PLANT in the SPOTLIGHT in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Home , Espalier, Hamamelis mollis

TheThe AmericanAmerican gardener ® gardener TheThe MagazineMagazine ofof thethe AmericanAmerican HorticulturalHorticultural SocietySociety November / December 2012

enchanting Witch Hazels

Solutions for Soggy Sites Nancy Goodwin: Southern Plantswoman Best Boxwood for Today’s Gardens

contents

Volume 91, Number 6 . Novembn / Decembe1' 2012

FEATURES DEPARTMENTS

5 NOTES FROM RIVER FARM

6 MEMBERS' FORUM

8 NEWS FROM THE AHS Domestic cruise new addition to travel program, glorious gala at River Farm, take your best shot for photo contests, corporate volunteers help out at River Farm.

II AHS NEWS SPECIAL America in Bloom's 2012 award winners.

I2 AHS MEMBERS MAKING A OIFFERENCE Steven Trusty.

42 HOMEGROWN HARVEST Sprouts: Fast, Easy, and Delicious ..

44 GAROEN SOLUTIONS Preparing the garden for winter.

46 GARDENER'S NOTEBOOK 14 SOLUTIONS FOR SOGGY SITES BY KRIS WETHERBEE American Garden Award winners announced, Rather than struggling to "fix" seasonally wet garden sites, try sniffing out emerald ash borers, citiren these plant and design tips instead. scientists help gather rainfall data, Bonnie Plants' cabbage program gets kids gardening, 20 RESTORATION OF A JENSEN GARDEN BY JANET HOMMEL MANGAS native plants better for supporting local bird populations, Longwood Gardens receives Mter discovering the abandoned properry they had purchased one-millionth visitor, 2012 international was designed by the legendary Jens Jensen, an Indianapolis cou designer of the year, new horticulture director ple restored the garden using Jensen's original plans. for NewEngland Wild Flower Society.

Green Garage: Tools for end-of-season chores. 26 ENCHANTING WITCH HAZELS BY CHRIS STRAND Few shrubs pack more punch in the winter landscape than witch 50 BOOK REVIEWS hazels, which bear delicate, fragrant flowers on a sculptural frame The Layered Garden: Design Lessons for Year- of bare branches. Round Beautyftom Brandywine Cottage and A Garden Makes a House a Home.

Special focus: Miscellaneous titles. 32 NANCY GOODWIN BY ANNE RAVER Noted writer, garden designer, and plantswoman Nancy 52 TRAVELER'S GUIOE TO GARDENS Goodwin has created a masterful legacy at Montrose, her North San Diego Botanic Garden. Carolina home and garden. 54 GIFTS FOR THE GARDENER

38 BOXWOOD REVIVAL BY LYNN R. BATDORF 56 REGIONAL HAPPENINGS The availabiliry of new boxwood selections with appealing char 58 HARDINESS AND HEAT ZONES acteristics has led to a resurgence in popularity for this classic AND PRONUNCIATIONS landscape plant. 60 2012 MAGAZINE INDEX

ON THE COVER, Hamamelis mollis 'Princeton Gold' blooms in late winter at the Morris Arboretum 62 PLANT IN THE SPOTLIGHT in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Photograph by Rob Cardillo Poet's lautel.

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2012 3 AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY 1,3/)2321+$-. Making America a Nation of Gardeners, a Land of Gardens ,1/+$&'/&1-'3,$+2/ Board of Directors CHAIR Harry A. Rissetto, Esq. Falls Church, Virginia FIRST VICE CHAIRMAN Jane Diamantis McDonald, Tennessee SECOND VICE CHAIRMAN Mary Pat Matheson Atlanta, Georgia SECRETARY Leslie Ariail Alexandria, Virginia TREASURER J. Landon Reeve, IV Woodbine, Maryland IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR Susie Usrey Dayton, Oregon EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Henrietta Burke Alexandria, Virginia

Sandra Address Chevy Chase, Maryland Q Sally Spangler Barnett Jacksonville, Florida Q Amy Bolton Falls Church, Virginia

Skipp Calvert Alexandria, Virginia Q Joel Goldsmith Gilroy, California Q Mary Huddleston Dallas, Texas

Shirley Nicolai Ft. Washington, Maryland Q Ed Snodgrass Street, Maryland Q Marcia Zech Mercer Island, Washington

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Tom Underwood PRESIDENT EMERITUS Katy Moss Warner

President’s Council The President’s Council is comprised of dedicated members whose annual support makes many of the Society’s programs possible, from youth gardening activities to horticultural awards programs. FOUNDER’S CIRCLE ($25,000+) Mr. and Mrs. Klaus Zech Q Mr. and Mrs. Harry A. Rissetto

CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE ($10,000–$24,999) Mrs. Leslie S. Ariail Q Mr. and Mrs. Kurt Bluemel Q Mr. and Mrs. George Diamantis Q Mr. and ( +$23,.3#'-..+.*!302//+.*3&#!3-.( Mrs. Thomas Farrell Q Mr. and Mrs. Shephard W. Hill Q Mrs. Shirley Ann Nicolai Q Ms. Katy Moss Warner (20+*.+.*3 ,&13*-1(2. #21/!32-1/)%1+2.(' 3/2$).+&203%,1 LIBERTY HYDE BAILEY CIRCLE ($5,000–$9,999) Ms. Amy Bolton Q Mrs. Elisabeth C. Dudley Q Mr. and Mrs. Albert Huddleston Q Mr. and 0&$$200%&'' 3*1,+.*3-.(3)-1 20/+.* Mrs. Tom Underwood Q Mr. and Mrs. W. Bruce Usrey )21"0!3%1&+/0!3-.(3 2*2/-"'20 &**20/+,.03,.3/)23"20/3$1,#3 HAUPT CIRCLE ($2,500–$4,999) Mrs. Sandra L. Address Q Mr. and Mrs. Robert L. Bogle Q Mr. and Mrs. Taylor Burke, III Q Ms. Petra Burke -1+2/+203%,13(+%%212./312*+,.0 Q Mr. James R. Cargill, II Q Ms. Katherine B. Edwards and Mr. John A. Ronveaux Q Mr. and Mrs. Carl Estes Q Mr. and Mrs. Don W. Godsey 302-0,." 02-0,.3*&+(23%,1 Ms. Amy Goldman Q Mr. and Mrs. Joel Goldsmith Q Dr. and Mrs. William O. Hargrove Q Mrs. Carole S. Hofley Q Mr. and Mrs. Ken "1+.*+.*3/)23%120)20/3%1&+/0!3)21"0!3 Mountcastle Q Mr. David D. Parrish Q Mr. and Mrs. J. Landon Reeve, IV -.(3 2*2/-"'203%1,3*-1(2.3/,3#'-/2

COUNCIL MEMBER’S CIRCLE ($1,000–$2,499) Mr. and Mrs. Robert Baillie Q Mr. and Mrs. Carter Bales Q Mr. and Mrs. Bill Barnett Q Mrs.

George P. Bissell, Jr. Q Mrs. Elspeth G. Bobbs Q Mr. Skipp Calvert Q Ms. Mary Ann Carey Q Mr. Hans Edwards Q Mr. and Mrs. Thomas

Eilenberg Q Mr. Monte Enright Q Mr. Joseph Errington and Mr. William Pullen Q Ms. Inger Fair Q Mrs. Walter S. Fletcher Q Dr. and Mrs.

John A. Floyd, Jr. Q Ms. Marguerite P. Foster Q Mrs. Janet Gebler Q Mrs. Barbara Grant Q Mr. and Mrs. Richard W. Hanselman Q Ms.

Catherine M. Hayes Q Mr. and Mrs. Paul and Nancy Hess Q Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Hixon Q Ms. Nancy Hockstad Q Mr. and Mrs. Michael P.

Ireland Q Ms. Stephanie Jutila and Mr. Thomas Seltz Q Ms. Irene D. Kress Q Mr. Mike Kunce Q Mr. Richard Lessans Q Ms. Carolyn Marsh

Lindsay Q Mr. and Mrs. R. Scott Lyons Q Mr. and Mrs. Bob J. MacLean Q Mrs. Dorothy W. Marston Q Mr. and Mrs. Bill May Q Mr. and

Mrs. Egon Molbak Q Mr. and Mrs. Peter Morris Q Mr. James R. Moxley, Jr. Q Ms. Julie Overbeck Q Mr. Edward Pasquesi Q Ms. Allison

Porter Q Mrs. Laura Riddle Q Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Roe Q Mr. R. P. Simmons Q Mr. and Mrs. Charles H. Smith Q Mr. Ed Snodgrass Q

Mr. Lamar Thompson Q Mr. Joe Viar Q Mrs. Angela M. Vikesland Q Mr. and Mrs. Robert D. Volk Q Ms. Katherine J. Ward Q Ms. Elizabeth

M. Wehrle Q Mrs. Dudley B. White Q Mr. and Mrs. Dennis White Q Mr. and Mrs. Harvey C. White

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

3 -.( 3$)-1/03/)-/3/2''3 ,&3)2.3/, 0,3022(03-.(3)-1 20/3(+%%212./3 Corporate Members 2*2/-"'20 20,&1$23'+0/3-.(3*',00-1 Bonnie Plants Q The Burpee Foundation Q The Care of Trees Q Chapel Valley Landscape Company Q Q Q Q ,123/)-.33$,',13#),/,*1-#)0 The Espoma Company Homestead Gardens Kurt Bluemel, Inc. Monrovia Osmocote /)1,&*),&/3 Horticultural Partners -#21"-$!3 3333#-*20 America in Bloom Symposium & Awards Program Q Bellingrath Gardens and Home Colonial Williamsburg Foundation Garden Symposium Q Cox Arboretum MetroPark Garden Centers of America Q The Gardeners of America/Men’s Garden Clubs of America Great Gardens and Landscaping Symposium Q The Homestead in the Garden Symposium Inniswood Garden Society Q Oklahoma Botanical Garden & Arboretum

4 the American Gardener The American NOTES CFROM RIVER FARM GARDENER

EDITOR David J. Ellis MANAGING EDITOR AND ART DIRECTOR Mary Yee ASSOCIATE EDITOR Viveka Neveln HAT WOULD the winter holidays be like without plants? Thanksgiving EDITORIAL INTERN would certainly be less festive without the colorful gourds, pumpkins, Neel Patel cornstalks, and hay bales that are hallmarks of fall and early winter. CONTRIBUTING EDITOR W And what about all the cut greens, wreaths, and trees that deck the halls in Decem- Rita Pelczar ber? It’s easy to overlook the major part horticulture plays in creating the atmosphere CONTRIBUTING WRITER and setting the stage for this season, but its influence can be felt all around us. Carole Ottesen

For example, it’s particularly hard to imagine the holidays without the iconic EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima). Yet this plant was once a humble roadside weed CHAIR Richard E. Bir in Central America before the magic of Brevard, North Carolina horticulture transformed it into a be- Allan M. Armitage loved and ubiquitous symbol of the sea- Athens, Georgia son. One of the magicians responsible Nina L. Bassuk was the late H. Marc Cathey, a former Ithaca, New York American Horticultural Society (AHS) Steve Bender president. His scientific research helped Birmingham, Alabama unlock the mechanisms controlling the John E. Bryan bloom time of the plant so that grow- San Francisco, California ers could produce the showiest displays Panayoti Kelaidis Denver, Colorado at just the right time of year. And one Richard W. Lighty of our annual AHS Great American Kennett Square, Pennsylvania Gardeners Awards—the Paul Ecke Jr. Elvin McDonald Commercial Award—honors the man West Des Moines, Iowa who is credited with popularizing these plants in America. CONTACT US The American Gardener 7931 East Boulevard Drive Winter also offers us a different perspective on our gardens. While gardens in Alexandria, VA 22308 the warmest regions are still active, this tends to be a time when gardeners slow (703) 768-5700 down, take stock, and strategize. How did your plants fare this year? What new things do you want to try next year? It’s also a time to tune into the subtle beauty EDITORIAL E-MAIL: [email protected] ADVERTISING E-MAIL: [email protected] of the season. Despite the colder, darker days, there still can be plenty going on in the garden. As you explore this issue of The American Gardener, you’ll find a number of The American Gardener (ISSN 1087-9978) is published bimonthly articles that delve into the topic of winter interest. One person who has done an ex- (January/February, March/April, May/June, July/August, September/ ceptional job of maximizing winter interest in her landscape is gardener and author October, November/December) by the American Horticultural Soci- ety, 7931 East Boulevard Drive, Alexandria, VA 22308-1300, (703) Nancy Goodwin. Discover how she keeps her renowned North Carolina garden, 768-5700. Membership in the Society includes a subscription to The American Gardener. Annual dues are $35; international dues Montrose, going year round in the profile of her in this issue. You’ll also find articles are $55. $10 of annual dues goes toward magazine subscription. Periodicals postage paid at Alexandria, Virginia, and at additional on plant groups that take center stage in winter, including boxwood and witch hazels. mailing offices. Postmaster: Please send Form 3579 to The American Wherever you live, we hope you will take advantage of the season to indulge Gardener, 7931 East Boulevard Drive, Alexandria, VA 22308-1300. Botanical nomenclature is based on The American Horticultural your senses with all the wonderful colors, smells, and textures that horticulture and Society A–Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants, on A Synonymized Check- gardening bring to us. And at this time of thanksgiving and celebration, all of us list of the Vascular Flora of the United States, Canada and Greenland and on the Royal Horticultural Society Index of Garden Plants. Opinions at the AHS are grateful that you have chosen to join us in our mission to get more expressed in the articles are those of the authors and are not necessarily those of the Society. Manuscripts, artwork, and photographs sent Americans actively enjoying the many benefits of plants and gardens. for possible publication will be returned if accompanied by a self-ad- On behalf of the AHS Board of Directors and staff, we offer our very best wishes dressed, stamped envelope. We cannot guarantee the safe return of unsolicited material. Back issues are available at $8 per copy. for a joyful holiday season. Copyright ©2012 by the American Horticultural Society.

Printed in the U.S.A. Harry Rissetto, Chair, AHS Board of Directors Tom Underwood, Executive Director AHS ARCHIVES

November / December 2012 5 MEMBERSC’ FORUM

MISSING PH say that the overall combination of text It would be helpful if your writers and and visuals hit the nail on the head. editors were as careful to mention soil In addition, the ADS truly holds its acidity/alkalinity requirements as they members dear. Keith’s article clearly im- are in mentioning climate limitations. parts the depth of the relationships that While we may be in a minority, there exist between our society, our flower, are a number of us who garden with al- and our people, which is wonderful. kaline soil and alkaline water. Your July/ We believe the high level of exposure August issue carried a wonderfully thor- provided by The American Gardener ough article on summersweets which left magazine will encourage more members me drooling and ready to order a few of of the gardening public to grow and the ‘Crystalina’ cultivars. Fortunately, I enjoy dahlias. checked the AHS A to Z Encyclopedia of Jerry Landerholm Garden Plants before ordering, and dis- President, American Dahlia Society covered they require acidic soil. Lombard, Illinois John Cain Taos, New Mexico PLANTS FOR WILD PLACES Thank you so very much for publishing Editor’s response: Thanks for pointing the article “Growing Plants for Wild out this omission. We’ll make a better ef- and the editorial staff of The American Places” by Pat Munts (September/Oc- fort to reference pH requirements in the Gardener for all that went into construct- tober 2012). I have participated in seed future. ing the very informative (and technically collecting/invasive plant removal/native accurate) article on dahlias. seedling planting in many places and DAHLIA ARTICLE DELIGHTS Part of the ADS’s mission is to pro- would recommend it to all as an import- I was pleased to see the feature article mote greater visibility for dahlias, and ant way to contribute to preserving na- “Diverse, Decadent Dahlias” in the July/ your article accomplishes that perfectly. tive plant communities. As an American August issue. On behalf of the American The photos are diverse, informative, and who has lived overseas for many years, Dahlia Society (ADS), I would like to very appealing. Realizing the limitations reading about what has been done has thank the article’s author, Jessie Keith, imposed by a six-page article, I would helped to keep me in touch with my native country. I hope to reach out to some of the people mentioned in the article to Exciting New Perennial offer help, albeit from a distance. Renee Miller Varieties from Seed London, England

CORRECTION In the article “A Breeder Apart: Elwin Orton” (September/October 2012), the university affiliation of plant breeder D.F. Jones was misstated. Jones was a professor at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut. Orton was recommended for a graduate assistantship with Jones, but he ended up instead going to Ohio State University.

Production · Breeding · Seed Technology

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

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

TOUR SPOTLIGHT Historic Homes & Gardens of the Colonial South: A Springtime Voyage aboard the American-flagged Yorktown NEW OFFERING! April 25–May 5, 2013 MARGE BEAVER Discover the gracious beauty and enduring charm of the American South on an idyllic small-ship voyage from Savannah, Georgia, to Richmond, Virginia. Experience some of the finest historic homes and gardens in the area accompanied by expert guides such as architectural historian Marlene Heck and Colonial Williamsburg’s gardening authority Laura Viancour. AHS Executive Director Tom Underwood and his wife, Jane, will be the tour’s AHS hosts. MIDDLETON PLACE PLANTATION

2013–2014 Travel Destinations AHS PRESIDENT’S COUNCIL EXCLUSIVE

Historic Homes & Gardens of the Colonial South April 2013 Gardens of the Northern Italian Lakes June 2013 Gardens of Southern Spain October 2013 Gardens, Wine, and Wilderness: A Tour of New Zealand January 2014

Gardens of Normandy EXPLORECHARLESTON.COM September 2014 Charleston, South Carolina April 3–7, 2013 Participation in the Travel Study Program benefits the work of For AHS President’s Council members only! the American Horticultural Society and furthers our vision of Experience the intimate charm and elegance of historic “Making America a Nation of Gardeners, A Land of Gardens.” Charleston’s neighborhoods, homes, and gardens. We will be staying in the heart of Charleston and visiting many For more information about the AHS Travel Study Program or to of the area’s most beautiful private and public gardens. be added to our mailing list, please contact Joanne Sawczuk: For more information about the AHS President’s Council, E-mail [email protected]; Call (703) 768-5700 ext. 132. please contact Scott Lyons at (703) 768-5700 ext. 127. CONTACTS FOR AHS PROGRAMS, News from the AHS MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS & DEPARTMENTS November / December 2012 PROGRAMS • EVENTS • ANNOUNCEMENTS For general information about your membership, call (800) 777-7931. Send change of address notifications to our membership department at 7931 East Boulevard Drive, Alexandria, VA 22308. If your magazine is lost or damaged in DOMESTIC CRUISE NEW ADDITION TO TRAVEL PROGRAM the mail, call the number above for a replace- ment. Requests for membership information AS A COMPLEMENT to the international garden tours that have been a staple part and change of address notification can also be of the American Horticultural Society’s (AHS) Travel Study Program, next year’s e-mailed to [email protected]. schedule includes a domestic trip in which participants will tour historic sites and

THE AMERICAN GARDENER To submit a letter to the editor of The American Gardener, write to The American Gardener, 7931 East Boulevard Drive, Alexandria, VA 22308, or send an e-mail to [email protected].

DEVELOPMENT To make a gift to the Ameri- can Horticultural Society, or for information about a donation you have already made, call (800) 777-7931 ext. 132 or send an e-mail to [email protected].

E-NEWSLETTER To sign up for our monthly e-newsletter, visit http://americanhort.ahs.org/ email.

INTERNSHIP PROGRAM The AHS offers intern- ships in communications, horticulture, and youth programs. For information, send an e-mail to [email protected]. Information and application forms can also be found in the River Farm area of www.ahs.org.

NATIONAL CHILDREN & YOUTH GARDEN SYMPOSIUM For information about the Society’s annual National Children & Youth Garden Sym- posium, e-mail [email protected] or visit the Youth Gardening section of www.ahs.org.

RECIPROCAL ADMISSIONS PROGRAM The AHS Middleton Place Plantation in South Carolina will be among the cruise destinations. Reciprocal Admissions Program offers members free admission and other discounts to nearly 300 botanical gardens and other horticultural gardens from Savannah, Georgia, to Richmond, Virginia, as part of a cruise along destinations throughout North America. A list the Intracoastal Waterway on the Yorktown, a 138-person vessel. “Our partnership of participating gardens can be found in the Membership area of www.ahs.org. For more in- with Travel Dynamics International is bringing a new dimension to the AHS’s formation, call (800) 777-7931 ext. 119. travel program,” says AHS Executive Director Tom Underwood. “This exciting travel opportunity offers the convenience of seeing a diverse array of gardens and RIVER FARM The AHS headquarters at River Farm is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays year- historic sites, combined with the comfort and ambiance of being part of an intimate round (except Federal holidays), and 9 a.m. to shipboard community.” Underwood and his wife, Jane, will be aboard as the AHS 1 p.m. Saturdays from April through Septem- ber. For information about events, rentals, and hosts for the tour. directions, visit the River Farm section of www. Titled “Historic Homes & Gardens of the Colonial South,” the tour is from ahs.org. April 25 to May 5, 2013, just as spring is peaking in southern gardens. Highlights TRAVEL STUDY PROGRAM Visit spectacular of the itinerary include visits to Savannah’s historic district; Middleton Place Plan- private and public gardens around the world tation in Charleston, South Carolina; antebellum homes and gardens in Beaufort, through the Society’s acclaimed Travel Study Program. For information about upcoming South Carolina; Airlie Gardens in Wilmington, North Carolina; Tryon Palace and trips, call (703) 768-5700 ext. 132, send an Gardens in New Bern, North Carolina; Colonial Williamsburg in Williamsburg, e-mail to [email protected], or visit the Travel Virginia; and Berkeley Plantation in Richmond, Virginia. Special guest lecturers Study section of www.ahs.org. on the cruise are garden expert Laura Viancour of Colonial Williamsburg, and WEBSITE: www.ahs.org The AHS website is a architectural historian Marlene Heck of Dartmouth College. Also onboard will be valuable source of information about the So- ciety’s programs and activities. To access the three musicians from the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center in New York, members-only section of the website, the user who will stage regular classical music recitals during the voyage. name is garden and the password is 2012ahs. For more information or to register for the tour, call Travel Dynamics Interna-

tional at (800) 257-5767, or visit the AHS website (www.ahs.org). COURTESY OF MIDDLETON PLACE PLANTATION

8 the American Gardener GLORIOUS GALA AT RIVER FARM during the evening. Friendly bidding wars developed for some THE AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY’S 19th Annual of the most sought-after items, including one-of-a-kind plants, Gala, “Garden Delights: An Evening by the River,” was held gift baskets, and garden-themed jewelry. at River Farm on September 22. Favorable weather enhanced “It truly was a delightful evening from start to finish,” says the appeal of the “under-the-stars” event, which was sold out AHS Board Chair Harry A. Rissetto. “The sense of support thanks to the sup- for the AHS was palpable and we thank all those who volun- port of regional AHS teered their time and talent to make this such a special event.” members, commu- All proceeds from the gala support the stewardship of River nity leaders, and Farm and the AHS’s educational programs. members of the AHS Board of Directors. TAKE YOUR BEST SHOT FOR PHOTO CONTESTS The evening’s hon- IF YOU’RE on Flickr, why not join the AHS’s Photo of the orary chair was Kurt Month group and share your gardening and plant photo- Bluemel, a renowned graphs? You also can nursery owner, land- submit your best scape designer, and photos to a monthly ornamental grass ex- themed contest, de- Gala honorary chair Kurt Bluemel addresses pert based in Baldwin, signed to inspire your attendees during the recent AHS Gala. Maryland. A former shutterbug creativity. AHS Board Chair, Winners are placed Bluemel designed and donated the plants for River Farm’s four- into the AHS’s Flickr acre André Bluemel meadow, which is named in memory of his “Hall of Fame” gal- son. In a short address during dinner, Bluemel spoke about the lery and featured in Society’s influential role in promoting gardening, placing particu- our monthly e-news- lar emphasis on its educational programs aimed at getting young letters. To get started, people actively engaged with plants and the outdoor world. go to www.flickr.com/ Thanks to the generosity of local businesses and community This photograph of autumn leaves was groups/photo_of_the_ members, more than 100 silent auction items were up for bid submitted by Ryan Wolf. month.

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OIZLMVZWWUWVTQVMKWU LEFT: HERRERA-CAMPBELL PHOTOGRAPHY. RIGHT: RYAN WOLF

November / December 2012 9 AHS 2012–2013 NATIONAL EVENTS CALENDAR GiftsGifts ofof Note Note Mark your calendar for these upcoming In addition to vital support through membership dues, the American events that are sponsored or co-sponsored Horticultural Society relies on grants, bequests, and other gifts to support by the AHS. Visit www.ahs.org or call (703) 768-5700 for more information. its programs. We would like to thank the following donors for gifts received between September 1, 2012, and October 31, 2012.

DEC. 3 – 21. Holiday Trees Display. River Farm, Alexandria, $1,000+ Gifts Virginia. Mrs. Leslie S. Ariail Mr. and Mrs. Bill Barnett 2013 Mr. and Mrs. Kurt Bluemel Mr. and Mrs. Taylor Burke, III APR. 3–7. AHS President’s Council Trip. Charleston, Burke & Herbert Bank South Carolina. Mr. and Mrs. George Diamantis APR. 18–20. Spring Garden Market. (18th is AHS members-only Ms. Katherine B. Edwards and Mr. John A. Ronveaux preview sale.) River Farm, Alexandria, Virginia. Mr. Joseph Errington and Mr. William Pullen APR. 14 & 15. Colonial Mr. and Mrs. Paul Hess Williamsburg Garden Hollin Meadows Math and Science Focus School Symposium. Mr. and Mrs. Albert Huddleston Williamsburg, Virginia. John Marshall Bank APR. 20–27. Historic Mr. and Mrs. Bob J. MacLean Garden Week in Virginia. Mrs. Dorothy W. Marston APR. 25–MAY 5. Historic Mr. and Mrs. Frank Nicolai Mr. and Mrs. J. Landon Reeve, IV Homes & Gardens of Mr. and Mrs. Harry A. Rissetto the Colonial South. AHS Rubino and McGeehin Travel Study Tour. Mr. and Mrs. Charles H. Smith, Jr. JUNE 6. Great American Mr. and Mrs. Tom Underwood Gardeners Awards Ms. Katy Moss Warner Ceremony and Mrs. Dudley B. White Banquet. River Farm, Mr. and Mrs. Klaus Zech Alexandria, Virginia. JULY 11–13. National If you would like to support the American Horticultural Children & Youth Garden Symposium. Denver, Colorado. Society as part of your estate planning, as a tribute to a loved one, or as part of your annual charitable giving plan, SEPT. 21. AHS Annual Gala. River Farm, Alexandria, Virginia. please contact Scott Lyons at [email protected] or call (703) 768-5700 ext. 127.

CORPORATE VOLUNTEERS HELP OUT AT RIVER FARM ON OCTOBER 24, local employees from SAP AG, a multina- tional software corporation based in Germany, spent the day at the AHS’s 25-acre River Farm headquarters in Virginia for a “Day of Service” corporate volunteer event. More than 50 volunteers worked alongside staff and other regular River Farm volunteers to help spread over 40 cubic yards of mulch, paint garage and office doors, and replace a large section of a wooden fence that borders the property. “The volunteers helped us quickly finish projects that would otherwise have taken us several days or even weeks to complete,” says AHS Volunteer Program Manager and Horti- culturist Jane Underwood. The “Day of Service” was organized by Volunteer Fairfax, a non-profit organization that works to build strong volunteer programs and networks throughout the county. Volunteer Fairfax not only contributed $500 in funding for supplies for this event, but provided many of the tools used to complete the projects.

News written by AHS Staff. A group of SAP AG volunteers repair a fence at River Farm. TOP: COURTESY OF COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG FOUNDATION. BOTTOM: NEEL PATEL

10 the American Gardener AHS NEWS SPECIAL: America In Bloom’s 2012 Award Winners by Neel Patel

Criteria Award Winners Q Heritage Preservation Fayetteville, Arkansas Q Floral Displays Arroyo Grande, California Q Overall Impression Racine, Wisconsin Q Environmental Efforts Holland, Michigan Q Community Involvement Madisonville, Kentucky Q Landscaped Areas Winter Garden, Florida Q Urban Forestry Springfield, Ohio

Population Category Award Winners Fayettesville, Arkansas, has been recognized for its public green spaces, such as this one. Q Under 3,000 McCall, Idaho Q 3,001–4,500 Lakeside, Ohio Q 4,501–8,000 Greendale, Indiana HIS PAST September, America event, guest speakers often address inno- Q 8,001–13,000 Smithfield, Virginia In Bloom (AIB) held its 11th vative and instructive topics. This year’s Q 13,001–25,000 Arroyo Grande, T annual three-day symposium keynote addresses were given by Nation- California and awards ceremony to recognize cit- al Learning Initiative Director Robin Q 25,001–50,000 Holland, Michigan ies across the country that have worked Moore, who discussed ways to design Q 50,001–100,000 Fayetteville, in the last year to beautify their public green spaces for children, and by gar- Arkansas spaces with various garden displays and dening person- other projects. Attendees convened in ality P. Allen Q John R. Holmes III Community the Fayetteville Town Center in Arkan- Smith, who Champion Award sas to hear speakers, share ideas with one shared advice Marilyn Heifner, Fayetteville, Arkansas another, and find out which cities gar- on achieving Q YouTube Video Award Winner nered the top accolades. successful com- Madisonville, Kentucky An American Horticultural Society munity designs. (AHS) horticultural partner organiza- AIB pres- tion, AIB recognizes and promotes inno- ents most of the commitment to beauty in their commu- vative, sustainable community initiatives major awards in nity.” The husband and wife own and that preserve and enhance gardens and P. Allen Smith two categories. maintain two of Bentonville’s most pop- green spaces. The Population ular flower gardens. “When AIB began in 2002,” says Category Awards recognize cities based “We have significant momentum, Laura Kunkle, AIB’s executive director, on population sizes. The Criteria Awards greater public awareness, a seat at the table “its major focus was on the beautification honor seven communities that outshined with other national organizations working contest and awards program. Eleven years all others in specific areas, such as heritage to promote the benefits of green infrastruc- later, our efforts have expanded to include preservation and urban forestry. ture, and some new initiatives under de- year-round education; public relations The AHS is the sponsor of the Com- velopment,” says Kunkle of AIB’s future about the benefits of flowers, plants, and munity Involvement Award, which this plans. “It’s a lot of work but it’s worth it!” trees; online resources; a photo contest; year went to Madisonville, Kentucky. For more information on America In best practices manuals; and more.” The city also won this year’s YouTube Bloom or to enter your community in The symposium has given gardeners video contest, which includes a $500 the 2013 competition, call (614) 487-1117 and city planners alike a forum to come cash award. or visit www.americainbloom.org. together and talk about the successes and AIB also took time on its final night to challenges of their own cities’ programs. honor Bob and Marilyn Bogle of Ben- Neel Patel is an editorial intern with The

COURTESY OF LAURA KUNKLE / AMERICA IN BLOOM (2) While the awards are a major draw for the tonville, Arkansas, for their “dedicated American Gardener.

November / December 2012 11 by NeelPatel 12 AHS MEMBERSMAKINGADIFFERENCE: wide varietyof servicessuchasmarket faster thantheemployeetraining part.” communications projectswere growing writing forotherpublications. “Soonour his consultingbusiness,hestarted freelance business,” Trustyexplains.While running paper whileIwasinthegardencenter before itdiversified. business grewquicklybutitwasn’tlong employee trainingtogardencenters.The ness whoseprimaryservicewasproviding ed Trusty&Associates,aconsultingbusi- throughout theyears. sales positionswithinthenurseryindustry opportunity ledtomoremanagerialand garden centerinOmaha,Nebraska.This and NurseryCompanytomanageanew received anofferfromHenryFieldsSeed forester forFortDodge.Ayearlater,he other horticultureenthusiasts,”hesays. way to“meetandstayconnectedwith Steven Trusty es, helpingthemdowhattheybetter. gardeners, horticulturists,andbusiness- 45-year career,Trustyhasworkedwith aggerating. Throughouthismorethan lawn andgardenindustry,”he’snotex- in FortDodge,Iowa.Afterearningade- early on,workinginhisfather’snursery Trusty’s interestinhorticulturebegan A MANOFMANYPURSUITS W Today, Trusty &Associatesoffersa “I hadwrittenacolumnforlocal In 1982,Trustyandhiswife,Suz,start- Not longafter,Trustybecamethecity the American Gardener almost everyaspectofthe he has“beeninvolvedwith HEN STEVENTRUSTY because itwasa around thistime Society member ican Horticultural became anAmer- nursery. Healso his fatherinthe tinued tohelp in 1965,hecon- State University ture fromIowa gree inhorticul- says says that wasbroadcastinternationally. TV showaboutgardening a live,call-in spent oneseasonhosting“Connections,” on threestationsacrossthestate.Andhe Garden Grow,”aradioshowsyndicated the enthusiastichostof“HowDoesYour eight years,Nebraskansknew Trusty as published byOrthoBooksin1995. Gardening: TipsfromGardenProfessionals, wife evenwroteabooktogether, consumer publications.Trustyandhis ing manyarticlesinothergardeningand Growing, andIGCRetailer,publish- such as a regularcontributortotrademagazines ness forgreenindustrybusinesses. and assessmentsonoperationseffective- ment research,advertisementtesting, visory panels,surveys,productdevelop- research, helpingrunfocusgroups,ad- “green” practices. “Sustainabilityshould professional life hasbeenhissupportof A commonthreadthroughout Trusty’s A GREENMESSAGE during avolunteereventforlocalelementaryschoolgarden. Steven Trusty(frontrow,left)andhiswifeSuz(behindhim)posewiththeirchurchgroup He also ventured onto the airways. For He alsoventuredontotheairways.For Trusty continuedwriting,becoming Sportsfield Management, Turf and Sportsfield Management,Turfand

Steven Trusty Easy

American Gardener. Neel Patelisan editorialinternforThe dens, thebetteroffweallare!” more Icanhelpthemenjoy theirgar- out of gardening,” says Trusty. “Theout ofgardening,”says involved ingardening. program designedtogetmorechildren more. Trustyiscurrentlyworkingona landscapes, sportsfields,golfcourses,and fects ofgreenspacessuchasparks,lawns, the Americanpublicaboutpositiveef- nonprofit organizationworkstoeducate ergreen sinceitsinceptionin2003.The on theboardofdirectorsforProjectEv- prove ourlives.Tothisend,hehasserved tivate anappreciationforhowplantsim- instructions beforeusingaproduct.” people toreadthelabelandfollow sion, orinmywriting,Ialwaysstressto ly. Whetherit’sovertheradio,ontelevi- needed, buttheyshouldbeusedproper- thetic fertilizersandotherchemicalsare “There aretimesandplaceswhensyn- be practicedwheneverpossible,”hesays. “I reallylikehelpingpeopleget more Trusty alsofeelsit’simportanttocul-

COURTESY OF STEVEN TRUSTY (2) Legacies assume many forms

Whether making estate plans, considering year-end giving, honoring a loved one or planting a tree, the legacies of tomorrow are created today.

Please remember the American Horticultural Society when making your estate and charitable giving plans. Together we can leave a legacy of a greener, healthier, more beautiful America.

For more information on including the AHS in your estate planning and charitable giving, or to make a gift to honor or remember a loved one, please contact Scott Lyons at [email protected] or call (703) 768-5700 ext. 127.

Making America a Nation of Gardeners, a Land of Gardens solutions for Soggy Sites

Rather than struggling to “fix” seasonally wet garden sites, try these plant and design tips instead.

BY KRIS WETHERBEE

HEN I WAS a child growing in rain barrels for use elsewhere in the yard. tor of Coastal Maine Botanical Garden up in Southern California, Excess water can be diverted to a lower ar- in Boothbay, warns that washouts are a W my dad taught me a lot ea of the landscape by installing a French challenge when establishing plants in wet- about the lush, drought-tolerant plants drain, or by directing the flow into an open lands, as is the potential for frost heaves, he had planted in our yard. Yet there swale—a depression that helps capture and where the freezing of the soil pushes plants was one shady spot where a slightly leaky redirect runoff. Planting the swale with out of the ground. Planting in early spring hose connection always kept the allows plants the entire season to area damp. My dad’s solution? become established before the He planted a patch of moss lawn. threat of winter frost heaves ar- Since then, my experience with rives, and a layer of organic mulch plants for wet places has expanded helps moderate soil temperatures tremendously. I moved to Oregon and reduce heaving. 20 years ago, and I have become Soils that have a high percent- quite familiar with plants that can age of clay are typically slow to handle wet sites; our native clay soil drain. These soils are also com- is often soggy in spring due to an monly deficient in oxygen, which abundance of winter rainfall. most plants need for healthy root There are many solutions for growth. “Low oxygen soils favor dealing with wet sites. These of- certain root pathogens,” says Cul- ten take a mechanical approach: lina, “but you can select plants installing drainage systems or dry that are able to tolerate that type creek beds, heavily amending the of environment.” soil, constructing raised beds, or Exposure has a significant im- building a patio overtop the prob- pact on wet soils. If the soggy area lem area. I prefer the less expen- is exposed to full sun and winds, sive approach of selecting trees, evaporation will help the soil dry shrubs, and perennials that can out. On the other hand, a shady adapt to those sites. spot—particularly one that is protected from winds—tends to CAUSE AND EFFECT stay wet longer. Soggy soil can result from nu- Depending on the cause, wet merous causes, and there is often areas may be quite soggy, moder- more than one factor involved. These cardinal flowers produce a colorful ately and consistently wet, or in- In addition to the amount and timing midsummer show in a garden with soggy soil. termittently or seasonally wet. Fortunately, of precipitation, specific site issues such there are plants that thrive in each of these as slope; surrounding plants, structures, shrubs and perennials that tolerate wet soil conditions. The following provides sug- and hardscaping; soil texture (relative increases infiltration of the runoff into the gestions of native North American plants ratio of sand, silt, and clay); soil compac- surrounding soil. Of course, a low, soggy suited to each type of wet site. (For more tion; high water table; and amount of sun area is the perfect spot for a wetland garden. recommended plants for wet soils, see the or shade all influence moisture retention. Biodegradable textiles can help prevent chart on page 18.) Water from higher elevations and sur- erosion, especially on slopes or hillsides, rounding hardscapes—streets, driveways, and mulch is key to weed suppression PLANTS FOR SOGGY SITES rooftops—may collect in a low spot in the and helping new plantings become estab- This type of site is consistently wet and

yard. Water from rooftops can be collected lished. William Cullina, executive direc- spongy with high water saturation. The SUSAN A. ROTH

14 the American Gardener Its bright red blooms attract butterflies and are six inches or more across. “A new flower or two opens each day on this long- lived, multi-stemmed perennial,” Melli- champ says. “It can take constant wet feet or average garden soil in full sun.” Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis, Zones 2–8, 8–1) is a classic wetland plant for moist-to-wet spots, in full sun or part shade. “Planted in masses, it makes an amazing show,” says Mellichamp. “This midsummer bloomer grows three feet tall, with spikes of brilliant red flowers.” He adds that the short-lived perennial easily self-sows in the moist garden. River or wild oats (Chasmanthium latifolium, Zones 5–9, 9–1) thrives in medium to wet soil in full sun or part shade. This clump-forming, upright ornamental grass can be found in rich woodlands, moist bluffs, and along streams. Notable charac- The globular flower clusters of buttonbush attract butterflies in late summer and early fall. teristics include bright green bamboolike leaves and attractive silvery green seeds soil is damp underfoot, but never swampy. produces amazing white flower clusters that resemble flattened oat clusters. The In nature, this type of soil is often found that look like spherical pin cushions and large, graceful seedheads turn purplish beside a brook, pond, or stream. attract butterflies in midsummer,” says bronze to copper in fall. Black gum (Nyssa sylvatica, USDA Larry Mellichamp, professor of botany Hardiness Zones 5–9, AHS Heat Zones and director of the University of North PLANTS FOR MODERATELY WET SITES 9–7), thrives in wet, soggy soil, growing Carolina, Charlotte Botanical Gardens. The following plants are well suited to to a height of 30 to 50 feet. This tree is Scarlet rosemallow (Hibiscus coccineus, soil that is consistently moist—but not particularly attractive in fall with its fis- Zones 6–11, 12–1) grows six to eight feet waterlogged. sured dark gray bark, brilliant orange and tall or more, with large, deeply cut leaves. Atlantic white cedar (Chamaecyparis red autumnal leaves, and blue-black fruit thyoides, Zones 3–8, 8–1) is a beautiful co- that provides food for many birds and niferous evergreen, native to eastern North mammals. It grows best in full sun to part America. With cultivars ranging from four shade, in acidic to slightly alkaline soil. to 50 feet tall, it’s a good choice for gardens Bald cypress (Taxodium distichum, large or small. It thrives in moist to average Zones 5–11, 12–5) grows from 50 to 70 soil with moderate acidity, and full sun feet tall or more. “This deciduous coni- to light shade. The winter foliage color is fer makes its home in swamps, qualifying especially striking, ranging in hues from it as extremely moisture tolerant,” says plum-purple to a deep bronze. Neil Diboll, owner of Prairie Nursery in American hornbeam or musclewood Westfield, Wisconsin. “It makes an excel- (Carpinus caroliniana, Zones 3–9, 9–1) is lent street tree when planted in acidic to a dense, pyramidal tree growing 30 to 40 neutral soils.” Diboll notes that bald cy- feet tall. “It grows on the edges of swamps press also tolerates compaction and poor and wetlands and adapts beautifully to drainage but not for alkaline situations. moderately well-drained soil in full sun to “The best variety for northern climates part shade,” says Diboll. It makes an ideal is ‘Shawnee Brave’ due to its cold hardi- living screen when planted six feet apart. ness,” he adds. Autumn attractions include fruiting clus- Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occiden- ters for birds, and leaves of mottled yellow talis, Zones 5–10, 12–3) grows in average and red. “The Firespire™ variety has excel- moist soil or in three feet of standing wa- lent red fall color and does best in northern ter in full sun. This large shrub matures climates. For the southern Midwest, Native to eight feet tall and wide, but can be Flame® is a good choice,” says Diboll. cut back periodically to the ground. “Its This black gum provides brilliant fall color Native to eastern North America, wa-

TOP: BILL JOHNSON. BOTTOM: KAREN BUSSOLINI dark green leaves are handsome, and it at the New York Botanical Garden. hoo (Euonymus atropurpureus, Zones 3–8,

November / December 2012 15 Seashore mallow (Kosteletzkya virginica, Zones 6–9, 9–5) is a close relative of the eastern hibiscus. An herbaceous perennial native to the eastern seaboard and Gulf Coast, this elegant plant grows up to five feet tall, with butterfly-attracting pink flowers that typically bloom in late summer. “Plant it in a good sunny spot that can be moist to very moist, but not soggy,” suggests Mellichamp. Joe Pye weed (Eupatorium fistulosum, syn. Eutrochium fistulosum, Zones 3–8, 8–2) comes to life in late summer when many other blooms have faded. It grows from two to nine feet tall with 12-inch-diameter flowerheads favored by many butterfly species, particularly swal- lowtails. It prefers full sun to light shade and moist to wet soil.

PLANTS FOR SEASONALLY WET SITES Many gardeners encounter this type of site; it might be a small spot within a bed, a band at the base of a border situated on a slope, or a large area in the landscape. The site may become saturated during the rainy season and dry out reasonably Scarlet rosemallow grows equally well in very wet or well-drained soil. well between rainfalls, or the soil may be dry for several months once the rainy 8–1) grows from 12 to 25 feet tall. It can White-flowering ‘Hummingbird’ makes season is over. be pruned as a single-stemmed tree, or an attractive low hedge; ‘Ruby Spice’ While wet soils may not be as relevant allowed to grow as an informal hedge or with its deep pink flowers is stunning as in much of the Southwest due to minimal screen. The attractive red berries—rel- a specimen for the border. Summersweet rainfall, Nan Sterman, a Southern Cal- ished by birds—and its dark purple fall thrives in moist, organic, slightly acidic ifornia-based garden designer and hor- foliage combine to make this a great re- soil and part shade, although it will tol- ticultural consultant says that swales are placement for the sometimes invasive erate full sun with consistent moisture. just coming onto the scene in her area, non-native burning bush (Euonymus alatus). It’s best in full sun and medium wet, well-drained sites. Smooth hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens, Zones 4–9, 9–1) is a dense, upright shrub that grows 10 feet tall and wide. “It is very pH-adaptable but prefers moist soil and may require supplemental watering in hot, dry summers,” notes James E. Klett, professor and Ex- tension landscape horticulturist for Col- orado State University in Fort Collins. Its white, mid- to late summer blooms age to pale green. Massed plantings are extremely striking. Summersweet (Clethra alnifolia, Zones 3–9, 9–1) is a hardy, deciduous native of eastern North America that grows two to eight feet tall, depending on the cultivar. It features fragrant, showy

summer flowers that attract butterflies. Leaves of the American hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana) turn yellow to orange-red in fall. TOP: BRINDA MANDELLA. BOTTOM: COURTESY OF BAILEY NURSERIES

16 the American Gardener turn yellow in autumn. “There are now Sources selections of American elm that are highly Fairweather Gardens, Greenwich, NJ. www.fairweathergardens.com. resistant to Dutch Elm disease, including Forestfarm, Williams, OR. www.forestfarm.com. ‘Princeton’, ‘Jefferson’, and ‘Valley Forge’, Plants of the Southwest, Santa Fe, NM. www.plantsofthesouthwest.com. so you can once again enjoy the magnifi- Prairie Moon Nursery, Winona, MN. www.prairiemoon.com. cence of this classic tree,” says Diboll. “It’s Sandy Mush Herb Nursery, Leicester, NC. www.sandymushherbs.com. highly adaptable to a variety of soil types Shooting Star Nursery, Georgetown, KY. www.shootingstarnursery.com. and tolerates moist sites and even fairly Woodlanders, Aiken, SC. www.woodlanders.net. dry soils, reaching its maximum glory when planted in full sun with plenty of Resources room to spread its crown.” Managing the Wet Garden: Plants That Flourish in Problem Places by John Simmons. Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis, Zones Timber Press, Portland, Oregon, 2008. 2–9, 9–1) grows naturally near floodplains, Plants for Problem Places by Graham Rice. Timber Press, Portland, Oregon, 2003. wet woods, drainage ditches, and other sea- Rain Gardens: Managing Water Sustainably in the Garden and Designed Landscape sonally wet places. This elm family member by Nigel Dunnett and Andy Clayden. Timber Press, Portland, Oregon, 2007. adapts to a wide range of soils—whether Rain Gardens—Using Spectacular Wetland Plantings to Reduce Runoff by Janet clay or rocky, rich or poor, acidic or alka- Marinelli. Brooklyn Botanic Garden, 2004. www.bbg.org/gardening/article/ line, wet or dry. It’s also very pollution tol- rain_gardens. erant. Diboll calls hackberry “one of the most under-appreciated of all our North American native trees. It grows to 80 feet tall in full sun. The bark has a unique corky character, and birds love the seeds.” River birch (Betula nigra, Zones 4–9, 9–1) is a relatively fast-growing, clumping tree with graceful leafy branches. Growing from 30 to 60 feet tall, it is commonly grown in moist soils in full sun. “This is a classy wetland tree that naturally grows on riverbanks that regularly flood, but not where there is continuous standing water,” says Mellichamp. “The trunks are covered with a salmon-colored peeling bark that looks great all year.” Swamp white oak (Quercus bicolor, Zones 4–8, 8–1) is a magnificent, broad southeastern United States native tree that grows at a relatively slow pace, eventually reaching 50 to 80 feet tall. “This long-lived hardwood is tough as nails and tolerates compacted soil, poor drainage, and full sun to moderate shade,” says Diboll. “It The fragrant flowers of summersweet (Clethra alnifolia), above left, and the tall, late-summer makes an excellent street tree as well as a blooms of Joe Pye weed (Eupatorium fistulosum), above right, attract butterflies. fine specimen in the home landscape.” It tolerates wet soil and thrives where soil is with most being filled with cobbles. “It’s a For gardeners in less dry climates, well drained. challenge because under these conditions plants that do well in rain gardens—which Mountain alder (Alnus incana subsp. plants could stand in water for maybe a alternate between wet and dry—fall into tenuifolia, Zones 6–8, 8–6) is a western week, then dry for a month, then be wet this category. These plants are typically North American native that makes a great for a week again, then dry for another hardy, non-invasive, drought-and-flood- choice for wet areas subject to erosion. It month and by then, the rainy season is tolerant selections that are adapted to the grows 20 to 25 feet tall and wide, and its over....with no rain for potentially another region, the light exposure in the garden, leaves turn yellow in fall. It can be grown nine or 10 months.” Deer grass (Muhlen- and the variable moisture conditions. as a multi-stemmed shrub or pruned to bergia rigens), alkali sacaton (Sporobolus American elm (Ulmus americana, a single trunk with a rounded crown. It airoides), and a variety of sedges and rush- Zones 3–9, 9–1) is a large, impressive tree, prefers some shade, and adapts well to es are good choices for such seasonally wet with both upright and pendulous branch- stream banks or seasonally moist moun-

LEFT: JUDYWHITE / GARDENPHOTOS.COM. RIGHT: JOSEPH G. STRAUCH, JR. swales in Mediterranean climates. es, gray furrowed bark, and leaves that tain slopes.

November / December 2012 17 MORE PLANTS FOR WET SITES

The following plants are adaptable to soggy, moderately wet, or seasonally wet soil conditions, depending on where the garden is located. The regions of the United States where they perform well are specified in the chart using the following abbreviations: NE (Northeast), SE (Southeast), MW (Midwest), PNW (Pacific NW and Northern California), and MTW (Mountain West). Since soggy conditions are rarely a concern in the Southwest, it has not been included. (For more plant suggestions for each region, view the web special linked to this article on the AHS website.)

Name Appropriate Height/Spread Exposure Comments USDA Hardiness Zones, Regions (feet) AHS Heat Zones TREES Acer rubrum NE, SE, MW 40–70/30–50 full sun superb shade tree with good fall color; 3–9, 9–1 (red maple) tolerates occasional flooding Asimina triloba NE, SE, MW 15–20/15–20 full sun to often multi-trunk; bears interesting dark 6–8, 8–6 (pawpaw) shade purple flowers in May followed by edible fruit 2 to 5 inches long Betula occidentalis MTW, PNW 20–30/10–20 full sun to multi-trunk tree with rounded form, coppery 4–6, 6–1 (water birch) part shade bark adds winter interest, flood tolerant Cornus nuttallii MTW, PNW 20–40/20–25 part shade prefers growing as an understory plant in a 7–8, 8–6 (Pacific dogwood) to shade cool, moist location; showy white flower bracts in spring Magnolia virginiana NE, SE 10–35+/10–35 full sun to grows larger in the South; bears fragrant 6–9, 9–6 (sweetbay magnolia) part shade white flowers in summer

SHRUBS Cornus sericea NE, SE, MW 6–10/6–12 full sun to multi-stemmed, stoloniferous shrub with 3–8, 8–1 syn. Cornus stolonifera MTW, PNW part shade vivid red stems in winter (red-osier dogwood) Ilex decidua SE, MW 7–15/5–12 full sun to deciduous, multi-stemmed large shrub with 5–9, 9–1 (possumhaw) part shade attractive gray stems and red to orange fruit in fall and winter Itea virginica NE, SE 4–6/4–6 full sun to 4-inch clusters of white flowers in summer; 6–9, 10–7 (Virginia sweetspire) MW shade leaves provide excellent fall color; can form large colonies in moist soils Rhododendron viscosum NE, SE 2–8/3–8 part shade open habit, forms thicket with age; fragrant 3–9, 9–1 (swamp azalea) white flowers in early summer Salix purpurea NE, SE, MW 8–15/8–15 full sun to rounded form, good for stabilizing banks 4–7, 7–1 (purple-osier willow) MTW, PNW part shade along streams; stems mature from purple-red to light gray

PERENNIALS Asclepias incarnata NE, SE, MW, 3–5/2–3 full sun fragrant pink-purple flower clusters from 3–9, 9–2 (swamp milkweed) MTW midsummer to fall; attracts butterflies Astilbe arendsii NE, SE, MW, 2–3/2–3 part shade mounding habit with fernlike foliage and 4–8, 8–2 (astilbe) PNW feathery plumes of tiny flowers in spring or summer Chelone glabra NE, SE, MW 1–3/1–3 full sun to erect, clump-forming perennial with pale pink 3–8, 9–1 (turtlehead) part shade to white flowers in late summer and fall Iris ensata, NE, SE, MW 2–4/1–2 full sun to flattened flowers 3 to 6 inches across in 3–9, 9–1 syn. Iris kaempferi PNW, MTW part shade summer; thrives in standing water during (Japanese iris) growing season but needs dryer soil in winter Veronicastrum NE, SE, MW, 2–6/1–2 full sun to erect habit with densely clustered spikes of 4–8, 8–3 virginicum MTW part shade white flowers from summer to fall (Culver’s root)

18 the American Gardener Black chokeberry (Photinia melanocarpa plants in attractive groups, incorporat- A rain garden utilizes runoff in a way syn. Aronia melanocarpa, Zones 3–8, 8–1) is ing textural layers within the vertical that not only beautifies your space, but a tough shrub that grows three to eight feet space by arranging plants with good vi- also benefits both wildlife and the envi- tall. Native to the eastern United States, it’s sual hierarchy, mixing a variety of col- ronment. By employing a few rainscaping well suited to informal plantings and wood- ors and textures for visual interest, and techniques, more water will filter into the land edges, or as a hedge when planted four finding a common thread that ties ev- soil or be contained for future use rather feet apart. “This is a great shrub for moist erything together through a consistent than being lost as runoff. soils as well as well-drained situations—it style. “The combination of good garden Swales offer another opportunity for even grows in dry rock ledges,” says Diboll. design and appropriate plants can cre- utilizing wet spaces. Swales between prop- It grows in sun or part shade, but fruiting ate beauty and inspirational space,” says erty lines or other low-lying areas offer and fall color are best in full sun. Ann English, a RainScapes program co- an ideal environment for growing mois-

‘Heritage’ river birch, a fast-growing tree with gorgeous exfoliating bark, is a good choice for gardens that are seasonally wet.

Fox sedge (Carex vulpinoidea, Zones ordinator with the Montgomery Coun- ture-loving plants and grasses within the 3–8, 8–3) is a clump-forming perenni- ty, Maryland, Department of Environ- swale or along its edges. al that grows one to three feet tall in al- mental Protection. While there are many ways to trans- most any soil when provided adequate Wet areas provide a wonderful oppor- form a wet space from unusable to beauti- moisture. In midsummer, it produces tunity for creating high-impact designs. fully functional, the key to making it work elongated flower spikes with 10 or more For example, you might turn a poor- is to carefully examine your site and its spikelets. “This amazing plant is right at ly drained, fairly sunny site into a wet conditions, then select trees, shrubs, and home in continuously damp soils, but meadow with appropriate bird- and but- perennials that will thrive in those condi- also tolerates dry conditions during sum- terfly-attracting wildflowers and grasses. tions. When you put all the pieces of the mer’s heat,” says Diboll. “Native plants for wet places represent puzzle together, a problematic wet area the opportunity to have novel and un- becomes an asset with a purpose. DESIGNING GARDENS IN WET LOCATIONS expected beauty in the garden that will Design ideas and strategies that work for be animated with birds, butterflies, and A regular contributor to The American other areas of a landscape apply equally other pollinators that welcome the feast,” Gardener, Kris Wetherbee lives in Oakland,

CATRIONA T. ERLER well to gardens in wet places: combining says English. Oregon.

November / December 2012 19 restoration of a Jensen

Garden BY JANET HOMMEL MANGAS

After discovering the abandoned property they had purchased was designed by the legendary Jens Jensen, an Indianapolis couple restored the garden using Jensen’s original plans.

N 1922, landscape architect Jens Jen- who knew of the garden’s history died or sen finished an elaborate planting moved away. By the early years of the 21st Iplan for the new home of his India- century, the garden Jensen designed, lo- napolis friend Goethe Link, a renowned cated in a historic neighborhood 20 min- surgeon who specialized in thyroid utes north of downtown Indianapolis, was problems. At 62, the six-foot-tall, white- hidden in plain sight. mustached Jensen had made a name for himself by designing gardens for the Chi- RIGHT PLACE, RIGHT TIME cago Parks Commission and hundreds In 2008, Robert and Jennifer Sloan and of parks, golf courses, resorts, and large their young children were living in a private gardens throughout the Midwest. historic home they were getting ready In addition to Link, his client list includ- to renovate. Yet Robert Sloan couldn’t ed businessmen such as Henry Ford and squelch his curiosity about the run- Rand McNally, and he had collaborated down house across the street.“I used with Frank Lloyd Wright and some of to sneak across and peek into the win- the nation’s other leading architects. dows,” says Sloan. “I knew no one had That Jensen designed Link’s India- lived there for 30 years.” napolis home landscape was in itself a bit When the house went up for sale, unusual, since it was a relatively small site Sloan, an Indianapolis neurosurgeon and at only two acres. Jensen finished the land- history buff, and his wife, Jennifer, a psy- scape design plan—drawn in black ink on chiatrist, bought it. About three weeks linen paper—in August 1922. In April the later, Sloan received a call from Mark Zel- following year, he completed the perennial onis, the Ruth Lilly Deputy Director of planting plan for a limestone water feature, Environmental and Historic Preservation one of his trademark design elements. at the Indianapolis Museum of Art. “We Link, who was also an avid balloon- believe you have an original Jens Jensen ist and amateur astronomer, lived in the garden,” Zelonis told him. Zelonis had house for about five years before selling it. become aware that there might be a Jen- Jens Jensen’s 1922 planting plan for Goethe The home changed owners several more sen garden on the property by way of a Link’s Indianapolis property was located times, then was vacated for nearly three conversation he had with Eric Fulford, a at the University of Michigan in 2009 by decades starting in the late 1970s. Volun- landscape architect with the Indianapo- current owners Robert and Jennifer Sloan teer trees grew to mature height, weeds lis firm NINebark, Inc. “When I heard

to aid in accurately restoring the gardens. ran rampant, and many of the people the home was purchased by the Sloans, JENSEN PAPERS COLLECTION, LIN2, BENTLEY HISTORICAL LIBRARY, UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN

20 the American Gardener Top: One of the gardens in summer bloom. Left: The historic house, home of Robert and Jennifer Sloan and their children, above, is surrounded by restored Jensen gardens.

I called—before they bulldozed every- sen’s hand-laid limestone water feature. It lucky in a way,” recalls Sloan, “in that thing,” recalls Zelonis. was at that moment Sloan accepted the re- our garden was one of the smaller ones Intrigued by Zelonis’s call, Sloan did ality that underneath the veneer of weeds, that Jensen designed. Most were on large some online sleuthing and learned that leaves, and volunteer trees lay a true secret properties, like the Rand McNally and Jens Jensen was one of America’s greatest garden designed by an iconic figure in Henry and Edsel Ford homes.” landscape designers and conservationists. American landscape design. In researching Jensen’s work, Sloan Sloan also managed to track down the learned that of the 300 private residences original landscape design plans from the DECISION TO RESTORE that Jensen designed, only 20 are fully in- University of Michigan archives. With After absorbing the exciting discovery tact. “That’s why I felt obligated to restore a copy of the 87-year-old design plans that their new property was a Jensen it, and I wanted to reproduce it accurate- in hand, he went over to the overgrown garden, the next decision for the Sloans ly,” he says. property. After kicking away a thick coat- was whether or not to restore the garden “What’s unique about the Goethe

TOP AND BOTTOM LEFT: JANET HOMMEL MANGAS. RIGHT: KIM COLON / KOCA DOT PHOTOGRAPHY ing of compost and leaves, he located Jen- based on the original design. “We were Link property is that it contains nearly all

November / December 2012 21 Left: Using the original plans on file at the University of Michigan, Robert Sloan found the derelict Jens Jensen water feature on the Goethe Link property, hidden under years of composted leaves and weeds. Above: The restored pool features water lilies and Jensen’s signature stacked limestone walls.

that had grown up while the property was abandoned.” Because the home is in a state-designated historic district, the Sloans had to get permission from the historic preservation commission before removing the weedy trees. “It was an arduous process, but after they real- ized what we were doing, they were on board,” he says. After preserving a few mature trees and a giant witch hazel that were shown on Jensen’s original plan, Sloan had the prop- the features Jensen used on larger estates the restoration project, providing helpful erty graded so a grid could be laid out to artfully condensed onto a much smaller information on what Sloan describes as restore the garden according to Jensen’s property,” notes Robert Grese, a professor some of the “oddball plants” Jensen used. original plans. “It really was an accurate of landscape architecture at the University “Before the landscape renovation, we design plan, so restoring it was much like of Michigan, and the author of Jens Jensen: couldn’t walk through without wading fitting a puzzle together,” he says. Maker of Natural Parks and Gardens (see through the invasive honeysuckle and After interviewing a number of land- “Resources,” page 24). Grese became an other weeds,” Sloan says. “We also need- scaping firms in search of someone to

important resource for the Sloans during ed to remove 80 to 100 volunteer trees oversee the plantings for the restoration, TOP: JANET HOMMEL MANGAS. BOTTOM: COURTESY OF ROBERT SLOAN

22 the American Gardener Sloan hired Trena Trusty, an Indianapolis area Master Gardener with a horticulture degree from Purdue University. “I wanted to reproduce the garden accurately, and Trena was the only person I found who was willing to help renovate it using the original plants from Jensen’s design. She was like a detective, searching out the right plants,” Sloan says. LOCATING PLANTS After visiting the Sloans’ property and viewing the Jensen plans for the first time, Trusty embarked on what she calls a “Jensen refresher course” by visiting Columbus Park and Humboldt Park in Chicago, and the Henry Ford Es- tate, known as Fair Lane, in Dearborn, Michigan. She also consulted with Ju- lia Bachrach, director of the Jens Jensen Legacy Project and historian for the Chi- cago Parks District, and Grese. Trusty initially had reservations about the scope of the project. “The sheer number of plants called for in the original plan was unbelievable by today’s standards,” she says. For example, Jensen had listed 175 witch hazels (Hamamelis virginiana), 228 prairie crabapples (Malus ionensis), 145 American cranberry bushes (Viburnum opulus var. americanum), 309 fragrant sumacs (Rhus aromatica), 80 gray dogwoods (Cornus racemosa), and 255 ninebarks (Physocarpus opulifolius). “I wasn’t sure that some of them would even be available,” she adds. Online research led her to several spe- cialty growers who had the plants needed for the project. Trusty revised the plant list slightly. “A minor departure from the original plan was to use disease-resistant crabapple cultivars like ‘Sugar Tyme’ and ‘Snowdrift’ instead of the native species,” says Trusty. In addition, she found re- placements for a few plants—including Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica)—that are now considered either nui- sance plants or invasive species. Before moving forward with the planting, Trusty asked Grese to review her revised plant list. “I wanted to get his bless- ing on any substitutions in plant selection or quantities,” she says. To give the garden as mature a look as possible, Trusty purchased some large trees and shrubs to supplement smaller native Jensen’s design for the Link property called for 309 fragrant sumacs (Rhus aromatica), top,

ALEXANDRIA MANGAS (2) species she acquired from the Indiana De- and 145 American cranberry bushes, above, to be planted in various groves.

November / December 2012 23 JENS JENSEN: FATHER OF PRAIRIE-STYLE LANDSCAPE DESIGN

Born in Denmark in 1860, Jens Jensen immigrated to the In 1935, Jensen scaled back his design practice and United States when he was 24. After brief stints in Florida and moved to Wisconsin, where he founded a training program for Iowa, he and his young landscape architects at his home, known as “The Clearing.” family moved to Chica- go, where he became a JENSEN’S DESIGN STYLE laborer for the Chicago The use of native plants was a key component of Jensen’s West Park District in “prairie style” design, but other important elements were use 1886. He immersed of light and shadow, open space, movement, curving lines, himself in the regional water, and native stone, particularly limestone. flora during weekend Two features Jensen often included in his designs were trips with his family a player’s green and a council ring. The player’s green was into the prairies sur- a slightly elevated sunny area that served as the stage for rounding Chicago. outdoor theatrical performances. “Jensen delighted in cre- In 1888, Jensen ating a space for outdoor drama whenever he found a willing planted native prairie client,” says Robert Grese, author of Jens Jensen: Maker of species in a corner Natural Parks and Gardens (see “Resources,” this page, be- of Chicago’s Union low). “These garden spaces were designed not as traditional Park; this area later theaters, with a developed stage and seats, but as natural became known as the settings for plays, musical offerings, or recitations.” Jens Jensen in his later years. American Garden. He To form his iconic council rings, Jensen stacked flat lime- became superinten- stone rocks to form a circular bench with an opening on one dent of Union Park in 1895 and quickly rose through the side. These rings were intended to serve as gathering places ranks to oversee Chicago’s West Park District by 1905. where story-telling, musical performances, and theatrical Jensen’s reputation for innovative design spread rapidly, productions could be held. and in 1920 he went into private practice. Over the next 15 When Jensen died in 1951, the New York Times described years he designed hundreds of parks, golf courses, resorts, him as the “Dean of American Landscape Architecture.” His and private residences, primarily in the Midwest. His designs work lives on through his many designed parks and gardens for the homes of Eleanor and Edsel Ford in Michigan and and through the continuing influence of his design philosophy Maine are particularly well known. among contemporary landscape architects. —J.H.M. partment of Natural Resources Forestry The one area that the Sloan family has Division. “We planted around 700 seed- Resources not yet restored based on Jensen’s origi- lings, including redbuds (Cercis candensis), Jens Jensen: Maker of Natural Parks nal plan is the four symmetrical vegetable flowering dogwood (Cornus florida), east- and Gardens by Robert E. Grese, gardens on the backside of their home, ern ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius), and Johns Hopkins University Press, which were designed to be surrounded by gray dogwood (Cornus racemosa),” she says. Baltimore, Maryland, 1992. raspberries, grapes, currants, and goose- “Doing this project and researching Siftings by Jens Jensen. The Johns berries. Currently, this area contains a Jensen certainly gave me a deeper ap- Hopkins University Press, Balti- cedar playground with a fort, climbing preciation for using native plants in the more, Maryland, 1990. (Originally rope, slide, and tire swing. “We plan to landscape,” says Trusty. “I found many of published 1938.) restore it, but right now we wanted an them growing in my own woods in Indi- The Jens Jensen Legacy Project, area for the kids’ playground,” Robert ana, so I paid closer attention to the sea- www.jensjensen.org. explains. sonal interest they had to offer and found Jens Jensen PBS documentary, www. In his biography of Jensen, Grese them quite beautiful.” jensjensenharmoniousworld.org. writes that “shortly after the turn of the “Jens Jensen: Prairie Visionary” by century, Jensen helped organize Chicago’s LIFE IN A JENSEN GARDEN Carole Ottesen. The American Gar- Playground Association, which sought to The majority of the restoration was com- dener (November/December 2005). provide a variety of play areas for children pleted between February and September in the heart of Chicago.” In light of that, 2009. As of this year, the Sloans have plant- the Sloans feel Jensen would approve of ed more than 2,000 plants. “The design is designed it—prairielike native designs.” As this temporary tweak on his design. very low maintenance,” says Robert Sloan. a testament to the toughness of the native “We just keep the weeds pulled, and let the plants, he notes that even after two sum- Janet Hommel Mangas is a freelance writer

plants grow naturally, which is how Jensen mers of drought, “nothing has died.” based in Greenwood, Indiana. COURTESY OF FILSON / GORDON ASSOCIATES

24 the American Gardener

enchanting Witch Hazels

WEET. FETID. Honeylike. Musky. Few shrubs pack more punch ful autumn foliage color and an intriguing Cloying. Spicy. Standing with a angular profile that complements other Sgroup of gardeners as we examine in the winter landscape than ornamental plants. And this versatility is a young shrub in full bloom, I am struck provided by just five major species. by our varied perceptions of a single scent. witch hazels, which bear Even more striking, perhaps, is the fact SEQUENTIAL SPECIES that we are enjoying these flowers and delicate, fragrant flowers on All witch hazels flower at unusual times, their fragrance on a January day with the a sculptural frame of bare a characteristic that adds considerably to temperature hovering around 40 degrees their value in the landscape. As with most Fahrenheit. The object of our attention is branches. plants, flowering times can vary quite a bit a vernal witch hazel, and it has the remark- depending on local growing conditions. able—almost magical—ability to flower While mild temperatures cause plants to in January despite the cold. flower earlier, cool temperatures can extend BY CHRIS STRAND Witch hazels (Hamamelis spp.) are ver- flowering by preserving individual blos- satile shrubs with a beauty that is equally soms for several weeks. The flowers are well at home in the cottage garden and the for- adapted to the cold; to protect themselves mal landscape, providing flowers from the Blooming in fall or early winter, common from very low temperatures, the individual frosts of October through the late snow witch hazel is native to woodlands in much petals will curl up like tiny clock springs. flurries of March. These shrubs are easy to of the eastern United States. Because the Here in the mid-Atlantic, the com- find in nurseries and are hardy in USDA fragrant flowers are sometimes obscured mon witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana, Hardiness Zones 4 through 8. In addition by the fall foliage, selections are available USDA Hardiness Zones 3–8, AHS Heat

to fall or winter flowers, many have beauti- that bloom after the leaves drop. Zones 8–1) begins the witch hazel season KAREN BUSSOLINI

26 the American Gardener with flowers in September or October, depending on the weather. This witch hazel is found in woodland settings but is adaptable and can grow in a wide range of habitats from Canada to Florida and from the East Coast to as far west as Texas. It is not uncommon to catch the scent of the threadlike, yellow-petaled flowers before you see them, as they often compete with fall foliage for our attention. Next, the vernal witch hazel (H. vernalis, Zones 4–8, 8–1) starts flowering in January. Native to gravelly stream banks in the Arkansas and Missouri river drain- ages, it is the real stalwart of the bunch, often flowering with frost on its petals. The short-petaled flowers are typically red and extremely fragrant, but no two people seem to experience this unique scent in quite the same way. In February, the Chinese witch hazel (H. mollis, Zones 5–8, 9–1), the Japanese witch hazel (H. japonica, Zones 5–9, 9–5), and the hybrid witch hazel (H. intermedia, Zones 5–9, 9–1) begin to flower. The Chinese witch hazel is very floriferous. A mature specimen can be clothed in thousands of chrome-yellow flowers

Vernal witch hazel, top, starts blooming anytime from January to March, depending on region. Chinese witch hazel, bottom, is prized for its fragrant, long-lasting yellow flowers.

that give off a sweet, clean odor that re- minds me of soap. While not quite as floriferous, the Jap- anese witch hazel can have flowers that are yellow, red, or a colorful combination of the two. With delicately curled petals rem- iniscent of crêpe paper, the blossoms are beautiful both individually and en masse. Japanese witch hazels have the best autumn color of the various species—with mottled crimson, orange, and yellow leaves. The hybrid witch hazel, a cross between the Chinese and Japanese witch hazels, combines some of the best characteristics of both. Hybrid witch hazels are very floriferous and fragrant and have been selected to provide a wide range of flower color—pale lemon yellow to deep carmine red. In addition, hybrid witch hazels have some of the best fall color among ornamental shrubs, with all the hues of sugar maples and tupelos in one

TOP: JOSEPH G. STRAUCH, JR. BOTTOM: MARK TURNER compact package.

November / December 2012 27 STRAPPING BLOOMS scape unless positioned against contrast- and just as wide. The vernal witch hazel Although the flowers of all witch hazels ing foliage or backlighting, but many of is more shrubby, with a mature height of are similar in form, as a group they are the red forms have spectacular fall color. 10 feet and a 12-foot spread. rather unusual. Each blossom consists Yellow-flowered cultivars vary in both Witch hazels have a pleasing angu- of four petals radiating outward from a hue and intensity. Some are retina-burn- lar habit; young plants often look like leathery calyx. The narrow petals vary in ing bright in a shade of yellow that ap- narrow green isosceles triangles from a length from a quarter to one inch long proaches chartreuse, while others are a distance. I find this shape very useful be- and can be as smooth as a piece of ribbon rich, mellow gold. cause it accommodates underplantings of or wrinkled like crêpe paper. Individ- Consider flower color carefully when perennials and low-growing shrubs and ually, the flowers—which are arranged choosing a cultivar for your garden. Bet- is easily maintained by careful pruning. along the branches in clusters—are cu- ter yet, visit a nursery or botanical garden Most witch hazels bear deep green, rious but not all that showy. However, where you can see and smell several species five- to six-inch, smooth leaves. The ex- when they clothe a shrub in the hun- and cultivars to help you make your choice. ception is the Chinese witch hazel; its dreds and thousands—as they do at peak leaves are slightly larger and are covered bloom—the effect is stunning. FORM AND FOLIAGE in dense, felty hairs. Fall leaf color varies Petal color includes shades of yellow, In habit, the witch hazels are large shrubs by cultivar from yellow to crimson. H. tangerine, carmine red, or a striking or small trees. At maturity, specimens of intermedia ‘Hiltingbury’, for example, combination of all three. Red-flowered the common, Chinese, hybrid, and Jap- turns brilliant red; it is worth growing for forms may be difficult to see in the land- anese witch hazels can reach 18 feet high its autumn color alone.

The hybrid selection ‘Diane’, above, is sought after for its coppery red flowers and colorful fall foliage. Witch hazels such as H. vernalis ‘New Year’s Gold’, right, have attractive,

obovate leaves with scalloped edges. LEFT: JOSH MCCULLOUGH. RIGHT: BILL JOHNSON

28 the American Gardener WITCH HAZEL SELECTIONS

The witch hazels discussed in this article are a mix of tried-and-true cultivars and a few less-common but excellent varieties. The table below lists the plants by their flower color and includes their flowering time in the mid-Atlantic region. Where appli- cable, I have noted a region where certain selections perform best, based on information solicited from botanic gardens and arboreta throughout the United States. Some selections are included not just for their flower color but because they have other useful or unique qualities. H. intermedia ‘Sunburst’, for example, is perhaps the showiest of the witch hazels in flower and can be seen from quite a distance. The petals are a translucent greenish yellow that when backlit looks practically neon. H. intermedia ‘Angelly’ is a very elegant selection that combines lemon-yellow petals and green calyces with a beautiful angular habit and pumpkin-orange fall color. ‘Sandra’ is unique among the vernal witch hazels. Though it flowers a bit later than the species, it has outstanding mottled yellow, orange, and scarlet fall color. The autumn color of H. intermedia ‘Hiltingbury’ is among the most striking of the listed cultivars. It has brilliant carmine-red leaves highlighted with a yellow pinstripe on the margins. —C.S.

Plant Flower Color Time of Fall Foliage Regional USDA Zones, Flowering Color Selections AHS Zones H. intermedia ‘Sunburst’ bright yellow Feb. yellow and orange — 5–9, 9–1 H. intermedia ‘Angelly’ yellow Feb. orange — 5–9, 9–1 H. mollis ‘Pallida’ yellow Feb. yellow — 5–8, 9–1 H. vernalis ‘Sandra’ chrome yellow Feb. orange and scarlet — 4–8, 8–1 H. virginiana yellow Oct. yellow — 3–8, 8–1 H. mollis ‘Early Bright’ yellow Jan. yellow — 5–8, 9–1 H. mollis ‘Princeton Gold’ yellow Feb. yellow Mid-Atlantic 5–8, 9–1 H. intermedia ‘Primavera’ golden yellow Feb. orange — 5–9, 9–1 H. intermedia ‘Barmstedt Gold’ golden yellow Feb. yellow Midwest 5–9, 9–1 H. intermedia ‘Arnold Promise’ golden yellow March red and orange New England 5–9, 9–1 H. intermedia ‘Jelena’ red grading to yellow Feb. orange and scarlet upper South 5–9, 9–1 H. japonica var. flavopurpurascens red grading to orange Feb. red and yellow — 5–9, 8–1 H. vernalis ‘Red Imp’ red Jan. yellow — 4–8, 8–1 H. intermedia ‘Diane’ red Feb. orange Northwest 5–9, 9–1 H. intermedia ‘Hiltingbury’ deep red Feb. scarlet — 5–9, 9–1

‘Princeton Gold’ ‘Jelena’ H. japonica var. flavopurpurascens LEFT AND CENTER: ROB CARDILLO. RIGHT: JOSH MCCULLOUGH

November / December 2012 29 Resources Manual of Woody Landscape Plants (6th edition) by Michael A. Dirr. Stipes Publishing, Champaign, Illinois, 2009. Witch Hazels by Chris Lane. Timber Press Inc., Portland, Oregon, 2005. Sources Fairweather Gardens, Greenwich, NJ. (856) 451-6261. www.fairweather.com. Forestfarm, Williams, OR. (541) 846-7269. www.forestfarm.com. Gossler Farms Nursery, Springfield, OR. (541) 746-3922. www.gosslerfarms.com. RareFind Nursery, Jackson, NJ. (732) 833-0613. www.rarefindnursery.com.

scion. Examine the plant for signs of graft incompatibility such as suckering from the understock. Flower color and fragrance can vary slightly from one cultivated form to another, so buying a plant in bloom may help avoid disappointment. However, it can be slightly more difficult to choose a healthy plant if you purchase it when it is in flower because you can’t readily assess its overall vigor. On flowering plants, look for healthy branches with plenty of growth from the previous year; avoid shrubs with trunk damage or evidence of suckering. If you are selecting a larger plant, it should display the habit you want. I prefer an overall vase shape, with three to five similarly sized branches angling upwards. A smaller plant can usually be selectively pruned to attain this shape. If you purchase a witch hazel outside the planting season for your area, heel it in Although best known for their flowers, witch hazels have many ornamental attributes, or surround the container with mulch in a including outstanding fall foliage color from selections such as ‘Arnold Promise’, above. sheltered corner of your garden, and keep it watered until it is time to plant. As fall leads to winter, you may notice SELECTING WITCH HAZELS that your witch hazel has the unfortunate When selecting a witch hazel from a EASY TO ACCOMMODATE habit of retaining some dead leaves. This nursery, first look for a specimen with All but the vernal witch hazel are native is natural, but it can interfere with your an overall healthy appearance. Because to woodland areas and thrive in soils that enjoyment of the flowers. Choosing a almost all witch hazel cultivars are graft- are moist, well-drained, slightly acid- slightly more open planting location— ed, special attention should be paid to ic, and rich in organic matter. I have with the increased chance of exposure to the graft union. Look closely at the base found, however, that witch hazels can occasional fall and winter winds—will of the trunk and you will see the union, adapt to sharper drainage or clay if they

help reduce this tendency. the area where the understock joins the are mulched twice a year with shredded SUSAN A. ROTH

30 the American Gardener Many witch hazels develop a pyramidal habit that allows for underplanting with perennials or small shrubs. Here the hybrid selection ‘Orange Glow’ provides shade for a colony of bear’s-foot hellebores (Helleborus foetidus) at Washington Park Arboretum in Seattle.

leaves or compost and watered well. Na- MAXIMIZING LANDSCAPE POTENTIAL bined with winter-flowering bulbs and tive to gravelly banks of streams, the ver- With their ability to adapt to most grow- perennials such as bear’s-foot hellebore nal witch hazel is perhaps the most adapt- ing conditions, witch hazels are easy to (Helleborus foetidus) and Crocus tomma- able. It can grow in both organically rich include in almost any landscape. They sinianus, ornamental grasses and sedges soils and spare, sandy soils. provide fall and winter interest to an in- such as Carex morrowii var. temnolepsis, All witch hazels can grow in shade or formal woodland garden in combination and evergreen groundcovers such as Ar- sun. Though they are woodland plants, with other shade-loving plants. Yet they um italicum. they can tolerate full sun if they are pro- are also suited for the formal garden, Like good house guests, witch hazels vided with enough water during times when grown alone or as the centerpiece are easy to accommodate. They are not of drought. Specimens grown in full sun of a formal bed. overly picky about where you put them, seem to retain their angular habit and are Although witch hazels are large shrubs and during those short, chilly days of au- denser overall, while shaded specimens by nature, they can be pruned to look tumn and winter, when little else exciting tend to develop a rangy habit as they more treelike or to grow along a wall as an is happening in the garden, they provide reach for the light. espalier. Young plants should be pruned some magic with their fragrant and color- Witch hazels rarely suffer from serious to remove poorly positioned branches and ful blooms. pests or diseases. Occasionally they con- to maintain their habit. In general, less tract a bit of mildew or a leaf gall, but these pruning is better, because large cuts take Chris Strand is Director of the Garden and usually do not cause long-term damage. In some time to heal. Pruning and training Estate at Winterthur Museum, Garden & the last decade, a leaf blight caused by the for an espalier should be carefully planned Library in Delaware. This is an updated fungus Phyllosticta hamamelidis has been to minimize the number of cuts. version of an article originally published in affecting some witch hazels, particularly Beautiful and versatile, witch hazels the November/December 2003 issue of The

MARK TURNER in the mid-Atlantic region. show off especially well when com- American Gardener.

November / December 2012 31 Nancy Goodwin Noted writer, garden designer, and plantswoman Nancy Goodwin has created a masterful legacy

at Montrose, her North Carolina home and garden. BY ANNE RAVER

HEN NANCY and Craufurd worthy destination for traveling plant lov- was repeatedly used for nurseries that fol- Goodwin bought Mon- ers. For a time in the 1980s and ’90s, it lowed, including Heronswood. W trose, a historic estate in was also home to her mail-order nursery, Goodwin has come to be associated Hillsborough, North Carolina, more than which specialized in uncommon plants with hardy cyclamen, which she grows 35 years ago, it wasn’t just a matter of find- for discriminating gardeners. in great numbers at Montrose. She has ing a gracious 1890s house on 61 acres of “I put Nancy in a very rare league also introduced a number of stellar plants, rolling land with magnificent trees. “It was among the gardening community in North most notably Heuchera ‘Montrose Ruby’. the beginning of the greatest adventure of America,” says Dan Hinkley, co-founder “I think of Nancy every time I walk my life,” Goodwin, 77, wrote in her lyrical of the former Heronswood Nursery and past ‘Montrose Ruby’,” says Allen Bush. 2005 memoir, Montrose: Life in a Garden now a consultant for Monrovia nursery. “A A longtime horticulturist with Jelitto (see “Resources,” page 36). serious plantswoman and strict gardener, Perennial Seeds, Bush, who gardens in Renowned for her sense of color and smart but elegant, with the savvy and ener- Louisville, Kentucky, calls ‘Montrose Ru- design, as well as her extraordinary abil- gy to run a nursery—which, in the case of by’—a cross between ‘Palace Purple’ and ity to grow plants, Goodwin has turned Montrose, turned out to have been one of H. americana ‘Dale’s Strain’—his “best Montrose, which already had good bones, the best mail-order sources for rarities for landscape coral bell, bar none. I’ve got it

into a timeless, living work of art and a several years.” The template for Montrose planted all over the place,” he says. MARK TURNER

32 the American Gardener Opposite: In summer, Montrose’s tropical garden area is a colorful blend of bananas, yuccas, and tender perennials. Above: Hardy cyclamen and other small bulbs carpet the woodland in winter. Right: Nancy Goodwin grows plants from seeds and cuttings for sale at the garden’s open days.

In addition to creating a horticultural gem at Montrose, Goodwin has spread her passion for plants in her books and many articles for magazines. She also co-edited, with Allen Lacy, A Rock Garden in the South (Duke University Press, 1990), the posthumous book by an earlier Southern gardening icon, Elizabeth Lawrence. A GARDENER’S GARDEN Montrose is captivating in all seasons, tostroboides) and crept across the front ferns, hostas, polygonatums, and pulmo- but Goodwin especially loves the little yard; they run like little rivers through the narias—but also adds a powerful verti- bulbs of winter. “I walk the paths and woodland behind the house. cal sculpture, and a constant to the ev- can no longer count the number of cy- In summer, the gardens behind the er-changing surrounding gardens, which clamen,” she says. big white two-story house are ablaze with are ordered by seasons or color (to see a Tens of thousands of the cyclamen, bright colors and ebullient bloomers map of Montrose, click on the link to this snowdrops (Galanthus spp.), primroses, lounging over a geometry of paths. The article on the AHS website). and many other species she started from lath house, which replaced the old grape “I never knew what I would see at seed have naturalized beneath the oaks arbor south of the house, not only pro- Montrose,” says Allen Lacy, the garden-

TOP: JOHN M. HALL. BOTTOM: JEREMY LANGE and dawn redwoods (Metasequoia glyp- vides a shady respite—underplanted with er and writer whose long-running corre-

November / December 2012 33 spondence with Goodwin was published didn’t wait a minute longer to see the new- burned—twice, in fact—first in the 1860s, in A Year in Our Gardens (University of est plant in bloom,” she wrote. and later in the 1890s. North Carolina Press, 2001). Lacy com- As young newlyweds, Craufurd and When the Goodwins arrived in 1977, pares the development of Goodwin’s gar- Nancy Goodwin bought a house in rumpled boxwoods were a sea of green dens at Montrose to symphonies by Aus- Durham, where Nancy wanted to plant around the early 19th-century house. trian composer Gustav Mahler. “Huge everything. After three years, they ran out They could see beyond the green fern crescendos and big effects,” he says, “with of space, prompting them to find their wallpaper to the light streaming through little intimate duets and trios.” way to Montrose. The first fall, Good- its big windows and the elegant propor- Their friendship got off to a rocky start win learned an important rule about tions of its rooms. They loved the old in 1985, sparked by a column Lacy had stewarding an old garden. She had dug trees, the grape arbor, kitchen garden, written about hardy cyclamen for the Wall a load of bulbs from her former garden and the 20 acres of woods that ran down Street Journal. He had mused about “ex- in Durham, and began to plant them to the Enos River. otic bulbs coming across the Sahara by camel,” he recalls. “She wrote me and said, ‘These are collected in the wild. You are contributing to their demise. Please come and see me.’” Goodwin had been al- luding to the illegal trade of wild-collected bulbs from Turkey and the Middle East that were then turn- ing up in American nurseries. Montrose Nursery— the mail-order nursery she started in 1984 by sending out a mimeographed list of cyclamen and other plants grown from seed or cuttings—was in part intended as a way to offer rare plants without depleting wild colonies. “There was nothing high falutin’ about In winter, the dried stems of Formosa lilies grace the walkway to Montrose’s 19th-century house. the catalog, but there were always lots of precious gems and interesting stories be- beneath the old trees in the front yard. “The previous owners had pastured hind the gems,” says Allen Bush. “But every time I dug, I hit a bulb,” she their cows in the woods,” says Goodwin, says. “I didn’t know what was here. So I “so there was almost nothing.” But, she EAGER BEGINNINGS stopped.” After that, she and Craufurd knew, from the tall straight poplars, and Goodwin’s need to garden not only springs began watching and waiting. the beech and birch trees, what a perfect from her environment, but is also rooted in Montrose had been the home of Wil- place it would be for woodland bulbs. her own gene pool. Her father, an English liam Alexander Graham, a North Caro- She and Craufurd walked through the professor at Duke University in Durham, lina senator, governor, and secretary of office behind the house—two buildings North Carolina, loved to grow vegetables. the navy, who lived there with his family joined together, where Governor Graham Her mother, a fourth-grade teacher, adored from 1842 to the 1860s. His wife Susan laid had practiced law—“and I fell in love,” flowers, especially wild ones. out the gardens. Their descendants carried wrote Goodwin. “I could teach here and In Montrose: Life in a Garden, she recalls on, rebuilding the main house when it never disrupt the business of the house.” childhood experiences of following her par- An accomplished pianist and harpsi- ents as they looked for wild yellow lady slip- chordist with a degree in music, Goodwin pers in Durham County, one time fleeing Visiting Montrose moved her grand piano into the space. under gun fire when they got too close to For information about tours by ap- She planted her favorite bulbs outside the a moonshine still. After a 13-hour drive to pointment and dates of open days, windows so she could see them blooming, Tennessee or Georgia to visit grandparents, send an e-mail to Nancy Goodwin at even while inside teaching music to her they would crawl out of the old Studebak- [email protected]. students. She also would read and write in

er and head straight for the gardens. “We peaceful silence there, without the music JEREMY M. LANGE

34 the American Gardener THE WINTER GARDEN AT MONTROSE

One of Nancy Goodwin’s accomplishments at Montrose has been the creation of a garden that offers tremendous interest even in winter. Her love for the “small bulbs”—the fall- and spring-flowering crocuses and colchicums, reticulated irises, snowdrops (Galanthus spp.), and hardy cyclamen—is legendary. She is most fond of the winter-blooming species, like Iris reticulata, whose gray-green spears poke through the oak leaves in the rock garden and Iris unguicularis, which produces a little purple flower with darker slender lines, blooming as early as December during warm winters. Last year, the first wave of giant snowdrops blanketed the woods by Thanksgiving, and the first hardy cyclamens bloomed in early December, with aconites opening by Christmas. Winter is the season for little bulbs, when Goodwin gets down on her hands and knees beneath the dawn redwoods to observe the differences in leaf patterns and shades of color, from white to magenta, of the Cyclamen coum she has started

Above: Among the little bulbs that Goodwin admires is Iris unguicularis, which blooms in late winter. Left: Goodwin’s winter garden includes a textured tapestry of conifers, trees with attractive bark, and winter- blooming shrubs.

from seed. These butterflylike flowers now bloom throughout the woods. Snowdrops that Goodwin first started from seed now also flourish in successive generations. She collects seeds from unusual bloomers—a Galanthus nivalis, for instance, which is more chartreuse, even yellow than green inside—to plant in pots and select the best forms to put out again in the woods. Hellebores flower here too, in drifts of white, green, and deep purple. Goodwin makes her own crosses, sitting among the hellebores as they bloom and rubbing the pollen of one form against another. Primroses bring bright blue and yellow to the woodland floor; the native bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis) turns it white in April. But winter also opens up the views through these woods, from the top of the hill, down to the pond. The straight trunks of the poplars rise like cathedrals and the alligator bark of the persimmons is revealed. In this starker world, the first fragrant apricot-pink blooms of flowering apricot (Prunus mume) can stop a gardener in her steps. Later, the paperbush (Edgeworthia chrysantha) will open its clusters of fragrant flowers. “I think it’s the promise that we love best about the winter garden,” says Goodwin, who watches for the buds of her winter jasmine (Jasminum nudiflorum) to turn red. “You can bring it in then, and it will open in less than a week,” she adds. Other plants that herald winter at Montrose include the witch hazels (Hamamelis spp.), especially the intensely yellow cultivar ‘James Wells’. In Nandinaland, a border at the curve of the driveway, clusters of deep red berries contrast with the chartreuse-yellow needles of Chamaecyparis obtusa ‘Limerick’. And the coral stems of the nearby Cornus sanguinea ‘Winter Beauty’ make the conifer seem to glow even brighter. Goodwin also revels in the spiky yuccas in the sunny parts of the gardens and the strappy wide leaves of rohdeas and hardy palms in the woods. It’s the contrasts, even in winter, that give a garden its edge. Dissonance, Goodwin claims, is key to any art form. Likening the garden to the watercolor paintings of English Romanticist William Turner, she says, “All these pastel colors in his seascapes—and one little spot of red that turns it into life.” —A.R. JEREMY M. LANGE (2)

November / December 2012 35 that Craufurd, an economics professor, don’t grow enough forget-me-nots!” plays to fuel his own work in his study. Resources Goodwin had started the nursery as a “When I got here, I wanted to grow A Year in Our Gardens by Nancy Good- way to get back to the garden. But, ironi- every cyclamen I could, every geranium win and Allen Lacy. The University cally, its success pushed her back into her I could,” says Goodwin, who would con- of North Carolina Press, Chapel Hill, office, this time to ship plants and write centrate on a new genus each year. North Carolina, 2001. catalogs. She didn’t even have time to She joined the Royal Horticultural Montrose: Life in a Garden by Nancy walk through her gardens. In 1994, she Society and got its seed list. She read and Goodwin. Duke University Press, closed the nursery, put on her kneepads, reread the books of Elizabeth Lawrence Durham, North Carolina, 2005. and got back to doing what she loves best. and tried to find everything Lawrence said would grow in the area. As she worked in THE BEAUTY OF SEEDS the rock garden, finding irises and bulbs Gardener, in 1985. “My mailing list went For Goodwin, the process of growing is planted by previous gardeners, she plunged from 25 to 125,” says Goodwin. a source of fascination. “The Grahams into the works of other garden writers such Later, as the New York Times garden planted these two metasequoias,” Good- as Louise Beebe Wilder and E.A. Bowles. columnist, Lacy would write about Mon- win says of the 80-foot dawn redwoods that In those first years, Goodwin planted trose’s magnificent trees. Serious garden- grace the front lawn. “They were probably perennials beneath the serpentine border of ers began making pilgrimages there, carry- among the original distribution.” She is the boxwood, which, thankfully, had never ing off the plants propagated at Montrose referring, in that casual way of one garden- been pruned out of their natural shape. She Nursery as well as design inspiration for er to another, to the dawn redwood seeds dug up the ivy that rambled over either side their own landscapes. that an Arnold Arboretum-sponsored ex- of the front walk, tilled in compost and Goodwin remembers the visit of En- pedition collected in China in 1947, short- gravel and planted dianthus and heat-lov- glish gardener and author Christopher ly after the coniferlike tree, long thought ing succulents. The Dianthus Walk, with Lloyd, of Great Dixter fame, and how extinct, was found flourishing in eastern its grays and blues and fragrant white For- he glared at the forget-me-nots spreading Sichuan Province. The seeds, or seedling mosa lilies that bloom on eight-foot stems through the rock garden. trees grown in Boston, were sent to other in July, is one of her many masterpieces. “He said, ‘You aren’t going to leave arboretums and serious gardeners, to see Goodwin leaves the dry lily stems and pods those there are you?’ and I said, ‘Well, I how they grew in different climates, and to as graceful silhouettes in the winter garden. sort of like them,’” she says. She went to preserve the gene pool. Those first years were focused as well, his lecture that night in Hillsborough and It turns out that dawn redwoods, at on the huge vegetable garden south of the heard him declare, “People in this country least under Goodwin’s hand, practically house. She pruned the grapevines in winter and made juice in summer. The tomatoes were so plentiful that she and Craufurd had fresh tomato juice every morning, and tomatoes every night. Eventually, tired of so much excess produce, she started to “in- sinuate asters” into the vegetable beds. A NURSERY FOR SERIOUS GARDENERS Spending precious sunny days teaching reluctant children how to play the piano and harpsichord was sometimes a source of frustration for Goodwin. So in 1984, she launched Montrose Nursery by converting the vegetable garden for that purpose. By then, she had plenty of extra to sell and she hoped the profits might pay her way out of the music room and back to the garden. The nursery was also a direct line to the world’s most serious plants people, many of whom were aware of her love for cyclamen. Seed collectors from Scotland, Germany, and England sent her cyclamen seeds. Allen Lacy first put Montrose on the map when he wrote about the gardens and the nursery for American Horticulturist, Goodwin evaluates hellebore flowers in early spring. She often hand-pollinates hellebores and

an earlier incarnation of The American other perennials, fostering the development of new and interesting flower colors or patterning. JEREMY M. LANGE

36 the American Gardener grow like weeds here. “I grew that one from seed,” she says, of a monster next to the smokehouse. “We had tremendous germination last year, and lots of little trees.” As with any plant growing from seed, Goodwin is enchanted with the subtle differences between each one. “It’s interesting to see how they vary in shape, or in their needles,” she says. “It’s very subtle, like the great variety in cyclamens.” She encourages visitors to get down on their hands and knees to examine the velvety carmine petals of Cyclamen coum, hovering like a butterfly over its heart- shaped, deep-green leaves. She collects the cyclamen seed capsules as soon as they ripen, usually at the end of May. If she is tardy, they are sometimes carried off by ants, which she takes in stride. “I think they clean the seeds, and leave them wherever, where they have a better chance of germinating,” she says. Even though her nursery closed years ago, Goodwin sells potted seedlings and cuttings of these and other plants from her gardens during the open days she holds at Montrose each May and September.

GARDEN PHILOSOPHY Goodwin combines the meticulous- ness of a scientist with the sense of form and color of an artist. Considering her Goodwin plants several large containers each year, including this Victorian cast-iron urn background and passions, that is just the that sits at the center of her color gardens with the lath house in the background. natural course of things. For one thing, artists have to love solitude. “All of these moment, and you never get it back, it’s “Basically, we want to continue to have things have to be done or thought about never quite the same,” she says. “You work the gardens be developed in the same spir- pretty much by one person,” Goodwin and work and work and you have a vision, it,” says Goodwin. says. “And then expanded if you have and then, depending on the weather, and Visitors will still be able to view the people who have similar ideas or different if no animal eats it, and the plants around house on certain open days, or by appoint- ones that can challenge you.” it don’t kill it with their allelopathic com- ment. “Our goal is horticultural programs She treasures the hours she spends pounds, you know, it’s a gamble. You’ve and education, rather than a place to walk with the three part-time gardeners, two of got this one chance every year.” the dog,” notes Goodwin. The Garden whom, Cathy Dykes and Cheryl Traylor, Conservancy has also partnered with have been with her for 12 years. PREPARING A LEGACY Montrose as a preservation project, offer- “They make up one full-time garden- Goodwin’s life-long adventure will never ing its expertise, as needed. er,” she says of these kindred spirits who be finished. And, as she puts it, her garden- Who can explain falling in love—with a like hard physical labor and the detail work ing in the history of Montrose is “just a tiny place or person or animal? But it happened required of tending any great garden. But little blip. Montrose was established long to Goodwin at Montrose in many layers, in when everyone has gone home for the day, before we were here. And it will continue.” one fell swoop, and has lasted a lifetime. “I she and her dog, Angie, often enjoy a walk To that end, the Goodwins have set up think being carried out feet first would be a through the garden by themselves. the Montrose Foundation, Inc., to which good thing,” she says. “I can come back as The art of the garden itself “is a ques- they will leave the entire property, includ- fertilizer for the irises.” tion of form and color throughout the ing the buildings and their contents, which seasons,” she says. “Not to just aim at are on the National Register of Historic A freelance writer who covers gardening reg- one period, but through every week.” Places. The house is filled with paintings, ularly for the New York Times, Landscape She compares those fleeting moments, so art, and antiques collected from the many Architecture, and The American Garden-

MARK TURNER hard-earned, to music. “You have a brief visits the couple has made to England. er, Anne Raver lives in Maryland.

November / December 2012 37 Boxwood Revival The availability of new boxwood selections with appealing characteristics has led to a resurgence in popularity for this classic landscape plant. BY LYNN R. BATDORF

HROUGH MORE than 6,000 Up until 30 years ago, most American in other regions. Based on my experience, years of gardening history, box- gardeners were growing forms of common I am profiling several selections that have Twood (Buxus spp.) has served as box (B. sempervirens)—especially the se- distinguished themselves from their peers a dependable, low-maintenance evergreen lection known as English boxwood (B. (see “Recommended Cultivars,” page 40). shrub, affably deferring to—and serving as sempervirens ‘Suffruticosa’). More recently, a foil for—a multitude of showy and col- excellent selections of other species and hy- REGIONAL ADAPTABILITY orful landscape plants. Today, boxwood brids have been released through breeding While boxwood is quite adaptable, it is is enjoying a quiet, yet strong resurgence and selection programs (see chart, opposite not suited to all North American regions that acknowledges the enduring contribu- page, for a list of the most common box- and climates. Boxwood thrives in much tions of this beloved shrub to the garden. wood species). There are now nearly 350 of eastern North America from Ontario This resurgence can be largely traced to different cultivars of boxwood available, south to North Carolina, Tennessee, and the introduction of a number of exciting each with distinctive characteristics. the northern part of the Gulf States. In new selections, as well as to greater aware- As boxwood curator at the U.S. Na- the Midwest, boxwood generally does ness of proper cultural techniques for grow- tional Arboretum in Washington, D.C., well in Indiana and Illinois south to Mis- ing boxwood. Another reason is that deer for 36 years, I have evaluated many of these souri. West of the Mississippi, boxwood and other wildlife rarely browse boxwood. cultivars and observed their performance is primarily restricted to coastal regions

Whether used singly or en masse, boxwood is suited to a wide range of landscape situations. Common boxwood shines in a container, above

left, while the cultivar ‘Justin Brouwers’ makes an attractive edging for a gravel path, above right. LEFT: JERRY PAVIA. RIGHT: CATRIONA T. ERLER

38 the American Gardener COMMON BOXWOOD SPECIES AT A GLANCE

Species Height/Spread Description Origin USDA Hardiness, (feet) AHS Heat Zones B. microphylla 3–7/3–4 rounded, dense habit with medium green foliage Japan 6–9, 9–6 (littleleaf boxwood) B. microphylla var. japonica 3–8/12–15 broad, open habit with glossy, dark green foliage; Japan 6–9, 9–6 (Japanese boxwood) tends to produce seedlings B. sempervirens 10–20/10–20 large shrub or small tree with a rounded S. Europe, 5–8, 8–5 (common boxwood) habit and dense, dark green foliage N. Africa, Middle East B. sinica 5–8/6–8 upright with an open habit and dark green foliage China 6–9, 9–6 (Chinese boxwood) B. sinica var. insularis 2–7/6–8 upright with a loose, open habit; green foliage Korea 4–8, 8–4 (Korean boxwood) turns bronze in winter

from southern British Columbia south Boxwood benefits from mulching, but sunlight to reach the interior. Avoid to central California. the mulch should be applied no more than shearing boxwood because it promotes A useful guide to regional adaptability an inch deep. Because its roots grow close excessively dense foliage and makes of boxwood cultivars is the National Box- to the surface, avoid digging or edging too plants susceptible to infections of Volute- wood Trials Report, an annual evaluation close to boxwood because this can cause lla canker, a disease that kills foliage and coordinated by Paul Saunders of Saunders root injury that can prove fatal. even entire branches. Brothers, Inc., a wholesale nursery in Piney If you grow English boxwood, an Test the soil around your boxwood ev- River, Virginia. The report includes ratings equally important task is annual thin- ery two to three years to see if fertilizer or of cultivar performance from more than 60 ning of foliage in fall. While this process lime is needed. During my 36 years of tak- test sites in the United States (see “Resourc- is sometimes described as “plucking,” I ing care of the boxwood collection at the es,” page 41). cannot stress enough that it should be National Arboretum, I have only fertilized done with sharp pruners and not by five times based on soil test results. If fer- GROWING BOXWOOD breaking twigs by hand. Pruning small tilizer is needed, it should be applied in fall For success with boxwood, it’s critical to branches six to eight inches in length because it will stimulate the root growth plant it in an appropriate garden site and spaced around the shrub allows air and that occurs primarily at that time of year. provide for its cultural needs. Before planting boxwood, test the soil for pH and available nutrients. Boxwood thrives in a near neutral to slightly alkaline soil (pH 6.8 to 7.5). If soil pH is below 6.8, applying slow-acting dolomitic lime is the most effective and long-lasting way to create the right soil conditions; the more readily available agricultural limes are quick-acting but have little long-term effect. Boxwood grows best in free-draining, rich, loamy soil that stays consistently moist most of the year. During extended droughts, plants may need supplemental water. Avoid planting boxwood in low spots where water may accumulate. The ideal site for boxwood, particularly in the warmest sections of its range, is one that is shaded in early afternoon. This helps reduce the risk of boxwood mite infestations. Placing boxwood where it is protected from south and west expo- sures minimizes foliage damage caused Slow-growing, semi-dwarf boxwood cultivars such as ‘Grace Hendrick Phillips’ make tidy

COURTESY OF SAUNDERS BROTHERS by strong winter winds and excessive sun. evergreen groundcovers and are ideal for gardens where space is limited.

November / December 2012 39 RECOMMENDED CULTIVARS OF BOXWOOD FOR HOME GARDENS

Buxus microphylla 'Grace Hendrick Phillips' the base. It is very simi lar in appearance to the better-known Introduced in the 1960s, 'Grace Hendrick Phillips' was 'Graham Blandy', but its branches do not fall open, so it slow to catch on because of its slow growth rate and small retains a better habit at maturity. It also handles snow load mature size. I n modern gardens, however, these attri quite well. It's susceptible to only minimal damage from butes have made it more appealing. A 30-year-old plant boxwood mite and boxwood psyllid, and appears to resist will reach about 28 inches tall and four feet in diameter boxwood leafminer. Zones 6-8, 8-6. with an informal conical habit. The typically pest- and disease-free foliage is small, dense, and dark green. It is Buxus sempervirens 'Vardar Valley' often grown as a specimen in rock gardens or other small Discovered in southeastern Europe in the late 1930s, spaces. USDA Hardiness Zones 6-9,AHS Heat Zones 9-6. 'Vardar Valley' was not introduced until 20 years later. Young plants are mound shaped with a flattish top, but they tend to develop a more open, spreading habit as they mature. A 40-year-old plant can reach 10 feet tall and slightly broader. The attractive blue-green foliage is highly resistant to both boxwood leafminer and boxwood mite infestations, and it suffers only limited damage from the boxwood psyllid. This selection has only recently been recogn ized for its superior qual ities, earn ing the presti gious Pennsylvania Horticultural Society Gold Medal Plant Award in 2002. Zones 5-8, 8-5.

Buxus microphylla 'Green Pillow' This slow-growing dwarf boxwood cultivar-a 30-year-old specimen will be about two feet tall and wide-is highly desirable for small sites. It is versatile as a specimen, massed, or as an edgi ng plant. The dense fol iage is not susceptible to boxwood psyllid. Zones 5-9,9-5.

Buxus sempervirens 'Dee Runk' Registered in 1988, 'Dee Runk' has quickly gained popu larity with gardeners. It has an attractive,narrow, columnar habit with strong, short side branches. Its form adapts well for a variety of landscape uses, including as a specimen, hedge,or allee. A 32-year-old specimen growing in Charlot tesville, Virginia, is 14 feet tall and two feet in diameter at Buxus sempervirens 'Waterfall' Best suited for specimen use, this relatively new boxwood, introduced in 1994, has a single upright trunk that will grow five to eight feet tall at maturity. The long, pendulous branches have a unique arching and open habit. The dark green leaves are very narrow. Zones 6-9, 8-6.

Buxus sinica var. insularis 'Wee Willie' Registered and patented in 2006, this durable,cold-hardy Korean boxwood forms a superior low-growing shrub with dense, dark green foliage. While the mature size and shape is still unknown, 'Wee Willie' is expected to grow two feet tall and wide. The decussate leaf arrangement, with suc cessive pairs rotated 90 degrees from the previous pair, resembles that of box leaf hebe (Hebe buxifolia). Zones 5-8, 8-5. -L.R.B.

40 THE AMERICAN GARDENER Resources The American Boxwood Society, www.boxwoodsociety.org. Boxwood: An Illustrated Encyclopedia by Lynn R. Batdorf. The American Boxwood Society, Boyce, Virginia. 2004. The Boxwood Handbook: A Practical Guide to Knowing and Growing Boxwood (3rd ed.) by Lynn R. Batdorf. The American Boxwood Society, Boyce, Virginia, 2005. The National Boxwood Collection at the U.S. National Arboretum, www.usna.usda.gov/Gardens/collections/boxwood.html. www.usna.usda.gov/Gardens/faqs/BoxwoodThinning.html. National Boxwood Trials Report, http://saundersbrothers.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/home.showpage/pageID/11/index.htm. Sources Forestfarm, Williams, OR. (541) 846-7269. www.forestfarm.com. Gossler Farms Nursery, Springfield, OR. (541) 746-3922. www.gosslerfarms.com. RareFind Nursery, Jackson, NJ. (732) 833-0613. www.rarefindnursery.com. Saunders Brothers, Inc., Piney River, VA. www.saundersbrothers.com. Wholesale and on-site only, but website has search- able directory of retail nurseries that carry boxwood.

windows or too close to sidewalks. Over time, windows and walks will disappear as the plants outgrow their allotted space. At that point, the only real solution is to transplant them or remove them. In designing gardens, avoid planting boxwood near hollies, azaleas, and other acid-soil loving plants. While this combination may be visually attractive, the soil pH requirements of these plants are incompatible with those of boxwood. NEW FRONTIERS As with any ornamental plant, researchers are constantly trying to identify and develop boxwood selections with enhanced disease and pest resistance, improved hardiness and heat tolerance, and more appealing ornamental characteristics. Over the last decade, the search for new boxwood has focused on remote locations in southeastern Europe. This ‘Vardar Valley’ is distinguished by its attractive blue-green foliage and disease resistance. exciting work has already led to the collection of hundreds of new boxwood PESTS AND DISEASES Oregon and British Columbia. Poor air cir- varieties. Perhaps the most exciting dis- Other than the relatively recent concern culation, overhead watering, and tempera- covery from these expeditions is a variety with a disease called boxwood blight, tures between 70 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit of B. sempervirens with exfoliating bark boxwood has relatively few pest and dis- promote the development and spread of discovered growing in a deep river gorge ease problems, all of which can be min- this blight. Visible symptoms begin with in Georgia east of the Black Sea. After imized or prevented by appropriate site brown spots forming on leaves, followed evaluation, some of these new plants will selection and cultural techniques. by rapid and complete defoliation. Cur- undoubtedly become promising addi- Boxwood blight (Cylindrocladium rently no resistant plants or effective treat- tions to our landscapes. pseudonaviculatum) was first described in ments have been identified, so prevention southern England in 1994, quickly spread- through proper site selection and cultural Lynn R. Batdorf has served as curator of ing through Europe. It was identified in the practices is advised. the National Boxwood Collection at the United States 10 years later, but the severi- U.S. National Arboretum in Washington, ty of the problem wasn’t fully understood DESIGN TIPS D.C., for 36 years. He is also the Interna- until last fall. This blight currently affects Even though boxwood is slow growing, a tional Cultivar Registration Authority for

SUSAN A. ROTH boxwood in eight mid-Atlantic states, plus common mistake is to situate plants under the genus Buxus.

November / December 2012 41 HOMEGROWNC HARVEST

Sprouts: Fast, Easy, Delicious, and Nutritious by Karan Davis Cutler

single- and multi-tiered trays, hemp bags, and pricey automatic sprouters for large volume, but the Easy Sprout does everything most home sprouters will need. To grow several crops at once, use more than one sprouter or purchase a seed mix. If you decide to create your own seed mix, remember to combine seeds that mature at the same time, such as a zingy duet of daikon radish and Chinese mustard. GROWING GUIDELINES Once you’ve settled on equipment and a crop, it’s soak, rinse, and drain. Q Rinse seeds and then soak overnight in water. Q Rinse seeds again and thoroughly drain. Q Place seeds in a clean sprouting container. Q Set container in a location that receives A variety of seeds can be sprouted together for a medley of colors and flavors. indirect light at room temperature. Q Rinse and drain seeds two or three ROWING SPROUTS is the Basic sprouting equipment is inex- times daily—they should be kept damp, 100-yard dash of vegetable pensive: you need only a wide-mouth but not wet. G gardening, over in the flash quart canning or mayonnaise jar plus a of an eye. In garden time that’s three or piece of cheese cloth or nylon mesh and Good air circulation is essential for a four days for most crops. And sprouting a rubber band—or buy a sprouter lid for healthy harvest, so don’t cram a container is not only as fast as gardening gets, it’s $5—to cover the jar’s open end. with sprouts. Begin with a small amount as easy as gardening gets. A few years ago I put my Mason jar of seeds until you figure out the proper All that’s needed to break a seed’s back on the canning shelf and bought an amount for your sprouter. One or two dormancy are oxygen, moisture, and “Easy Sprout Sprouter,” a one-quart, cup- tablespoons is a sensible starting measure the proper temperature and light. You shaped, BPA-free polyethylene sprouter for most seeds, especially small seeds. can provide those conditions in a quart- available for about $15. There are also Online sources of seeds and equip- sized container on your kitchen counter, ment—Sprout People (sproutpeople.org) is which is darn nice when the temperature my favorite source for information, equip- outside is south of zero. ment, and organic seeds—will recommend Mung beans are the usual first crop of the amount of seeds to use. Some seeds, new sprouters, but there are other possi- such as garbanzos and lentils, have a 2:1 or bilities, including alfalfa, radish, fenugreek, 3:1 yield—sprouted seed to dry seed—but Chinese cabbage, clover, adzuki beans, others, including broccoli, cabbage, kale, onion, lentils, broccoli, mustard, garden mustard, and radish seeds, have far greater peas, garbanzo beans, cress, cabbage, soy- yields. The general rule is the smaller the beans, hulled sunflower, wheat, and more. seed, the greater the volume of the crop. Whatever the crop, make sure the seeds are untreated and have been grown for use as ENJOYING THE HARVEST a food crop. Organic food stores and on- You can eat sprouts as soon as the root line merchants stock seeds specifically pro- Growing sprouts at home is easy with emerges or wait until the first leaves ap-

duced for sprouting. commercially available mesh-lidded jars. pear, but most crops are ready to eat in TOP: COURTESY OF GIL FRISHMAN / SPROUTPEOPLE.ORG. BOTTOM: JOSH MCCULLOUGH

42 the American Gardener SPROUTS VERSUS GREENS OR GRASSES There is a difference between growing sprouts and growing greens and/or grasses. Some seeds, such as unhulled sunflower and buckwheat, usually are sown in trays filled with a growing medium like soil or vermiculite, or on a grow-pad, and only their leaves are harvested. Sprouts are generally harvested when the “above ground” growth hasn’t appeared or is still small and are eaten root and all. You can find advice on growing greens and grasses at sproutpeople.org; for more online information, search using the keywords “sprouting greens.” —K.D.C.

three or four days. I taste each time I rinse to decide when to harvest. If you want to green up any leaves, place the sprouting container in bright light for an hour but no more: sprouts left too long in sunlight may become bitter. Many seeds lose their hulls, or seed coats, during the sprouting process. Most hulls are edible, and removing all of them, especially from small sprouts like clover, is close to impossible. If you can’t think of the hulls as a good source of fiber, get a head start on dehulling by removing those you can each time you rinse your seeds. Then, at harvest time, Lentils, harvested two or three days after immerse your sprouts in a large bowl of sprouting, make an unusual salad. water and with your fingers gently un- tangle the sprout mass as best you can. Once dry to the touch, seal them in a plas- Most of the hulls will float to the surface tic bag or container and refrigerate. and can be discarded. Repeat the process In my experience, sprouts are best con- as necessary. sumed within a week. Always use the nose Removing the hulls may be option- and eye test: sprouts that don’t smell fresh al, but removing moisture before storing or are beginning to yellow should go on spouts is mandatory: Wet sprouts spoil the compost pile. Another crop, after all, is quickly. A salad spinner is ideal for remov- only a few days away. ing water, but if you don’t have one, drain Seeds last far longer than sprouts— the sprouts in a colander and then place several years for most—but they need dry, them on paper toweling for eight hours. dark, cool (below 40 degrees Fahrenheit) conditions, the opposite conditions that sprouting calls for. Freezing or refriger- Sources ating seeds can lengthen their shelf life Handy Pantry Sprouting, (800) 735- significantly. Store them in well-sealed 0630. www.handypantry.com. plastic containers to avoid condensation; The Sprout People, sproutpeople.org. moisture shortens the life of all seeds. Wheatgrass Kits, (801) 491-8700. As for how to consume sprouts, wheatgrasskits.com. mung beans in stir-fry dishes are just the tip of the iceberg. They can be tossed Resources into salads, used to add crunch to sand- “Gardening in Jars” by Kathleen wiches, and mixed into omelets. Sprout Fisher (in Salad Gardens: Gourmet gourmands have created a range of reci- Greens and Beyond, Brooklyn Bo- pes for soups, salads, entrees, and breads tanic Garden, Brooklyn, New York, using sprouts in various forms, so you 1995.) can enjoy this humble and nutritious Sprout Garden (rev. ed.) by Mark M. crop in many delicious ways. Braunstein. Book Publishing Compa- ny, Summertown, Tennessee, 1999. A freelance writer and editor, Karan Davis

COURTESY OF GIL FRISHMAN / SPROUTPEOPLE.ORG Cutler lives in Bridport, Vermont.

November / December 2012 43 GARDENC SOLUTIONS

Preparing the Garden for Winter by Scott Aker

HIS SUMMER featured extreme forecasted, be sure to drain and store as turnips, kale, collards, mustard, spin- heat and drought in many areas hoses in a shed or other protected location ach, carrots, etc.—that will continue to Tof the country—driving many to prevent damage. produce. You can protect root crops gardeners inside. Now, as we enter late To help protect roots, apply several with a layer of straw. Remove dried-up fall to early winter, gardens and garden- inches of mulch in gardens, especial- fruits beneath fruit trees, and cut back ers alike are relishing cooler weather. At ly around newly planted trees, shrubs, the canes of fall-bearing raspberries. this time of year, when temperatures are and perennials. It’s best to wait until the The canes of blackberries that bore fruit mild in most regions, there are a lot of ground freezes to apply your mulch to this year can also be removed. chores to be done that will bear dividends discourage rodents from seeking shel- Most perennials can be cut back when spring arrives. Of course, if you live ter in it and damaging plants. Keep the now, but consider leaving those that in Southern California, the Gulf Coast, or Miami, your garden is probably still in full swing. You can plant cool-season vegetables such as peas, lettuce, spinach, and arugula that will take advantage of returning rains and cooler temperatures. PREVENTING WINTER DAMAGE For those of us who live in temperate regions, the first order of business is to protect plants from winter snow and ice. Prevent splaying of evergreen shrubs by tying a nylon rope around the base of each shrub, winding it tightly around the shrub and back down, and tying the loose end to another branch. Mark your calendar so you remember to remove the ropes once the threat of snow and ice has passed. Check trees for dead and broken branches. It can be difficult to tell which branches are dead after the leaves have fallen, so remove them beforehand if possible. If you garden where dry winter winds are an issue, use your prunings to make teepees around broadleaf ever- greens and other tender plants. Weave in evergreen boughs or cover teepees with Fallen leaves can be shredded to use as mulch or incorporated into a compost pile. burlap for extra protection. Wait to turn off your outdoor water mulch a few inches away from the base bear seeds that feed birds in winter: until freezing weather is imminent. Plants of plants to avoid rot. black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia spp.), fare much better if they enter winter well coneflowers (Echinacea spp.), golden- hydrated, so keep the soil evenly moist GET READY FOR SPRING NOW rods (Solidago spp.), and Joe Pye weed until it freezes. Pay extra attention to Time spent cleaning up now will con- (Eupatorium spp.) are just a few. Now trees, shrubs, and perennials that were trol weeds and diseases and reduce the is also a good time to mark the loca- recently planted, since they don’t have workload when spring arrives. Remove tion of late-emerging perennials like the extensive root system of established remnants of spent vegetable crops from rose mallow (Hibiscus spp.), butterfly

plants. When freezing temperatures are the garden, but leave fall crops—such weed (Asclepias tuberosa), and balloon CATRIONA T. ERLER

44 the American Gardener Gardening Q&A with Scott Aker UNWANTED PERIWINKLE Years ago, I planted some periwinkle (Vinca minor) near some sweet woodruff (Galium odoratum), but the periwinkle tends to smother it if I don’t rip out the vines constantly. How can I remove the periwinkle permanently?

Fortunately, periwinkle has no rhizomes (underground stems), so you can use a well-sharpened, straight-edged spade to slice it off just beneath the soil surface—taking care not to damage the tree’s surface roots. You are bound to miss bits of it, so scout the area regularly and remove any new plants that appear. If you plan to compost the periwinkle, place it on a tarp or ground cloth in full sun for several days to kill it before adding it to the compost pile. AILING VIBURNUM I have a beautiful 12-year-old ‘Mariesii’ doublefile viburnum (Viburnum plicatum forma tomentosum) that has many branches that have died. I have already removed the dead branches, but should I cut back the live branches to stimulate new growth? What might have caused this problem?

The heat and drought conditions in much of the country this past summer are probably to blame. Doublefile viburnums often experience dieback caused by the fungus Botryosphaeria, an opportunistic pathogen that attacks a wide variety of shrubs under stress of some kind. The fungus causes the woody inner part of the affected stems to darken; the darkened area is often a wedge shape when the stem is viewed in cross section. Removing the dead stems was the right approach, but ensure only clean, white, unstained wood remains after your cuts. If you want to try to rejuvenate the shrub, exten- sively prune it late this winter or early next spring before new growth emerges. —S.A.

Send your gardening questions to Scott Aker at [email protected] (please include your city and state with submissions).

flower (Platycodon spp.). I like to cut that is protected from freezing so you can year, prepare the soil now by tilling in stems of willows, red-osier dogwoods, return them to the garden next spring. organic matter before the ground freez- ornamental grasses, and deciduous es. Worms and microorganisms are able hollies and stick bunches of the prun- SOIL ENRICHMENT to process these materials any time the ings around clumps of these late risers Don’t forget to improve your soil. Add temperature is above freezing, meaning so I don’t forget about them in spring; rotted manure, compost, or any other you’ll end up with healthier soil when the branches add interest to the border decayed organic matter to your vegetable spring arrives. for most of the winter, too. gardens and flowerbeds. And if you are Many of these autumn tasks will Many common weeds produce planning to expand your gardens next generate copious amounts of plant de- thousands of seeds per plant, so remov- bris, especially if you have saved your ing them from the garden before their fallen leaves. This material is perfect for seed is released will reduce your weed a compost pile. Chop all of the accumu- problems next year. Winter annuals are lated materials as fine as you can with a vulnerable to a quick treatment with shredder or mulching mower and add herbicidal soap. Perennial weeds that a bit of soil and water to get your com- grow from a rosette of foliage are easy post started. Be sure that you have at to dig up or treat with a non-selective least one cubic yard of debris to com- herbicide like Roundup. post so it will heat up properly, killing Promptly remove fallen leaves from all disease organisms and weed seeds. If turf areas to prevent damage to the grass. you don’t have enough material, check Freshly fallen leaves are much easier to around your neighborhood for bags of gather than leaves that have absorbed leaves or (pesticide free) grass clippings. rainwater and matted near the soil sur- Add enough water to the material to face. If you don’t want to collect the render it uniformly damp and turn it leaves, chop them thoroughly with a weekly to speed the composting process mulching mower so the fine bits of leaf along. When spring comes, your com- sift down into your lawn. post will be rich and mellow and ready Empty and store garden containers that to add to the garden. are subject to damage by freezing temperatures. Many container-grown plants can The canes of blackberries that have fruited Scott Aker is a horticulturist in the

RITA PELCZAR be overwintered in a basement or garage this year can now be removed. Washington, D.C., area.

November / December 2012 45 46 Kiss from Benary.SecondplacewenttoBig Awards isSantaCruz Winner ofthe2012AmericanGarden test newbeddingplants!GrandPrize The votesareinforthisyear’shot- ANNOUNCED AMERICAN GARDENAWARDWINNERS inia ta, andthirdplacewasawardedtoSurf- selections. Every year,nomineesareput from apoolof sixnewbeddingplant plants comingonthemarket. more interestinnewvarieties of bedding er segmentofhomegardeners” andspurs awards programreachesoutto “abroad- Illinois. Blazeksaysthehopeisthatthis tor forAAS,basedinDownersGrove, explains DianeBlazek,executivedirec- to participateinjudgingnewplants,” offer thegeneralpublicanopportunity so wecreatedthiscontestasawayto judged byprofessionalhorticulturists, performance. “AlloftheAAStrialsare new seedvarietieswithexcellentgarden nization thatrecognizesandpromotes All-America Selections(AAS),anorga- gram wasdevelopedfouryearsagoby Santa Cruz Horticultural NewsandResearchImportanttoAmericanGardeners This year’swinnerswereselected The AmericanGardenAwardspro- ® ™ the American Gardener DeepRedpetuniabySuntory. WhiteFlamegazaniabySyngen- ™ Sunsetbegonia ™ Sunset begonia a brushpilefor wood infestedwithpests. Lily, atrainedyellow labradormix,searches used tosniffouttheemeraldashborer. but thisisthefirsttimedogsarebeing tana andChinesebushcloverinIowa, species, includingdyer’swoadinMon- to locatemanydifferentinvasiveplant down thepests.Thegrouphasworked Conservation totraincaninestrack the nonprofitgroupWorkingDogsfor the dogs.Ithasrecentlypartneredwith destructive pesthasliterallygoneto Agriculture (MDA),controllingthis nearly $3.5billionayear. Canada, andfinanciallossesestimatedat dead ashtreesacross15statesandpartsof impact hasresultedin50to100million ucts. Now,10yearslater,itsdevastating ably arrivedwithimportedwoodprod- appetite ofitslarvaeforashtrees,prob- cent greenwingcoversandthevoracious tiny Asianbeetle,namedforitsirides- covered insoutheasternMichigan.This In 2002,theemeraldashborerwasdis- SNIFFING OUTEMERALDASHBORERS for moreinformation. course ofthesummer. gardens voteontheirfavoritesoverthe dens acrossthecountry.Visitorsto on displayatparticipatingpublicgar- GARDENER For theMinnesotaDepartmentof Visit www.americangardenaward.com C ’ S

NOTEBOOK

and inflictthemostseriousdamage. larvae, whichborebeneaththebarkoftrees dogs havebeentrainedtodetecttheinsects’ are usedtofindingtheirtargets.”Sofar,five Dogs forConservation.“Mostofourdogs er anddirectorofoperationsforWorking en tosucceed,”saysAimeeHurt,cofound- volved, visitwww.cocorahs.org. ested andhelpedspreadtheword.” various partsofthecountrygot veryinter- data, theNWSandstateclimatologists in ing andviewinglocalizedprecipitation our projectandtherelativeease ofcollect- recalls, “Oncepeoplestartedhearingabout State UniversityinFortCollins.Doesken of theClimateControlCenteratColorado and otherinstruments. mates madebyradar,weathersatellites, nation, andcalibratevalidateesti- river levelsandfloodpotentialacrossthe recognized patterns,predictandmonitor weather forecasts,identifypreviouslyun- The dataisusedeverydaytoverifydaily sken, nationaldirectorforCoCoRaHS. in theirmeasurements,”saysNolanDoe- unteers checktheirraingaugesandsend of Agriculture,hydrologists,andothers. its 122localoffices,theU.S.Department the NationalWeatherService(NWS)and individuals aroundthecountry,including for analysisbymanydifferentgroupsand ties. CoCoRaHSthenorganizesthedata as possiblearoundtheirlocalcommuni- precipitation levelsfromasmanylocations States andCanada.Volunteersmeasure data intheirbackyardsacrosstheUnited teers ofallagestohelpgatherprecipitation profit grassrootsnetworkenlistingvolun- Snow Network(CoCoRaHS)isanon- Community CollaborativeRain,Hail,& part ofanationwideresearcheffort.The If youhavearaingauge,canbecome RAINFALL DATA CITIZEN SCIENTISTSHELPGATHER “We workwithdogsthatarereallydriv- To learnmore abouthowtogetin- CoCoRaHS beganin1998asaproject “On anygivenday,closeto10,000vol-

COURTESY OF AMERICAN GARDEN AWARDS. RIGHT: COURTESY OF KATHRYNE LONGEN / MINNESOTA DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE BONNIE PlANTS' CABBAGE PROGRAM GETS KIDS GARDENING IN A BIG WAY Bonnie Plants, a plant wholesaler based in Union Springs, Alabama, initiated its annual 3rd Grade Cabbage Program II years ago as a way to engage kids in gardening. Today, the program distrib utes more than one million free cabbage plants to third graders across the coun try, and awards a $1,000 scholarship to one child in each state. Students take their cabbage plants home and grow them as big as possible. Teachers then select a winner in their class to be entered in the "best in state" competition. Winners in each state are chosen randomly by the state director of agriculture. This year's submissions closed in September, and winners will be announced throughout December. "The aim has always been to get kids to start gardening," says Joan Casano Student Austin Mezera with his 2011 prize-winning cabbage for the state of Wisconsin va, a spokesperson for Bonnie Plants. "We're trying to get them involved so teaches them about gardening, but also For information on how teachers can they can experience the joy of garden builds their confidence. They're really register their classroom for next year's pro ing, as well as learn where food comes proud of themselves when it's all said gram, visit http://bonniecabbageprogram. from. Through the process, it not only and done." com/teachers/by February 1.

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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012 47 48 and undergraduateprograms, respectively. wood GardensinPennsylvania, wherehemanagedtheadulteducationprograms its newdirectorofhorticulture.Hewillbeoverseeingall horticulturalactivi- The NewEnglandWildFlowerSocietyrecentlyappointed MarkRichardsonas NEW HORTICULTUREDIRECTORFORENGLANDWILDFLOWERSOCIETY the YearbyAssociationofProfessionalLandscapeDesigners(APLD).His Brandon Joneshasbeennamedthe2012InternationalLandscapeDesignerof 2012 INTERNATIONALDESIGNEROFTHEYEAR On August17,LongwoodGardensinKennettSquare,Pennsylvania,celebrat- LONGWOOD GARDENSRECEIVESONE-MILLIONTHVISITOROFTHEYEAR PEOPLE andPLACESintheNEWS designed byBrandonJones A privateresidenceinGreenwich,Connecticut, who isaccompaniedbyhertwochildren. one millionthvisitoroftheyearMelissaLaurentius, Director PaulRedmancongratulatesLongwood’s Mark Richardson the American Gardener worked atBrooksideGardens inMarylandandatLong- made thegardensobeloved.” preserving theveryuniqueregionalcharacterthathas help usmakethisamoremodernpublicgarden,while ter planforGardenintheWoods.Themasterwill to embarkondevelopingitsfirstcomprehensivemas- thrilled tohelpshape,”hesays.“TheSocietyisabout rich historyandanincrediblyexcitingfuturethatI’m Woods, locatedinFramingham,Massachusetts. ties attheorganization’sbotanicgarden,Gardenin Richardson, anativeofRhode Island,previously “The NewEnglandWildFlowerSocietyhasavery award program,visitwww.apld.org. pany basedinWilton,Connecticut. who designsfortheGlenGateCom- definitely anhonor,”saysJones, get thatacknowledgementwas have itbeviewedandjudged in Armonk,NewYork. Greenwich, Connecticut,andone design category,forapropertyin Awards, bothinthesmallgarden work alsogarneredtwoAPLDGold For moreinformationaboutthe “To putyourworkoutthereand 1950s. ly openedtothepublicin this milestonesinceitofficial- first timeLongwoodhasreached ployees andvolunteers.It’sthe cheers ofmorethan100em- herself andherfamily,the shop, alifetimemembershipfor certificate forLongwood’sgift bouquet offlowers,a$300gift dren, shewasgreetedwitha the gardenwithhertwochil- of BelAir,Maryland,arrivedat year. WhenMelissaLaurentius visitor forthe2011–2012fiscal ed thearrivalofitsone-millionth

Written by Editorial Intern Neel Patel. Neel Intern Editorial by Written

habitat in our cities and suburbs.” suburbs.” and cities our in habitat

lead to an increase of more suitable bird bird suitable more of increase an to lead

residential yards,” says Lerman, “and Lerman, says yards,” residential

and more complex landscape designs in in designs landscape complex more and

ditional support for establishing native establishing for support ditional

range of different bird species. bird different of range

yards also supported a more diverse more a supported also yards

with more non-native flora. Native-rich Native-rich flora. non-native more with

dant resources to birds than did yards did than birds to resources dant

more native plants provided more abun- more provided plants native more

They found that yards that contained that yards that found They

spaced at least 1.8 miles from each other. other. each from miles 1.8 least at spaced

colleagues monitored 20 residential yards yards residential 20 monitored colleagues

ties in Phoenix, Arizona. Lerman and her her and Lerman Arizona. Phoenix, in ties

landscape types and native bird communi- bird native and types landscape

April 2010, the study observed residential residential observed study the 2010, April

reversing the loss of urban bird diversity.” bird urban of loss the reversing

form conservation initiatives aimed at aimed initiatives conservation form

With this information, we can better in- better can we information, this With

scaped with native and non-native plants. plants. non-native and native with scaped in Arizonaprovidesurbanhabitatforbirds. The nativevegetationinthisdesertgarden

ing different patterns between yards land- yards between patterns different ing

experiments explained why we were see- were we why explained experiments

and lead investigator of the study. “The “The study. the of investigator lead and

University of Massachusetts–Amherst of University

Susannah Lerman, a researcher at the at researcher a Lerman, Susannah

viding habitat for native birds,” explains explains birds,” native for habitat viding

the efficacy of native landscapes for pro- for landscapes native of efficacy the

native plants. native

native bird habitats than those without those than habitats bird native

vegetation provide measurably better measurably provide vegetation

ONE, residential yards containing native native containing yards residential

PLOS PLOS published in August in the journal journal the in August in published

the native birds. According to a study a to According birds. native the

native plants in your garden, do it for it do garden, your in plants native

If you needed one more reason to grow grow to reason more one needed you If

LOCAL BIRD POPULATIONS BIRD LOCAL

NATIVE PLANTS BETTER FOR SUPPORTING FOR BETTER PLANTS NATIVE

“I hope our study will provide ad- provide will study our hope “I

Conducted from February through February from Conducted

“Very few studies to date had tested had date to studies few “Very

LEFT, TOP TO BOTTOM: COURTESY OF LONGWOOD GARDENS; COURTESY OF BRANDON JONES; COURTESY OF STEVEN ZIGLAR / THE NEW ENGLAND WILD FLOWER SOCIETY. RIGHT: COURTESY OF SUSANNAH LERMAN ® GREEN GARAGE by Rita Pelczar

Contributing editor Rita Pelczar reports on products she has found useful or innovative in her garden, with an emphasis on earth-friendly products and supplies. Here she focuses on tools for making end-of-season chores easier.

HARVEST HOLDER so cuts require significantly less effort than with single Was your late summer and fall kitchen garden productive? pivot pruners. Its padded grip reduces hand fatigue as it Much of that harvest can be kept for use in the coming cuts stems up to ¾-inch thick. The unusual design of the months without processing, PowerGrip Pruner—it has a rear pivot—focuses the leverage as long as you have the right of your cut forward for greater control. It cuts stems up conditions and a good space to 5/8-inch thick and it is designed to be comfortable for for storage. Gardener’s Sup- both right- and left-handed gardeners. The blades of both ply’s (www.gardeners.com) pruners are coated to reduce friction. Orchard Rack provides a For smaller, precision cuts, Dramm (www.dramm.com) has a compact and well-ventilat- couple of great options. Their ColorPoint™ Compact Pruner works ed option for holding your on stems up to ¼-inch in diameter—great for garden’s bounty until you’re detail pruning and cutting back perennials. ready to use it. Available in The non-bulky compact size fits easily into the two sizes, the wooden frame palm of your hand, making it easy to work in tight supports six or nine slated spaces. And the ergonomically designed grip is wooden shelves that slide very comfortable. Similarly, the ColorPoint™ in and out for easy ac- Compact Shear is small but sturdy—ideal for cess. The rack is ideal cutting flowers, harvesting herbs, or taking for storing apples and cuttings for propagation. Earlier in the pears, and good storage varieties will last for months. season it was my go-to tool for deadhead- Just locate the rack in a cool, dark cellar, garage, or ing annuals and perennials. Both tools are shed where temperatures are cool but remain above freezing. available in six colors. The Hoe Dag from Lee Valley Tool Supply (www.leevalley. CUTTING TOOLS OF ALL SIZES com) is a sturdy hand tool for Once leaves have dropped the bare branches of your deciduous getting into your soil. Weighing trees and shrubs are exposed, and they may need some prun- less than a pound, it has a rug- ing. If you’re pruning branches above you, take care—getting ged, arc-shaped, 8½-inch blade hit with a falling branch is no fun! Fiskar’s (www2.fiskars.com) constructed from a single piece helps prevent such accidents with their new Cut-and-Grab Lop- of rigid carbon steel with two sin- per. As the bypass cutting blades slice through a branch, a gle-beveled ends. At one end, clamp grabs the cut branch, allowing you to direct its fall away the blade is 2½-inches wide— from you or anything else below it. The clamp is also useful for good for cultivating, weeding, or preparing soil in a planting hole. 7 At the other end, the /8-inch wide blade is effective for chop- ping through roots, breaking up clods, and prying out rocks. The 15-inch hardwood handle allows for comfortable wielding and extra leverage.

SOOTHING REWARD After all your hard outdoor work, treat yourself to some Out- grabbing and removing branches you cut from the interior of a door Hands Skin Therapy Cream (www.outdoorhands.com). dense shrub—this is especially helpful for thorny shrubs like Made from organic oils and botanical extracts, it absorbs pyracantha. The loppers are 30 inches long, have padded grip quickly into skin to moisturize and heal chapping and crack- handles, and cut branches up to 1½-inches in diameter. ing. It works on hands, rough elbows, and feet. Fiskars also has some new hand pruners designed to give you extra power and control. The PowerGear Pruner A contributing editor for The American Gardener, Rita Pelczar uses patented gearing technology for increased leverage, lives in North Carolina.

November / December 2012 49 BOOKC REVIEWS

Recommendations for Your Gardening Library

The Layered Garden: Design Lessons for Year-Round A Garden Makes a House a Home Beauty from Brandywine Cottage Elvin McDonald. The Monacelli Press, New York, New York, 2012. David L. Culp with Adam Levine; Photography by Rob Cardillo. Tim- 232 pages. Publisher’s price, hardcover: $45. ber Press, Portland, Oregon, 2012. 312 pages. Publisher’s price, hardcover: $34.95. IF YOU ENJOY taking virtual tours of luxurious homes and landscapes typically featured in shelter magazines, then A Gar- MOTHER NATURE’S layers—canopy, understory, shrub layer, den Makes a House a Home is the and ground plane—create interwoven ecologies that are visually book for you. Veteran garden editor complex. In The Layered Garden, author of some of the most popular peri- David Culp takes the concept of layers to odicals in the “shelter” category, in- a new level. Brandywine Cottage, the 2.2 cluding House Beautiful, Traditional acre Pennsylvania garden he shares with Home, and Better Homes & Gardens, partner Michael Alderfer, is the canvas on Elvin McDonald has compiled a which these gardeners have painted for the collection of diverse gardens, coast- past 20 years. Stunning photographs by to-coast, that inspire him. His thesis: Rob Cardillo illustrate the author’s vision The personal expression of a garden while bringing the garden to life. is the secret ingredient that can Driven by a quest for beauty, Culp’s transform an architectural structure into an intimate home. “twin desires to have a beautiful collec- For each of the 25 landscapes profiled, McDonald’s opening tion of individual plants and to combine them in beautiful ways narrative highlights its design challenges and creative solutions. in the garden” guide his acquisition and display. The first chap- The photographs that illustrate each garden vary widely in qual- ter defines the author’s design parameters. The gardens at Bran- ity and style, as images were contributed by both professionals dywine Cottage expand the layered model to include succession and property-owners, rather than by a single photographer. planting, seasonal color stories, vertical stratification in three di- It’s hard to tell whether McDonald personally toured these mensions, and time as design partners. The garden’s layers reach far-flung gardens—geographically located from Portland, Or- from its edges to its most intricate plant combinations. egon, to Miami, Florida, and many places in-between. I don’t Chapter Two is a photo-essay describing the design and plant- fault him; as a magazine writer myself, I am often asked to view ing of the garden’s various spaces. Culp’s evocative prose is so photographs rather than travel to a garden, and to conduct vivid, you can almost hear the bees pollinating the hellebores. interviews by phone rather than face-to-face. But perhaps this Chapter Three showcases an array of Culp and Alderfer’s favored is why McDonald’s preface, in which he describes his own gar- plants through the seasons. Winter is enriched with precocious den he developed over many years in Des Moines, Iowa, is my bloomers like hellebores, snowdrops, and witch hazels. As spring favorite section of this book. arrives, daffodils, epimediums, trilliums, and magnolias abound. McDonald’s personal storytelling captured my imagi- Summer belongs to peonies, lilies, hydrangeas, and vegetables. nation because it revealed his intimacy with that one small The Epilogue poses the question “What is beauty?” All garden- patch of earth. “My overall goal was to create numerous ers ask this of themselves, but few have offered as concise a defini- places where I could feel as though I had left the house, but tion as Culp: “the love a gardener expresses by tending a space.” without having to get in the car. These gardens have not only Brandywine Cottage, furnished with an enviable, lovingly tended transformed a rental house—which I later purchased—into a collection of treasured plants, is then the epitome of beauty. home, they have also become a place where teachers from the The Layered Garden offers the perfect blend of inspiration and neighborhood school bring students to study art and plant practical advice—when to cut hellebores back, for example, or science, an unexpected source of great pleasure for me,” he what to do with dying bulb foliage. Readers will come away with writes. That is truly a garden I want to visit. plenty of ideas and guidance to create their own layered, four-sea- —Debra Prinzing son gardens wherever they live. —C. Colston Burrell Debra Prinzing’s seventh book, Slow Flowers: Four Seasons of Locally Grown Bouquets from the Garden, Meadow and Farm C. Colston Burrell is author with Judith Tyler of Hellebores: A (St. Lynn’s Press), will be published in February 2013. Read more Comprehensive Guide, winner of the 2007 AHS Book Award. of her work at www.debraprinzing.com.

50 the American Gardener GARDENERC’S BOOKS

A Miscellany of Tempting Titles

NE OF THE best things about gardening is that there are so many facets to it, reflected by the wealth Oof books on the subject. From plant monographs to practical guides to memoirs and more, there’s no shortage on your literary options! Here’s an assortment of books published in the past year to tempt you to explore new avenues or hone your knowledge about whatever you are most passionate about.

Ever wish you could take photos like If botanical plant names are all Greek to the ones in gardening magazines? you, it could be because some are! The The Photographic Garden (Rodale, A to Z of Plant Names (Timber Press, 2012, $24.99) reveals the techniques 2012, $19.95) by Allen J. Coombes will and tricks pros use to create their help you decipher the meaning and masterpieces. Using examples of his derivation of 4,000 botanical names own work, award-winning photog- for plants commonly found in tem- rapher Matthew Benson explores the perate North America. The book also technical, philosophical, and artistic includes a suggested pronunciation for aspects of “mastering the art of digital each listed genus and specific epithet, photography.” as well as a common name, plant type, and distribution. We all love money-saving tips, and Thrifty Gardening (Anansi, 2012, For the flower aficionado, there’s The 50 $19.95) by Marjorie Harris has plen- Mile Bouquet (St. Lynn’s Press, 2012, ty of them. However, Harris points $17.95) by Debra Prinzing with pho- out that your choices shouldn’t tos by David E. Perry. This beautiful- be “guided just by money, but by ly illustrated book is an homage to the how well the money is being used.” growing “field-to-vase” movement. It Whether you are driven to exercise tells the inspiring stories of some of the frugality by nature or necessity, this growers and florists who believe in local, book is about finding creative ways seasonal, and sustainable alternatives to to have the garden you want without the imported, chemical-laden flowers blowing your budget. that currently dominate the American cut-flower industry. Botany buffs and science fans will enjoy What a Plant Knows (Sci- A Native Plants Reader (Brooklyn entific American/Farrar, Straus and Botanic Garden, 2012, $12.95) aims to Giroux, 2012, $23) by Daniel Chamo- enlighten and entertain “both garden- vitz. This well-researched book makes ers and nongardening nature lovers the compelling argument that plants alike,” according to the book’s editor, “know” a lot more than most people Niall Dunne. This collection of 16 es- give them credit for. They may not says by various experts provides fresh have brains like we do, but plants insight into why indigenous plants are can still see, smell, feel, hear, and re- important and advocates persuasively member, and Chamovitz eloquently for preserving this irreplaceable natu- elucidates the scientific evidence that ral heritage for the future. proves it in easy-to-understand terms. —Viveka Neveln, Associate Editor

November / December 2012 51 I 52 by JoEllenMeyersSharp San DiegoBotanicGarden themed gardensallowskidstoSpelland ed in2009.Thiscollectionofinteractive, Hamilton Children’sGarden,dedicat- they collectedintheirworldtravels. memories—gardens filledwiththeplants ple surroundedtheirhomewithbotanical in theearly1940s.Thephilanthropiccou- Charles, builtaramblinghomesteadhere Ruth Larabee,whowithherhusband, for California’sstatebird,afavoriteof sense ofplaceandtohelppeoplefindit. name waschangedin2009toembracea years astheQuailBotanicalGardens, 30 milesnorthofSanDiego.Knownfor Encinitas, about amid suburbansprawlin tias, thegardenremainsanislandofgreen ias andgreenhousesfilledwithpoinset- the country’slargestbamboocollection. est, anacclaimedchildren’sgarden,and ranean species,deserts,atropicalrainfor- native plantsandwildlife,exoticMediter- perfect climateforexploringCalifornia San DiegoBotanicGardenoffersanearly about amilefromthePacificOcean, ture-loving families.Perchedinthehills come anentertainmenthavenforna- Q Q (760) 436-3036.www.sdbgarden.org San DiegoBotanicGarden,230QuailGardensDrive,Encinitas,CA92024 Additional Information Hortense MillerGarden, LagunaBeach,www.hortensemillergarden.org Balboa ParkGardens,SanDiego, www.balboapark.org/in-the-park/gardens Other sitesworthvisitingnearSan Diego: Admissions Programandoffers free admissiontocurrentAHSmembers. three to12;freeforchildrentwo and under.ThegardenparticipatesintheAHSReciprocal extended until8p.m.onThursdays. Admission is $12 for adults; $8 for seniors, students, and active military; $6 for children Admissionis$12foradults;$8seniors,students,andactive military;$6forchildren Open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. except Christmas and New Year’s Day. In summer, hours Opendaily9a.m.to5p.m.exceptChristmasandNewYear’s Day.Insummer,hours One ofthenewestattractionsis Quail BotanicalGardenswasnamed Onceflankedbyfieldsofalstroemer- California botanicalgardenhasbe- parks andflowerfields,aSouthern N ANAREA the American Gardener known foramusement TRAVELER A varietyofcacti,succulents,anddrought-toleranttreesgrowintheNewWorldDesertGarden. Americans lived,worked,ate,andplayed. rarest habitatsandlearnhowNative Trail, visitorswendthroughthearea’s the of naturalandcultivatedland.Following brating theregion’shistoryamid11acres braces itsnativecultureandpeople,cele- Mountain Meanderstream. ni’s TreeHouse,andfloatleavesdowna Smell, sowSeedsofWonder,climbTo- The SanDiegoBotanicGardenem- Native PlantsandPeople C ’ S

GUIDE

GARDENS in Indianapolis, Indiana. Garden writerJo EllenMeyersSharplives hear theculmsgrowing. of rarebamboos,whereyou can almost oak trees,orstandingquietlyin thegroves acorn woodpeckersinOldWorld cork kid toenjoyfingeringtheholesmadeby mingbirds. Andyoudon’thavetobea including ahalfdozenspeciesofhum- along withdozensofotherbirdspecies, quails stillroamthegarden’s37acres, create beautyintheirlandscapes. relying onlayersoftexturesandformsto nians haveadaptedtotheirdryseasonsby landscaping. VisitorswillseehowCalifor- packed withdesigninspirationforxeric ideas forthehomegardener. native Californialandscapesandoffer South AmericanGardencomplement Fruit Garden,Africanand World DesertGarden,Subtropical ican Garden,OldWorldandNew Other themedareas,suchasthe Fortunately, thecharmingCalifornia The SanDiegoBotanicGardenis Mex-

RACHEL COBB / COURTESY OF SAN DIEGO BOTANIC GARDEN LANDRETH SEED ANNOUNCES THE 2013 HEIRLOOM AND VINTAGE SEED CATALOG

Pre-Order Your Catalog Now!! www.landrethseeds.com Catalog Cost - $7.50 Catalogs Will Ship In December The 2013 catalog has been greatly expanded with more historical floral information and photos. Please place your order as soon as possible. Catalogs will be shipped in time for Christmas if ordered before December 1, 2012. GIFTS FORC THE GARDENER

The holidays are coming up! It’s the perfect time to share the joys of gardening with friends and loved ones. Here are some gift ideas that they are sure to appreciate.

Unisex Gardener Lattice Hat Stay stylishly shaded during sunny days in the garden. This hat boasts a four-inch brim that provides a UPF of 50+, and adjustable stretch sweatband. Available in three sizes for AHS Membership $33.99 from Tula Hats. (888) 232-4287. www.tulahats.com. Your gift recipient will love a year’s worth of The American Gardener, free admission and/or other discounts at nearly 300 public gardens in the U.S. and Canada, an annual Seed Exchange, and much more. Membership starts at $35. (703) 768-5700 or (800) 777-7931. www.ahs.org/join.

Self-Watering Planter This naturally porous earthenware planter works both indoors and outdoors. A water reservoir in the center allows moisture to seep into Tree of Life Sculpture the surrounding soil. Eight inches in Approximately four inches wide and six diameter, it’s best suited for small inches tall, this piece adds a lovely accent succulents or herbs. $45 from Joey to any garden. The handcast stone can be Roth. www.joeyroth.com. engraved with up to eight characters. $49 from Carruth Studio. (800) 225-1178. www.carruthstudio.com.

54 the American Gardener Tool Holster Lightweight and machine-washable, this holster keeps essential tools handy while you garden. Pockets are made with sturdy open-weave nylon designed to shed water and resist mildew. The nylon-weave belt has a quick-release buckle and is adjustable up to 44 inches. $16.95 from Womanswork. (800) 639-2709. www.womanswork.com.

Candle-Powered LED Lantern This compact, innovative lantern runs without a power cord or batteries, generating its own electricity by using the heat of a single candle flame to power eight bright LED lights. Perfect for nighttime entertaining in the garden. Available for $99.99 from Lee Valley Tools, Ltd. (800) 871-8158. www.leevalley.com.

1001 Gardens to See Before You Die Now available in its updated second edition, this book describes 1,001 of the most stunning gardens around the world. These run the gamut from the famous gardens of Granada’s Alhambra to little-known gems off the beaten path. $31.50 from Barron’s Educational Series. (800) 645-3476. www.barronseduc.com.

Convertible Garden Cart Transport just about anything around your home and garden with this sturdy, multi- functional cart. It quickly converts from wheelbarrow to hand truck to dolly. Holds up to four cubic feet and 300 pounds. $199 from Gardener’s Supply. (800) 876-5520. www.gardeners.com.

Products profiled are chosen based on qualities such as innovative design, horticultural utility, and environmental responsibility; they have not necessarily been tested by the American Horticultural Society. Listed prices are subject to change.

November / December 2012 55 REGIONALC HAPPENINGS

Horticultural Events from Around the Country

NORTHEAST CT, MA, ME, NH, NY, RI, VT Botanical gardens and arboreta that RAP NOV. 17–JAN. 5. Garden Lights, Holiday participate in AHS’s Reciprocal Admissions Nights. Display. Atlanta Botanical Garden. RAP NOV. 23–DEC. 30. Poinsettia Show. Program are identified with the RAP symbol. Atlanta, Georgia. (404) 876-5859. Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens. AHS members showing a valid membership www.atlantabotanicalgarden.org. Buffalo, New York. (716) 827-1584. card are eligible for free admission to the www.buffalogardens.com. garden or other benefits. Special events may RAP DEC. 4. Utilizing the Restorative not be included; contact the host site for Benefits of Nature for Improved Health. RAP NOV. 28. Geology, Soil, and Plants. details or visit www.ahs.org/rap. Class. Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden. Bel- Class. New England Wild Flower Society. mont, North Carolina. (704) 852-4490. Flower and garden shows that offer free Garden in the Woods, Framingham, Mas- www.dsbg.org. or discounted admission to AHS members or sachusetts. (508) 877-7630, ext. 3303. k www.newenglandwild.org. present AHS awards are designated by a RAP DEC. 8. Tuck Your Roses In For Winter. symbol. For details on the specific benefits Class. The Gardens at Witherspoon. RAP DEC. 1. Making Festive Holiday Greens offered, visit www.ahs.org/events/index.htm Durham, North Carolina. (919) 489-4446. with Diane Walden. Workshop. Coastal and click on “Flower and Home and Garden www.witherspoonrose.com. Maine Botanical Gardens. Boothbay, Maine. Shows.” (207) 633-4333. www.mainegardens.org. RAP DEC. 8 & 9. Butterfly Days at Fairchild. Festival. Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. RAP DEC. 2. Introduction to Winter Tree Coral Gables, Florida. (305) 667-1651. Identification. Class. Arnold Arboretum of Arboretum. Ridgely, Maryland. (410) 634- www.fairchildgarden.org. Harvard University. Hunnewell Building. 2847. www.adkinsarboretum.org. Boston, Massachusetts. (617) 384-5209. Looking ahead www.arboretum.harvard.edu. RAP DEC. 2. Gardeners Holiday Open House. RAP JAN. 26 & 27. Southern Gardening Green Spring Gardens. Alexandria, Virginia. Symposium. Callaway Gardens. Pine RAP DEC. 8. Christmas Market at the (703) 642-5173. www.greenspring.org. Mountain, Georgia. (800) 225-5292. www. Gardens. Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. callawaygardens.com. Boothbay, Maine. (207) 633-4333. DEC. 6. Holiday Arrangements Using Native www.mainegardens.org. Greenery. Mt Cuba Center. Hockessin, NORTH CENTRAL Delaware. (302) 239-4244. www.mtcuba IA, IL, IN, MI, MN, ND, NE, OH, SD, WI RAP DEC. 16. Winter Solstice Celebration. center.org. Queens Botanical Garden. Flushing, RAP NOV. 23–25. Holiday Wreath Sale. New York. (718) 886-3800. www.queens DEC. 13. In The Sultan’s Greenhouse: Mod- The Morton Arboretum. Lisle, Illinois. botanical.org. ern-day Horticultural Treasures. Lecture. (630) 968-0074. www.mortonarb.org. The Textile Museum. Washington, DC. MID-ATLANTIC (202) 667-0441. www.textilemuseum.org. RAP DEC. 1–31. Holiday Express. Exhibit. PA, NJ, VA, MD, DE, WV, DC Olbrich Botanical Gardens. Madison, Wis- RAP DEC. 21. Taxonomy Simplified. Lecture. consin. (608) 246-4550. www.olbrich.org. NOV. 22–JAN. 1. Season’s Greeting. Floral Van Vleck House & Garden. Montclair, New and train exhibit. The United States Botanic Jersey. (973) 744-4752. www.vanvleck.org. RAP DEC. 3. Winter Containers at the Garden. Washington, DC. (302) 239-4244. Garden. Workshop. Chicago Botanic Gar- www.usbg.gov. Looking ahead den. Glencoe, Illinois. (847) 835-5440. JAN. 9–11. Mid-Atlantic Nursery Trade Show www.chicagobotanic.org. RAP NOV. 23–JAN. 7. GardenFest of Lights. 2013. Baltimore Convention Center. Display. Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. Baltimore, Maryland. (800) 431-0066. RAP DEC. 7–9. Heralding the Holidays. Richmond, Virginia. (804) 262-9887. www.mants.com. Festival. Toledo Botanical Garden. www.lewisginter.org. Toledo, Ohio. (419) 536-5566. k JAN. 25–27. Virginia Flower & Garden Ex- www.toledogarden.org. NOV. 24–JAN. 7. Conservatory Winter Display po. Virginia Horticultural Foundation. Virgin- and Train Exhibit. Brookside Gardens. ia Beach Convention Center. Virginia Beach, SOUTH CENTRAL Wheaton, Maryland. (301) 962-1400. Virginia. (757) 284-6139.www.vafgs.org. AR, KS, LA, MO, MS, OK, TX www.montgomeryparks.org/brookside. SOUTHEAST RAP NOV. 20–DEC. 20. Illuminations. Festival. NOV. 29 & 30. Green Wreaths Workshop. AL, FL, GA, KY, NC, SC, TN Botanica, The Wichita Gardens. Wichita, Kan- The Scott Arboretum of the Swarthmore sas. (316) 264-0448. www.botanica.org. College. Swarthmore, Pennsylvania. (610) RAP NOV. 23–DEC. 26. Holiday Trains Exhib- 328–7755. www.scottarboretum.org. it. Yew Dell Botanical Gardens. Crestwood, RAP NOV. 21–DEC. 31. Gardenland Express. Kentucky. (502) 241-4788. www.yewdell Exhibit. Missouri Botanical Garden. St. Louis, RAP DEC. 1. Holiday Wreath Sale. Adkins gardens.org. Missouri. (314) 577-5100. www.mobot.org.

56 the American Gardener Garden Trains Blow Their Whistles for the Holidays

EARLY WINTER brings about festive changes for gardens all around the country. At many public gardens, train displays signal the holidays. A few notable displays in different regions are described below (each participates in the AHS Reciprocal Admissions Program), and you’ll find many others listed on this and the opposite page. The New York Botanical Garden located in the Bronx will be holding its Holiday Train Show from November 17 through January 13. Housed in the Enid A. Haupt Con- servatory, the model train will run past replicas of famous New York landmarks—such as the original Yankee Stadium, the Statue of Liberty, and the Brooklyn Bridge—all crafted from natural plant material. Many other events and programs will be held in conjunction with the train show. For more information, call (718) 817-8700 or visit www.nybg.org. The Chicago Botanic Garden in Illinois will hold its annual Wonderland Express this year inside the Regenstein Center. Miniature trains will zip past a village of Chi- cago attractions made from natural materials. A mesmerizing display of 750,000 lights accompanies the journey from the entrance to the enchanting courtyards. This year’s train display will be up from November 23 through January 6. For more information, call (847) 835-5440 or visit www.chicagobotanic.org. The Train Garden at the Oregon Garden in Portland is a year-round display located adjacent to the Children’s Garden. For the holidays, the exhibit is decorated with faux snow, Christmas trees, and even Santa Claus in his sleigh. For more information, call The skyline depicted in the train show (503) 874-8100 or visit www.oregongarden.org. at the New York Botanical Garden —Neel Patel, Editorial Intern

RAP DEC 1. Designing Your Garden With NORTHWEST (760) 436-3036. www.sdbgarden.org. Trees. Class. The Dallas Arboretum & Bo- AK, ID, MT, OR, WA, WY tanical Society. Dallas, Texas. (214) 515- RAP DEC. 1. Garden Prep for Winter. 6500. www.dallasarboretum.org. RAP NOV. 22–JAN. 6. Winter Garden aGlow. Lecture and tour. UC Davis Arboretum. Holiday lights display. Idaho Botanical Davis, California. (530) 752-4880. RAP DEC. 1. Making a Holiday Wreath. Garden. Boise, Idaho. (208) 343-8649. www.arboretum.ucdavis.edu. Workshop. Botanical Garden of the Ozarks. www.idahobotanicalgarden.org. Fayetteville, Arkansas. (479) 750-2620. RAP DEC. 7. Botanical Art with Catherine www.bgozarks.org. DEC. 1. Kadomatsu Workshop. Japanese flo- Watters: Winter Botanicals. Workshop. ral project class. Portland Japanese Garden. University of California Botanical Garden RAP DEC. 8 & 9. Luminations. Festival. Lady Portland, Oregon. (503) 223-1321. at Berkeley. Berkeley, California. Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Austin, Tex- www.japanesegarden.com. (510) 643-2755. www.botanicalgarden. as. (512) 232-0200. www.wildflower.org. berkeley.edu. RAP DEC. 2. Wreath Workshop. Kruckeberg SOUTHWEST Botanic Garden. Shoreline, Washington. RAP DEC. 8. Thriving Edible Landscapes: AZ, NM, CO, UT (206) 546-1281. www.kruckeberg.org. Urban Farming. Class. Fullerton Arboretum. Fullerton, California. (657) 278-3407. RAP NOV. 30–DEC. 30. Las Noches de las RAP DEC. 7 & 8. Holiday Bazaar. Leach www.fullertonarboretum.org. Luminarias. Holiday display. Desert Botani- Botanical Garden. Portland, Oregon. cal Gardens. Phoenix, Arizona. (503) 823-9503. www.leachgarden.org. DEC. 19. Succulent Wreath Making. (480) 941-1225. www.dbg.org. Workshop. Ho`omaluhia Botanical Garden. DEC. 8. Winter Blooming Plants. Class. Honolulu, Hawaii. (808) 233-7323. RAP NOV. 30–DEC. 31. Garden of Lights. Evergreen Arboretum and Gardens. www1.honolulu.gov/parks/hbg. Festival. The Gardens on Spring Creek. Everett, Washington. (425) 257-8597. Fort Collins, Colorado. (970) 416-2486. www.evergreenarboretum.com. www.fcgov.com/gardens. CANADA RAP DEC. 10. The History of Hoyt RAP NOV. 30–JAN. 1. Blossoms of Light/Trail Arboretum and Forest Park. Guided tour. NOV. 9–30. Garden and Nature Art Exhibit. of Light. Festival. Denver Botanic Gardens. Hoyt Arboretum. Portland, Oregon. Botanical Garden. Memorial University of Denver, Colorado. (720) 865-3585. (503) 865-8733. www.hoytarboretum.org. Newfoundland. St. John’s, Newfoundland. www.botanicgardens.org. (709) 864-8590. www.mun.ca/botgarden. WEST COAST RAP DEC. 22. Winter Solstice Celebration. CA, NV, HI DEC. 7–JAN. 1. Festival of Lights. VanDusen Red Butte Garden and Arboretum at the Botanical Garden. Vancouver, British Co- University of Utah. Salt Lake City, Utah. RAP DEC. 1. Composting Workshop. San Di- lumbia. (604) 257-8335. www.VanDusen (801) 585-0556. www.redbuttegarden.org. ego Botanic Garden. Encinitas, California. Garden.org.

November / December 2012 57 PRONUNCIATIONSC AND PLANTING ZONES

Most of the cultivated plants described in this issue are listed here with their pronunciations, USDA Plant Hardiness Zones, and AHS Plant Heat Zones. These zones suggest a range of locations where temperatures are appropriate—both in winter and summer—for growing each plant. USDA Zones listed are still aligned with the 1990 version of the USDA’s map. While the zones are a good place to start in determining plant adaptability in your region, factors such as exposure, moisture, snow cover, and humidity also play an important role in plant survival. The zones tend to be conservative; plants may grow outside the ranges indicated. A USDA zone rating of 0–0 means that the plant is a true annual and completes its life cycle in a year or less.

A–G H–Z Acer rubrum AY-ser ROO-brum (USDA Hardiness Zones 3–9, Hamamelis intermedia ham-uh-ME-liss in-ter-MEE-dee-uh (5–9, 9–1) AHS Heat Zones 9–1) H. japonica H. jah-PON-ih-kuh (5–9, 9–5) Alnus incana ssp. tenuifolia AL-nus in-KAN-uh ssp. ten-yew-ih-FO-lee-uh H. mollis H. MOL-lis (5–8, 9–1) (6–8, 8–6) H. vernalis H. vur-NAL-iss (4–8, 8–1) Arum italicum AIR-um ih-TAL-ih-kum (7–9, 9–3) H. virginiana H. vir-jin-ee-AN-uh (3–8, 8–1) Asclepias incarnata as-KLEE-pee-us in-kar-NAY-tuh (3–9, 9–2) Helleborus foetidus hel-eh-BOR-us FEE-tih-dus (5–9, 9–5) A. tuberosa A. too-bur-O-suh (4–9, 9–2) Heuchera americana HYEW-kur-uh uh-mair-ih-KAN-uh (4–8, 8–1) Asimina triloba uh-SIH-mih-nuh try-LO-buh (6–8, 8–6) Hibiscus coccineus hy-BISS-kus kok-SIN-ee-us (6–11, 12–1) Astilbe arendsii uh-STILL-bee ah-RENZ-ee-eye (4–8, 8–2) Hydrangea arborescens hy-DRAN-juh ar-bo-RES-enz (4–9, 9–1) Betula nigra BET-yew-luh NY-gruh (4–9, 9–1) Ilex decidua EYE-leks deh-SID-yew-uh (5–9, 9–1) B. occidentalis B. ahk-sih-den-TAL-iss (4–7, 7–3) Iris ensata EYE-riss en-SAH-tuh (3–8, 9–1) Buxus microphylla BUCKS-us my-kro-FIL-luh (6–9, 9-6) I. reticulata I. reh-tik-yew-LAY-tuh (5–8, 8–5) B. microphylla var. japonica B. my-kro-FIL-luh var. jah-PON-ih-kuh I. unguicularis I. un-gwee-kew-LAIR-iss (7–9, 9–7) (6–9, 9–6) Itea virginica eye-TEE-uh vir-JIN-ih-kuh (5–9, 10-6) B. sempervirens B. sem-pur-VY-renz (6–8, 8–6) Lobelia cardinalis lo-BEEL-yuh kar-dih-NAL-iss (2–8, 8–1) B. sinica B. SIH-nih-kuh (6–9, 9–6) Lonicera japonica lah-NISS-er-uh jah-PON-ih-kuh (4–10, 10–1) B. sinica var. insularis B. SIH-nih-kuh var. in-sue-LAIR-iss (4–8, 8–4) Kosteletzkya virginica ko-steh-LETZ-kee-uh vir-JIN-ih-kuh (6–9, 9–5) Carex morrowii var. temnolepis KAIR-eks mor-ROW-ee-eye var. Magnolia virginiana mag-NOLE-yuh vir-jin-ee-AN-uh (6–9, 9–6) tem-no-LEP-is (5–9, 12–1) Malus ioensis MAL-us eye-o-EN-siss (4–8, 8–3) C. vulpinoidea C. vul-pin-OY-dee-uh (3–8, 8–3) Metasequoia glyptostroboides met-uh-suh-KWOY-uh glip-toh-stro-BOY- Carpinus caroliniana kar-PY-nus kar-o-lin-ee-AY-nuh (3–9, 9–1) deez (5–10, 12–8) Celtis occidentalis SEL-tiss ahk-sih-den-TAL-iss (2–9, 9–1) Muhlenbergia rigens mew-len-BUR-jee-uh RIH-jenz (6–9, 9–6) Cephalanthus occidentalis sef-uh-LAN-thus ahk-sih-den-TAL-iss Nyssa sylvatica NISS-uh sil-VAT-ih-kuh (5–9, 9–7) (5–10, 12–3) Photinia melanocarpa fo-TIN-ee-uh mel-an-o-KAR-puh (3–8, 8–1) Cercis candensis SUR-siss kan-uh-DEN-siss (4–9, 9–2) Physocarpus opulifolius fy-so-KAR-pus op-yew-lih-FO-lee-us (3–7, 7–1) Chamaecyparis obtusa kam-ee-SIP-uh-riss ahb-TOO-suh (4–8, 8–1) Prunus mume PREW-nus MOO-may (6–8, 8–6) C. thyoides C. thy-OY-deez (3–8, 8–1) Quercus bicolor KWER-kus BY-kuh-lur (4–8, 8–1) Chasmanthium latifolium chas-MAN-thee-um lat-ih-FO-lee-um (5–9, 9–1) Rhododendron viscosum ro-doh-DEN-dron viss-KO-sum (3–9, 9–1) Chelone glabra chee-LO-nee GLAB-ruh (3–8, 9–1) Rhus aromatica RUS ah-ro-MAT-ih-kuh (4–9, 9–3) Clethra alnifolia KLETH-ruh al-nih-FO-lee-uh (3–9, 9–1) R. glabra RUS GLAB-ruh (3–9, 9–2) Cornus florida KOR-nus FLOR-ih-duh (5–8, 8–3) Salix purpurea SAY-liks pur-PUR-ee-uh (4–7, 7–1) C. nuttallii C. nuh-TAL-lee-eye (7–8, 8–6) Sanguinaria canadensis san-gwi-NAIR-ee-uh kan-uh-DEN-siss (3–9, 9–1) C. racemosa C. ras-eh-MO-suh (3–8, 8–3) Sporobolus airoides spor-OB-o-lus air-OY-deez (4–10, 10–4) C. sanguinea C. sang-GWIN-ee-uh (4–7, 7–1) Taxodium distichum taks-O-dee-um DIS-tih-kum (5–11, 12–5) C. sericea C. seh-RISS-ee-uh (3–8, 8–1) Ulmus americana UL-mus uh-mair-ih-KAN-uh (3–9, 9–1) Crocus tommasinianus CRO-kus tom-muh-sin-ee-AY-nus (3–8, 8–1) Veronicastrum virginicum ver-on-ih-KASS-trum vir-JIN-ih-kum (4–8, 8–3) Cyclamen coum SY-kluh-men KOOM (5–9, 9–5) Viburnum opulus var. americanum vy-BUR-num OP-yew-lus var. Danae racemosa DAN-ay-ee ras-eh-MO-suh (6–9, 9–2) uh-mair-ih-KAN-um (2–7, 7–1) Edgeworthia chrysantha edj-WORTH-ee-uh krih-SAN-thuh (7–9, 9–6) V. plicatum forma tomentosum V. ply-KAY-tum forma toh-men-TOH-sum Euonymus alatus yew-ON-ih-mus ah-LAY-tus (4–9, 9–1) (4–8, 8–1) E. atropurpureus E. at-ro-pur-PUR-ee-us (3–8, 8–1) Vinca minor VING-kuh MY-nor (4–9, 9–1) Eupatorium fistulosum yew-puh-TOR-ee-um fist-yew-LO-sum (3–8, 8–2) Galanthus nivalis guh-LAN-thus nih-VAL-iss (3–8, 8–1)

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FERTILIZERS PLANT LABELS

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November / December 2012 59 2012C MAGAZINE INDEX

AUTHORS McDonald, Nancy. Korean Moun- historic, M/J, 58. National Cherry Fruits: see Edible Plants tain Ash, S/O, 60. Blossom Festival Turns 100, Garden Organizations: All-America Aker, Scott. Invasion of the Munts, Pat. Growing Plants for M/A, 57. Native Plant Confer- Selections, J/F, 9; N/D, 11. Stinkbugs, M/J, 42. Monitoring Wild Places, S/O, 20. ence in Ohio, M/J, 58. Renovated America In Bloom, N/D, 11. the Garden, M/A, 46. Plant- Neveln, Viveka. AHS Members Huntington Japanese Garden Re- American Public Garden Associ- ing Trees Properly, S/O, 46. Making a Difference: Bill Hor- opens, M/A, 59. Special Events ation, J/A, 48. Preparing for Winter, N/D, 44. man, J/A, 12. Expert Gardening and Anniversaries, J/F, 51. Gardens, Private: Restoration of a Preventive Pruning for Woody Advice, J/F, 48. Herb Gardening, Understanding the New USDA Jensen Garden, N/D, 20. Plants, J/F, 36. Summer Tree J/A, 56. Edible Gardening Books, Hardiness Zone Map, M/A, 21. Gardens, Public: Brooklyn Botanic Defoliators, J/A, 42. M/A, 51, Magnificent Maples, Ware, Grahame. Shredded Um- Garden’s Children’s Garden, Askey, Linda. Colorful Cool-Sea- S/O, 31. A Miscellany of Tempt- brella Plant, M/A, 62. M/A, 14. Cantigny, M/J, 40. son Annuals, S/O, 14. ing Titles, N/D, 51. Regional Warlick, Matt. Poet’s Laurel, N/D, Denver Botanic Gardens, M/A, Batdorf, Lynn. Boxwood Revival, Gardening Guides, M/J, 48. 62. 45; J/A, 59. Desert Botanical N/D, 38. Ottesen, Carole. Late Bloomers, Wetherbee, Kris. Bring on the But- Garden, S/O, 57. Indianapolis Bentley, Caroline. Magnificent S/O, 24. Native Vines for Ameri- terflies, M/J, 30. Shallots, J/F, Museum of Art, J/F, 45. JC Maples, S/O, 31. can Gardens, M/J, 14. 38. Solutions for Soggy Sites, Raulston Arboretum, S/O, 54. Berger, Jane. In Memoriam: Painter, Tammie. Refreshing N/D, 14. Jostaberries, S/O, 44. Madoo Conservancy, J/A, 52. Wolfgang Oehme, M/A, 55. Mint, M/J, 44. Yee, Mary. New for 2012, J/F, Monticello, J/A, 24. San Di- Bowers, Holly. AHS Members Patel, Neel. Garden Trains Blow 14. ego Botanic Garden, N/D, 52. Making a Difference: Peg Ow- Their Whistles for the Holidays, Young, Beth O’Donnell. Sustain- Smithsonian Gardens, M/A, 14. ens, S/O, 12. Celebrating Amer- N/D, 57. AHS Members Making able Hardscaping for an Earth- Hamamelis: see Witch Hazels. ica’s First Natural Historian, a Difference: Steven Trusty, Wise Garden, M/J, 20. Hardscapes: Sustainable Hard- S/O, 56. Desert Botanical Gar- N/D, 12. America In Bloom’s scaping for an Earth-Wise Gar- den Turns Heads, S/O, 57. Hol- 2012 Award Winners, N/D, 11. SUBJECT den, M/J, 20. lin Meadows: A School Garden- Pelczar, Rita. Green Garage, J/F, Herbs: All-American Herbs, M/J, ing Success Story, S/O, 41. Into Acer: see Maples. 44; M/A, 56; M/J, 54; J/A, 50; 24. Refreshing Mint, M/J, 44. the Clouds at Dumbarton Oaks, Annuals: Colorful Cool-Season S/O, 51; N/D, 49. Maintaining Houseplants: Alluring Jasmines, S/O, 56. Quilts in Bloom Along Annuals, S/O, 14. New for an Edge, J/F, 20. J/F, 24. Indiana’s Heritage Trail, J/A, 2012, J/F, 14. Rainer, Thomas. Cottage Garden, Insects: Bring on the Butterflies, 58. West Meets East at Denver Aquatic Plants: Enchanting Lotus- American Style, J/A, 14. M/J, 30. Invasion of the Stink- Botanic Garden, J/A, 59. es, J/A, 20. Raver, Anne. Gardening in Thom- bugs, M/J, 42. Summer Tree Bunting, Andrew. Deciduous Boxwood: Boxwood Revival, N/D, as Jefferson’s Footsteps, J/A, Defoliators, J/A, 42. Magnolias for American Gar- 38. 25. Nancy Goodwin, N/D, 32. Jasminum: see Vines. dens, M/A, 24. Bulbous Plants: Bulbs of Summer, Tony Avent, Maverick Plants- Magnolias: Deciduous Magnolias, Bussolini, Karen. Sound in the M/J, 35. Diverse, Decadent man, M/A, 35. M/A, 24. Garden, M/A, 30. Dahlias, J/A, 30. Rice, Graham. Purple-Leaved Maples: Magnificent Maples, Cannon, Paul Lee. Wall German- Butterfly Gardening: See Insects Perennials Pack a Punch, M/A, S/O, 30. der, M/J, 58. Buxus: see Boxwood 16. Native Plants: All-American Cutler, Karan Davis. Cucumbers, Children and Youth Gardening: 20 Sharp, Jo Ellen Meyers. Desert Herbs, M/J, 24. Growing Plants J/A, 44. Sprouts, N/D, 42. Years of Youth Gardening, M/J, Botanical Garden, M/A, 45. for Wild Places, S/O, 20. Native Ellis, David J. The Bulbs of Sum- 12. Hollin Meadows, A School Gardens of Cantigny, M/J, 40. Plants for the Cottage Garden, mer, M/J, 35. Gardening Success Story, S/O, Indianapolis Museum of Art, J/A, 18. Native Vines for Amer- Hill, Bob. A Breeder Apart, Elwin 41. J/F, 45. JC Raulston Arboretum, ican Gardens, M/J, 14. Solu- Orton, S/O, 36. Clethra: see Summersweets. S/O, 54. Madoo Conservancy, tions for Soggy Sites, N/D, 14. Hucek, Margene Whitler. Mag- Dahlias (See Bulbous Plants): J/A, 52. San Diego Botanic Summersweets, J/A, 36. nolia grandiflora ‘Little Gem’, Design: Cottage Garden, Garden, N/D, 52. People: (also see AHS Members J/F, 58. American Style, J/A, 14. Pur- Stafford, Russell. A Galaxy of An- Making a Difference) Avent, Humphrey, Donald. All-American ple-Leaved Perennials Pack a dromedas, M/A, 40. Tony, M/A, 35. Brodowski, Pat, Herbs, M/J, 24. Punch, M/A, 16. Sound in the Sternberg, Ilene. Enchanting Lo- J/A, 24. Cabot, Francis, H., J/F, Hyman, Frank. Latitude Adjust- Garden, M/A, 30. Restoration of tuses, J/A, 20. 42. Carruth, Tom, M/A, 54. Cul- ment, J/F, 30. a Jensen Garden, N/D, 20. Solu- Strand, Chris. Enchanting Witch lina, William, J/F, 11; M/A, 54. Johnson, Samantha. A Rainbow of tions for Soggy Sites, N/D, 14. Hazels, N/D, 26. Fell, Derek, S/O, 50. Goodwin, Heirloom Snap Beans, M/A, 48. Sustainable Hardscaping for an Taylor, Patricia. Sugar Tip Rose Nancy, N/D, 32. Haupt, Enid, Keith, Jessie. Diverse, Decadent Earth-Wise Garden, M/J, 20. of Sharon, J/A, 69. Summer- J/F, 8. Jensen, Jens, N/D, 24. Dahlias, J/A, 30. Edible Plants: Cucumbers, J/A, sweets, J/A, 36. Oehme, Wolfgang, M/A, 55. Or- Kelaidis, Panayoti. In Memoriam: 44. Gardening in Thomas Thompson, Helen. AHS Members ton, Elwin, S/O, 26. Francis H. Cabot, J/F, 42. Jefferson’s Footsteps, J/A, Making a Difference: Kurt Van Lee, Rand B. Alluring Jasmines, 24. New for 2012, J/F, 14. Perennials: All-American Herbs, Dexter, M/J, 11; Pat Leuchtman, J/F, 24. Heirloom Snap Beans, M/A, M/J, 24. Cottage Garden, Amer- M/A, 11; Samuel Salsbury and Mangas, Janet Hommel. Resto- 48. Refreshing Mint, M/J, 44. ican Style, J/A, 14. Late Bloom- Sabrena Schweyer, J/F, 12. ration of a Jensen Garden, N/D, Jostaberries, S/O, 44. Shallots, ers, S/O, 24. New for 2012, California Conservatory Goes Pre- 20. J/F, 38. Sprouts, N/D, 42. J/F, 14. Poet’s Laurel, N/D, 62.

60 the American Gardener Purple-Leaved Perennials Pack a Book Reviews: More Frost-Tolerant Japanese sium, 11. Burpee Foundation Punch, M/A, 16. Shredded Um- J/F: Dirr’s Encyclopedia of Trees Snowbell Cultivar Developed, Grant Supports 20th Annual brella Plant, M/A, 62. Solutions and Shrubs, 46. Designing 48. Naming Auction for Newly Symposium, 8. Celebrating for Soggy Sites, N/D, 14. Teucri- with Conifers, 46. One Writer’s Discovered Iris Species, 49. “Horticultural Heroes,” 9. Gar- um chamaedrys, M/J, 62. Garden: Eudora Welty’s Home National Daylily Program Cel- dening-Focused Weekend at Plant Breeding: A Breeder Apart: Place, 47. ebrates 25 Years, 50. New Homestead Resort, 9. Ground- Elwin Orton, S/O, 36. M/A: Free-Range Chicken Gar- Partnership Focuses on Native breaking for River Farm Infra- Plant Hunting: Latitude Adjust- dens, 50. The New Sunset Orchid Conservation, 50. New structure Project, 8. In Memo- Program Helps Public Gardens ment, J/F, 30. Western Garden Book, 50. riam: Sally Boasberg, 10. Save Plant Restoration: Growing Plants Boost Climate Change Aware- M/J: Natural Companions, 46. Those Seeds, 11. for Wild Places, S/O, 20. Heirloom Gardening in the ness, 48. Stressed Grasshoppers S/O: 2013 President’s Council Roses: New for 2012, J/F, 14. South, 47. Waterwise Plants for May Slow Plant Growth, 48. Tour to South Carolina, 10. GWA School Gardens: See Children and Sustainable Gardens, 46. N/D: 2012 International Designer Award for Magazine, 9. “Growing Youth Gardening J/A: A Rich Spot of Earth: Thom- of the Year, 47. American Gar- Soil: Expanded Aggregates Solve as Jefferson’s Revolutionary den Award Winners, 46. Bonnie Good Kids” Award Winners, 8. Soil Problems, M/J, 54. Solu- Garden at Monticello, 55. Grow Plants’ Cabbage Program Gets Save the Date for Denver, 11. tions for Soggy Sites, N/D, 14. Fruit Naturally, 54. Guide to Kids Gardening, 47. Citizen Seed Exchange Deadline Re- Sound: Sound in the Garden, Bearded Irises, 54. Scientists Help Gather Rainfall minder, 10. TGOA/MGCA Photo M/A, 30. S/O: American Grown, 52. Cacti Data, 46. Longwood Gardens Contest Winner, 8. Tomato Rain- Summersweets: Summersweets, & Succulents for Cold Climates, Welcomes One-Millionth Visitor, bow at River Farm, 9. J/A, 36. 53. How Carrots Won the Trojan 47. Native Plants Better For N/D: Domestic Cruise New Addi- Techniques: Expanded Aggregates War, 52. Supporting Local Bird Popu- tion to Travel Program, 8. Glori- Solve Soil Problems, M/J, 54. N/D: The Layered Garden, 50. A lations, 47. New Horticulture ous Gala at River Farm, 9. Take Latitude Adjustment, J/F, 30. Garden Makes a House a Home, Director for New England Wild Your Best Shot for Photo Con- Maintaining an Edge, J/F, 20. 50. Flower Society, 47. Sniffing Out tests, 9. Corporate Volunteers Monitoring the Garden, M/A, 46. Gardener’s Books: Expert Gar- Emerald Ash Borer, 46. Help Out at River Farm, 10. Planting Trees Properly, S/O, 46. dening Advice, J/F, 48. Herb Garden Solutions: Invasion of the Plant in the Spotlight: Sorbus alni- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map: Gardening, J/A, 56. Latest Crop Stinkbugs, M/J, 42. Monitoring folia, S/O, 60. Magnolia grandi- Understanding the New USDA of Edible Gardening Books, M/A, the Garden, M/A, 46. Planting flora ‘Little Gem’, J/F, 58. Danae Trees Properly, S/O, 46. Pre- Hardiness Zone Map, M/A, 21. 51. A Miscellany of Tempting racemosa, N/D, 62. Syneilesis Vegetables: see Edible Plants. paring the Garden for Winter, Titles, N/D, 51. Regional Gar- aconitifolia, M/A, 62. Hibiscus Vines: Alluring Jasmines, J/F, 24. N/D, 44. Preventive Pruning for dening Guides, M/J, 48. syriacus Sugar Tip, J/A, 62. Teu- Native Vines for American Gar- Gardener’s Notebook: Woody Plants, J/F, 36. Summer crium chamaedrys, M/J, 62. dens, M/J, 14. J/F: Grant Supports Manual to Tree Defoliators, J/A, 42. Regional Happenings: Witch Hazels: Enchanting Witch Assist American Chestnut Res- Green Garage: Expanded Aggre- J/F: Lady Bird Johnson Wild- Hazels, N/D, 26. toration, 41. New Network to gates, M/J, 54. Products, M/A, Woody Plants: Boxwood Revival, Study Effects of Climate Change 56; J/A, 50; S/O, 51; N/D, 49. flower Center Anniversary, 51. N/D, 38. A Breeder Apart, El- on Plants, 43. Night-Blooming Homegrown Harvest: Cucumbers, Netherlands World’s Fair of Hor- win Orton, S/O, 36. Deciduous Orchid Discovered, 40. Sterile J/A, 44. Snap Beans, M/A, 48. ticulture, 51. Magnolias, M/A, 24. Enchanting Burning Bush Developed, 40. Mint, M/J, 44. Shallots, J/F, 38. M/A: California Native Plant Witch Hazels, N/D, 26. A Gal- Wheeling-and-Dealing Soil Den- Sprouts, N/D, 42. Jostaberries, Week, 59. National Cherry Blos- axy of Andromedas, M/A, 40. izens, 40. S/O, 44. som Festival Turns 100, 57. Korean Mountain Ash, S/O, 60. M/A: First SITES Certifications, News from the AHS: Renovated Huntington Japanese Magnificent Maples, S/O, 30. 53. New Species Named in J/F: 2012 Seed Exchange Catalog Garden Reopens, 59. New for 2012, J/F, 14. Sugar Honor of Overlooked Female Available, 9. AHS Celebrates M/J: California Conservatory Goes th Tip Rose of Sharon, J/A, 62. Botanist, 52. Online Invasive 90 Anniversary, 8. Garden Prehistoric, 58. Native Plant Solutions for Soggy Sites, N/D, Plant Atlas, 54. Plant Select Market in April, 10. East Coast Conference in Ohio, 58. 14. Summersweets, J/A, 36. Announces 2012 Winners, 52. Gardening Symposiums Offer J/A: Quilts in Bloom Along Indi- Updated Requirements for De- Spring Inspiration, 11. Grant to ana’s Heritage Trail, 58. West scribing New Plant Species, 52. Fund Digital Archive of AHS Pe- COLUMN INDEX Meets East at Denver Botanic M/J: Bird Count, 52. How Plants riodicals, 9. Register Your Com- Gardens, 59. AHS Members Making a Differ- munity for America in Bloom, Tolerate Drought, 51. Kudzu S/O: Celebrating America’s First ence: Horman, Bill, J/A, 12. 11. Upcoming Travel Study Bugs, 50. Ornamental Cherry Natural Historian, 56. Desert Leuchtman, Pat, M/A, 11. Ow- Program Destinations, 10. Tree Variety Honors Helen Taft, Botanical Garden Turns Heads, ens, Peg, S/O, 12. Salsbury, 51. Plant Self-Defense, 50. Un- M/A: AHS Symposium Focused 57. Into the Clouds at Dumbar- Samuel and Schweyer, Sabrena, derstanding Invasiveness, 51. on Gardening With Children Cel- ton Oaks, 56. J/F, 12. Trusty, Steven, N/D, USDA Turns 150, 50. ebrates 20 Years, 8. AHS Host- N/D: Garden Trains Blow Their 12. Van Dexter, Kurt, M/J, 11. J/A: Blooming Times, 48. Duke ing Spring Garden Club Events, Whistles For The Holidays, 57. AHS News Specials: 2012 AHS Farm Reopens, 48. Heronswood 9. Environmental Award Honors Book Award Winners, M/A, 15. Traveler’s Guide to Gardens: Gar- Has New Owner, 46. Landscape Outstanding Exhibits, 10. AHS 2012 AHS National Children dens of Cantigny, M/J, 40. Desert for Life Launched, 46. Lawn Collaborates in National Plant and Youth Garden Symposium: Botanical Garden, M/A, 45. Indi- and Garden Trends, 49. Rose Society Meeting, 10. Celebrating 20 Years of Promot- anapolis Museum of Art, J/F, 45. Winners, 47. Water from Hoses, M/J: Paperback Edition of Home- ing Garden-Based Teaching and JC Raulston Arboretum, S/O, 54. 49. World Flora Online, 46. grown Harvest Released, 10. Riv- Learning, M/J, 12. AHS 2012 Madoo Conservancy, J/A, 52. San S/O: Blueberry Brouhaha, 48. er Farm Meadow Burn, 8. 2012 Great American Gardeners Na- Diego Botanic Garden, N/D, 52. First Evidence of Co-Evolution Gala, 10. Workshop on Climate tional Award Winners, M/A, 12. Among Native and Invasive and Gardening, 8. America In Bloom’s 2012 Award Plant Species, 49. Flowers J/A: America in Bloom Sympo- Index compiled by AHS Volunteer Winners, N/D, 11. Coaxed from Ice Age Plants, 50. Katherine Hoffman.

November / December 2012 61 PLANT CIN THE SPOTLIGHT

Poet’s Laurel: A Shade-Loving Evergreen for the South by Matt Warlick

INDING QUALITY evergreen plants to incorporate into a shade Fgarden can be difficult because most species require a substantial amount of sun to prosper, but poet’s laurel (Danae racemosa, USDA Hardi- ness Zones 7–9, AHS Heat Zones 9–6) fits the bill. This slow-growing elegant shade-lover bears glossy, dark green, lance-shaped foliage on graceful, arching stems. A mature plant grows between two to four feet tall with an equal or slightly larger spread. Plants produce tiny blooms in spring resembling clusters of green grapes, followed in summer by groups of marble-sized green fruits that turn red and persist through winter. Although it is often referred to as a shrub, poet’s laurel is related to asparagus and is not truly woody. The sole species in the genus Danae, it is native to north- A bed of red-berried poet’s laurel thrives under the canopy of tall trees in a shade garden. ern Iran and the surrounding area, where it acquired a colorful history. The plant’s stems to arch over. Prune only to remove more easily propagated by dividing rhi- common name reflects its association older, discolored, or untidy stems. zomes in the fall or early spring. with poet laureates in ancient Greece, Plant poet’s laurel where it will receive who reportedly wore wreaths of its foliage limited exposure to direct sunlight. Some GARDEN USES around their heads. Another of its names, early morning sun and filtered light during The fine-textured leaves of poet’s lau- Alexandrian laurel, alludes to Alexander the day will keep the foliage green and rel blend well with ferns and contrast the Great, who reputedly used this plant glossy. Wintertime sun can discolor the pleasingly with bolder-leaved hostas and for victory wreaths. leaves, so site the plants where they will hydrangeas or low-growing dwarf peri- receive some shade in that part of the year. winkle and pachysandra. AN EASY KEEPER Poet’s laurel has no major pests or dis- Grown in masses, poet’s laurel creates Shoots of poet’s laurel emerge from the ease problems. It tolerates drought once quite a visual impact, especially when plant’s base in the spring, with the leaves— established, but thrives in moist, well- spangled with red berries. Both its berries technically modified flattened parts of drained soil. It has withstood rough win- and its evergreen foliage lend interest in the stem—later unfurling. Plants will not ters at my North Carolina nursery, sending winter; the berries also attract birds. branch if pruned, so it’s best to allow the up new shoots on a few occasions when the In addition to being a stellar garden foliage had been killed. It may be root-har- plant, poet’s laurel is a staple for florists and dy in USDA Zone 6 if well mulched. flower arrangers. In a vase, the stems and Sources Propagating poet’s laurel requires leaves stay fresh for days—if not weeks. Forestfarm, Williams, OR. patience, which is why it is generally So if you’ve never grown poet’s laurel, www.forestfarm.com. only available through mailorder nurs- find a nook for it in your garden and enjoy Plant Delights Nursery, Raleigh, NC. eries (see box, left). Plants take five to six its many charms throughout the year. www.plantdelights.com. years to reach a saleable size when grown Woodlanders, Aiken, SC. from seed and spread slowly from un- Matt Warlick owns Shady Days Nursery www.woodlanders.net. derground stems called rhizomes. Plants and Landscape in Lewisville, North

that are established in the garden can be Carolina, a wholesaler of poet’s laurel. JUDYWHITE / GARDENPHOTOS.COM

62 the American Gardener where gardeners go to grow.

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