, Maryland 21717 Brookshire, Texas 77423 44 L ~o.£. A.:i.d~w~ 'o:.n::i,F.!" i ~u.!!. , _ ;!N~5~\" (301) 874-5133 (713) 934-8525 Gardener's Marketplace FISCHER GREENHOUSES, Oak Ave., Dept. The Avant Gardener Exotic Plants AH, Linwood, NJ 08221. GROW CONTENTED, RAISE CANE, CUT Exotic Japanese Maples, Ferns, Hostas, Bam­ Rare Bulbs & Plants CORNERS with the unique gardening news boos, Cactus, Dwarf Conifers, Alpines. Un­ service that brings you all the "firsts"---new usual perennials, shade and ornamental trees. "THE WIDE , WIDE WORLD OF BULBS AND plants, products, techniques, plus sources, fea­ Send 50¢ for catalog. Palette Gardens, 26 W. PLANTS. " America's unique source book. ture articles, special issues, 24 times a year. Zionhill, Rd ., Quakertown, PA 18951 . Lists over 4,000 elusive items from Europe, See your garden glow! Curious? 3 sample Asia, Africa. Many unavailable elsewhere. copies $1. Serious? $10 for a full year. THE Ferns 1,000 orchids, 750 gesneriads and house AVANT GARDENER, Box 489R, New York, plants, 250 bromeliads, insectivorous plants, NY 10028. LEARN ABOUT FERNS-Receive 28 page educational Bulletin and two page Lesson 1,200 imported bulbs (indoors and outdoors), 1,000 perennials, herbs, wildflowers, ferns. Azaleas monthly for only $8 yearly. International Fern Price : $3 . (deductible). INTERNATIONAL Society, 4369-H Tujunga, North Hollywood, CA GROWERS EXCHANGE, Box 397, Far­ FRAGRANT YELLOW AZALEAS from Ameri­ 91604. ca 's largest mail order selection of super hardy mington, MI 48024. landscape size azaleas and rhododendrons. Fountains and Waterfalls Rhododendrons Catalog $1 (deductible) CARLSON'S GAR­ DENS, Box 305-AHIO, South Salem, NY Your complete source for fountains , waterfalls, More than 600 varieties-Azaleas, Japanese 10590. garden pools and garden ornaments. Free Maples, Dwarf Conifers and Bonsai material. catalog . Roman Fountains, Inc., Box 10190- Color catalog worth having as a reference Books AHC Albuquerque, NM 87114. book-$1 . GREER GARDENS (HT) , 1280 Goodpasture Is . Rd ., Eugene, OR 97401 . TROPICA-Beautiful Colorama of Exotic Gardening Equipment plants and trees including fruit, by Dr. A. B. Seeds Graf; 7,000 color photos, 1,120 pages, price : MIST PROPAGATION CONTROLS for cut­ $115. EXOTICA III , Pictorial Cyclopedia of tings and seed propagation. Featured in New OVER 1,000 KINDS OF SEEDS, from all the Exotic plants, 12,000 photos, $78. EXOTIC York Times July 16, 1978 as the best for the world, plus famous Barnhaven Primroses. New PLANT MANUAL, 4,200 photos, $37.50 . amateur and profess ional. AQUAMONI­ catalog 75¢ (Deductible). FAR NORTH GAR­ E:XOTIC HOUSE PLANTS, 1,200 photos, TOR-Box 327-Z Huntington, NY 11743. DENS , 15621 M Auburndale, Livonia, MI $8.95. Shipping prepaid if check with order. (NJ 48154. residents add 5%). Circulars gladly sent. VERILU X TRUBLOOM. Most effective of all Roehrs Company, Box 125, E. Rutherford, NJ growth lamps for indoor light gardening and Travel 07073. greenhouse use. Promotes long -lasting blooms on compact plants. 50% longer lamp VISITS TO GARDENS IN ENGLAND- Cactus life means substantial savings. 48 " 40-watt 1979-We offer: "Gardens in Cornwall"-23- lamps $39.00 ppd for carton of 6. Prices on all 27 April. And living at OXFORD COLLEGES, THE BEST, THE BRIGHTEST, the most standard sizes and full information on request. "Garden History." Sessions-23-28 July, 3-8 bizarre collection of cactus ever. Six of the most VERI LU X TRUBLOOM, Dept. AH , 35 Mason Sept. and 17-22 Sept. Details from: ISIS colorful and rare species known $8.95. In­ St. , Greenwich, CT 06830. SEMINAR, Malt House Cottage, Tackley, Ox­ cludes free seed pack of other rare forms and ford , OX5-3AH , England. beautiful illustrated catalog. SS CACTUS, P.O. Gifts Box 1573, Decatur, GA 30031. Free Distinctive Gift Catalog, Spirit Delight, TREE PEONIES Carnivorous Plants P.O . Box 1356, Dept. AMH1, Flushing, NY Queen Of The Garden 11352. Carnivorous, woodland terrarium plants. Book, Largest asso rtment of named varieties in the wo rld The World of Carnivorous Plants $6.30 post­ Hydroponic Indoor Gardening paid. Catalog 25¢ . Peter Pauls Nurseries, Also HERBACEOUS-HYBRIDS-SPECIES Forget House Plant Watering Problems when World's most complete Peony catalog with Dept. R. Canandaigua, NY 14424. over 200 colored photographs. Maill $1 .00 will you are away from home! New, European credit $2 .00 on fi rst order. Catalogs proven (no-soil) Miracle Planter Kit 5%" ALSO ASK FOR WHOLESALE LIST square, is only $13.95 ppd . Earn group 10% Free Mason Shoes Catalog, Mason Shoes, LOUIS SMIRNOW & SON discount on six kits to same address. Miracle 85 Linde n lane P.O. Box 1356, Dept. AMH1 , Flushing, NY Planter Products, 420 Lexington Ave., (Suite G len Hea d P. O. Brookvi lle, l. 1. , N .Y. 11545 11352. 450) New York, NY 10017. Free Garden Tools and Kitchen Accessories Mail Order Catalog. Unique, hard-to-find items with old­ fashioned, long-lasting quality. Frankels, Pecan halves-walnuts-sliced almonds: 5620-J Faust, Woodland Hills, CA 91367. quart each. Three-quart sampler, $9.95 ppd . CANECRE:EK FARM , Box 2727-HO, Cooke­ Concentrated, High Analysis - All Chrysanthem urn Purpose - 10-15-10 "Starts and ville, TN 38501 , or request brochure. Fee ds" all Plants Indoors and Join the NATIONAL CHRYSANTHEMUM Outdoors. Nurseries Available at your store or send $1.00 for 5~oz. $2.00 for 720z SOCIETY, INC. USA. Dues $7.50, includes 5 (includes mailing). issues of The Chrysanthemum, lEleginner's IF YOU LOVE to Grow for Pleasure or Profit. Handbook. B. L. Markham, Sec ., 2612 Beverly Send Now. Free Catalog. 3,798 items. Nursery Blvd ., Roanoke , VA 24015. "Schultz·lnsta ~ Stock, Seeds, Growers Supplies. Mellinger's, SOLUBLE FERTILIZER 2344C Range, North Lima, OH 44452. 20-30 - 20 Dahlias Concentrated, High Analysis - All Pu rpose - 20-30-20 crystals. Grows Plants-African Violets Vegetables. Flowers. Roses. Trees. Dahlia Catalog-A descriptive listing of the Shrubs. Lawns. Etc., in Yards, finest dahlias available along with the latest AM ERI CA'S FINEST-143 best violets, ges­ Gardens. Greenhouses. proven cultural hints. Include 30¢ postage with neriads and miniature roses. Beautiful color all requests. lEledford Dahlias; 65 Ley ton Rd. , catalog, Illustrated Growing Aids catalog, 45 Bedford, OH 44146. PLUS 8 page "Tips" on Violet Growing. 50¢ .