Weatherend Estate Furniture

In a world enamored with computer-enhanced design and push-button gratification, we take pride in the fact that we still depend upon fine craftsmanship to create Weatherend Estate Furniture. We belieue our woodworkers haue a certain reuerence for the materials they are working with: the finest teak and Honduras mahogany. These skil1ed men make certain that our furniture is made according to the highest quality standards, with such details as: Mortise-and-tenon joinery whereuer possible, for maximum strength. Epoxy in all the joints, to make them less subject to loosening with the passage of time. "First Right!" is the standard for judging all our work: whether it be the product itself, or the seruice to our customers. We look forward to seruing you.

Consult your designer, or send $2 for our complete portfolio. Imagineering Inc., P.o. Box 648, Rockland, Maine 04841, (207) 596-6483

© Imagineering, Inc. 1984 VOLUME 64 NUMBER 6 Cantents

Guest Editorial: Apology of a Novice Gardener by Connie Clark 2 Strange Relatives: The Purslane Family by Jane Steffey 5 Seasonable Reminders: Daisies by Laura C. Martin 10 Book Reviews by Barbara W. Ellis 12 The Design Page: Vines by Margaret Hensel 15 Lutea Hybrid Tree Peonies by Anthony De Blasi 16 Coaxing Iris from the Desert by Maire Simington 20 Cary Arboretum's Fern Glen Text and Photography by Margaret Parke 22 Ornamental Mustards by Gail Gibson 28 Pronunciation Guide 32 Classifieds 34

Sources 38 Garden Design: Perennials for the Front of the Border Text and Photography by Pamela Harper 40

The mustard family contains a wide variety of orna­ On the Cover: After the initial burst of riotous spring color, many mental garden plants, from the much-loved candytuft gardens have turned a more sedate, lush green by the month of to the less well known gillyflower or common stock, June. The lovely fronds of these maidenhair ferns, Adiantum pe­ shown above. For more on this interesting group of datum, are growing in an unusual garden devoted to the lush green plants, turn to page 28. Photograph by Dick Keen. color of ferns and foliage-Cary Arboretum's Fern Glen. Join au­ thor/photographer Margaret Parke for a tour of the Glen on page 22. Photograph by Margaret Parke.

EDITOR, PUBLICATIONS DIRECTOR: Barbara W. Ellis. ART DIRECTOR: Rebecca K. McClimans. ASSOCIATE EDITOR: Lynn M. Lynch. EDITORIAL ASS ISTANT: Jane Steffey. HORTICULTURAL CONSULTANT: Gilbert S. Daniels. ASSISTANTS TO THE EDITOR: Martha Palermo, Cindy Weakland. BUSINESS MANAGER: May Lin Roscoe. MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR: Connie Clark. COLOR SEPARATIONS: John Simmons, Chromagraphics Inc. ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE: C. W. Advertising, P.O. Box 138, Mount Vernon, VA 22121, (703) 360·6666.

Replacement issues of AMERICAN HORTICULTURIST are available at a cost of $2.50 per copy. The opinions expressed in the articles that appear in AMERICAN HORTICULTURIST are those of the authors and are not necessarily those of the Society. Manuscripts, art work and photographs sent for possible publication will be returned if they are accompanied by a self­ addressed, stamped envelope. We cannot guarantee the safe return of unsolicited material.

AMERICAN HORTICULTURIST, ISSN 0096-4417, is the official publication of the American Horticultural Society, 7931 East Boulevard Drive, Alexandria, Virginia 22308, (703) 768·5700, and is issued monthly. Membership in the Society includes a subsCfiption to AMERICAN HORTICULTURIST. Membership dues start at $20.00 a year, $12.00 of which is designated for AMERICAN HORTICULTURIST. Copyright © 1985 by the American Horticultural Society. Second-class postage paid at Alexandria, Virginia and at additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Please send Form 3579 to AMERICAN HORTICULTURIST, Mount Vernon, Virginia 22121.

American Horticulturist GUEST EDITORIAL ApologyQ{a Novice Gardener

ften when I'm talking with Society gardening is no longer an integral part of members, they will quickly move life for most families. If this is true, people Ofrom general conversation about will be robbed of an enormous source of our membership programs to a horticul­ joy and recreation, and many of our com­ tural question. I wonder how many mem­ patriots may lose an appreciation for the bers have noticed my apprehension when need to conserve our natural resources. For I am faced with a query like, "What shall it is perhaps the ability to dream of a plant I plant in my dry, shady garden?" I quickly as a wondrous, nurturing thing-or, at the pull out of my hat the names of our staff very least, as an irreplaceable source of horticulturists, a trick at which I've be­ visual pleasure-that gives gardeners and come an expert. non-gardeners alike an appreciation for the For, although I work for the American need to preserve our natural environment. Horticultural Society and do my best to The American Horticultural Society's support its aims and programs, I am not purpose is to promote gardening in this a trained horticulturist by any means. A country and to provide American garden­ classic liberal arts major, I have not one ers with educational resources and 'pro­ whit of formal training in horticulture. grams. According to a recent reader's sur­ Every now and then, I'm gently reminded vey conducted by the Society, the majority of my ignorance when I've raised an idea of Society members are advanced amateur for a Society program or event that strikes David Wear gardeners. These members, along with our the horticultural mind as singularly un­ certain branches seemed to be arranged as many professional members, help make the suitable. My horticulturist co-workers will seats-all these qualities of various pines Society what it is: one of the leading voices say, "Well, naturally, you wouldn't have and maples seemed designed to give a child in American horticulture. Yet other gar­ known why that won't work-you're not dreaming space. deners-including the dabblers and the one­ a horticulturist." Dream I did, and often about flowers. house-plant-a-year types like myself-are It's true-and it's also true that I need The type of flower I dreamt about varied also an important part of the Society. For to be restrained and corrected when I de­ from hydrangea to zinnia to tulip to (for the Society can profit from the views of velop concepts that some gardeners will special occasions) rose. Perhaps I was any gardener, from the professionally not like. As my colleagues start rattling off varying them seasonally, according to what trained to the novice amateur. It is by botanical names with an air of authority, was blooming in our big yard. reaching gardeners and horticulturists at however, I must remind myself that I am Then there was the pure excitement of all levels that the American Horticultural not completely ignorant as far as plants following my father behind his plow, Society will be successful in promoting are concerned. In fact, I've been a plant dropping the seed corn into the furrows gardening in America. lover as long as I can remember. he made, learning that these kernels Ogden Nash once wrote, " My garden When I think of my childhood, I re­ would-with luck and work-become stiff, will never make me famous. I'm a horti­ member roaming outdoors for hours, rustling stalks and, later still, the carefully cultural ignoramus." Of course, I don't learning in intimate detail the topography wrapped yellow ears we ate for summer have to remain one. And I know that, as of our semi-rural acre, with its flower beds, dinners. Roaming about our orchard of soon as this article is printed, Steve Davis, huge vegetable garden, 60-year-old maples dwarf fruit trees, I learned about the tightly our Director of Grounds and Buildings, and wooded ravine on two sides. The trees packed, nascent green fruits-that they will be approaching me with a spade, a seem to arch across my memory when I would actually become edible apples, smile and an offer of "recreational activ­ think of those times. The French philos­ peaches and cherries. ity" during lunch hours. Thanks to AHS, opher Gaston Bachelard, in The Poetics of I believe it is just this kind of primitive it's never too late to learn. Space, summed it up when he said, "A tree knowledge, acquired while playing out­ becomes a nest the moment a great dream­ doors and helping in the garden, that be­ er hides in it." I spent many hours in trees­ gets a sensitivity not only to plants but to until I was too frequently detected trying the natural world as a whole. My horti­ to hide in the branches! The sensation of culturist co-workers have told me they are being lifted and held, the closeness of the concerned that many children growing up -Connie Clark, miraculous leaves and the particular way now won't have this sensitivity, because Membership Director

2 June 1985 An internationally renowned floral artist creates an original sculptured bell. Clhe CJ(oya!fy CJ(ose

BY JEANNE HOLGATE

Life-size sculpture of intricate beauty in hand-painted bone china . . . at the very attractive price of $60.

Entirely hand-assembled. Hand-decorated with pure 24 karat gold. Please enter yo ur reservation by July 31 , 1985.

Fresh and arresting, The Royalty Rose is a triumph of two great traditions. Combining the beauty of floral sculpture . . . and the lilting grace of a bell ... in an enchanting new work in fine bone china to enjoy and treasure always. The creator of this delightful sculpture, Jeanne Holgate, has been acclaimed as America's finest floral artist. Internationally admired, her work is represented in the great floral art collections of the world, including the British Museum, America's famous Hunt Collection, and the private collection of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother. Here, the artist has captured a rose in the radiant blush of first bloom. With entrancing precision, the sculpture portrays every vein of each leaf, every curve of each petal-even the © 1985 FP tiny thorns growing out of the stem. The colors .... ------RESERVATI ON A PPLICATION ------, I I are of a subtlety that rivals nature itself. And I I the composition is superbly united by a bell of : THE ROYALTY ROSE : I white bone china, which is hand-embellished I with pure 24 karat gold. I I Please return postmarked by July 31, 1985. In the tradition of the finest floral I I Limit: One per person. sculptures, The Royalty Rose is depicted fully I I life-size. Each imported bell will be crafted I Franklin Porcelain I under the supervision of Franklin Porcelain. I Franklin Center, Pennsylvania 19091 As an indication of the care that will be taken in ,I Please accept my reservation for The Royalty Rose by Jeanne Holgate. its creation, the sculpture will be assembled by I I This original sculptured bell will be crafted for me in fine, hand­ hand, then exquisitely hand-painted. ,I painted bone china. The Royalty Rose is available only by direct , I need send no money at this time. I will be billed in three monthly I application, and only from Franklin Porcelain. ,I installments of $20.* each, with the first payment due before the work Each sculptured bone china bell will be I is sent to me. 'PIlI S my state sales tax and a total I of $3. for shipping and handling. individually crafted to order, and there is a I limit of one per person. I I Signature ______I To brighten your home with a work of I unusual beauty ... and to acquire a future I Mr.!Mrs.!Miss ______I heirloom for your family ... you need only sign I I and return the accompanying application. No I Address ______I payment is required with your reservation, but I I City, State, Zip ______to be sure of acquiring your bell at the very I favorable original issue price, it is important to :~ ______22 JI mail your application by July 31, 1985. 4 June 1985 STRANGE RELA TIVES The Purslane Family

he silken blossoms of portulaca­ silver-dollar-size, in white or cream, T or shades of pink, gold, rose or orange-red-spread a sheet of color across the land. Also commonly known as moss rose, rose moss or sun plant of Brazil, this popular annual is Portulaca grandiflora. From coast to coast, it embellishes gardens both large and small. This well-known garden annual is a member of the purslane family, Portu­ lacaceae, consisting of more or less succu­ lent herbs that are especially we ll repre­ sented in America and South Africa. The botanical name chosen for the family refers to the juicy qualities of its members, which carry (porto) milk or sap (lac). "Purslane" is a corruption from the French. Most spe­ cies have mucilaginous, often acid stems and leaves. The fleshy, simple, alternate or LEFT: commonly call ed spring-beauty. ABOVE: Showy opposite leaves enable the plants to survive Claytonia virginica, Portulaca grandi­ flora, rose moss or sun plant. in warm, dry regions. Flowers are gener­ ally small, except in a few species cherished cloudy days or in the evening. Currently, is a tiny golden flower of five to seven by gardeners, including P. grandiflora. hybridizers are devoting much of their at­ petals and with elegant golden stamens. Typical flowers are regular and bisexual, tention to developing cultivars with flow­ The cultivar 'Giganthes' has double flow­ and have two sepals, four or five petals ers that do not close for lack of bright ers about an inch across and is grown as that fall early, and few or many stamens. sunshine. Selections of these hybrids are an ornamental. The flowers have nectar and are pollinated already available from a few seedsmen. For most gardeners, purslane is a per­ by insects. Fruit is a many-seeded capsule. There are many brightly colored variants sistent weed. The soft stems root at the The characteristics of purslane family of P. grandiflora, and breeders are work­ joints when in contact with soil; thus, even members are readily apparent in the many ing to segregate colors so that gardeners when hoed out, the plants manage to spread. species of Portulaca. The garden annual will be able to order seeds of separate colors. Purslane is very hardy, grows in any kind P. grandiflora is native to the hot, sunny Hybridizers are also trying to produce of soil, and thrives in heat and drought. plains of southern Brazil. It is a sprawling dwarf, compact, non-creeping plants for The plant'S water-retentive leaves enable plant that carpets the ground. Its small, pot culture. it to ripen seed even after being pulled up. fleshy, needle-like leaves contribute to the The moss rose is one of about 100 Por­ Purslam~ reseeds itself, and seeds are viable plant's resistance to heat and drought by tulaca species. A very close relative in the in the soil for many years. enabling it to store water and by limiting genus is common purslane or pusley, P. Gerard described the nature and uses of surface evaporation. oieracea, a plant that has been cultivated purslane in his Herbal or General Historie The National Garden Bureau has des­ since classical times as a salad green and of Plants (1597): "It spreadeth upon the ignated 1985 as "The Year of the Portu­ potherb. A common garden and roadside ground; it cometh up of its own accord in laca." Portulaca merits recognition for its weed, it is found in all 50 states, all over allies of gardens and vineyards .... Raw, resistance to heat and drought, its adapt­ southern Canada, and in much of the rest it is much used in salads with oil, salt and ability to a wide variety of growing con­ of the world. vinegar." Gerard also credited purslane with ditions, and its generous production of ap­ There are variations in the species. The a variety of medicinal properties. pealing, colorful flowers. wild form of P. oleracea grows low to the Purslane may have been introduced to Moss rose blossoms are one to two inches ground, spreading by reddish or purple­ Massachusetts as a salad green or potherb across, and may be single, semi-double or tinted stems with greenish-purple leaves. by the colonists as early as 1672. Interest double. The singles are like little five-pet­ P. oleracea var. sativa is more erect, with in this herb contirrues today. Its mild fla­ aled cups; semi-doubles and doubles re­ thicker stems and larger leaves of golden vor, palatability and mucilaginous quali­ semble miniature roses. These satin-tex­ yellowish-green. In both types, leaves are ties give it a wide range of uses as a kitchen tured flowers, like the flowers of some other thick and fleshy, and stems are juicy. Cen­ vegetable. Stems and leaves can be eaten members of the purslane family, close on tered in a rosette of almost opposite leaves raw, alone or mixed with other greens. The

American Horticulturist 5 STRANGE RELA TIVES

" :r:" o plant can also be cooked like spinach. In his book Walden, Thoreau wrote of mak­ ing "a satisfactory dinner of a dish of purs­ lane which I gathered and boiled." Purs­ lane can be frozen like spinach, or it can be dried and stored in jars for year-round use as a tasty cooked green with a flavor entirely different from that of fresh purs­ lane. However, some gardeners consider storage impractical, and prefer to use purs­ lane as a salad green. According to the Field Guide to Medical Wild Plants, purslane is "earth-embrac­ ing" and unusually rich in important min­ erals and vitamins. It has an especially high iron content, and its acid flavor is due to a large amount of vitamin C. Although neither the Indians nor the colonists knew of the importance of minerals or vitamins, they recognized the healthful qualities of the plant they called pusley. The Indians prepared decoctions of the tender tips, stems and seeds to bring about relaxation and sleep, and to relieve various ailments. Twentieth-century gardeners who wish to add to the variety of salad greens in their culinary repertoire can obtain purs­ lane seeds from some mail-order seed sources. (See "Sources" on page 38.) Or, when the growing season is under way, a ABOVE: Lewisia rediviva, commonly called bitter root. BELOW: Montia perfoliata, miner's weed or two can be transplanted into a lettuce or winter purslane.

6 June 1985 vegetable garden row. Another genus in the purslane family is Lewisia. The genus name honors Captain Meriwether Lewis (1774-1809), senior leader of the Lewis and Clark Expedition dispatched by President Jefferson to trace the course of the Missouri River across the continent. At one encampment, Lewis saw 100 central Blvd. the Indians drying the white, starchy roots Box 521 p.,O M\ 49892 of a food plant; it was bitter root, Lewisia Vulcan. rediviva. Later, after he found the plant growing, Lewis gave the name bitter root to a river, a valley and a range of moun­ tains in the territory he had explored. All twelve species of the genus Lewisia are natives of western North America. Known for the striking beauty of their blossoms, they are collectors' pieces for the alpine garden or cold greenhouse. Their flowers arise singly or in branched clusters directly from a rosette of basal leaves. These fleshy perennials have starchy roots and are practically stemless; some plants are so short-stemmed that they seem to be sit­ ting on the ground. Wh€ln lewisias were introduced, they were thought to be rigidly lime-hating and not very easy to grow. Now we know that although they prefer lime-free soil, they will endure some alkalinity if they are given plenty of humus in the form of acid peat. Best known of the Lewisia species is L. rediviva, the state flower of Montana. The ./'. botanical name Lewisia rediviva was as­ Lilypons Water Gardens signed by Frederick Pursh (1774-1820), a German explorer, collector and author who made distinguished contributions to ~ a j.twl1 thwu.;/z. .Lil:Jpom. in JOWl. fQJJo~il:£ d'uu~ . ~o it with American botany during the 21 years of a .Lil:Jpom. aatalo;}u£ f=tu.~in:J fCUJE afl:£~ fCUJE of CEaUti(ul his life in the United States. Some years wal:£~-lJiE.j., Lofuj., CO;} plmtj., foJ!z., j.tatua"!} and ~ EllE.ntWj. fo~ after the Lewis and Clark Expedition re­ it all to;}E~~ . turned home, Pursh sorted the collected keepin:J wOrrkin:J plants in Philadelphia. While examining .-No pool JEt? .Lil:Jpom. o(fEU tkm in fiCE~[ruj., yXV(!, eIf!B~ herbarium specimens, he discovered signs and mCCE~ . of life in bitter root; he planted some roots, plrutic, which grew and flowered the following ,------, Y(lar. The epithet rediviva (meaning re­ 1 Begin my stroll now by sending me the new Lilypons catalogue plus vived) thus rders to the unbelievable te­ 0 1 informative newsletters with seasonal sales. Enclosed is S3.50. nacity of the plant's roots. .1 MD and TX residents please add 18¢ tax. The many-petaled flowers of L. rediviva 10 1500 Amhort Road o 1500 Lilypons Road are rose or white and borne on two-inch 1 stems. They bloom from early spring to P.O. Box 10 P.O. Box 188 1 Lilypons, MD 21717-0010 Brookshire, TX 77423-0188 summer and are found in the rocky or I (301) 874-5133 (713) 934-8525 gravelly foothills or mountains of northern I California, north to British Columbia and I east to the Rocky Mountains. I Name Addr~s L. cotyledon blooms from early spring 1 to summer in the mountains of northern I~ ~~ ~ California and southern Oregon. This suc­ L ______~ culent evergreen bears candy-striped flow­ ers Oft 10-inch Ste!!1S. L. tweedyi is probably the most attrac-

American Horticulturist 7 CACTI STRANGE RELA TIVES & SUCCULENTS tive species for the garden. Large blossoms, Monti, botanist from Bologna. The name Mail Order Specialists one to three on a stalk, are two inches perfoliata indicates that the leaf surrounds across, with eight to nine salmon-pink pet­ or embraces the stems. In this species, the als and 12 to 25 stamens. stem is six inches to a foot tall and arises L. tweedyi is one of the few species in from basal leaves that are borne on long the genus Lewisia that will not interbreed petioles and vary from narrow to nearly with other species; generally, Lewisia spe­ round. More than halfway up the stalk, cies are easily hybridized. In fact, those the plant bears a single pair of leaves that strains and named hybrids that have re­ form a disk or cup that completely encir­ sulted from interbreeding not only surpass cles the stem. Above these two leaves is a the species in beauty, but are far better cluster of small white or pinkish flowers. garden plants than the species from which An odd and dainty plant, it grows more DESERT SUN PLANTER they originated. As wall plants, they are coarsely in cultivation than in the wild. Trya little added sunshine in your home, magnificent. Montia species, including M. chamissoi, with this Cactus Planter in a favorite win­ Spring-beauty is one of perhaps two a floating aquatic or creeping perennial dow, or sunny area . Complete kit con­ dozen species of the genus Clay tonia, an­ adapted to bog gardens or shallow pools, tains: Planter as shown, five (5) Live other member of the purslane family. This can be found throughout the West. Montia Cacti, pottifil9 soi l and complete planting instructions. Postpaid $8.50. (All plants small, spring-blooming, tuberous-rooted species from both water and alpine habi­ si milar to illustration.) Current Mail­ perennial with grass-like foliage was named tats are among the wildflowers of Aus­ Order Catalog in color and B/W illustra­ in honor ofJohn Clayton (1686-1773), an tralia. These species are similar to Clay­ tions $2 .00. (Complete catalog cost early plant explorer who came from Eng­ tonia spp. but grow from fibrous roots refundable on you r first regular catalog instead of from tubers. order.) land to Virginia in 1705. Claytonia species, all of which are a foot Portulacaria, which resembles Portu­ K & L Cactus Nursery or less in height, are native to western North laca, is commonly known as elephant bush Dept. AMS America, as well as South America and the or spekboom in South Africa, where it is 12712 Stockton Boulevard Old World. Many have edible leaves and native. There is only on~ species: P. afra, Galt. California 95632 (209) 745-4756 tubers, and all are good for naturalizing a succulent shrub or small tree that is soft­ in moist, woodsy soil. wooded, maybe eight to 12 feet high, and Found in eastern North America, C. vir­ produces small, pink flowers. It is the fa­ ginica, commonly known as spring-beauty vorite food plant of elephants; it is relished or Mayflower, is a woodland species that by other animals as well, and is commonly blooms before forest leaves unfold. The used as fodder for livestock. flowers, white or streaked with red, are In cultivation, P. afra is grown in the fleeting. Honey at the base of each petal open in coastal California, or elsewhere as is accessible to short-tongued insects. a greenhouse oddity. The species or its cul­ Claytonia spp. exhibit interesting move­ tivars 'Tricolor' and 'Variegata' are often ment: after pollination, the flower stalk represented in collections of succulents. bends down, then resumes an erect posi­ David Fairchild, upon first seeing this odd tion when the fruit is ripe; the valves of plant, described its branches and stems as the fruit, a capsule, contract as they dry, " having the puffy appearance of the arms I The ONLY specialty liquid plant I I foods in the industry. Made for I and expel the seeds with force. of a doll ... a weird thing reminding me safety, accuracy and results. C. caroliniana, Carolina spring-beauty, of a giant purslane." II JUNGLE JUICE (2-5-4) for fantastic I is a southeastern species. The plant is sim­ Another succulent purslane of interest foliage growth and super green. I ilar to C. virginica, although its flowers to collectors is Anacampseros. This Afri­ I GRANNY'S BLOOMERS (0-6-5) I are smaller. Species from western North can genus contains over 50 tender species ZERO nitrogen and special trace America include C. megarhiza, C. parvi­ that have miniature rosettes with fleshy I for abundant african violet I folia and C. rosea, all of which bear pink leaves. The flowers-white, rose, red or I blooms, you won't believe your I or white flowers marked with pink or red. cream-are solitary or arranged on a coiled eyes. A plant known as miner's lettuce or win­ stalk. They open only in the sun. The genus I CACTUS JUICE (1-7-6) For I ter purslane is Montia perfoliata, from includes examples of the two succulent I outstanding specimens and helps I promote flowering. western North America. During the gold growth forms: stem succulents and leaf mining era in California, when it was dif­ succulents. The plants are prostrate, and I FLOWER CRACKER (1-6-5) For I I Impatiens, Orchids, Bromeliads, I ficult to get fresh vegetables, miners re­ form mats of foliage. Some species are green I Geraniums, all flowering plants. I sorted to this and other plants for salad and shining, but cobwebbed with long hairs 6 oz. bottle makes 12 gals. capful I greens; they probably learned this use from in the leafaxils. The genus name Ana­ I measure. $3.85 ppd. the Indians or from the Spanish along the campseros comes from a belief among South I Any 4·6 oz. btls. $11.85 ppd. Free I Pacific coast. Miner's lettuce is also called African natives that it is an effective in­ • catalog. Cuban spinach; it grows wild in Cuba, gredient in love potions used to bring back • where it was introduced and has lost love; therefore, members of the genus DeerfIeld, IL 600 15 '" Clarel naturalized. are known as love roses, and the species, III Ldh()I, IT

8 June 1985 Its ~rmast for Blossoms of Talinum, famefl ower, are the Very Finest in showy but ephemeral, as is true of certain Miniature Roses other purslane family members. Talinum species are used in border plantings and rock gardens, or as tub plants for their foli age interest. T. paniculatum, jewels-of-O par, is a selection, featur­ tuberous- rooted, two-foot-tall perennial ing the very best with three-inch, elliptical leaves. The red of the older and to yellow fl owers, borne on 1 Q- in ch stems, open on sunny days fro m June to October. the very newest This species is native to the southern United varieties. States and southward to Central America. One fo rm with white-edged leaves is used as an ornamental foli age plant fo r tubs or ------I pots. T. calycinum, rock pink, is a wildflower D Send My Free Color ! that is native from N ebras ka south to Catalog Today! Mexico, and is occasionall y grown in the Please send yo ur value-packed rock garden. An erect six- to 12-inch pl ant, catalog. I enclose $2, deductible Name its pink, one-inch flowers, whi ch are borne on my first catalog ord er. I . '~~------in few-flowered clusters, arise fro m basal Name • Address leaf clusters in June. St.lRFD ______I City T. triangulare is a fle shy perennial from City ___State--Zip __ I State Zip tropical America; its tubers are sometimes send to: eaten as a vegetable. Coll ections of suc­ GILBERT H. WILD & SON, INC. I for~t Miniature Roses, Inc. culents often include this o rna mental AH·685 Joplin Sl. • Sarcoxie, MO 64862 58 Hammond Street, Dept. AH species. ______~?_~!~!.:~ _~ ~::~~~~_~~~t:_~~~~~ ______. Calandrinia, rock purslane, is a genus that bears the name of an eighteenth-cen­ tury botanist from Geneva, J. L. Calan­ drini. Some species are of easy culture if The Living Space Story treated as hardy annuals; they are suitable for border or rock gardens, although their blossoms are fl eeting. The leaves of some species are colorful and more conspicuous GREENHOUSE than the flowers. Redmaids or kisses, C. ciliata, is a one­ fo ot annual with rosy-purple fl owers. C. TO DREAMHOUSE ciliata var. menziesii, a variety found in western North America, is two feet tall, with crimson or rose-red fl owers. Its three­ The Lord & Burnham Buyers Guide tells all. inch leaves may be eaten as a garnish or as greens. Tells how to add a room, create a living space, C. umbellata , also called redmaids, is a spend less and get more. Tells about engineering, energy saving, sun places and fun places. trailing plant from Peru and Chile that Places where you, your family, and bears crimson-magenta flowers and is suit­ green things can grow. Room size to able for the rock garden. window size. For a family of modest size, Portula­ Just $2 for all caceae affords a surprising variety of hor­ you'll need ticultural possibilities. Whether one is in­ to know. terested in developing a garden devoted to Send and learn a favorite flower and its relatives, or in LORD & BURNHAM 2008R initiating a plant-collecting specialty or I ------Division Burnham Corporation hobby, or even embarking on a taste-test­ CSB-3181, Melville, NY 11 747 ~ " the greenhouse people since 1856" ing venture, purslane family members are I ~~ I 0 Rush my " Buyers Guide and Planner" by first class return suitable candidates to consider. 0 mail fo r w hich I enclose $2 (cash or check). -Jane Steffey I Name ------lrl4 Jane Steffey is an active AHS volunteer and I Address ______serves as Editorial Advisor to American IL Cit ______y State Zip _ _ _ Horticulturist.

American Horticulturist 9 SEASONABLE REMINDERS Daisies

he American naturalist John Bur­ which they had left at home. They cared solution from the pl ant was used to soothe roughs once said, "The most hu­ for and nurtured the oxeye, and helped it rough or chapped skin. Daisies were also T man plants are the weeds. How take a firm foothold in their new land. reported to be useful in removing warts they cling to man and follow him around Although a relative newcomer to North and curing insanity. According to super­ the world ... !" This is especially true of America, the oxeye daisy has been known stition, if you ate three daisies after having an American favorite, the oxeye daisy, for centuries in Europe and Asia. A design a tooth pulled, you would never again be Chrysanthemum leucanthemum. Looking resembling the daisy was found on arti­ bothered with toothaches. out across a field of weeds during the sum­ facts from the Minoan civilization on Crete Perhaps the most unusual medicinal use mer months, it is hard to believe that all dating back 4,000 years. The daisy was of the daisy was described in The American the oxeye daisies there are descendants of probably originally from China; the Chinese Herbal (1801). The author stated that "the immigrants; there are no oxeye daisies in­ hybridized the native flower and pro­ leaves and flowers [of the daisy ] loosen the digenous to North America. duced many beautiful forms that even­ belly and are good for diseases arising from The story of the oxeye daisy and its trek tually became the parents of our garden the drinking of cold liquors when the body across the world is similar to that of many chrysanthemums. is hot." Many also believed that eating the of our weeds and wildflowers. The seeds Throughout the centuries, oxeye daisies roots of the daisy plant would stunt one's were probably brought to this continent have been used for a variety of purposes, growth. It was thought that feeding daisy mixed in with forage seeds such as clover both medicinal and magical. During the leaves to puppies soon after the animals or meadow grasses, or perhaps with hay Middle Ages, they were used to treat a were born would keep them from growing used as packing material by the early set­ number of ailments, including smallpox, too large. tlers. Whatever the mode of transporta­ tumors, jaundice, boils and skin rashes. Along the Rhine River in Western Eu­ tion, the seeds flourished once they arrived. Sometimes called banewort (fo r "bane" rope, oxeye daisies were referred to as jo­ The Pilgrims took a special liking to the meaning bone and "wort" meaning food hanneskrut or St. John's Day Flower. Res­ oxeye daisy because it reminded them of or medicine), daisies were often made into idents of the area believed the yellow center the common English daisy, Bellis perennis, a salve and applied to broken bones. A of the flower had the power to ward off

10 Jun e 1985 thunder and lightning, and often hung me, he loves me not," we can determine sies "ee ofthe daie," and Ben Jonson wrote daisies indoors for protection against the true feelings of our beloved. (Actually, of "Day's-eye." The oxeye daisy was called storms. the people who began this superstition knew "marguerite" by the French, in honor of Over the centuries, the daisy has been exactly what they were doing, because 90 Margaret of Anjou (1430-1482), an Eng­ considered a kind of fortune teller. For percent of daisy flowers have an uneven lish queen who was raised in France. She instance, to dream of the daisy in the spring number of petals; if we begin with "he adopted the daisy as her symbol and used has been said to bring a summer full of loves me," ch ances are we will end with three of these flowers in her coat of arms. happiness and good fortune. However, to the same phrase.) The botanical name for the oxeye daisy, dream of the daisy in the fall is thought to The common name "daisy" is derived Chrysanthemum leucanthemum, is quite bring months of bad luck. Tradition also from " day's eye" ; the flowers of Bellis per­ descriptive; Chrysanthemum is derived tells us that by plucking off the petals of ennis, the English daisy, open in the morn­ from the Greek words for yellow and flower, a daisy one by one and chanting " he loves ing and close at night. Chaucer called dai- and leucanthemum is from the Greek words for white and flower. Since oxeye flower heads are composed of yellow disc florets Daisies/or Gardens surrounded by white ray florets, this name seems particularly appropriate. Daisies did not escape the attention of hor­ Known for its hardiness. Flowers good for Bellis perennis, the English daisy, whose ticulturists, and today many gardens are cutting. Feed in winter. popularity among the early settlers is par­ graced with yellow and white flowers that • 'Beaute Nivelloise'. White with frilled tially responsible for the oxeye's successful resemble the wild oxeye. petals. (3 ft. ) establishment in this country, also has its Luther Burbank was foremost among • 'Cobham Gold'. Closest to a true yel­ share of names and traditions. The name the scientists who took an interest in de­ low Shasta. Free-blooming, with large yel­ Bellis may have come from the Latin word veloping showier daisies for the garden. low-cream blossoms. Deep yellow, high­ bellus, which means handsome. The name Burbank developed the lovely and popular crested centers. (15-18 in. ) may also be derived from the Latin word Shasta daisies, named for Mt. Shasta, which • 'Diener's Giant Double Strain'. Wide bellum, meaning war, since the plant was he could see from his laboratory window variety of types on the same plant. Full once used to stanch the flow of blood on in California. Shasta daisies, Chrysanthe­ doubles, singles, frilly- and plain-edged. (2 the battlefield. mum x superbum, are, according to Hor­ ft.) A common weed in Europe, B. perennis tus Third, "presumably a hybrid between • 'Esther Read'. Double white. (1 V2 ft.) is sometimes called whiteweed or the C. lacustre and C. maximum." • 'Horace Read'. Similar to 'Esther Read' "flower of spring." According to Mrs. Ste­ Shasta daisies (Chrysanthemum X su­ but not as free-flowering. Larger double phen Batson in The Summer Garden of perbum, but often listed as C. maximum) white flowers, 4 inches across. Pleasure, spring is said to have arrived when are among the hardiest and most satisfying • 'Little Miss Muffet'. Semi-double white one "can cover nine daisies with one im­ of all perennials. By choosing several cul­ blossoms developed by a Swiss plantsman. press of a foot." tivars, one can have daisies all summer Flowers July and August. (14 in.) In Scotland, daisies are called gowan, long. There are dwarf plants for the front • 'Majestic'. Very large, single, white and in Yorkshire their name is bairn wort, of the border, taller ones for the back, and blossoms, 4 to 5 inches across. (2 ft.) or "beloved by children." The Germans cultivars that can provide cut blossoms in • 'Marconi'. Double-frilled, very large call them ganesblume, or goose flower, the house. (6-in.) blossoms. Good cut flower. Blooms presumably because of the color of the All Shastas like full sun, but some of the in June. (2 ft.) blossom. Daisies are also sometimes called double-flowered cultivars may do better • 'Mayfield Giant'. Large, creamy-white tausendschon, which means one thousand with a little afternoon shade. The soil needs blossoms. (3 V2 ft.) times beautiful, or massliebchen, which to be rich, moist, but well drained, for • 'Mount Shasta'. Crested center with means love's measure. The Swedes call the soggy winter soils can kill the plants. Al­ large (4-inch) blooms. Flowers for many daisy prastkrage, or priest's collar, because though generally free from pests and dis­ weeks. Best treated as a biennial, for it of its resemblance to the ruffled collar of eases, the plants should be examined in tends to die out. (2-3 ft.) Lutheran ministers. The flower's shape and the spring for aphids and other pests. Set • 'Polaris'. Large single blossoms. color have also earned it the names moon­ plants out in the fall or spring, and place Blooms heavily in June and July, and later flower and moon daisy. them one foot apart. To maintain healthy if flowers are cut back. (2 ft.) Almost from the moment it arrived in plants, divide the rootstocks every other • 'Silver Princess'. Single white with this country, the modest oxeye, known and year. Deadheading is recommended to golden centers. (2 ft.) loved for centuries in Europe, became one prolong the blooming period. • 'Snow Cloud'. Anemone-centered of America's best-loved immigrants. Now double flowers, 3-4 inches across. (2-3 ft.) found everywhere-from cracks in side­ Among the many cultivars of Shasta • 'Snow Princess'. Large white petals walks to the grounds of the most magnif­ daisies are the following: with fringed edges. (3 ft.) icent homes-the oxeye daisy has truly • 'Aglaya'. (Also known as the lace • 'Wirral Pride'. Bushy plants. Flowers taken root in its adopted land. 0 daisy.) The most fully double, white, densely with wide, short petals that are heavily -Laura C. Martin quilled, long-lasting flowers. One of the crested in the center. Flowers are long­ hardiest. (2 ft.) Laura Martin is a free-lance writer and lasting on the bush and when cut. (2 ft.) lecturer from Atlanta, Georgia. She is author • 'Alaska'. One of the best-known older • 'W. L. Harkness'. Large, single white of Wildflower Folklore, published by The varieties. Strong grower and heavy bloomer. flowers. (2 1/2 ft.) East Woods Press.

American Horticulturist 11 Book Reviews

Luther Burbank once wrote, "The most wonderful thing in the world to me is this: the leaf of a growing plant." Any gardener, after turning through the pages of this book, could not help but share this sentiment.

BALL RED BOOK: GREENHOUSE GROWING. (14th Edition.) Vic Ball, Editor. Reston Publishing Company. Reston, Virginia. 720 pages; hardcover, $26.95. AHS member price, $22.65. An essential reference book for any nurs­ eryman's library, this new edition of the Ball Red Book is, like its predecessors, a LEA VES: The Formation, Characteristics, basic text on commercial production of and Uses of Hundreds of Leaves Found horticultural crops. The book provides ex­ in All Parts of the World. tensive information on such topics as fuel­ Kjell B. Sandved, photographs. Ghillean efficient heating, mechanization, auto­ Tolmie Prance, text. Crown Publishers, matiE: watering, soil mixes, germinating Inc. New York, New York. 1985. 244 seed, environmental control and insect pages; hardcover, $35.00. AHS member control. It also includes a brand-new sec­ price, $26.25. tion on computer applications in horti­ "Leaves, leaves, leaves. They are all around cultural production. Over 425 pages are us. Th.ey color our world green. For each devoted to the cultural requirements of person on earth there are millions of green specific crops, from ageratLIms to zinnias. leaves bringing nourishment to all flesh This section includes extensive discussions and sustaining the oxygen lev€l in the air on how to produce azaleas, spring bulb we breathe. ANd yet we know so little about crops, foliage plants, hydrangeas, lilies for the diversity of these senior inhabitants of Easter, poinsettias, hanging baskets, and earth. As urban creatures, we have lost a variety of cut flowers. touch with nature, so much so that most Although designed and written with the of us see in a leaf only a repetition of the commercial grower in mind, this book will next one. How true it is that the common be extremely useful to amateurs who are things in life are too often taken for granted considering enteriflg the commercial field, THE PERMANENT and overlooked, and leaves are among or to any individual interested in knowing METAL GARDEN LABEL them." how horticultural crops are produced. A-Hairpin Style Markers 30 $7.45 With this paragraph, photographer Kjell B-Plant or Shrub Labels 100 $6.10 C-Cap Style Markers 30 $7.50 B. Sandved sets the tone for his lavish book D-Swinging Style Markers 30 $6.40 celebrating the beauty and incredible va­ E-Rose Markers 30 $7.00 Two Field Guides f-Tall Display Markers 30 $9.75 riety of the world's leaves. The book is G-Tall Single Staff Markers 30 $7.20 divided into chapters illustrating the many H-flag Style Markers 30 $5.95 J-Small Plant Labels 100. $6.00 diverse kinds and uses of leaves, such as OAKS OF NORTH AMERICA. K-Tie-On Labels 100 $7.1 5 variegated h~aves, succulent leaves, leaves Howard A. Miller & Samuel H. Lamb. M-Mlniature Markers 30 $5.95 that move, modified leaves, leaves that serve Naturegraph Publishers, Inc. Happy Special Quantity Prices Available Camp, California. 1985. 327 pages; Postage Prepaid as homes, leaves that defend their plants, fossil leaves and leaves of prey. Each chap­ hardcover, $14.95; softcover, $9.95. Introductory Offer: 1 Each; A, B, C, D, E, H, J, K ter is illustrated with many of Sandved's AHS member price, $13.45 (hardcover), with Waterproof Crayon Only $2.75 stunning photographs, which were taken $8.95 (softcover). all over the world. Although this is pri­ This useful field guide lists and describes PAW PAW EVERLAST LABEL COMPANY marily a picture book, each chapter has a over 75 species and varieties of oaks text introduction, and there are chapters (Quercus spp.) found in North America. P.O. Box 93-AH-2 on the functions and structures of leaves, The species are divided into four regional Paw Paw, Michigan 49079-0093 as well as olilleaf shapes and arrangements. groups: Eastern oaks (43 species and va-

12 June 1985 rieties); oaks of Texas west of the 100th meridian (9); Southwest oaks (16); and Pacific Coast oaks (11). In addition to de­ scribing the growth habits and other char­ acteristics of each species, the book in­ .---I cludes detailed range maps and photographs I of leaves, bark, winter twigs and acorns Long·lasting. choice lily I for most species. Each section devoted to BULBS for the HOME GARDENER. a regional group is preceded by a key, which The best Hybrid va ri eties I Greenhouse will help the user identify the various spe­ GUARANTEED·TO·GROW plus I or Sunroom? cies in the region. The book also includes m any RARE and ENDANGERED I Make the right choice with Janco. a list of oaks whose ranges overlap the SPECIES propagated at our nursery. Mexican border, as well ·as a key to 112 Display garden by appointment I We're the only manufacturer to offer Color catalog $1 (refundable) a complete range of greenhouses and oak species found in Mexico. The intro­ I 50larooms to match every lifestyle. ductory sections of this guide are also in­ climate and budget. teresting; they contain a history of the uses PLEASE PRINT 50 before you make your decision . of oaks, an explanation of the value oaks send $2.00 and receive our informa­ tive 48-page color catalog featuring have for wildlife and a discussion of the NAME pests of oaks. over 100 greenho~uses. STREET 50larooms and accessories. STATE _____ ZIP _____ &. GLASS STRUCTURES Building In the sun since 1948. Janco Greenhouses Dept N11-6, 9390 Davis Ave. laurel. MD 20707. (301) 498·5700 B [; D LILIES I've enclosed $2.00 to cover first..::lass postage and 330 P' Street., Dept A handling of my 48·page color catalog. Name ______Port Townsend, WA 98368 Address ______(206) 385· I 738 City State___ Zip ___ L ------Phone ( ) .. ~------~I Book Order Form I

Please send me the books I have checked below at the special AHS member prices.

CACTI OF TEXAS AND o Leaves ...... $26.25 o The American Woman's Garden ...... $26.95 NEIGHBORING STATES. CROWN·07650 LIlTL-077J 0 Del Weniger. University of Texas Press. o Ball Red Book: Greenhouse o Bonsai: The Art and Technique ...... $26.50 Austin, Texas. 1984.356 pages; Growing ...... $22.65 PRENT·07720 hardcover, $24.95; softcover, $14.95. RESTO·07660 o Carnivorous Plants ...... $10.00 o Oaks of North America MITPR·07730 AHS member price, $19.95 (hardcover), (hardcover) ...... $13.45 $11 .95 (softcover). NATUR-07670 I would like to order books. (Please This guide to nearly 200 species and va­ o Oaks of North America (softcover) ... $ 8.95 add $1. 75 per book for postage and handling. Virginia residents, also add 4% sales tax.) rieties of cacti found growing in the South­ NATUR-07680 o Cacti of Texas and Neighboring States Enclosed is my check for $, ____ west is a I!Iseful reference for any native (hardcover) ...... $19.95 plant enthusiast living in Texas, New LrfEXA-07690 Please allow six weeks for delivery. Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas or Louisi­ o Cacti of Texas and Neighboring States Mail to: Jeanne Eggeman, American Horticul­ ana. Cacti of Texas and Neighboring States (softcover) ...... $11.95 tural Society, P.O. Box 0105, Mount Vernon, UTEXA-07700 Virginia 22121. begins with a key to all 11 genera of cacti fmlnd growing in the region, and includes keys to the species in the larger genera­ Ship to, ______~ =~ ______Echinocereus, Echinocactus, Mammillaria and Opuntia. Each species and botanical Street: ______variety included in the book is illl!lstrated Ciry, ______with a color photograph, and the author provides an extensive description, com­ State, ______Zip, ______mon names and range notes for each taxon. L ______~ Continued on next page

American Horticulturist 13 BOOK REVIEWS

BONSAI: THE ART AND TECHNIQUE. Dorothy S. Young. Prentice-Hall, Inc. Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey . 1985. 423 pages; hardcover, $29.95. AHS member price, $26.50. Bonsai: The Art and Technique has much to offer the advanced bonsai enthusiast, as well as the gardener who has recently be­ come interested in this ancient art. The author has included extensive discussions of wiring, pruning, container mixes, and We offer an outstanding selection of design and potting techniqu ~ s, as well as Nassos Daphl'lis Tree Peonies and chapters on sakei (tree and rock plantings) other fine hybridizers. Full color and two Chinese styles of bonsai-the catalog plus 1985 amendment Lingnan grow-and-clip method and rock available. Send $2.00, refunded on plantings. Gardeners who do not have the fi rst order to: THE AMERICAN WOMAN'S facilities for growing traditional bonsai out­ GARDEN. of-doors will find the chapter devoted to Rosemary Verey & Ellen Samuels, CHAS. KLEHM & SON indoor bonsai especially useful. The sec­ Editors. Little, Brown & Company. ond part of this book is devot~ d to an Boston, Massachusetts. 1984. 191 pages; extensive list of species that are suitable hardcover, $29.95. AHS member price, HLEHm for bonsai. Each species is described, and $26.95. nu"e,y specific cultural notes are provided. As its title suggests, this sumptuous book The text is informative, and the many RT. 5, BOX 197 is a companion to The Englishwoman's SOUTH BARRINGTON, IL 60010 black-and-white photographs and line Garden, an extremely popular collection drawings are useful. More important, the of essays by British women about their book is American, and devotes space to gardens and gardening in general. The ed­ American methods for growing and train­ itors (Rosemary Verey was co-editor of ing bonsai, as well as the traditional Jap­ NOW . .. BY MAIL! The Englishwoman's Garden) have col­ anese and Chinese methods. An essential UNUSUAL, HARD­ lected essays from 30 American women component of any well-rounded bonsai TO-FIND FLOWER who garden. Each of these gardeners pre­ library, Dorothy Young's book is un­ sents the history of her own garden, her doubtedly destined to become a classic for ARRANGING thoughts about the gardens she has created American bonsai growers. SUPPLIES: and cared for, and her personal insights into gardening. The essays, each of which Special Rose Kit is illustrated with superb photographs, are grouped according to the type of garden New In Paperback To add longer life to roses, each woman maintains-historic, city and we have put together a Deluxe town, estate, perennial and country gar­ CARNIVOROUS PLANTS. Rose Kit which includes: dens, as well as gardens of collectors and Adrian Slack. The MIT Press. specialists. Rosemary Verey's introduc­ 1 Stem Stripper Cambridge, Massachusetts. 1985. 240 tion, " An English View of the American 1 Flower Gatherer pages; softcover, $12.50. AHS member Woman's Garden," and Ellen Samuels's 1 Dozen Florever Rose price, $10.00. Preservatives epilogue, "Ne>tes of an Am~rican Garden This fascinating guide to the world's car­ Traveler," complete the book. $2 295includes shipping Although many of the gardeFlers fea­ nivorous plants and how to grow them only Calif. residents add 6% tax tured in this book garden on a much grander has, until now, been available only in hard­ cover. The author describes the major New Catalog . . . $1.00 scale than is possible for many Americans, groups of camivorous plants, and has in­ Refundable with FIRST ORDER the essays and accompanying photographs cluded extensive information on cultiva­ are inspirational. Each essay not only gives The Keth Company insight into the ways in which another per­ tion. The book is illustrated throughout P.O. Box 645 with color and black-and-white photo­ son approaches gardening, but also pre­ Corona del Mar, California 92625 graphs, as well as line drawings. 6 sents individual design philosophies aFld recommends favorite plant combinations. These women gardeners come from all over -Barbara W. Ellis the country-from California to Massa­ chusetts, and from Minnesota to Geor­ Barbara W. Ellis is Editor of American gia-and gardeners from every state will Horticulturist and Publications Director for find something of value in this book. the American Horticultural Society.

14 June 1985 THE DESIGN PAGE Wnes

ines are one of son. Here, again, vines the most ver­ can playa crucial role. Vsa tile li ving One of my richest forms in a gardener's garden memories is design vocabulary. of a sagging porch, Grown around trel­ li sting wicker chairs lises, arches and ar­ a nd a thi ck bower bors, or anchored in of Dutchman's-pipe. drifts of perennials, Here was a scene of vines can quickly give timelessness, of mild added dimension and decay, evoking a sense shade to a featureless of summer's ease. No landscape and make ela borate gazebo, large spaces more in­ planted with the most timate. Like lines artfully selected vines drawn in a painting, and roses, could have the weight, mass and said it as succinctly or texture of different as sweetly. vines can direct the eye R Apparently, this up, across or deeper ~ blowzy vine was cho­ into a garden com­ ~ sen years ago simply position. ~ to provide deep shade Trained around ~ and privacy. Dutch- Although not true vines, climbing roses can lend vine-like distinction to the landscape. doorways and porch­ man's-pipe, Aristolo­ es, and against walls, vines can lend dis­ divergent elements that must be recon­ chia durior, grows rapidly and has rounded, tinction to an otherwise flat or non-com­ ciled, whether harmoniously or in dra­ coarsely textured leaves that somet.imes mittal house facade; the delicate foliage matic contrast. In the case of a recent de­ reach a foot in length. With its small, scent­ and flowers of some vines lighten heavy sign project of mine, a single vine less flowers (rather like meerschaum pipes architecture, while others impart sub­ accomplished this quite neatly. in shape), barely visible beneath its volu­ stance. At a much-used entrance to a kitchen, minous foliage, this old-fashioned porch Vines can also play an important role along a short path from the driveway, there vine is not something one would grow for in integrating a house and garden. At Ny­ was simply too much going on; where ga­ deliberate dramatic effect, The only care mans in Sussex, England, for example, roses rage met house, four different roof lines this enthusiastic vine ever received was a (which, of course, aren't really vines) and merged in a jigsaw of angles and archi­ twice-yearly chop with a large kitchen knife, honeysuckle create a ~apestry against the tectural styles. With fences, gates, drain­ just so people could get through the door. ruins of the manor house. These climbing pipes and roofs, visitors didn't know where But for all of this-or because of it-this plants-rising from among Cistus and huge, to. look. In fact, from the drive, it wasn't vine's character was important in estab­ silvery mounds of Senecio, with its yello',v, clear this was an entrance at all. Also, an lishing the mood of this garden corner. daisy-like f1owers-re-enforce the roman­ opportunity was lost to play up a mag­ Of course, one cannot throw together a tic character of the structure and tie the nificent view of surrounding mountains couple of disjointed elements-a trellis here, building in with surrounding gardens, through this mishmash of roofs and a vine on a porch or a stone wall therc­ Without this vertical display, the great gates, The simple addition of Hydrangea and expect the result to be a satisfying windowless and roofless hulk would sit anomala subsp, petiolaris, commonly called garden. It is important to consicier how a starkly on its stretch of open lawn. climbing hydrangea, helped not only to wall, like one between a lawn and meadow, While Nymans is large, the essential ele­ unify the various structures, but also to separates space physically and stylistically, ments in this scene are similar to what clarify the scene so that the mountain could as well as what happens in the resulting many of us confront on a smaller scale be seen more clearly as part of the space, Nevertheless, the success of this one­ when integrating architecture with garden composition. time country garden-and many other and landscape. To bridge the gap, we must On the other hand, it isn't always the gardens-lies in its stylistic integrity, in the do more than plant a few yews or rho­ placement or relationships of plants and ability of the gardener to understand the dodendrons around a foundation or on structures that give a garden meaning, character of a vine or other plant, then either side of a doorway. Sometimes it can be a single plant or setting place it with simple conviction. ~~ Frequently, when trying to establish a that evokes the quintessential qualities of -Margaret Hensel legitimate and sensitive relationship be­ shade or sunlight, and the qualities of that Margaret Hensel is a landscape designer and tween architecture and garden, there are single plant become the essence of a sea- writer living in western Massachusetts.

American Horticulturist 15

BY ANTHONY DE BLASI

magine a collection of giant roses Today, as always, peony breeders are catmint (Nepeta mussinii), Heuchera and blooming on tropical-looking shrubs more inclined to concentrate on herba­ Platycodon. Peonies are not compatible l with deeply notched foliage. One, re­ ceous peonies, the type most familiar to with sprawlers, creepers and invaders. sembling a huge, strawberry- red camellia, gardeners. A notable exception has been Bushes with a more aggressive nature than is labeled 'Banquet'. Another, adorned with the Gratwick-Daphnis collaboration in PotentiLLa or hybrid tea roses should be ruffled rosettes of butter-yellow, is called which second-, third-, and even fourth­ kept far away. 'Age of Gold'. Rising like a mushroom generation hybrids were worked over to A lutea hybrid should be situated where explosion is one filled with mahogany reveal some of the deeper-seated genetic its beauty may be observed without dis­ blooms that sizzle with crimson sparks in­ possibilities of Paeonia. tractions. It need not be isolated, however. side stylishl y waved petals. (The label says Lutea hybrids bloom about th e time li­ Tree peonies can be put to good use in the 'Thunderbolt'.) Yet another is hung with lacs and Japanese tree peonies are fading, summer by permitting them to cascade by oversized pompoms of yell ow flushed and and roses and herbaceous peonies are com­ a stairway or to associate with a piece of edged with red, like a prop for a science ing on stage. They are not an intermission garden sculpture. They also furnish grace­ fiction movie. Lifting this one ('Souvenir between acts, however. Rather, they are a ful contrast to bolder, darker plants such de Maxime Cornu') to the nose, we notice show in their own right, worthy of serious as rhododendrons. In landscaping, they the scent of freshly cut grapefruit. selection and placement. provide an element of informality, if de­ Lutea hybrid tree peonies once existed My favorite use of a tree peony is as a si red. Keep them away from foundations, only in the imagination. Imagine a fully single, uncluttered specimen at a focal point and avoid boxing them in among shrub­ double peony blossom the color of a daf­ on a lawn. Such strong understatement is bery. Also, leave plenty of space around fodil! Although at one time such a flower in character with the tree peony's quiet, them, and keep them forward; they are had no more substance than a sigh, it now but commanding nature. Its rich flowers, not background plants, tall as some may bears the name 'Alice Harding' and sells shimmering against a spring-green lawn, be. for about $15.00 for a three-year-old plant. create a hypnotic effect and an urge to get Tree peonies should be planted in the The peony world's "Midas touch" be­ the camera. As a rule, the fully expanded fall. Choose a planting site that is well gan with the discovery of Paeonia Lutea leaves of a peony should not extend over drained, doesn't bake in the hot afternoon about 100 years ago by French mission­ grass. If the grass comes too close to the sun, and is not a wind tunnel. An open aries in southern China. Hybridists like trunk, widen the circle around the plant. location with some afternoon shade is best. Victor and Emile Lemoine, Louis Henry One popular ritual is to line herbaceous Dig a generous hole, as you would for a and A. P. Saunders used this shy, shrubby peonies up along a driveway. This makes fruit tree, and fill it with only good soil peony with flowers the color of buttercups a handy cutting garden in the spring, an mixed with plenty of compost and/or peat to infuse the Chinese and Japanese tree attractive green border during the summer, moss, plus two pounds of bone meal per peonies (P. suffruticosa) with genetic gold. and a clear area for piling snow in winter. planting hole. The junction between the The task, long neglected by nature, was Tree peonies, however, are not suited to stem(s) and the roots should be four to five suddenly taken up by man with a ven­ such regimentation. For one thing, they are inches below the surface. Space the plants geance. Where none existed before, in one less symmetrical than the regular perennial six feet apart, and don't pound the soil lifetime over 100 yellow-flowered peonies peonies. And their woody stems, which around the roots. Flood the area around sprang into being, as though a bank of bear next year's buds above the ground, the plant with a couple of buckets of water. clouds had suddenly parted and the sun at should not be subjected to traffic. Gar­ If wind is a problem, place a heavy stake last showed through. deners with a penchant for soldier-like line­ (I recommend an aluminum pipe for per­ The early European breeders worked with ups might want to arrange a row along a manence) in the planting hole when the the "thousand-petaled" Chinese cultivars wall (though not too close), a fence or a roots are set, centering the stake as nearly of tree peonies. Combining the nodding walk. A convex curve in the row that keeps as possible. As new stems develop and the habit of P. Lutea with such full flowers the furthest plants out of view will add plant becomes bushy, the stems may be resulted in many hybrids with blooms that movement to the formation. loosely tied to the stake with thick gray, frequently hide in the foliage. (These blooms Beds are for petunias, not tree peonies. green, black or brown yarn. Tie the young­ are best admired floating in a bowl, where These unique shrubs, which may exceed est stems in early summer when they have their shyness turns to boasting.) In the five feet in height and breadth, do not fit stopped growing. United States, A. P. Saunders used the in with mass planting schemes. The gar­ Keep a coarse, five- to six-inch mulch lighter, stiffer-stemmed Japanese tree peony dener who is not planning or managing an over the roots the first winter. Straw, oak cultivars for his crosses. These crosses re­ estate planting should not contemplate a leaves or wood chips are ideal. Thereafter, sulted in far more garden-worthy plants group larger than three in one spot. If this a two-inch mulch of finer material, such that display their blooms with pride. Saun­ is too confining, consider a ring of six or as dried grass clippings, is beneficial. ders also used P. delavayi, which is similar more encircling a sitting area, a pool or a One annual feeding of low-nitrogen fer­ to P. Lutea except for its black-red flowers, sundial-or a border along the sunny sides tilizer, right after the tree peonies bloom, to produce some of his hybrids. This line of a patio. (Bear in mind, though, that is sufficient nourishment. I have used bone produced such dark-hued peonies as the these bushes provide only a quiet green meal-about a cup scratched into the soil dramatic 'Black Pirate' and 'Vesuvian', color after their seasonal burst of bloom.) around each plant-for years with excel­ which erupts into giant blooms that look Tree peonies are sturdy plants, but they lent results. Like other peonies, these plants like 'Crimson Glory' roses. will not stand up to competition with trees must not be pushed, just nudged a bit. Lutea hybrid tree peony 'Angelet' was and other shrubs. Any mixing is best done Once planted properly, a lutea hybrid tree devel~ped by the well-known peony with bedding annuals such as ageratums peony needs little attention except for rou­ hybridizer A. P. Saunders. and marigolds or such docile perennials as tine weeding, cultivating and/or mulching.

American Horticulturist 17 Give it a good drink in prolonged dry weather. Tree peonies don't need pruning; a branch that juts out where you don't want it, or a dead branch, is all the wood that need be removed. (These cultural tips, by the way, apply to Japanese tree peonies as well as lutea hybrids.) Finer points of culture are subject to opinion, which suggests that peonies adapt rather well to people. I contacted some tree peony enthusiasts and specialists, and asked them to share their views and experiences. These growers have been active in the de­ velopment and popularization of lutea hy­ brid peonies. "My 'pet hybrid' ('Alice Harding') must be very early, as it has shown considerable growth," writes octogenarian Father Joe Syrovy of Iowa. "I have a cardboard box around it! Don't laugh!" Does this remind you of the pampering you give some pet of your own? Unlike Father Syrovy's fa­ vorite, most lutea hybrids are in no hurry to leaf out in the spring. Consequently, the buds (brown and dead-looking through the winter) escape injury from late-spring frosts. "Father Joe" likes to feed his tree peo­ nies several times a year with wood ashes that contain burned bones. (I got a chill · in my spine when I first read that.) He Paeonia lutea, parent to the lutea hybrids, has nodding flowers. sometimes uses bone meal, and mulches with old sawdust. There are numerous var­ plants. But snow cover has been uncertain would not be without. Silvia Saunders, faced iations on this phosphorus-potassium in recent winters, and if I lived in a more with an awesome array of hybrids (in­ theme. Specialist Don Jenkins of North exposed location, I might follow one or cluding many created by her father), re­ Carolina uses a mix of cottonseed meal, more of W. G. Sindt's suggestions: oak luctantly picked 'Renown' (Saunders), for potash and phosphoric acid in March and leaves in a frame; excelsior tied in and its unique and beautiful color. It bears late April, and mulches with wood chips. around each plant; Styrofoam rose cones; bright, light copper-red flowers with yel­ Louis Smirnow of N ew York, an importer or bales of hay around the plant. The folks low overtones, and sometimes reblooms of tree peonies from China and Japan, feeds to the south may laugh at this, but it is no in July or August (a trait inherited from his lutea hybrids superphosphate three funnier than protecting the flowers from P. luteal. weeks after blooming. Silvia Saunders, who the broiling sun with beach umbrellas. In­ For Louis Smirnow and Roger Nelson resides in New York and is the daughter cidentally, tree peonies thrive further south (a Nebraskan), the choice is 'Coronal' (also of the great hybridist A. P. Saunders, uses than do herbaceous types. But no matter a Saunders hybrid), a beautifully furled, Rapid-Gro and Sequestrene. And Minne­ where you live, even if the local folk say bell-shaped flower of rich ivory and palest sotan specialist W. G. Sindt uses 10-10-10 you can't grow them, try a couple; they yellow hue. The blooms are delicately edged fertilizer after bloom and in very late fall. are surprisingly adaptable. and flushed with rose. Under no circumstances should that first A striking difference between herba­ 'High Noon' (Saunders) is the first choice number in the chemical triniry (the pro­ ceous peonies and the trees is that you of W. G. Sindt. A bright lemon-yellow, it portion of nitrogen to phosphorus and won't find ants congregating on tree peony is semi-double, reliable, and occasionally potassium) be higher than the other two. flower buds as they develop. And the ten­ reblooms. Lawn food, with its high nitrogen content, dency to blight, especially during a wet Don jenkins's reason for choosing 'Gau­ must not come near these plants if you spring, is less. I have never sprayed my guin' (Daphnis) is that "it grows better, want them to bloom lavishly and enjoy a peonies, and I have lost few buds to botry­ produces more, and is a beautiful flower." long life-two traits for which peonies are tis. However, in other climates and under Each petal of 'Gauguin' has red lines on famous. other conditions, it might be useful to spray the inside, with streaks of yellow from the Tree peonies are sub-zero hardy, but in in early spring with a fungicide. Don Jen­ base to the top. The back of the petals is the far North, exposed stems may winter­ kins sprays with a mixture of Cygon 2E, golden-yellow with red streaks. The center kill. My tree peonies are in Maine, on the Benlate and a spreader-sticker. "Father Joe" of the flower is red, and the anthers are border of USDA Zones 4 and 5. We live uses Bordeaux Mixture. yellow. in a protective microclimate that was once The toughest question I asked these My own favorite is 'Souvenir de Max­ an apple orchard, so I do not cover my growers was which one lutea hybrid they ime Cornu', for the vigor of the plant and

18 June1985 So far, the most successful specialist in this regard has been artist Nassos Daphnis of New York, whose goal has been the creation of hyb rids in which the bad char­ acteristics of P. lutea are eliminated and all the best qualities of P. suffruticosa (also call ed P. moutan) are retained. He is now workin g on an advanced generation of crosses that have 1/8 lutea and 7/ 8 suffru­ ticosa "blood." The augmented suffruti­ cosa inheritance also increases both male and female fertility. These new develop­ ments promise to lead to many more flow­ ers still existing only in the breeder's im ag­ ination. One suggestion that has been made for adding strength and hardiness is the introduction of some P. potanini 'Tall Yel­ low' (F. C. Stern) blood into the luteas. The surge of interest in tree peonies in the last decade is due not only to their artistic beauty but to the fact that these "garden aristocrats" grow and respond to normal care. They are, in fact, much less demanding than roses. They are also neat, and stay put. When given a good start, they live and bloom for generations. Get­ ting them well started means that you should: 1. Order stock that is at least three years 'Princess' bears large, dusky-mauve flowers that are suffused with gold. old from tree peony specialists. Do this in the summer, so that your plants arrive the sunset hues that illuminate the petals. 'Mystery' (S). Large, single flowers of promptly in the fall. Selecting cultivars to grow is a bit like pearled lavender, with dark shadings and 2. Plant them correctly, in a suitable choosing specimens in a gem and mineral varied with very pale green. place. shop; the choice is overwhelming. Here are 'Roman Gold' (S). The best yellow sin­ 3. Keep them watered, weeded, fed and some (not yet mentioned) that keep sur­ gle, according to David Reath of Michi­ (if necessary) fenced off from animals, in­ facing on lists of favorites. (The hybrid­ gan, who describes it as "phosphorescent cluding two-legged types. izers are indicated as follows: D = Daphnis; yellow with deep red flares. Petals of gold 4. Don't push them with fertilizer, L = Lemoine; S = Saunders.) substance, well carried on one of the best chemical or organic. Do not place any fer­ 'Angelet' (S). A tall plant with semi-dou­ plants for landscaping." tilizer (except bone meal) in the planting ble, yellow flowers that are faintly edged 'Silver Sails' (S). A favorite of A. P. Saun­ hole, whether it is slow-release or not. Do in rose and have a dark center. Resembles ders. This is an elite garden plant that cov­ not expect immediate results; you're not a yellow Japanese tree peony. ers itself with large, single, silvery-yellow planting tulips. 'Chinese Dragon' (S). Semi-double, bright blossoms, faintly flushed and flared. Father Syrovy believes that tree peonies crimson. Fringed blossoms on attractive 'Tria' (D) . Three bright yellow, single offer rewards for everyone, from the plants with distinctive, bronze-tipped fo­ flowers proudly held on each stem, open­ housewife or the tired businessperson, to liage that is finely cut. ing in sequence to prolong the blooming the senior citizen or the overwrought 'Chromatella' (L). Fully double, pure period. Excellent garden plant. youngster. Specifically, they provide peace sulfur-yellow, large and fragrant. Two persistent problems crop up when and beauty, and something to look for­ 'Hesperus' (S). Old rose pink single with breeding lutea hybrid tree peonies. One is ward to each year with joy and satisfac­ yellow undertones, deep pink veins and the weak stems and nodding habit of P. tion. Indeed, the show put on by the pink purple flares. Provides a radiance of color. [utea, characteristics that take a genetic or red buds of a tree peony-as they ex­ Reblooms on occasion. ride along with the desired yellow pigment. plode in the spring and mushroom into 'La Lorraine' (L). Rdined, soft yellow, These problems have been overcome in waves of foliage and sensuous flowers­ double rosette, with red hiding in the depths. some of the European hybrids ('L' Esper­ keeps us all wondering and keeps us young. Haunting fragrance. A low plant and late ance', for example), most of the Saunders 6 bloomer. hybrids and all of the Daphnis hybrids. 'Marchioness' (S). Single to semi-double Infertility is the second breeding problem. Anthony De Blasi is a free-lance writer and photographer living in West Newfield, Maine. blend of yellow, apricot and rose. Heart To date, specialists have had difficulty He is the author of "The Cold Greenhouse, " is dark and dramatic. Fine style, substance wheedling nature into producing seeds be­ which appeared in the February 1985 issue of and performance. yond the first generation. American Horticulturist.

American Horticulturist 19 "I ris slipped on her cloak, / And in that thin embrace of shining col­ ours / She was a rainbow fleeting through the skies . ... " In The Metamorphoses Ovid makes sev­ eral references to Iris, the goddess of the rainbow. Iris, Jove's courier to Earth, often carried her messages over the rainbow. It is fitting, then, that a flower of so many colors carries the name of the mytholQgical goddess. Today, iris grow happily in a city named after a mythological bird that rose from its ashes-Phoenix, Arizona. These "flow­ ers of the rainbow" thrive thanks largely to the efforts of Bobbie and Dorald (Don) Shepard, who have pioneered the culti­ vation of iris in the desert during the last two decades. Seventeen years ago the Shepards were given a handful of tall bearded iris. Un­ familiar with their cultural requirements, the Shepards planted them in the shade of a tall ash tree. "They grew foliage the first year, but didn't bloom until the second," Bobbie recalls. "We had 'Tournament Queen', a purple, and 'Snow Queen;, a white. We entered them ifl a local show and won a blue ribbon by pure luck. We enjoyed the iris so much, we went to sev­ eral nurseries in search of more rhizomes, but to no avail. Iris was not supposed to grow well in the desert, and since there was no demand, local nurseries stocked only limited supplies." The Shepards began mail-ordering from California. They also found a few rhi­ zomes at a local garden show hosted by the Sun Country Iris Society. "We bought 30 plants at the first sale," Don reminisces. "We were like children with new toys; we were fascinated by the colors and textures." Each year their collection grew by sev­ eral dozen rhizomes. The Shepards also began collecting prize ribbons and exhi­ bition trophies from local flower shows. In 1972, the Sun Country Iris Society re­ ceived a shipment of 300 rhizomes from Bernard and Celeste Hamner of Perris, California; only the Shepards had room for them. Once these new acquisitions were planted, the Shepards formally opened their backyard garden as an iris nursery.

20 June 1985 the BY MAIRE SIMINGTON

nica), dusty-mauve-flowered Mexican evening primroses (Oenothera berlandieri) and rich rose-colored blooms of verbena soften the harsher lines of tall euphorbias, totem-pole cactus (Lophocereus schottii 'Monstrosus') and golden barrel cactus. From the cactus garden, a crushed gran­ ite walkway winds through the circular garden, around the Shepards' home, and into the formal front entry area. One side of the walkway is flanked by a rose garden; the other is lush green. Fiddle-leaf figs, several myrtles and a Sago palm hug the arched, stuccoed entrance. Pink fairy lilies (Zephyranthes), lemon-yellow-flowered daylilies and a few Australian natives­ strawflowers (Helichrysum bracteatum) and at least two species of kangaroo-paws (Anigozanthos manglesii and A . flavi­ dus)-add bursts of subtle color to the deep green. It is from this point that serious study of the iris garden can begin. All visitors are greeted by the high-pitched yips of the Shepards' long-haired Chihuahuas, DeeBee and El Tigre, two ankle-high fluffs of dog that scamper in excitement with each new arrival to the garden. "When we first began showing iris sev­ eral years ago, people asked us how large our greenhouse was," Bobbie muses. "They were amazed to learn that all our flowers are grown in the field under the desert sun. In fact, iris will grow better in Arizona than LEFT: Rows of iris fill the Shepards' Arizona garden. ABOVE: Tall bearded iris 'Persian Berry'. in any other part of the country. Our grow­ ing season lasts for nine months of the From the stn~et, the view into the Shep­ Sheep amble lazily in a neighboring yard year, and there are virtually no diseases or ards' garden is overwhelming. The fans and occasionally acknowledge the visitors borers to plague the rhizomes. The worst look like an emerald-green sea as they sway with a deep, vibrating "baa." A few houses problem we have is sun scorch." in warm desert breezes. Some 800 iris of further down, cows graze contentedly, Proper planting is the key to a successful all kinds cover three-quarters of an acre. seemingly unaware of all that is around iris garden in the Southwest. Endless rows The tall bearded, arilbred, spuria, median them. of hills and furrows line the rectangular and Louisiana iris are all members of the Adjacent to the main iris fields are a few beds at the Shepards' garden. All but the genus Iris. There are also representatives side gardens to surprise the discerning eye. LOl!lisiana and spuria iris are planted on from two other genera, Dietes and Mo­ A row of Louisiana iris, daylilies and Wat­ top of the hills. (When grown in Arizona, raea, whose members are commonly called sonia ushers one to the entrance of the Louisianas also seem to fare better with iris. In the spring, the garden glistens with cactus garden. A marker at the entrance afternoon shade.) blossoms in jewel tones of amber, ame­ reads, "The kiss of the sun for pardon / "The rhizomes perched on the hills are thyst and aquamarine. The song of the bird for mirth / One is kept dryas water seeps down into the root­ During the peak blooming period in April, nearer God's heaven in a garden / Than ing area," Don explains. "We also plant several hundred people wander through anywhere else on earth." Here, a host of the toe of the rhizome toward the south­ the garden making their selections for fall succulents and desert wildflowers grow west. The sun comes up and over the back, purchase. Many stay for hours soaking in harmoniously. Silky-petaled, orange-red minimizing the potential for sunburning. the ambience of the rich pastoral setting. California poppies (Eschscholzia califor- Continued on page 39

American Horticulturist 21 Cary ArboretumS

TEXT & PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARGARET PARKE

uxuriant billowy fronds, dappled at the NYBG, was instrumental in the de­ Just as important as amassing and dis­ shade, green coolness, peace .... velopment of the Fern Glen. When he is playing a fern collection are the research L All are suggestive of the world when not lecturing or making field trips to Mex­ and testing opportunities the plants in the it was young, say 400 million years ago, ico or the West Indies, he can often be collection provide. "We wanted to bring when ferns first appeared on earth. And found in his tucked-away office at the in ferns from other parts of the United all can be found on a mere two acres of NYBG, surrounded by dried specimens of States, and from different countries-ferns land at Cary Arboretum's Fern Glen in Elaphoglossum, one of the largest and most that hadn't been tried in this climate-to Millbrook, New York, an area known to difficult genera of ferns to classify. The see which ones would be hardy here," said carriage horse fanciers and antique hunt­ living fern collection at the Garden-both Mickel. "There are literally hundreds of ers. The Hudson River is 15 miles to the under glass and in outdoor plantings-is possibilities-other species which would west, as the crow flies; some 80 miles south one of the finest in the world, perhaps grow outdoors here-and we want to find lies the River's Baghdad, New York City. second only to Kew in England, and the out which ones they are." Tossed into the bargain is the Glen's back­ Cary Arboretum project is an extension of Initial funding for the Glen was obtained drop of oaks, maples, native viburnums, this collection. The development of the Fern in 1977 from an IBM Community Service witch hazels and azaleas, fragrant hem­ Glen has been one of Mickel's chief preoc­ Grant, and bulldozers and wheelbarrows, locks, pines and wildflowers, along with cupations since the early 1970's, when he, many of them manned by 18 teen-age the sound of running water and birdsong. Carlton Lees (former Vice President of members of the Youth Conservation Corps, It is, as one visitor was overheard saying Horticulture at the NYBG) and Robert went into action. Mickel and Hebb, with when he emerged from the tranquil Glen, Hebb (former Chief Horticulturist at Cary the help of the American Fern Society, be­ "a respite from a busy world." Arboretum) began planning it. gan to assemble the collection. Some ferns This particular fern glen is more than "The goal of the Fern Glen as we saw were collected during field trips or pur­ just a pretty place for philosophic mean­ it in the early days," said Mickel, "was to chased; others were donated by the Fern derings, however. Part of the 2,000-acre collect and display as many northeastern Society and botanical institutions in other Cary Arboretum-an outpost of the New ferns (there are about 100) and fern allies parts of the world. York Botanical Garden (NYBG) that as possible. These were then to be used for The Fern Glen is now six years old, and was founded in 1971-the Fern Glen has education and experiments." The term "fern the collection contains about 125 species a miSSIOn. allies," he explained, refers to whisk ferns, of ferns and fern allies. Fifty-eight of these Cary Arboretum is a resource center for clubmosses, spikemosses, quill worts and are native to the Northeast; the others were ecological and evolutionary studies that horsetails. These plants, like ferns, repro­ collected from other parts of the United complement programs of systematic bot­ duce by spores. In primeval times, some States, northern Europe, Japan, the Alps, any, biochemical research and horticulture of these fern allies (not the ferns, as some and the Himalayas, and at high elevations at the NYBG in the Bronx. The Fern Glen people might suppose) soared to 100 feet in Mexico. Volunteers of the New York is a botanical collection for education and and had "trunks" three feet in girth. (Dur­ Chapter of the Fern Society (begun by display, and a research laboratory for test­ ing a field trip to tropical America, Mickel Mickel in 1973), including Lorraine Ram­ ing plant hardiness. For the Sunday after­ found himself standing in a field of giant sey and Dorothy and Ed Linde, propagated noon visitor, however, the Glen is simply horsetails, Equisetum sp., that were almost most of the non-native ferns from spores a garden for pleasure, to be enjoyed on 25 feet high. "The scene lacked only a in Cary's greenhouses. many levels. Overall, it is the successful dinosaur," he reminisced.) Today, a stand "We've already had some surprises at merging of botanical goals with natural of shining clubmoss (Lycopodium luci­ the Fern Glen," Mickel said. The author and created beauty that makes the Glen dulum) with aerial branches and needle­ such a special place. like leaves, such as that found in the Glen, Brightly colored primroses are interspersed John T. Mickel, Senior Curator of Ferns reaches a height of only about six inches. with ferns throughout the Glen.

22 June 1985

LEFT: The lush, green fronds of mai denhair fe rns, Adiantum pedatum . ABOVE: Ferns spill over the locust posts that edge the pond. of two books as well as many articles in fe rns. (The Ameri can Fern Society'S li st of tion is going on right there in the swamp, scientific publications, he still becomes an­ fern so urces for 1983 mentions 11 0 hardy all by itself, without our having to do any­ imated when he speaks of ferns. " It's been fern species and botanical va rieties and thing to induce it." Generally, several known that many European ferns-par­ cultivars; of these, about 42 are nati ve to Dryopteris species grow together, and this ticularly the crested ones such as the male temperate North America and are cur­ results in frequent hybrids. There are four fern, Dryopteris filix-mas, and the lady rently available at nurseries.) different species of this genus occurring fern, Athyrium filix-femina-and even Lees, Mickel and Hebb took an ecolog­ naturally in the Glen, and from them, three several from Japan do well here. But we ical tack when they began scouring the 600 different hybrids have resulted. Mickel wanted to find out about others. We ob­ acres of the Arboretum that are open to hopes someday to have a botanical display tained the miniature variant of our north­ the public for a site for the Fern Glen. in the Glen of this minor phenomenon. ern maidenhair, Adiantum pedatum var. According to Hebb, now Director of the (Natural hybridization occurs in other ferns, subpumilum, from British Columbia, and Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden in Rich­ too.) The Dryopteris species and their hy­ the Himalayan maidenhair, Adiantum mond, Virginia, " We searched for the best brids will be displayed side by side, all venustum, and have found them to be possible site for the group of plants that neatly tagged and ready for botanical in­ hardy, even in the -25 0 F temperatures of we wanted to grow, rather than arbitrarily spection. It will provide a good study, per­ the Arboretum." saying, 'Let's make it here because this is haps available in no other fern glen. Ferns from Mexico and from our south­ a pretty spot.' " The final choice was a Dryopteris species are known not only ern states have also survived the harsh win­ two-acre parcel that rises up from the east for their crossbreeding habit, which bam­ ters in the Glen. Dryopteris ludoviciana branch of Wappinger Creek. The land in­ boozles systematic botanists and makes it and D. australis, rescued nine years ago cludes a dry wooded hillside, a wet wooded nearly impossible for them to describe and from a woods that was being developed hillside, a more or less level swampy-boggy list the plants in the genus, but also for into a shopping mall in downtown Baton area, and a stream-varying habitats that their classic fern beauty. Of the many spe­ Rouge, are thriving so far. Mickel and other support the cultural needs of many differ­ cies in this large genus, it is purported that botanists studying fern distribution are ent kinds of ferns . there is not an unattractive one in the bunch. baffled, since these ferns occur in the wild When a count revealed that 30 species Their leaves are often leathery, much di­ only as far north as North Carolina. of ferns and their allies were growing in vided, dark green and often evergreen. After a fern passes muster for hardiness apparent harmony with the existing tree Furthermore, they make vase-shaped at Cary, "the step from there is getting it cover and woodland plants, the dowsing clumps and stay fresh-looking all summer. into production," according to Mickel. "It rod was put away. As Mickel explained, Diverse as it is, the Glen provides no doesn't do any good to get all excited about "If it was good enough for our native ferns, natural limestone for the many lime-loving these ferns if they aren't available for those we thought it would be good enough for plants. Nor was there a pond for water who want them." Spores are harvested and adding others to it." ferns, such as the clover-like water fern sent to a select list of nurseries specializing Mickel noted, too, that hybridization was Marsilea, when the Glen was begun; a pond in ferns or rare plants for propagation. In taking place among the Dryopteris ferns, had to be dug, an undertaking that pro­ a few years, these species will help widen whose various and wide-ranging species vided a bit of drama. The bulldozer had the selections commercial nurseries will of­ are found both in the swamp and in the scarcely left the scene when the hillside fer to meet the growing demand for hardy higher and drier woodland. "Hybridiza- facing the south bank began to slide into

American Horticulturist 25 ABOVE: Under an old apple tree at the entrance to the Glen, Rodgersia, Podophyllum, primroses, viburnums and ferns co-exist happily. Behind the apple tree lies the limestONe cobble. RIGHT: Japanese primroses add a touch of color to the green foliage of ferns, Peltiphyllum peltatum, Rodgersia and other plants growing at the edge of the pond.

the freshly dug pond. Some frantic scur­ mas ferns (Polystichum acrostichoides), garden where the most ornamental ferns rying ensued, and hundreds of railroad ties Dryopteris goldiana and other wood ferns, are planted in huge masses and combined later, the bank was securely buttressed. New York ferns (Thelypteris novebora­ with unusual woodland plants. The wiry Un[.jke many landscape design~rs, Hebb is censis), marsh ferns (T. palust-ris) , cinna­ stems and delicate leaflets of the popular not partial to railroad ties, so a wall was mon ferns (Osmunda cinnamomea) and maidenhair-a fine choice for grouping­ constructed using locust posts to conceal royal ferns (0. regalis), as well as maiden­ make a sedate splash under the apple tree. the ties. Carlton Lees, in an inspired mo­ hairs (Adiantum pedatum), sensitive ferns "It is almost a weed in its willingness to ment, had the top of the wall cut into (Onoclea sensibilis) and hay-scented ferns proliferate, given half-decent conditions," sweeping, undulating curves. The wall now (Dennstaedtia punctilobula). observed Hebb. Athyrium goeringianum holds back the hillside cOlltaining the lime­ Boardwalks with handrails span the 'Pictum' (often sold as A. nipponicum 'Pic­ stone cobble, and gracefully enhances the boggy places to preserve the delicate eco­ tum'), Japanese painted fern-with its tri­ pond. logical balance of the fern habitats and to colored fronds, deep burgundy mid-veins, Japanese painted ferns, cinnamon ferns keep visitors' feet dry. Two decks are placed and light gray-green and dark green along and other plants have now gained toeholds at scenic spots along the trail: one over­ the margins-is even more dramatic when in spaces in the wall-proof that the plants looks a stream with splashing water, where used in large drifts, such as in the cobble. approve of their artificial environment and lady ferns cover th~ rocks with green; the Rare and difficult-to-grow species are that the underlying ecological concepts were other is in the middle of the lush Glen, displayed in the cobble in random clust~rs. correct. When the light is right and the surrounded by cinnamon ferns, some sev­ Anyone who thinks, "If you've seen one waters, still, the wall-with its patterns of eral feet high, and royal ferns growing side fern, you've seen them all" would be put ferny tracery-makes beguiling reflections by side with that ubiquitous botanical pro­ to shame by tAe array of diverse textures, in the pond. letarian of the swamp, skunk cabbage. shapes and shades of green-even shades The overall scheme for the two-acre Glen Theve are deck chairs from which one can of pink, as in the juvenile leaves of maiden­ is a framework of islands. "It's the island­ survey the ferny glade, or perhaps doze, hair and Woodwardia. There is also a Jap­ bed approach to herbaceous perennials and fancy that soon Queen Mab will ap­ anese autumn fern, Dryopteris erythro­ translated to ferns," Hebb explained. "The pear driving her chariot with elves to the sora, which has bronze fronds that turn main island is the cobble. There's a beau­ stream's edge. dark green, and which bears fruiting dots, tiful old apple tree there which anchors The showplace is the limestone cobble or sori, that are bright pink. the island and provides shade for the ferns." (known as the Clayton Linde Memorial Fern fronds vary in their degree of dis­ The other islands are interconnected by Cobble) above the pond at the entrance to section, or the number of tim~s a leaf or a path system designed to provide an easy the Glen. The cobble was made from a leaflet is divided. When a fern is divided walk and to accommodate wAeelchairs. donated stone wan from a limestone area three or fO\u times, as is the soft shield Hebb pointed out that the trail "wends its in Connecticut with the help of Karl fern, Polystichum setiferum, it has a very way and gently leads, without the need for GriesAaber, rock garden specialist at the lacy look. At the other extreme are the directional signs." The wending trail led NYBG. Here, th~ collection of ferns and ferns with undivided, or simple, leaves. The this lone visitor through copses of Christ- companion plants becomes a distinctive Continued on page 44

26 June 1985

BY GAIL GIBSON

hen we see fields of wild mus­ of the Northern Hemisphere (they seldom tard blooming yellow in the grow in the tropics), and most grow best spring, it is sometimes hard to in sandy or gravelly, neutral to limy soil. imagine that many well-known plants are They prefer full sun or light shade; many related to this rangy, but often beautiful do not tolerate hot sun well. With a few weed. A complete list of mustard relatives exceptions, mustard family members are would include about 350 genera and 3,200 easy to grow. The cultural preferences of species of herbaceous plants, many of them the low-growing or trailing mustards make weeds that are less beautiful than wild them ideal candidates for a rock or wall mustard. garden. The taller members of the family All members of the mustard family bear are attractive as edging or front-of-the­ four-petaled, cross-shaped flowers; hence border plants. the botanical name assigned to the family, Drabas (Draba spp.) are perfect for the Cruciferae. Edible genera within the family rock garden. These dainty plants open their include not only mustard, but also broc­ bright yellow blossoms in the very early coli, cabbage, cauliflower, radish, horse­ spring when light snow still lies on the radish, Brussels sprouts and watercress. ground. Each plant is a cushiony tuft of Ornamental members of the family include leaves, ~nd the blossoms emerge from the are occasionally offered for sale, germinate an even more diverse assortment of well­ center of these rosettes of foliage. Because easily if sown during the spring where the known plants. I had been growing and drabas do not spread as vigorously as many plants are to grow. Established plants can enjoying sweet alyssum for years before I other members of the family, they should be easily propagated by division. noticed that each of its tiny white flowers be protected from more aggressive neigh­ Perennial alyssum (Aurinia saxatilis, bears the four cruciform petals character­ bors. These perennial species grow from a formerly Alyssum saxatile) is one of the istic of the mustard family members. When long taproot, and should not be disturbed most popular plants for rock or wall gar­ I began to search out other relatives (bot­ once they are established. Given these con­ dens. Its spreading or cascading mounds anists classify them by both flower and ditions, drabas are easy to grow if they are of gray-green foliage are topped in early seed pod form), it became apparent that given full sun and a well-drained, gravelly to mid-spring with masses of yell~w flow­ it is possible to plan a spring and early soil. Species and cultivars offered for sale ers. This popular plant thrives in sunny summer garden featuring members of this by the leading mail-order retailers include spots with unfertile, well-drained soil. Its interesting family. Draba aizoides, which is four inches tall bright yellow flowers bring splashes of Annual sweet alyssum (Lobularia mar­ and bears bright yellow flowers; D. hay­ warmth to the cool spring garden, and the itima) and most perennial or annual naldii, a two-inch, tufted plant with yellow blooms contrast well with other pink, white, candytufts (Iberis spp.) bear white- or pas­ to orange flowers; and D. sibirica 'Re­ purple or violet mustard family members. tel-colored blossoms, but several related pens', a cultivar that grows in a loose A. saxatilis, which is native to Europe, is genera bear blooms that are as intensely rosette and bears yellow flowers on pros­ also called rock madwort; the name mad­ yellow as wild mustard. Perennial alyssum, trate stems. Other less well known culti­ wort refers to the fact that alyssum was Aurinia saxatilis, is commonly known as vars of Draba bear clusters of white or rose once thought to be a cure for bites inflicted gold-dust or basket-of-gold, and it is one blossoms. by mad dogs. If the plant's spreading growth of the most popular and reliable of the Hutchinsia alpina is a species that re­ becomes rangy, spent blossoms may be yellow-flowered crucifers. Drabas (Draba sembles Draba spp., but it bears white sheared off to keep the plants tidy. Many spp.) andmanycultivarsof wallflowers (Er­ flowers in one-inch clusters during April cultivars of this useful old favorite are ysimum spp. and Cheiranthus spp.) also and May. Commonly called alpencress, available. Retailers offer seeds or piants of bear bright yellow or orange flowers. Other H. alpina is also a perennial for the rock 'Citrina', 'Golden Queen' and 'Silver ornamental mustard family members bear or wall garden. It forms a mat of feathery Queen', all of which grow six to 12 inches flowers with pink, rose, cream, mauve, vi­ leaves barely four inches high, and will Mustard family members Aurinia saxatilis, olet, purple, red-purple or crimson petals. tolerate shade if well established in limy commonly called basket-of-gold, and Iberis Most of the ornamental members of the soil. The dark green leaves persist through sempervirens, candytuft, grace the rock mustard family are native to cooler regions most winters. Seeds of H. alpina, which garden at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden.

28 June 1985 tall and boast flower clusters of a much the spring is long and cool ; under these bloom is long for a perennial, and when softer yellow than the species. 'Tom Thumb' conditions, the plants will send forth three­ the blossoms fade, the attractive gray-green is a dwarf cultivar that grows only three inch stems topped by masses of delicate, foliage may be reshaped by careful and, if or four inches tall and does not spread as violet-blue flowers that sparkle in the sun. necessary, extensive shearing. much as the species. In cool areas, where cultural conditions Several species in the genus Arabis are Mountain alyssum, Alyssum mon­ are perfect, this species can reseed abun­ valued for their delicate spring flowers. A. tanum, is a useful garden plant because of dantly and become a nuisance. However, alpina, commonly called mountain rock its low mounds of silvery, almost evergreen kept within bounds, it is a charming and cress, and A. caucasica (formerly A. al­ leaves. The plants spread along the ground, unusual addition to the rock garden. bida), commonly known as wall rock cress, and tbe broad clumps produce bright yel­ Aubrieta deltoidea, purple rock cress, is are two very similar species that are easy low flowers during April and May. This a well-known spreading or cascading per­ to grow. Like most Arabis species, they species is quite vigorous, and it thrives al­ ennial native to both Italy and Greece. It thrive in poor, gravelly soil. Although they most anywhere in the garden. has proved itself hardy, vigorous and free­ need protection from very hot, dry weather, Both Aurinia and Alyssum are best flowering in very poor soil. However, it these species are more sun-tolerant than propagated from seeds sown in the fall or requires shade from the hot sun and ad­ most spring-blooming mustard family spring where the plants are to grow. Sow equate moisture. Purple rock cress adds a members. Several popular cultivars are seed on the surface of the soil; the seedlings note of colorful drama to the rock garden available, and these produce light-textured will bloom a year after planting. Estab­ during April, May and June. Hybridizers sprays of white, pink or rose flowers in lished plants may be propagated by cut­ have developed a number of named cul­ April and May. The flowers may be single tings or division. tivars; plants or seeds are now sold in many or double. The plants produce six- to eight­ Although perennials are the basic plants shades of red, deep blue, or mauvish-pink, inch trailing stems that are especially at­ for any rock garden, well-restricted, hardy and many have larger blooms than the spe­ tractive cascading over rocks or wall ledges. annuals also have a place. One of these is cies, or even semi-double blossoms. Color A. blepharophylla is a California native violet cress, Ionopsidium acaule, a mus­ combinations using even a few cultivars that bears fragrant, rose-purple flowers on tard family member from Portugal whose serve as an attractive cover for spring bulbs. 12-inch stems in May. The flowers emerge delicate, violet-blue flowers add contrast A. deltoidea does not form as dense a mat from flat rosettes of dark green leaves, and and interest to the early spring garden. Sow as some of the other crucifers, and this the plants look especially at home in rock seed of I. acaule in the fall where the plants open texture, combined with a shallow root crevIces. are to bloom. They prefer a shady spot, system, provides a sympathetic climate for I prefer to purchase plants of rock cress and will not tolerate warm temperatures. more deeply planted yellow or white cro­ when they are available, since seedlings Violet cress only blooms well in areas where cuses or daffodils. Aubrieta's period of often do not establish themselves quickly

American Horticulturist 29 LEFT: Common as uniform, wide-spreading mats. Plants stock or gillyflower, may be set out during cool weather in spring Matthiola incana, is or fa ll , and are shallow-rooted enough to grown for its lovely grow over " gi ant" crocuses and early tu­ single or double flowers, which are lips. After all of the flowers have faded in very fragrant. This early summer, cut the stems back by half cultivar is 'Purple to encourage new growth. All established Heart'. BELOW: plants may be divided readily in the fall. Purple-flowered Perennial candy tuft, the popular cruci­ Aubrieta and pink Arabis make an fer Iberis sempervirens, is an important attractive pair. source of vivid white flowers for the rock garden. (lberis derives from the ancient name for Spain; the species 1. sempervirens is native to southern Europe and was in­ troduced into England as early as 1739.) This candytuft blooms profusely during May, usually just after yellow perennial alyssum begins to fade. In most sections of the United States, it remains evergreen, but in the coldest regions, foliage will brown off and become sparse during winter. Pop­ ular cultivars sold by nurserymen and mail­ order firms include 'Snowflake', 'Purity', 'Autumn Snow' and 'Pygmea', all of which form low-growing, tidy plants that have attractive foliage and flowers. Iberis seed may be sown where the plants are to grow, but, since germination is unpredictable, it is best to rely only on seedling plants to fill gaps in plantings. All of the cultivars can be propagated by division. Candy tuft will thrive throughout the country in almost any well-drained soil, in sun or open shade. However, in periods of drought, it may shed its blossoms and set seed. A regular schedule of light water­ ing will help prolong its blooming period; when the blossoms do begin to fade, it is best to shear off all the attractive flat seed clusters that form on the stems (these may be dried and used in flower arrangements). This cushiony plant with dark green, narrow leaves has proved to be one of the most reliable perennials in my garden, and I delight each spring in watching its flower clusters unfurl from concentric circlets of pale greenish buds. I rely on it as an accent in the rock garden and as an effective (and pest-free) substitute for white, low-grow­ ing azaleas in the border garden. Some gardeners caution that candy tuft's white flowers are too vivid for many plantings, and rightly so. But candy tuft does add crispness when coordinated with the clear and deep pinks not only of azaleas but also of Arabis and Aubrieta. Aethionema coridifolium, commonly called Lebanon stone cress, is often listed as Iberis jucunda and called pink candy tuft a protective covering of straw during the these plants may readily be raised from in catalogues. This low-growing, sun-lov­ winter in the coldest parts of this country. seed sown in the spring where the plants ing plant bears delicate pink flowers just Mail-order companies also offer seeds of are to grow, or from cuttings taken in the after the blossoms of Iberis sempervirens A. grandiflorum, Persian stone cress, which summer. fade. Aethionema coridifolium is easy to bears tallish, 12- to IS-inch stems topped Annual candytufts, the most popular of grow in light, sandy soils, but it will require by pink- or rose-colored flowers. Both of which are cultivars of globe candytuft, I beris

30 June 1985 umbellata, bloom from June until late plants are to grow); in the South, this spe­ mildew, and the plants must be kept shaded summer. Among the most useful of the cies may produce a good show of flowers from hot sun; stocks thrive in cool weather. globe candy tufts for the rock garden or for during mild winters if sown as a winter Night scented stock, M. longipetala edging are the Dwarf Fairy series cultivars, crop and timed to be in flower during the subsp. bicornis, is an excellent plant for which grow only eight inches tall. These six coldest months of the year. Hot spring edging a garden that is close to a patio or plants produce vivid flowers in a wide range and summer weather will usually kill the window. Its inconspicuous lilac or purple of colors, including white, pink, maroon, plants. Cultural difficulties aside, when flowers open only in the evening to release crimson and violet. Globe candy tufts bloom C. cheiri does bloom, the fragrant, bright their honey-laced fragrance. best in open, sunny locations as long as gold, orange or scarlet flowers lend a feel­ Sweet alyssum, Lobularia maritima, also summers are not too hot and dry. Their ing of warm nostalgia to any garden. has a fragrance reminiscent of honey. This blooming period can be lengthened by an Stocks are summer-blooming crucifers popular annual is one of the best low, occasional watering and by shearing off that also bring a hint of nostalgia to the mound-shaped plants for edging any gar­ all seed pods as they form. To prolong border garden. Malcolmia maritima, com­ den, and it blends as effectively with its spring bloom, sow outdoors in early spring monly known as Virginia stock, was mustard family cousins as it does with most where the plants are to grow, and make adopted as a favorite by cottage gardeners other flowering plants and dwarf shrubs. another sowing again during late May and in Victorian England. Today, it is enjoyed Gardeners should look for 'Carpet of Snow', early June. If the seed bed is kept moist, in this country for its compact, six- to 12- which has a neat trailing growth habit; the seedlings will produce buds six to eight inch, upright growth habit, its gray-green 'Snowcloth Improved', which is a low­ weeks after sowing. foliage, and its fragrant clusters of blos­ growing, early-blooming cultivar; 'Sweet Florist's or rocket candy tuft, I. amara, soms. The flowers of M. maritima come White', a dwarf cultivar; purple-flowered is a taller annual species grown for its elon­ in appealing shades of lilac, red or white. 'Royal Carpet'; or 'Rosie O'Day', which gated blossom clusters, which are white, It is possible to sow Malcolmia seeds out­ has pink blossoms. pleasantly fragrant, and attractive as cut doors in sun or light shade during early Even though sweet alyssum is easy to flowers. Cultivars of this candy tuft, which April, and enjoy a first show of bloom by raise from seed, I prefer to purchase a few grow 12 to 15 inches tall, do not transplant late May. Successive sowings during May plants each spring to transplant to the gar­ well and are best raised from seed sown and June will ensure masses of bloom for den after all danger of frost is past. As in spring where the plants are to bloom. front-of-the-border plantings. these plants begin to bloom, I fill in bare I. amara is an excellent plant for the middle Virginia stock is easier to grow than its spots in the edging with seedlings, which of the border or for the cutting garden. cousin, Matthiola incana, commonly known I start in trays indoors in March and grow For spring and early summer splashes as common stock or gillyflower. Despite in a sunny, cool window until late May. of golden yellow, bright orange or red, the more exacting cultural requirements of If there isn't cool sun indoors, seeds may consider the showy crucifers commonly gillyflower, it has been enjoyed in this also be sown outdoors during April, May called wallflowers or blister cresses, with country since the seventeenth century, when and June, but the seed bed must be kept their large, four-petaled flowers arranged New England colonists purchased garden evenly moist until germination occurs (in in bold clusters. Although plants in the seed of "stockielliflowers" or "stocke gil­ one or two weeks). Young plants will re­ genus Cheiranthus are also known by these lofloures." These single or double, white­ quire periodic watering during their first common names, the best wallflowers for or purple-flowered plants were described months of growth, and also during the dry, American gardens belong to the genus as "f1oures of divers coulours, greatly es­ hot days of summer. Although sweet alys­ Erysimum. This genus includes several teemed for the beautie of their f10ures and sum may bloom sparsely during late sum­ spring- and early-summer-blooming spe­ pleasant smell." Today, stocks are found mer, it is best to shear the top growth at cies for gardeners to consider: E. pulchel­ naturalized in California, and they are still that time to encourage bloom in the fall. lum, a perennial with deep orange flower admired as garden plants for their fra­ This dependable little plant will produce clusters topping 12-inch stems; E. grance and wonderful single or double its myriad of charming, delicate flowers kotschyanum, Kotschy erysimum, a dwarf blooms that come in white, cream, rose, until frost. perennial bearing bright yellow, fragrant red, lilac, dark blue or purple. Many other mustard family members flowers on three- to four-inch stems; and Stocks are often planted in historic gar­ are worth trying in the garden: tall Lu­ E. asperum, western or prairie wallflower, den restorations, and they are worth trying naria, called honesty or silver dollar be­ a popular biennial with bright orange in home gardens if they can be protected cause of its silvery seed cases; old-fash­ flowers on 12-inch stems. All of these spe­ from hot sun. If well-grown plants are not ioned Hesperis, dame's rocket; or rare cies are easy to grow, and prefer full sun available from local nurseries, it may be Heliophila, cape stock, which grows 12 to and well-drained soil. Most are reliably difficult to raise them from seed. Stocks 15 inches tall and is admired for its blue, hardy, but it is wise to give young plants need cool temperatures for germination (55 0 flax-like blossoms. protection in the North. To propagate, sow to 60 0 F), and the seed should be sown in The mustard family includes old favor­ seed outdoors in the early spring or late pots indoors in February on the surface of ites and new ones, easy-to-grow and tem­ fall at a depth of one-quarter inch. sterile soil, then watered lightly. Cover the peramental plants, pastel- and brightly­ In most sections of the United States, pots with clear polyethylene until the seed­ colored flowers. All add character, color Erysimum spp. are easier to grow than the lings show two sets of leaves. It is impor­ and variety to gardens and should not be well-known English wallflower, Cheiran­ tant to use treated seed and sterile soil, overlooked when you are planning a rock thus cheiri, which only performs well in because damping-off is a major cause of garden, decorating a garden wall or edging areas where temperatures remain cool. In seedling loss. Seedlings need plenty of sun a border. 6 this country, C. cheiri should be treated as if they are to grow into strong transplants Gail Gibson gardens in Potomac, Maryland. an annual or biennial in the North (it is for the garden. Transplant to a lightly She is the author of "The Bamboo best grown from seed sown in early spring shaded spot in the border after all danger Alternative," which appeared in the October in a cold frame, or outdoors where the of frost is past. Weak plants are subject to 1982 issue of American Horticulturist.

American Horticulturist 31 Pronunciation Guide

Adiantum pedatum var. subpumilum as-STILl-bee chi-NEN-siss C. weyrichii c. way-RICH-ee-eye ah-dee-AN-turn peh-DA Y -tum Athyrium filix-femina Chrysogonum virginianum var. australe sub-PEW-rnill-urn ah-THIGH-ree-urn FILL-icks FEM-i-nah kris-OG-oh-nurn vir-jin-ee-A Y-nurn A. venustum a. ven-OOS-turn A. goeringianum a. gair-rinj-ee-A Y-nurn aw-STRAL-ee Aethionema coridifolium A. niponicum a. ni-PON-i-kurn Cimicifuga sirn-i-si-FEW-gah ee-thee-OH-nee-rnah core-id-i-FOE-lee-urn Aubrieta deltoidea Claytonia caroliniana A. grandiflorum a. grand-i-FLOOR-urn aw-BREE-shah del-toe-EYE-dee-ah clay-TONE-ee-ah care-oh-lin-ee-A Y-nah Alyssum montanum Bellis perennis BELL-iss per-EN-iss C. megarhiza c. rneg-ar-EYE-zah ah-LISS-urn rnon-TAN-urn Calandrinia ciliata C. parvifolia c. par-vi-FOE-lee-ah A. saxatile a. sacks-ah-TILL-ee kal-an-DRIN-ee-ah sil-ee-AH-tah C. rosea c. ROSE-ee-ah Anacampseros telephiastrum C. umbellata c. urn-bell-A Y-tah C. virginica c. vir-JIN-i-kah an-ah-carnp-SAIR-us tel-eh-fy-ASS-trum Campanula carpatica Coreopsis verticil/ata Arabis albida AIR-ah-biss al-BIDE-ah karn-PAN-yew-lah car-PAT-i-kah kor-ee-OP-siss ver-tiss-ill-A Y-tah A. alpina a. al-PINE-ah C. poscharskyana c. posh-ar-sky-A Y-nah Cupressus sempervirens A. blepharophylla a. bleh-fair-oh-FILL-ah Camptosorus carnp-toe-SORE-us kew-PRESS-us sern-per-VEER-enz A. caucasica a. kaw-KASS-i-kah Ceratostigma plumbaginoides Dennstaedtia punctilobula A. procurrens a. pro-CURE-enz ser-at-oh-STIG-rnah den-STEED-tee-ah punk-ti-LOB-you-lah A. sturii a. STIR-ee-eye plurne-bag-in-oh-EYE-deez Dianthus die-AN-thuss Armeria formosa Cheiranthus cheiri care-AN-thus CARE-eye Dietes die-EE-teez are-MARE-ee-ah for-MOE-sah Chrysanthemum lacustre Draba aizoides DRAB-ah az-oh-EYE-deez A. maritima a. rnah-RIT-i-rnah kris-AN-thah-rnurn lah-CUSS-tree D. haynaldii d. hay-NALL-dee-eye A. plantaginea a. plan-tadge-i-NEE-ah C. leucanthemum c.loo-KAN-thee-rnurn D. sibirica d. sigh-BEER-i-kah A. pseudarmeria a. sue-dar-MARE-ee-ah C. maximum c. MAX-i-rnurn Dryopteris australis Astilbe chinensis C. x superbum c. sue-PER-burn dry-OP-ter-iss os-TRAIl-iss D. erythrosora d. air-ee-throw-SORE-ah D . filix-mas d. FILL-ix MOSS NOW! Outdoor Furniture You'll Own with Pride D. goldiana d. gold-ee-AY-nah Quality and Elegance You Thought Were Gone Forever. D. ludoviciana d. lood-oh-viss-ee-A Y-nah Elaphoglossum ee-lof-oh-GLOSS-urn Equisetum ee-qui-SEE-turn Garden Bench $289 (kit $209) Erysimum asperum 3 ' Table $124 (kit $89) ee-RISS-i-rnurn ASS-per-urn E. kotschyanum e. kot-ski-A Y-nurn Classically styled weatherproof E. pulchellum e. pull-KELL-urn Gaillardia gah-LAR-dee-ah marine mahogany and teak furni­ Geranium dalmaticum ture for your patio, pool and garden. jer-AY-nee-urn dal-MAT-i-kurn Available hand finished and as precision cut Heliophila hee-lee-oh-FILL-ah kits. Other styles available. Free Color Catalog. Hepatica hep-AT-i-kah Hesperis HESS-per-iss WOOD CLASSICS, INC. Dept. SAH6 Heuchera americana HUE-ker-ah ah-rner-i-KAN-ah RD#I,Box455E HighFalls,NYI244@ (914)687-7288 Hosta lancifolia HOSS-ta lan-si-FOE-lee-ah H. venusta h. ven-OO-stah Hutchinsia alpina GROW GREAT FERNS hut-CHIN-see-ah al-PINE-ah Become a "pro" - join the Iberis amara EYE-ber-iss AM-ah-rah Los Angeles International I. jucunda i. jah-KOON-dah I. sempervirens i. sern-per-VEER-enz FERN SOCIETY I. umbellata i. urn-bell-A Y -tah Ionopsidium acaule Annual membership $15.00 eye-on-op-SID-ee-urn aw-CALL-ee LAIFS Journal with Fern lessons, Iris cristata EYE-riss kris-T A Y-tah Robins, Spore Store, Books, Kalmia CAL-rnee-ah Educational programs. Leucothoe lew-KOH-thoh-ee Lewisia cotyledon P. 0. Box 90943 lew-ISS-ee-ah cot-i-LEE-don Pasadena, CA 91109-0943 L. rediviva I. red-i-VlVE-ah L. tweedyi I. TWEE-dee-eye Lobularia maritima

32 June 1985 Why not plant the very lob-yew-LAIR-ee-ah mah-RIT-i-mah Lunaria loo-NAIR-ee-ah best Quality Perennials? Lycopodium lucidulum ly-ko-POH-dee-um loo-SlD-you-lum Lysichiton liss-i-KITE-on The Famous Andre Viette Farm Malcolmia longipetala subsp. bicornis mal-COAL-mee-ah lawn-j ee-PET-al-ah and Nursery, located in by-CORE-niss Fisherville, has one of Marsilea mar-si-LEE-ah Matthiola incana the largest collections mat-thee-OH-lah in-CAN-ah M. maritima m. mah-RIT-i-mah in the East. We ship Montia chamissoi nationally. MON-tee-ah kam-iss-OH-eye M. perfoliata m. per-foe-lee-A Y-tah Moraea more-A Y-ee-ah Fields of Flowers Nepeta mussinii ne-PEE-tah moo-SIN-ee-eye Specializing in Oenothera missourensis Flowering Perennials ee-no-THAIR-ah miss-ore-EN-siss !foe tlij~/f.Jd Ophioglossum off-ee-oh-GLOSS-um Rock Garden Perennials Osmunda cinnamomea Woodland Plants oss-MUN-dah sin-ah-moh-MEE-ah O. regalis o. re-GAL-iss Daylilies Paeonia delavayi J4nareViette pee-OWN-ee-ah de-LAV-ay-eye P. lutea p. LOO-tee-ah Rare and Unusual P. moutan p. MOO-tan Accept No Substitute P. potaninii p. po-tan-IN-ee-eye Plants P. suffruticosa p. sah-fruit-i-KOSE-ah 703-943-2315 • Route 608, Fisherville, Va. 22939 Phyllitis fy- LITE-iss Platycodon plat-ee-COH-don Write For Our Catalogue - $1.50 Podophyllum hexandrum poe-doe-FILL-um hex-AN-drum Polystichum acrostichoides pol-i-STY-kum ah-cross-ti-ko-EYE-deez P. setiferum p. set-IF-er-um HORTICULTURAL Portulaca grandiflora EXPLORATION por-tew-LACK-ah grand-i-FLOR-ah P. oleracea var. sativa OF p. oh-Ier-A Y-see-ah sa-TY-vah Portulacaria afra FALL ENGLAND por-tew-lack-AIR-ee-ah AFF-ra Potentilla poh-ten-TILL-ah September 11 - 26, 1985 J Primula acaulis PRIM-yew-lah ah-CALL-iss Me l-- ~ "\ P. denticulata p. den-tick-you-LA Y-tah Once again we are delighted to offer you an unusual view of the British P. japonica p. jah-PON-i-kah Isles. Beginning in London, visit the unique Tradescant Garden in Lam­ P. vulgaris p. vul-GAIR-iss beth and the Royal Horticultural Gardens at Wisley. Then it's off to Cam­ Pteridium aquilinum bridge and the Botanical Gardens, Alan Bloom's wonderful nurseries, and ter-ID-ee-um ah-qui-LIN-um two delightful gardens from the Englishwoman's Garden Book. In York­ Rodgersia rod-JER-see-ah shire, explore Harlow Car Gardens, beautiful Newby Hall, a stately home Scilla tubergeniana with Gobelin tapestries. SILL-ah too-ber-jen-ee-A Y -nah Plenty of time to explore the historic city of York before visiting Sedum kamtschaticum typical English country gardens and dining with their owners. SEE-dum kam-SHOT-i-kum Besides the Royal Botanic Gardens in Edin'burgh, you will visit S. maximum s. MAX-i-ml!lm the National Trust Garden of Branklyn and more private gar­ S. sieboldii s. see-BOLD-ee-eye Talinum calycinum ~ ' dens. You will also enjoy a wonderful two night stay in the t Scottish Highlands before flying back to the States. tah-LIN-um kal-ee-SIN-um ~~ T. paniculatum t. pan-ick-you-LA Y-tum r ' I ' 1 For your free brochure on this Horticultural Exploration led T. triangulare t. try-ang-you-LAIR-ee ( by a horticulturist, or for the Fall Orient brochure (No­ Thelypteris noveboracensis _ vember 1-25), please write to Education Department, thel-LIP-ter-iss no-vay-bore-ah-SEN-siss '1IlIlJJJ, ,1- •• \- American Horticultural Society, Box 0105, Mt. Vernon, T. palustris t. pah-LUSS-triss flr'l : • : : • VA 22121. Veronica incana ver-ON-i-kah in-KAN-ah ~I!l • • Or call collect: (513) 281-7000. V. spicata v. spy-KA Y-tah - ~~- ~AA~ Woodwardia wood-W ARD-ee-ah

American Horticulturist 33 Classifieds

TROPICA-7,000 color photos of exotic plants FREE BROCHURE-Send self-addressed, and trees, by Dr. A. B. Graf, $115. EXOTIC stamped envelope to ARID LANDS PLANTS, PLANT MANUAL-4,200 photos, $37.50. EX­ 6538C E. Tanque Verde, Tucson, AZ 85715. OTIC HOUSE PLANTS-1 ,200 photos, $8.95. (602) 298-7651. Circulars gladly sent. ROEHRS, Box 125, E. CARNIVOROUS PLANTS Rutherford, NJ 07073 . Carnivorous, woodland terrarium plants and Out-of-Print Books: Horticulture, Botany, Po­ sUPlplies. Book, The World of Carnivorous Plants, mology, Landscaping, Herbology, Floral Arts. $6.95 postpaid. Catalog FREE. PETER PAULS Catalogue $1.00. POMONA BOOKS, Rock­ CLASSIFIED AD RA TIS: NURSERIES, Canandaigua, NY 14424. ton, Ontario, Canada LOR 1XO. 6 0 ~ per word; $10.00 minimum per insertion. 10% COLLECTORS ITEMS disco unt for three consecutive insertions using same BRITISH GARDEN SEATS copy. Copy must be received two months prior to RARE-REASONABLE-GUARANTEED: Traditional English designs for the discerniNg publication date. Send orders to !he attention of Cindy Aroids, Bromeliads, Unusual foliage, Plarycer­ gardener-pegged mortise & tenon or tusk tenon Weakland, American Horticultural Society, M ount iums, Unusual Epiphytic Ferns, Palms, Cycads. wedge lock joinery executed in solid teakwood Vernon, Virginia 22121. Or call (703) 768-5700. List for starnp. JERRY HORNE, 10195 South­ and West African iroko hardwoods by British west 70th Street, Miami, FL 33173. craftsmen. Country Casual Garden & Leisure AFRICAN VIOLETS Furniture Catalogue 1985 introductions from DAFFODIL BULBS Over 1,000 varieties. Mail order starter plants, England-an impressive Cathedral deacon's Mixture (8 + colors) Bushel $75.00; Peck $25.00. leaves, supplies. Catalog $1.00 refundable. bench, charming Cottage Garden Suites, main­ King Alfred Bushel $60.00; Peck $20.00. -10% ZACA VISTA NURSER Y, 1190 Alamo Pintado stay of English residential gardens, and a classic before June 15. + 10% postage West or Mis­ Road, Solvang, CA 93463. 19" square Shrub Tub Planter with plastic liner sissippi. FREE folder. RIVER'S EDGE, RFD 4, & drip pan. THE AVANT GARDENER Box 228A, GloucesterJ VA 23061. DIFFERENT, EXCITING, GREAT FUN TO From U.S. craftsmen: SWINGS-in oak & DAYLILIES READ-for the gardener who wants to get more cherry hardwoods, Victorian, traditional and contemporary designs, supplied complete with MANY COLORS DA YLILIES-tetraploids, out of gardening! Subscribe to THE AVANT diploids, miniatures. Spuria, Louisiana IRISES. GARDENER, the most useful, most quoted of chain & hardware. The contemporary Mayan Collection-af­ Catalog $1.00. CORDON BLEU FARMS, Box all gardening publications. Every month this 2033, San Marcos, CA 92069. unique news service brings you the newest and fordably priced solid cherry deck chairs and DIRECTOR WANTED most practical on-going information-new matching free-form tables. 1985 catalogue $1.00 plants, products, techniques, with sources, plus COUNTRY CASUAL-CAH, 17317 German­ The University of Georgia is seeking candidates feature articles, special issues. 16th year. Awarded town Rd., Germantown, MD 20874 (301) 540- for appointment as Director of the State Bo­ Garden Club of America and Massachusetts 0040, Washington, D.C. Local number 428- tanical Gardens-a 300-acre site located on the Horticultural Society Medals for outstanding 3434. campus. For more information call Dr. S. E. contributioNs to horticulture. Curious? Sample Younts (404) 542-3352. Or write Dr. Younts, copy $1. Serious? $10 full year (reg. $15). THE BULBS UGA, Athens, GA 30602. AVANT GARDENER, Box 489M, New York, Large flowering size Belladonna Lilly (Amaryl­ DRIP IRRIGATION NY 10028. lis) Bulb $6.00. Postage Free. Rare Bulb List DRIP IRRIGATION-ideal for flowers, vege­ $1.00, deductible with order. WILLETTS, POB AZALEAS & RHODODENDRONS tables. Save water, reduce disease, increase yields, 446, Moss Landing, CA 95039. durable. Free information. MISER IRRIGA­ CHOICE AND HARD-TO-FIND Azaleas and CACTI & SUCCULENTS TION, Box 94616 AH, Lincoln, NE 68509- Rhododendrons-hardy and large enough to be 4616. transplanted directly 'From Om Garden To "CATALOG OF UNUSUAL SUCCULENTS" Yours! ' Mailorder Catalog $2.00 (deductible). Discover the largest selection of weird and un­ DWARF CONlFERS CARLSON'S GARDENS, Box 305-AHA685, usual succulents--over 150 photographs of suc­ Over 180 types of dwarf conifers, small leaf South Salem, NY 10590. culent crests, variegates, living stones, and odd­ rhodies, andromeda & hollies. Many suitable balls. Send $1.00 today . "CATALOG OF for bonsai. Described by size, shape, color and BONSAI UNUSUAL SUCCULENTS" Dept. A6, 553 texture. 50-page catalog $2.00 (refundable). Bonsai Plants, Pots, Tools, Books, Supplies. Great Buena Creek Road, San Marcos, CA 92069. WASHINGTON EVERGREEN NURSERY, Hobby. Catalog "AH" $1.00. BONSAI FARM, FLECHSIG CACTI & SUCCULENTS, Dept. Box 388AH, Leicester, NC 28748. PO Box 130, Lavernia, TX 71821. AH, 619 Orpheus Ave., Encinitas, CA 92024. EARTHWORMS BOOKS Choice cacti, aloes, many other succulents for Red Earthworms, nature's productive soil im­ DRIED BOUQUETS SO REAL THEY LOOK collectors. Catalog $1, deductible. provers. They produce: free natural fertilizer, FRESH!!! Two show-and-tell books give ORCHID CACTUS SPECIAL! 6 different young healthier soil and plants. 1,000-$14.00, worm Professional secrets for PRESERVING FLOW­ plants, 1985 plantlbookshop catalogs, shipped castings 5 pds.-$8.00. Postpaid. Instructions ERS Step-by-Step $2.95 (includes Microwave) airmail. Only $13.50. OR: Brand new 1985 provided. ELLIOTT SACKS (AH), Soil Im­ and companion book Step-by-Step BOOK OF PlantlBookshop Catalogs now available. 34 pages provement Specialist, 1329 Virginia Ave., DRIED BOUQUETS $8.95-over 285 pho­ of Orchid Cactus, Hoyas, Christmas/Easter Campbell, CA 95008. tographs for making Williamsburg, Victorian, Cactus, Rattails, + 200 Cactus books. Almost EPIPHYLLUM HYBRIDS Modern, Gifts. Both Books $12.90 ppd. FREE 100 color photos. Only $1.00. RAINBOW EPIPHYLLUMS (ORCHID CACTUS), RHIP­ NEWSLETTER, send stamp. ROBERTA MOF­ GARDENS, Box 721-AH65, La Habra, CA SALIS, HOYAS. 3 different Epiphyllum cut­ FITT, Box 3597, Wilmington, DE 19807. 90633. tings $7.00. Orders outside United States add Out of print and scarce gardening and botanical WINTER HARDY CACTUS - many varieties. $6.00 for "Agriculture Inspection Fee." Family books. Catalogs issued regularly. Please write Send stamp for price list. INTERMOUNTAIN run business since 1924. Catalog 50¢. BEAHM to WHEELBORROW BOOKS, 22, Brangwyn CACTUS, 2344 South Redwood Rd., Salt Lake EPIPHYLLUM GARDENS, Dept. AH85, 2686 Ave., Brighton, Sussex, BN1 8XG, England. City, UT 84119. Paloma, Pasadena, CA 91107.

34 june 1985 ship $10.00 yearly, includes six issues of THE HEATHER GROWERS, Box 850, Elma, W A EXOTIC SEEDS GLOXINIAN. AMERICAN GLOXINIA AND 98541. 1500 varieties of rare and unusual seeds in beau­ GESNERIAD SOCIETY, PO Box 493, Beverly HERBS tifully co lor ill ustrated and descriptive catalog. Farms, MA 01915. Many never offered before. Available from: 125 Herbs, 50 scented Geraniums, 500 House­ INTERNATIONAL SEED SUPPLIES, PO Box GREENHOUSE ACCESSORIES plants, Fuchsias, Iv ies, Cacti and Succulents. 538, NOWRA N.S .W., 2541 AUSTRALIA. For COMPLETE MIST PROPAGATION SYS­ Catalog, Newsletters-$1.00. MERRY GAR­ your catalog, send $2.00 for surface mail, $3.00 TEMS. Get phenomenal propagation resu lts­ DENS, Camden, ME 04843. fo r Air Mail, refunded with first order. Greater financial yield! Unequalled-inexpen­ Large selection of perennial and annual herbs. sive-FREE brochure. AQUAMONITOR, Box Ca ta log $1.00 (refundab le with order). 100% ORGANIC FERT ILIZER 327, Dept. B, Huntington, NY 11743. WRENWOOD, Rte. 4, PO Box 361, Berkeley Peruvian Bird Guano is 13-8-2 and has many Springs, WV 25411 trace elements. 26 oz. for $10.00, 15 lb. for GREENHOUSE BOOKS $50.00, 40 lb. for $90.00. Dealer inquiries in­ GREENHOUSE MANAGEMENT-SEC­ HORTICULTURAL PRINTS vited. PLANTJOY, 3562 E. 80th Street, Cleve­ OND EDITION by Robert W. Langhans, Cor­ HERB/SPICE COOKING CHARTS. Use the land, OH 44105. (216) 641-1200. ne ll University Professor. A book to help you herbs you grow l Unique fu ll color prints. Stamped manage and understand the equipment and sys­ long envelope for brochure. GOURMET'S FLAGPO LES tems of your greenhouse. Facts on structures, ARTIST, PO Box 514A, Staten Island, NY 20,25 and 30 foot standard two-piece, custom­ soils, temperature, light, humidity and biolog­ 10310. built wood flagpole. Shipped FOB complete (ex­ ical pest control are included. 270 pages, 209 HORT ICULTURE T HERAPY cept flag) anywhere in U.S. THE FLAGPOLE ill ustrations. Send $21.00 postpaid to CENTER, PO Box 254, Sargentvill e, ME 04673. HALCYON PRESS OF ITHACA, 111 Halcyon Horticulture therapy and rehabilitati on pro­ 1-207-359-4448. Hill Road, Ithaca, NY 14850. gram serving the mentall y ill and mentally re­ tarded is seeking funds for expansion. For more FLOWER ARRANGING SUPPLIES HARPER HORTICULTURAL SLIDE information, please co ntact Joe Krake, T H E Carefull y selected supplies, equipment and ac­ LIBRARY (PAMELA HAR PER) FLOWER POT GREENHOUSE, N.W. 18th St. , cessories for flower arranging, corsages, house­ 60,000 slides of plants and gardens. Lecture sets Richmond, IN 47374, or call co llect (317) 962- plants. Ill ustrated catalog 251/.. Retailers use let­ for rent or purchase, including six different sets 7177. terhead. DOROTHY BIDDLE SERVICE, GM4, on PERENNIALS, wi th lecture notes. Catalog HORTIDEAS-GARDEN NEWS YOU Greeley, PA 18425-9799. $1.50. 219 Robanna Shores, Seaford, VA 23696. CAN USE (8 04) 898-6453. GESNERIADS " BEST GARDENING NEWSLETTER" say both " Learn to Know and Grow" Fascinating house­ HEATHS & HEATHERS amateur and professional horticul turists. Why) plants-sinningia, gesneria, streptocarpus, other Enjoy a colorful all -year HEATH ER GARDEN! More pages, more articles, more useful infor­ plants rel ated to the African Violet. Member- Send SASE fo r descriptive 100-cultivar list. mation. Facts, not fl uff! En joyable, authorita-

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Two 30 " x 15" =$49 .50 Windows or shutters Mechanical and design Pat. Pend. SOLD ONLY BY MAIL ORDER

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American Horticulturist 35 CLASSIFIEDS

tive monthly coverage of new/overlooked meth­ INDOOR GARDENING dodendrons, azaleas, flowering shrubs, shade ods, plants, products, publications, technical trees, large assortment of rare and standard developments. Fully referenced and indexed. One LIGHTED PLANTST ANDS, solid wood, plants. Catalog $1.00. GIRARD NURSERIES, year, $10. Sample, $1. Satisfaction guaranteed! waterproof high gloss finish custom made. FREE Box 428, Geneva, OH 44041. HORTIDEAS, A, Gravel Switch, KY 40328. information. SUNI'S VIOLETS, P.O. Box 329, South Kent, CT 06785. ORCHIDS HOSTAS ORCHIDS! ORCHIDS! ORCHIDS! Brome­ Seedling Hostas for rapid ground cover, $37.50/ INTERESTED IN A SHADY DEAL? liads, Staghorn Ferns, Book-s, Peters Fertilizer, 50. Hybrid Hosta list, 2 stamps. Green or Var­ INTERESTED IN A SHADY DEAL? Protect Potting Mixes, Supplies for indoor and green­ iegated liriope, $15 doz. Ventricosa Hostas, $15/ your vegetable and ornamental plants from blis­ house culture. REQUEST CATALOG. FOX 4. Siberian Iris: Snowcreast or Caesar, $12.50 tering sun with SHADE CLOTH. Write or call ORCHIDS, INC, 6615 West Markham, Little (collect (404) 778-8654) 8:00 AM-4:00 PM doz. Lemon Lilies or mixed diploid daylilies, Rock, AR 72205. $25 doz. Wild orange daylilies, $17.50 doz. E.S.T. weekdays for FREE informational kit. Christmas or Lady Ferns, $20 doz. Crinum Custom fabricated orders, with reinforced bind­ ORCHIDS, PHALAENOPSIS, ETC Powellii 'Album' or Virgineum, $17.50 ea. All ing and brass grommets, shipped normally within Minimum order three blooming size plants, $9.50 ppd. HOLIDA Y SEEDS, 4276AH Durham Cir­ 10 days. SATISFACTION GUARANTEED. each, postpaid. SPECIAL: Ten 3" pot seedlings cle, Stone Mountain, GA 30083. Useful also as patio shade, protective bird net­ $35.00! List $1.00 (deeuctible). GREEN VAL­ ting, and swimming pool cover. MASTER­ LEY ORCHIDS, Rte. 1, Box 233S, Folsom, LA HOSTAS FOR SHADE CARD and VISA. YONAH MANUFACTUR­ 70437, Wide selection. Descriptive catalog $1.00. SA­ ING COMPANY, Box 280AH, Corneli a, GA VOR Y'S GREENHOUSES AND GARDENS, 30531. ORGANIZATIONS Hybridizers and Growers, (6 12) 941-8755,5300 You will enjoy these benefits when you become IRIS Whiting Ave., Edina, MN 55435. a member of THE INDOOR CITRUS & RARE SIBERIAN AND SPURIA IRIS. These easy to FRUIT SOCIETY. We have developed a finder's HOUSE PLANTS grow Iris form graceful and beautiful clumps service- availability of information, seeds and ORCHIDS, GESNERlADS, BEGONIAS, CACTI ideally suited to the perennial garden. Excellent plants of Citrus and rare fruits. Special prices & SUCCULENTS. Visitors welcome. 1984-85 as cut flowers! FREE descriptive price list avail­ of books on Tropical & Subtropical Fruits for Catalog $1.50. LAURA Y OF SALISBURY, Rt. able on request. CHEHALEM GARDENS, PO members. A 16-page quarterly Newsletter that 41 (Undermountain Rd.), Salisbury, CT 06068 Box 693, Newberg, OR 97132. updates research on Citrus and other rare fruits, (203 ) 435-2263. Irises. All kinds including Rlorentine for orris. Membership fees: $10 per year, U.S.A. ; $12 per TROPICALS delivered to your door courtesy Catalogue $1.00. THE IRIS POND, 7311 year ourside U.S.A. Make checks payable to of Logee's. Our 1985-86 catalog lists 2,000 Churchill Rd., McLean, VA 22101. INDOOR CITRUS SOCIETY, 176 Coronado Indoor Plants including Begonias, Geraniums, Unique Iris Ca.talog. Featuring the newest of the Ave., Los Altos, CA 94022. Jasmines, Citrus, Herbs. Beautiful color illustra­ new and the best of the old. 3,000 varieties PALMS tions throughour-$3.00. LOGEE'S GREEN­ listed, Color Catalog $1.00. IRIS RANCH, Box HOUSES, AH, 55 North Street, Danielson, CT 227A, Cerrillos, NM 87010. DWARF RHAPIS EXCELSA-ELEGANT IN­ 06239. DOOR PALMS Green and variegated varieties, JASMINES 12"-32" tall, 5"-10" pots. 3-9 years old. Catalog HOY A SPECIAL Jasminum Polyanthum and Miniature holly $2. Rhapis Palm Book $5. ppd. RHAPIS GAR­ WHAT'S A HOYA? 6 ea . different Hoya cut­ (malpigha)-four for $6.00. List 25 ¢. SPRING­ DENS, POB 287-A, Gregory, TX 78359. tings. $14.95 Postpaid. FREE descriptive list & HEAD GARDENS, Rte. 3, Box 1700, Madison, PEONIES growing instructions. Satisfaction guaranteed. FL 32340. SLO GARDENS, 4816B Bridgecreek, San Luis Including rare hybrids. Also Daylilies, Japanese Obispo, CA 93401. KIWI Iris, Hosta. FREE catalog. CAPRICE FARM HARDY KIWIS-8 VARIETIES. Care and NURSERY, 15425 SW Pleasant Hill Rd., Sher­ INDOOR-OUTDOOR GARDENING planting guide $1.25. Black Currants, EDIBLE wood, OR 97140. SUPPLIES LANDSCAPING, Rt. 2, Box 343A, Afton, VA "FREE CATALOGUE" ... " LOWEST 22920. PERENNIALS PRICES-TOP QUALITY SUPPLIES" ... Plas- We offer a good selection of sturdy plants. Send LIVING WALL@ BUILDING BLOCK $1.00 for Plant List (refundable). CAMELOT tic pots, hanging baskets, peat pots, etc.... 2 GARDENS Stamps ... Postage ... PLANT COLLECT­ NORTH, Pequot Lakes, MN 56472, IBLES, 103E Kenview Ave., Buffalo, NY 14217. Build flowering or vegetable-bearing gazebos, HARDY PERENNIALS. Fine plants, reason­ walls, arches, crosses, towers with these build­ able prices. Descriptive mail-order catalog $1.00. FREE GROWING SUPPLIES CATALOG­ ing blocks. Use individually. Stack into towers Wholesale Prices! Pots, flats, fertilizer, Pro-Mix, SEXTON NURSERY, 23340AH Doane Creek six feet high. Hang them. Make double use of insecticides, more! FPI, Dept. H, 2242 Palmer, Road, Sheridan, OR 97378, space by growing on poles over foundation Schaumburg, IL 60195. plantings. Grow all your vegetables, fruit and Hosta, Day lilies, Peonies, Siberian Irises, Native herbs off the side of your home. Grow inside Plants, Specialty Perennials. Catalog $1.00, de­ ADVANCED PROPAGATION on your dining table. On non-arable deserts, ductible. BUSSE GARDENS, Route 2, Box 13, rocky mountains, rooftops, driveways and yards, Cokato, MN 55321. MIST SYSTEMS Grow 10 times as much per acre as any farmer FULL COLOR CATALOG FEATURING (Free brochure) can on good land. Produce all your family'S DAFFODILS, DA YLILIES, LILIES AND IR­ vegetable, fruit, herb, flower and green plant ISES , Send $3.00 to BORBELETA GARDENS, AQUAMONITOR needs in a tiny space. Catalogue $1.00 Write 10078 154th Ave. AH, Elk River, MN 55330- Dept. 10 - Box 327 - Huntington, NY. 11743 Dept. 110, LIVING WALL@ GARDENCOM­ 6233. 516-427-5664 PANY, 2044 Chili Ave., Rochester, NY 14624. Broad collection of perennials, including rock MAPLES garden plants, hardy fuchsias, Helianthemums. TREE PEONIES Catalog $1.00 (refundable with order). WREN­ MATSU-MOMIJI NURSERY-We specialize Caprice Farm Nursery WOOD, Rte. 4, PO Box 361, Berkeley Springs, in the finest varieties of Japanese Maples and WV25411. 15425 SW Pleasant Hill Rd. Japanese Black Pines. Introducing a selection of Sherwood, Oregon 97140 Unusual Rock and Shade Plants, Hosta, Hem­ 503-625-7241 BONSAI containers. Catalog $1.00, PO Box 11414, Philadelphia> PA 19111. erocallis, Sempervivum, Shrubs, Iris and Native FREE CATAl!.,OG! Americans, and Perennial Seed. 24 Page Cata­ Also hostas • peonies • daylilies NURSERY STOCK • Japanese Iris log, Please send 40¢ in stamps. ROCKNOLL BABY EVERGREENS, seeds, seedlings, rho- NURSERY, 9210 U.S. 50, Hillsboro, OH 45133.

36 June1985 southern Ohio. 24 page catalog. Please send 40¢ PLANTS in stamps. ROCKNOLL NURSERY, 9210 U.S. Fortify your camellias, fuchsia, roses, rhod o - 50, Hillsboro, OH 45133. dendrons, plants! 2-20-10-(10S,8CA,6M G ) multi mineral Green Cross Wintercare is low N , SEEDS high P,K,S,CA,MG. Hardens stems, strengthe n s FREE catalog of rare and unusual fruit and veg- roots, promotes blooms without lu sh growt h etable seeds. Send a large self-addressed stamped No fillers! Fortifies and protects plants synergi s - envelope to SANTA BARBARA SEEDS, P.O. tically. 1.5Ibs.-$7.95, 5Ibs-$14.95, 25Ibs-$32. 99 Box 6520, Santa Barbara, CA 93160. ck postpaid in USA. Canada add 25%. Send che WORLD'S LARGEST SELECTION of quality R with order to: GREEN C ROSS WINTE rare seeds from every continent. Thousands of 1 CARE, INC., Box 195, Oyster Bay, NY 1177 hard-to-find exoti cs, flowers, bulbs, house- (5 16) 922-9176 (Dealer inquiries invited). plants, hardy perennials, trees, ferns, alpines. PLANTS- RARE BUT AFFORDABLE Rare herbs, medicinal, ed ible plants. European Extensive selection: • American Natives ' Ou - and Oriental vegetables. Hundreds of exclu- standing Ornamentals • Uncommon Conifers sives. Reasonable prices. World's most informa- Wild Fruit • Hardiest Eucalyptus' Wildlife Plan ts tive catalog, packed with illustrations, cultural Affordable containerized starter-plants. Inform a- and histori cal information, $1.00. WORLD tive catalog-$1.50. FORESTFARM, 99 o SEED SERVICE, j .L. Hudson, Seedsman, Box Tetherah, Williams, OR 97544. 1058-AT, Redwood City, CA 94064. THE WORLD'S LARGEST and most famous PLUMERlAS & RARE TROPICALS seed catalog. Over 200 pages, 4,000 va ri eti es, SENSATIONAL OFFER! Over 45 named v a­ 1,000 color pictures. A major book of reference. rieties of Plumeria (Frangipani ) cuttings, rar e The Encyclopedia of how and what to grow bulbs, named Bougainvilleas orchids. FRE E --E from seed. The Bible of seed catalogs to ga r- plumeria seeds with order. Catalog $1.00. TH deners in over 100 countries. Vegetables, pot PLUMERIA PEOPLE, PO Box 720291, Hous plants, exotics, perennials, alpines, rockery, lat- ton, TX 77272. Attn: Richard. est and best annuals, trees, shrubs, bulbs from RARE AND UNUSUAL PLANTS seed with rare items unobtainable elsewhere. RARE AND UNUSUAL PLANTS-otherwis e Write for FREE copy, all owing three weeks or commercially unavailable-for botanic collec enclose $2.00 fo r First Class mail : THOMP- tions, landscaping, house and office-130 Bam SON & MORGAN, INC., Dept. AH C5, PO boo-including giants up to 36" diameter an d Box 1308, j ackson, Nj 08527. 90' tall, medium-sized bamboo and dwarfs with SEDUMS green as well as variegated leaves and culms 90 cycads, 180 palms, exotic foliage, succulents Tall, medium, carpeting sedums. Many un- Sansevierias, Hoyas, trees, Bamboo cane for art, usual. Catalog $1.00 (refundable wi th order). crafts, furniture, and construction projects. 60 o WRENWOOD, Rte. 4, PO Box 361, Berkeley Springs, WV 25411. books about plants, gardens, gardening, energy conservation, general interest, including Th e SEMPERViVUM & SEDUM Bamboo Book and The Sansevieria Book A rainbow of colors. Interesting forms and easy standards of reference, including descriptions to care for. Trial selection 12 for $10.45. Cat- collection, cultivation information plus larg e alogue 5'0¢, FREE with order. ALPINE GAR- photos $12 each postpaid. Four seasonal cat DENS, 15920A S.W. Oberst Lane, Sherwood, alogs $5. ENDANGERED SPECIES, 12571(A OR 97140. Redhill> Tustin, CA 92680-2832. RHODODENDRONS & AZALEAS SOUTH AFRICAN BULBS AND SEEDS SPECIALIZING IN THE UNUSUAL. Dwar South African Bulbs and Seeds. Unusual species. Rhododendrons, Evergreen & Deciduous Azal- Rarely available. Babiana, Lachenalia, Ferraria, eas, Dwarf Conifers, Companion Plants. Cat- Moraea, Romulea, Homeria, Lapeirousia, Or- alog $1.00, refundable. THE CUMMINS GAR- nithogalum, Ixia, Sparaxis, Freesia, Gladiolus, etc. Limited supply. Order early. Catalog $1.00. DEN, 22 Robertsville Rd., Marlboro, Nj 07746. o Please send me Free Catalog. (201) 536-2591. BIO-QUEST INTERNATIONAL, PO Box 5752, Santa Barbara, CA 93150. o Please send me Mammoth Dar­ Largest selection of Rhododendrons and Azal- win Hybrids/IOO. eas on the East Coast with many new varieties. SUPPLIES Mail order catalog $2.00. ROSLYN NURS- Pruning, Spraying, Trellis, Tying. For the *Enclosed is check or money order ERY, Dept. AH, Box 69, Rosly~ NY 11576. Professional and serious amateur. Write for FREE for $15.95. CHOICE AND HARD-TO-FIND Azaleas and catalog. GRO'ER SUPPLIES, Llano Route, Box Rhododendrons- hardy and large enough to be 22, Fredericksburg, TX 78624. transplanted directly 'From Our Garden To TETRAPLOID DAYLILIES Name Yours!' Mailorder Catalog $2.00 (deductible). Over 450 hybrids; exotic new Tetraploid In- Address CARLSON'S GARDENS, Box 305-AHR685, troductions. Catalog $1.00, deductible with or- City ______South Salem, NY 10590. der for plants. SEA WRIGHT GARDENS, 134 State _____ Zip _ _ _ _ ROCK GARDEN PLANTS Indian Hill, Carlisle, MA 01741 (617) 369-2172. Rare Alpines, Wildflowers, Dwarf Conifers, Visitors welcome! Groundcovers, colorful Rock Plants, Hardy UNUSUAL PLANTS Rhododendrons, Books. Catalog $1. RICE Baobabs, rare succulents, caudiciforms, Sanse- CREEK GARDENS, 1315 66th Ave. NE, Min- vierias, low light plants, bamboo, other exotics. neapolis, MN 55432. (612) 574-11'!lY. Illustrated catalog, periodic newsletters. $1.50, Still brook Farm ROCK PLANTS- UNUSUAL deductible from first order. SINGERS', 17806 Maple St., 307-L Litchfield, cr 06759 Over 300 varieties for Sun & Shade. Hardym Plummer St. AH, Northridge, CA 91325.

American Horticulturist 37 Sources

THE PURSLANE FAMILY LUTEA HYBRID TREE PEONIES DAISIES The following nurseries offer purslane Gardeners who are interested in learning ORNAMENTAL MUSTARDS family members. more about the lutea hybrid tree peonies The following nurseries offer a wide va­ Plants will want to join the American Peony So­ riety of daisies and mustard family mem­ Appalachian Wildflower Nursery, Route ciety. For more information on member­ bers. For a list of companies that offer seed 1, Box 275 A, Reedsville, PA 17084, ships, write the American Peony Society, of these species, see the "Seed" source list catalogue $1.00. Greta M. Kessenich, Secretary, 250 Inter­ under "The Purslane Family." Boehlke's Woodland Gardens, W. 140 N lachen Road, Hopkins, MN 55343, (612) Bluestone Perennials, 7211 Middle Ridge 10829 Country Aire Road, German­ 938-4706. Road, Madison, OH 44057, catalogue town, WI 53022, catalogue free. The following nurseries offer a good se­ free. Country Hills Greenhouse, Route 2, Cor­ lection of lutea hybrid tree peonies. Busse Gardens, 635 East 7th Street, Route ning, OH 43730, catalogue free. Klehm Nursery, 2 East Algonquin Road, 2, Box 13, Cokatom, MN 55321, cat­ Daystar, Litchfield-Hallowell Road, R.F.D. Arlington Heights and Algonquin Roads, alogue $1.00. 2, Litchfield, ME 04350, catalogue $1.00. Arlington Heights, IL 60005, catalogue Carroll Gardens, Box 310, 444 East Main International Growers Exchange, P.O. Box $1.00. Street, Westminster, MD 21157, cata­ 52248, Livonia, MI 48152, catalogue David Reath, Hybrid Peonies, P.O. Box logue $2.00. free. 521, Vulcan, MI 49892, catalogue $1.00. The Country Garden, Route 2, Box 455A, Kartuz Greenhouses, Inc., 1408 Sunset Smirnow's Son, P.O. Box 251, Glen Head, Crivitz, WI 54114, catalogue $2.00. Drive, Vista, CA 92083, catalogue $1.00. Long Island, NY 11545, catalogue $2.00. Garden Place, 6780 Heisley Road, Men­ Logee's Greenhouses, 55 North Street, Wayside Gardens Company, Hodges, SC tor, OH 44060, catalogue free. Danielson, CT 06239, catalogue $3.00. 29695, catalogue $1.00. Holbrook Farm and Nursery, Route 2, Box Mesa Garden, P.O. Box 72, Belen, NM White Flower Farm, Litchfield, CT 06759, 223 B, Fletcher, NC 28732, catalogue 87002, catalogue free. catalogue $5.00. $2.00. Seeds International Growers Exchange, P.O. Box Far North Gardens, 15621 Auburndale COAXING IRIS FROM THE DESERT 52248, Farmington, MI 48152, cata­ Avenue, Livonia, MI 48154, catalogue For those interested in visiting the beau­ logue free. $2.00. tiful iris garden described by Maire Sim­ Lamb Nurseries, E. 101 Sharp Avenue, Harris Seeds, Joseph Harris Company, Inc., ington, the address is 3342 W. Orange­ Spokane, WA 99202, catalogue $1.00. Moreton Farm, 3670 Buffalo Road, wood, Phoenix, Arizona 85021, (602) 841- Louisiana Nursery, Route 7, Box 43, Ope­ Rochester, NY 14624, catalogue free. 1231. The Shepards' iris garden is open to lousas, LA 70570, catalogue $3.50. L. Hudson, Seedsman, P.O. Box 1058, J. the public every Saturday and Sunday dur­ Milaeger's Gardens, 4838 Douglas Ave­ Redwood City, CA 94064, catalogue ing April, and by appointment. nue, Racine, WI 53402, catalogue $1.00. $1.00. Rakestraw's Perennial Gardens and Nurs­ Geo. W. Park Seed Company, Inc., P.O. The Annual Convention of the Ameri­ ery, G-3049 S. Term Street, Burton, MI Box 31, Greenwood, SC 29647, cata­ can Iris Society will be held April 14-18, 48529, catalogue $1.00. logue free. 1987 in Phoenix, Arizona. For more in­ Rice Creek Gardens, 1315 66th Avenue, Thompson and Morgan, P.O. Box 1308, formation, write the American Iris Society, NE, Minneapolis, MN 55432, cata­ Dept. AH5J, Jackson, NJ 08527, cata­ 7414 E. 60th Street, Tulsa, OK 74145. logue $1.00. logue free. Rocknoll Nursery, 9210 U.S. 50, Hills­ PERENNIALS FOR THE FRONT OF boro, OH 45133, catalogue 44¢ in TREE PEONIES THE BORDER stamps. OFTHE WORLD Pamela Harper's perennials are available Sweet Springs Perennial Growers, 2065 Tips for the home gardeners. Many color photographs of the peonies we sell-both tree and herbaceous. from the nurseries listed under "Daisies" Ferndale Road, Arroyo Grande, CA and "Ornamental Mustards." Seed for these 93420, catalogue free. SMIRNOW'S SON 11 Oakwood Drive West, R.R. #1 . Huntington, N.Y. 11743 species is available from the companies listed Van Bourgondien Brothers, P.O. Box A, (516) 421·0836 245 Farmingdale Road, Route 109, Please send $2.00 for Catalog in this section under "The Purslane Family." Perennials: How to Select, Grow & En­ Babylon, NY 11702, catalogue free. joy by Pamela Harper and Frederick Andre Viette Farm and Nursery, Route 1, McGourty (Retail price: $9.95) is avail­ Box 16, Fishersville, VA 22939, cata­ Ideal permanent evergreen ground cover plants. Thrive in most soils, in sun or shade. Grows to an even height of able from the Society at a member price logue $1.00. 8 inches. Plant 6 inches apart. Sturdy, well·rooted plants, Wayside Gardens Company, Hodges, SC postpaid: 50 - $13.95, 100 - $23.95. 500 - $94.95. of $9.70, including postage and handling. 1000 - $165.00. Prompt shipments. Finest Ouality Stock. 29695, catalogue $1.00. Guaranteed to live or we'll replace free up to 1 year. Folder To order a copy, write Jeanne Eggeman, on request. (N.V . residents please add sales tax.) American Horticultural Society, P.O. Box White Flower Farm, Litchfield, CT 06759, PEEKSKILL NURSERIES. Box H. Shrub Oak. N.Y. 10588 0105, Mount Vernon, VA 22121. catalogue $5.00.

38 June 1985 COAXING IRIS FROM THE DESERT AIlS Continued from page 21 of white. It also has a clear, opaque stripe = = This is especially important the first year down the center of the fall. The second is Travel rhizomes are planted here. When plants a dark rust flecked with honey-spice mark­ begin clumping after the first season, they ings, and the third is a solid ruby-red. naturally protect themselves." Even after the spring flurry of business Each year during the month of April, has peaked, activity at the Shepards' gar­ Bobbie and Don wander through the waist­ den does not cease. About the first of July, The American Horticultural Soci­ high rows of flowers, answering endless they spread a screen netting that provides ety is sponsoring an exciting pro­ questions about iris culture. " We want to about 80 percent shade over their beds to gram of horticultural explorations make sure the person can grow what he keep the foliage green. They do not water for the 1985 season. Plan to join or she purchases," Don emphasizes. "If the from July through September. "We do this fellow AHS members on one or planting is a failure, it will create frustra­ from a commercial standpoint because we more of these interesting garden­ related tours. Use the coupon be­ tion. We want people to enjoy the iris begin digging in the early part of July to low to request information on any blooms in their own yards as well." fill orders for fall planting," Bobbie ex­ of these tours. When not talking with customers, the plains. "A homeowner would not dig until Shepards are busy hand-watering the the end of August for replanting in mid­ thousands of iris, picking spent blossoms September, when the temperatures hover Tropical Ecology: The Amazon or dabbling in their newest venture, hy­ around the 100-degree mark." (June 26-July 15) Join Dr. Mildred Mathias, Emeritus Professor of Bot­ bridizing. Bobbie and Don do all the work With a shovel "and a little back labor," any at UCLA, and other distin­ on the 1 V4 -acre site. This is especially re­ the two dig and store the thousands of gUished scientists for an in-depth markable when one considers that Don rhizomes. Each rhizome must be kept hard look at the plant and animal life in works full-time as a supervisor for a com­ like a potato to prevent soft rot from set­ remote, undisturbed habitats along mercial construction company. ting in . The herculean task is completed the Amazon River. This trip is de­ Don began seriously studying the tech­ almost two months later, when orders are signed as a wilderness experience for niques of other hybridizers about five years delivered locally or shipped throughout the the adventurous traveler. ago. "Each one has his or her own tech­ country. nique," he says. "We patterned our meth­ "We find our desert-acclimated irises do South Africa (September 10-29) ods after those of Neva Sexton, a two-time well in colder climes," Don notes. "They Join Ernie Chew, former San Diego Dykes medal winner from Wasco, Cali­ reverse-acclimate. Our irises grow well in Zoo horticulturist, for a tour that in­ fornia. We found it to be the easiest of all the northern parts of the state-in Flag­ cludes visits to South Africa's Drak­ methods because of its simplicity. She pol­ staff and Payson-where winter snow is ensberg Mountains, Kruger National linates with a toothpick, transferring pol­ deep. We also have reports that they're Park, Durban, Kirstenbosch Gardens and other public and private gardens. len from one flower to the other." doing fine in Ohio and Pennsylvania." South Africa has one of the most di­ Don does his hybridizing in the field in Interestingly, the Shepards have discov­ verse and unique plant communities the early morning hours, before pollen dries ered from firsthand experience that iris that in the world. out or gets eaten by thrips and aphids. Seed have adapted to the cold will not fare well pods are picked when ripe inJuly. To stim­ in the heat. They now check the parentage Autumn in England (September ulate faster germination, Don plants his of any new plant they bring into the garden 11-26) Visit the Royal Horticultural seeds ~s soon as the pods split. Many in order to determine if it is likely to be Society's Great Autumn Show in growers wait until October, though, be­ successful in the desert. London, and tour the rolling, un­ fore sowing. Although awareness of iris culture in spoiled English countryside. Visits to It has taken the Shepards five years to desert areas is growing, the Shepards are many private gardens and homes are finally introduce their own iris. "It's mind­ still doing their part to spread the word. scheduled. The tour will be con­ boggling for novice gardeners to realize "After all these years, there are still mis­ ducted by John Clayton, Retired Cu­ that of 1,000 seeds planted, we'll only keep conceptions of what will and will not grow rator of Horticulture at the Royal two or three," Bobbie says. "We have to in the desert," Bobbie says. Any doubts Horticultural SOCiety. judge new seedlings on the structure of the should be completely cleared in April of plant, size of the foliage and bud count; 1987, when the Sun Country Iris Society theFe must be seven or more buds for us of Phoenix hosts the national convention YES! Please send me more Information on the tours I have checked below: to keep the iris. Unless the flower has an of the American Iris Society. (For more unusual color or other exceptional quality, information, see "Sources" on page 38.) o Tropical Ecology: The Amazon o South Africa we must discard it based on our judging In less tnan two decades, the Shepards o Autumn in England criteria." have almost single-handedly taken the iris The Shepards' efforts have blossomed. from a plant considered unsuitable for des­ Name ______Recently, Bobbie and Don sent for their ert gardens to one that is fast becoming a first set of registration papers for five new feature of many a spring garden in the Ad&ess ______iris cultivars, all of which are tall bearded. American Southwest. 0 Three of these will be introduced in their City ______State __ Zip ______mail-order catalogue this spring. One, a Maire Simington is a free-lance writer and Mail to: Robin Williams, American Garden Editor of Phoenix Home/Garden. She grape and white plicata, has a rich, deep Horticultural Society, PO Box 0105, Mount is also Director of Communications for the Vernon, VA 22121. purple background that is dusted with flecks Samaritan Medical Foundation in Phoenix.

American Horticulturist 39 GARDEN DESIGN Perennials fqr the Front of the Barder

lower border or island bed? better in cool climates than in hot ones; Primroses come first because they are Whichever design style you choose, Campanula carpatica (watch out for slugs); first in my affections. At garden centers F there are gains and losses. How­ cushion-forming asters and chrysanthe­ you'll find the brilliantly colored Pacific ever, if you opt for island beds, one thing mums; and border pinks (Dianthus), dwarf Giants, which I've found to be short-liv~d. to bear in mind is that you'll have more irises, sundrops (Oenothera missourensis) Those I grow in quantity are the very hardy edges and will therefore need a greater pro­ and coralbells (Heuchera). Some newer ones Barnhaven hybrids of Primula vulgaris portion of low-growing plants. Some, al­ have quickly become popular. Most gar­ (formerly P. acaulis) , which is the wild though excellent as ground covers, spread den centers are likely to have the dicentras yellow primrose of English woods. Some too fast to be trusted in the border. Among 'Luxuriant' or 'Bountiful', Gaillardia of the Barnhaven primroses are brightly these are blue plumbago (Ceratostigma 'Goblin' (longer-lived in poor soil than in colored, but none are gaudy, and the size plumbaginoides), Campanula poschar­ rich), and the shortest of the Shastas, 'Little of the flower is no bigger than a primrose skyana and my latest vagabond-the late­ Miss Muffet'. Hostas are now very pop­ ought to be. A catalogue makes you feel flowering, mat-forming Chrysanthemum ular, but the smaller ones seldom turn up like a kid in a candy store; the color range weyrichii. at the garden centers. Two I can recom­ includes candy pinks and butterscotch, Unwillingness to stake perennials was mend are the tiny, but quite rapidly along with home-fires (orange-red and one of the factors that led to the breeding spreading Hosta venusta and the yellow­ flame), tartan reds, Barnhaven blues and and selection of shorter kinds for use in leaved H. lancifolia 'Kabitan'. Both are at traditional yellow. Can't decide? Take the island beds. Well-known perennials of their best in partial shade and rich soil. Springtime Mixture, a lucky choice. My moderate height include Iberis sempervi­ Other perennials of moderate height, in­ first ones were grown from mixed-doubles rens, commonly known as candy tuft cluding those described below, may not all seed, which yielded both doubles and sin­ ('Snowflake' is a particularly good selec­ be on show at garden centers but are read­ gles in dozens of different colors. Sinc~ tion); silver-mound artemisia, which is ily available from mail-order nurseries. then, I've added transplants in my pre-

40 June 1985 ferred color ranges. These are not little seedlings but husky little plants that bloom the following year. Deep, moist, heavy soil is ideal, but in parts of my garden these plants make do with sand mixed with peat or leaf mold. They have shade from after­ noon sun, and I divide them every third year. This task is best done a month or more before extremely hot, cold, dry or windy weather arrives. These very hardy primroses are winter-dormant in cold re­ gions but evergreen in USDA Zone 8. In the South, however, they sometimes go partly dormant in dry summers. A sprin­ kling of flowers can often be seen at Christ­ mas, but peak display is in March and April, over a period of several weeks. Slugs are the only real problem, but after many years in the same patch of ground, prim­ roses sometimes seem to exhaust some ele­ LEFT: Barnhaven hybrid primroses and blue-flowered Ipheion uniflorum 'Wisley Blue' in the author's garden. TOP RIGHT: Chrysogonum virginianum var. australe, commonly called ment they need and do better when moved green-and-gold or golden star. ABOVE: Sedum sieboldii in the summer. Commonly called to another part of the garden. Fertilizer October plant, it bears pink flowers in autumn.

American Horticulturist 41 GARDEN DESIGN

doesn't help; in fact, the fertilizer bag is rock garden. It prefers a well-drained soil than 'Golden Shower'. It is the longest best kept away from primroses. Leaf mold with a tad of lime around its feet." I add flowering of the three cultivars. (Several and well-rotted cow manure are beneficial. that for me, it is evergreen, nine inches high nurseries still list 'Moonbeam' as C. ver­ Golden-star or green-and-gold (Chry­ when in flower in April, and manages nicely ticillata; watch for the description "light sogonum virginianum) is native from without the lime. It is Zone 4 hardy. For yellow" or "pale yellow.") I see threadleaf Pennsylvania south, usually in thin wood­ the rock garden, I'd choose A. sturii, which coreopsis described as able to withstana lands with sandy or rocky soil. This species is a miniature version of A. procurrens. dry soil, but in my hot garden it does not is Zone 6 hardy, but can be brought through I've had a bit of trouble with Geranium thrive unless I add sufficient organic mat­ Zone 5 winters more often than not with dalmaticum, which did a great deal better ter to the sand to keep it moist. However, the help of a protecting evergreen bough in a friend's Zone 5 garden. After much I have discovered that the soil need not be or two. In the wild, golden-star is variable; shifting around, it is now thriving. "Easy high in nutrients. plants may be prostrate to a foot in height, in any good soil and sun," says Ingwersen's Where poor, dry soil cannot be im­ and clump-forming or matting and slowly Manual of Alpine Plants. And so it was in proved, I cannot recommend the thrifts creeping. The leaves may be glossy or gray­ England. In coastal Virginia, however, it (Armeria spp.) too highly. These plants are ish with hairs, and the flowers vary from needs deep, humus-rich soil that doesn't found under the names A. plantaginea, A . less than an inch across to nearly twice this get dry, and light afternoon shade. In early formosa, A. pseudarmeria or A . latifolia. width. The form usually sold, C. vir­ summer, baby-pink, rounded flowers about Common thrift, A. maritima, often splays ginianum var. australe, is more or less an inch across hover over the rounded, out and looks shabby, but I haven't had prostrate, with gray-green leaves that form dark leaves, which are deeply divided. that happen with these taller, less mossy a spreading, easily divided patch. The plants There's also a white-flowered form with a thrifts, which are sometimes found at gar­ are spattered with five-rayed stars in spring somewhat less robust constitution. den centers in mixed colors grown from and bloom sporadically through summer. Among the very best foreground plants seed. A good named cultivar is 'Bees Ruby', Golden-star will not grow in a desert or a are two yellow-flowered selections that like which bears carmine, globular flowers on bog but is otherwise versatile and enduring. full sun and sandy soil. Coreopsis 'Gold­ very tough, wiry stems. The flowers rise a Golden-star can be grown in full sun fink' has spear-shaped, glossy-green leaves foot or so above the basal tuffets of leaves, where summers are cool and the soil is in crowded clumps that are easy to divide; which are wider than those of the common moist, but it needs some shade to protect lift them, and they practically fall into sep­ thrift. it from heat and drought. This is also true arate, smalle'r clumps. 'Goldfink' doesn't Two of the best sedums for the front of with astilbes, which need moisture not so run, but the clumps increase in girth so the border are Sedum kamtschaticum, much for survival but because the ferny fast that there are enough divisions in a which is partially evergreen in mild cli­ leaves can look so scorched and shabby in year or two to make a substantial ground­ mates, and has masses of starry-yellow dry soils that the plants are not worth cover planting. Broad, overlapping petals flowers in late spring or early summer; and growing. Astilbe chinensis 'Pumila' is eas­ make up a sunny-yellow, circular flower the deciduous 'Ruby Glow' (also sold as ier to accommodate than most, and does with a jagged rim. These flowers are borne 'Rosy Glow'), with bright pink flowers that well for me as a border edging in dappled in such abundance (one to each short, stiff attract butterflies in late summer. Both like shade and soil that dries out for short pe­ stem) that daily deadheading in early sum­ sun and well-drained, moderately fertile riods in summer. It is completely dormant mer is a time-consuming, though enjoyable soil. S. kamtschaticum, of which there's a in winter, so the same patch of earth is job. One of my favorite combinations is very pretty form with leaves variegated in also occupied by Scilla tubergeniana, which blue and yellow, and I grow 'Goldfink' cream and pink, stays neat. 'Ruby Glow' bears short stems of baby-blue flowers in with cultivars of veronicas from the Ve­ on the other hand, sprawls in a manner March. Most astilbes are clump-forming, ronica incanalN. spicata complex. These well suited to the top of a wall or alongside but 'Pumila' is stoloniferous. It grows plants, which are evergreen in my area, a path, and is less than ideal adjoining a densely enough to make a ribbon between make mats of gray or green leaves, and lawn. I prefer S. sieboldii, a mass of pink lawn and border without being invaded by have spires of blue or pink flowers. One in late summer and autumn, but have found grass. Division is seldom necessary, and at kind, sold as 'Royal Blue', flowers the first it harder to establish. There's a lovely new less than a foot, it is just the right height year from seed. one called 'Vera Jameson', with purplish­ for the front of the border. There's a chunky Threadleaf coreopsis, C. verticil/ata, gray leaves and dusky-pink flowers. A look to the abundant, upright spikes of makes dense bushlets whose slender leaves chance seedling in an English garden, it is mauvish-pink, late-summer flowers. It is and starry flowers (with pointed, more possibly a hybrid between 'Ruby Glow' amply hardy in Zone 5. widely spaced petals than those of 'Gold­ and the two-foot, purple-leaved S. maxi­ An arabis that is not yet well known is fink') give them a kind of airy look. The mum 'Atropurpureum'. It has crossed the Arabis procurrens, an~ I can't do better one most often seen is 'Golden Shower', Atlantic, and if the more rigorous climate than quote from the catalogue of a grower with flowers the yellow of winter aconites. here does not test its mettle too severely, whose experience echoes my own: "We've About two feet in height, it is not too tall this may well become the best front-of­ tried other selections of the gray, fuzzy­ for the front of large borders. For smaller the-border sed urn. Watch for it. 0 leafed forms of arabis, but the heat and ones, there's the new 'Zagreb', a facsimile -Pamela Harper humidity usually do them in. We prefer, of 'Golden Shower' but half the height. A from trial and error, this green-leafed spe­ pale primrose-yellow form, sold for quite Pamela Harper owns Harper Horticultural Slide Library in Seaford, Virginia. She is co­ cies with white, four-petalled flowers and awhile by one wholesale nursery simply as author (with Frederick McGourty) of yellow stamens. This is a low grower suit­ C. verticil/ata but more recently as 'Moon­ Perennials: How to Select, Grow & Enjoy, able for the very front of the border or the beam', is taller than 'Zagreb' but shorter published recently by HP Books.

42 June 1985 AHS 40th Annual Meeting • September 11-15, 1985 • Chicago, Illinois

ome to Chicago to explore the many-faceted We'll pause at Cantigny to marvel at the 500-acre relationship of plants and people. With in-depth estate's 17 diverse garden collections, including September's Clooks at the expanding horticultural therapy field, bloom: helianthus, heliopsis, helenium, rudbeckia and the need to conserve our endangered plant species, and the hibiscus. restorative power of urban gardening; we will consider how Whether you are an amateur or a professional horticul­ horticulture brings us a renewal of life. turist, we hope you will consider joining us in exploring We'll start with dynamic Chicago itself, where we'll horticulture as a means of bringing beauty and harmony to enjoy the aesthetics of urban horticulture on the Chicago our world. River's banks - a panoramic example of how people can use plants to enhance a city environment. Please send me special advance registration information for the An educational session with horticultural experts will Society's 1985 Annual Meeting in Chicago, Illinois. provide a comprehensive view of people interacting with plants. We'll learn about exciting innovations in hor­ Name ______ticultural therapy at the Chicago Botanic Garden, and study the effects of urbanization on plant life at the Morton Address______Arboretum. An introductory lecture on "New Plants for Heartland America" will also be presented. City______State ._____ Zip, ______Tour magnificent private gardens, visit the carefully planned community of Riverside, and enjoy the Frank Mail to: Mrs. Robin Williams, American Horticultural Society, Lloyd Wright home with its beautiful original landscaping. P.O. Box 0105, Mount Vernon, VA 22121. CAR Y ARBORETUM'S FERN GLEN

Continued from page 26 gersias among the easiest of all plants to yellow spathes that can become two feet "tongue" ferns belong to this group: hart's grow: "They live forever, and have beau­ high-has not grown well in the Glen. A tongue (Phyllitis spp.), adder's-tongue tiful blossoms-like giant astilbes." The Japanese counterpart, which has white in­ (Ophioglossum spp.) and walking fern few garden books that mention them warn florescences and was obtained with great (Camptosorus spp.). Most ferns fall be­ that they are not hardy anywhere north of difficulty, has also been disappointing. tween these ranges. Other curious variants New York City. The six different selec­ In spring, the ferns are upstaged by flow­ include ferns with ruffled edges on leaves tions growing in the Glen have all been ering perennials and serve mainly as back­ or leaflets, and fronds with forking at the hardy to -25 0 F. However, one year a very ground for their soft colors. At this time, tips. late frost in May nipped some of the buds, pride of place is held for almost four months The most bizzare of the crested ferns, and the show was not as spectacular as by primroses that are hardier and more according to Mickel, is the so-called tatting usual. vigorous than the polyanthus primroses fern, Athyrium filix-femina 'Frizelliae'. Its Experiments with some other plants, just sold by most nurseries. A sequence of bloom leaflets are short, like buttons on the main as eagerly begun, have failed. For example, is provided by four species, beginning in stalk, and the frond tips are heavily forked, Lysichiton, the West Coast relative of the early March with Primula vulgaris, fol­ causing them to bend to the ground. There East Coast skunk cabbage but more im­ lowed by P. veris (another European spe­ are several clumps of this cultivar in the pressive-four to five feet high with showy cies), the Asian species P. denticulata, and cobble, as well as the closely related cul­ tivars 'Fieldiae', 'Victoria' and 'Crista­ tum'. The limestone cobble is also the meeting ground for spleen worts-ebony, Growing Ferns maidenhair and Scott's-polypody fern, bulblet bladder fern and its ruffled culti­ erns, like some classic perennials said that all the bracken in the world is var, the closely allied fragile fern, the walk­ (daylilies, for one), are masters of really only one plant. ing fern and more. F illusion, perfect for many land­ Once established, ferns often propagate Just as one begins to feel he or she has scape uses and for mixing with trees, shrubs vegetatively, and new growth can be bro­ reached the saturation point amid all this and herbaceous plants. They will grow ken off and transplanted. However, fernery, one or another of the distinctive where flowers will not bloom. They can gardeners who want a wider or more un­ companion plants intermingled with the be planted along banks or roadways, or usual selection may want to try spore ferns sparks new interest. While experi­ in narrow places along a path or fence. propagation. menting with unusual perennials at Cary They will fill gaps, or can be featured in Spore propagation can be a very tedious, (many propagated from seed collected mass single-species plantings or in collec­ complex and precise process. (See "Fern during plant expeditions abroad or ob­ tions of many different kinds. Propagation" by David Longland in the tained by exchange with many botanical Discerning gardeners who think in terms June 1982 issue of American Horticultur­ gardens around the world), Hebb made of low-maintenance, ecologically stable ist.) For a few species, spore germination some exciting finds, several of which are plantings are beginning to place ferns, along can take several years. For others, such as put to good use in and around the cobble. with hostas, at the top of their list of shade­ the popular Osmunda spp. (cinnamon, in­ These, along with other low-maintenance loving plants. (S hade, by the way, is not terrupted and royal ferns), only a few weeks woodland companions (Solomon's-seal, synonymous with " dark." Ferns and all are involved; however, it may still take wild gingers, Hepatica, Iris cristata, bane­ plants need some light-either indirect light several years before the ferns grow large berry and hardy relatives of the African of a north-facing area, or dappled shade.) enough to plant in the garden. More and violet), are shade-loving perennials that re­ Robert Hebb, who is partially responsible more, fern fanciers are propagating from quire the same conditions as their fern for the design of the Fern Glen, places great spores of hardy ferns that are not yet avail­ companions: part shade, part sun and evenly importance on the fern's need for mois­ able commercially. Gardeners can obtain moist soil conditions. ture-retentive soil: "Many ferns do not have spores from an interesting fern by cutting One attention-grabber at the Fern Glen to have ideal conditions. With an even sup­ off a small piece of frond with ripe spores is Chinese mayapple, Podophyllum hex­ ply of moisture, they will thrive. Most spe­ and putting it in a plain paper envelope andrum. This mayapple has huge, glossy cies can be exposed to a half-day of bright or, if there is no problem with dampness, leaves (some are almost 10 inches wide) sun if the soil is moisture-retentive." Ferns in a cellophane wrapper. As the specimen and looks like a magical plant that has do not need to be staked, divided, dead­ withers, the spores will fall out, and the escaped from a child's storybook. It has headed or fertilized, although they do re­ fine, dust-like spores can be sown. The best proved to be a sensational companion for spond to compost-enriched soil or a mulch way to obtain spores of unusual ferns is ferns. Chinese mayapple bears its flower of decaying wood. to join a fern society that maintains a spore on top of the leaf and, as does our native Ferns generally do not make good com­ bank. (See "Sources" on page 38.) Podophyllum, the "apple" underneath. petitors with tree roots and nuisance plants Obviously, spore propagation is not the Hebb prefers the Asian variety because our such as Virginia creeper, so occasional spot answer for anyone looking for a "quick native species has a running root system weeding may be in order. Exceptions are fix" to a garden problem. As with other and can become extremely invasive, while hay-scented fern (Dennstaedtia punctilob­ perennials, faster results can be obtained P. hexandrum stays in place. Another fo­ ula), sensitive fern (Onoclea sensibilis) and by buying and transplanting them, by liage plant that is just becoming available bracken fern (Pteridium aquilinum). The rooting divisions of ferns already growing in this country is Rodgersia, a large, stun­ rhizomes of bracken fern are such noto­ on one's property, or by trading "over the ningly elegant plant. Hebb considers rod- riously aggressive spreaders that it has been garden fence" with a friend.

44 June 1985 in mid-June with Japanese primroses, P. nursery complex a few minutes' drive from display, even though the older leaves, with japonica. the Plant Science Building, which houses their Christmas stocking-shaped pinnae, All plants and gardens are in a perpetual the administrative offices, laboratories, and become prostrate in winter. (Other ever­ state of "becoming," and the Fern Glen is library and meeting facilities . Plant seed­ green ferns include marginal shield fern, no exception. The cobble area will be ex­ lings and cuttings from around the world wood fern and Braun's holly fern.) There panded to include an acid cobble, featuring are cultivated in the greenhouses and will are also large plantings of cinnamon and ferns that require acid soil to thrive, and eventually be planted on the Arboretum maidenhair ferns, Solomon's-seal, Christ­ more companion plantings will be intro­ grounds. Cary Arboretum is the official mas rose, Heuchera americana and Iris as duced. There will also be more concentra­ host and organizer for the Soviet-Ameri­ understory plantings for rhododendrons, tion on summer-blooming companion can Botanical Exchange Program of the Kalmia and Leucothoe. plants, including the likes of Cimicifuga U.S. Department of the Interior, and many Around the corner from this display is and astilbes. Hostas, one of the finest fo­ of the plants have been propagated from a stunning sight: a sunken courtyard with liage plants that can be used to comple­ seed obtained on special plant-collecting a stairway of ferns--perhaps 30 wide, steep, ment ferns, will be missing. "Deer love expeditions to Russia. concrete steps spilling over with ferns and hostas," Hebb lamented. "Can you imag­ Leading to the Plant Science Building perennials. From the bottom it looks as if ine what a feast we would be giving them entrance is a deck surrounded by woodsy it climbs into the sky, and as one ascends if we planted hostas in this setting?" native trees, shrubs--and ferns. Here, ferns or descends, the garden can be appreciated As one leaves the Glen, it is possible to have a lived-with look, planted against a from changing angles. Here, one thing be­ take a circuitous route to the lilac collec­ building as part of a foundation planting. comes clear: Whether in the sylvan splen­ tion on the fringe of the Gifford Garden, "Ferns are ideal ground covers under rho­ dor of the Glen, or as architectural plant­ which emphasizes unusual plants and low­ dodendrons, azaleas or any ericaceous ings, ferns provide beauty, stability-and maintenance perennials. This garden is still plant," said Hebb. "That's because they a dollop of magic-to our environment. Cl under construction, as are the Rhodo­ all like the same conditions-even mois­ dendron Dell and Tree Avenue. The Av­ ture, somewhat acid soil and part shade." Margaret Parke is a free-lance writer and photographer whose articles have appeared in enue will show large native and foreign Polystichum spp. are found among un­ Organic Gardening and the New York Times, species that are valuable for lawns and derstory plantings at the Fern Glen. These as well as in former issues of American street plantings. There is a greenhouse and ferns are evergreen and make a big bold Horticulturist. 5 u E

American Horticulturist 45 MakeYour WmdowsWork for You

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