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TheThe AmericanAmerican

GARDENERGARDENER®

TheThe MagazineMagazine ofof thethe AmericanAmerican HorticulturalHorticultural SocietySociety JanuaryJanuary // FebruaryFebruary 20122012

the Geography of Gardening New for 2012 Alluring Garden Edging

contents

Volume 91, Number 1 . January / February 2012

FEATURES DEPARTMENTS

5 NOTES FROM RIVER FARM

6 MEMBERS’ FORUM

8 NEWS FROM THE AHS American Horticultural Society celebrates 90th anniversary, grant awarded to the AHS to fund digital archive of AHS periodicals, 2012 exchange catalog available for members, East Coast spring gardening symposiums, new member password for AHS website, register your community for 2012 America in Bloom competition.

12 AHS MEMBERS MAKING A DIFFERENCE Samuel Salsbury and Sabrena Schweyer.

36 GARDEN SOLUTIONS Preventive pruning for woody plants.

38 HOMEGROWN HARVEST Gourmet shallots. page 14 40 GARDENER’S NOTEBOOK Research finds fungi and roots negotiate for scarce resources, sterile NEW FOR 2012 BY MARY YEE 14 burning bush developed, night-blooming Here’s a look at some of the new plants that will be available this orchid discovered, grant supports manual to spring, with recommended varieties from regional gardening assist American Foundation, new experts who have successfully grown them. network to study effects of climate change on plants, legacy of Frank Cabot. ® 20 MAINTAINING AN EDGE BY RITA PELCZAR Green Garage : Selected useful garden tools and products. Edgings physically separate and define spaces in the landscape and can contribute significant style to a garden. 45 TRAVELER’S GUIDE TO GARDENS *NEW* Museum of Art. 24 ALLURING JASMINES BY RAND B. LEE 46 BOOK REVIEWS Dirr’s Encyclopedia of Trees and , Beloved by poets, perfumers, and gar- Designing with , and One Writer’s deners, jasmines bring mystery and Garden. sensuality to any home or garden. Special focus: Books offering expert gardening advice. 30 LATITUDE ADJUSTMENT pagepage 2424 BY FRANK HYMAN 49 REGIONAL HAPPENINGS

To locate plants adaptable to different areas of North America, 52 HARDINESS AND HEAT ZONES plant hunters target “sister regions”—parts of the world with AND PRONUNCIATIONS similar climates and soils. 53 2012 SEED EXCHANGE PLANT LIST

58 PLANT IN THE SPOTLIGHT ON THE COVER: Although native to , flowering cherries such as Prunus ✕yedoensis thrive in the Magnolia grandiflora ‘Little Gem’.

ְְְְְְְְֲֲֲֲֳֳֳֳֳֳֳִִִִִֵֵֵֶֶַ֢֥֧֣֣֦֧֤֢֥֧֧֧֧֧֪֧֭֮֠֠֨֠֬֩֫֠֩֯֡֠֠֠֨֠֩֠֩֯ eastern United States. Photograph by Susan A. Rothְֱִ

January / February 2012 3 AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY

Making America a Nation of Gardeners, a Land of Gardens

Board of Directors CHAIR Harry A. Rissetto, Esq. Falls Church, Virginia FIRST VICE CHAIRMAN Mary Pat Matheson , SECOND VICE CHAIRMAN Jane Diamantis McDonald, Tennessee SECRETARY Leslie Ariail Alexandria, Virginia TREASURER J. Landon Reeve, IV Woodbine, IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR Susie Usrey Dayton, Oregon EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Henrietta Burke Alexandria, Virginia

Sandra Address Chevy Chase, Maryland ■ Sally Barnett, Jacksonville, ■ Amy Bolton Falls Church, Virginia Skipp Calvert Alexandria, Virginia ■ Gay Estes , Texas ■ Joel Goldsmith Gilroy, Shirley Nicolai Ft. Washington, Maryland ■ Ed Snodgrass Street, Maryland ■ Marcia Zech, Mercer Island, Washington

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Tom Underwood PRESIDENT EMERITUS Katy Moss Warner

President’s Council

CHAMPION’S CIRCLE Mr. and Mrs. George Diamantis ■ Mr. and Mrs.* Robert E. Kulp, Jr. ■ Mr. and Mrs. Harry A. Rissetto ■ Mr. and Mrs. Klaus Zech

CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE Anonymous ■ Mrs. Leslie S. Ariail ■ Mr. and Mrs. Kurt Bluemel ■ Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Farrell ■ Mr. and Mrs. Charles H. Smith, Jr.

LIBERTY HYDE BAILEY CIRCLE Ms. Judy Daniel ■ Mr. and Mrs. Carl Estes ■ Ms. JoAnn Luecke ■ Mrs. Shirley Ann Nicolai ■ Mr. and Mrs. J. Landon Reeve, IV ■ Dr. Erich Veitenheimer and Mr. Andrew Cariaso ■ Ms. Katy Moss Warner

HAUPT CIRCLE Mrs. Sandra L. Address ■ Mrs. Lynda A. Bachman ■ Nancy J. Becker, M.D. ■ Mr. and Mrs. Robert L. Bogle ■ Ms. Amy Bolton ■ Mr. and Mrs. Taylor Burke, III ■ Mr. James R. Cargill, II ■ Mrs. Elisabeth C. Dudley ■ Mr. and Mrs. Don W. Godsey ■ Dr. and Mrs. William O. Hargrove ■ Dr. and Mrs. John A. Floyd, Jr. ■ Mrs. Carole S. Hofley ■ Mr. and Mrs. Bob J. MacLean ■ Mr. David D. Parrish ■ Mr. and Mrs. Tom Underwood ■ Mr. and Mrs. W. Bruce Usrey

COUNCIL MEMBER’S CIRCLE Mr. and Mrs. Robert Baillie ■ Mr. and Mrs. Carter Bales ■ Mrs. Katherine Belk ■ Mrs. George P. Bissell, Jr. ■ Dr. Sherran Blair ■ Mrs. Elspeth G. Bobbs ■ Mr. and Mrs. Michael T. Bradshaw ■ Ms. Petra Burke ■ Mr. Skipp Calvert ■ Mr. and Mrs. Edward N. Dane ■ Mrs. Barbara O. David ■ Mrs. Julie Ernest ■ Mr. Joseph Errington and Mr. William Pullen ■ Ms. Inger Fair ■ Ms. Walter S. Fletcher ■ Ms. Marguerite P. Foster ■ Ms. Anne Galer ■ Mrs. Janet Gebler ■ Mr. and Mrs. Don W. Godsey ■ Ms. Amy Goldman ■ Mr. and Mrs. Joel Goldsmith ■ Mrs. Barbara Grant ■ Ms. LaDawn Griffin ■ Mr. Gerald T. Halpin ■ Mr. and Mrs. Richard W. Hanselman ■ Ms. Catherine M. Hayes ■ Mr. Edwin L. Heminger ■ Ms. Nancy Hockstad ■ Mr. and Mrs. Albert Huddleston ■ Mr. Philip Huey ■ Mrs. Marta J. Lawrence ■ Mrs. Carolyn M. Lindsay ■ Ms. Melissa Marshall ■ Mrs. Dorothy Marston ■ Mr. and Mrs. Egon Molbak ■ Mrs. Carol C. Morrison ■ Mr. and Mrs. James R. Moxley, Jr. ■ Mr. and Mrs. James T. Norman ■ Mr. Michael Panas ■ Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Roe ■ Mrs. Deen Day Sanders ■ Mr. R.P. Simmons ■ Mr. Harold Stahly ■ Mr. Arnold Steiner ■ Dr. and Mrs. Steven M. Still ■ Mr. Howard McK. Tucker and Ms. Megan Evans ■ Mr. Joe Viar ■ Ms. Angela M. Vikesland ■ Mr. and Mrs. Robert D. Volk ■ Mrs. Elizabeth M. Wehrle ■ Mr. and Mrs. Dennis White ■ Mr. and Mrs. Harvey C. White ■ Mrs. Dudley B. White ■ Mr. and Mrs. John Zoldak

HONORARY PRESIDENT’S COUNCIL Ms. Louise Fruehling* ■ Mrs. Enid Haupt* ■ Mrs. John A. Lutz* ■ Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Miller* *In memoriam

Corporate Members

Bonnie Plants ■ The Care of Trees ■ Chapel Valley Landscape Company ■ The Espoma Company Furbish Company ■ Homestead Gardens ■ Kurt Bluemel, Inc. ■ Monrovia ■ Osmocote

Horticultural Partners

America in Bloom Symposium & Awards Program ■ Bellingrath Gardens and Home Colonial Williamsburg Foundation Garden Symposium ■ Cox MetroPark Garden Centers of America ■ The Gardeners of America/Men’s Garden Clubs of America Great Gardens and Landscaping Symposium ■ The Homestead in the Garden Symposium Inniswood Garden Society ■ Oklahoma & Arboretum

4 the American Gardener NOTES FROM RIVER FARM CONTACTS FOR C AHS PROGRAMS, MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS & DEPARTMENTS

For general information about your membership, call (800) 777-7931. Send change of address notifications to our membership department at ERE IN THE 7931 East Boulevard Drive, Alexandria, VA Mid-Atlantic, the turn of the year brings simplicity to the 22308. If your magazine is lost or damaged in landscape. We can see nature’s ribs, and the potential of empty space in our the mail, call the number above for a replace- landscapes. It is a time to assess and ment. Requests for membership information H and change of address notification can also be plan. At River Farm, our national headquar- e-mailed to [email protected]. ters, our focus in the new year is completing THE AMERICAN GARDENER To submit a letter to major infrastructure projects that are critical the editor of The American Gardener, write to to the future of the American Horticultural The American Gardener, 7931 East Boulevard Society. As we write this, we are upgrading our Drive, Alexandria, VA 22308, or send an e-mail to [email protected]. communications systems and preparing to break ground on the long planned renovation DEVELOPMENT To make a gift to the American Horticultural Society, or for information about of our water and sewer systems. These strate- a donation you have already made, call gic investments will enhance outreach with (800) 777-7931 ext. 132 or send an e-mail our members nationwide and allow us to in- to [email protected]. crease visitation and program opportunities at River Farm. E-NEWSLETTER To sign up for our monthly In simple terms, our goal is to expand our efforts to engage gardeners and pro- e-newsletter, visit www.ahs.org. mote the value of gardening throughout North America. We already do this in INTERNSHIP PROGRAM The AHS offers intern- many ways, ranging from publications such as this magazine and our popular se- ships in communications, horticulture, and youth programs. For information, send an ries of horticultural reference books, to programs such as our annual Seed Exchange e-mail to [email protected]. Information and and Reciprocal Admissions Program, and by promoting best practices in youth gar- application forms can also be found in the dening through our National Children & Youth Garden Symposium. River Farm area of www.ahs.org. The AHS is turning 90 this year, and as we begin the countdown to our cente- NATIONAL CHILDREN & YOUTH GARDEN nary in 2022, we plan to build on these strengths and use new media and technol- SYMPOSIUM For information about the Soci- ety’s annual National Children & Youth Gar- ogy to extend our outreach and educational programs to a much broader audience. den Symposium, call (800) 777-7931 ext. With your support it will be a decade of growth and innovation. 132 or visit the Youth Gardening section of www.ahs.org.

A Word About Volunteers RECIPROCAL ADMISSIONS PROGRAM The AHS River Farm is much more than just our administrative headquarters, it provides a dy- Reciprocal Admissions Program offers members free admission and other discounts to more than namic setting to showcase horticultural excellence, and a hands-on opportunity for 250 botanical gardens and other horticultural people to support the AHS and its mission. Our dedicated volunteers are an indis- destinations throughout North America. A list of pensable part of the AHS family, helping staff weed and plant outdoors, do research participating gardens can be found in the Mem- bership area of www.ahs.org. For more infor- for the magazine, stuff envelopes, operate the Garden Shop, and run our events. mation, call (800) 777-7931 ext. 119. One program that relies heavily on our volunteers is our annual members-only RIVER FARM The AHS headquarters at River Seed Exchange (see page 53 for this year’s list of ). As we receive packages of Farm is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays year- seeds from AHS members and others, volunteers sort, organize, and inventory round (except Federal holidays), and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays from April through September. them. Then, as orders come in from all over the country, volunteers help staff to Admission is free. For information about events, fill them. We hope you will participate in this special program this year to enjoy rentals, and directions, visit the River Farm sec- the many terrific seeds we have to offer! tion of www.ahs.org. TRAVEL STUDY PROGRAM Visit spectacular pri- Winter Inspiration vate and public gardens around the world through the Society’s acclaimed Travel Study In this issue of the magazine, Art Director and Managing Editor Mary Yee has as- Program. For information about upcoming sembled a preview of intriguing new plants for 2012, based on recommendations trips, call (866) 627-6621, send an e-mail to from gardening experts around the country. Rand Lee profiles the Jasminum, [email protected], or visit the Travel Study section of www.ahs.org. which offers gardeners a wealth of fragrant flowering suitable for indoor and outdoor cultivation. And Contributing Editor Rita Pelczar offers suggestions for WEBSITE: www.ahs.org The AHS website is a valuable source of information about the Soci- selecting and installing edging for your beds and borders. ety’s programs and activities. To access the members-only section of the website, the user Happy gardening! name is garden and the password is ahs2011, until February 1, when it becomes 2012ahs. Harry Rissetto, Chair, AHS Board of Directors

֢֥֦֢֦֪֢֤֢֧֢֣֧֥֭֭֭֮֫֠֨֬֨֠֡֠֠֬֨ Tom Underwood, Executive Director֩

January / February 2012 5 MEMBERSC’ FORUM

CLIMBING HYDRANGEA lowing sun and wind to dry out the soil When I first moved to , I restrict- You published a photo of a variegated around the trunk of a tree.” ed myself to a very small group of plants climbing hydrangea (Hydrangea anomala Can you resolve this discrepancy? My listed as hardy to USDA Zone 2. After a ssp. petiolaris) on page 34 of the Septem- husband and I have a blue spruce that we while, I noticed delphiniums and yarrow ber/October issue of The American Gar- want to keep beautiful! (Achillea spp.) growing wild along roads, dener. Is it a named cultivar and where Celia De Frank so I began to expand my choices. Now I would I be able to locate it? Big Bear City, California have chives, garlic chives, French tar- Carol Spitzer ragon, and lemon thyme that winter , Massachusetts Editor’s response: We’re glad to get fur- over. I hope your publication will lead ther evidence that readers are paying the way in refining the hardiness zones Editor’s response: According to the arti- close attention! In most cases we would applied to plants. cle’s author, Graham Rice, the selection advise against trimming lower branches Virginia L. Damron pictured is ‘Firefly’ (Mirranda). It’s on a spruce, unless they were already Fairbanks, Alaska available from Rare Find Nursery dead. From an aesthetic standpoint, (www.rarefindnursery.com). clearly opinions may differ. Graham Rice ALTERNATIVES TO HERBICIDES offered his suggestion as one of several Overall I enjoyed the articles in the No- CONTRADICTORY PRUNING ADVICE options for gardeners facing a difficult vember/December issue of The American In the September/October issue, I found landscaping situation. Gardener, but I was dismayed to read what appears to be conflicting information “Garden Solutions” columnist Scott regarding trimming lower branches from UNDERSTATED HARDINESS Aker’s suggestion to use a non-selective spruce trees. In his article “Planting in Dry I’ve noticed that when you cover plants herbicide to rid a drainage ditch of Shade,” Graham Rice states that “remov- such as delphiniums, peonies, Asiatic weeds. In the western United States, we ing the lower branches will not ruin the lilies and daylilies, you tend to list their are discouraging the use of herbicides, es- [spruces’] appearance.” Yet in the “Garden hardiness range as starting at USDA pecially in areas that are part of water- Solutions” section, columnist Scott Aker Zone 3. I understand that is the accepted sheds. Our planet is being polluted at an responds to a question by advising that zone range in many references, but based alarming rate and herbicides are a major “Removal of lower branches on spruces on my experience in Fairbanks, Alaska contributor. Wouldn’t a better solution disfigures them and may stress them by al- (USDA Zone 2), it is too conservative. be simply to dig the weeds out? Joan Hasselgren , California

Exciting New Perennial Editor’s response: You make a very good point, and in general we try to suggest al- Varieties from Seed ternatives to herbicides. In this case, the weeds in question were ones that are so pernicious that digging them up would only be a temporary solution.

CORRECTION In the news item about Ben Franklin’s ַ -involvement in introducing Chinese tal ֲ ֱ֮ ֧ -low tree to the United States (Septem ֫ ֪֤ ֨ ְ֭ ֦֩ ,(”ber/October “Gardener’s Notebook ֵֵַ֧֯ ֧ ֣֦ ְִֶ֢֥֬֡֫ ֱֲֳֵ֭֮֯ the year Franklin is cited as sending seeds to a friend was erroneous. It Production · Breeding · Seed Technology should have been 1772. 

USA Office: 125 Chenoweth Ln. · Louisville, KY 40207 Phone (502) 895-08 07 · Fax (502) 895-39 34 · http://www.jelitto.com · [email protected] PLEASE WRITE US! Address letters to Editor, The German Headquarters: P.O. Box 1264 · D-29685 Schwarmstedt American Gardener, 7931 East Boulevard Drive, Phone 01149-5071-98 29-0 · Fax 01149-50 71-98 29-27 · www.jelitto.com · [email protected] Alexandria, VA 22308. Send e-mails to [email protected] (note Letter to Editor in subject line). Letters we print may be edited for length and clarity.

6 the American Gardener ֫ THE AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY TRAVEL STUDY PROGRAM 2012 TOURS

֢֭֩֩֬֯֩ ֧֦֣֪֥֮֩֫֠֬ ְ֦֪֤֡֨

Bold Colors and Exuberant : County Evelyn Alemanni March 21–25, 2012 with AHS Hosts Evelyn Alemanni and Katy Moss Warner

■ Join us on this tour of exciting public landscapes and spectacular private gardens during one of the most colorful months in southern coastal California. We will be staying at the historic Inn at Rancho Santa Fe in the foothills of Northern San Diego County. Trip highlights include a sneak preview of new plants being introduced to the horticultural trade at the California Spring Trials; a stop at the world-famous Fields to view a stunning display of ranunculus; and a private tour of both the San Diego Zoo Safari Park and the San Diego Botanic Garden. ©Ed Hooker, Niki Charitable Art Foundation 2011 Midsummer Gardens and Castles in June 25–July 6, 2012 with AHS Host John Floyd and Tour Escort Antonia Lloyd Owen of Specialtours

■ The long, warm days of midsummer are perfect for enjoying the dramatic natural landscapes and gardens of Sweden in their full glory. We will journey from Uppsala—home of botanist — to , , and Lund, taking in the formal gardens of historic castles as well as a variety of contemporary gardens.

The Heritage and Gardens of October 26–November 5, 2012 with AHS Host Katy Moss Warner and Tour Escort Susie Orso of Specialtours

■ While the great Alhambra gardens of Granada and the Alcazar gardens of Seville are justly famous, there are many special, lesser-known gardens also worth visiting. From Belle-Epoque fantasy to cliff-top modernist, you will discover a diversity of styles in this memorable tour of southern . iStockphoto

For more information about upcoming tours in the AHS Travel Study Program, please contact our travel partner, MacNair Travel: • E-mail: [email protected] • Call: (866) 627-6621 GARDENER Copyright ©2012 bytheAmericanHorticultural Society. ©2012 Copyright material. Backissuesareavailableat$8percopy. stamped envelope.Wecannotguaranteethesafereturn ofunsolicited possible publicationwillbereturnedifaccompanied byaself-addressed, ily thoseoftheSociety.Manuscripts,artwork,andphoto graphs sentfor expressed inthearticlesarethoseofauthorsand arenotnecessar- and onthe list oftheVascularFloraUnitedStates,Canada andGreenland Society A–Z EncyclopediaofGarden Plants, Botanical nomenclatureisbasedon 22308-1300. American Gardener,7931EastBoulevardDrive,Alexandria,VA tional mailingoffices.Postmaster:PleasesendForm3579to tion. PeriodicalspostagepaidatAlexandria,Virginia,andaddi- tion to (703) 768-5700.MembershipintheSocietyincludesasubscrip- Society, 7931EastBoulevardDrive,Alexandria,VA22308-1300, ber/October, November/December)bytheAmericanHorticultural ly (January/February,March/April,May/June,July/August,Septem- The AmericanGardener dues are$50.$10ofannualgoestowardmagazinesubscrip- 8 h American The ADVERTISING CONTACT US EDITORIAL The Amer the American Gardener Royal Horticultural CHAIR ican Gardener.Annualduesare$35;international Printed intheU.S.A. (703) 768-5700 Alexandria, VA22308 7931 EastBoulevardDrive West DesMoines,Iowa Elvin McDonald Kennett Square,Pennsylvania Richard W.Lighty , Colorado Panayoti Kelaidis San Francisco,California John E.Bryan , Alabama Steve Bender Ithaca, NewYork Nina L.Bassuk Athens, Georgia Allan M.Armitage Brevard, NorthCarolina Richard E.Bir EDITORIAL ADVISORYBOARD Carole Ottesen CONTRIBUTING WRITER Rita Pelczar CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Helen Thompson Caroline Bentley EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS Viveka Neveln ASSOCIATE EDITOR Mary Yee MANAGING EDITORANDARTDIRECTOR David J.Ellis EDITOR E-MAIL: The AmericanGardener E-MAIL: ( ISSN 1087-9978)ispublishedbimonth- Society IndexofGardenPlants [email protected] [email protected] The AmericanHorticultural on A S ynonymized Check- . Opinions The national events around thecountry. Haupt inattendance (shown, right). 1974, withFirst LadyPatricia Nixon and the Flower Show, Northwest Flower &Garden Show, andothermajor niques andproducts. TheGreen Garage traveling exhibit hasmadeappearancesat courage environmental stewardship gardening through useofearth-friendly tech- 1993 S purchases River Farm through are headquarters heldonMaythe new 1, Haupt. The officialopeningceremonies for the generosity ofphilanthropist Enid A. 1973 diness Zone Map. of thefirstversion oftheUSDAPlant Har- 1960 Pennsylvania. ebut oftheAHS’s nationalawards Hyde program, withthefirstLiberty and thedesignerofScottArboretum in Bailey Medal, theAHS’s highesthonor, awarded toJohn Wister, aplantbreeder first AmericanHorticultural Congress—a precursor totheAHS’s an- ociety institutesaSilver Medal, presented at flower shows. 1953 Hyde Liberty Cornellhorticulturist by Bailey. legendary nual conference—was heldinCleveland, Ohio. Thekeynoteaddress wasdelivered 1946 1938 1922 the Society’s varied programs andoutreach initiatives: THIS YEAR 90THANNIVERSARY CELEBRATES SOCIETY HORTICULTURAL AMERICAN er Farm isdesignated aHorticultural Landmark by theAmericanSociety 2006 ntroduction oftheAHSPlant Heat Zone Map, coordinated by AHSPresi- 2004 dent H.Marc Cathey. 1997 1958 for Horticultural Science. Aseriesofchildren’sChase, Maryland. gardens isinstalledatRiver Farm. & Youth Garden Symposium, heldinChevy AHS working group. by whichplantsare namedandorganized,of an ispublishedthrough theefforts 1922–2012 AHS hoststhefirstN AHS cooperatesinthedev The firstI Riv I The S American H D Launch oftheAHS’ AH The the AmericanH nternational CodeofNomenclature forCultivated Plants, therules orticultural Societyorticultural foundedinWashington, D.C. looking backonthelast90years, here are highlightsof afew Centennial celebration,”saysUnderwood. In theinterim, “we ofthe will beplanningsomespecialinitiatives aspart helping ustoaccomplishmanygreat thingsover theyears.” for supporters other and members cherished our all to ful AHS Executive Director long history,”this significantmilestoneinour ebrate says our missiontopromote gardening inallitsguises.“As we cel- evolved over thedecades,onethinghasremained constant: PROGRAMS • EVENTS • ANNOUNCEMENTS Counting down totheAHS’s in2022, 100thanniversary ational Children s Green Garage orticultural Societyorticultural turns90!Asourorganizationhas News elopment January /February2012 ® educational program, designedtoen- Patricia Nixon,left,withEnidHaupt,right T om Underwood, “we are sograte- from the AHS

ְ֢֪֢֧֢֤֧֥֦֦֣֪֭֭֮֠֡֠֠֬֨֩֫֬֠֫֬֫֩ GRANT TO FUND DIGITAL ARCHIVE OF AHS PERIODICALS 2012 SEED EXCHANGE CATALOG AVAILABLE FOR AHS MEMBERS THE AHS has received a $30,000 grant from the Stanley Smith THANKS TO seed donations from members and seed compa- Horticultural Trust to help fund the digitization of the Soci- nies around the country, the 2012 AHS Seed Exchange catalog in- ety’s historic archive of periodicals, which spans nearly 90 years. cludes 200 different varieties of seed. And through a special This project will enable the AHS to make the full contents of arrangement with All-America Selections (AAS), a nonprofit or- every issue available online, and best of all, searchable. ganization that coordi- “We are very pleased that the trustees of the Stanley Smith Hor- nates seed trials and ticultural Trust have recognized the significance of the Society’s promotes superior new publications over the decades as a resource for gardeners, horti- bedding and edible cultural researchers, historians, and students,” says David J. Ellis, plant varieties, four re- AHS director of communications. “The list of writers who have cent AAS winners— contributed articles to AHS publications since 1922 reads like a three for 2012 and one who’s who of American horticulture,” says Ellis. “They include 2011 winner—are also Liberty Hyde Bailey, Lester Rowntree, Donald Wyman, Freder- available. ick G. Meyer, Elizabeth Lawrence, B.Y. Morrison, Dan Hinkley, The Seed Exchange Mike Dirr, Rick Darke, and Allan Armitage, just to name a few.” is a unique benefit of The title of the Society’s official publication has changed sev- AHS membership, so eral times since AHS’s founding in 1922, so the archive will in- only members may clude the National Horticultural Magazine (1922–1959), order from the catalog. American Horticultural Magazine (1960–1971), American Hor- Those who donated ticulturist (1972–1996), and The American Gardener (1996–pre- seeds receive priority on sent). The archive of back issues will complement the existing 2012 AAS winner ‘Cayennetta’ pepper orders submitted by online archive of recent digital issues of The American Garden- February 10. The dead- er, which debuted in 2010. line to submit all orders is March 15. A list of seeds available this The Stanley Smith Horticultural Trust supports education year and an order form are on pages 53 and 54 of this issue. The and research in ornamental horticulture in North and South full catalog will be available on the AHS website, www.ahs.org, America through annual grants to botanical gardens, arboreta, by mid-January, or you may send a request to [email protected] to organizations, and universities. receive the catalog by e-mail. ֱ֢֢֦֥֤֭֭֮֠֫֠֬֯֫

SeptemberJanuary / /February October 20122011 9 UPCOMING AHS TRAVEL STUDY PROGRAM DESTINATIONS Save the Date for the AHS Spring Garden THE AHS Travel Study Program is offering three new exciting Market at River Farm in April destinations this year. To begin with, the trip to San Diego Coun- ty in California from March 21 to 25 will highlight the area’s col- Plant sales are not only an excellent way to find some great orful springtime landscapes, new plants for your garden, they are also a means to support and will include a special organizations that host them. Each year, the AHS holds a sneak peek at new plant in- Spring Garden Market at its River Farm headquarters in Alexan- troductions at the California dria, Virginia, as one of its main fundraisers. This year, from Spring Trials. From June 25 April 12 to 14, vendors from around the mid-Atlantic region to July 6, enjoy the midsum- will offer all sorts of garden-related products and, of course, mer gardens and castles of plants from favorite annuals and perennials to vegetables and Sweden, some of which are other edibles to native wildflowers. AHS members showing a not open to the general pub- current membership card are invited to attend the members- lic. The final trip of 2012 will only preview sale on April 12 before the event opens to the The Flower Fields in California be to southern Spain from public on April 13 and 14. October 26 to November 5, For more information, call (703) 768-5700 or visit to experience the heritage and gardens of Andalusia. For more de- www.ahs.org/riverfarm. tails, visit www.ahs.org and click on “Travel Study.”

AHS 2012 NATIONAL EVENTS CALENDAR

Mark your calendar for these upcoming events ֥֤֧֦֤֡֨֠ ֢֦֣֨ that are sponsored or co-sponsored by the AHS. Visit www.ahs.org or call (703) 768- In addition to vital support through membership dues, 5700 for more information. the American Horticultural Society relies on grants, bequests, and other gifts to support its programs. We would like to thank the following donors for gifts received between October 1 and November 30, 2011.

MAR. 21–25. Bold Colors and Exuberant Flowers: San Diego Mrs. Leslie S. Ariail In memory of Marian R. Gray County. AHS Travel Study Program. California. Mrs. Joyce H. Connelly The Rocky Run Garden Club APR. 12–14. Spring Garden Market. (12th is AHS members-only Mr. Joseph Errington and preview sale.) River Farm, Alexandria, Virginia. Mr. William Pullen In honor of Arabella S. Dane APR. 13 & 14. Great Gardens and Landscaping Symposium. Man- Mr. and Mrs. Carl Estes Ladew Topiary Gardens chester, . Ms. Marguerite P. Foster Lenox Garden Club APR. 15 & 16. Colonial Williamsburg Garden Symposium. John Scheepers, Inc. Williamsburg, Virginia. Johnny’s Selected Seeds In memory of APR. 18–22. AHS President’s Council Trip. Crystal Bridges and Mr. and Mrs. Egon Molbak Mr. & Mrs. Malcolm Matheson Jr. Gardens of Northwest Arkansas. Monrovia Nursery Company Mr. and Mrs. Richard and APR. 21–28. Historic Garden Week in Virginia. Renee’s Garden LLC Lida Stifel MAY 11. Smithsonian Garden Fest/National Public Gardens Day. Stanley Smith Horticultural Trust In memory of Spence Naylor Washington, D.C. Ms. Katy Moss Warner & Max JUNE 7. Great American Gardeners Awards Ceremony and Ban- Mrs. Dudley B. White Ms. Florence Naylor quet. River Farm, Alexandria, Virginia. Mr. and Mrs. Klaus Zech JUNE 14–16. The Gardeners of America/Men’s Garden Clubs of In honor of Billie Trump America Convention. Boardman, Ohio. Ms. Bonnie Clark JUNE 25–JULY 6. Midsummer Gardens and Castles of Sweden. AHS Travel Study Program. Sweden. In honor of Jane Underwood JULY 19–21. National Children & Youth Garden Symposium. Mrs. Nancy L. Angelelli Washington, D.C. AUG. 17–19. The Homestead’s “In the Garden with the Experts” If you would like to support the American Horticultural Symposium. Hot Springs, Virginia. Society as part of your estate planning, as a tribute to a SEPT. 22. AHS Annual Gala. River Farm, Alexandria, Virginia. loved one, or as part of your annual charitable giving OCT. 26–NOV. 5. Heritage and Gardens of Andalusia. AHS Travel plan, please contact [email protected] or call (703) 768-5700 ext. 123. Study Program. Spain. ְְ֦֤֧֧֤֤֥֪֤֪֣֭֮֩֩֡֨֡֠֩֯֠֠֬֫

10 the American Gardener EAST COAST GARDENING SYMPOSIUMS OFFER SPRING INSPIRATION New Member Password for AHS Website FOR THE SECOND year in a row, the AHS is pleased to part- ner with Perennially Yours for its 9th annual Great Gardens Each year, the password to access the members-only content and Landscaping Symposium on April 13 on the AHS website changes on February 1. The username is and 14 in , Vermont. In addi- garden and this year’s password is 2012ahs. To log in, click tion to inspiring lectures by experts such on the members-only link on www.ahs.org and type both the as William Cullina, award-winning au- username and password in lowercase letters. This will connect thor, recognized expert on North Amer- you to a menu of member benefits such as the list of public ican native plants, and executive director gardens offering free admission and discounts through the of the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, AHS Reciprocal Admissions Program and The American Gar- there will also be a “Gardener’s Market- dener archives back to the January/February 2001 issue. place” featuring plants, garden products, landscaping services, and more. William Cullina “The symposium is a great chance for REGISTER YOUR COMMUNITY FOR AMERICA IN BLOOM gardeners to get ready for spring and to GET SOME recognition for the green spaces in your town or energize their approach to gardening,” says Kerry Mendez, city by entering the America in Bloom (AIB) 2012 competition. who is the founder and organizer of the event. “The topics are This contest is designed to inspire communities of all sizes to diverse and interesting, and people come away with tons of use- make improvements through beautification efforts. The prizes ful ideas.” For more on the agenda, speakers, and registration, include bragging rights as the best city based on population and visit www.pyours.com/symposium or call (518) 885-3471. earning one of eight awards for criteria such as tidiness and her- The AHS is also a sponsor of Colonial Williamsburg’s 66th an- itage preservation. As a horticultural partner with AIB, the AHS nual Garden Symposium, taking place April 15 and 16 in Williams- sponsors the Community Involvement Award, bestowed upon burg, Virginia. With the theme, “Beautiful Gardens: Bountiful the community whose citizens’ efforts to work together are Options,” there will be plenty of “food for thought” as guest speak- most exemplary. The deadline to enter the 2012 contest is Feb- ers and Colonial Williamsburg landscape staff members offer tips ruary 28, 2012. For full details, visit www.americainbloom.org or and ideas for growing gardens that are both attractive and pro- call (614) 487-1117.  ductive. AHS members receive a $25 discount on registration. For more details, visit www.history.org/conted or call (800) 603-0948. News written by AHS editorial staff.

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January / February 2012 11 by HelenThompson 12 Samuel SalsburyandSabrenaSchweyer AHS MEMBERS MAKING ADIFFERENCE: ecological needs.” S landscape designfirminAkron, Ohio. bury–Schweyer, Inc., anaward-winning turned builder. Today, theyhelmSals- garden designer, andhewasaviolinist mented eachother. At thetime,shewasa Professional LandscapeDesigners (APLD) Schweyer represents theAssociationof fied Permaculture Consultants,and pects ofstormwatermanagementand practicalas- scapes togetherwiththevery bring theideaofcreating beautifulland- says Schweyer.signed,” “We neededto people couldconnectwith. their penchantforcreating gardens that rating systemsin1998meshedwell with Environmental Design (LEED)building advent oftheLeadershipinEnergy and of the natural world. The ple feelpart ject ofbeauty, butalsoaretreat tohelppeo- what agarden shouldbe—notjustanob- and-wife teamshared acommonvisionof rates landscapesustainabilityusing guide- with theSustainable Sites Initiative, which decade Salsbury and Schweyerdecade Salsbury have taken marily onresidential gardens, inthelast lines similartoLEED’s buildingstandards. community garden thecoupledesigned on more communityprojects. Thefirst Salsbury andSchweyerSalsbury are now Certi- “It forced ustorethink thewaywe de- AHS memberssince1993,thehusband- Although they started outworking pri- Although theystarted the American Gardener ago, theyhave feltthattheycomple- Sabrena Schweyer firstmet19years INCE SAMUELSALSBURY and In 2004 theproject wonfirstplaceinthe and schoolscan comeforspecialclasses.” space where thecommunitycangather Schweyer, “the garden hasbecome a switchgrass rod Joe Pye weed cluding “big,boldprairieplants” suchas they chosemanyindigenousspecies,in- the site’s Native Americanconnections, planting day—intherain!”In tributeto “More than90peopleshowed upon community project,” saysSchweyer. tothegarden.expertise “It becameatrue community garden. a into lot the turn to plans with back, land The citylistenedandfinallypurchased the rant mightchangethedistrict’s character. community objectedtothewayrestau- fromcanoes river one another. to Butthe path” Native their Americansusedtocarry that hadoncebeenthesiteofa“portage chain restaurant purchasedvacanta lot community inAkron. In themid-1990s,a land Square, aquirky anddiverse historic was intheirown neighborhood ofHigh- above, atthehomeofaCleveland-baseddoctorandhiswife. Sabrena SchweyerandSamuelSalsbury,left,designedthisnaturalisticbackyardescape, “Since in2000,”says itsconstruction Schweyer donatedtheir andSalsbury (Solidago r (P (E anicum virgatum). upatorium ugosa ‘Fireworks’), and spp.), golden- The American Gardener. Helen Thompson isaneditorial assistant for the natural beauty in every landscape. the naturalbeautyinevery about sustainabledesignandto bringout to professional gardeners andmayors fromue educatingeveryone homeowners ic methods,”saysSchweyer. ty withresearch oninvasives andorgan- communi- going oninthehorticultural always keepsmeuptodateonwhat’s helped medevelop asaprofessional and philosophy have evolved. “It really educational” astheirbusinessanddesign AHS memberships“inspirationaland clubs, cities,andprofessional associations. tinuing educationclassestogardening from ranging con- workshops audiences to andSchweyerSalsbury lecture andteach Both a logicalextensionofthoseefforts. branching into educational endeavors was community groups andbusinesses,so under $40,000. fornon-residential projects category APLD’s international awards program Salsbury andSchweyerSalsbury hopetocontin- Over the years, they’ve foundtheir The designfirmcontinuestowork with 

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New for 2012 BY MARY YEE

ACH NEW YEAR brings a wealth dener, who gardens in the mountains of Among the ornamental plants that got of new choices for gardeners. North Carolina; Jeff Cox, author and gar- enthusiastic reviews from our experts is Which of the “new and improved” den designer in Kenwood, California; Pat floriferous ‘Moxie’ blanket flower (see be- ֮ E offerings are worth trying? The colorful Munts, a garden writer in Spokane, low, left), Brakelights red (page 15), photos in the seed and plant catalogs are Washington; Scott Calhoun, a garden and Supertunia֮ White Russian petunia always enticing, as are the promises made designer in Tucson, ; Kelly D. (page 16). growers might want to in their descriptions, but you just don’t Norris , a horticulturist and plant breeder check out ‘San Andreas’ strawberry (page know if they will live up to the hype. in Des Moines, Iowa; Jimmy Turner, se- 17). And if you’re looking for a tree or Seed and plant companies regularly nior director of gardens at Arbore- that won’t take up a lot of garden space, con- supply samples to horticulturists, garden tum and Botanical Garden in Texas; and sider ‘North Pole’ arborvitae and Snow .(writers, and designers to test out before the Jane Berger, a landscape designer in Day֯ pearlbush (page 18 plants hit the mainstream marketplace, so Woods Hole, Massachusetts. We’ve in- With all the new choices that will be we asked a number of gardening profes- cluded some of their recommendations emerging on the market this spring, sionals across the country for their feed- here, together with other plants that you’re sure to find one that will become back on the plants that fared best in their piqued our interest because they featured a favorite in your garden.  gardens. Among the experts we tapped for notable attributes such as unusual color, their suggestions are: Rita Pelczar, con- disease resistance, compact growth, or Mary Yee is managing editor and art direc- tributing editor for The American Gar- high fruit yield. tor of The American Gardener. PERENNIALS ֢֣֧֪֤֥֤֦֪֩֡֠֫֡

Gaillardia ✕grandiflora Commotion® ‘Moxie’ features fluted flower and grows two feet high and wide in full sun. Like other blanket flowers, native to the American west, this is drought tolerant. “A real ֪֣֥֣֪֧֧֣֭֩֩֬֠֡֨֠֡֩֩֫ charmer,” is how Rita Pelczar describes it. “Its sunshine-yellow flowers with bright orange centers look great against its deep green ,” says ✕Heucherella ‘Sunrise Falls’ is a trailing plant with large, Pelczar. “And they appeared continuously from midsummer well into fall.” deeply cut, yellow leaves with red veining. Stems can grow to Pat Munts, who grew ‘Moxie’ in containers on a deck, had a similar three feet and clusters of small white flowers bloom on spikes experience.“We had a cool, wet spring and early summer,” she says. “The in late spring or summer. Tolerates heat and humidity. “I’m plants thrived, blooming from early July until in late October.” Kelly in love with these cascading heucherellas,” says Kelly D. D. Norris calls it, “Possibly the most exciting Gaillardia since ‘Fanfare’.” Norris. “In a moist, shady spot, ‘Sunrise Falls’ glows like a USDA Hardiness Zones 3–9, AHS Heat Zones 10–1. Skagit Gardens. flash of light.” Zones 4–9, 9–4. Terra Nova Nurseries.

14 the American Gardener

Add summer color to the fall garden with Most lewisias are pink- or white-flowered. Growing just six inches tall with a spread of Anemone hupehensis ‘Pretty Lady Diana’, ‘Little ’ (Lewisia longipetala) from 18 inches, ‘Lime Zinger’ sedum is new in the the latest in the Pretty Lady Series of Jelitto is bright orange-yellow. “It’s one of SUNSPARKLER™ line of groundcover compact Japanese windflowers from the most talked-about plants in my garden,” sedums from Great Garden Plants. Its half- Blooms of Bressingham. Single, dark pink, says Jeff Cox. Growing six inches tall, this inch green leaves are delicately edged in two-inch-wide flowers bloom on 16-inch- California native flowers in spring and in fall red. Pink flowers bloom in fall. Zones 4–9, tall plants. Zones 5–7, 7–5. above a rosette of lance-shaped foliage. 9–4. Needs well-drained soil. Zones 4–8, 8–1.

Fire Spinner™ ice plant (Delosperma ‘P001S’) is a succulent groundcover growing two to three inches high. Multi-colored flowers open in spring. “A dynamite new ‘’ fig hollyhock ( ficifolia) plant and perhaps one of the best of the features saucer-shaped single flowers that year,” says Kelly D. Norris. “Head-turning bloom in assorted colors, contrasting nicely and gaudy in the best way possible!” Zones with the lobed green foliage. Grows about 5–9, 9–1. Plant Select. five feet tall. Zones 3–9, 9–1. Jelitto.

Brakelights® red yucca ( parviflora Additional new perennials: ‘Perpa’) was bred by Ron Gass of Mountain • Gaillardia ✕grandiflora Arizona Apricot is a 2011 AAS winner. “It has proved heat hardy States Wholesale Nursery. This Southwest in the Tucson sun, and the flowers are a rich yellow with an orange eye—an arresting native succulent grows two feet tall and wide and unusual color combination,” Scott Calhoun says. Plants grow 12 inches tall and with clumps of grasslike foliage. Scott wide. Zones 3–9, 10–1. Benary. Calhoun says, “An instant accent classic, • Heuchera ‘Delta Dawn’ has yellow-green leaves with red veining in the centers. this plant boasts ruby-red flowers and a Mounding plants grow eight inches tall and 12 inches wide, bearing white flowers in useful dwarf size. Expect to see millions of midsummer. Tolerates heat and humidity. Zones 4–9, 9–1. Terra Nova Nurseries. these planted throughout the Southwest.” • verticillata ‘Sweet Marmalade’ has flowers that open bright orange and mature Zones 6–11, 12–6. High Country Gardens to a creamy orange-yellow. Grows 12 inches tall. Zones 4–9, 9–1. Blooms of Bressingham. and Monrovia.

January / February 2012 15 ANNUALS

Supertunia® White Russian petunia from ‘Pop Art’ zinnia (Zinnia elegans) can’t be Proven Winners “pumps out scads of flowers missed. Two-inch-wide, fully double, all season,” says Jeff Cox. Its -white orange-yellow flowers are streaked and blooms with chocolate veining make them speckled with red. Disease-resistant visually stand out from other petunias. “The plants grow two to three feet tall. Burpee. Serena® Blue summer snapdragon (Angelonia new color is a must-have for unique color angustifolia) handles hot, dry conditions, combinations,” adds Jimmy Turner. Plants producing spikes of dark blue flowers grow to 10 inches high and three feet wide. throughout the growing season. “This is a lovely new color addition to the best- performing Angelonia series at the Dallas Arboretum,” says Jimmy Turner. Plants grow 10 to 14 inches high and don’t need pinching to maintain their upright . PanAmerican Seed/Ball Horticultural.

‘First Yellow’ from Burpee is a breakthrough ‘Pro Cut Red’ is a single-stemmed early in color for annual geraniums (Pelargonium sunflower (Helianthus annuus). Deep red, zonale). One-inch pale yellow flowers open pollenless flowers with brown centers are in summer on four- to eight-inch-tall plants. three to five inches across. Plants grow up to six feet tall. Johnny’s Selected Seeds.

Additional new annuals: • Million Kisses® Amour (‘Yamour’) begonia. Trailing begonia with red flowers and dark Superbena® Royale Peachy Keen is a green foliage. Grows to one foot high and three feet wide. Ball Horticultural. fragrant, peach-colored verbena. “A • ‘Wasabi’ coleus (Solenostemon sp.). “This coleus survived the hottest summer on super-floriferous verbena that flowers and record in Texas in full sun,” says Jimmy Turner, “and did it looking fabulous and cool thrives through even the toughest with lush light green foliage tinted chartreuse yellow.” Leaves have serrated edges; Midwestern summers,” says Kelly D. plants grow 18 to 28 inches tall and wide. Simply Beautiful/Ball Horticultural. Norris. Plants grow six to 10 inches high, • ‘Peach Sorbet’ California poppy (Eschscholzia californica). Double to semi-double tolerate heat, and are resistant to powdery peach-colored flowers bloom all summer. Grows 10 inches tall. Thompson & Morgan. mildew. Proven Winners.

16 the American Gardener EDIBLES

‘Crispino’ lettuce is an iceberg variety that ‘San Andreas’ strawberry, bred at the tolerates heat and humidity, producing University of California and introduced by medium-sized heads with mild-flavored Monrovia, is a vigorous everbearer that green leaves and a white interior. Johnny’s produces fruit all summer. Jeff Cox praises Selected Seeds. Prime–Jim® blackberry (Rubus ‘APF-12’) it for its “deep, focused strawberry flavor bears fruit from first-year canes. Plants grow and rot resistance.” Zones 3–9, 9–1. to five feet tall and wide and produce white flowers in spring, followed by medium-size Additional new edibles: berries that can be harvested beginning in • ‘Cute Stuff Red’ is a high-yielding, mini early summer. Zones 4–8, 8–4. Monrovia. bell pepper that produces up to three times more than other varieties. are about three inches long and two-and-a- half inches wide. PanAmerican Seed/Ball Horticultural. • ‘Big Kahuna’ bush bean grows only two feet tall but produces an abundance of 11-inch-long pods. Good for growing in containers. Burpee. • ‘Paisano’ from Johnny’s Selected Seeds is a mid-season paste . Determinate plants produce a high yield of thick-walled, meaty fruits with good flavor suited for canning and making sauces. • Eclipse zucchini is a hybrid summer squash that produces bushy plants and round, green fruits with light green stripes. Foliage and stems are not covered with sharp spines, which makes for easier harvesting. Thompson & Morgan. • ‘Gold Standard’ cucumber is part of Burpee’s BOOST line, which is billed as ‘Big Daddy’ is an indeterminate hybrid having more beta carotene than other tomato from Burpee that produces red cucumber varieties. Seven- to eight-inch fruits up to three-and-a-quarter inches in ‘’ carrot is bred for good flavor even fruits have a yellowish interior. diameter and weighing up to 14 ounces in warm conditions. Carrots are about six each. “This is a great big, paste-type tomato inches long with bright orange skin and good for slicing or sauce,” says Jeff Cox. have medium resistance to foliar diseases. Johnny’s Selected Seeds.

January / February 2012 17 TREES, SHRUBS, & VINES

Red Rooster® crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia Snow Day™ pearlbush (Exochorda ‘Blizzard’) Shining Sensation™ (Weigela ‘PIILAG III’) produces a profusion of is a keeper for Jane Berger. “This is a takeoff ‘Bokrashine’) stands out with its shiny brilliant red flowers from summer to fall. on an old-fashioned shrub that’s covered in maroon foliage, complemented by dark This mid-size shrub grows eight to 10 feet white flowers in early spring,” she says. “It’ll pink trumpet-shaped flowers from late tall and about five feet wide. Spring do well in most garden borders, as it will take spring through summer. A fast grower that foliage is red, maturing to dark green. full sun to part shade and reaches a height reaches about six feet tall and five feet Zones 6–9, 9–6. Gardener’s Confidence. and width of just five to six feet.” Zones 4–8, wide. Zones 5–8, 8–4. Southern Living 8–4. Proven Winners. Plant Collection.

First Editions® Sapphire Surf™ bluebeard Hot Lips® trumpet (Campsis ✕tagliabuana (Caryopteris 5clandonensis ‘Bluer Splatz’) ‘Rutcam’) is a hybrid of a native climber. is a low, mounded shrub that grows about Emerald Colonnade (Ilex ‘RutHol1’) from Bears large, red-orange, - two feet high and three feet wide. In late Monrovia is a hybrid evergreen male holly attracting flowers in late spring, with repeat summer, masses of small, dark blue with a rounded to pyramidal habit. A cross blooming through summer. Grows 10 to 15 flowers nearly obscure its dark green between Ilex crenata ‘Sky Pencil’ and Ilex feet tall. Zones 6–9, 9–6. Gardener’s foliage. Zones 5–9, 9–1. Bailey Nurseries. maximowicziana, it grows 10 to 12 feet tall Confidence. and six to eight feet wide. Zones 7–9, 9–7.

Additional new trees and shrubs: • North Pole™ arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis ‘Art Boe’) grows 10 to 15 feet tall and two to three feet wide. “It’s hard to find evergreens this narrow,” says Jane Berger, “and this one has a beautiful texture as well.” Zones 3–7, 7–1. Proven Winners. • Lindsey’s Skyward™ dwarf bald cypress (Taxodium distichum ‘Skyward’), grows to 25 feet tall with a very narrow habit. Does not form “knees” like other bald cypresses. Well suited for smaller gardens. Zones 5–11, 11–5. Garden Debut. • Pewter Pillar™ winter’s bark ( winteri var. chiloense) grows up to 20 feet with a columnar habit. Leaves are green with whitish undersides. Clusters of white flowers appear in late winter. Zones 7–10, 10–7. Dan Hinkley Collection / Monrovia.

18 the American Gardener

® Wholesale Nurseries/Marketing Consortiums Visit these companies’ websites to locate retail sources for their plants.

Bailey Nurseries, www.baileynurseries.com. Ball Horticultural Co., www.ballhort.com. Benary, www.benary.com. Blooms of Bressingham, www.bloomsofbressingham.com. Garden Debut, www.gardendebut.com. Gardener’s Confidence Collection, www.gardenersconfidence.com. Weeks Roses is introducing Koko Loco™ Princess Anne (‘Auskitchen’) is a Great Garden Plants, (‘WEKbijou’), a floribunda rose with mildly compact, disease-resistant shrub that grows www.greatgardenplants.com. fragrant, milk-chocolate-lavender-colored to three feet tall and two feet wide. The Monrovia, www.monrovia.com. flowers that are up to four-and-a-half inches double flowers, which have a medium tea Mountain States Wholesale Nursery, in diameter. Medium-size shrubs have a rose fragrance, mature from cerise-pink to www.mswn.com. rounded, bushy habit. Zones 6–9, 9–6. purplish pink. Zones 5–9, 9–5. David Austin Plant Select, http://plantselect.org. Roses. Proven Winners, www.provenwinners.com. Skagit Gardens, www.skagitgardens.com. Southern Living Plant Collection, www.southernlivingplants.com. Terra Nova Nurseries, www.terranovanurseries.com. Weeks Roses, www.weeksroses.com.

Retail Sources David Austin Roses, Tyler, TX. (800) 328-8893. www.davidaustinroses.com. High Country Gardens, Santa Fe, NM. (800) 925-9387. Champagne Wishes (‘BAlcham’) from All A-Flutter™ (‘Radsouth’) shrub rose www.highcountrygardens.com. Bailey Nurseries’ Easy Elegance® collection bears fuchsia-pink, semi-double flowers Jelitto Perennial Seeds, Louisville, features apricot-colored flower that from spring to fall. A moderately fast KY. (502) 895-0807. open into ivory blooms with apricot tones. grower to about three feet tall and wide. www.jelitto.com. Disease-resistant plants grow about three Disease resistant. Zones 5–11, 11–5. Johnny’s Selected Seeds, Winslow, feet tall and four feet wide. Zones 4–7, 8–4. Southern Living Plant Collection. ME. (877) 564-6697. www.johnnyseeds.com. Thompson & Morgan, Jackson, NJ. Additional new roses: (800) 274-7333. • Skylark (‘Ausimple’) produces semi-double, lilac-pink flowers and grows three feet www.tmseeds.com. tall and two feet wide. Zones 5–9, 9–5. David Austin Roses. W. Atlee Burpee & Co., Warminster, • Music Box (‘BAlbox’) features everblooming yellow-and-pink flowers and grows three PA. (800) 333-5808. to four feet tall and wide. Zones 4–9, 9–4. Bailey Nurseries. www.burpee.com. • Stormy Weather™ (ORAfantanov) is a climbing rose growing to six to eight feet with double, deep purple-red flowers with a spicy fragrance. Zones 5–9, 9–5. Weeks Roses.

January / February 2012 19 20 Maintaining anEdge Edgings physicallyseparateanddefinespacesinthelandscape;beyondfunction,theycan contribute significantstyletoagarden. the American Gardener BY RITAPELCZAR

O MATTER the size of your straight, an attractive edging can accen- prevents the mingling of material in adja- landscape, it consists of distinct tuate its lines. cent areas, with numerous options for Nareas—, beds, and paths. Edgings can help unify a design by style and material. The second, which re- Marking the boundaries of these areas echoing colors, lines, or materials used quires no installation of hardscaping ma- with an effective edging helps keep your elsewhere. Or they can add a splash of terial, is to cut a narrow trench along the landscape looking neat and well-tended. color or texture to contrast with lawn, periphery of a bed, surgically ensuring sep- mulch, or groundcover. They can be sub- aration of lawn and garden. Each has ad- UTILITY AND VISUAL APPEAL tle or bold; formal or informal; even vantages and limitations. On the practical side, edging can help re- whimsical, depending on the material you duce weeds by preventing grass from en- choose and how you use it. EDGING MATERIALS croaching into areas where it’s not The style you select has a significant Barrier edgings can be made of a variety of desired. Loose pathway materials such as impact on the level of maintenance. Some constructed and natural materials such as gravel, shredded bark, or pine needles edgings require occasional primping; oth- rock, concrete, brick, railroad ties, cedar tend to stray into beds or lawn if not con- ers, once installed, rarely need further at- shakes, plastic, metal, and . Se- fined by an edging. The outer edge of a tention. Some edgings, though attractive, lecting material that is used in other areas paved walkway—particularly one set in require frequent hand trimming of the ad- of the yard, such as the brick of the house sand—is protected and given integrity by jacent lawn, actually increasing mainte- or the flagstone of a path, can promote a a solidly constructed edging. nance chores. Ideally, your edging should sense of continuity with the overall land- Aesthetically, edgings can highlight complement the rest of your landscape, scape. Unusual materials—recycled wine the spaces they enclose, and by framing suit your budget, and once installed, help bottles, old ceramic tiles, even colorful individual beds and paths, they con- reduce landscape maintenance. bowling balls—can be used to create a tribute style to the overall landscape. There are two primary approaches to playful edging that doubles as garden art. Whether a bed or path is curved or edging. The first is an installed barrier that Edgings for walkways, however, should

EDGING STYLES. Opposite page: Straight lines of brick provide a formal edging that separates lawn and bed from a stone and gravel patio in this garden created by Piedmont Designs. This page, above: The sinuous pattern of roofing tiles adds a whimsical touch as an edging for this moss garden. Right: Small rocks provide an informal edging along a curving gravel walkway in the Bellingham, Washington,

garden of Antje Coté.

January / February 2012 21 22 provides aneffectivemowingstripintheNew Above: Bricksetflushwiththeadjacentturf Hampshire gardenofMikeandBetsyGordon. sylvania, focusattentionontheplantsrather Morris ArboretuminPhiladelphia,Penn - Right: Cleancutedges,liketheseatthe than theedgingmaterial. wider edgethatwillrequire more bricks. An even wider, more prominent edging mine thewidthofyour edgesincethat stepped onandbumpedupagainst. be sturdy enoughtohandlegetting side by sidelengthwiseforasomewhat ing theirpurpose. mallet. Theseedgingseasilyconformto are hammered intoplacewitharubber sectionsthat vertical is available inshort, top ofthebarrierexposed.Plastic edging so theyshouldbeinstalledwithonlythe tively inexpensive butare notvisualassets, can be constructed usingtwo ormorecan beconstructed and grassoftenspread over them,defeat- that thesestripsprovide, groundcovers time. Andgiven theminimalseparation and causeplasticedgingstocrackover heave themupoutofthesoil,however, ofabedorwalk.Frostthe curves may placed endtoforanarrow edgeor needed. Bricks, forexample,canbe will influencetheamountof material Plastic andsteeledgingstripsare rela- Once you decideonamaterial,deter- the American Gardener a pathorwalkway from a mulchedbed, depends onits intended use.To separate sweep across tofillinanycracksorgaps. sand ontopoftheedgingmaterialand place. Spread athinlayer ofstonedustor ber mallettotapeachpieceofedgingin ial ontopofthislayer asdesired. Use arub- settling. Once level, settheedgingmater- in thebottomofchanneltoprevent extra inchforalayer ofstonedustorsand plan tosettheedgingmaterial,plusan nel’s depthshouldequalthethatyou the edgingyou have planned.Thechan- channel slightlywiderthanthewidthof rows ofbricks,inavariety ofpatterns. The best style for any particular edging The beststyleforanyparticular face isapproximately level withthesoil. set intheground sothattheuppersur- To installabarrieredging,excavate a Barrier edgingscaneitherberaisedor good choicesforformalgardens, partic- stone, brick,orpreformed pavers are arranged. Straight linescreated withcut ing onthetypeofmaterialandhow itis tractive detailtothelandscape,depend- provides foritsperimeter. support brick setinsand,theraisededgingalso changes and curves. Aminimal edging changes andcurves. stone more easilyaccommodates grade for straightedgesonlevel ground, while scaping timbersorrailroad tieswork well heights.Land- end atequalorvarying logs orbamboosectionscan beseton lawn orapaved walkway. ularly whensettingoffaneatswathof is constructed offlagstone,pavers, or is constructed and containsthemulch.If thewalkway a raisededgeeffectively prevents erosion Raised edgingsoftencontributeat- For round aninformallook,short

for keeping mulch in a bed and out of HOW TO CONSTRUCT AN EDGING TRENCH your lawn can be installed using metal or Follow these steps to create a clean, no-nonsense edge that will help keep the plastic edging strips. mulch out of your lawn and turf out of your bed. For segregating a sweep of lawn from a re 1. aTo clean ensu line, mark exactly where you want your edging, using stakes bed or other area on the same grade, opt and string for straight lines, rope, a garden hose, or limestone dust for curves. for an edging that is flush with, or only lowing 2. Fol the outline, make a vertical cut, three to four inches deep with a half- slightly above, the soil level. The critical moon edger or flat-bladed height is one that is below the cutting blade spade, shown at right, to of your mower. This type of edging, often create the lawn edge (be referred to as a mowing strip, is usually sure your tool is sharp and constructed of railroad ties, flagstone, take care to align each brick, or a band of concrete. Some excava- cut with the preceding tion and precision is needed for installa- one). Continue to the end tion, but once in place, maintenance is a of the edging. snap. By riding one wheel of the mower the 3. On bed side of the along the edging surface, you can have a edging, make an angled neatly mowed lawn that requires no addi- cut, starting four to six tional trimming. inches inside the first cut Where your lawn meets a sloping or and angling it so that it raised bed, a stepped edging—with at least meets the bottom of the two rows of edging material at different vertical cut. heights—is the ticket. A raised row of edg- 4. As you work, remove ing material keeps mulch in the bed, while the clumps of soil (you a second row is set flush with the lawn to may need to make per- serve as a mowing strip. pendicular cuts to aid removal). Shake excess soil into the bed and put the re- maining soil, turf, and weeds into a wheelbarrow for adding to your compost later. A CUTTING-EDGE APPROACH Continue to the end of the section you are edging. You can create an edge for a garden with- 5. Use a garden rake to pull excess soil from the trench back into the bed. out installing any hardscaping material resh 6. Ref the edging trench a couple of times each growing season by removing simply by cutting a shallow trench around soil, mulch, and weeds as needed. —R.P. the periphery of the bed. The result is an elegant edge that suits any landscaping style. With trench edging, the focus is on the plants, not the hardscaping material. Trench edging, however, is not suitable for paths and walkways, because it would quickly fill with soil, gravel, mulch, and other debris disturbed by foot traffic. Your trench should be at least three to four inches deep—deep enough to prevent roots from easily spreading—and angled so that the outside edge of the trench (next to the turf) is vertical and the inside slopes toward the bed. The best tools for digging a trench are a half-moon edger or a flat- bladed spade; whichever you use, sharpen the tool before you begin to ensure a clean cut; the crisper the cut, the better your edg- ing will look. (For more on constructing trench edging, see the sidebar at left.) Al- though less expensive to create than a bar- rier, trench edging needs to be renewed a few times each growing season to keep it looking good. 

A two-tiered brick edging like this one contains mulch and soil, sets off plants in the bed, Rita Pelczar is a contributing editor for The

.ְְְְְֲֲֲֳֳֳֳִִִִֵ֢֧֦֧֤֢֣֣֪֭֮֮֠֯֫֠֡֠֠֯֠֡֠ and provides a narrow mowing strip to make lawn maintenance easier. American Gardenerְֱִ

January / February 2012 23 24 welcome tothehomeownersandtheirvisitors. Chinese jasmineoffersacolorful,fragrant strategically besidethefrontdoor,this of Arabianjasmine,isprizedforitsdeliciously Above: ‘GrandDukeofTuscany’,aselection scented doubleflowers.Right:Planted tion ofitssweet-smelling flowers. its regal nameandtheevocative descrip- tropical areas oftheMediterranean, the been hookedonjasmineever since. more buddedand blossomed.Ihave ticularly numerous, butifIpickedthem, only ofapurer white.Theywere notpar- books; theylookedlikelittlegardenias, look likethejasmineflowers you seein that eventually covered thewalland and nightcoolness. paya tree, anditthrived inthehumidity wallofourhouse,across fromnorth apa- ed stubofathing.Iplanteditagainstthe and sentawayfortheplant,impressed by living inKey West, Florida, atthetime T known asjasmines(seebox, page 26). scarcely believe mynose.Theydidnot broke outintoflowers sofragrantIcould mention theotherplantscommonly only one,butactuallythere are some300 are native totemperateorsub- (Osmanthus Middle East,andAsia.Theirdiversity species inthegenusJ of forsythias,lilacs,andfragrant (), whichmakesthemrelatives makes ithard togeneralize abouttheir I speakof“” asthoughthere is It grew intoarangy, gracelessshrub It arrived induecourse,abarely root- True jasminesare intheolive family the American Gardener ‘Grand Duke ofTuscany’. Iwas g HE FIRSTJASMINE asminum sambac rew wasJ spp .). Most cultivated asminum, I ev not to er mystery andsensualitytoanyhomeorgarden. Beloved bypoets,perfumers,andgardeners, jasminesbring forms, mostbearwhite,pinkish-white, or some are scented,othersare not. others likeclimbers; behave likeshrubs, evergreen andothersare ;some take frost, thoughmostcannot;someare form andculture: Some jasmines can into astar-shaped patternoffourtosix yellow tubularblossoms thatopenoutflat Except double-flowering forafew Jasmines alluring Jasmines alluring The firstjasmines arrived inEurope more A DELECTABLE FRAGRANCE sitely arrangedalongtheleafstem. leaves ofmostjasminesare usuallyoppo- nine leaflets,thecompound, featherlike sides oftheirstems.Composed ofthree to or inclusterssprouting from theendsor petals. Theflowers are borneindividually BY RANDB.LEE

than 1,000 years ago, and people have been swooning over them ever since. Thomas Hyll, in his 1577 manual The Gardener’s Labyrinth, lists “jacemine” as one of those vital plants bearing sweet- smelling flowers “that the City greatly needeth.” This antidote to the notorious stench of 16th-century was prob- ably , which proved hardy in many parts of Britain. Hyll rec- ommended growing it on an arbor with musk roses, damask roses, and privet, where “it yieldeth a delectable smell, much refreshing the sitters underneath it.” Cultivation of the plant spread quick- ly throughout England. In 1629, botanist John Parkinson reported that the white jasmine was distributed “ordinarily in our Gardens throughout the whole Land.” By the first decade of the 19th century, jasmines had crossed the At- lantic to the United States: Thomas Jef- ferson grew “star jasmine” (most likely J. officinale rather than what we know as star jasmine today) at Monticello, his es- tate in Charlottesville, Virginia. THE BEST SCENTED JASMINES The common white or poet’s jasmine (J. officinale, USDA Zones 9–10, AHS Zones 10–9) is the one poets and romance writers are usually thinking of when they speak of the genus. Native from east through northern to central , poet’s jas- mine is a vigorous, deciduous, twining vine reaching 10 to 40 feet tall. It produces clus- ters of single, fragrant, inch-wide, pure white flowers any time from June to Oc- tober. The fragrance is strongest just as dusk gives way to evening, so it is ideal for a sheltered trellis outfitted with a comfort- able bench. It has proven hardy to USDA Zone 7 or 8 as long as it is planted in rich, loamy soil and protected from cold winds. Poet’s jasmine’s variants are numerous. The Spanish or Catalonian jasmine (J. of- ficinale var. affine) has larger flowers than the species and the outer surfaces of the blossoms are tinged pink. A variegated cultivar, ‘Argenteovariegatum’, sports gray- green leaves with creamy white margins. Jasminum grandiflorum ssp. grandiflo- rum (Zones 9–10, 10–9) is an extremely vigorous Himalayan type bearing fragrant white flowers tinged reddish pink at their bases. This is the jasmine grown for the The highly fragrant Himalayan form of poet’s jasmine (Jasminum grandiflorum ssp. grandi florum),

trade near Grasse, . It is a used in the perfume industry, bears flowers with white petals above a pinkish base.

January / February 2012 25 26 iron-tough—twining stems. Zones 9–10,10–9)iscloselyrelated toJ. ering asthespecies. est inbud—thatcasttheirscentafarat grant whiteandpalepinkflowers—pink- bear densepaniclesofsmall,single,fra- November toApril underglass—itcan Anytime from April toJuly outdoors— for acoolgreenhouse orsheltered patio. leaves andseeminglydelicate—but ery 10 to20feettall,withdark green, leath- China, it’s avigorous climberthatgrows chetypal jasmine.Native tosouthwestern officinale though itisnotreputed tobeasfree-flow- conditions itcanbloomallsummer, al- lovely covering afence.Given theright t glossy, semi-evergreen ordeciduousvine or trellis orasagroundcover. tered southorwest position,againstawall night. For earliestflowering indoors,keep gation tips). ing forJasmines” onpage29forpropa- proven specimen(see“Growing andCar- bloom ortakecuttingsinMarch from a erous thanothers,sobuyyour plantin warmer, plantChinesejasmineinashel- stay above 50degrees Fahrenheit (F). this jasmineinaplacewhere temperatures wheel flowers thatare purplishbeneath. purplish budsopentofragrant,whitepin- late springandsummer, smallclustersof by habit,growing five feettalloutdoors.In of unknown origin. It hasarathershrub- The leathery, glossygreen leaves grow to folium two incheslong.Most peopleseemtolike the fragrance,butIfinditsweet injustthe winter temperatures regularly dipmuch repot twiceyearly. Royal jasmine isnot below 40degrees F. It also needsalong, reliably hardy below 25degrees F, soit is while theplantisactively growing, and best toplantitinasheltered placeifyour wrong way—like cheaphandsoap. ty. Water moderately, lightly fertilize ever, anddoesnotrequire highhumidi- gainly habitmakestrainingitachallenge. It responds how- well todrasticpruning, mines togrow indoors,although itsun- hat grows rapidlyto1015feetandis It isextremely free-flowering andideal Chinese jasmine( Some clonesappear tobemore florif- Royal orangelwingjasmine( Outdoors, inUSDAZones 9and Royal jasmineisoneoftheeasiestjas- the American Gardener forma and shar nitidum, es thethrone asthear- Z ones 9–11,11–9)is J. polyanthum, J. lauri- a longgrowingseasontobloomvigorously. When plantedoutdoors,royaljasmineneeds it toflower whenIlived inKey West. hadnotrouble getting doors; Icertainly warm growing seasontobloombestout- India, Burma, andSri Lanka,ithasundi- tender, warmth-cravingevergreen native to used inHawaiian leisandjasminetea.A 10–11, 12–9)isthespecieswhoseflowers are With theexceptionofItalianjasmine,allarefragrant. otis floribunda), laxa), clude Carolinajasmine(Gelsemiumsempervirens), reflected inthenumberofunrelatedclimbersthatarecalled“jasmines.”Thesein- If imitationisindeedthesincerestformofflattery,thenappealjasmines JASMINE IMPOSTORS Arabian jasmine( Italian jasmine(Solanumseaforthianum), and Confederateorstarjasmine J. sambac, Zones Once you’ve grown someofthemostread- JASMINES RARE tures stayabove 60degrees Fyear round. tolerate frost, andthrive where tempera- high humidityforbestflowering, donot mine anditscultivars require fullsunand white flowers withrounded petals. small, deliciouslyscented,pristine,single fume insummer. ‘Maid ofOrleans’ bears denialike whiteblossomsofheadyper- waxy, quiltedleaves andfullydouble,gar- ‘Grand Duke ofTuscany’ yieldswhorlsof that canbekepttotwofeettallinapot. grant flowers year round onaviningshrub large, white,starry, looselydouble,fra- Arabian jasmine.‘Belle ofIndia’ bears in acontainerindoors. easily maintainedasasmallcompactshrub climates—itcanbe often plagueitindry prevent infestationsofthespidermitesthat about aninchindiameter. ters ofpowerfully fragrantwhiteflowers I vided glossyleaves andgrows to10feettall. n therightsite,itcontinuouslybearsclus- For outdoorplanting,Arabianjas- There are several deliciouscultivars of If given sufficienthumidity—tohelp (Trachelospermum jasminoides). jasmine(Stephan- Chilean jasmine(Mandevilla Gelsemium sempervirens Gelsemium sempervirens —R.B.L.

Sources Brushwood Nursery, Athens, GA. (706) 548-1710. www.gardenvines.com. Greer Gardens, Eugene, OR. (800) 548-0111. www.greergardens.com. Kartuz Greenhouses, Vista, CA. (760) 941-3613. www.karutz.com. Lazy S’s Farm Nursery, Barboursville, VA. www.lazyssfarm.com. Logee’s Greenhouses, Danielson, CT. (888) 330-8038. www.logees.com. Woodlanders Inc., Aiken, SC. (803) 648-7522. www.woodlanders.net.

Resources The Genus Jasminum in Cultivation by Peter Green and Diana Miller. Kew Publishing, Richmond, Surrey, Unit- ed Kingdom, 2009.

ily available jasmines, you may be tempt- ed to try one of the rarer and harder-to- find species. One worth finding is J. ✕stephanense (Zones 7–11, 12–8) a vigorous, twining, 15-foot-tall hybrid between J. of- ficinale and J. beesianum. Around mid- summer, it bears single, fragrant, pale pink flowers and distinctive leaves: dull green above, light green below, some narrow and oval, others compound and possessing five leaflets. It has been known to withstand some USDA Zone 7 winters if planted in a warm, sheltered position. Dwarf jasmine (J. parkeri, Zones 8–10, 12–8) makes a cute, twiggy, dense- ly leaved hummock or dome eight to 12 inches wide by two feet tall. From May or June on, it bears one small, half-inch, single, bright yellow, scented flower per stem tip. A native of northwestern India, dwarf jasmine is perfect for small spaces, rock gardens, and containers. Yellow jasmine (J. humile, Zones 7–9, 9–7) is an erect shrub that is evergreen or nearly so and forms a mound up to eight feet tall and 10 feet wide. The shoots are willowy, bearing light green, undivided leaves and nickel-size, bright yellow, slightly scented flowers from June to Sep- tember. Although it is sometimes referred to as Italian jasmine, it is not native to Top: A hybrid jasmine with attractive pink flowers, J. ✕stephanense is one of the hardier fragrant , but, rather, to the Himalayas from jasmines. Above: Suitable as a groundcover for rock gardens and other well-drained small

Afghanistan to southwestern China. spaces, dwarf jasmine forms hummocky mounds up to two feet tall with scented flowers.

January / February 2012 27 SUPPORTING SHRUBBY JASMINES Although I have seen vining jasmines confined to hanging baskets and cun- ningly trained to cover topiary wreaths, any healthy jasmine will outgrow such treatment in a month or so. Trellises, arbors, and pillars make the best out- door supports for both shrubby and

In containers, jasmines need sturdy support such as a teepee of stakes or a wire cylinder. The arching stems of winter jasmine are ideal for draping over walls or down slopes. Its vining types, but indoors, few of us yellow, late-winter flowers offer a pleasing contrast here with the red fruits of a cotoneaster. have greenhouses or sunrooms spa- cious enough to provide full-wall jas- The blossoms of J. humile ‘Revolu- ishly addicted to fragrance, a few species mine displays. My solution is to grow tum’ are more than twice as broad, with have ornamental value. my jasmines indoors in sturdy pots in- rolled-back petals in clusters up to six The most widely grown scentless jas- to which I have sunk, to one-third their inches long and a stronger perfume than mine is winter jasmine (J. nudiflorum, depth, cylinders formed of stout that of the species. Zones 6–9, 9–6). Known in its native wire—chicken wire will do if you dou- China as ying ch’un (“welcomer of spring”), ble it. In his book The New House- THE SCENTLESS JASMINES this glossy, narrow-leaved, scandent shrub plant, Elvin McDonald suggests using Having had the luxury of living in warm reaches four feet tall and up to seven feet a teepee created from four bamboo climate regions for most of my life, I wide, or up to 15 feet when trained on a stakes to help train shrubby jasmines have had little reason to grow the scent- garden structure. It produces small, single, such as J. nitidum indoors. —R.B.L. less jasmines, but for those who live in yellow flowers anytime from December to

more temperate climes or are not as slav- March, depending on climate zone.

28 the American Gardener GROWING AND CARING FOR JASMINES Outdoors, all jasmines grow best in full sun or part shade in well-drained, loamy soil. Indoors, provide a soil-based, well-drained pot- ting mix and protection from the full heat of the sun. All require supplemental watering during dry spells in the spring and summer, especially the larger-leaved specimens; water more sparingly in winter. Outdoors or in, feed monthly during periods of active growth with a low-nitrogen liquid or slow-release fertilizer. Fish emul- sion or liquid seaweed are good organic amendments. If you are growing jasmines in containers, bear in mind that generally they flower most profusely when slightly potbound, so transfer them to bigger pots only very gradually. Most scented jasmines hail from tropical or subtropical regions, so they thrive on humidity. In winter, the dry heat in many homes is hard on them, so mist the foliage regularly or put the plants in a room with a humidifier. Good air circulation will also reduce sus- ceptibility to insect pests such as spider mites. Outdoors, their pests are relatively few. The worst culprits are aphids, mealybugs, and a fungal disease called gray mold. Insecticidal soaps generally dispose of aphids and mealybugs as well as the spider mites.

PRUNING Pruning jasmines is relatively simple; only a few species need special treatment. Most jasmines are content with an occasion- al thinning of overcrowded stems after the plants bloom. In addition, remove the flowered-out stems of Jasminum officinale, and cut back J. humile and J. nudiflorum to their strong new buds or lower foliage as often as needed.

PROPAGATION To propagate tender jasmines, take cuttings in March and root them in a mix of equal volumes peat or coir and sand with bot- tom heat of about 60 degrees F. In summer, after the cuttings have rooted and grown big enough to transplant from three- to five-inch pots, harden them off outdoors, watering sparingly. Bring them indoors at the end of September, keeping the pots just moist until their flower buds begin to swell; then water more freely. To force new growth, provide a cool or cold greenhouse, restricted roots, plenty of winter sun, regular watering, good air circulation, and severe pruning after flowering. Hardy jasmines can be layered in fall and usually root within a year. Or take three- to four-inch-long cuttings of actively grow- ing wood that is beginning to harden, making sure to include part of the “heel”—a portion of the junction where the shoot was attached to its parent stem—with each cutting. If you live in a mild winter climate, you can plant the cuttings in a cold frame and overwinter them at 45 to 50 degrees F. If rooting your cuttings indoors, give them bottom heat of about 60 degrees F. When rooted, move each cutting into its own three-inch pot. Pinch once to encourage branching just before transplanting into five-inch pots; then provide support for the elongating shoots. —R.B.L.

Winter jasmine’s smooth, wiry stems There is also a vining tropical species, tend to droop and cascade, so it is ideal king jasmine (J. rex, Zones 11, 12–10), for planting on a sloping bank or the top worth growing for its three-inch-wide of a wall. Plants bloom on the previous white blossoms, which are said to be the season’s growth, so cut back stems to a largest in the genus. A slow grower native couple of inches from the base after the to Thailand, it can be kept to two feet tall blooms fade. Where the stems touch the in a pot, where it will bloom in fall and ground, they will often take root, so it’s winter in full or part sun. easy to expand your collection or share No matter where you live, there’s no the new plants with friends. excuse for not growing at least one jas- Though similar to winter jasmine, mine—and if you have a romantic bone primrose jasmine (J. mesnyi, Zones 8–9, in your body, the jasmine will be a fra- 9–8) flowers from late March through grant type. As soon as you get a whiff of April and features larger leaves and semi- the first blossom, you will begin to un- double flowers. derstand why they have been inspiring Another unscented jasmine to con- poets and gardeners alike for centuries. sider is showy jasmine (J. floridum, After that, I am confident you will be as Zones 8–10, 10–8). Growing to five feet hooked as I am.  tall and wide, it is a compact, semi-ever- green to evergreen sprawler or half- The author of Pleasures of the Cottage Gar- climber that bears profuse clusters of Although not as hardy as winter jasmine, den (Friedman/Fairfax, 1998), Rand B. Lee golden yellow flowers from late spring primrose jasmine flowers later, has more lives in Colorado. This is an updated version to early summer with a smaller show distinctive leaves, and features nearly of an article published in the January/Febru-

.into early fall. double yellow flowers. ary 2003 issue of The American Gardener ֱֱִֶֶ֪֥֥֪֮֮֩֯֠֬

January / February 2012 29 30 parts oftheworldwithsimilarclimatesandsoils. To locateplantsadaptabletodifferentareasofNorthAmerica,planthunterstarget“sisterregions”— Latitude Adjustment speaking). techniques. Being in a cold, northerly re-techniques. Being inacold,northerly A along thesamelatitude.Tracking hislati- and thesoilisacidicrich (relatively gion, hehaddecidedtostudyregions farm insouthernFrance, anhour’s drive lasts allwinter, rainscomeinsummer, tude lineacross theAtlantic, heendedup from . Andearlierin mylifeI Iwasworking onanorganic that article, gardened inMaine, where snow cover in southernFrance. each yearatthe TidalBasininWashington,D.C., topleft,andatHimejiCastle in south-centralJapan,topright. Similar climate zones intheeasternUnitedStates andeasternAsiameanornamentalcherry treesareinpeakbloomnearly simultaneously The funnythingisthatwhenIread the American Gardener Maine lookingforbettergrowing in a professional horticulturist BOUT AYEAR ago Ir ead about cover, summerrains,andsoilsare acidic mon withMaine: There’s wintersnow Japannorthern have alotmore in com- latitude intheoppositedirection. Asit distance from theequator, sowhatgives? turns out,theeastcoastof Asiaand done betterifhehadfollowed hislineof ful thingsonhistrip. But hemighthave lean. Yet Maine andProvence are thesame September, andthesoilisalkaline mountains), drought lastsfrom May to snowed insouthernFrance (except inthe I wasworking withassured methatitnever acanthus, androsemary, theFrench farmer I’m sure learneduse- thehorticulturist Against abackdrop ofwildlavender, times borrow eachother’s plants. each other’s pants,sisterregions canoften- that humansisterscansometimesborrow America are considered “sister regions.” eastern AsiaandtemperateNorth mates, daylengths,andsoils,temperate Soimportant. withroughly similarcli- ocean currents and windpatternsare also matter; aregion’s relationship tooffshore and rich.Clearlyitisn’t justlatitudesthat grees Nlatitude),you’ve witnesseda som Festival inWashington, D.C.(38de- If you’ve beentotheNational Blos- Cherry WEST MEETS EAST I likethattermbecauseinthesameway BY FRANKHYMAN

striking example of sister-region plant adaptability. The famous cherry trees planted around D.C.’s Tidal Basin include many of the original 3,000 trees that were a friendship gift from Japan in 1912. Japan’s capital, Tokyo (35 degrees N latitude), gets more rainfall than the D.C. region, but conditions in the two areas are similar enough that the non-native cherry trees perform well in our mid-Atlantic region. It turns out that the average peak bloom dates for ornamental cherry trees in Wash- ington and Tokyo are only a day apart. Why is this the case? Ocean currents have a major influence on regional climates and soils. The Gulf Stream and prevailing winds pull warmth, rainfall, and humidi- ty up along the eastern third of the North American continent. The resulting mod- erately high rainfall creates soils with an For plant hunters, this USDA Hardiness Zone map of China is helpful in targeting areas to find acidic pH and fair organic matter content. plants potentially adaptable to different U.S. regions. On the other side of the world, the Kuroshio Current performs a similar role nus kousa) with more genetic variety than The sister regions concept “has been along the eastern coastline of , bring- those introduced to the U.S. before 1980. one of the foundations for my work,” ing warmth, rainfall, and humidity to Tai- Chinese hemlocks (Tsuga chinensis), re- says Tom Foley, supply chain manager wan, coastal China, Korea, and Japan. sistant to the woolly adelgids that are for Ball Horticultural Company in This may seem like a tenuous con- decimating our native hemlocks, are also , Illinois. “It explains which re- nection, but for many plant hunters, ar- desirable species Meyer seeks for the east- gions to search for new plants in Asia boretum directors, nursery owners, ern United States. He is also bringing in and, likewise, which United States plants designers, and gardeners, the concept of seed of Chinese ash trees to find resis- may be suitable to be sold in Asia.” As an sister regions can provide another layer of tance to the emerald ash borers plaguing example, Foley notes that some of the insight—in addition to various climate American ash trees. new panicled hydrangea (Hydrangea pan- zone maps (see “Resources,” page 33)— to aid in selecting well-adapted plants and organizing our gardens. The Culberson Asiatic Arboretum in the Sarah P. Duke Gardens at Duke Uni- versity in Durham, North Carolina, is de- signed to display the similarities between the plants of southeastern Asia and the southeastern United States. The arbore- tum’s curator, Paul Jones, and plant col- lecting colleagues have traveled to China to bring back viburnums, camellias, mag- nolias, lilies, and maples to evaluate for southeastern United States conditions. Two successes so far include Enkianthus serrulatus, a floriferous shrub in the heath family, and the six-foot-tall Brown’s lily (Lilium brownii). Paul W. Meyer, director of the Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsyl- vania in Philadelphia, has also spent time plant hunting in China and South Korea. He and his colleagues have sought and found cold-hardy varieties of Camellia Chinese hemlocks, such as these at the Arnold Arboretum near Boston, are being crossed with

.ְְְְְְֱֱֱֱֱֱֲֲֲֲֲֲֲֲֲֲֳֳֳִִִִִִִִִִִֵֵֵֵֵֵֵֶֶֶֶֶֶֶֶֶַַַַַָָָֺֹֹֺֺֹֺֺֺ֤֢֧֦֤֤֤֢֥֣֦֤֢֤֥֤֤֮֠֩֠֠֠֬֯֨֫֨֡֠֬֠֨֠֬֨֬֡֠֨֠֠֨֠֩֠֯֠֠֨֨֡֠֬֠֨֠֩֠֫֨֠֬֨֬֠֩֠֨֯֬ japonica as well as Kousa dogwoods (Cor- American native hemlocks in an effort to provide resistance to destructive woolly adelgidsֲֲֳִֵֶֶַ֦֣֨֠

January / February 2012 31 32 becoming popularinthenortheastern I hadalwaysmistakenlythought ofDen- FLYOVER COUNTRY iculata) United States andCanada,where many Rocky Mountains. But onatriptowed- ver, Colorado,asbeing ontopofthe withwinterhardi-hydrangeas struggle ding years through ago,myviewpoint the was introduced Japan. from northern ness. Foley ascribesthecultivars’ cold plane’s window madeitclearthatDenver hardiness totheoriginal species,which the American Gardener cultiv ars Ball isintroducing are the Rockies meettheGreat Plains, which was actuallyaborder town; itrests where and . Being farfrom eitherocean’s cover thecentralUnited States, Canada, kaline soil, many grasses, and few trees.kaline soil,manygrasses,andfew droughts and average precipitation of less ters andsummers.Theoccasional win- influence, theplainsexperiencebrutal ic Gardens, hasfoundrichsources forsuc- director ofoutreach attheDenver Botan- than 20inchesayear meanneutraltoal- on three othercontinents:grasslands with cessful plantintroductions insisterregions Panayoti Kelaidis, seniorcuratorand with theinteriorwestern United States. “semi-arid steppe,”have muchincommon Kelaidis saystheseregions, whichheterms these tobeviableinColoradoandbeyond. a thousandspeciesandfoundhundreds of foothills, Kelaidis hascollectedmore than the Great Karoo andtheDrakensberg in similarregions ofSouth Africasuchas trees.soil, manygrasses,andfew Here and having coldwinters,low rainfall,alkaline The Roggeveld couldbecharacterized as from theAfrikaansword for“rye field.” iscalledRoggeveld; thenamecomes America (Patagonia). One region inSouth v continental weather inSouth Africa(the torch lily(Kniphofia Africa includeaboutadozen speciesof has been a Darwinian selection ofplants has beenaDarwinian gions, buthedoes say, “Over timethere limit himselftoplantsofthe steppere- plants yet discovered. blooms, andisoneofthehardiest ice pink flowers, hasacompacthabit,repeat called ‘CarlilePink’ thatproduces bright (Delosperma number ofground-covering iceplants in Colorado. He hasalsointroduced a biondi pole prunertocollectseedsfromMagnolia scientists fromseveralpublicgardens,usea Exploration Consortium,whichincludes Members oftheNorthAmerican–ChinaPlant such astheRockyMountainregion.Left: are provingwell-adaptedtoharshclimates Above: Torchlilies,nativetosouthernAfrica, eldt), Eurasia (thesteppes),andSouth Kelaidis’s introductions from South In hisprivate garden, Kelaidis doesn’t in Gansu,China. spp .), includingarecent one spp .) thatare hardy

in my gardens. I used to struggle to grow weather near Ketchikan, Alaska (55 de- killing, no matter how many English gar- maritime plants (and still do) but dry grees N latitude) was much like what I ex- dening books we read. spells quickly put an end to those.” perienced along the north coast of Wales The explanation, as I’m sure you prob- (53 degrees N latitude) while hitchhiking ably know, is that English gardeners, as far ENGLISH LESSONS there nearly 20 years earlier. north as they are, benefit from the warm In 2000 I spent the month of August ex- The landscapes looked remarkably dif- water of the Gulf Stream, which crosses ploring the islands of the southeastern ferent: lunging mountains vs. rolling hills; the Atlantic and sideswipes Britain’s west- Alaskan panhandle with a tent, bike, and towering evergreen trees vs. open fields. ern shore. The Pacific’s Kuroshio Current inflatable kayak. Locals call the panhandle But the gardens in Baja Alaska—and oth- plays a similar role on our continent’s Baja Alaska. One morning as I checked ers I’ve seen on coastal Island, northwest coast as it feeds into the Alaskan my AM pocket radio (this was back in the the Olympic peninsula, and coastal Ore- and Californian currents. These two primitive 20th century) to hear the usual gon—looked so “English,” brimming roughly similar ocean currents allow the forecast of a morning sequence of fog, with primroses, astilbes, English daisies, British Isles to match our coastal North- heavy misting, and light drizzle followed bellflowers, and delphiniums. These are west’s hardiness zones of 7, 8, and 9. by moderate to heavy drizzle for the after- the kind of English garden flowers we The climate of the narrow coastal strip noon, it occurred to me that the August southerners dream of growing but excel at of Alaska, British Columbia, Washing-

Resources AHS Plant Heat Zone Map, www.ahs.org. The Dry Garden by Beth Chatto. Orion Publishing Group, London, England, 1998. Garden Plants of Japan by Ran Levy- Yamamori and Gerard Taaffe. Tim- ber Press, Portland, Oregon, 2004. The Gardener’s Atlas by John Grimshaw. Firefly Books, Buffalo, New York, 1998. The Natural Geography of Plants by Henry A. Gleason and Arthur Cron- quist. Columbia University Press, New York, New York, 1964. Plant Life in the World’s Mediter- ranean Climates by Peter Dallman. University of California Press, Berkeley, California, 1998. Sunset Map, www.sunset.com/ garden/climate-zones. USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, www.usna.usda.gov/Hardzone/ ushzmap.html.

ton, and Oregon resembles not just the British Isles, but other similarly damp, mild maritime regions of northwestern Europe, including Galicia, Brittany, the Low Countries, and western Scandi- navia. If citizens of coastal northwestern Europe wanted to replant their glacier- depleted forests with hardy evergreen trees, they could do worse than to adopt trees from our coastal Northwest. Alaskan yellow cedars (Callitropsis nootkatensis) are adapted in mild, wet maritime regions Alaskan yellow cedars (Callitropsis

of both the American Northwest and northwestern Europe. nootkatensis), for instance, with a native

January / February 2012 33 range from Alaska to northern California are known to grow well in Wales and Denmark. Conditions in western Den- mark are so hospitable in fact, that Alaskan cedars self-seed there. Plant hunter Dan Hinkley is trialing a selection of Agapanthus campanulatus he found in the eastern Cape region of . Hinkley, who lives in Washington and works as a consultant for Monrovia nursery, describes the flow- ers as having “the earliest, richest blue in July,” and says the plant thrives with win- ter rainfall and summer drought and is hardy to USDA Zone 6. By introducing this mediterranean cli- mate plant, Hinkley is highlighting an im- portant point about the coastal Northwest climate that applies especially to the pop- ulation centers of Vancouver, , and Soil and weather conditions in mediterranean regions such as northern California favor not Portland. These cities are in the rain shad- only grape vines, above, but many other agricultural and ornamental plants. ows of the coastal mountains, so their sum- mers are drier than the surrounding region, premium wine grapes. Grapes are not the plants from overseas have become so strin- somewhat like the Mediterranean. At first only plants that benefit from this benev- gent that sometimes picking up new plants blush this might seem like an exception to olent climate—according to Peter Dall- in foreign nurseries is now the only realis- the concept of sister regions, but it actual- man, author of Plant Life in the World’s tic option for her plant hunters. Nonethe- ly reinforces it. Anyone who’s read Beth Mediterranean Climates, mediterranean less, they have recently introduced two Chatto’s book, The Dry Garden (see “Re- regions make up only two percent of the plants from mediterranean regions that are sources,” page 33), knows that eastern Eng- land area yet account for nearly 20 per- well adapted to southern California’s cli- land is also in a rain shadow and generally cent of the species of plants on earth. mate. One called Globularia ✕indubia, a experiences dry summers. In her book, It would seem that California plant small shrub with lavender blue flowers, is Chatto laments her inability to grow hunters have a wealth of sister regions to a naturally occurring hybrid from the Ca- astilbes and other typical “English” flow- tap for plants, but Kathy Musial, curator nary Islands just south of Spain. Another ers. But after visiting the Mediterranean is- and collections manager for the Hunting- is a rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) culti- land of Corsica, she learned to seek out ton Botanical Gardens in southern Cali- var called ‘Huntington Carpet’, a dense plants that favor dry summers and her gar- fornia, says regulations on bringing new groundcover perfect for sunny banks. den took off. WINE COUNTRY When selecting wine, I used to wonder why I always saw the same five regions rep- resented: California, the Mediterranean, , South Africa, and . It turns out that all five of these famed wine-growing regions share a mediter- ranean climate of bright sunshine, dry summers, mild, rainy winters, and lean soils that are mostly neutral to alkaline. Also, they are all on the western or south- western shores of continents, mostly influ- enced by cold offshore ocean currents and are between the 30th and 45th parallels. Under those conditions, spring rains goose the grape vines into putting on lush foliage and flowers. The dry sum- mers, cool nights, and lean soils in these The Domaine du Rayol, a public garden in southern France, has a collection containing plants

five regions optimize the production of representing all five mediterranean regions of the world.

34 the American Gardener ing the globe, there are skeptics. One I SCREENING FOR WEEDINESS spoke with is , a plant hunter The potential downside to seeking plants overseas is finding ones that are a lit- and owner of Plants Delight Nursery in tle too well adapted to their new home. If you start looking at the names of many Raleigh, North Carolina, who describes of the non-native plants that do well in the eastern United States, you’ll notice sister regions as “an old myth that has that many share specific epithets that reflect their origins (japonica for Japan some truth mixed with lots of fiction.” and sinensis for China, for instance). Many are terrific landscape plants like And of course this concept doesn’t rule Japanese camellia (Camellia japon- out the age-old practice of growing plants ica), but there are also troublesome from non-sister regions. Just because east weeds such as Chinese privet (Ligus- Asian plants often do well in the eastern trum sinensis), Japanese knotweed United States doesn’t mean that we can’t (Fallopia japonica) and Japanese also grow plants from the deserts, prairies, honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica). temperate rain forests, tropics, and It’s logical that if plants from sister mediterranean regions and vice versa. In regions offer a good chance of thriving fact, one of my specialties is growing as ornamental garden plants, some mediterranean gardens in the North Car- percentage have the potential to be in- olina climate. What counts is what Duke vasive in the garden or in the wild. So University botanist Paul Manos calls the plant explorers, who don’t want to be- “climate envelope” of a given plant. Rose- come known for introducing the next mary, for instance, not only thrives in its kudzu, tend to be watchful for invasive native, dry Mediterranean region, but its Japanese honeysuckle has proven too well characteristics. climate envelope includes the rainy eastern adapted to the United States. Paul Jones, a plant collector at United States. A plant hunter won’t know the Sarah P. Duke Gardens, says, “if a newly discovered plant’s climate envelope you’re honest about your observations, you’ll know whether a plant stands to in- without experimenting. And many of vade and cause ecological harm, versus simply spread harmlessly around. We’ve those experiments will be costly failures found some plants to be invasive and have eradicated them from our collection.” offset by a minority of successes. For example, Paul W. Meyer, director of the Morris Arboretum, says Lindera For those of you who prefer to grow obtusiloba seedlings were spreading on the arboretum’s grounds. “So we proac- plants native to your region of North tively removed all the females so they wouldn’t be setting fruit any longer.” America, the sister regions concept may In some regions, concern about invasives is limiting plant introductions from over- hold only intellectual interest. But I seas. Kathy Musial, curator for the Huntington Botanical Gardens in California says would point out that a number of they are moving away from collecting plants from mediterranean sister regions be- beloved American native plants have cause those plants form the largest pool of potential invasives in California. —F.H. close relatives overseas that are worth knowing about even if you don’t plan to cultivate them. For more on this phe- With mediterranean climates, one size lic garden that features striking plants nomenon, known as “vicariance,” click does not fit all. California features signifi- from the Mediterranean basin and its sis- on the web special linked to this article cant climate and ecosystem changes both ter regions in southern California, central on the AHS website (www.ahs.org). along its north–south axis and from the Chile, the southwestern cape of South Despite the caveats, I recommend giv- coast over the interior mountain ranges. Africa, and southwestern Australia. ing the provenance, or original wild habi- In looking for appropriate sister regions, tat, of plants some consideration this such variations need to be taken into ac- CAVEATS TO CONSIDER winter while you are poring over nursery count. For example, Musial makes the I’ve described these regions with similar catalogs or websites in search of plants for point that central Chile doesn’t get as hot climates and flora as sisters, but it would this year’s garden. The way I look at it, the as other mediterranean regions and has a be a mistake to think of them as twins. sister regions concept doesn’t give you any climate not unlike the San Francisco area. There’s too much variation in wind pat- fewer guarantees about plant adaptability Just as some East Coast gardens such as terns, topography, soils, and climate his- or survival than the current USDA Har- the Morris Arboretum in Pennsylvania tory to guarantee that plants swapped diness Zone Map, which, based upon and Duke Gardens in North Carolina between two sister regions will thrive. minimum average temperature, classifies have focused on collecting plants from But it does provide one more tool for op- humid central Florida and part of the Mo- their sister regions, one public garden in timizing a gardener’s finite budget or a jave desert region in southern California southern France has focused on collecting plant hunter’s limited time. in the same zone.  plants from all five mediterranean regions. Although most horticulturists and Once a historic estate, the Domaine du botanists agree that using the sister regions A former organic farmer, Frank Hyman has Rayol, located on the coast road between concept to locate well adapted plants is owned a garden design business in Durham,

.St. Tropez and Toulon, has become a pub- more efficient than just randomly scour- North Carolina, for 20 years ֱֱֱֱֲֲֲֳֳֳִֶ֣֪֦֣֧֧֥֭֮֠֫֠֠֯֨֠֨֯֠֯

January / February 2012 35 by Scott Aker 36 Preventive Pruning For Woody Plants A er and tributary system,regardlesser andtributary of something likearoughly symmetricalriv- they grow. Ideally, eachplantshouldlook get anideawhere branchesare headed as ous trees inyour landscapeto andshrubs Before lookcriticallyatdecidu- pruning, ANDBALANCE SYMMETRY timetodosome foliage, itistheperfect will encouragehealthygrowth inyour de- I’mThe kindofpruning recommending come more prone todiseaseandbreakage. species cantoleratethis,butmostbe- ing intotheinteriorofplant.Some that hinderssunlightandairfrom reach- canopy ofvigorous butweak branches Such produces anoverly pruning dense forming eachtree intoagreen lollipop. intoauniformballandtrans- shrub develop agoodbranchstructure, alittle damage from storms,orhelpayoung tree headoff shrubs, tidy upsomeunruly preventive Whetheryou wantto pruning. storms. stand uptoeven themosttreacherous ciduous trees andhelpthem andshrubs dividends inthefuture. time andthoughtspentnow willpaygreat there are branchesthatreally throw offthe which sideyou are itfrom. viewing If symmetry, theyshould beremoved to keep thecanopybalanced.Also,remove any branchesthatare goingtomakecon- tact withthewallorroof ofyour homeas they grow. If you have twotrees thatare growing closetogether, balancethe canopy ofeachby removing ofthe afew longest branchesonthesideof eachthat is furthest from theothertree.is furthest light, strategically remove branches to orsmaller treeshrub thatneeds more allow more sunlight topenetrate.Pay I’m nottalkingaboutshearingevery If brancheshave beguntoshadea the American Gardener and shrubs isnotcamouflagedby and shrubs the structure ofdeciduoustrees T THISSTAGE of winter , when G ARDEN C SOLUTIONS give theshrubamoreopenhabit. stems havebeenremovedatgroundlevelto stems. Afterpruning,above,manyolder pruning, left,thislilachaddenselyclustered regular thinninginmidwinter.Before Lilacs areamongtheshrubsthatbenefitfrom lines whenthey fall. damage structures orbringdown power remove iftheycould them,particularly ofthesetrees, itmaybebestto symmetry won’tbalanced thatpruning improve the or ice.If thebranchstructure issoun- the firsttofallwhenweighted withsnow quite likelytobeone-sided,andare often sections ofyour property. Thesetrees are near theedgeofdenselyshadedwooded special attentiontotrees thatare growing

PROMOTING GOOD TREE STRUCTURE well for large, low-hanging branches that One of the most effective ways to con- you’d like to remove at a later date. Gardening Q&A with trol tree growth and promote good Scott Aker branch structure is subordination prun- SHRUBS TO PRUNE IN WINTER ing. While this may sound highly tech- For most deciduous shrubs, preventive VANQUISHING VOLES nical, it is simply a method of pruning pruning involves removing a few of the I am having a problem with voles eat- that starts with a visualization of the oldest or weakest branches from the ing the roots of hostas, irises, and a eventual branch structure that you desire crown of the shrub close to the soil sur- rose. How do I get rid of these pests? and reaches this goal by gradually re- face. When spring arrives, this will stimu- moving superfluous branches bit by bit, late vigorous growth from the crown of Discourage voles by removing their habi- over a period of several years. the shrub to keep it looking its best. This tat. Scale back the use of mulch and Much of the tree damage caused by method works well for lilacs, red-osier groundcovers, since these give voles storms occurs in trees that lack good dogwoods (Cornus sericea), blueberries, great hiding places from predators. If you structure. Typically this happens when and nandinas. are willing to use lethal measures, snap However, be aware that some flower- traps baited with peanut butter are ef- ing shrubs that bloom on old wood—for- fective, but you have to take the time to sythias, ornamental quinces (Chaenomeles find the runways that the voles use to spp.), , and ninebarks (Physocar- move from point to point in your garden. pus spp.), to name a few—should be cut These vole highways are subtle and back to a height of six inches or a foot small, consisting of a sort of indentation from the ground, but now is not the time in the vegetation or mulch that prevails to do it. Allow these shrubs to bloom in the surrounding area. Place traps per- first, then do the severe pruning just as pendicular to the runways and check the flowers are fading. them daily. Also, plant things voles do Because shrubs can vary so much in not eat, such as daffodils. their pruning needs, it’s a good idea to consult a reference, such as the American Horticultural Society Pruning & Training POST-HOLIDAY CYCLAMEN BLUES (DK Publishing, 2011) for in-depth in- I got a cyclamen for the holidays and structions to ensure you are giving a par- now some of the leaves are turning Winter maintenance of small trees includes ticular plant the most appropriate care. yellow and the flowers are fading. removal of broken branches or ones that That said, most shrubs tend to be fairly Will cutting off the faded flowers and cross over other limbs. forgiving when it comes to pruning. yellow leaves encourage new growth? As you look around your garden with instead of a single dominant leader, there an eye toward preventive pruning of your All the leaves and flowers of a cyclamen are two or more leaders at the top of the deciduous woody plants, there are a few emanate from a corm at the soil surface. tree. These are often joined together exceptions to the guidelines I have given. If you cut flowers or leaves, you will be poorly in a narrow crotch that is likely to Leave fruit trees alone, since pruning now leaving stubs attached to the corm. These split when loaded with ice or snow, or can cause earlier flowering and increase will eventually dry up and fall off, but when strong winds whip through the the chances that frost will kill tender blos- simply pulling them off will keep the branches. If the leaders are about the soms. For plants that tend to suffer some plant tidier. To encourage new growth, same diameter, removing one will create winter injury—such as hydrangeas, crape give the cyclamen bright light, such as a very large wound that will be difficult myrtles, and magnolias—wait until the that found in a south-facing window, and for the tree to heal. Instead, select the extent of this damage is known. keep it as cool as you can, ideally around weakest of the two leaders, and remove Of course, optimal pruning time de- 65 degrees Fahrenheit. If you see new about half of that leader and its side pends on where you live. In warm parts leaves or flower stalks forming in the cen- branches. of the country, pruning is best complet- ter of the plant, add a half-strength liq- In the following year, the leader you ed just before rain and cooler tempera- uid fertilizer next time you water. Keep left alone will grow more in diameter tures stimulate new growth, whereas in the soil evenly moist and do not allow it than the leader you pruned. In subse- the far north, it can be better to wait to to dry out because this signals dormancy quent years, you can prune the unwant- prune until very early spring when to the plant. When spring arrives, move it ed leader a bit more. Its growth will be branches are less brittle.  to a shady, cool location outdoors, or to a stunted while the leader you intend to sunny room with good air circulation. keep gets larger. Eventually, you can re- Scott Aker is a Washington, D.C.-based —S.A. move the superfluous leader altogether, horticulturist who wrote the “Digging In” E-mail your gardening questions to Scott since it will now be small in relation to gardening column for The Washington Aker at [email protected].

.ְ֢֥֦֢֦֪֢֤֢֧֢֣֧֥֭֭֮֮֮֫֠֨֨֠֡֠֠֨ the main leader. This method also works Post for a decade֩

January / February 2012 37 38 by KrisWetherbee Shallots: An Allium for theEpicure AnAlliumfor Shallots: Pacific Northwest where Igarden. ideal—and anecessityinareas where winters are mild andrainy, suchasthe and crumbly aspossible.Raisedbedsareand crumbly manure, compost, orotherorganicmatter fort togrow.fort Thesoilshouldbeasloose and 7.Theytakeminimalspaceef- several weeks priortoplantingwillhelp create thesesoilconditionssoshallotswill well-drained soilwithapHbetween 6 needs are similar togarlic:fullsunand spring, dependingonyour climate.Their from fallto with plantingtimesvarying Shallots grow easilyalmostanywhere, GROWING GUIDELINES skinthatvaries incolorfrom in apapery garlic, andcloves are individuallywrapped The clustersare largerandmore open than e characteristicsofbothonions like garlic,witheachcompoundbulbdi- and garlic.Shallots multiply intheground tum) family, shallots(A ly afterIbegangrowing myown. French Theanswers camequick- cookery? were theserefined littleonionssoprized in ble membersoftheonionfamily. Andwhy S a hintofgarlic. sweeter thanthemildestonionwithjust ture anddistinctive flavor, whichis clumps ofedible,narrow green leaves. of onions,andtheyproduce above-ground The bulbshave concentricringslikethose of yellow, pink,purple,orcopper-rose. pale brown topalegray, even subtleshades vided intomultipleclustersorbulblets. thrive. Dusting thebulbs,oramending phosphate, willaidinroot development. planting holeswithbonemeal orrock ration, sidedress plantsoncethey are up Amending thesoilwithplentyofaged Known asthearistocratsofonion Chefs favor shallotsfortheirsilkytex- In addition topre-planting soilprepa- the American Gardener hav their flavor differed from otheredi- tome.Iwondered howof amystery HALLOTS WERE llium cepa once something var. aggrega- frequently during cool,springweather en thetopsixinchesofsoil.Water less

rigation, soakingdeepenoughtomoist- inch ofwaterweekly from rainfallorir- grassy weeds. Shallots need aboutone to avoid confusingemergingfoliagewith like appearance,carefully mark your row or anorganicfertilizer. and growing withcompost,agedmanure,

v ‘Ambition’ is a delicate-flavored shallot delicate-flavored a is ‘Ambition’ www.territorialseed.com. Grove, OR.(800)626-0866. Territorial SeedCompany, www.kitchengardenseeds.com. Bantam, CT.(860)567-6086. John ScheepersKitchenGarden Seeds, www.cooksgarden.com. (800) 457-9703.

The Cook’sGarden, Sources ariety OERW HARVEST HOMEGROWN

Because shallotseedlingshave agrass -

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Warminster, PA. torage. Cottage ‘Dutch Yellow’ rieties available assetsinclude: choiceva-keep longerinstorage.Afew rieties, whereas purpleandred varieties tend tobehardier thanpurpleorred va- Yellow andotherlighter-skinnedvarieties Shallots are available assetsorseeds. VARIETIES RECOMMENDED to prevent pestinfestations. plant debrisandusingfloatingrow covers Other methodsincludefallcleanupofold have grown duringthepastthree years. lots inthesamesoilwhere otheralliums tations. In otherwords, donotplantshal- these issuesisby practicingthree-year ro- most commonproblems. eases, onionmaggots,andthripsare the ticularly well-drained soil.Fungal dis- given optimalgrowing conditions,par- Shallots sufferfrom pestsordiseases few PREVENTION ANDDISEASE PEST lavorful pinkish-white fleshwith lavorful large, round bulbsthatstore well. brown skin;exceptionally highyields of ‘Sante’ and purple-pinkflesh. skins and easytopeel.Coppery-russet a spicyflavor; stores productive well, very ‘French Red’ skins andcreamy purpleflesh. bulbs withthick,gray-blue,wrinkled their especiallyrichflavor. Pear-shaped gourmet variety amongshallotsdueto ‘French Gray’ well.high-yielding andstores very red skinsand creamy yellow flesh; vored, semi-rounded bulbswithcopper- plant, whichcanencouragedisease. cessive moisture nearthecrown ofthe mulch—or toomuchrain—results inex- loss from evaporation. However, toomuch will keepweeds down andreduce moisture the leaves begintoturnyellow. and astheymature. Withhold wateronce The bestwaytoavoid orminimize I findthatalightlayer ofstrawmulch F Chestnut-siz or ‘G T ender yet strong-fla- ray’ Considered the e cloves with

Choice varieties available as seeds are: Planting Basics ‘Ambition’ Delicately-flavored, reddish- copper to purple-skinned bulbs are easy GETTING STARTED Shallots can be grown from sets (bulbs) or from seeds. to peel and productive; great for long- From sets: Divide each set into individual cloves or bulblets before planting; each term storage. clove will form a new compound bulb. In USDA Zones 5 or warmer, plant cloves after ‘Bonilla’ Large, strongly flavored bulbs the first autumn frost or about four to six weeks before the ground freezes (typically with brightly-colored terra-cotta skin late September through October in the North; November through January in the and yellow flesh. South). Plant cloves with pointed ends up, setting them just deep enough so the tops ‘Camelot’ Rich, subtle flavor with dark are covered. In USDA Zones 4 and colder, plant cloves in early spring. Each clove red skin and creamy white flesh; elongat- will multiply six to 10 (or more) times to form a new compound bulb. ed globe-shaped bulbs store well. From seeds: Seeds can be sown indoors in very early spring for transplanting into the garden in mid-spring, or directly in the garden once soil temperatures are above ENJOYING THE HARVEST 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Sow seeds a half-inch deep. Each seed will produce a sin- You can begin harvesting some of the gle shallot for harvesting. outer green tops (leaves) to use as you SPACING Plant cloves four to six inches apart in rows spaced 12 to 18 inches apart. would chives or spring onions in about Sow seeds about one inch apart; thin seedlings to two to four inches apart. 30 to 60 days, but leave the new growth DAYS TO MATURITY 30 to 125 days, depending on variety and whether you want coming from the center to feed the bulb. green shoots or bulbs for storing. —K.W. Fresh bulbs are ready to harvest when leaves begin to yellow; harvest mature bulbs when the majority of leaves have Harvest the bulbs by gently lifting the bulbs in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated turned yellow/brown and wilted. The soil around them with a garden fork, tak- place. If stored properly, shallot bulbs timing will depend on when the bulbs ing care not to puncture them. Allow the will keep for three to nine months, de- were planted: fall plantings are typically bulbs to dry for about a month in a cool, pending on the variety.  ready to harvest in late spring or early dry, airy, and shady location to maximize summer; bulbs planted in spring are their storage life. Fresh shallots can be re- Freelance writer Wetherbee gardens in ready to harvest in late summer or fall. frigerated for up to a week; store dry Oakland, Oregon.

ִ֪֧֠ ֲֲִֺֹֹ֧֠֯ ִֹֹ֪֭֠֡֯֫ ֠־ֳִֵֶ֧֣ ִֶֹ֧֪֧֥֠֫֩ ֠־ֲֲ֧֦֫ ֲֶ֧֣֮֠֫ ֱֲֳִֵֶֶָֺֹֹֺֺֹֺּ֪֧֪֧֧֧֧֧֮֫֠֩֫֠֠֫֠֠֯֯֫֬֩֠־ֲֲֳִִִֵָֺֹֻֽ֧֪֧֯֠֫֬֯ ִִִֽ֭֠֯֯ ָֽ֪֧֧֠ ֵָֻ֠ ֹ֪֧֪֠֫֩֫ ֵָֻ֠֬ ֵָּ֠֫ ֵָ֤֠ ֺ֠ ֳִֵֶָָֹֹֹ֢֯֫֯֠֯֬ ִֶֹ֧֪֧֥֠֫֩֠־ְֱֲֲֲֲֲֳִֵֵֶֶָָֺֹֺּ֧֧֧֣֧֦֧֮֮֮֮֠֫֠֨֫֫֠֫֠֠֬֠֫֠֫֩֫ ָֹּ֢֠֫֩֯֫ ִ֪֧֠ ֠־ֲַֺֻ֧֯ ֠֡־ֳִֺֺ֫֠ ֵֺ֠ ֳֳֵָֺֺּ֧֩֫֯֯֯֩ ֹֿ֠־ֳִֵֶ֧֣ ֲִִִֵֶָֹֹֻ֢֪֧֪֧֭֫֫֠֯֩֠־ֵֺֹֹֹֻ֪֠֯֩֠֠־ֲֲֵֺ֪֧֧֣֠

Maryland 410.442.2310 Virginia 703.406.0802 Washington, D.C. 301.924.5400 www.chapelvalley.com

January / February 2012 39 40 quite sophisticatedanddynamic. tween plants andfungi—appears tobe the exchange ofresources—at leastbe- with theirmuchlargerplantrootpartner. Thin fungalfilaments,above,shareresources rather thanbeingachaoticfree-for-all, tion forresources canbefierce. But versity, itstandstoreason thatcompeti- they call home.the Given earth this di- incredibly of diverse nomatterwhatpart croscopic communitiesfoundinsoilare forests, studieshave shown thatthemi- From ourbackyards totropical rain- DENIZENS SOIL WHEELING-AND-DEALING “Rather likewith humantraders,ifthey Stuarttrade with,”says West, aprofessor different could individualseitherpartner my, hasarisenbecause there are somany market, reminiscent ofamarket econo- of theother. where usuallytakesadvantage oneparty relationships in thebiologicalworld two-way, unlikemanyothersymbiotic canbeselective enoughto both parties national teamofresearchers revealed that of Oxford ofthestudy. andaco-author biologyattheUniversityof evolutionary ensure resource that are transfers and fair Horticultural News and Research Important to American Gardeners In arecent issueof “We of biological thinkthatthissort the American Gardener Science, an inter- Li at the University the at Li ster- a , of thanks tothework ofresearchers ledby Yi an invasive species in 21states.Soon, nually, even thoughithasbeenbannedas millionsoftheplantssoldan- plant, with species. It remains apopularlandscaping has allowed ittooutcompetenative tem andthethousandsofseedsitproduces tunately, burningbush’s aggressive root sys- and landscapesacross thecountry. Unfor- has becomeacommonsightingardens color ofburningbush United States red vibrant the 1860s, the in Since itsintroduction from Asiatothe BURNINGBUSHDEVELOPED STERILE fair-trading plantswithmore phosphorus. plants, andinexchange, fungirewarded hoard resources received more carbon from ganisms showed thatfungididn’t between theseor- carbon andphosphorus plants. Radioactively trackingtheflow of lationships withtheroot systemofhost tablished slightlydifferent cooperative re- from thesoil.Theresearchers used plant roots andphosphatesfungiharvest currencies are by carbohydrates exuded will goelsewhere togetabetterdeal.” are given achancebothplantsandfungi lomus from the alfalfa, andthree different speciesoffungi icago truncatula, GARDENER In thisunderground marketplace, the G C a smalllegumesimilarto genus thathave eaches- ’S NOTEBOOK (E uonymus alatus) M ed- 2011 issueof less ecologicallydamagingalternative. ile burningbushselectioncouldprovide a sunrise, lastingonlyonenight. ers thenclosedaboutthree hoursafter known species.Like clockwork, theflow- ers opened that didn’t match those of any p.m. henoticedstrange,thingreen flow- puzzle overnight to it,andaround 10 ly, deVogel tooktheplanthomeone when theywere expectedtoopen.Final- buds, whichthenshriveled anddiedjust his specimentobloom.It wouldproduce and othercreatures. But hecouldn’t get flowers’ bizarre resemblance toinsects to thegenus narrowed down theplant’s identification Guinea, wasanunfamiliar littleorchid. Britain, avolcanic islandinPapuaNew searcherEd deVogelon New collected Among thespecimensDutch plantre- DISCOVERED ORCHID NIGHT-BLOOMING be commercially available.” sive, sterilecultivars ofburningbushwill five years,” saysLi,“UConn’s non-inva- they are unabletoreproduce. “In fourto chromosomes instead of the usual two, Because theseplantshave three copiesof hormones that resulted in triploid plants. hit uponacombinationofplantgrowth In astudypublishedintheAugust Back Netherlands, the in Vogel de fall appearance, left. in landscaping for itsstriking invasive varietycommonlyused soon offeranalternativetothe bush seedlings,above,thatmay burning sterile cultivates Li In hislaboratory,researcherYi H B ulbophyllum, ortScience, Li andhisteam known forits

ְְְְְְְְֱֲֳֳֳֳִִִִִִִִִִִִֵֵֵֵֵֵֵֶֶֶֶֶַַַַַַַַַַָָָָָֹֹֻּּּּּ֢֦֪֪֪֪֧֤֪֥֧֭֭֭֭֭֭֮֡֠֬֠֠֬֠֬֯֠֠֬֠֯֠֠֫֠֠֬֠֬֯֠֠֬֠֠֬֨֩֠֯֯֠֬ ְֱֲֳֳִִִִֵֵֵֶֶַַַָֺּּ֣֪֪֭֮֬֠֬֫֨֠֨֩֠֨֠֬֯֠֠֬ (Castanea dentata) an estimatedfourbillionchestnuttrees closer torepairing thedevastating lossof Chestnut Foundation (ACF) isonestep Forestry Initiative (SFI),theAmerican Thanks toagrantfrom the Sustainable RESTORATION CHESTNUT AMERICAN ASSIST MANUAL TO SUPPORTS GRANT otic new species,visit otic new s atnightremains amystery, Fornight. at more ex- onthis information pollinators are midgesthatare mostactive plant’sscientists suspectthatthe some but num just aftersunrise.Whyexactly whether its blossoms openatmidnightor asto as nocturnalwell, butreports vary Dendrobium amboinense, specialists contend thatanother orchid, Bulbophyllum nocturnum. night-blooming orchid andaptlynamedit terized thespecimenasworld’s first sity Naturalis intheNetherlands charac- Great Britain and theCentre forBiodiver- at theRoyal BotanicGardens, Kewin Journal oftheLinnean Society, March 6,2012 THE Reporting thefindin Davidson HorticulturalSymposiumXXVIII bloom R THE INSPIREDG ARDENER OOTS OFPASSION: in thefirsthalfof www X .davidsonsymposium.org www can beclassified .kew.org. S ome orchid r B. noctur- esearchers Botanical manual aimed at everyone frommanual aimedateveryone amateur to publishaneasy-to-read bestpractices vember, thegrantenabledorganization known aschestnutblight. ThispastNo- totheAsianfungal disease 20th century nocturnum flowers of The ephemeral open onlyundercoverofnight. are chosen for our annualare chosenforourcalendar.We encourageand allmen One of the benefits that TGOA/MGCA offers its members is the in ourannualphotography contest.Fromtheseentries,photos opportunity for TGOA/MGCA and AHS members to participate benefits of aworthwhile organization. For more information about TGOA/MGCA or to order calendars for $6.95 postpaid, women to become amember of TGOA/MGCA and enjoy the ְֱֱֲֳֳִִֵֶ֢֧֣֪֧֤֥֮֫֩֠֬֠֨֯֠֫֠֫ Bulbophyllum ְֱֲֳֳֳִ֢֧֪֧֤֦֭֮֫֩֡֠֬֠֫֫֠֫ (515) 278-0295 E-mail: [email protected] 2012 “Gardener’s”Calendar Box 241,Johnston,IA50121-0241 Website: www.tgoa-mgca.org please call or e-mail: manual, visit information andtodownload thenew Appalachian forest ecosystem.For more the Americanchestnutpopulationin with thehopeofonedayre-establishing land owned by SFIgrantparticipants, er thisyear, theACF plantedseedlingson in thesoutheasternUnited States. Earli- vanced blight-resistant chestnutvarieties first plantingsofsomethemostad- SFI grant-fundedproject entailedthe chestnut saplings.Anotheraspectofthe groups cantracktheprogress oftheir wheredatabase volunteers andpartner work with us.” manual provides advice,solandowners can president andCEOKathyAbusow. “The chestnut toitsformerrange,”saysSFI we are toeventually restore theAmerican growing chestnuttrees. plenty ofotherhelpfulinformationfor disease identificationandtreatment, and covers sitepreparation, pestmanagement, and professional growers. Theonlineguide chestnut enthusiaststoorchard managers The ACF hasalsolaunchedanonline “We willneedtoplantalotoftrees if  www January / February .acf.org. 2012 41 42 sought-after honorforAmericangardeners. Conservancy’s annual public fromcoasttocoast.Havingagardenincludedinthe an annuallistingofoutstandingprivategardensopentothe Bishopville, SouthCarolina.TheConservancyalsocoordinates Walnut Creek, California, and Pearl Fryar’s topiary garden in American gardensasvariedtheRuthBancroftGardenin leading roleinpreserving16significantprivateandpublic spirit ofthisdynamicorganization,whichtodatehastakena private gardensinNorthAmerica.Frankservedastheguiding profit organizationdevotedtothepreservationofexceptional ing, in 1989, and supporting the Garden Conservancy, anon- the RoyalBotanicalGardensinToronto,amongmanyothers. den, the U.S. National Arboretum inWashington, D.C., and ture onanearmythicscale.Hecreatednotonebuttwoextra- greatest gardenerNorthAmericahaseverproduced. of themosteminentgardenersourera,andarguably peacefully athishomeinLaMalbaie,Quebec,welostone On November19,2011,whenFrankCabotpassedaway Spring bulbsbloom atCabot’sStonecropGardens. Frank Cabot by PanayotiKelaidis Memoriam: In There’s nodoubt Frank will bebest remembered for found- Frank possessedthevisionandmeanstopracticehorticul- the American Gardener Open DaysDirectory many regionalandnationalgardening and philanthropiccommitmentto— fruits of his visionary leadership in— greater legacycanbeseeninthe credible achievement,butFrank’s Vents inQuebec, Canada. Spring, NewYork,andLesQuatre scope: StonecropGardensinCold ordinary privategardensofenormous groups oftheNewYorkBotanicalGar- served ontheboardsoradvisory organizations overtheyears.He His personalgardensareanin- F rancis H. Cabot (1925-2011) (1925-2011) Cabot rancis H. has becomea American horticulturehasthrived mightily. and passionforgardening.Under Frank’sOlympianwatch, graciousness andwillingness tofreelysharehisknowledge have, onaheroicscalethatfewofuscanevenimagine. coast tocoast.Helivedandbreathedgardensasfewpeople above allinspiringpresentationsoverthelastfewdecadesfrom 2002. Healsoarticulatedhispassionincharming,witty,and earned theAmericanHorticulturalSocietyBookAward in book describinghiscreationofLesQuatresVents,which his gardeningvisionin noisseur ofplantsfortheirownsake,andcrystallizedmuch of gardens, orstudiedthemwithasgreataneye.Hewasacon- jects. Idoubtthatmany people havevisitedorrelishedmore what Ihadsaidratherthandwellingonmymishap. much heenjoyedmytalkandactuallyrecounteddetailsof Frank oftheincident.Characteristically,hetoldmehow too hurlmyselfintoyourarms.”Yearslater,Ireminded audience thatthey’dbetterstayawakeforhistalk,lest“I audience. BeforehisspeechthenextdayFrankwarned presentation Istumbledinpitchdarkoffthedaisinto quite literallymylaunch inhorticulture, becauseaftermy was It Society. Garden Rock American North the of weekend tive participantinawidevarietyofhorticulturalgroups. occasion beingmistakenforthe hiredhelp),andhewasanac- often befound down onhisknees weeding in his gardens (on described himselfas“ahorticulturalenthusiast”andcould sonal wealthandwidelyrecognizedaccomplishments,he dite—the epitomeofagentlemangardener.Despitehisper- Denver BotanicGardens inColorado. Panayoti Kelaidisis seniorcurator anddirector ofoutreach atthe Stonecrop Garden’sconservatoryhousestropicalsinwinter. All whoencounteredhimwilltreasurememoriesofhis Frank hadatoweringpassionforplants,people,andpro- I firstmetFrankin1980,whenwebothspokeatastudy Frank cutastrikingfigure:tall,handsome,elegant,anderu- The GreaterPe rfection, a sumptuous 

ְְְְְְְְְְֱֱֱֱֱֱֱֱֱֱֱֱֱֱֲֲֲֳֳֳֳֳֳֳֳֳֳֳֳִִִִִִִִִֵֵֵֵֵֵֵֵֵֵֵֵֵֶֶֶַַָָָָָָֹ֢֦֪֤֧֦֤֦֥֣֦֦֪֤֧֪֣֤֤֦֢֦֪֤֧֦֤֦֦֤֤֣֭֮֮֠֨֠֩֠֫֨֠֨֠֨֡֠֯֠֨֩֠֨֠֩֠֨֠֨֡֠֠֬֫֠֯֠֫֠֠֨֠֩֠֫֨֠֨֠֨֠֬֫֠֬֯֠֩֨֠ PEOPLE and PLACES in the NEWS WORLD’S #1 TOP San Francisco Botanical Garden Society Appoints New Executive Director PLANT SUPPLY This past October, the San Francisco Botanical Garden (SFBG) Society in Cal- PLANT ifornia appointed Sue Ann Schiff as its new executive director. Schiff, who had #1HEALTH EXTRA LIFE been serving as the organization’s interim executive di- Greatest Guarantee-Offer PROOF Ever SINCE 1940, unchallenged, $5,000. GUARANTEED to be rector since April 2011, has leadership experience in World CHAMPION a variety of nonprofits and was also formerly assistant #1 Activator, #1 Trans/ #1 Extra #1 REVIVER, PLANTER, GROWER, dean of the University of California at Berkeley School WORLD’S FAIR SCIENCE-MEDAL-WINNING #1 Perfecter ® ® ® of Law. VI 50 IN Since becoming interim director, Schiff has rejuve- ONE nated the society’s campaign to build a nursery center VITAMINS-HORMONES USED BY U.S. –– FERTILIZER GUARANTEED Departments of –– PESTICIDE As Advertised in –– POLLUTING BioUSABLES focused on sustainability, and improved SFBG’s com- , ARMY, NON TM Better Homes & Gardens NAVY, AIR. Etc. TO ADD TO FERTILIZING for growing Landscape Architecture ALSO BY STATES, Horticulture CITIES, COUNTIES, DOUBLE MONEY-BACK munity relationships and programs as part of the larg- UNIVERSITIES RECOMMENDED TOP VALUE BY EXPERTS OF TV, RADIO, BOOKS, EXTREME Concentration er Golden Gate Park site. MAGAZINES, Millions of Drop-A-CupTM or CONFERENCES molecules of Drop-A-GalTM Sue Ann Schiff “San Francisco Botanical Garden is one of our city’s WORLD’S great treasures,” Schiff says. “From my first day with the SCIENCE & INDUSTRY ONLY GOLD MEDAL WORLD’S FAIR 1940 science Society, I have been inspired by the Garden, the meaning it holds for visitors of all ADD to any fertilizingSTM • 50 INSTANT BioUSABLE NORMAL PURE COMPLEXESogen-Oxygen MIRACLES • From Carbon-Hydrcrystals ages and backgrounds, and the extraordinary commitment of our trustees, staff, natural organic • Save plants from waiting while IN EACH trying to make them • Unique. Nothing is “like” it. DROP! volunteers, and Recreation and Park Department team.” SEE TO BELIEVE–– HEALTHIER, FASTER plants For more information about SFBG, visit www.sfbotanicalgarden.org.  BEAUTY and CROP yieldADDED TO 21 FERTILIZERS by 21 Growers YOU CAN ORDER PINT, QUART, GALLON, Billions–PROVEN NEW NETWORK TO STUDY EFFECTS OF species such as lodgepole pines are de- or DRUM B A L A N C E D ORIGINAL ADDED TO 18 FERTILIZERS, by 18 Growers CLIMATE CHANGE ON PLANTS clining and even disappearing in some In 2012, the National Science Founda- areas to be replaced by opportunistic tion will fund a $434 million effort called newcomers like Douglas fir. Climate the National Ecological Observatory change has also made conditions more

Network (NEON) to help scientists un- favorable to outbreaks of disease and NEARLY 1000 BOOKS, CONFERENCES, derstand how ecosystems respond to cli- pests. Based on these findings, the re- RECOMMENDED BY MAGAZINES, NEWSPAPERS,TVs, RADIOS USED BY mate change, invasive species, and shifts searchers predict that the “forests of the FIVE U.S. DEPARTMENTS TO HELP WIN WORLD WAR II in biodiversity. The network will collect future” will look dramatically different OF GOVERNMENTS, STATE UNIVERSITIES, LEADING THOUSANDS , BOTANICAL GARDENS, PARKS SYSTEMS data on more than 500 climate and/or than the ones in existence today. U.S. STATES and CITIES IN MULTIPLE-DRUMS LOTS FLOWERING PLANTS SHOW WINNERS – “everywhere” ecology related variables from 20 differ- In a separate study, published in the HEALTHY, TOXICS-FREE FOODS GROWERS UNIQUE. ent regions of the United States for the October 2011 issue of Global Change Bi- Far easier plant success next 30 years. Researchers, educators, ology, researchers at Duke University and the public will be able to access the found that eastern tree species are also data, analyze it, and look for patterns. “migrating” in response to climate The network’s developers hope to create change, but are not keeping pace with a more unified effort to examine every environmental shifts. The scientists influence that climate change might have looked at 92 tree species across 31 eastern on regional ecology in the future. states and found that the geographic Many researchers have already been ranges of 59 percent of the species exam- investigating specific ecological ramifica- ined were contracting from both north tions of climate change. Two recent stud- and south. Only 21 percent had clearly

ies looked at the influence climate shifts migrated northward, with 16 percent 11 XMAS TREES 17 HYDROSEEDING 22 12 REFORESTATION 18 LANDSCAPING COMPETITIONS 19 PROPAGATION 23 INTERIORSCAPING will have on tree species and regional di- going south and four percent expanding 14 FIELD CROPS 20 ANTI-EROSION 24 CUT FLOWERS 15 BONSAI 21 ENVIRONMENTAL 25 WEATHER DAMAGE versity. One looked at 15 different conif- their range in both directions. 16 TISSUE CULTURE IMPROVEMENT 26 WATER GARDENS erous tree species growing in natural The goal of NEON is to provide con- AT CONSCIENTIOUS PLANT DEALERS WORLDWIDE areas across the West from the Sierra sistency in ecological research like these Used, tipped to, and supplied by thousands of conscientious plant-selling firms. On every continent, without salesmen. Nevada to the Columbia Plateau to see studies and give scientists the ability to REFUSE “just as good,” false, cheaply made, how they are responding to warming apply these individual findings to the unbalancing substitutes – often 991/.2% water temperatures. The results, published in bigger picture. For more details about NOTHING IS AT ALL “LIKE” the December 2011 issue of the journal this project, visit www.neoninc.org.  50 VITAMINS-HORMONES ® Remote Sensing of Environment, indicate Made in U.S.A. by VITAMIN INSTITUTE VI these species are currently shifting their Written by Editorial Assistant Helen 12610 Saticoy Street South, North Hollywood, CA 91605 Website: www.superthrive.com

.ְ֢֪֣֧֤֥֪֣֥֭֮֮֫֡֨֡֩֠֡֬֠֫֨ ranges. For instance, formerly prevalent Thompsonְ֣֣֪֦֪֦֥֣֭֭֭֮֠֫֨֡֬֠֡֠֫֠֬֯֫

January / February 2012 43 44 plants whenIbringthemindoorsinthefall,sowaspleased I neverseemtohaveenoughwindowspaceformyhouse- GARAGE GREEN in avarietyofsizesandareeasilyrinsedforreuse. the bottomofyourpotbeforeaddingsoil.Theyareavailable holds inthesoil.Whenrepottingplants,justplaceadisc earth-friendly productsandsupplies.Hereshefocusesonthatenhanceindoorgardening. Contributing editor Rita Pelczar reportsonproductsshehasfoundusefulorinnovativeinhergarden,withanemphasis the American Gardener holes.com) dy, andeasytoassemble. es square. It’sattractive,lightweight,stur- shelves measure7¾,9½,and11½inch- small birdperchedatthetop.Threeglass a with branches, like look to designed is tubular steel has arustic bronze finish and The plants. indoor favorite ofmy three supports but space little very up takes er’s Supply drainage aswellairflowtoroots,but ial holdsahydroponicfillerthatpromotes flowerpots. Adoublelayerofmeshmater- findthe to PotHoles DrainageDiscs Branch PlantStand ® ensure gooddrainageinyour (www.gardeners.com) by RitaPelczar (www.gotpot- fr om Garden- om that below 40degreesFahrenheit. instructions, anddonotapplytheoilwhentemperaturesare variety oftrees,roses,andvegetables.Besuretofollowalllabel whiteflies, andmealybugs,isrecommendedforuseona eggs ofpestssuchasscales,leafhoppers,thrips,spidermites, Homegrown Harvest lives inNorth Carolina. She istheeditor-in-chiefofAHS’s for editor A contributing Spray Oil to dotheirdamage.Bonide’sorganic wintering inyour trees and shrubs, waiting for spring’s arrival different typesofcleaning. soak theminwaterandscrub.Theycomethreestrengthsfor durable, reusablepadsworkwithoutanysoaprequired;just Goodbye Detergent! water. Thistaskismadeeasierwith off crustedsoilandthesaltdepositsfromfertilizerorhard This winter,getajumponnextseason’speststhatareover- Before reusingaclaypot,it’sgoodideatosoakitandscour (www.bonide.com) ® (M (www.goodbyedetergent.com). The AmericanG itchell Beazley/Octopus USA, 2010). smo thers soft-bodied insects and Out All SeasonsHorticultural door Scouring Pads ardener, Rita Pelczar These from 

ְ֢֤֥֦֣֤֤֪֪֧֭֮֮֩֫֬֯֠֩֠֡֫֨֫֬֠֬֯ ְ֢֪֤֪֥֦֣֦֪֧֦֤֪֥֭֭֭֮֮֯֬֠֠֩֡֩֡֫֠֨֯֯֨֠֠֡֬ by Jo Ellen Meyersby Sharp Jo MuseumofArt Indianapolis focusing ongardensshefeelsarelittleknownregionalgemsthatmeritbroaderrecognition. a gardencolumnistandauthorof This isthedebutofanewcolumnexploringandcelebratingAmerica’spublicgardens.OurtourguideJoEllenMeyersSharp, , a restoredldfields, American placeeraestateontheNationalcountry 26-acre doubly rewarding destination. seum andaround thegrounds, makesita both inthe mu- the art, a chance to view look likeintheirown gardens. Andhaving these trees, andperennials shrubs, might designed bedsgives visitorsafeelforwhat plants through theseasonsinbeautifully mentals inalandscapesetting.Observing hundreds ofthriving,well-adapted orna- dens andgrounds. It isago-toplacetosee of theunderratedaspectsIMAgar- seum, butmyexperienceexemplifies one mu- to comemindwhenyou visitanart ones. alone perfumed that bloomedinanIndiana winter, let gardener, Ihadnoideathere were plants (Hamamelis nose toastandofbloomingwitchhazels sweetair, a the ing in scent followed I my was there photographingplants.Detect- daymore than25years ago,whenI ary O While inIndianapolis,other sites toconsidervisitinginclude: admission feeexceptforspecial exhibits. (317) 923-1331. count inthegiftshop.Themuseumandgroundsarehandicap accessible.No ■ ■ ■ ■ Indianapolis MuseumofArt, Additional Information The centerpieceofthegrounds isthe Plants are probably notthefirstthing www.garfieldgardensconservatory.org. The Indianapolis ZooandWhiteRiverGardens, Garfield ParkConservatoryand SunkenGarden, As partoftheReciprocalAdmissionsProgram,AHSmembers receiveadis- 150 acresoflandscapedgardensandnaturalareas O Art (IMA)isof a sunny Febru-Art of theIndianapolis Museum of NE OFMY spp .). Asaninexperienced www.imamuseum.org. str ongest memories 4000 N.MichiganRoad,Indianapolis,IN46208. The Visitor’sGuidetoAmericanGardens TRAVELER The RichardA.andHelenJ.DickinsonFourSeasonsGardenisathemedgardenwithinOldfields. etable garden, andscenic views. garden, garden, sensory orchard, veg- den, tree-lined allée, fountain,cutting encompasses aformalgarden, ravinegar- mous Olmsted Brothers firm,Oldfields the 1920sby Percival Gallagher ofthefa- Register ofHistoric Places. Designed in www.indyzoo.com. C ’S UD OGARDENS TO GUIDE (Cool SpringsPress,2011).For2012,JoEllenis III, Two Lines Oblique Down, Variation 1920s designelements,George Rickey’s though muchofitisinkeepingwith adorns thegardens andgrounds. Al- and 35-acre lake. the park’sof woods,wetlands, meadow, tensive trailsystemallows forexploration sands ofwildflowers thatemerge.Anex- spring ismyfavorite becauseofthethou- The park is lovely anytimeofyear, but & Nature Park, isknown as quisitions, theVirginiaFairbanks B. Art of Sutphin Mall. LOVE sculpture and Robert Indiana’s originalsteel sways neartheentrancetomuseum, Meyers Sharp lives Indianapolis, in Indiana. Garden columnist andauthorJo Ellen An eclecticcollectionofsculpture One ofthe museum’s more recent ac- a contemporar January / February anchors theeastend y kineticsculpture, 100 A 2012 cres  45 . BOOKC REVIEWS

Recommendations for Your Gardening Library

Dirr’s Encyclopedia of Trees and Shrubs Designing With Conifers Michael A. Dirr. Timber Press, Portland, Oregon, 2011. 951 pages. Richard L. Bitner. Timber Press, Portland, Oregon, 2011. 296 pages. Publisher’s price, hardcover: $79.95. Publisher’s price, hardcover: $34.95.

AS A LONGTIME fan of Michael Dirr’s work, I have come to AN IMMENSE array of species is available today for gar- rely upon the woody plant knowledge he has shared through his den designers and homeowners to choose from. But creating a many respected publications. His lat- pleasing garden with these plants est book, Dirr’s Encyclopedia of Trees takes knowledge and experience, and Shrubs, brings together the best which Richard Bitner deftly shares in from two of his previous works— Designing with Conifers. This book is Dirr’s Hardy Trees and Shrubs (1997) written not only for garden design- and Dirr’s Trees and Shrubs for Warm ers and other landscape profession- Climates (2002)—plus much more. als, but also for anyone who wants to Even if you already have one or both of learn more about how to effectively the references this book is based on, it use conifers in garden settings. would still make a great addition to As Bitner points out in the in- your garden book shelf. troduction, conifers have gotten a From Abelia chinensis to Ziziphus bad rap because they are sometimes used inappropriately, such jujuba, this up-to-date and well-organized encyclopedia includes as placing them too close to a home, often as “blobs in a row 380 genera “with an emphasis on the best new introductions of across the front of the house.” To remedy this, the book’s focus the past 10 to 15 years,” along with thousands of color photographs is on helping readers make better choices when selecting showing key plant characteristics and how they look in landscape conifers and placing them in the landscape. situations. It can be read cover to cover or used as a reference for Throughout the book, Bitner does an excellent job of rein- looking up detailed information about specific plants. forcing the “right plant, right place” concept, which can never be For gardeners or landscape designers searching for plants with overstated. Among the many factors he urges readers to consider specific traits to suit the conditions of a particular site or a client’s are specific details on soil requirements, integrating conifers with- desires, the section “Selecting Plants for Specific Characteristics in beds and borders, and utilizing the wide range of conifer nee- or Purposes” provides lists of plants sorted by traits such as flower dle colors to complement garden designs. The clear color color, winter interest, and shade tolerance. photographs help readers envision how incorporating conifers into Although less comprehensive in species coverage than Dirr’s established beds can enhance the overall design of the garden and Manual of Woody Landscape Plants, this reference is clearly in- provide that year-round interest we’re all trying to achieve. tended to be more reflective and personal. His relaxed style and As a designer, I particularly enjoyed the chapters on conifer authoritative and often opinionated descriptions, based on shapes, plus the extensive lists of species and that meet years of personal experience and observation, make for an in- these shape requirements. When choosing conifers, it’s very formative and enjoyable read. For example, when describing helpful to know the 10-year estimated height and width vari- silver buffaloberry (Shepherdia argentea), he notes that “Many ables for specific plants, many of which are included here. These people express excitement about this species, but I have yet to may differ a bit depending on region and climate, but having see one that stimulates my gardening juices,” and refers to box- this information as a guideline is essential for making appro- elder (Acer negundo) as “a biological fright.” priate plant selections. To me, Dirr’s frank and often witty assessments make his Designing With Conifers offers a great deal of practical infor- works all the more special, unique, and fun to read. So, while I mation for creating harmonious landscapes that employ conifers may sometimes disagree based on my own experience and lo- to their best effect. It will become a well-used resource in my li- cality, I respect Dirr’s view and often learn from it. Like he says brary and a valuable aid when I meet with clients who want to add in this book, “One gardener’s flower is another’s weed.” conifers to their gardens. —James B. Calkins —Anne Marsh

James B. Calkins is a landscape horticulturist and educator who Anne Marsh is cofounder of Marsh & Fear Garden Solutions lives in Minnetonka, . (www.marshfear.com) in Portland, Oregon.

46 the American Gardener One Writer’s Garden: Eudora Welty’s Home Place Susan Haltom and Jane Roy Brown. University Press of Mississippi, Jack- son, Mississippi, 2011. 272 pages. Publisher’s price, hardcover: $35.

IN One Writer’s Garden, garden designer and historian Susan Haltom and landscape historian Jane Roy Brown weave a story of a garden, a family, and a time period into a book that is sure to please admirers of Eu- dora Welty’s fiction and photo - graphy as well as fans of garden history. Haltom and Brown use Welty’s garden in Jackson, Mis- sissippi, as the lens for examin- ing the author’s life and the historical and societal changes in the 20th century that influenced her work. “Miss Eudora,” as Welty was known, was both a Southern regional treasure and a nationally recognized writer. Her ® novel, The Optimist’s Daughter, won the Pulitzer Prize in 1973. DIDAV AUSTIN She was well-educated—at the University of Wisconsin and FRAGRANT ENGLISH ROSES Columbia University in —and well-traveled. Perhaps because she spent so much time away from home, her After 50 years of intensive breeding, David Austin’s garden helped anchor her life and became a source of inspi- English Roses combine the delicate charm and heady ration and memories for her writing. fragrance of old roses with the wider color range The culmination of more than a decade of work, One and repeat-flowering nature of modern roses.Their exquisite flower forms include deeply cupped Writer’s Garden taps into the research required for the garden’s blooms and perfect rosettes.They are renowned for painstaking restoration. By the mid-1990s, little remained of the quality and diversity of their fragrances. All roses the garden—originally designed by Welty’s mother, Chesti- sold in the US are grown in the US. na—that was planted some 70 years earlier. The research for the restoration and for the book was ini- FREE MAIL ORDER CATALOG tially informed by conversations between Haltom and Welty Please request our new, beautifully before the latter’s death in 2001. Later, the authors tapped jour- illustrated, 120-page Handbook of nals, family photographs, and correspondence—snippets of Roses 2012, free of charge.This which are included in the book. They also interviewed some of contains over 200 varieties, Welty’s family members and friends. Combined, these sources including English Roses, old roses, provide fascinating insights into 20th-century trends, subur- species roses, ramblers and climbers together with a ban life in Mississippi, and the gardens that surrounded simi- selection of modern roses. lar homes of the period. The Welty garden evolved through the decades, influenced S PECIAL OFFER by historic events and societal developments such as the Great AHS members can claim a 10% discount when they Depression, World War II, the advent of garden clubs and au- order roses from our mail order collection. tomobiles, and the surrender of the front yard as a public space. Call toll free 800 328 8893, quoting TA9 or request This is not a history grown dusty and remote—evidence of this online at: www.davidaustinroses.com period can still be gleaned from homes and gardens in older ® neighborhoods—it is part of our living landscape history. It is DIDAV AUSTIN R OSES LIMITED familiar enough to be accepted unquestioned, but not always 15059 State Highway 64 West,Tyler TX 75704 Toll free 800 328 8893 Fax: (903) 526 1900 thoroughly understood without the aid of the research and E-mail [email protected] well-informed commentary provided in books like this one. Please send me a free copy of David Austin’s Handbook of Roses One Writer’s Garden is a sparkling, multifaceted work rich in Name regional personalities, plants, and events that gardeners, with or without a telltale drawl, will relish. It is an important work Address of garden literature—not to mention a good read.  —Linda Askey Zip Code e-mail Linda Askey is a horticulturist and garden writer based in Birm- TA9 ingham, Alabama.

January / February 2012 47 GARDENERC’S BOOKS

Expert Gardening Advice

OULDN’T IT be great if, whenever you had a gardening question, you could have an expert wan- W der your garden with you and explain everything you ever wanted to know in easy-to-understand terms? Fortunately, a number of experts have produced books that are the next best thing to a personal con- sultation, offering insights and comprehensive information on a variety of garden topics. This selection of books, for example, is packed with answers to quench even the most inquiring minds. The tone of these ap- proachable manuals makes reading them feel almost like having a conversation with the authors, to boot.

Puzzled by pruning? The Pruning An- Curious about compost? Stephanie swer Book (Storey Publishing, 2011, Davies will give you the lowdown in $14.95) by Lewis Hill and Penelope Composting Inside & Out (Betterway O’Sullivan uses a Q & A format to ex- Home Books, 2011, $16.99). Whether plain everything and anything you could you’re just getting started or want to kick possibly want to know about the subject. your efforts up a notch, Davies covers Why and when to prune? Check. the why-to as well as the how-to for a va- Which tools to use? Check. How to riety of composting methods to fit your prune specific types of plants? Check. particular situation. Or, if things don’t Straightforward line drawings illustrate seem to be going right, you can skip the concepts and instructions, plus help- right to the chapter on troubleshooting. ful charts and sidebars provide even more ideas and information. Wondering about weatherproofing? It may not seem like you can do much to Overwhelmed by advice? In Decoding protect your garden from storms, fire, Gardening Advice (Timber Press, 2011, drought, and other natural disasters, $18.95), horticulture professor Jeff Gill- but in Weatherproofing Your Land- man and Master Gardener Meleah May- scape (University Press of Florida, nard look at the “science behind the 100 2011, $19.95), Sandra Dark and Dean most common recommendations” to Hill guide you through what you can sort the proverbial wheat from the chaff do before, during, and after extreme on topics such as soil, water, lawn care, weather events, from minimizing vul- and pest, disease, and weed control. For nerability beforehand to considering each, the authors first present “good ad- insurance to helping plants recover vice,” then “advice that’s debatable,” and from damage. finally “advice that’s just wrong,” giving their reasoning along the way. Struggling to stop and smell the roses? Felder Rushing has the remedy: a sim- Short on space? Vertical Gardening ple attitude adjustment, which he hu- (Rodale, 2011, $23.99) offers the solution morously outlines in Slow Gardening of growing up instead of out, based on (Chelsea Green, 2011, $29.95). Much author Derek Fell’s 20 years of experi- like the Slow Food movement that in- mentation in his own gardens in Penn- spired it, Rushing’s philosophy is about sylvania. He shares his “best advice and savoring all that life has to offer rather tips for creating planting beds of small than slogging through an unending to- spaces or strips of soil; using trellises and do list in a desperate attempt to “keep supports in new and attractive ways; and up with the Joneses.”  choosing the best plants for climbing, cascading, and growing vertically.” —Viveka Neveln, Associate Editor

48 the American Gardener REGIONALC HAPPENINGS

Horticultural Events from Around the Country

NORTHEAST Botanical gardens and arboreta that participate k MAR. 9–11. Washington Home & Garden CT, MA, ME, NH, NY, RI, VT in AHS’s Reciprocal Admissions Program are Show. Washington Convention Center. .֢֠֡ JAN. 21–FEB. 26. Caribbean Garden. identified with the ֢֠֡ symbol. AHS members Washington, DC. (703) 823-7960 Exhibit. New York Botanical Garden. Bronx, showing a valid membership card are eligible www.washingtonhomeandgardenshow.com. New York. (718) 817-8700. www.nybg.org. for free admission to the garden or other benefits. Special events may not be included; k MAR. 15–18. Springfest Flower & Garden FEB. 4. Spring into the Garden. Symposium. Show. Augusta, . (973) 948- contact the host site for details or visit Connecticut Horticultural Society. Portland, 9448. www.springfestgardenshow.org. www.ahs.org/rap. Connecticut. (860) 529-8713. www.cthort.org. Flower and garden shows that offer free or ֢֠֡ MAR. 31. Lahr Native Plant Symposium discounted admission to AHS members or and Sale. Beltsville Area Research Center. .֢֠֡ FEB. 5. Chase Away the Winter Blues. present AHS awards are designated by a k United States National Arboretum Guided tour. Botanic Garden. symbol. For details on the specific benefits Washington, D.C. (202) 245-4523. Brooklyn, New York. (718) 623-7200. offered, visit www.ahs.org/events/index.htm www.usna.usda.gov. www.bbg.org. and click on “Flower and Home and Garden Shows.” SOUTHEAST k FEB. 23–26. Connecticut Flower & AL, FL, GA, KY, NC, SC, TN Garden Show. Connecticut Convention Center. Hartford, Connecticut. (860) 844- JAN. 27–29. Southern Gardening Symposium. 8461. www.ctflowershow.com. Richmond, Virginia. (800) 332-3976. Callaway Gardens. Pine Mountain, Georgia. www.macevents.com/show.cfm/eventID/139. (800) 225-5292. www.callawaygardens.com. k FEB. 23-26. Rhode Island Spring Flower .Garden Show. Rhode Island Convention FEB. 16. Land Ethics Symposium: Creative ֢֠֡ JAN. 28. Native Plant Conservation & Center. Providence, Rhode Island. Approaches for Ecological Landscaping. Course. Birmingham Botanical Garden. (401) 272-0980. www.flowershow.com. Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve. Lang- Birmingham, Alabama. (205) 414-3950. horne, Pennsylvania. (215) 862-2924. www.bbgardens.org. Looking ahead www.bhwp.org. k MAR. 1–4. CNY Blooms Flower & Garden FEB. 4 & 5. Garden Fest! 2012. Show, plant Show. OnCenter Complex. Syracuse, k FEB. 16–19. New Jersey Flower and sale, lectures, seminars. Garden Club of In- New York. (800) 979-1879. Garden Show. New Jersey Convention dian River County. Vero Beach, Florida. www.cnyblooms.com. Center. Edison, New Jersey. (800) 332- (772) 567-4602. www.gardenclubofirc.org. 3976. www.njflowershow.com. -֢֠֡ MAR. 10. Making Brooklyn Bloom. Con- ֢֠֡ FEB. 4–APR. 15. Orchid Daze. Exhibi ference. Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Brooklyn, FEB. 18–APR. 29. Orchid Mystique: Nature’s tion, plant sales, clinics, and tours. Atlanta New York. (718) 623-7200. www.bbg.org. Triumph. Exhibit. United States Botanic Botanical Garden. Atlanta, Georgia. (404) Garden. Washington, D.C. (202) 225-8333. 876-5859. www.atlantabotanicalgarden.org. k MAR. 15–18. GardenScape Rochester www.usbg.gov. Flower Show. Monroe County Fair & Expo k FEB. 10–12. The Antiques and Garden Center. Rochester, New York. (585) 455- FEB. 24. Green Matters: Urban Farming Show of Nashville. Nashville Convention 4562. www.rochesterflowershow.com. Pioneers. Symposium. Brookside Gardens. Center. Nashville, Tennessee. (800) 891- Wheaton, Maryland. (301) 962-1400. 8075. www.antiquesandgardenshow.com. www.brooksidegardens.org. MID-ATLANTIC ֢֠֡ FEB. 17. Southern Garden Heritage DC, DE, MD, NJ, PA, VA, WV Looking ahead Conference. The State Botanical Garden of .֢֠֡ JAN. 29. Native Plants for Diverse k MAR. 2–4. Richmond Home & Garden Georgia. Athens, Georgia. (706) 442-6156 Landscapes. Lecture. Green Spring Gardens. Show. Richmond Raceway Complex. www.uga.edu/botgarden. Alexandria, Virginia. (703) 642-5173. Richmond, Virginia. (804) 441-0013. www.greenspring.org. www.richmondhomeandgardenshow.com. k FEB. 29–MAR. 4. Southern Spring Home & Garden Show. The Park Expo & Conference FEB. 3. Today’s Horticulture. Symposium. k MAR. 3 & 4, 9–11. Maryland Home & Center. Charlotte, North Carolina. (800) Longwood Gardens, Chanticleer Foundation, Garden Show. Maryland State Fairgrounds. 849-0248. www.southernshows.com/sss. and the Professional Gardener Alumni Asso- Timonium, Maryland. (410) 863-1180. ciation. Longwood Gardens Ballroom. Ken- www.mdhomeandgarden.com. k MAR. 1–4. Nashville Lawn & Garden nett Square, Pennsylvania. (610) 388- Show. Tennessee State Fairgrounds. 5454. www.longwoodgardens.org. k MAR. 4–11. Philadelphia International Nashville, Tennessee. (615) 876-7680. Flower Show. The Pennsylvania Horticultural www.nashvillelawnandgardenshow.com. k FEB. 9–12. Maymont Flower & Garden Society. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (215) Show. Greater Richmond Convention Center. 988-8899. www.theflowershow.com. MAR. 6. The Roots of Passion: The Inspired

January / February 2012 49 Gardener. Davidson Horticultural Sympo- Show. State House Convention Center. Garden at Strybing Arboretum. San Francis- sium. Davidson Garden Club. Davidson Col- Little Rock, Arkansas. (501) 671-2126 co, California. (415) 661-1316. lege. Davidson, North Carolina. (704) 892- www.arflowerandgardenshow.org. www.sfbotanicalgardensociety.org. 9062. www.davidsonsymposium.org. -֢֠֡ FEB. 25 & 26. Native Plant Symposium. ֢֠֡ FEB. 4. Camellia Festival. Descanso Gar Native Plant Society of Texas. Lady Bird dens. La Cañada Flintridge, California. (818) NORTH CENTRAL Johnson Wildflower Center. Austin, Texas. 949-4200. www.descansogardens.org. IA, IL, IN, MI, MN, ND, NE, OH, SD, WI (512) 232-0100. www.wildflower.org. ֢֠֡ JAN. 26. Landscape Genius: The Work FEB. 23–26. Pacific Orchid Exhibition. San ,of Olmsted, Simonds, and Jensen. Lecture. ֢֠֡ MAR. 3. Organic Gardeners’ Plant Sale. Francisco Orchid Society. San Francisco Morton Arboretum. Lisle, Illinois. (630) Zilker Botanical Garden. Austin, Texas. California. www.orchidsanfrancisco.org. 968-0074. www.mortonarb.org. (512) 477-8672. www.zilkergarden.org. FEB. 26. Asian and Indian Trees. Guided ,֢֠֡ JAN. 28. Soils: Where Are Your Roots? tour. Foster Botanical Garden. SOUTHWEST Class. Chicago Botanic Garden. Glencoe, . (808) 522-7066. AZ, CO, NM, UT Illinois. (847) 835-5440. www.honolulu.gov/parks/hbg. www.chicagobotanic.org. ֢֠֡ JAN. 16–APR. 2. Design for a Living World. Exhibit. The Nature Conservancy. Looking ahead .֢֠֡ FEB. 7. Gardening in Victorian Times. Desert Botanical Garden. Phoenix, Arizona. MAR. 2–4. Magnolia Society International Lecture. Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculp- (480) 941-1225. www.dbg.org. Annual Meeting. Sonoma Valley, California. ture Park. Grand Rapids, Michigan. (888) www.magnoliasociety.org. -www.meijergardens.org. ֢֠֡ THROUGH FEB. 26. The Nature of Sus .957-1580 tainable Art. Exhibit. Red Butte Garden at k MAR. 21–25. San Francisco Flower & ֢֠֡ FEB. 7. Tropical Orchids for Beginners. The University of Utah. , Utah. Garden Show. San Mateo Center. San Class. Green Bay Botanical Garden. Green (801) 585-0556. www.redbuttegarden.org. Mateo, California. (415) 684-7278. Bay, Wisconsin. (920) 490-9457. www.sfgardenshow.com. www.gbbg.org. FEB. 11–19. Colorado Garden & Home Show. Colorado Convention Center. Denver, Col- NORTHWEST .֢֠֡ FEB. 23. Magical Terrariums. orado. www.gardeningcolorado.com AK, ID, MT, OR, WA, WY Class. Vander Veer Botanical Park. Davenport, Iowa. (563) 326-7818. ֢֠֡ FEB. 21. Tulip: The Flower that Drove k FEB. 8–12. Northwest Flower & Garden www.cityofdavenportiowa.com. Men Mad. Lecture. Santa Fe Botanical Gar- Show. Washington State Convention Center. den. Santa Fe, New Mexico. (505) 471- Seattle, Washington. (253) 756-2121. Looking ahead 9103. www.santafebotanicalgarden.org. www.gardenshow.com. k MAR. 1–4. Fort Wayne Home & Garden Show. Allen County Memorial Coliseum. FEB. 23–26. Water Conservation Conference FEB. 15 & 16. Montana Plant Conservation Fort Wayne, Indiana. (800) 695-5288. & Xeriscape Expo. Xeriscape Council of New Conference. Montana Native Plant Society. www.home-gardenshow.com. Mexico. Crowne Plaza. Albuquerque, New Helena, Montana. www.mtnativeplants.org. Mexico. www.xeriscapenm.com. .MAR. 10–18. Chicago Flower & Garden Show. ֢֠֡ FEB. 21. Pruning Woody Plants. Class .Navy Pier. Chicago, Illinois. (312) 595- ֢֠֡ FEB. 28. The Art and Science of Plant University of Washington Botanic Gardens 5400. www.chicagoflower.com. Herbarium Collections. Lecture. Denver Washington Park Arboretum. Seattle, Wash- Botanic Gardens. Denver, Colorado. (720) ington. (206) 685-8033. k MAR. 10–18. Indiana Flower & Patio 865-3500. www.botanicgardens.org. http://depts.washington.edu/uwbg. Show. Indiana State Fairgrounds. Indianapolis, Indiana. (317) 576-9933. Looking ahead MAR. 5. Flora of Prince William Sound. Lec- www.indianaflowerandpatioshow.com. k MAR. 2–4. Maricopa County Home Show: ture. Alaska Native Plant Society. Campbell Southwest Flower & Garden Experience. Creek Science Center. Anchorage, Alaska. University of Phoenix Stadium. Phoenix, www.aknps.org. SOUTH CENTRAL Arizona. (602) 485-1691. AR, KS, LA, MO, MS, OK, TX www.maricopacountyhomeshows.com. CANADA FEB. 10–12. Texas Home & Garden Show. .Houston Reliant Center. Houston, ֢֠֡ MAR. 6. Utah Rare Plant Meeting. Red JAN. 28. Photographing Winter Landscapes Texas. (713) 529-1616. Butte Garden and Utah Native Plant Soci- Workshop. Arboretum at the University of www.texashomeandgarden.com. ety. University of Utah. Salt Lake City, Utah. Guelph. Guelph, Ontario. (519) 824-4120 (801) 585-5853. www.unps.org. x52358. www.uoguelph.ca/arboretum. .֢֠֡ FEB. 16. Plant Propagation from Seed Class. Shaw Nature Reserve. Missouri FEB. 13. Exploring the Love Lore of Plants. WEST COAST Botanical Garden. St. Louis, Missouri. Talk. Assiniboine Park Conservatory. Win- CA, HI, NV (314) 577-5100. www.mobot.org. nipeg, Manitoba. (204) 927-6000. .֢֠֡ JAN. 14–FEB. 3. Plants Illustrated Exhi- www.assiniboinepark.ca ֢֠֡ FEB. 18. Off the Garden Path. Lecture. bition. University of California Botanical Garvan Woodland Gardens. University of Garden. Berkeley, California. (510) 643- Looking ahead Arkansas. Hot Springs National Park, 2755. www.botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu. MAR. 16–25. Canada Blooms and the Arkansas. (501) 262-9300. National Home Show. Landscape www.garvangardens.com. ֢֠֡ JAN. 28. How to Design a Beautiful and the Garden Club of Toronto. Direct Garden with Heirlooms, Flowers, Vegetables Energy Centre. Toronto, Ontario. k FEB. 24–26. Arkansas Flower & Garden and Herbs. Class. San Francisco Botanical www.canadablooms.com. 

50 the American Gardener Special Events and Anniversaries

IN ADDITION TO the American Horticultural Society’s 90th In Canada, Quebec’s Reford Gardens, or Les Jardins de anniversary, 2012 will bring several anniversary celebrations to Metis, will celebrate its 50th anniversary with a smorgasbord gardens across North America. Here are some highlights: of events including lectures, circus events, a food festival, mu- The new year marks both the 30th anniversary of the Lady sical brunches, and its 13th International Garden Festival. The Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin, Texas, and what gardens’ staff is encouraging the public to post photographs, would have been Johnson’s 100th birthday. The Center will cel- videos, and memories of time spent at Reford since its found- ebrate the “Environmental First Lady” with the opening of the ing in 1962 to form a virtual history exhibit. For more infor- mation, visit www.refordgardens.com. Floriade A DUTCH FLOWER EXPOSITION that only rolls around every 10 years, Floriade is the “World’s Fair of Horticulture.” This year, the 6th edition of Floriade will be held in Venlo, the Netherlands, from April 5 to October 7. This event will

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

Molly Steves Zachry Texas Arboretum this spring, along with other events throughout the year leading up to Johnson’s birth- day on December 22. For example, local sculptor Logan Stol- lenwerck’s outdoor exhibit of giant metal flower sculptures, titled “A Bouquet for Mrs. J,” opens in March. In July, the Center will unveil a traveling exhibit on Johnson and her legacy of native plant conservation that will make appearances at public gardens and parks around the country. For more information, visit www.ladybirdjohnson.org or www.wildflower.org. The Villa Flora in Floriade in the Netherlands. On the West Coast, the 60th Annual Pacific Orchid Exhi- bition and the Orchid Society of San Francisco will pay feature exhibits, gardens, lectures, workshops, performances, homage to the Golden Gate Bridge’s 75th anniversary with the tastes, sounds, and smells from more than 100 participating theme “a salute to the golden gate” and more than 150,000 flow- countries over the course of its six-month run. ers. From February 23 to 26, the exhibition will showcase exot- British landscape architect John Boon has overseen the de- ic species from the Bay Area’s many and from sign of a 160-acre park in Venlo divided into five sections: En- other worldwide locales. Orchid fans can enjoy educational ex- vironment, Relax & Heal, Green Engine, Education & hibits from around the world, take daily docent tours, and learn Innovation, and the World Show Stage. The Environment sec- cultivation tips. Orchid societies will also be displaying their tion focuses on how gardens improve quality of life with a vari- most unique hybrids and other varieties. For more information ety of office garden designs, and a “living” pavilion that brings or to register, go to www.orchidsanfrancisco.org. nature inside the house. With a vibrant color scheme, “Relax & Heal” features a healing garden, a “feel good garden,” and a 1,200-yard cable car system. “Green Engine” gives sustainabili- ty a chance to shine with a plant exhibit that transforms a dull office into a horticultural oasis, and three creatively sustainable gardens. In “Education & Innovation,” visitors can experience life “through the eyes of a bee” in the Bee Pavilion, dabble in gar- den design, and view an exhibit on recycled products that in- cludes tomatoes grown on a substrate of old carpet. Finally, performers from all over the world will star in “World Show Stage,” which also includes a rose garden and an exhibit on na- ture in Indonesian culture. For more information on this multi- faceted event, visit www.floriade.org.  Reford Gardens —Helen Thompson, Editorial Assistant

January / February 2012 51 PRONUNCIATIONSC AND PLANTING ZONES

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

Agapanthus campanulatus ag-uh-PAN-thus kam-pan-yew-LAY-tus Jasminum beesianum JAZ-mih-num bee-see-AN-um (10–11, 12–1) (USDA Hardiness Zones 7–12, AHS Heat Zones 12–7) J. floridum J. FLOR-ih-dum (8–10, 10–8) Alcea ficifolia AL-see-uh fih-sih-FO-lee-uh (3–9, 9–1) J. grandiflorum ssp. grandiflorum J. gran-dih-FLOR-um ssp. Allium cepa var. aggregatum AL-ee-um SEH-puh var. ag-reh-GAY-tum gran-dih-FLOR-um (9–11, 12–9) (5–11, 12–2) J. humile J. HYEW-mih-lee (7–9, 9–7) Anemone hupehensis uh-NEM-o-nee hoo-pee-EN-sis (5–7, 7–5) J. laurifolium forma nitidum J. law-rih-FO-lee-um forma Angelonia angustifolia an-jeh-LO-nee-uh ang-gus-tih-FO-lee-uh NIT-ih-dum (10–11, 12–7) (9–10, 10–9) J. mesnyi J. MES-nee-eye (8–9, 9–8) Callitropsis nootkatensis kal-ih-TROP-sis noot-kuh-TEN-sis (4–8, 8–4) J. nudiflorum J. new-dih-FLOR-um (6–9, 9–6) kuh-MEEL-yuh jah-PON-ih-kuh (7–8, 8–7) J. officinale var. affine J. oh-fiss-ih-NAL-ee var. uh-FEE-nay (9–10, 10–9) Campsis ✕tagliabuana KAMP-siss tag-lee-ah-byew-AN-uh (5–9, 9–5) J. parkeri J. PAR-ker-eye (8–10, 12–8) Caryopteris ✕clandonensis kair-ee-OP-tur-iss klan-doh-NEN-siss (5–9, 9–1) J. polyanthum J. pah-lee-AN-thum (9–10, 10–9) Coreopsis verticillata kor-ee-OP-sis vur-tih-sih-LAY-tuh (4–9, 9–1) J. rex J. REKS (11, 12–10) Cornus kousa KOR-nus KOO-suh (5–8, 8–5) J. sambac J. SAM-bak (10–11, 12–9) Drimys winteri var. chiloense DRIM-iss WIN-tur-eye var. chil-o-EN-see J. ✕stephanense J. stef-uh-NEN-see (7–11, 12–8) (7–10, 10–7) Lewisia longipetala loo-ISS-ee-uh lon-jih-PEH-tal-uh (4–7, 7–1) Enkianthus serrulatus en-kee-AN-thus sair-yew-LAY-tus (6–8, 8–6) Lilium brownii LIL-ee-um BROWN-ee-eye (zones not yet assigned) Eschscholzia californica es-SHOLTZ-zee-uh kal-ih-FORN-ih-kuh Magnolia biondi mag-NOLE-yuh BEE-on-dee (zones not yet assigned) (0–0, 12–1) M. grandiflora M. gran-dih-FLOR-uh (7–9, 9–6) Gaillardia ✕grandiflora gay-LARD-ee-uh gran-dih-FLOR-uh (3–9, 10–1) Pelargonium zonale peh-lar-GO-nee-um zo-NAL-ee (0–0, 12–1) Globularia ✕indubia glob-yew-LAIR-ee-uh in-DEW-be-uh (zones not yet as- Rosmarinus officinalis roze-muh-RY-nus oh-fiss-ih-NAL-iss (8–11, 12–8) signed) Taxodium distichum taks-O-dee-um DIS-tih-kum (5–11, 12–5) hes-pur-AL-o par-vih-FLOR-uh (6–11, 12–6) Thuja occidentalis THEW-yuh ahk-sih-den-TAL-iss (2–7, 7–1) Hydrangea macrophylla hy-DRAN-juh mak-ro-FIL-luh (6–9, 9–6) Tsuga chinensis SOO-guh chy-NEN-siss (5–9, 9–5) H. paniculata H. pan-ik-yew-LAY-tuh (4–8, 8–1) Zinnia elegans ZIN-ee-uh EL-ih-ganz (0–0, 12–1)

52 the American Gardener 2012 AHS Seed Exchange About 200 kinds of seeds are offered in this year’s Seed Exchange, available only to American Horticultural Society members. For a quick reference, here is the list of seeds to choose from, with an order form on the following page. To see the catalog with detailed plant de- scriptions, visit www.ahs.org and click on the Seed Exchange link. If you prefer to receive a printed copy of the catalog, please send a self- addressed, stamped, legal-size envelope to us at Seed Exchange Catalog, 7931 East Boulevard Drive, Alexandria, VA 22308.

ANNUALS 58 Dianthus deltoides ‘Arctic Fire’ 109 Beta vulgaris var. cicla 161 Eruca vesicaria ssp. sativa 59 Digitalis ferruginea ‘Fordhook Giant’ 162 Lactuca sativa ‘Iceberg’ 1 Ageratum houstonianum 60 Digitalis purpurea 110 Brassica juncea ‘Florida Broadleaf’ 163 Lactuca sativa ‘Blue Bouquet’✱ 61 Echinacea purpurea 111 Brassica juncea ‘Southern Curled’ ‘Parris Island Romaine’ 2 Amaranthus caudatus 62 Echinacea purpurea ‘Starlight’ 112 Brassica juncea ‘Tendergreen’ 164 Lactuca sativa ‘Salad Bowl’ 3 Amaranthus gangeticus 63 bannaticus 113 Brassica napus ‘Purple Top’ 165 Lactuca spp. Market Mix 4 Antirrhinum majus 64 Gaillardia spp. 114 Brassica oleracea ‘Early Snowball’ 166 Lycopersicon lycopersicum ‘Ace 55’ 5 fastuosa ‘Zulu Prince’ ✱ 65 Glaucidium palmatum ✱ 115 Brassica oleracea ‘Snowball Y’ 167 Lycopersicon lycopersicum 6 Calendula officinalis 66 Helenium amarum ‘Dakota Gold’ 116 Brassica oleracea ‘Beefsteak’ 7 Callistephus chinensis 67 Helenium autumnale ‘ Market’ 168 Lycopersicon lycopersicum ‘Jubilee’ 8 Campanula medium 68 Hemerocallis spp. ✱ 117 Brassica oleracea ‘Michihili’ 169 Lycopersicon lycopersicum ‘Roma’ 9 Celosia argentea var. cristata 69 Liatris spp. 118 Brassica oleracea ‘Red Acre’ 170 Lycopersicon lycopersicum ‘Burgundy Supercrest’ 70 Linum lewisii ✱ 119 Brassica oleracea ‘Waltham 29’ ‘Super Marmande’ 10 Celosia argentea var. cristata 71 Lobelia cardinalis 120 Brassica oleracea 171 Lycopersicon lycopersicum ‘Orange Temple Bells’ ✱ 72 Lobelia siphilitica ‘Long Island Improved’ ‘Sweet ’ 11 Cleome hassleriana 73 Myosotis sylvatica 121 Brassica oleracea 172 Pastinaca sativa ‘Hollow Crown’ 12 Consolida ajacis 74 Papaver orientale ‘Early Purple ’ 173 Petroselinum crispum 13 Consolida ajacis ‘Beauty Spire Mix’ 75 Pennisetum alopecuroides 122 Brassica oleracea ‘ Rooted’ 14 Consolida ajacis ‘Galilee Blue Double’ 76 Platycodon grandiflorus ‘Early White Vienna’ 174 Pisum sativum ‘Frosty’ 15 Cosmos bipinnatus 77 Rudbeckia spp. 123 Brassica oleracea ‘Calabrese’ 175 Pisum sativum ‘Oregon Sugar Pod #2’ 16 Cosmos bipinnatus ‘Dazzler’ 78 Silphium perfoliatum ✱ 124 Brassica oleracea ‘Vates Dwarf Blue’ 176 Raphanus sativus Easter Egg Mix 17 Datura spp. 79 Vernonia noveboracensis 125 Brassica oleracea ‘Georgia Southern’ 177 Raphanus sativus ‘Cherry Belle’ 18 Dimorphotheca sinuata 126 Brassica rapa (baby bok choy) 178 Raphanus sativus ‘French Breakfast’ 19 Eschscholzia californica TREES & SHRUBS 127 Brassica rapa (bok choy) 179 Raphanus sativus ‘Minowase’ 20 Eschscholzia californica ‘Buttercream’ 80 128 Brassica rapa ‘Toy Choy’ 180 melongena ‘Black Beauty’ 21 Eschscholzia californica ‘Dusky Rose’ Catalpa speciosa 81 ✱ 129 Brassica rapa ‘Purple Top 181 Solanum melongena ‘Long Purple’ 22 Eschscholzia californica Magnolia tripetala 82 ✱ White Globe’ 182 Spinacia oleracea ‘Bloomsdale’ ‘Tequila Sunrise’ Styrax japonicus 83 ✱ 130 Brassica rapa ‘Seven Top’ 183 Zea mays ‘Early Sunglow’ 23 Eschscholzia californica Vitex agnus-castus 131 Brassica rapa (broccoli raab) 184 Zea mays ‘Kandy Korn EH’ ‘Tropical Sunset’ VINES 132 Capsicum annuum 24 Helianthus annuus ‘Autumn Beauty’ 133 Capsicum annuum ‘California Wonder’ 25 Impatiens balsamina 84 Ipomoea quamoclit 134 Capsicum annuum 26 Impatiens walleriana 85 Ipomoea tricolor ‘Blue Ensign’ ‘Cayenne Long Slim’ BONUS SEEDS 27 Lobelia erinus 86 Lablab purpureus 135 Capsicum annuum ‘Early Jalapeno’ A Amsonia hubrichtii 28 Lobularia maritima 87 Lathyrus odoratus ‘Blue Celeste’ 136 Capsicum annuum ‘Habenero’ B Arisaema triphyllum 29 Matthiola spp. & ‘Queen of Hearts’ 137 Capsicum annuum ‘Sunbright’ C (mixed species) 30 88 Phaseolus coccineus 138 Chenopodium giganteum D Callirhoe involucrata 31 Molucella laevis HERBS 139 Chichorium endivia E Fagus sylvatica 32 Nicotiana alata ‘Batavian Full Heart’ F Glycyrrhiza uralensis 33 Nigella spp. 89 Allium tuberosum 140 Chichorium intybus ‘Giulio’ G Ipomoea purpurea ‘Grandpa Ott’s’ 34 90 Anethum graveolens 141 Citrullus lanatus var. lanatus H Iris douglasiana 35 Papaver somniferum 91 Coriandrum sativum ‘Crimson Sweet’ I Lavandula angustifolia ‘Munstead’ 36 Portulaca grandiflora 92 Lavandula multifida 142 Citrullus lanatus var. lanatus J Lycopersicon spp. ‘Brandywine’ & 37 Rudbeckia hirta 93 Lavandula stoechas ‘Green Nutmeg’ ‘Brandywine Red’ 38 procumbens ‘Vanilla Sprite’ 94 Matricaria recutita 143 Citrullus lanatus var. lanatus K Ocimum basilicum (Genovese) 39 Tagetes patula ‘Dainty Marietta’ 95 Ocimum basilicum var. minimum ‘Sugar Baby’ L Oenothera elata ssp. hookeri 40 Tagetes patula ‘French Brocade’ ‘Lettuce Leaf’ 144 Cucumis melo M Perilla frutescens 41 Tagetes patula ‘Lemon Drop’ 96 Origanum heracleoticum 145 Cucumis melo ‘Hales Best Jumbo’ N Viola spp. 42 Tagetes patula ‘Moonlight’ 97 Origanum majorana 146 Cucumis melo ‘Hearts of Gold’ O Zea mays ‘Silver Queen’ 43 Tagetes tenuifolia ‘Tangerine Gem’ 98 Petroselinum crispum 147 Cucumis sativus ‘Homemade Pickles’ 44 Tithonia rotundifolia ‘Torch’ ‘Dark Moss Curled’ 148 Cucumis sativus ‘Marketmore 76’ All-America Selections 45 Tropaeolum spp. (mounding type) 99 Petroselinum crispum var. 149 Cucumis sativus ‘National Pickling’ 2012 Winners 46 Tropaeolum spp. (climbing type) neapolitanum 150 Cucumis sativus ‘Straight Eight’ P Capsicum annuum ‘Black Olive’ 47 Viola ✕wittrockiana 100 Rosmarinus officinalis 151 Cucurbita maxima ‘Cucuzzi’ 48 Zinnia elegans (ornamental pepper) VEGETABLES & FRUITS 152 Cucurbita maxima ‘Jack-O-Lantern’ Q Capsicum annuum ‘Cayennetta’ 153 Cucurbita pepo ‘Early Prolific HERBACEOUS PERENNIALS, (edible pepper) 101 Abelmoschus esculentus Straightneck’ BIENNIALS & GRASSES R Salvia coccinea ‘Summer Jewel Pink’ ‘Clemson Spineless’ 154 Cucurbita pepo ‘Golden Scalloped’ 102 Abelmoschus esculentus 49 155 Cucurbita pepo ‘Jack-Be-Little’ 2011 Winner ‘Red Burgundy’ 50 Anemone virginiana Not Available 156 Cucurbita pepo ‘Raven’ S Salvia coccinea ‘Summer Jewel Red’ 51 Aquilegia spp. 103 Allium cepa ‘Spanish Utah’ 157 Cucurbita pepo ‘Table Queen’ 52 Asclepias incarnata 104 Allium cepa ‘White ’ 158 Daucus carota var. sativus 53 105 Allium porrum ‘American Flag’ ‘Danvers Half Long’ 106 Apium graveolens ‘Utah’ 54 Carex muskingumensis 159 Daucus carota var. sativus ✱ Limited quantity available 55 Centaurea montana 107 Beta vulgaris ‘Chioggia’ ‘Royal Chantenay’ 56 Coreopsis lanceolata ‘Sunburst’ 108 Beta vulgaris var. cicla ‘Bright Lights’ 160 Daucus carota var. sativus 57 Delphinium spp. (Pacific Hybrids) & ‘Ruby Red’ ‘Scarlet Nantes’

January / February 2012 53 2012 AHS SEED EXCHANGE ORDER FORM

Order deadline is March 15, 2012. Due to Federal regulations, seeds can only be shipped within the United States. • For questions about the Seed Exchange program, e-mail [email protected]. •

Name ______FIRST CHOICE SEED SELECTIONS Address ______(List by numbers only, please.) City ______1. ______2. ______State ______Zip code ______3. ______Daytime phone ______4. ______E-mail ______5. ______AHS member # ______6. ______NOT A MEMBER? You must be an AHS member to order seeds. If you would like to join the AHS, 7. ______please select an annual membership level below and add the fee to your payment. Visit 8. ______www.ahs.org/join to find out more about membership and its many benefits. 9. ______I would like to join the AHS: ❑ $35 individual membership ❑ $50 dual membership 10. ______11. ______A $20 minimum donation 12. ______is required to order more SELECTION AND CONTRIBUTIONS than 10 selections. 13. ______Current AHS members can order up to 10 packets of seeds free of charge, but we do suggest a $5 14. ______voluntary contribution to help defray postage and handling costs. This year, thanks to a special arrangement with All-America Selections (AAS), we are pleased to 15. ______include an exclusive offering of three of the 2012 AAS seed winners and one of the 2011 winners among our bonus seed selections. SUBSTITUTE SELECTIONS For a $20 donation, you can select up to 15 packets plus 3 bonus selec- tions. Donations of $40 or more will receive up to 15 packets of seeds, 1. ______5 bonus seed selections, and a copy of the AHS Great Plant Guide (DK 2. ______Publishing, 2011). 3. ______Select one of the following: 4. ______❑ Please send me 10 selections. (A $5 donation is suggested to help 5. ______Yours for $40 donation cover shipping and handling costs.) ❑ Do not substitute any of my selections. ❑ Please send me up to 15 packets plus 3 bonus selections for a $20 donation. ❑ Please send me up to 15 packets of seeds plus 5 bonus seed selections, and a copy of the AHS BONUS SEED SELECTIONS Great Plant Guide for a donation of $40 or more. (List by letters only, please.) 1. ______SEED DONOR PRIORITY 2. ______❑ I donated seeds to the 2012 Seed Exchange and thus get first choice (order due by 2/10/12). 3. ______PAYMENT INFORMATION 4. ______❑ Check enclosed. Please make the check payable to AHS. 5. ______❑ Please charge this amount to my credit card: SUBSTITUTE BONUS SELECTIONS ❑ $5 ❑ $20 ❑ $40 ❑ Other $______please specify 1. ______2. ______Card # ______3. ______Exp. date ______❑ Do not substitute any of my bonus selections. Signature ______

Name on credit card ______please print

Return this form to: Seed Exchange • American Horticultural Society • 7931 East Boulevard Drive • Alexandria, VA 22308-1300 Please allow 4 weeks for delivery.

GARDEN MARKET C Veggies And Herbs In Biodegradable Pots CLASSIFIED AD RATES: All classified advertising must be prepaid. $2.75 per word; min- imum $66 per insertion. Copy and prepayment must be received by the 20th of the month three months prior to publication date. Display ad space is also available. To place an ad, call (703) 768-5700 ext. 120 or e-mail [email protected].

HELLEBORES PLANT LABELS PINE KNOT FARMS HELLEBORES ENGRAVED BOTANICAL From the authors of Hellebores A Comprehensive Guide. PLANT LABELS PLANT IDENTIFICATION FOR EVERY GARDEN ✕ H. hybridussingle by color and doubles, FAMILY - GENUS - SPECIES - COMMON NAME Species & interspecies crosses. Order @ www.gardenmarkers.com Phone (434) 252-1990 Fax (434) 252-0768 FAX: 434-975-1627 E-mail: [email protected] PLANT LABELS – STAKES – TREE TACKS www.pineknotfarms.com Join us for Special 2012 Hellebore Open House Weekends Feb. 24 & 25 and March 2 & 3 from 10–4 TRAVEL SERVICES www.BonniePlants.com PLANTS Mail-Order Natives, P.O. Box 9366, Lee, FL 32059. Retail supplier of native trees, shrubs, Gardening With native azaleas, perennials, palms & grasses. Top quality plants with service to match. Free You Since 1918. catalog. www.mailordernatives.com. E-mail: [email protected]. Phone: (850) 973-0585. Gardens of Kyoto Japan To place your ad here, You’ll call (703) 768-5700 ext. 120 or e-mail [email protected]. breathe easier. April & November Trees clean the air and return pure oxygen. Ten Day Tours More trees planted in our Global ReLeaf projects means breathing relief for all of us. Every dollar plants a tree. 800-545-TREE Call now or plant trees online at www.americanforests.org. www.espirita.org.uk Tel: +44 (0)161 928 5768

56 the American Gardener ֱֱֵֵֶֶַֺֺֹֺֹֻֻֻּֿ֢֪֢֭֮֠֫֠֠ ֱֵֵֶֶֶַֺֺֺֺֻֻּֿ֥֢֪֢֭֭֭֭֠֩֩֠֯֬֠֠֩֠֨ ְֱֱֱֳֵֵֵֵָֺֺֹֺֻֻּ֭֭֭֭֩֠֯֩֬֯֠֫ ְֱֱֲֳֵֵֵֺֺֹֻֻּ֪֭֭֭֭֩֩֠֫֠֯֩֬

ֱֳֳֽ֪֥֭֩֩ ְֹֹֽ֭֭֭־ ֲֶֶֺֹ֪֭֠֩ ֳֶֺ֬

ֱ֤֧֣֭֮֫ ְ֢֤ ֤֥֤֤֪֣֤֭֬֬ ֥֬֫֩ ֦֤֮ ֢֤֧֣֢֪֩֬ ֦֧֣֢֦֭֮֮֮֫֬֯֨֯֬֨֡֯֩

“You’ll find step-by-step instructions for pruning, watering, “The book’s sumptuous tone, instructive photographs, propagating; information about all categories of plants… and detailed directions should give beginning gardeners the sections on organic techniques and recycling; and how to enthusiasm and confidence to get started and treat pests and disease…. Consider it a plant-lover’s mutual organizationally challenged old-timers a sigh of relief that fund—a little of this and little of that, in a dandy they won’t have to figure out what to do next.” investment.” —Publisher’s Weekly —Ginny Smith, Philadelphia Inquirer

• Learn how to plan and create • Advice on planning, setting an entire garden, from marking up, and designing your garden out the space to growing • Expert, earth-friendly delicious fruits and vegetables techniques for successfully • Ten easy-to-read chapters tell growing and harvesting herbs, you everything you need to fruits, and vegetables know about sowing, watering, • Suggestions on the best crop fertilizing, propagating, and varieties for different regions more • Handy charts for when to sow • More than 200 step-by-step seeds and harvest illustrations • More than 300 photographs Hardcover: $45 480 pages Hardcover: $32.50 304 pages

View an excerpt from Homegrown Harvest at .ְֵֶֺֹֻ֭֭֠֩֬֠ www.ahs.orgְֱֱִִֵֵֵֶֶֶֶֶֹֹֹֻֻ֦֭֭֮֠֠֩֠֠ ְֲֶֶֶֺֹֺ֣֤֪֣֣֯֩־־־ֱֱֲֶֶֺֺֻֽ֪֧֥֡֠֠֠֨ 58 by Margene Whitler Hucek Magnolia grandiflora by the trunk ofmycar.by thetrunk ‘LittleGem’ washeadingtoVirginia. rounding itwithhaybales,butrefused toflourish.Afteronefallvisit,Ifounditinacontainer waiting S one in a foundation bed near the frontone inafoundationbednearthe spot inyourgarden. Considerplanting habit andnotablylong season of bloom. evergreen withacompact,upright shrub developsmulti-stemmed intoadense, Candor, North Carolina, ‘Little Gem’ ers. Selected in1952 by Warren Steed of smallerleavesproportionately andflow- feet tallandeightto10wide,with ‘Little Gem’ slowly grows toamodest20 spread more than30feetatmaturity, can reachmagnolias and upto80feettall 7–9, AHSZones 9–6). Whilesouthern (Magnolia grandiflora, ison toitsparent, southernmagnolia deed, considered diminutive incompar- relieved tofindthat‘LittleGem’ is,in- est, ‘LittleGem’ aprominent deserves a variety of wildlife. with brightred seeds thatare relished by red-orange develop infall conelike fruits beetles thatpollinatethem.Ornamental borne from May toNovember. highly fragrant,creamy whitebloomsare covered inarichrusset-brown fuzz.The the glossy, leaves dark are green, leathery New stemgrowth andtheundersidesof ASHOWSTOPPER BUTSTILL YES, LITTLE, www.soonerplantfarm.com. (918) 453-0771. Sooner PlantFarm, 562-8088. Ecolage, Sources After plantingitinmygarden, Iwas Because it features year-round inter- The flowers attractawiderange of the American Gardener er inIllinois. He hadmanagedtokeepthetree alive throughcoldMidwestern afew wintersby sur- EVERAL YEARSAGO, Lake Charles,LA.(866) www.ecolage.com. Park Hill,OK. USDA Z ‘Little Gem’ I inheritedaratherpathetic ones Growing onlyto20feettall,‘LittleGem’magnoliaisagoodoptionforsmallgardens. before summer’s droughts. Provide an roots willhave ampletimetoestablish ganic matter. If you plantinearly fall,the mulch withtwotothree inchesofor- spellsand ed magnoliasduringdry out,sobesure plant- towaternewly dry plenty oforganicmatter. well-drained, slightlyacidicsoilwith provides sun and moist, fulltopartial planting sitecarefully. Thebestlocation magnolias resent selectthe transplanting, tractive privacy screen. door orpatio,plantseveral asanat- grow andrelatively pestfree. Because Like allmagnolias,‘LittleGem’ iseasyto TOO ALL THATMAINTENANCE, ANDLOW LN NTESPOTLIGHT THE IN PLANT The shallow, fleshyroots are quickto C : A Jewel for Your: AJewelfor Garden M agnolia grandiflora based in Keswick, in Virginia.based Margene WhitlerHucek isafreelance writer his formerplantadorningthe card. Valentine card thisyear witha bloomof I plantosendmybrotherhome, and a lovely ‘Little Gem’ isthrivinginitsnew all. Just sitbackandenjoy theshow. My an espalier,is rarely pruning neededat they drop. Infact, unless you trainitas es—this alsohidesanymessyleaves as form, avoid removing thelower branch- ceptible towinterdamage. stimulates tenderlategrowth that issus- because this mer and fall fertilization inearlyspring.Avoidfertilizer latesum- annual applicationofbalancedorganic To maintainamagnolia’s natural ‘Little Gem’ from mybroth- 

֢֤֢֦֥֣֧֧֠֡֠֨֩

wh er e g ard en er s g o to gro w.

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