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© 2006, Scotts-Sierra Products Company. World rights reserved. www.osmocote.com contents

Volume 85, Number 4 . July / August 2006

FEATURES DEPARTMENTS

5 ON THE ROAD WITH AHS

6 MEMBERS' FORUM

7 NEWS FROM AHS Fashion in Bloom at River Farm in September, transitions in AHS Board, successful AHS Garden School in Ohio, fifth annual America in Bloom symposium to convene in Arkansas, River Farm's meadow continues to grow.

14 AHS NEWS SPECIAL Susie Usrey is new AHS Board Chair.

42 HABITAT GARDENING Mountain west.

44 ONE ON ONE WITH ... Tony Avent, .

46 NATURAL CONNECTIONS 16 UNCOMMON HEDGES BY MARTYWINGATE Spotlight on fireflies. To create a spectacular hedge, look beyond the usual choices and

consider some of these intriguing and regionally appropriate plants. 48 GARDENER'S NOTEBOOK Government rule change aids seed 22 STATUESQUE SllPHIUMS exchanges, moth imperils native cactus, first

BY NATALIA HAMILL organic agricultural program debuts at Colorado State University, researchers Elevate your garden's appeal evaluate wind-protection with these bold late summer­ techniques for plants, flowering natives. USDA opens new dry- climate research facility in 26 CREATIVE SMAll SPACES , new lilacs from the U.S. National BY SMALL Aboretum, Heronswood Five offer design strate­ Nursery site closes, gies to make a big impact when Workman Publishing room is limited. acquires Timber Press.

52 GREEN GARAGE® 32 THE MERITS OF DRIP IRRIGATION BYLEE REICH Garden hoses. Drip irrigation conserves water, reduces weeding, and is easier to install than most gardeners realize. 54 BOOK REVIEWS The Naming ofNames, Armitage'sNative Plantsfor American Gardens, and Montrose. 36 SPICEBUSH'S EXOTIC SIBLINGS BY DANIELj. HINKLEY Special focus: Gardening in small spaces. In addition to native spicebush, the includes many other gems worthy of a place in American gardens. 58 REGIONAL HAPPENINGS

62 HARDINESS AND HEAT ZONES ON THE COVER, This small garden in Bellingham, Washington, is filled with a rich palette of AND PRONUNCIATIONS colorful plants and a variety of Japanese-inspired accents. Photograph by Mark Turner

JULY / AUGUST 2006 3 AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY 7931 East Boulevard Drive Alexandria, VA 22308-1300 (800) 777-7931 fax (703) 768-8700 www.ahs.org Making America a Nation of Gardeners, a Land of Gardens

American Horticultural Society President’s Council

INTERIM PRESIDENT Tom Underwood CHAIRMAN'S CIRCLE Mr. and Mrs. John H. Ariail, Jr. ■ Mr. Bill Barry ■ Mr. Board of Directors and Mrs. Kurt Bluemel ■ Mr. and Mrs. Edward N. Dane ■ Mrs. Judy Daniel ■ Mrs. Dawn Ford ■ Mr. Gerald T. Halpin ■ Mrs. Minako Henderson ■ Mr. CHAIRMAN Susie Usrey Dayton, Oregon and Mrs. James S. Hutchinson ■ Mr. Robert E. Malesardi ■ Ms. Nancy FIRST VICE CHAIRMAN Don E. Riddle, Jr. Davidsonville, Maryland Petersen ■ Ms. Barbara Robinson ■ Mrs. Deen Day Sanders ■ Mr. Phil Snyder SECOND VICE CHAIRMAN Leslie Ariail Alexandria, Virginia ■ Mr. Arnold Steiner ■ Mr. Robert Stohler ■ Mr. and Mrs. W. Bruce Usrey ■ SECRETARY Albin MacDonough Plant Baltimore, Maryland Mrs. Pauline Vollmer ■ Ms. Claire Watson TREASURER Arnold Steiner Birmingham,

IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR Arabella S. Dane Center Harbor, New Hampshire LIBERTY HYDE BAILEY ASSOCIATES Ms. Sue Dick ■ Mrs. Elisabeth C. Dudley

■ Mr. A. Michael Gellman ■ Mr. and Mrs. Mickey Lynch ■ Dr. and Mrs. David GENERAL COUNSEL William A. Pusey Arlington, Virginia E. Morrison ■ Mr. and Mrs. Ken Mountcastle ■ Mr. and Mrs. J. Landon

Allan M. Armitage Athens, ■ Suzanne Bales Oyster Bay, New York ■ William E. Barrick, Ph.D. Reeve IV ■ Mr. and Mrs. Don E. Riddle, Jr. ■ Mr. Timothée Sallin ■ Jeanne ■ ■ Theodore, Alabama ■ Katherine Belk-Cook Charlotte, ■ Katherine Stark Bull Washington, D.C. ■ Shields Ms. Katy Moss Warner Ms. Harriet Zbikowski John Alex Floyd, Jr. Trussville, Alabama ■ Joel Goldsmith Gilroy, ■ Beverly Hanselman Nashville, HAUPT ASSOCIATES Dr. and Mrs. William E. Barrick ■ Mr. and Mrs. C. Tennessee ■ Carole Hofley Wilson, Wyoming ■ Margaret Kulp Louisville, Kentucky ■ Melissa R. Marshall William Black ■ Mr. and Mrs. Robert L. Bogle ■ Mr. Richard C. and Mrs. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania ■ Carol C. Morrison Palatine, Illinois ■ J. Landon Reeve IV Woodbine, Maryland ■ Katherine Stark Bull ■ Dr. and Mrs. H. Marc Cathey ■ Mr. and Mrs. Richard Harry A. Rissetto, Esq. Falls Church, Virginia ■ Felder Rushing Jackson, Mississippi ■ Jeanne Shields Greenville, W. Hanselman ■ Mrs. Carole S. Hofley ■ Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Kulp, Jr. ■ Delaware ■ Steven Still Hilliard, Ohio ■ Howard McK. Tucker Alexandria, Virginia ■ Robert D. Volk San Mr. and Mrs. Malcolm Matheson, Jr. ■ Mr. and Mrs. Harold McClendon, Jr. Marino, California ■ Daryl Williams Lake Buena Vista, ■ Ms. Christine Perdue ■ Mr. Paul H. Pusey ■ Ms. Michele Richardson ■

Harry A. Rissetto, Esq. ■ Dr. and Mrs. George E. Staehle ■ Mr. John Wm. PRESIDENT EMERITUS Katy Moss Warner Thomas and Mrs. Valerie Thomas ■ Mr. Howard McK. Tucker and Ms.

Megan Evans ■ Mr. and Mrs. Robert D. Volk 2006 Advisory Council Beverly Hanselman, Nashville, Tennessee – Chair ADVOCATES CIRCLE Mr. and Mrs. Richard C. Angino ■ Nancy J. Becker, M.D.

■ Mrs. Katherine Belk-Cook ■ Dr. and Mrs. Joseph Benedict ■ Mr. Phillip Clarissa Bonde, Washington D.C. Robert and Joanna Martin, Menlo Park, Colorado Bermingham ■ Dr. Joel Birnbaum ■ Mrs. George P. Bissell, Jr. ■ Dr. Sherran Anne Boucher, Silver Spring, Maryland Mrs. Malcolm Matheson, Mt. Vernon, Virginia Blair ■ Count and Countess Peder Bonde ■ Mrs. Anne Bucher ■ Mr. and Mrs. Walter Bull, Columbia, Egon Molbak, Bellevue, Washington Cason Callaway, Jr. ■ Mrs. Susan M. Cargill ■ Mr. and Mrs. Charles E. Carr Elaine Burden, Middleburg, Virginia Dean Norton, Mt. Vernon, Virginia ■ Mr. and Mrs. James L. Corfield ■ Mr. and Mrs. Edward Daisey ■ Mr. and Patty Bush, St. Louis, Missouri Nancy Keen Palmer, Nashville, Tennessee Mrs. James F. Delano ■ Ms. Doris Diman ■ William P. G. Dodson, D.D.S. Dr. H. Marc Cathey, Davidsonville, North Carolina Bob Patterson, Washington D.C. ■ Mrs. Robert Duemling ■ Mrs. Beverley W. Dunn ■ Dr. and Mrs. John A. Fred Clapp, Alexandria, Virginia Dr. Julia W. Rappaport, Santa Ana, California Floyd, Jr. ■ Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Garcia ■ Prudence Gilmore ■ Mr. John Russell Clark, Boston, Deen Day Sanders, Norcross, Georgia Sward Gleiber ■ Mr. and Mrs. Joel Goldsmith ■ Mr. and Mrs. John H. Guy, Bartie Cole, Owings Mills, Maryland David Shultz, St. Cloud, Florida IV ■ Mrs. Richard W. Hamming ■ Dr. and Mrs. William O. Hargrove ■ Mr. Jim Corfield, Geneva, Illinois Josephine Shanks, Houston, and Mrs. Max Hartl ■ Mr. and Mrs. Brent Heath ■ Mr. and Mrs. Richard F. Virginia Hill Daisey, Dedham, Massachusetts Barbara Shea, Baltimore, Maryland Hohlt ■ Mr. and Mrs. Brian E. Holley ■ Mr. and Mrs. Allan L. Holmstrom ■ Edward N. Dane, Center Harbor, New Hampshire Holly Shimizu, Glen Echo, Maryland Mrs. Elizabeth Hooff ■ Mr. and Mrs. Peter Hopkinson ■ Mr. Philip Huey ■ David and Kitty Ferguson, Westwood, Massachusetts Charles Henry Smith, Jr., Middleburg, Virginia Mr. Henry Jameson ■ Mr. and Mrs. Robert B. Lindsay ■ Ms. Joann Luecke Ben Griswold, Glyndon, Maryland Regina Smith, Middleburg, Virginia ■ Mr. and Mrs. Randolph Marshall ■ Mrs. Dorothy Marston ■ Mr. George Henry Jameson, East Sound, Washington Nancy Thomas, Houston, Texas Cole S. McCray ■ Mrs. Rachel L. Mellon ■ Mrs. Rosalyn Milbrandt ■ Mr. Dr. Richard W. Lighty, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania Bryan Thomlison, Haddonfield, New Jersey and Mrs. Egon Molbak ■ Mr. and Mrs. Malcolm Moore ■ Mr. and Mrs. Carolyn Marsh Lindsay, Ponte Vedra, Florida Pauline Vollmer, Baltimore, Maryland William J. Moss ■ Mrs. Shirley Ann Nicolai ■ Mr. and Mrs. William G. Pannill Mickey Lynch, Dunmore, Pennsylvania Joyce and Harvey White, Nashville, Tennessee ■ Mr. and Mrs. Albin MacDonough Plant ■ Mrs. Charles Price ■ Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Malesardi, Easton, Maryland Joannah Williams, Sebring, Florida William A. Pusey ■ Mr. and Mrs. William Seale, Jr. ■ Mrs. Josephine M. Barbara McClendon, Alexandria, Virginia Sheryl Wood, Middleburg, Virginia Shanks ■ Jeanne Shields ■ Mr. and Mrs. Charles Henry Smith, Jr. ■ Mr. and Stu McMichael and Lucinda Crabtree, Mrs. William M. Spencer ■ Mrs. Juliet Sproul ■ Mr. Harold Stahly ■ Ms. Lida Falls Church, Virginia M. Stifel ■ Dr. and Mrs. Steven Still ■ Mr. and Mrs. John B. Strasenburgh ■ Corporate Partners ■ Mr. and Mrs. Peter Tilles ■ Mr. Joe Viar ■ Mr. and Mrs. Harvey C. White ■ Mr. and Mrs. John W. White, Sr. ■ Mr. and Mrs. D. Anderson Williams ■ The Care of ■ Chapel Valley Landscape Company ■ Cherry Lake Farm Gregory L. Wilson and Nancy J. Becker ■ Mrs. Marilyn B. Wilson DK Publishing ■ EarthBox™ ■ Green Industry Yellow Pages ■ Homestead Gardens ■ ■ ■ Kurt Bluemel, Inc. Monrovia NaturaLawn of America Osmocote HONORARY PRESIDENT’S COUNCIL Mrs. Enid A. Haupt ■ Mrs. John A. Lutz ■ Smart Gardening TV Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Miller Horticultural Partners America in Bloom ■ Bellingrath Gardens & Home ■ Colonial Williamsburg Foundation Garden The 2006 member password for Symposium ■ Communities in Bloom ■ Cox Arboretum ■ Epcot International & Garden Festival ■ The Gardeners of America/Men’s Garden Clubs of America ■ Green Roofs for Healthy Cities the AHS website (www.ahs.org) ■ Great Southern Tree Conference ■ Homestead Resorts Horticultural Symposium ■ Leonard Haertter is tulip. Travel Company ■ Magic of Landscapes ■ Morris Arboretum ■ Horticultural Society

4 the American Gardener The American ON THEC ROAD WITH AHS GARDENER

EDITOR David J. Ellis MANAGING EDITOR AND ART DIRECTOR FTER A WHIRLWIND couple of months, I write to you now as presi- Mary Yee dent emeritus with exciting new responsibilities. As you will read later in ASSISTANT EDITOR this issue (see page 14), I am not the only one who has changed roles and Viveka Neveln A responsibilities for the AHS. We now have a new slate of officers on our AHS EDITORIAL INTERN Heather Robbins Board, headed by incoming Board Chair Susie Usrey, an executive with Mon- CONTRIBUTING EDITORS rovia nursery in Azusa, California. Rita Pelczar And while a national search continues for a new president, Director of Member Joanne Wolfe Programs Tom Underwood has agreed to serve as interim president. Tom brings in- CONTRIBUTING WRITER credible experience in organizational management and leadership to the position and Carole Ottesen has the support of a talented and energetic staff. There are indeed exciting times

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD ahead, and I am thrilled to continue to be part of it. You will note that the header on this column has CHAIR Richard E. Bir Brevard, North Carolina changed. Because I will no longer be based out of our Allan M. Armitage AHS headquarters at River Farm, I thought you might Athens, Georgia enjoy hearing reports from the road and stories of AHS Nina L. Bassuk members I encounter during my travels. Ithaca, New York In mid-May I was in Orlando, Florida, for the Magic Steve Bender of Landscapes Symposium—an annual program the Birmingham, Alabama AHS supports in partnership with colleagues in Flori- John E. Bryan da. This symposium, now in its third year, encourages MARCEL ACOSTA San Francisco, California green industry professionals to champion quality landscapes in their developments John L. Creech and communities. At the conference, AHS member Elizabeth Miller, a landscape Columbus, North Carolina architect with the National Capital Planning Commission in Washington, D.C., Panayoti Kelaidis Denver, Colorado shared fascinating information about landscape planters that are being specially Richard W. Lighty designed to offer both security and beauty in the nation’s capital. A lot of useful Kennett Square, Pennsylvania quantitative information about the economic benefits quality landscapes deliver Elvin McDonald can be found on the symposium website (www.magicoflandscaping.com). West Des Moines, Iowa I will be traveling quite a bit this summer, attending AHS programs and other Felder Rushing events. Among these will be the AHS National Children & Youth Garden Sympo- Jackson, Mississippi sium in St. Louis from July 27 to 29, an extraordinary program in partnership with the Missouri Botanical Garden. I will also be attending the America in Bloom Sym- ADVERTISING The American Gardener posium and Awards Program in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, September 28 to 30. AND CORPORATE 7931 East Boulevard Drive PARTNERSHIPS Alexandria, VA 22308 After that I return to River Farm for the fabulous display of new plants during (703) 768-5700 Fashion in Bloom from September 20 to 22. This is the second year for this great E-MAIL: [email protected] event, on which AHS partners with the Garden Centers of America. As a fitting grand finale, our annual Gala is set for the evening of September 23. One of our truly inspirational American landscape architects, Jim van Sweden, will be this year’s honorary Gala chair. The American Gardener (ISSN 1087-9978) is published bimonth- ly (January/February, March/April, May/June, July/August, Septem- From July through September, I also will be visiting San Francisco, Columbus, ber/October, November/December) by the American Horticultural Indianapolis, Orlando, and Garrison, New York, among other places. Please feel Society, 7931 East Boulevard Drive, Alexandria, VA 22308-1300, (703) 768-5700. Membership in the Society includes a subscrip- free to contact me ([email protected]) if there is a chance we might be able to tion to The American Gardener. Annual dues are $35; two years, $60. International dues are $50. $10 of annual dues goes toward get together at any of these locations or events. magazine subscription. Periodicals postage paid at Alexandria, Vir- ginia, and at additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Please send Form 3579 to The American Gardener, 7931 East Boulevard Drive, As always, happy gardening to each and every one of you! Alexandria, VA 22308-1300. Botanical nomenclature is based on The American Horticultural Society A–Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants, on A Synonymized Check- list of the Vascular Flora of the United States, Canada and Greenland and on the Royal Horticultural Society Index of Garden Plants. Opinions expressed in the articles are those of the authors and are not necessar- ily those of the Society. Manuscripts, artwork, and photographs sent for possible publication will be returned if accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope. We cannot guarantee the safe return of unsolicited material. Back issues are available at $8 per copy. —Katy Moss Warner, AHS President Emeritus Copyright ©2006 by the American Horticultural Society. Printed in the U.S.A. on recycled paper.

July / August 2006 5 MEMBERSC’ FORUM

MAKING SCENTS OF POLEMONIUMS described as “generally scent- known. This volatile is found in the nec- I was pleased to see the article in the less.” Skypilots perfume the alpine air of tar where it entices bumblebees to visit March/April issue devoted to one of my the Rocky Mountains with floral fra- and pollinate the flowers. “Skunky-flow- favorite plant genera, Polemonium. But grances that come in two flavors. ered” skypilots have calyx lobes covered as a botanist who has studied skypilots “Sweet-flowered” skypilot plants have with sticky glandular hairs that produce (Polemonium viscosum) for about 30 flowers that contain 2-phenyl alcohol, a mysterious skunk odor, repellent to in- years, I was a little taken aback to see the one of “sweetest” volatile compounds sect pests, elk, and . Other western polemoniums also have fragrant flowers. P. pulcherrimum subsp. delicatum—an understory common in Colorado’s Rocky Moun- tains—also has skunk-scented flowers, while P. foliosisimum has a more musky floral scent. Perhaps eastern polemoni- ums are less fragrant! Candace Galen Professor, Division of Biological Sciences University of Missouri at Columbia

PRONUNCIATION CORRECTION With each issue of The American Garden- er, one department I look forward to is the pronunciation guide, so I can en- hance and practice my own ability to pronounce botanic Latin. In the November/December issue, however, two pronunciations did not seem reasonable to me. The (mis)pro- nunciation of Matthiola incana was, I be- lieve, the result of misspelling the botanical name. The pronunciation of Arisaema dracontium as A. drak-o-NY- tum, however, makes no sense to me. The species name has, again I believe, the same derivation as the word “draconic” (of or like a dragon) which is pronounced dray-kon’-ic. Therefore, I believe that A. dracontium should be pronounced A. dray-KON-tee-um. If you haven’t published something similar in the not too distant past, I believe a comprehensive article about the rules for pronouncing botanical Latin would be greatly appreciated by readers. Jerry Hudgens Churchville, Maryland

PLEASE WRITE US! Address letters to Editor, The American Gardener, 7931 East Boulevard Drive, Alexandria, VA 22308. Send e-mails to [email protected] (note Letter to Editor in subject line). Letters we print may be edited for length and clarity.

6 the American Gardener News from AHS J uly/August 2006

PROGRAMS • EVENTS • ANNOUNCEMENTS

Fashion in Bloom at River Farm

FOR THE SECOND YEAR in a row, the Garden Centers of Farm will all have unique and innovative approaches to this America (GCA) is coordinating a major horticultural event in theme. These companies are: the Mid-Atlantic region. This year's event has Centerton Nursery from New Jersey, which produces contain­ a new name, "Fashion in Bloom: Collection er-grown perennials. They will display colorful mixed plantings " 2007, to highlight the prominence of and containers; new plants and anticipated trends within Cherry Lake Tree Farm from Florida, which specializes in the gardening industry. From September large container-grown ornamental trees. They will incorporate 20 to 22, Fashion in Bloom will be geared tree-lined walkways and large-specimen boxed trees; toward green industry professionals, while Goldsmith Seeds, based in California, whose focus is on in­ on September 23 the public is invited for novative flowers. The will present novel uses for plants and con­ Consumer Day. tainer gardening; Like last year, there are six host sites for the event: the Conard­ Proven Winners®, a marketing consortium representing three Pyle Company, West Grove, Pennslvania; Homestead Grow­ U.S.-based companies-Euro American in California, Four ers, Davidsonville, Maryland; Virginia Growers, Montpelier, Star in , and Pleasant View Gardens in Virginia; White's Nursery & , Inc., Chesapeake, New Hampshire-puts their label on high-performance gar­ Virginia; McDonald Garden Center, Virginia Beach, Virginia, den plants. They will feature annual beds, hanging baskets, and and the AHS's River Farm headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia. formal containers; Each site will feature an array of new and improved plants and Saunders Brothers Nursery and Orchard in Virginia, which products from independent garden centers, landscape contrac­ offers a well-rounded supply of nursery stock. They will show­ tors, growers, and garden furnishing suppliers. case some of their best boxwood varieties. At River Farm, the theme will be "Americas Garden Celebra­ Fashion in Bloom will be a sensation for industry profes­ tion: Decorating Inside Out," with industry participants ex­ sionals considering 2007 retail options, as well as for curious hibiting creative ways to design "an inviting outdoor and creative home gardeners who want to get a "sneak peek" at environment, decorated with unexpected indoor luxuries." The next season's plant celebrities and design trends. For more in­ five companies that will be showcasing their products at River formation, visit www.foshioninbloom.com.

Transitions in AHS's Board of Directors

J U N E MARKE D significant changes to the AHS Board of Di­ and has twice earned Quill and Tr owel Awards from the Gar­ rectors, including the transition of Board Chair from Arabella den Writers Association. A former AHS Board member, Dane of Center Harbor, New Hampshire, to Susie Usrey of Suzanne is also on the board of the Dayton, Oregon (see article on page 14). "I am so grateful to the Garden Conservancy and is an advisor AHS membership for the support they have given me over the to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden and last two years," says Arabella, who remains on the Board as im­ Old Westbury Gardens in New York. mediate past chair. Board members who completed There were also some changes in the positions for elected offi­ their terms in June are Brian Holley of cers. Former second vice chair Don Riddle, Jr. of Davidsonville, Cleveland, Ohio; Christine Perdue of Maryland, is now first vice chair; LeslieAriailof Alexandria, Vir­ Middleburg, Virginia; Kurt Bluemel ginia, is now second vice chair; and the new treasurer is Arnold of Baldwin, Maryland; Natasha Hop­ Steiner of Birmingham, Alabama. Albin McDonough Plant of kinson of New York, New York; and Baltimore, Maryland, continues on the Board as secretary. William Seale, Jr. of Alexandria, Vir­ New to the Board is Suzanne Bales of Oyster Bay, New ginia. "We are so grateful for the York. A garden communicator, Suzanne is currently senior ed­ Suzanne Bales tremendous contributions of talent itor for gardening and outdoor living at BetterHomes & Gar­ and time these horticultural leaders dens. The author of seven books in the Burpee American made to the American Horticultural Society," says AHS Presi­ Gardening Series, she received the AHS Writing Award in 1995 dent Emeritus Katy Moss Warner.

jULY/AUGUST2006 7 Call for Nominations

AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY 2007 GREAT AMERICAN GARDENERS AWARDS

2006 Urban Beautification Award winners Edgar and Kay Aldridge with AHS Board Chair Susie Usrey

Liberty Hyde Bailey Award 2007 Professional Award To qualify for this award, an Given to an individual who individual must reside on AWARDS makes his/her living as a It’s an Honor… the North American conti- leader or director of an nent and must have made arboretum or botanical significant contributions in garden and whose achieve- Since 1953, the American Horticultural Horticultural at least three of the follow- ments during the course of Communication Award Society’s Great American Gardeners ing areas of horticultural ac- his/her career represent a Recognizes effective com- Award Program has recognized tivity: teaching, research, significant contribution to munication using media individuals and institutions that have writing, plant exploration, horticulture. and research techniques for administration, art, busi- made significant contibutions to the purpose of expanding ness, and leadership. Jane L. Taylor Award American horticulture. Nominations are horticultural awareness. Awarded to an individual, now being accepted for 2007. Luther Burbank Award organization, or program Horticultural Therapy Award Nominate your “horticultural hero”— Recognizes extraordinary that has inspired and nur- Recognizes significant con- a memorable professor, a favorite garden achievement in the field of tured future horticulturists tributions to the field of . through its efforts in chil- book author, or the driving force behind horticultural therapy. an incredible community project. dren’s and youth gardens. Paul Ecke Jr. Landscape Design Award Use the nomination form on the Commercial Award Teaching Award Acknowledges an individ- opposite page. For additional Given to an individual or in- Recognizes an individual ual whose work has ex- information, visit www.ahs.org or call stitution, who, because of a whose ability to share panded the awareness of commitment to the highest his/her knowledge of horti- (703) 768-5700 ext. 137. horticulture in landscape standards of excellence in culture with others has con- architecture. the field of commercial hor- tributed to a better public Nominations must be submitted ticulture, contributes to the understanding of the plant Meritorious Service Award by September 22, 2006. betterment of gardening world and its impact on Awarded to a past board practices everywhere. people. member or friend of the So- ciety to recognize outstand- G. B. Gunlogson Award Urban Beautification Award ing and exemplary service Given for the creative use of Awarded to an individual in support of the Society’s new technology to make or institution for significant mission, goals, services, home gardening more pro- contributions to urban and activities. ductive and enjoyable. horticulture. A Colorful Garden School

THE SECOND of three 2006 Garden Schools, titled “The Art & Science of Color in the Garden” and hosted by Franklin Park Conservatory, was held May 11 and 12 in Columbus, Ohio. At the conservatory, 40 participants learned how to use color effectively in the garden from knowledgeable and engaging speakers such as author and landscape designer Julie Moir Messervy, Longwood Gardens planning and design leader Tres Fromme, and horticul- turist Heather Will-Browne of the Walt Disney World Resort. “I really enjoyed how approachable all the lecturers were,” says Amy Rader, a Master Gardener intern from Lafayette, Indiana, who attended the Garden School. She also enjoyed the “discus- sions involving color combinations and the various plants that can be utilized to obtain these combinations.” The two-day event included a field study trip to Chadwick Arboretum, which features a garden designed by the late Adri- Garden School attendees visited the vibrantly colorful Chihuly an Bloom. Participants also visited three private gardens in the Glass Exhibition in the Franklin Park Conservatory. Columbus area, including the governor’s residence where the First Lady of Ohio, Hope Taft, led the tour. ture Van Chaplin, garden photographer for Southern Living The final 2006 AHS Garden School will take place in magazine and horticulturist Robert Bowden of the Harry P. Austin, Texas, on October 26 and 27. It will explore the topic Leu Gardens in Orlando, Florida. To learn more, visit

JESSICA ROZMUS of “The Art & Science of Garden Photography” and will fea- www.ahs.org or e-mail [email protected].

2006 AHS Garden School “The Art & Science of Garden Photography” October 26 & 27, 2006 Registration opens Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, Austin,Texas August 1, 2006!

Look at the garden through a new lens, heighten your ability to capture the garden, and gain a greater appreciation for the surrounding landscape with “The Art & Science of Garden Photography” amid the stunning landscape of the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Featuring guest horticulturist Robert Bowden of Orlando’s Harry P. Leu Gardens and a special evening with Van Robert Bowden Chaplin, garden photographer at Southern Living magazine.

Visit www.ahs.org or call (703) 768-5700 ext. 137 for more information on this Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center exciting event.

Ronald Sprouse Van Chaplin

July / August 2006 9 AHS NATIONAL EVENTS AND PROGRAMS Start Saving Seeds 2006 CALENDAR As your plants begin to set seeds this summer, remember to save some for the annual AHS Seed Exchange! Each year, members send in hundreds of seeds from all over the coun- ark your calendar for these upcoming national events try. These include annuals, perennials, trees, , vines, Mand programs that are sponsored or cosponsored by vegetables, , and herbs. So if you’d like to swap seeds the American Horticultural Society. with other AHS members and get some very interesting plant varieties, check your September/October issue of The Amer- • JULY 27–29. National Children & Youth Garden Symposium. ican Gardener or the AHS website at www.ahs.org for more St. Louis, Missouri. Hosted by the Missouri Botanical Garden. information and a seed submission form. The deadline for submitting seeds is November 1, 2006. • SEPT. 20–23. Fashion in Bloom (formerly called the East- ern Performance Trials). George Washington’s River Farm. Alexandria, Virginia. (Open to AHS members and the public The deadline for entries for the 2007 Photography Competi- on Saturday, September 23 from 9 a.m. to noon.) tion will be March 2, 2007. “We encourage any AHS member to participate,” says Judy Schuck, national photography and cal- • SEPT. 23. AHS Annual Gala. George Washington’s River endar chairman for TGOA/MGCA. “We have received some re- Farm. Alexandria, Virginia. ally beautiful images from the ones who have entered in the past.” To learn more about the contest and how to enter, call (515) • OCT. 26 & 27. AHS Garden School: The Art & Science of 278-0295 or visit www.tgoa-mgca.org. Garden Photography. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, Austin, Texas.

• DEC. 14. Annual Friends of River Farm Holiday Reception. George Washington’s River Farm, Alexandria, Virginia.

For more information about these events, call (800) 777-7931 or visit the AHS website (www.ahs.org).

Garden Club Photo Competition Open to AHS Members

FOR THE SECOND year in a row, The Gardeners of Amer- ica/Men’s Garden Club of America (TGOA/MGCA), an AHS horticultural partner, opened their annual Photography Competition to AHS members. The results of the 2006 con- test were announced during the organization’s national con- vention held in Spartanburg, South Carolina, in April. Out of 394 entries, Shirley Winnes, a TGOA member from TGOA member Shirley Winnes won Best of Show for this photograph. Green Bay, Wisconsin, won Best of Show for her photograph of tulips and forget-me-nots in a public landscape. Three AHS members received awards, including Immediate Past Chair of the America In Bloom in Arkansas AHS Board Arabella Dane of Center Harbor, New Hampshire, AMERICA IN BLOOM (AIB), an AHS horticultural partner, who took second runner-up for Best of Show with her entry, will hold its fifth annual Symposium and Awards Program from “Bumble Bee on Lupine.” AHS member Anne Allen from September 28 to 30 in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. The site will Brownsville, Vermont, was a Best of Section Winner for roses and provide the perfect setting for the symposium’s theme, “Life in received a Judges Award. AHS member Di DeCaire from Pen- the Past Lane,” since it is purported to be the only city in Amer- field, New York, also received a Judges Award. ica whose entire downtown area is on the National Register of All photographs from the 2006 contest will be considered Historic Places. Eureka Springs also won the Yoder Brothers for inclusion in the 2008 calendar, which TGOA/MGCA sells Heritage Preservation Award in last year’s AIB competition. as a fundraiser. The 2007 calendar includes two photos by AHS Prizes at September’s symposium will be awarded according members who participated in the 2005 Photography Compe- to population categories and the eight AIB criteria: floral displays,

tition and is now available for purchase from the organization. landscaped areas, turf and groundcover areas, urban forestry, en- SHIRLEY WINNES / COURTESY OF TGOA/MGCA

10 the American Gardener Saturday, September 23, 2006 Save the Date! for the Annual AHS Gala at River Farm “AMERICA’S X GARDEN CELEBRATION”

5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

James van Sweden Honorary Chair

Featuring the work of artist-photographer Amy Lamb JEAN-PIERRE

Please join the American Horticultural Society for an elegant evening under the stars to support our national educational programs and the stewardship of River Farm. As a special treat, Gala guests will have the chance to preview and stroll among the best new plants for spring 2007 in River Farm’s picturesque gardens as the AHS hosts the “Poppy IV” compliments of Amy Garden Centers of America’s annual Lamb. Don’t miss her upcoming “Fashion in Bloom” event. show “Inflorescence: Photographs by Amy Lamb,” September 18 through November 5, 2006 Vat River Farm! For information on the Annual Gala 2006 www.amylamb.com call (800) 777-7931 ext. 114 or e-mail [email protected]. Information CAROLE OTTESEN about the Garden Centers of America’s “Fashion in Bloom” is available online at www.fashioninbloom.com. vironmental awareness, tidiness, heritage preservation, and com­ AHS Awards Ceremony and Banquet at munity involvement. River Farm "T here is no doubt that the atmosphere at our symposium is infectious, as communities come together to share ideas on what works best and as the tours offer first-hand evidence of a com­ munity's success," says AlB President Marvin Miller. Laura Kunkle, AlB administrator, says that through AlB, "more than 20 million people in 130 communities have learned to make significant improvements in the lives of their citizens, and provide a solid basis for true community sustainability." Find out much more about last year's winners and the 2006 symposium at the AlB website, www.americainbloom.org, which also includes detailed information about how new com­ munities can get involved with the program.

The AHS welcomed the recipients River Farm's Meadow Grows of the 2006 Great American Gardener Awards and Book T HIS PAS T MAY, volunteers and AHS staff planted the third Awards to River Farm on June 2. section of River Farm's five-acre Andre Bluemel Meadow with Above: Edgar and Kay Aldridge of more than 31,000 plugs of grasses and herbaceous perennials do­ Hoover, Alabama, accept the nated by Kurt Bluemel, a past AHS Board member and owner Urban Beautification Award from of the Kurt Bluemel, Inc., wholesale nursery. Thirry different AHS Board Chair Susie Usrey, species-most of which are natives-were planted, including right. Right: Jane L. Taylor Award anise hyssop ( foeniculum),plains false indigo ( winner Sheldon Fleming and his australis), and mountain mint (Pycnanthemum nudicum). wife, Deborah. To help establish the new planting, the AHS horticultural staff will provide supplemental water and weed control for the first

12 THE AMERICAN GARDENER year. By the end of the season, the plants will be large enough to survive on their own, says AHS Horticulturist Peggy Bowers. Friends of River Farm Family Picnic “Creating this meadow has been a learning experience,” Peggy adds. “With each year, we are more pre- pared for controlling invasive species through a variety of strategies. We also are discovering which plants seem to attract the greatest di- versity of wildlife and then are adjusting our plantings accordingly.” The first and second sections of the meadow were completed in 2004 and 2005 respectively. Plants in both areas Youngsters and their parents enjoyed a day of have become estab- Thousands of new plants were added to fun and food during the second annual Friends lished and are thriving, the meadow at River Farm in May. of River Farm Family Picnic on May 21, 2006. attracting a variety of Activities included face painting, above, plant- birds, butterflies, and other wildlife. The next section of the themed arts and crafts, educational displays, meadow is scheduled to be planted in spring 2007.  left, and outdoor games. Next year’s picnic will be held on May 20, 2007. News written by Assistant Editor Viveka Neveln and Editorial In-

VIVEKA NEVELN (3) tern Heather Robbins.

July / August 2006 13 ui se sNwASBoard Chair Susie Usrey isNewAHS 14 by LindaMcIntyre ture needs—andtheretirement of of AHSprograms andfacilitiestobettermeettheSociety’s fu- theenhancementandexpansion a capitalcampaigntosupport clude thelaunchofCampaignforAmericanHorticulture— notable transitions.Thesein- the AHSmarked by several during apivotal periodfor throughout thecountry. line ofplantstoretailers sell Monrovia’s well-known to helptrainthepeoplewho for35years, working nursery the influentialwholesale Usrey, whohasbeenwith plants andpeople,”says ing andpassionateabout am passionateaboutgarden- qualities andmuchmore. “I California, bringsallofthose Monrovia inAzusa, nursery for customerrelations with coming AHSBoard ChairSusie Usrey, whoisvicepresident into regional andnationaltrends inplantsandgardens. In- als throughout theUnited States, andalsotohave goodinsight T have been consistent and enthusiastic supporters ofallAHS have beenconsistentand enthusiasticsupporters to thedecision-making process. She andher husbandBruce connections andaseasonedapproacha wealth ofhorticultural to thetask.“Susie brings,alongwithhercorporateexperience, Board ChairinJune, isalsoconfidentthathersuccessor isequal to excellence inhorticulture willbeahugeassettothe AHS.” through the Board’s visioningcommittee,andhercommitment been deeplyinvolved indeveloping ourlong-termstrategy “I have full confidenceinSusie’s leadership,” shesays.“She has itus ismadeeasierknowing theBoard will beingoodhands. velop strategicplanfortheorganization. and implement anew closely withWarner andwithotherAHSBoard members tode- years asAHS president. Over those four years, Usrey worked about plantsandpeople.” “I ampassionateaboutgardeningand Usrey takesupherpost Arabella Dane, whocompletedhertwo-year termasAHS Warner saysherchangeofrole tothe AHS’s president emer- the American Gardener tacts amonggardeners profession- andgreen industry of Directors, it’s tohave wide-rangingcon- important O LEADTHE American Horticultural Society’s Board Dayton, Oregon,homegarden,right. above, enjoysspendingtimeinher BoardChairSusieUsrey, New AHS Katy MossKaty Warner H ESSPECIAL NEWS AHS —Susie Usrey after four C Freelance writerLinda McIntyre lives inWashington, D.C. ganization tothenextlevel.” Usrey, “and I’m really tohelpingtakethisor- looking forward ecutive officer, andher fourgrandchildren. den withherhusband,Bruce Usrey, who isMonrovia’s chiefex- the country.” her tremendous insight intotrends andconcernsthroughout fect usall.She travels agreat dealforMonrovia, whichgives is alsoaboard member. “She works tirelessly onissues thataf- Centers ofAmerica(GCA),atradeassociationforwhichUsrey says a landofgardens. “Susie isagreat inspirationforourindustry,” the AHS’s visionofmakingAmericaanationgardeners and ity withtheplantsgardeners are lookingforwillhelpadvance and awards.” al Children &Youth Garden Symposium programs withnew says. “I’d liketobuildontheaccomplishmentsofNation- on youth gardening, gettingkids outintotheirbackyards,” she selection ismade.“Ialsowanttohelppromote astronger focus organizationalstructure, ledbypresidentnew thenew oncea capital campaign,increasing membership, andestablishinga and work toward solutions.” sit inacornermakingnoise—shedigstoidentifyproblems theBoardpragmatic approach willserve well. “She’s notoneto programs andactivitiesformanyyears.” Dane addsthatUsrey’s “I’m excited aboutthedirection theAHSismoving in,”says When nottraveling, Usrey enjoys spendingtimeinhergar- Her tradeandfamiliar- wealth ofexperienceinthenursery Usrey saysthatover thenextyear shewilllikelyfocusonthe Sandi McDonald, president ofthe board oftheGarden 

COURTESY OF BRUCE USREY (2)

Uncommon Hedges

TOP: CAROLE OTTESEN. BOTTOM: ALEKSANDRA SZYWALA Look beyond the ordinary to create a spectacular hedge that’s more than a green wall.

BY MARTY WINGATE

NE OF THE most useful plant- ings in the garden is the one Othat divides us from something else. Hedges are plantings with a pur- pose; they work for us. They delineate property boundaries, provide enclosure, and divide large spaces into smaller, dis- tinct areas. And they hide things, such as the neighbors, the bus stop across the street, or the garbage bins. But when it comes to selecting plants A nascent hedge of tricolor European beeches (Fagus sylvatica ‘Purpurea Tricolor’) for hedges, we seem to be stuck in ar- provides definition to this front yard without completely obscuring the view. borvitae mode. When a hedge of some sort is needed, we throw up a row of Thuja oc- Mielke says that her favorite hedges, “are green microphylla is a fine cidentalis—most likely ‘Smaragd’ or ‘Pyra- more like loose masses of plants rather choice (USDA Hardiness Zones 8–10, midalis’—and call it good. While the solid than sheared shapes.” With respect to AHS Heat Zones 12–10), but even larger- line of green has its place, it isn’t the only pruning, she advises gardeners to “leave leaved plants, such as the semi-evergreen option for a hedge, and if we limit our- the shears in the tool shed. If any trim- Viburnum ✕burkwoodii (Zones 5–8, 8–1) selves to that concept we are missing an ex- ming needs to be done, it should be with would work well. ceptional opportunity to add interest to individual cuts to branches at varying our gardens. Other evergreens, both conif- lengths, to maintain a naturalistic rather SIZE AND PLACEMENT erous and broadleaf, along with a host of than sheared effect.” Along with what to plant, consider how plants, are ready to assume the A deciduous hedge has its own strong much of it you need. In large landscapes, hedge billet, adding much more to the points. First, we commonly need to screen 100 feet of neatly clipped yew appears the landscape than just a green wall. off scenes that we view only in warm epitome of class. In smaller residential weather—late spring to fall. If we aren’t out landscapes, a hedge can be employed SINGLE SPECIES HEDGES in the garden in the dead of winter—and similarly, but it is critical to keep the di- Formal hedges—plantings of a single our neighbors aren’t out on their deck— mensions of the hedge proportional to species that are sheared to maintain their then a hedge that lets some light in during the overall size of the garden. size and shape—certainly have their winter is a reasonable option. A deciduous Robert Bowden, director of Harry P. place, although they may appear incon- canopy also gives you the chance to carpet Leu Gardens in Orlando, Florida, advises gruous with the informal landscape styles the ground with spring-flowering bulbs. gardeners to consider the effect they want popular today. But many single species Some deciduous plants don’t drop all to achieve. “Do you want a small hedge to hedges adopt a more adaptable, relaxed their leaves in fall. Juvenile oaks, beech- act as a garden divider or do you want to attitude when the plants are allowed to es, and hornbeams tend to retain their screen your neighbor’s boat?” The mature develop their natural form. dried leaves until spring. This lends a rus- size of hedge plants is another important Landscape designer and author Judy tic and ancient look to a row of plants factor. Because frequent pruning is need- that might only be a few years old. ed when plants outgrow their space, Bow- Opposite page: Deciduous hedges provide A hedge that provides a scrim effect ob- den suggests that “there is no sense in seasonally shifting colors and textures. scures unwanted views without complete- creating more work for yourself.” Vertical spires of tiny white flowers, top, add ly blocking them. It’s sort of like using a Often there are particular sights that summer flair to this hedge of bottlebrush Venetian blind: Enough of your view is we want to block out, not the entire buckeye (Aesculus parviflora). Bottom: Native obstructed to make a screen, but it doesn’t world. Does the hedge really need to run serviceberries (Amelanchier sp.) provide have the feel of a solid wall you get from a the length of your property? If your neigh- spring flowers, tasty berries, and colorful fall dense evergreen. Small-leaved plants fit bor’s deck looms over your back garden,

SUSAN A. ROTH foliage in this “edible” hedgerow. the bill. In mild regions, the large ever- consider screening out only what is un-

July / August 2006 17 18 (www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov). another. Burningbush Invasive plantsareaconcern,butplantmaybeinvasiveinoneareaandnot PROBLEMS WITHINVASIVENESS their severitysincedifferentplantsaresusceptibletoproblems. in yourhedgedoesnoteliminatediseaseandinsectinfestations,itreduces of KokopelliNurseryinLenexa,Kansas.Althoughcombiningdifferentspecies a diversifiedmixgivesyouoversinglespecieshedge,”explainsSusanMertz, press, bagwormscandecimateaplanting,asseveralcankerdiseases. quiring repeated,oftenexpensive,controlmeasures.InthecaseofLeylandcy- can spreadrapidlythroughouttheplanting,causingdevastatingdamageorre- Another troublesomeaspectofamonocultureisthatdiseaseandinsectproblems AVOIDING DISEASE ny. TheLeylandcypress Using thesametwoorthreeplantsforhedgeshasdrawbacksbeyondmonoto- THE BENEFITSOFGOODPLANTSELECTION ural ResourcesortheNationalInvasiveSpeciesInformationCenter mation aboutlocallyinvasivespecies,contactyourlocalDepartmentofNat- new floweringandfruitinghedgeplantswon’tbeanuisance.Formoreinfor- the Northwest,whereitdoesnotspreadatall.It’simportanttobesureyour noxious weedintheeasternhalfofUnitedStatesbutadelightfulshrub these giantswillquicklydwarfmostsuburbanlandscapes. a quickscreen.Butitcontinuestogrow60or70feetmore.Ahedgeof conifer growsquicklyto30feet,makingitapopularchoiceforthosewhowant a fast-growinghedgeinboththeUnitedStatesandBritain.Thistop-selling 6–9, AHSHeatZones12–9)hasbeenplantedextensively,toputitmildly,as “An unexpectedbonuswithamixedshrubborderisbetterplanthealththat the American Gardener (Euonymus alatus, alatus, (Euonymus ( ✕ Cupressocyparis leylandii, Cupressocyparis Zones 4–9,9–1),forexample,isa USDA HardinessZones —M.W. a borderofperennial flowers. a dense,multicolored summerbackdropfor arborvitae, holly,beech,andyew provides This formallyshearedmixed hedgeof depth ofthebedtoallow room forsmall- three, one-two-three. Andwork withthe tion ismore appropriate thanone-two- that naturallook,butarandomrepeti- plants withinthehedgerow, togive it other hedgerow-friendly plant toinclude. neighbors fillinthebreach, orchoosean- as theothersinlinetoreplace it.Letits tofindaplantexactlythesamesize trying hedge, you won’t have totearyour hairout one plantdiesrightinthemiddleofyour order togive thatregimented effect.Andif number ofinchesbetween eachplantin You aren’t obligatedtoholdacertain arefruits afeastforthebirds. is afeastforthegardener’s eyes andits textures, that andcolorcreates atapestry andfoliage.Themixofforms, ers, fruit, flow- withcolorful vide afoilforshrubs hold placesduringthewinterandpro- with theirseasonaldisplays.Evergreens but theydoitsubtly, by distractingus separating usfrom therest oftheworld, birds. Theystillaccomplishthejobof ings, aswell asincreasing habitatsfor and year-round interest togarden plant- evergreen trees lenddepth andshrubs tacular. Combinationsofdeciduousand species hedge,buttheresults canbespec- —requires more planningthanasingle- A mixed hedge—often calledahedgerow MIXING ITUP recycling andgarbagebins. gustifolia narrow-leaved, soft-textured tle more screening, a15-footrow ofthe ly woodlandscene.Where Ineededalit- lot andredirects beyond theview toalove- provides someprivacy from theadjacent 7–5)—four feetwideandfive feettall— crenata Seattle, Washington, twoplantsof from thesmallpatiobelow. In myyard in blocked aneighbor’s window secondstory rocket’ (Zones 3–7,7–1)successfully of tall,slimJuniperus scopulorum the easiestsolution. rowwanted. Ashort ofsomethingmaybe It’s appropriate torepeat certainly Planting ahedgerow isalooseaffair. Recently, Ivisitedagarden where atrio ‘Northern Beauty’ (Zones 5–7, (Zones 7–9,9–7)disguisesthe Phillyrea an- ‘Sky- Ilex

LYNNE HARRISON Sources Desert Gardens Nursery, Phoenix, AZ. (602) 569-1300. www.desert gardensnursery.com. E-mail [email protected] to check on plant availability.

Fairweather Gardens, Greenwich, NJ. (856) 451-6261. www.fair weathergardens.com. Catalog $5.

Forestfarm, Williams, OR, (541) 846-7269. www.forestfarm.com. Catalog $5; free online.

Las Pilitas Nursery (northern facili- Above: The gray-green leaves ty), Santa Margarita, CA. (805) and decorative mustard- 438-5992. www.laspilitas.com. colored seedheads of four- Price list free; catalog $8. wing saltbush (Atriplex canescens) complement the Woodlanders, Inc., Aiken, SC. (803) adobe walls around this 648-7522. www.woodlanders.net. Southwest home. Left: Blue Catalog $4. ranger (Leucophyllum zygo- phyllum) is a mounded shrub that features silvery gray er shrubs among the taller plants. foliage and violet flowers. Maintenance for a hedgerow is differ- ent from the shearing requirements of a formal hedge. To reduce the size of your hedge while maintaining its natural look, says horticulturist Mary Irish, former di- her favorite subjects for hedges. “All of selectively remove branches. Another rector of public horticulture at the Desert these species are evergreen, with fairly pruning option for your hedge is stool- Botanical Garden in Phoenix, Arizona. To dense foliage,” explains Mielke. ing—that is, cutting plants down to the design a mixed hedge, she suggests that ground. Although this doesn’t work for all the gardener “consider when the various Southern California plants, it’s great for elderberries (Sambucus species are most colorful, either by flower Carol Bornstein, director of living collec- spp.), twig dogwoods such as Cornus or by foliage, and mix that up. And pay at- tions and the nursery at the Santa Barbara stolonifera (Zones 3–8, 8–1) and C. san- tention to leaf color, size, and form and Botanic Garden suggests several Califor- guinea (Zones 4–7, 7–1), as well as smoke mix that up as well.” nia natives as hedge plants for coastal gar- bush (Cotinus coggygria, Zones 5–9, Among Irish’s mixed hedge favorites deners in central and southern California 9–3)—you miss the puffy inflorescences, are firebush (Hamelia patens, Zones 8–12, and areas with a Mediterranean climate. but you still get the fabulous fall color. 11–8), guajillo (Acacia berlandieri, Zones Bornstein likes two manzanita in 8–10, 10–8), and any of the numerous va- particular: Arctostaphylos ‘Sunset’ and A. REGIONAL OPTIONS rieties of Texas ranger (Leucophyllum spp., densiflora ‘Howard McMinn’ (Zones 7–9, When choosing plants for your hedge, Zones 8–9, 9–8), particularly ‘Green 9–7), are “medium-sized evergreen shrubs consider the size of your garden, the ef- Cloud’, ‘White Cloud’, or L. zygophyllum, requiring only minimal pruning,” says fect you are trying to achieve, and, of (Zones 8–9, 10–7). Bornstein. ‘Sunset’ has glossy green leaves course, the region where you garden. Judy Mielke, who lives in Scottsdale, and bears white flowers in winter or early With that in mind, gardening experts Arizona, includes hopbush (Dodonaea spring. ‘Howard McMinn’ has dark green from different regions of the country viscosa, Zones 9–15, 12–10), Arizona foliage and light pink flowers. offer some of their favorite hedge selec- rosewood (Vauquelinia californica, Two evergreen cherries, Prunus ilicifo- tions below (for more hedge plant infor- Zones 7–10, 10–7), four-wing saltbush lia (Zones 6–10, 10–7) and P. lyonii mation, see the chart on page 21). (Atriplex canescens, Zones 7–10, 10–7), (Zones 7–10, 10–7) make very effective quailbush (Atriplex lentiformis, Zones hedges, whether informal or sheared. Southwest 6–10, 10–6), and jojoba (Simmondsia “Both have glossy leaves and creamy

CHARLES MANN (2) “I have such a soft spot for mixed hedges,” chinensis, Zones 10–12, 12–10) among white, fragrant flowers in spring, followed

July / August 2006 19 by dark red to black, half-inch berries that are eaten by many species of birds and mammals,” notes Bornstein. Lemonade berry (Rhus inte- grifolia, Zones 9–10, 10–8) may be left unpruned to become a 30-foot tree or sheared annual- ly (stooled) for a more formal effect. For a mixed hedge, Bornstein suggests combining it with the above cherries as well as with toyon (Heteromeles ar- butifolia, Zones 8–11, 12–8), coffeeberry (Rhamnus californi- ca, Zones 7–9, 9–7), and coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia, Zones 9–11, 12–9) to create a naturalistic hedgerow. In addition to its drooping clusters of spring flowers, a hedge of Little Henry sweetspire West (Itea virginiana ‘Sprich’) offers brilliant red to maroon fall foliage. In the West, broadleaf evergreens, such as the California wax myrtle (Myrica cal- 5–7, 7–5), ‘Stove Pipe’ yew (Taxus and red stems for a winter show. ifornica, Zones 7–10, 9–7), planted baccata, Zones 7–8, 8–7), and Green Author and design consultant Tracy along with Oregon grape—either the Tower ™ boxwood (Buxus sempervirens DiSabato-Aust of Sunbury, Ohio, says, tall species, aquifolium (Zones ‘Monrue’, Zones 6–8, 8–6). “I’ve done low hedges with many of the 6–9, 9–6), or the lower-growing species, For a deciduous contrast Mertz recom- “Green” series boxwoods that hold up in M. nervosa (Zones 5–7, 7–5), give visual mends the ‘Fineline’ cultivar of buckthorn our winters.” She also likes the soft screen interest as well as winter cover for birds. (Rhamnus frangula, Zones 3–8, 8–1) created by Chamaecyparis nootkatensis ‘Sul- Red elderberry (Sambucus racemosa, which, she says, “has the attributes of livan’ (Zones 4–7, 7–1). For a tall, decidu- Zones 3–7, 7–1) is a standout species. columnar buckthorn and the fine cut fo- ous hedge she suggests the fastigiate Many elderberries bloom in flat-topped liage of fernleaf buckthorn.” hornbeam (Carpinus betulus ‘Fastigiata’, clusters of tiny flowers, but S. racemosa Smaller selections that offer seasonal Zones 4–8, 8–1). blooms in conical clusters, followed by blooms are: Little Henry sweetspire (Itea red fruit. ‘Sutherland Gold’ is a cultivar virginiana ‘Sprich’, Zones 6–9, 10–7), Northeast with red-tinged, chartreuse foliage when which also has brilliant fall color; Summer Lois Berg Stack, extension specialist in or- grown in full sun. Mexican elderberry (S. Wine™ ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius namental horticulture at the University of mexicana, 6–10, 10–6) develops blue ‘Seward’, Zones 3–7, 7–1), which tops out Maine, advises gardeners to “choose plants fruit, while the flat clusters of white sum- at three to four feet; and Ivory Halo™ dog- that are compatible not only visually, but mer flowers of the American elderberry wood (Cornus alba ‘Bailhalo’, Zones 2–8, also environmentally.” For gardeners in (, Zones 4–9, 9–1) 8–1) with its variegated summer foliage this region, she recommends little leaf lilacs are followed by black fruit. (Syringa pubescens subsp. microphylla, Zones 5–8, Midwest and Central States 8–3)—“a nice alternative to Susan Mertz of Kokopelli Nursery in common lilac—later-flow- Lenexa, Kansas, notes that housing ering, smaller plants”; trends toward smaller residential lots put fothergilla (Fothergilla gar- a premium on hedge plants with small denii, Zones 4–8, 9–1)— stature or columnar forms. Evergreen “spring flowering, fabulous shrubs that rate high on her list include fall color”; or winterberry ‘Sky Pencil’ holly (Ilex crenata, Zones (Ilex verticillata, Zones 5–8, 8–5)—“good for wet soil, The dense, prickly stems of the hedgehog full sun locations.” She also rose (Rosa rugosa) create an impenetrable likes a combination of hedge; its flowers, produced sporadically rhododendrons and azaleas from spring to fall, are followed by showy for well-drained, moist,

red-orange hips. loamy, partly shaded sites, SUSAN A. ROTH (2)

20 the American Gardener MORE UNCOMMON HEDGING OPTIONS The following plants represent a few of the many hedging options for gardeners in various regions of the country. The heights provided are for unclipped hedges; many of these selections can be maintained at a lower height with pruning.

Name Height/width Notes Native range USDA Hardiness/ (feet) AHS Heat Zones Acalypha wilkesiana 6–12/4–8 evergreen; bold, multi-colored leaves Pacific islands 10–15/12–1 copperleaf Carpinus caroliniana 20–30/20–30 deciduous; often shrubby tree with yellow eastern North 3–9/9–1 American hornbeam or orange fall foliage America, Chilopsis linearis 20–30/15–25 deciduous; large shrub or small tree, foxglove- southwestern North 8–9/9–8 desert willow like pink or white summer flowers, drought America tolerant, takes well to pruning Cordia parvifolia 4–6/4–10 mostly evergreen shrub; white spring flowers, southwestern North 9–11/11–9 little-leaf cordia may rebloom in fall, drought tolerant America Fagus sylvatica 80/50 deciduous tree; dark green leaves turn yellow central Europe to 4–7/9–4 European beech to orange-brown in fall; smooth gray bark the Caucasus Lonicera nitida 5–10/5–10 evergreen or semi-evergreen shrub with small China 6–9/9–5 boxleaf glossy leaves and white spring flowers; can be sheared or left natural Myrica pensylvanicum 9/5–12 semi-evergreen suckering shrub; foliage eastern North America 3–6/6–1 northern bayberry is dark green, waxy gray-white fruit; tolerates seaside conditions Pittosporum tenuilobatum12–30/6–15 evergreen shrub or small tree; glossy, leathery New Zealand 9–11/12–9 kohuhu leaves on black stems, black-red spring flowers; good for seaside gardens Rosmarinus officinalis 2–5/2–5 evergreen shrub; leathery, fragrant leaves, Mediterranean region 8–11/12–8 rosemary small, blue, spring to summer flowers Viburnum carlesii 3–4/3–4 deciduous, rounded shrub; dark green Korea, Japan 5–8/8–5 ‘Compactum’ leaves, very fragrant white to pink compact Korean spice viburnum spring flowers Viburnum ‘Pragense’ 10/10 evergreen; wrinkled, dark green leaves; garden origin 6–8/8–6 domed clusters of white, late spring flowers and crabapples or hawthorns as a larger den,” says Marcotrigiano. These plants cleyera (Ternstroemia gymnanthera, Zones hedge in full sun. work equally well in the home landscape. 8–10, 10–8). The Botanic Garden of Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts, includes Southeast HEDGING YOUR BETS both formal and informal hedges in a land- Robert Bowden, director of the Harry P. It’s obvious that there are situations scape that was originally designed by Fred- Leu Gardens in Orlando, Florida, suggests where a hedge comes in mighty handy erick Law Olmsted. “Our campus is quite a variety of native and non-native plants for reasons beyond obscuring unwanted formal in many ways,” Director Michael for use as unclipped, informal hedges in sights. And there are fabulous alternatives Marcotrigiano says, “so we still have long the Deep South. Among the natives he rec- to that army of arborvitae that threatens expanses of clipped yew hedges in many ommends are: Carolina cherry laurel to march across the lawn. Plant a hedge areas where straight barriers are needed, (Prunus caroliniana, Zones 4–10, 10–1), that works for all your garden purposes such as along the street in town.” Less for- purple anise (Illicium floridanum, Zones —as a screen, a backdrop that sets off a mal hedges are used elsewhere, especially 7–9, 9–4), eastern red cedar (Juniperus vir- mixed border of perennials and shrubs, a to direct foot traffic. Plants for informal giniana, Zones 3–9, 9–1), and Magnolia home to wildlife, or just as a garden in it- hedges include rugosa rose hybrids (Rosa grandiflora ‘Little Gem’ (Zones 7–9, 9–1). self—a mix of colors and textures that rugosa, Zones 2–9, 9–1), inkberry (Ilex Non-native plants that Bowden rates high- shifts with the seasons.  glabra, Zones 5–9, 9–1), and several species ly for hedge use are: Camellia sasanqua of viburnums, “the more compact forms if (Zones 7–9, 9–6), sweet viburnum (Vibur- Marty Wingate writes a weekly garden fea- the area needs to look tidy and the more num odoratissimum var. awabuki, syn.V. ture for the Seattle Post Intelligencer. She expansive forms nearer the woodland gar- awabuki, Zones 8–9, 9–7), and Japanese lives in Seattle, Washington.

July / August 2006 21 22 H opsis, coneflowers, gaura,penstemons, consisting ofAmerican natives likecore- overtime tofindplantswithboldfoliage. border ineasternKansasandhadtowork however, untilIdesignedanative plant to appreciate themasgarden subjects, also known asrosinweeds. Ididn’t come stately membersofthegenus quite familiarwithanumberofthetall flowering natives. Elevate yourgarden’s appealwiththeseboldlatesummer- Silphiums Statuesque Silphiums Statuesque From adesignperspective, aborder the American Gardener AVING RAMBLED Lawrence, Kansas, Ibecame western prairies whileIlived in about mid- , cal accentstoaborder ofnative perennials. choice toaddcontrast, weight, andverti- burly silphiums,therefore, are anexcellent summersare farmoredry typical. Big wind andminimize waterlossduringhot or finelydividedleaves thatstandupto most anoxymoron; thinstemsandsmall functioning asaccents. tured plantsbreaking upfinelinesand there aren’t big,bold-tex- atleastafew danger oflookingwildandunkemptif phlox, goldenrods, andgrassesisingreat A prairieplantwithboldfoliageisal- BY NATALIAHAMILL and canbecome anuisanceinbeds. Topping outatfourtofivefeet, integrifolium insects, a mixedborder.Whileattractive tobirdsand ed withcompostorotherrich,organic full suninsoilthathasnotbeenamend- ities inthegarden instead.Plant them in advantage oftheirbold,statuesquequal- forgo theresinous gumandtake chewing much happierwithsilphiumsifyou gum. ing chewing some Native Americansuseditasacleans- liquid turnsgummy, and,historically, After it’s beenexposedtotheair, thisthick weed—exude from cracked orcutstems. or resin—hence thecommonnamerosin- um tained aresinous substancejustas plant. However, Hippocrates’s plantcon- Hippocrates usedforanentirely different which isthenameGreek physician derive from theGreek word “silphion” transplanting isoutofthequestion. water establishedplants,italsomeans While thissuggeststhatyou don’t have to roots thatburrow down 15feetormore. tolerance, withsomespeciesboastingtap outer rayflowers are fertile. around thecentraldisk,sinceonly other twoby theringofseedsthatform phiums canbedistinguishedfrom the and oxeye daisies(Heliopsis blooms ofsunflowers weed flowers resemble superficially the tributed in37statesandCanada.Rosin- the genusSilphium A memberoftheasterfamily(), ROOTS ANDPENETRATING SUNNY FLOWERS Based onmyexperience, you willbe The genusnameSilphium Silphiums are well-known fordrought does. Small globsofpine-scentedsap Silphium perfoliatum, perfoliatum, Silphium , topleft,issuitedforthebackof includes 19speciesdis- (Helianthus above, selfsows spp.). But sil- is thoughtto Silphium Silphi- spp.)

LEFT: DAVID CAVAGNARO. BOTTOM: NATALIA HAMILL material; their efficient and powerful tap- roots adapt well to heavy clay soil. As with most sun-loving prairie plants, rich NATIVE COMPANIONS FOR SILPHIUM soil and/or too much water encourages Silphiums are great plants for a prairie garden where self-sufficiency and natural lanky growth, causing plants to flop over. spread are desirable. “In the Midwest,” says landscape designer Julie Siegel, “this Like many deep-rooted prairie plants, genus works best when it’s fighting it out with other equally aggressive prairie silphiums spend their first year anchor- plants.” She suggests the following companions that are equal to the task: big ing an extensive root system deep into bluestem (Andropogon gerardii), gray coneflower (Ratibida pinnata), rattlesnake the soil. For this reason, you may not see master (Eryngium yuccifolium), and nodding onion (Allium cernuum). a lot of top growth the first season. Most With the possible exception of the overly prolific cup plant, silphiums can be plants will reach their mature size by the a dramatic and pleasing addition to a mixed border. “Silphiums provide a strong third year, however. vertical element by nature of their tall flower stalks,” says Prairie Nursery presi- dent Neil Diboll, who considers their foliage, especially that of compass plant and COMPASS PLANT prairie dock, an additional plus. For border companions he likes prairie dropseed The leaves of compass plant (Silphium (Sporobolus heterolepsis) and little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) because laciniatum, USDA Zones 4–9, AHS “they help to occupy the soil around the taprooted silphiums and reduce weed Zones 9–5) were what first drew my at- growth. They also provide a nice counterpoint to the leaves of the silphiums.” tention to the genus. Its distinctive, sculp- Other Diboll recommendations for silphium border companions include: tural foliage makes it a favorite of landscape smooth penstemon (Penstemon digitalis), spiderworts (Tradescantia spp.), berg- designer Julie Siegel of Evanston, Illinois, as well. “Think cool shadows and interest- ing green—and the sculptural stem branching,” says Siegel. The deeply dissected leaves can grow 24 inches long, providing an unusual tex- ture in both prairie and garden. The species name means deeply cut or lacerat- ed, referring to the pinnatifid—cut close to the midrib—basal leaves. Basal leaves are the largest, the leaves become smaller as they develop upward along the stem. This is a tall, sturdy plant with stiff, bristly flowering stems that grow to nine feet tall. The sunflowerlike flowers, which are four to five inches wide with yellow rays and yellow center disks, appear in loose spikes on the upper parts of the plant. Ma- ture plants may have up to 100 flowers opening from June through September. Neil Diboll, president of Prairie Nurs- Supported by sturdy square stems that can soar up to eight feet, masses of cup plant ery in Westfield, Wisconsin, notes that flowers create a bold mid- to late-summer display in this mixed bed. “the tall flower stalks make it an excellent specimen plant and a focal center in the amot (Monarda fistulosa), and “later-blooming asters and goldenrods for late garden.” Songbirds will perch on the tall season color and interest.” As a woody companion, Diboll suggests New Jersey stalks while goldfinches and other small tea (Ceanothus americanus) “with its deep green foliage and low-growing habit.” birds eat the nutritious seeds as they ripen Another use for this bold, wildlife-friendly genus is as a field border or filter in late summer and fall. strip. This is a planting that separates agricultural fields from adjacent areas, es- The common name refers to the ten- pecially where drainage ditches, streams, and other bodies of water are close by, dency for its basal leaves to orient them- to stabilize soil, reduce runoff, provide wildlife habitat, and serve as a travel cor- selves north and south, like the needle of a ridor allowing animals to move safely between habitats. The U.S. Department of compass. Young leaves twist on their peti- Agriculture recommends both compass plant and prairie dock as part of a mixed oles in response to morning light, enabling planting of native grasses and forbs, such as: eastern gamagrass (Tripsacum dacty- plants to take full advantage of morning loides), culver’s root (Veronicastrum virginicum), hoary vervain (Verbena stricta), and late afternoon sun while minimizing New England aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae), spotted Joe-Pye weed (Eu- the desiccating effects of the hot midday patorium maculatum), and wild quinine (Parthenium integrifolium). —N.H. sun on large leaf surfaces. Once leaves are

COURTESY OF ALLAN ARMITAGE mature they lose their ability to change di-

July / August 2006 23 24 are attractedbyitsnutritiousseedsthatripeninlatesummerandfall. A stemof their weight. Although the down asthetallstemssupport goldfinches bobbingupand birds, andit’s funtowatch ing seedheadsattractsong- sometimes longer. Thematur- lasts forthree tofourweeks, never failto notice.Flowering late summer, garden visitors inch-wide flowers inmid-to tall bearingclustersofthree ing stemsshootupeightfeet textured plants. beautifully tobreak upfiner- formthatworks shrublike dock hasarobust, mounded, When notinflower, prairie es wideand24incheslong. basal leaves thatgrow 12inch- large,dark greenof thevery nized from adistance because Zones 3–9,9–1)iseasily recog- Prairie dock(Silphium terebinthinaceum, DOCK PRAIRIE passage around boggyswalesandsloughs.” of clothtothetallstemsindicatesafe routes over thewildprairies,tyingscraps plant stalkstomark theedgesofwagon “Pioneers sometimesusedcompass 2004), Where theSky Began ine thescenedescribedby John Madson in compass plantintheprairie,you canimag- for dramaticfresh arrangements. rection. Bothleaves andflowers canbecut When thesmoothflower- If you’ve ever hadthepleasure ofseeing the American Gardener Silphium laciniatum laciniatum Silphium (University ofIowa, provides aperchforgoldfinch,oneofmanysongbirdsthat the aromatic stemresins. meaning “liketurpentine” inreference to terebinthinaceum, for fresh arrangements.Thespeciesname, damp. Bothleaves andflowers canbecut liage looksbestwhere soilstaysslightly grows well inloamandmoistsand.Thefo- unique foliagecanreally beappreciated. border. Use itfront andcenterwhere the to relegate prairiedocktothebackof enough toseethrough thatyou don’t have ing heights,theyare nakedandeasy flowering stemsreach Empire State Build- Prairie dockthrives inclaysoilbutalso comes from Greek naked stems,providing anairyflowerdisplay. while itslong-lasting blooms,above,riseon contribute adense,boldtextureto aplanting, The largeleavesofprairie dock, left, The specificepithet,perfoliatum, pair ofleaves thatare fusedattheirbases. square stemsentirely surrounded by a 4–9, 9–5)isahandsomeplantwithbig Cup plant(Silphium perfoliatum, CUP PLANT cautions. Thischaracteristichasgarnered tends toself-seedaggressively,” Diboll ommend cupplantforgardens, asit you bargainedfor. “Idon’t generallyrec- may endupwithmore cupplantsthan ic matteritislikelytoself-seedandyou If grown inheavysoilwithlotsoforgan- ple stemslightlycovered ingrayhair. plant, isalesscommonvariety withpur- tum, garden. accentintheprairie cellent solidvertical foot—tall plantsmakescupplantanex- four- tofive-foot—and sometimeseight- seed asitmatures. Goldfinches flocktotheflowers toeat week periodinmid-tolatesummer. yellow flowers openover atwoorthree the stem,lotsofthree- tofour-inch-wide insects. Emerging of from thetopportion birds—including hummingbirds—and a rain,providing refreshment forsmall leaf basesholdwaterforseveral daysafter the stemappearstopierce theleaves. “through theleaf,” referring totheway Cup plantisadaptabletomostsoils. Substantial, dark green foliageon The cupsthatformfrom thejoined sometimes calledVirginia cup Silphium perfoliatum var. conna- means Zones

TOP: RICHARD DAY / DAYBREAK IMAGERY. BOTTOM LEFT: NATALIA HAMILL; BOTTOM RIGHT: DAVID CAVAGNARO RIPE FOR A BREAK OUT Once I began looking at silphiums criti- Sources cally, it soon occurred to me that breeders Forestfarm Nursery, Williams, OR. should be working with this genus to de- (541) 846-7269. www.forest velop lines that bloom for longer periods farm.com. Catalog $5. and in colors beyond yellow. Apparently, I’m not alone in this opinion. In his in- Goodwin Creek Gardens, Williams, troductory entry on silphiums in Native OR. (541) 846-7359. www.good Plants for North American Gardens (see wincreekgardens.com. Catalog $2. “Resources,” left), Allan Armitage of the University of Georgia notes, “Echinacea Landscape Alternatives, Inc., purpurea came out of hiding in the mid- Shafer, MN. (651) 257-4460. 1990s; wonderful cultivars have been in- www.landscapealternatives.com. troduced and continue to become Catalog $2. available. Similar break out stories con- cern salvias, sedums, and heucheras, for Prairie Nursery, Westfield, WI. With its fused leaf bases creating a cup, example. Perhaps silphiums will be (800) 476-9453. www.prairie Silphium perfoliatum captures and holds next—after all, they are tough; at least 10 nursery.com. Catalog free. rainwater for thirsty birds and insects. species are presently grown and available for breeding; they attract birds and but- Because wholeleaf rosinweed is short- terflies by the dozens; and already a legion Resources er than most of the other plants in this of people love them.” Native Plants for North American genus, it is easier to use in conventional Gardens by Allan Armitage. Timber gardens, although it, too, can spread by Press, Portland, Oregon, 2006. seed. Try it as a backdrop for other peren- nials and shorter grasses or in repeated The New England Wild Flower Soci- clumps to break up finer textures. I have ety Guide to Growing and Propagat- also seen it used effectively in colonies, ing Wildflowers of the United States contrasting with large masses of queen of and Canada by William Cullina. the prairie (Filipendula rubra) and Houghton Mifflin Company, New gayfeather (Liatris spicata). York, New York, 2000. Wholeleaf rosinweed grows well in a variety of soils from moist to dry and is excellent in clay. This species has a thick, it a place on the list of invasive species in fibrous root system and is more drought Connecticut. It is probably best limited tolerant than some of the other species. to prairie gardens. If you grow it where its spread is not desired, plant the area SLENDER ROSINWEED around it with dense groundcovers and Like wholeleaf rosinweed, slender ros- rogue unwanted seedlings. inweed (Silphium gracile, Zones 5–9, 9–5) is not as big and boisterous as some WHOLELEAF ROSINWEED of its cousins; it behaves well in the gar- Compared to other members of the genus, den, producing multiple four-to-six- Slender rosinweed adds late-season color to wholeleaf rosinweed (Silphium integrifoli- foot stems with broad, eight-inch-long a sunny or partly shaded border. um, Zones 4–8, 7–1) is somewhat under- leaves toward the plant’s base. The stated. Flowering plants are generally a leaves on the upper stem are much So keep your eyes peeled for new selec- mere four to five feet tall and the foliage is smaller. Masses of three-inch-wide, soft tions, but in the meantime, find a place in not as distinctive as the other species de- yellow flowers bloom on leafless stalks your sunny border for one of these bold, scribed. Paired, opposite, three-inch-long in late summer and fall. Both wholeleaf free-flowering natives. They will con- leaves clasp the stem. The species name and slender rosinweeds attract a variety tribute an assertive textural contrast, a lofty means “with entire,” or “uncut,” referring of nectar-sipping butterflies and seed- vertical accent, and a delightful banquet to the smooth, toothless leaf edges. Leaves eating birds. for birds and butterflies.  tend to be quite variable in shape. The Slender rosinweed is adaptable to stems are maroon when plants are grown many soil types, is drought resistant, and Natalia Hamill has worked with perennials in full sun, and multiple stems develop, responds well to shearing back once or in the Midwest for 20 years. She is currently giving rise to bright yellow flowers from twice in early summer to encourage short- completing a Masters program in horticul-

TOP: BILL JOHNSON. RIGHT: COURTESY OF ALLAN ARMITAGE mid- to late summer. er, bushier plants. ture at the University of Georgia in Athens.

July / August 2006 25 26 Making theMostof Five gardensofferdesignstrategiestomakeabigimpactwhenroomislimited. the American Gardener flect thevisionofowners anddesigners. forcreativemately turnedintoopportunities approaches todesign.In theend, eachofthesegardens cametore- rich andrewarding gardens. Factors suchas thesize of thespace,whichinitiallyappeared tobechallenges,ulti- of thelivingspace.Andworking inasmall garden encouragesan up-close-and-personal interactionwithnature. extended view. Whenahouseopensdirectly intoagarden, asavaluable extension theoutdoorspacecanserve viding asmallspacecanactuallymakeitfeelbigger, althoughsomepeopleprefer anopenspacethatoffers placestorelax life. fortable andescapethedemandsofeveryday rooms within ahomeseemthecoziest,modest-sized garden spacescanfeelappropriately scaledandbecom- Virginia Small, afreelance writer, editor, speaker, andconsultant,gardens inWoodbury, Connecticut. I On thefollowing pages,we reveal how were five smallhomelandscapes around transformedinto the country To create afeelingofprivacy, ofenclosure itusuallyhelpstohave somesort orscreening. In manycases,di- One advantage ofadiminutive spaceisthatitcanbeeasiertofosterasenseofintimacy. Just assmaller ating welcoming andintriguinggardens inwhatmightbeconsidered “postage-stamp-size” residential yards. inasmallspace.However, manygardeners andlandscapedesignersrelish thechallengeofcre- ing agarden N ACULTURE that oftenproclaims that“biggerisbetter,” somepeoplemightfeellimitedwhendesign- 

THIS PAGE AND OPPOSITE: CHARLES MANN a Small Space BY VIRGINIA SMALL

A LUSH OASIS IN AN ENTRY COURTYARD

everly and Richard Armstrong wanted a colorful garden Bto accentuate the contemporary look of their new Santa Fe home. When Monika Hellwegen and Azul Cobb of Carlot- ta From Paradise, a garden design firm in Santa Fe, began de- signing the entry garden, they faced a few limitations. The 60-foot-by-70-foot courtyard, enclosed by adobe walls, was bisected by a straight stone walkway (made of Mexican por- phyry) that led from an entry gate to the front of the house. To counteract that strong linear element and to create an in- formal garden with a sense of lushness, they added visual vari- ety by mixing plants of different shapes, heights, and textures. There is a sense of movement in the overall planting scheme, and not all of the tall plants are placed near the walls. A small fountain adds visual interest and sound as water flows from a bamboo spout into a rough-hewn stone vessel (see photo, right). New Mexican soil is very lean, so Hellwegen and Cobb began by bringing in soil enriched with manure and compost and in- Opposite page: A path made of regional stone bisects the tapestry of stalling a drip irrigation system. They chose perennials with long plantings in this Santa Fe, New Mexico, garden. Top left: A bench set bloom times and planted them close together, which helps to in an alcove makes an inviting destination. Above: Achillea keep their roots cool. Key plants include drought-tolerant peren- 'Moonshine', penstemons, salvias, and an agave surround an nials such as Penstemon palmeri and ‘Moonshine’ yarrow as well intriguing water feature. as plants such as New Mexico privet (Forestiera pubescens), agaves, and grasses that thrive with minimal water. create more intimacy within certain areas. They designed paths The owners spend a great deal of time in this garden, and it as spurs from the main walkway that lead to two alcoves. They is visible from the kitchen and living room windows. Since most varied the levels within these niches and included benches in of the garden is visually quite open, the designers strived to both areas and a birdbath as a focal point.

July / August 2006 27 rosa-sinensis) 28 Key plantsincludeJapanesebloodgrass prominence ofthesecolorsinAsiandesign. ange, yellow,andredplantstoreflectthe and placement.Shechoseapaletteofor- lene focusedoncolor,texture,proportion, grescens’) plantednearby. er palmatum palmatum er maples provide vivid redcounterpoints. Right: Japanese bloodgrassandJapanese memorial tributetoBruce’sgrandfather. asa and BruceBockcreateda“rock bowl” over alifetimefromaroundtheworld, Darlene Top right:Usingrocksthathadbeen collected cylindrica (Imperata W grass the pebblesisrepeatedinblackmondo “empties” intoasmallpond.Thecolorof through thecenterofgardenand pebbles tomakeadryriverbedthatwinds garden, sotheyusedblackChinesebeach ate thelookofwaterflowingthrough ham, Washington.Darlenewantedtocre- green surfaceintheirgardenBelling- makes anattractiveandwalkableever- thyme you wanderfromoneareatothenext.” they say“makesthespacefeelbiggeras 25-foot spaceintoseveral“rooms,”which sion ofthatstyle.Theydividedthe50-by- try theirhandatdesigningownver- Japanese strollgardens,theydecidedto backyard. Havingbecomefascinatedwith the opportunitytocompletelyrevamptheir Bock hadtendedfor10years,theytook cottage gardenthatDarleneandBruce a red-floweringChinesehibiscus thing initsplace,”saysDarlene. “There’s asenseofharmony,withevery- that providesyear-roundinterest. a focalpoint(seetopphoto). with rocksandabrownglassfloatservesas height andstructure,alargebowlfilled pine ASIAN INFLUENCES In designingtheplantingscheme,Dar- They plantedthepathswithwoolly The gardenbecameaserenehaven (Pinus aristata), (Pinus the American Gardener home requiredthedismantlingofa hen buildinganadditiontotheir (Ophiopogon planiscapus (Ophiopogon (Thymus pseudolanuginosus) (Thymus ‘Waterfall’ and‘Garnet’), . Twobambooscreensadd ‘Rubra’), abristlecone Japanese maples (Hibiscus ‘Ni- (Ac- ; it

MARK TURNER (2) CATRIONA TUDOR ERLER (2) CURVING LINESADDSTRUCTURE TO ATINYBACKYARD umbrella ofshadefortheback patio;acorkscrewwillow lonica lonica the yard.Roses andaclimbinghydrangeagrow againstthetrellising. she erectedtrellisingasa“permeable membrane”alongthesidesof screen; andhostas,irises,azaleas, andothershade-tolerantplants. M clude aweepingcherry compensated fortheunevenlevelbyusingtallerplants.Key plants in- perennials fora“blowsyeffect.”Onthelowersideofyard, Willis built-in fountainaddtothegarden’ssensoryappeal. back oftheyard,asandstonewallalsofeaturessmallarch with atiny for theeyetorestwithinaspacesurroundedbytallbuildings. Atthe el sothatitvisuallyanchorsthegarden.Thelawnalsoserves as aplace er ononesidethantheother),shemadesurelawnwasperfectly lev- metric structure.Althoughtheyardslopes(it’sabouteightinches high- circle shapeinaswathoflawntocreatestrongsenserecurring geo- protrudes fromarectangularbrickpatio;thensherepeatedthehalf French doorsthatleadstothebackyard.Shedesignedasemi-circle boasts numerousarchways,includingaclerestoryarchabovesetof home indowntownWashington,D.C.TheMoorish-designedtownhouse To addscreeningthatstillretained viewsofneighboringyards, Beds alongthesidesoflawnwereplantedwithtrees,shrubs, and by-40-foot deepbackyardgardenfromthearchitectureofher ary ShermanWillistookcuesforthedesignofher20-foot-wide- var. pekinensis (Prunus serrulata (Prunus ‘Tortuosa’), whicheventually becameatall ‘Kwanzan’), whichformsan (Salix baby- (Salix well asthelawn,above. fixtures areechoedinthesemi-circular flagstonepatio,top,as circular motifsinthehouse’sglass panelsandoutdoorlight Repetition addsrhythmandunitytothissmallgarden.The July /August 2006 29 30 WHERE LESSISMORE A SERENESANCTUARY the American Gardener A feel transportedintoanotherworld, adifferentmindset.” house. Krakoraespeciallyenjoys sittingontheterraceandtakinginscene:“I that terrace.Athirdvantagepoint isfromasmallbalconyonthesecondfloorof is alsoviewedfromchairsonabrickterraceorthroughFrench doorsthatopento opportunity tostrollthroughthespaceandlookatplantings upclose.Thegarden add visualinterestandtohelpmovetheeyeonajourneythrough thegarden. About adozenantiquemillstonescollectedfromKyotoare strategically placedto green predominatesinthisgarden,withseasonalsplashesof coloraddingpizzazz. located ononesideinthecenterofyard,castsshadeover thespace.Thecolor es andvarioustypesofferns,aswellazaleasvaryingsizes. Amaturemagnolia, ed bythe“lessismore”designprinciple.Keyplantsinclude manytypesofmoss- single garden—aprocessthatevolvedwithoutadvanceplanning. miniature scale.Ultimately,hecreatedaseriesofvignettes—tinygardenswithin His goalwastoexpandthesenseofsizeandimpactbyworkingwithinarelatively “That typeofgardenencouragesapersonalencounterwithspace,”heexplains. paid totheplacementofeveryelementandrelationshipsamongthoseelements. from gardenshehadvisitedinKyotoandTokyo,Japan,wheregreatattentionis thought abouthowyoucanfindauniverseinteacup.”Krakoradrewinspiration Left: Frenchdoors allowthegardentobeenjoyed fromwithinthehouseinallseasons. design emphasizes simplicityandattentiontodetail topromoteanatmosphereof serenity. Top: Asinuouspathdrawstheeye towardagateway,makingthetinyspacefeellarger.The This gardencanbeexperiencedonseverallevels.Ameandering pathaffordsthe Within thiscontext,Krakorafoundthatsimplicitywasimportant. Hewasguid- ington, D.C.,hefeltinspired,ratherthanhampered,byitsdiminutivesize:“I s JoeKrakoratackledthedesignofhis11-foot-by-40-footbackyardinWash-

ROGER FOLEY (2) COURTESY OF SALSBURY-SCHWEYER COTTAGE-GARDEN STYLEFOR ANARROW YARD Lauder’s walkingstick M close tothehouse. driveway, andculinary herbsgrowinabed trellis, prairieplantsflourish next tothe colorful displayintheborder alongthe Exuberant floweringperennials makea ties andothersocialevents. also providesalovelysettingforteapar- the backwindows,especiallyupstairs.It in thegardenaswelllookingatitfrom ture, plantingsaregroupedbytype. ‘Contorta’). Toenhancethesenseofstruc- ✕ cluding a‘CarolMackie’daphne viburnums, aswellnewvarieties,in- such asroses,lilacs,hydrangeas,and design includedold-fashionedplants grance orcouldprovidecutflowers.Sothe thing,” especiallyplantsthatboastfra- get permits. er becomeaflagstonepatioastheirbud- was designedsothatitsshapecouldlat- place torelaxorentertain.Thelawnarea ly inthecenterofspaceprovidesa flowering perennials.Agrassyovalrough- and servesasabackdropforabundant diameter posts,getscoveredbyvines shed. Thetrellis,madefromthree-inch- the yardtodisguiseabluebarn-style a seatingareawasbuiltatthebackof one side.Asimilarly-styledpergolawith a trellis-likestructurewaserectedalong (which wouldhavefeltlessneighborly), out astandardeight-foot-tallfence these challenges. Inc., inAkron,tohelpthemaddress Samuel SalsburyofSalsbury-Schweyer, husband enlistedSabrenaSchweyerand yard alongoneside.SoCareagaandher that itwasinfullviewofaneighboring wide by55feetdeep)andthefact lenged bythetinyspace(roughly22feet Cleveland, Ohio.However,shefeltchal- garden inthebackyardofherhomenear burkwoodii Careaga andherhusbandenjoybeing Careaga wantedtogrow“oneofevery- To createscreeningandprivacywith- ing aromanticEnglish-stylecottage arny JeanCareagadreamedofhav- ‘Carol Mackie’)andaHarry July /August 2006 (Corylus avellana (Corylus (Daphne  31 the merits of ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY LEE REICH Drip Irrigation

Drip irrigation conserves water, reduces weeding, and is easier to install than most gardeners realize.

HEN I ONCE asked one of the country’s best veg- for example, where drip irrigation was invented. But even etable gardeners why he doesn’t use drip irrigation, where I garden, in the humid Northeast and other regions with W he smiled, flourished his watering wand, and said, usually abundant rainfall, plants grow better with regular wa- “I like to play god.” For those of us who are less omnipotent tering. Rain, after all, rarely falls in just the right place at just in the garden, drip irrigation (also called trickle irrigation) is the right time. a godsend. Thanks to drip irrigation, a method of watering That said, a caveat is in order: Drip irrigation, or any method where water is slowly dripped into the soil, the ground in my of watering, is not always necessary for growing plants. The bene- garden remains moist throughout each growing season come fits of any kind of watering depend on the kinds of plants grown, rain or shine and with little attention from me. The benefits how well the climate behaves, and the plant performance you de- of drip irrigation are most dramatic in arid climates—in Israel, sire. Drip irrigate a wildflower-type garden that includes drought-

32 the American Gardener SOAKER WOES A soaker hose may seem like the ideal way to water plants. Just screw the porous rubber hose to the end of your hose or spigot, lay the soaker hose on top of the ground or bury it a few inches deep, turn on the faucet, and let water trick- le out. One spring I did just this in my vegetable garden. After noting the less-than-stellar response from my plants, I cut up two-foot sections of the hose for more quantitative testing. What I found was that the output was highly variable from different sections and that it changed during even one season. I expect ooze rate in the field to be even more variable. With no pressure-compensating feature, output from ele- Although often associated with vegetable gardens, drip irrigation vated portions will be less than lower portions and portions systems can easily be adapted for use in ornamental beds. closer to the water source will ooze faster than those fur- ther along the line. The pores also are not self-cleaning, tolerant plants such as coneflower, liatris, and yarrow, and you’re so they can be expected to ooze more slowly over time, es- likely to end up with overly rank growth and more weeds. With pecially when used without a filter. I consider soaker hoses few exceptions, though, if there’s any part of your garden that you to be poor stand-ins for drip irrigation. If you use them in are going to water regularly, drip irrigation is the best way to go. a small, flat garden area, they may be more efficient than A real plus of drip irrigation is its effect on weed problems and sprinklers, but to ensure continued effectiveness, you will water use: Both diminish. By pinpointing water applications, probably need to replace them every season. —L.R. none is wasted on promoting weed growth in the ground between widely spaced garden plants or in paths. The water savings of drip over a sprinkler also comes about because a sprinkler floods all soil water from larger pores, letting roots catch their breath to use pores with each watering, but much is wasted until gravity drains what’s left. With drip irrigation, water is offered at a rate more in sync with plant use, so roots have constant access to needed water and air. And finally, water from a drip system does not spray into the air, which offers two more benefits over sprinklers. First, not getting water on leaves reduces the likelihood of fungal diseases. Second, avoiding having airborne water reduces evaporation, making another contribution to the 60 percent water savings gen- erally attributed to drip irrigation. So why aren’t more gardeners using drip irrigation, you may ask? In most cases, it’s because drip irrigation is perceived as diffi- cult or high-tech, or only designed for nursery applications. Noth- ing could be further from the truth. Almost anyone can put together a basic drip irrigation system. The control mechanisms, tubing, fittings, emitters, and hole punch are available through a number of suppliers; some provide online assistance to help you design a system tailored to your garden’s needs. A few manufac- turers offer kits that come complete with all you need to set up a drip irrigation system for a small garden. Sure, there’s an upfront commitment of time to set up the drip system, but you’ll find it’s well worth it for the time and water savings over the long haul. WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE Ideally, a drip system puts out water at a rate that matches plant use, which of course varies with the size and kind of plant, tem- perature, sunlight, and wind speed. Rather than trying to fac- tor together all these variables, you could just soak the whole garden with the equivalent of a one-inch depth (which works Above: The author adjusts a dripperline in his vegetable garden. out to about a half-gallon per square foot) of water per week. Opposite page: A well-designed drip irrigation system delivers water This amount is a good approximation of average plant water to the root zone of vegetables rather than the area between the rows. use. Compute how long it would take to provide this amount

July / August 2006 33 THE NUTS AND BOLTS OF A DRIP IRRIGATION SYSTEM

The key to convenience for any drip irrigation system is a just deeply enough to keep anyone from tripping on it or timer, which can be anything from an electronic “command chewing it up with the lawnmower. Sharp bends and center” that activates solenoid valves to water various zones branches in this line are handled with special L and T con- at various times, to a relatively inexpensive, battery-pow- nectors threaded or pushed onto the header line. ered unit that threads right onto any spigot. Once out in the garden, we come to the heart of drip ir- From the timer, the water goes through a 200-micron fil- rigation: the emitters through which water exits. Emitters are ter and then through a pressure regulator. It’s important to note not merely leaky pieces of pipe or holes punched in header that some municipalities require you to install a backflow pre- lines. Output of water through such emitters would vary with venter, or check valve, at the beginning of the line to prevent water pressure, distance along the line, and changes in el- water from siphoning back into the household water system evation, and would be prone to clogging should any parti-

An opening is made on the header line with a hole punch, left, before it is fitted with an emitter, or dripperline, right.

cles get into the line. The best emitters have ingeniously designed orifices that are self-cleaning and maintain a fair- ly constant drip rate regardless of changes in water pressure. Water drips out at a specified rate, usually from one to four gallons per hour. Emitters can be buried in planted areas, but I prefer to leave them on the surface so they’ll be less likely to be gouged by my trowel, and they can be moved out Timers make it easy and convenient to maintain a continuous of the way when digging or spreading compost or mulch. In supply of moisture to plant roots. areas that experience especially intense sunlight, covering emitters with a thin layer of mulch slows degradation of the if pressure drops, so be sure to check local ordinances. The plastic by sunlight. pressure regulator brings water pressure down, typically to only I tailor the emitters I use according to how my plants are about 15 pounds per square inch, enabling the use of inex- arranged. Thus, in my vegetable garden I run a single quar- pensive, low-pressure fittings. ter-inch “soakerline”—it should more correctly be called a Next along the dripperline—down the center of each three-foot-wide bed. This water line is thin- dripperline, also easy to snake among plants in a mixed bor- wall, half-inch, black der or flower bed, has relatively closely-spaced outlets, each polyethylene tubing, six inches apart and emitting one-half gallon per hour of water. which is the so- Quarter-inch dripperline is not very pressure compensating, called “header line” but that’s not a problem with my short 10- to 20-foot-long (or mainline) that beds all on level ground. Were pressure compensation need- carries water out to ed, I would instead use half-inch pressure-compensating line, the garden. I bury “T-Tape,” or some other products having pressure-compen- this line shallowly or sating emitters six to 12 inches apart. cover it with mulch Emitters with openings every six to 12 inches are useful where it runs across A Smart-loc connector joins sections for beds because they wet wide swaths of ground as capillary the lawn or paths, of the drip irrigation system. attraction between soil particles pulls water horizontally even

34 the American Gardener of water using emitter spacing, emitter output, and the lateral spread of water for your soil type—water drains more quickly through a sandy or loamy soil than it does in a clay soil. An alternative to this computation, most useful wherever peri- as gravity tugs it verti- odic rainfalls allow some wiggle room, is to water for a total of cally. Soil texture deter- about four hours per week. This may seem like a lot of water, but mines the horizontal the water is just dripping during that time, and those four hours spread. The many capil- can be spread out over much of the day every day of the week, al- lary-size channels in clay lowing wells and aquifers recharge time. For instance, my drip soils pull water laterally timer can turn the water on and off six times a day, so each water- about three feet from ing, spread at intervals during daylight hours, is for four hours di- each emitter while, at vided by seven days of the week divided by six times per day, or the other end of the about six minutes per session. spectrum, the larger pores of sandy soils exert THROUGH THE YEAR less pull, creating a wet- Except for some minor maintenance, drip irrigation lets you pret- ting front that moves lat- ty much forget about watering for the season. The timer, filter, and erally only about a foot pressure regulator need to be brought indoors for winter; every- from each emitter. A thing else can remain wide bed, depending on Dripperlines should be checked outdoors. Some the kind of soil, might re- periodically to make sure they are users suggest blow- quire more than a single functioning properly. ing water out of the Sources dripperline. lines with air at the DIG Irrigation Products, Vista, CA. When setting up trees, shrubs, or other widely spaced end of each growing (800) 322-9146. plants on drip irrigation, you don’t want to water the many season. I also plug www.digcorp.com. feet of ground between them. In this case, run a header line the header line— from plant to plant, and then at each plant punch a hole in after disconnecting Drip Depot, Weed, CA. (888) 525- the line and plug in an emitter. Many types of plug-in emit- the timer pressure 8874. www.dripdepot.com. ters are available; for a row of newly planted fruit trees, I regulator, and filter chose the pressure-compensating “PC Plus” emitter, which —to keep out curi- The Drip Store, San Marcos, CA. ous creatures. (866) 682-1580. During the grow- www.dripirrigation.com. ing season, I turn off the spigot during wet Drips Inc., Concho, AZ. (877) spells and manually 50DRIPS. www.mrdrip.com. water newly planted seeds or transplants Dripworks, Willits, CA. (800)-522- until their roots 3747. www.dripworksusa.com. reach down to the wetting zone. Some The Urban Farmer Store, San Fran- years, if I think of it, cisco, CA. (800) 753-3747. I’ll decrease watering www.urbanfarmerstore.com. durations early and late in the season, when plants use less water. The performance of even the most automated watering sys- tem needs periodic monitoring. Look over your timer’s shoulder A plug-in emitter delivers water to the base of this blueberry plant. to make sure the water is going on and off as planned. Then scur- Larger plants may require several emitters to get adequate moisture. ry over to your plants to spot check that water is dripping from the emitters. Occasionally check the soil, digging a hole to feel for emits one-half gallon of water per hour. Older trees would moisture or probing for moisture with an electronic moisture need more than a single emitter, both for even root distrib- meter. And, of course, look at your plants. If they look happy and ution and for adequate moisture, or could be encircled by are growing well, you know the system is doing its job.  a ring of emitter tubing, such as a half-inch pressure com- pensating line, plugged into the header line. —L.R. Lee Reich is the author of Weedless Gardening (Workman Publish- ing, 2001) in which he details an integrated system to control weeds, one part of which is drip irrigation. He lives in New Paltz, New York.

July / August 2006 35 36 B though recent research by theMissouri separate male andfemaleplants,al- yellow flowers are generallyunisexualon avocado and camphor(Cinnamomum such asbay( tered atleastone memberofits47genera, in thekitchenyou’ve probably encoun- dor intoview. Andifyou spendany time members forbringingthisfeathered splen- oflaurelthank theripeningfruit family through their binocularscanprobably caught aglimpseofthefabledquetzal tourists toCentralAmericawhohave trees inthetropics andsubtropics. Eco- ly ancient,comprisedchieflyofevergreen laurels (), isconsidered relative- ily towhichitbelongs. memberoftheratherlargeplantfam- every ciate withthegenusLindera—in fact,with essence ofqualitythatIhave cometoasso- bility. It isthisunderstatedyet tangible tle butperceptible pedigree thatconfersno- ably there existsanelusive quality, somesub- effects from flower Yet andfruit. undeni- rameters offoliartexture, autumncolor, and from others.Thereapart are theobvious pa- ticulated thecriteriathatsetsomeplants todoso,Ihave neveropportunities fullyar- it isIseeinaplantthatmakes“good.” surprise thatIamfrequently askedwhat tions intoWestern horticulture, it’s no studying thefloraforpossibleintroduc- BY DANIELJ.HINKLEY the genus of thenativespicebush,but with theunderstatedbeauty Many gardenersarefamiliar place inAmericangardens. many othergemsworthyofa Across theboard, thesmall greenish or In terms,thisfamily, evolutionary the I mustadmitthat,despitehavingmany the American Gardener ECAUSE IHAVE ural landscapesoftheworld ofmyadultlifeinnat- dinate part (Persea americana). Laurus nobilis), Laurus Lindera spent aninor- includes cinnamon spp.), and Early springblooms of produce glossyebony fruitthatiscomplemented by glowingyellowfoliageinfall. Spicebush’s Lindera obtusiloba Lindera run thelengthof its15-footstems.Femaleplants

MICHAEL S. THOMPSON Exotic Siblings

Pondberry, also called southern spice- bush or Jove’s fruit, is a smallish upright de- ciduous shrub native to seasonally flooded depressions and swamps from southern Missouri and North Carolina south to the Gulf Coast. It is listed as endangered both nationally and in several states, and, ac- cording to the Center for Plant Conserva- tion, only 40 scattered populations are known, principally in Arkansas and Mis- sissippi. “Its leaves are longer and narrow- er than those of spicebush, but they have a similar aroma,” says Bob McCartney, co- owner of Woodlanders nursery in Aiken, South Carolina. Elliptical reddish de- velop on female plants in late summer, fol- lowed by yellowish fall color.

Commonly encountered in moist woodlands throughout eastern North America, puts on a show of yellow flowers in spring and yellow foliage in fall.

Botanical Garden indicates that some (L. subcoriacea, Zones 7–8, 8–6)—are species may be capable of switching rarely encountered either in cultivation sexes. In the field, characteristics that I or in the wild and have been red-flagged use to identify members of this family in- for conservation. clude leaf arrangement (always alternate), The most gregarious native species, the presence of aromatic oils in the leaf spicebush (Lindera benzoin, Zones 4–9, when crushed (think camphor), promi- 8–1) is certainly the best known, inhabit- nent parallel leaf venation, and fleshy ing moist, shaded woodlands in every state fruit—technically drupes—held close to east of the Mississippi and into the north- the branches by short, stubby pedicels eastern provinces of Canada. Spicebush is known as cupules. a pleasing deciduous shrub adorned in Pondberry’s red fruits produce seeds with low Considering the astounding number of early spring by a diaphanous haze of ex- viability; the shrub reproduces vegetatively by taxa in the genus Lindera—estimated at ceedingly fragrant small yellow flowers stolons and tends to form small colonies. between 80 and 100 species—I find it that bloom along its eight-by-eight-foot somewhat surprising that so few of these (or more) framework. Bog spicebush, also deciduous, is deciduous and evergreen shrubs and small Its young twigs and foliage give off a found in scattered moist woods and wet- trees are known and appreciated in gar- lemony aroma when bruised and the land areas from Virginia south to the Gulf dens of North America or even Europe. leaves—along with those of its relatives, Coast. It is listed as endangered in North and Persea borbonia— Carolina and Florida. According to Bill NORTH AMERICANS are a primary food source for the larvae of Cullina, author of Native Trees, Shrubs & Of the three recognized Lindera species the spicebush swallowtail butterfly. In late Vines (see “Resources,” page 38), its leaves native to North America, two—pond- summer to early fall, berries on female are smaller and more leathery than L. ben- berry (Lindera melissifolia, USDA Zones plants turn bright red and the leaves take zoin, and the mature leaves lack the char-

TOP: SUSAN A. ROTH. RIGHT: JOE DITTO / COURTESY OF CENTER FOR PLANT CONSERVATION 7–9, AHS Zones 9–6) and bog spicebush on a cheerful shade of yellow. acteristic spicy aroma.

July / August 2006 37 38 foliage ofAmericanbeechtrees. winter, persistingdecorativelymuchlikethe green toredinfall,andapricotbrown Leaves ofthewillowleafspicebushturnfrom documented. where more than80specieshave been is geographicallycentered ineasternAsia, America, there isnoargumentthegenus the mountainsofMexico andCentral are awaitingdiscovery in almostcertainly vorites. lindera speciesthatIcountamongmyfa- host toatrioofexceptional deciduous The mountainsofJapan andKorea play ASIAN NATIVES Korea Japan, andnorthern itsstartling component of theoakforests of South throcarpa the samecannotbesaidforthose of lostinthe autumnlandscape; somewhat ly finewintereffects. salicifolia, Zones 6–8,8–5),offersequal- as asubspecies—willowleaf spicebush(L. some references listitassynonymousor tailed deer. Acloselyalliedspecies— scribed asthefresh springpeltofawhite- ripen toatawnybrown, acolor bestde- until latewinter, theleaves ofL.glauca begun. Adhering firmlytothebranches mid-autumn, yet theshow has onlyjust cious tintsoforangeandred in neath. Theseleaves transitiontodeli- the specificepithet,glaucouswhitebe- inches long,dark green above and,hence six feetwithsimpleovate leaves tofour is arelatively upto smallrounded shrub Though more unsung The jet black fruits of The jetblackfruits the American Gardener Lindera glauca (Zones 6–8,9–6).Acommon (Zones 6–8,8–5) L. glauca Lindera L. ery- taxa are Lindera obtusiloba continental andarchipelagic territory, is other deciduousshrub. low autumncolor, are unparalleledby any pecially incomplementtotheblazingyel- crops ofred onfemalespecimens,es- fruit Lindera erythrocarpa Lindera flowers inlatewinter. Brightredfruitsfollowon femaleplants. Sources Native Trees,Shrubs&Vines Illinois, 1998. Stipes Publishing,Champaign, (5th edition)byMichaelA.Dirr. Manual ofWoodyLandscapePlants Resources Catalog online. 648-7522. Woodlanders, Inc., Catalog free. 686-8266. Greer Gardens, Catalog $5;freeonline. 846-7269. Forestfarm, Boston, Massachusetts,2002. William Cullina,HoughtonMifflin, The third ofthetriad,sharingboth Williams, OR.(541) www.woodlanders.net. www.greergardens.com. www.forestfarm.com. Eugene, OR.(541) Aiken, SC.(803) produces purplish-brown stemsthatarecloaked bygreenish-yellow (Zones 6–9,8–1), by family istheexception ratherthantherule As alludedtoearlier, deciduousnessinthis EVERGREEN LINDERAS and orangesinautumn. mens ofL.triloba obtusiloba, than thedazzlingyellow fallcolorofL. it backintheranksof Parabenzoin; ically reassigned L.triloba under itsname.Taxonomists have histor- specimens ofL.obtusiloba Shikoku, Japan, Ihadreceived numerous of thisspeciesinthehighmountains ficult tolocate.Before collectingtheseed fined andelegant,thereal McCoy isdif- and althoughIconsideritabitmore re- ba rameters ofplanttaxonomy. equation thepuzzling,ever changingpa- genus, aslongonefigures intothe tusiloba mens ripencrops ofglisteningebonyfruit. sizzling yellow inautumnasfemalespeci- safras kin,emergesoonafterandseartoa similar inappearancetothoseofitssas- low flowers. Thethree-lobed leaves, very carries avividandbeguilingdisplayofyel- branched skeleton,upto15feetinheight, tioning. In latewinter, itsspreading, multi- embrace theentire genuswithoutques- which, tomymind,isreason enoughto The characteristicleaflobingofL.ob- (Zones 6–8,8–6)isasimilarplant, is notwithoutprecedent inthe however, mygarden speci- however recent analysishas yield apanoplyofreds Lindera. masquerading Lindera trilo- to thegenus Rather

TOP: JAMIE BLACKBURN / COURTESY OF ATLANTA BOTANICAL GARDEN. BOTTOM: MICHAEL S. THOMPSON and the same applies to this genus. With some 30 evergreen species to consider, it will take many more years of study before I can intelligently comment on them. The first evergreen species I grew came from the late North Carolina plantsman J.C. Raulston, who had germinated seeds of L. aggregata (Zones 7–8, 9–7) and sent one to me to trial. My specimen has sulked in the coolness of my Pacific Northwest garden ever since, yet it has provided me an entrée into the puzzling and overwhelming realm of the evergreen linderas. The glossy green leaves of many of the species are prominently parallel-veined and not dissimilar to their sister genus Cinnamomum in appearance. When one ventures forth into the territory where these grow, however, all bets are off. In China’s Sichuan Province, I have hiked amidst thickets of evergreen linderas that appeared superficially identical, though some bear fruit that ripen to black while others to red. Most appear to be better adapted to the heat and humidity of the mid-Atlantic and Southeast states than to At the Atlanta Botanical Garden, slow-growing Lindera aggregata provides a substantial our cool Pacific Northwest climate, and evergreen presence in this mixed border of herbaceous perennials. indeed there is a fine collection of ever- green linderas at the Atlanta Botanical burn. One specimen at ABG is nearly 12 handsome evergreen shrub clad with Garden (ABG). feet high and five feet in diameter at its quantities of bright red fleshy fruit. This I Jamie Blackburn, curator of woodland broadest point after about 10 years. later identified as L. communis (Zones gardens at ABG says L. aggregata is a good In 1996, while plant hunting in China’s 6–8, 8–6) and have found it performs well choice for southern gardens because it stays Yunnan Province, I was attracted to a in the Pacific Northwest. reliably evergreen. “The undersides of the leaves have a silvery sheen, and emerging new foliage has a silvery look that is very ornamental,” says Blackburn. At ABG, the GROWING AND PROPAGATING LINDERAS slow-growing specimens have matured at Grow linderas in well-draining, evenly moist, neutral to slightly acidic soil. A site about eight feet tall and wide. in full sun to part shade is ideal for most species, but deciduous species will de- Blackburn also recommends L. reflexa velop optimum autumn color in sunny locations. Jamie Blackburn of the Atlanta (Zones 7–8, 9–7), although he says it Botanical Garden says evergreen linderas benefit from part shade in the South- tends to be deciduous in the Atlanta re- east. Remember, both male and female selections are required for fruit set, so gion. “But even without leaves, the bright plan on planting two or more if fruit is desired. green stems show up nicely in the winter The flip side of this, according to Blackburn, is that some of the deciduous landscape,” he notes. “Its foliage and flow- Asian linderas have proven weedy in some areas. At the Morris Arboretum near ers are similar to those of our native spice- Philadelphia, female specimens of L. obtusiloba were removed because of this bush, but the leaves are not as aromatic.” problem. So, depending on the location of your garden, you may want to consid- One specimen at ABG is 12 feet tall and er seeking out only male selections of certain species. wide and still growing. Sow seeds as soon as they ripen in late fall—if you can beat the birds to them; Dense foliage and an upright habit dis- most will germinate the following spring. Take softwood cuttings of deciduous tinguish L. floribunda (Zones 7–8, 9–7) species; hardwood cuttings with bottom heat for evergreen species. which, despite its specific epithet, has No major pests or diseases are known to trouble the genus. The aromatic oils smallish flowers according to Blackburn. of the laurel family are thought to discourage many insects and herbivores, but “The most interesting aspect of L. flori- I’m not certain enough regional information is available yet to declare the genus bunda isn’t the flowers, it’s the almost fasti- Lindera completely “deer proof.” —D.J.H. giate shape and compact foliage—it almost

JAMIE BLACKBURN / COURTESY OF ATLANTA BOTANICAL GARDEN looks like it has been trimmed,” says Black-

July / August 2006 39 Although Lindera reflexa, above left, tends to be deciduous in USDA Zone 7, its green stems provide winter interest. Lindera floribunda, seen here at the Atlanta Botanical Garden, above right, grows eight to 12 feet tall with a compact, almost fastigiate habit.

Still to be adequately tested is Lindera such as L. obtusiloba and L. triloba, with seedlings to assure at least a matched set. fragrans (Zones 6–7, 7–6), perhaps the more finely textured foliage from adjacent The crops of glistening black or red fruit of most elegant of broad-leaved evergreen shrubs and perennials. A dwarf hemlock, these species, as their foliage transitions to shrubs I have ever encountered. From for instance, as well as the erect fronds of intense butterscotch yellows or burgundy China’s Sichuan Province, it provides spi- dissected ferns, would contrast nicely with reds, creates a memorable scene and will dery textured, evergreen foliage to five the large-lobed foliage of these species. As bring birds into your garden. inches in length along multi-branched in all matters of design, think in terms of Although my knowledge of Lindera is stems up to 15 feet. black and white—i.e., contrasting sizes still growing, my commitment to this splen- Lindera megaphylla (Zones 6–8, 8–6), and textures—and you won’t go wrong. did genus of deciduous and evergreen which, as its name would imply, has large Spicebush and the other American shrubs remains intact. For effects of flower, and long glossy green leaves, has recently linderas fare best where they receive foliage, and fruit provided by both North been planted in my new garden in Indi- some shade and are ideal for naturalizing American natives as well as exotic taxa, there anola, Washington, where it seems quite at the edge of a woodland garden. Good are few genera that offer such breadth of or- content in the perpetual winter fog with companions include native wildflowers nament to our gardens as from this aggre- which it is provided. such as Virginia bluebells (Mertensia vir- gate of simply good garden plants.  ginica), trout lilies (Erythronium spp.), and LANDSCAPE SUGGESTIONS mayapples (Podophyllum peltatum), as well A plant explorer, writer, lecturer, and horti- Though most of the linderas possess rela- as other shade-tolerant native shrubs and cultural consultant, Daniel J. Hinkley is the tively small flowers, the effects can be trees, including vernal witch hazel 2006 recipient of the American Horticultur- quite dazzling if properly placed. Consid- (Hamamelis vernalis) and leucothoes. al Society’s Liberty Hyde Bailey award. He er siting plants where the flowers will be Lastly, remember the most often for- and his partner, Robert L. Jones, founded backlit by the rising or setting sun. In this gotten ornamental attribute of plants: their Heronswood Nursery in 1987 and operated situation, the haze of golden flowers in late season of fruit. If you are limited by space, it for nearly 20 years until recently. Hinkley winter or early spring will be enhanced. plant both sexes in one planting hole. If and Jones are developing a new garden in

Accentuate the bold-foliaged species, you have the room, plant three or even five Indianola, Washington. LEFT: CAROLE OTTESEN. RIGHT: JAMIE BLACKBURN / COURTESY OF ATLANTA BOTANICAL GARDEN

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Available wherever books are sold • For more great ideas visit www.dk.com and sign up for our FREE newsletter 42 the nials canhelpyou accomplishthisgoal. regionally trees, native shrubs, andperen- food andshelterforwildlife.Integrating tat garden includesplantsthatprovide the more reason toensure thatyour habi- gardening Thisisall seasonquiteshort. alpine climatesmakethesummer cluding thefactthattheiralpineandsub- regions alsohave muchincommon,in- unique native plantsandwildlife.Those glabrum), pyrifera), Trees suchaspaperbirch MOUNTAINHABITATS MOIST your garden. conifers inanout-of-the-way cornerof and mound oftrimmingsfrom shrubs and smallmammals;considerplacinga pilesalsoprovidebrush ahomeforbirds with shelterfrom windandsnow. Woody you have someconiferstoprovide birds in high-altitudegales.Alsomakesure that low-growing plantsthatcanstayanchored windy attimes,sochoosedeep-rooted and quickly desiccatenonadaptedplants. the combinationofcoldanddrought can fortheformer,especially important where for botheasternandwestern slopes,butis ed tolocalrainfalllevels—is agoodoption Xeriscaping—using plantsthatare adapt- cause theylieinaso-calledrainshadow. slopes, however, canbeextremely dry, be- rise topassover themountains.Eastern east release muchoftheirmoisture asthey tion becausecloudsmoving from west to Western slopestendtohave lushvegeta- and easternsidesofmountainranges. Habitat gardening differsonthe western CLIMATE CHALLENGES T AIA GARDENING HABITAT For yourhigh-altitudegarden,conditions. chooseplantsbasedonwhetheryouhavemoistordry Mountain climatesalsocanbequite the American Gardener Sierra Nevada eachsupport the Rocky Mountains, andthe HE CASCADEMOUNTAINS, Rocky mountainmaple(Acer quaking aspen (Populus tremu- Mountain West (Betula pa- hogany siskins. For mountainma- try shrubs, attracts crossbills, grosbeaks, andpine both shelterandfoodinwinter:thelatter spruce (Pseudotsuga menziesii) sider evergreens suchasDouglas fir and itsleaves putonabrilliantfallshow. flies sipnectarfrom thesumac’s flowers, birds andmammals.Spring azure butter- maple, aspen,andsumacprovide seedsfor ing cloakandtigerswallowtail, while suchasthemourn- aspen attractbutterflies well inmoistmountainregions. Birch and loides), lewisii) dry. Wild mockorange (Philadelphus conditions from moderatelymoisttosemi- thattoleratesarangeof deciduous shrub Small evergreenslike Fastigiate’ providefoodandshelterforbirds. In moderatemoisture conditions,con- and scarletsumac (Cercocarpus montanus), (Picea pungens), will addornament (andpollina- Picea pungens Picea and Coloradoblue (Rhus glabra) which provide a mid-size ‘Iseli do lovely incolorfrom varieties thatvary juniper of berries,seeds,andtenderbuds. spruce spruce ( (Pinus ponderosa subalpineenvironments:own pines indry Evergreen trees comeintotheir andshrubs DRY MOUNTAINHABITATS huckleberry huckleberry (Celtis occidentalis) spring followed by ediblepurpleberries. species thatboastslovely whiteblossomsin (Amelanchier alnifolia), of myfavorite smalltrees, serviceberry and addwintercolortoyour garden. One stolonifera) plant red-osier dogwood(Cornus by goldenstamens. with itsfragrantwhiteflowers highlighted tors) toahabitatgarden inearlysummer Wood’s rose (Rosa woodsii). ter food(rose hips)forwildlife,plant for asummerfloralshow thatyieldswin- yellowcheerful blossoms inthesnow. And Jupiter buttercup (R.jovis), adoneus) (Ranunculus early tasteofspring,plantalpinebuttercup groundcover For andattractbutterflies. an violet missouriensis), um viscossissimum), geranium eye butterflies—sticky (Mimulus environment includemonkeyflowers attract ahostofwildlife. reum) currants bucus nigra cades andSierra Nevada, elderberry Juniperus scopolorum), For smallgardens, considercreeping Fruiting suchashackberry shrubs Along astream bankordrainageditch, Flowering perennials thatprefer amoist (Viola biflora), whichmakeasuperb require onlymoderatemoisture and (Picea engelmanii) (J. horizontalis), (J. (Ribes americanum spp.)—nectar plantsforbuck- to attract butterflies insummer to attractbutterflies (Vaccinium BY JOANNETURNERWOLFE and yellow-flowered twin- subsp. and western blueflag(Iris in theRockies and P. flexilis), canadensis), is asuperbwildlife spp.) intheCas- and itscousin, and Engelmann which hasmany are acornucopia which open and (Gerani- juniper R. au- (Sam- and

SUSAN A. ROTH Resources California Native Plant Society, (916) 447-2677. www.cnps.org.

Colorado Native Plant Society, Fort Collins, CO. www.conps.org.

Rocky Mountain Wildflowers by Jerry Pavia. Fulcrum Publishing, Golden, Colorado, 2003. Sources Forestfarm, Williams, OR. (541) 846-7269. www.forestfarm.com. Catalog $5; free online.

Las Pilitas Nursery (southern location), Escondido, CA. (760) 749-5930. www.laspilitas.com. Catalog online.

Western Native Seed, Coaldale, CO. (719) 942-3935. www.westernnative seed.com. Catalog online.

green and blue to purple. Bristlecone pine Oregon grape (Mahonia repens), two ex- (P. aristata) also is small and slow growing, cellent groundcovers that produce copious and several small species and varieties of berries and thrive in cold, dry conditions. spruce are available. For an especially lovely garden shrub, try Black chokecherry (Prunus virginiana ‘Wood’s Red’ bearberry, a dwarf cultivar var. melanocarpa) is a good companion for that has attractive rounded green leaves, juniper in dry gardens up to 10,000 feet. It pink flowers, and large, shiny red fruit. offers creamy white flowers in spring, edi- Thimbleberry (Rubus deliciosa) is an at- ble red to purple fruit in summer, and yel- tractive shrub that pairs well with bearber- low to red fall leaf color. ry and ponderosa pine. It thrives in sun or Dryland habitat gardens benefit from part shade and is quite drought-tolerant. evergreen bearberry—also called kin- Penstemons thrive in dry gardens that ninckinnick (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) and have sandy, well-drained soil, and many species attract hummingbirds. Scarlet bu- gler (Penstemon barbatus) is a superior hummingbird plant that, although short- lived, readily self-sows. Wild hyssop (Agas- tache cana) is another good nectar source for hummingbirds and hawk moths. Dry, sunny, free-draining areas on south-facing slopes are best for butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa), the showiest of the native milkweeds. The bright orange flowers are a magnet for butterflies, in- cluding swallowtails and monarchs. Pair butterfly weed with another butterfly fa- vorite, sulphur-flower (Eriogonum umbel- latum), which forms broad mats of vegetation headed by bright yellow um- bels. Round out this flaming summer dis- play with the bright orange-red flowers of blanketflower (Gaillardia aristata). 

Penstemon barbatus ‘Elfin Pink’ brightens up Joanne Wolfe is a contributing editor for

SUSAN A. ROTH a dry-mountain habitat garden. The American Gardener.

July / August 2006 43 44 by DoreenHoward Tony Avent,PlantExplorer andHorticulturalProvocateur bv et ruh-oeatpat nteSuhetscina uie ee oai adn.Aoergt TonyAvent inthega Above left:Drought-tolerant plantsintheSouthwest sectionatJuniperLevelBotanic Gardens.Aboveright: H gardening world,andoneofthenursery’s specialties—. plants collectedinthelast30years; manyare available from thecatalogandwebsite Botanic Gardens inRaleigh,North Carolina. Thisfive-acre displaygarden features over 17,000varieties of ofplants.Hallelujah!” Aventthe glory andhiswife,Michelle, own Plant Delights Nursery atJuniper Level scribes Avent inevangelical terms.“Tony’s thepreacher ofhorticulture. He ascendsthepulpitandexpounds deners,” saysgarden writerFelder Rushing, anAHSboard member. Fellow planthunterDan Heims de- new. “Tony’s eye forunusualplantsissecondonlytohisabilityconnectthosewithappreciative gar- ers drawthereader and—mostofall—enticedintoplantingsomething insidetobeeducated,entertained, to lookatnative speciesofsouthern Tony Avent: your catalogsoon? what didyou find,andwill itbein plants. Where didyou gothisyear, than 50tripsaround theworldtofind Doreen Howard: Avent talkedwithgarden writerDoreen Howard recently abouthislatestplantexpedition,trends inthe the American Gardener IS PLANT DELIGHTSIS PLANT NURSERY any essayoreulogycould.From Potter” “Hairy to“Titanum…A Lust Story,” hissatiricalcatalogcov- We went toSouth Dakota You’ve made more collections foundinFlorida, Alabama, covered withsnow. zona, where theground wasfrozen and entire range.IfoundtheplantinAri- veneris). maidenhair fern Now we’re growing this species from N NOEWITH ONE ON ONE catalog definestrendsetting plantsmanTony Avent betterthan I liketolookataspeciesinits C (Adiantum capillis- … we are evaluating, notselecting. Florida hassmallerpinules.At thispoint, form isamazinglyvigorous. Theonefrom andcompact.TheAlabama short very The formisunique,becauseit’s da, ,China,andMexico. North Carolina, Texas, Michigan, Bermu- (www.plantdelights.com). rden.

THIS PAGE AND OPPOSITE: COURTESY OF PLANT DELIGHTS NURSERY (3) We also share material with other re­ Are hostas still a "hot" perennial? And searchers. Last year, we sent quite a bit of how do you come up with names for material to the Fern Research Group at them like 'Outhouse Delight' and Duke University. If we have extra plants 'White Wall Tires' ? that sprout from spores, we sell them in Hostas are not considered "in" anymore, our online catalog. Many of these forms yet their sales are still going up because have been offered at one time or another. there's a glut of producers and product. Last year, we introduced one from Texas And there will always be gardeners-like that we called 'Rock Springs' afterthe town our customers-who want new and un­ where we found it. usual hostas. producers have spent a lot of time developing fragrance. Hosta You've talked about 30-year cycles in 'Cathedral Windows' , for example, plant popularity. What's next? which we offer, is incredibly fragrant and People like what they perceive as "new" has cool striping on its flowers. things, but everything goes in cycles. In the The names usually come to me when 1940S and ' 50S, perennials were big. The I'm driving or on a plane-when I'm 1970S were all about annuals and ferns. Avent predicts that new baptisia cultivars completely bored! Ferns are on the upswing again; they such as 'Minor Pink', above, will be part of should be good for 15 years. a wave of future plant trends. The price of yow catalog is ten stamps I'd say that natives are a solid bet. Ten­ or a box of chocolates. How much der perennials for containers and hardy spp.); they'll be big. You'll see them in candy do you get every year? tropicals haven't peaked yet. They are pinks, bicolors, and with huge flower We receive several hundred boxes. It probably good for another eight to 10 stalks. The first wave should come in the keeps the staff highly motivated and years. Brugsmansia will be huge, too. next two to three years. We've also been de­ moving fast. � We think it's more fun to set trends veloping colocasias with Dr. John Cho at than to follow them. We're in the early the University of . New ones with Doreen Howard, former garden editor at phases of developing baptisias (Baptisia glossy black leaves will soon be available. Woman's Day, gardens in Roscoe, Illinois.

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jULY/AUGUST2006 45 46 by KathrynLundJohnson Things ThatGo“Blink”intheNight Eisner andJerrold Meinwald, professors Lloyd’s findingsonestepfurther, Thomas mimicry, tolure Lloyd, employ thistactic, calledaggressive These females,coined“femme fatales” by sponse tomate-seekingmalesof Photinus. they have evolved theabilitytoblinkinre- tinctive flash oftheirown species, addition toresponding tothedis- predator-deterring lucibufagins.In romance since theyproduce no times blinkforreasons otherthan males ofthegenus Gainesville, determinedthatfe- tology attheUniversity ofFlorida, professor of entomologyandnema- games offireflies, James E.Lloyd, of thechemicals. predators by thepresence advertising blinking likelywards offpotential when ingested.In these species, to deadlyforpredators ofthebeetles chemicals rangingfrom distasteful some generacontainlucibufagins, females blinkinresponse. Fireflies of season, malesblinktofemalesand species-specific. During themating day whenblinkingbeginsare frequency, colors,andthetimeof tinctive blink.Duration, intensity, mates—and eachspecieshasadis- they identify, locate,andselecttheir blink tocommunicate—it’s how known asbioluminescence. Fireflies light created through aprocess and adultsofmostspeciesproduce In North America,theeggs,larvae, SOME LIGHTCONVERSATION Preferred withspeciesandincludewoodlands,wetlands, fields,andgrasslands. habitatsvary “lightning bugs,”inNorth America,withtheheaviestconcentrationfoundeastofMississippi River. continentexceptexist onevery Antarctica. There are 23generaandapproximately 200speciesoffireflies, or A While researching themating the American Gardener ROUND THEGLOBE, civilization. Thesoft-bodiedbeetles,membersoftheorder Coleopteraandthefirefly family, Lampyridae, Photinus Photuris males. Taking some- the blinkingtaillightsoffireflies have sparked imaginationssincethedawnof By consumingthe bloodofthemale tains awell-stocked larder oflucibufagins. that thebloodofPhotinus than justaquickmeal.They discovered ceptive ploy gainsthefemalesmuchmore in Ithaca, New York, foundthatthis de- of chemicalecologyatCornell University AUA CONNECTIONS NATURAL C fireflies con- Phot- prey withacombinationanesthetic/diges- ducts intheirmandibles, theyinjectthe grab andpierce theirprey.the larvae From Using opposing,sickle-shaped mandibles, bothliving anddead. ied invertebrates, andothersoft-bod- worms, earthworms, alsofeedonmites,cut- trails. Thelarvae which theytrackby following slime such garden pestsassnails andslugs, cious carnivores. Theirprey includes emerge about10daysafterpupation. prior topupation.Adult around themselvesmounds ofearth Most buildpebble-sized larvae seasons, pupatinginthespring. to reside underground foroneortwo about three weeks laterandcontinue appear eggs inmoistsoil.Larvae two weeks, duringwhichtheylay Adult fireflies live foraboutoneto HUNGRY YOUNGSTERS tential toxicity. coloration, towarnpredators ofpo- ing bioluminescence,ratherthan known exampleofan insectutiliz- glowing isthefirst offirefly larvae Delaware inNewark, believes the W. Tallamy oftheUniversity of involve matingbehavior. Douglas sexually mature, itdoesnotlikely since fireflies inthesestagesare not glowand larvae are speculative, but predators. “reflex bleeding” ifthreatened by lucibufagins thatsheoozes through inus, The larvae offireflies areThe larvae vora- Explanations forwhyfirefly eggs the femalePhoturis acquires

CHET PHILLIPS Adult fireflies, left, are beloved for their gentle twinkling display on summer evenings. Firefly larvae, above, are actually Can you spot the voracious predators of many insects and garden pests, such as this snail. $5 billion water storage plant? tive substance. The anesthetic immobilizes casual use of pesticides. “Firefly larvae don’t the prey, and the digestive juices break do well in sterile lawns,” advises Tallamy. Trees are helping areas like yours save up down tissue into liquid form, allowing the “And with 40 million acres of lawn in the U. to $5 billion in stormwater management larvae to ingest the “innards.” S., it’s no surprise that we’re seeing a decline costs and $50 million in air pollution Less is known about the eating behav- in the firefly population.” Municipal mos- control costs. Help us plant that idea iors of adult fireflies, but it is believed that quito spray programs may be contributing around the country. Call or visit us on some species consume pollen and nectar, to this trend. the web. while others—with the exception of the fe- What can gardeners do to stem the male Photinus fireflies—probably do not decline of fireflies? We can leave parts of feed at all. our yards in a natural state, educate our communities about the interconnected- DIMINISHING GLOW? ness of Earth’s organisms, and strive to P.O.Box 2000, Washington, D.C. 20013 Though no definitive scientific data exist, preserve fragile ecosystems. With our 800-545-TREE there are reports of declines in the popula- help, future generations will continue to tions of fireflies. Since fireflies are habitat- delight in the remarkable blinking dis- and site-specific, land development and the plays of fireflies.  draining of wetlands and other damp ecosystems affect breeding activity and the Freelance writer Kathryn Lund Johnson survival of eggs and larvae. Another serious enjoys the summer display of fireflies in her threat to fireflies is the indiscriminate and Middleville, Michigan, garden.

HOW A FIREFLY PRODUCES ITS GLOW

Bioluminescence, the process by which fireflies produce light, is a chemical reaction— the result of the oxidation of luciferin, a light-emitting molecule; adenosine triphosphate, an energy source present in all living things; luciferase, an enzyme; and magnesium, a facilitator. The light produced is “cold light”—almost none of it is given off as heat. (By comparison, an electric light bulb gives off 10 percent light and 90 percent heat.) Be- cause cold light conserves energy, it is extremely efficient. Fireflies regulate the light by drawing oxygen into specialized organs in their abdominal segments. Light emitted by the eggs and larvae is a glow, while that of adults is the familiar “blink.” Scientists have long recognized the importance of luciferin and luciferase in the medical arena. The chemicals help to determine the presence of cancer cells, and assist in diagnosing heart attack victims. They also are used to detect bacteria in food, milk, and water. For decades, the sole source of the chemicals was the light- emitting organs of fireflies. To acquire the insects for experimentation, several com- panies and universities put a bounty on them, paying collectors a penny per firefly. Millions were collected. Luciferin and luciferase are now produced synthetically, and the collection campaigns have been discontinued. —K.L.J. LEFT: COURTESY OF WHITNEY CRANSHAW / WWW.FORESTRYIMAGES.COM; RIGHT: AYDIN ORSTAN

July / August 2006 47 48 part of a broader effort by ofabroader APHIS effort part toup- unlikely tobecomeinvasive.” germination orcultivation, sotheyare trade, primarilybecauseofdifficulties in changes are notwidelyavailable inthe addition, manyseedstradedin theseex- requirements.tion andphytosanitary In procedures are basedonstrictidentifica- sponsible, andknowledgeable, andtheir groups are stable,re-she says.“These through seedexchanges,”seed imported safetyofhorticultural the phytosanitary agenciesabout lawmakers andregulatory closely. “It’s toeducate been necessary Society, has been following theprocess for theNorth AmericanRock Garden multiple use. permit isfree andvalid forthree years of theimporter’s certificate, phytosanitary netically modifiedseeds).Unlike the wouldnotapplytoge- rule ple, thenew regulations underfederallaw(forexam- and are notsubjecttoanyextraordinary weeds asdefinedby federalregulations, not ofprohibited genera,are notnoxious permitforseedsthatarefor animport certificate. some—phytosanitary viously-required—and cumber- very taxon withouthavingtoobtainthepre- gardeners, societies,ar- horticultural changethatmakesiteasierfor ulatory (APHIS)Service hasimplementedareg- Animal andPlant Health Inspection ofAgriculture’sThe U.S.Department AIDSSEEDEXCHANGES RULES CHANGE Horticultural NewsandResearch ImportanttoAmericanGardeners Fingerut notesthattherecent changeis Joyce Fingerut, government liaison Instead, thesesmall entities canapply the American Gardener grams ofseedper 50 seedsor10 up to50packetsof bringin importers 2006, letsqualified effective May 15, rule, seed. Thenew smalllotsof port businesses toim- boreta, andsmall in the regulatory process. in theregulatory ed individualsandgroups canparticipate It includesinformationonhow interest- www.aphis.usda.gov/ ppq/37/revision.html. Plants forPlanting,” isavailable on Risks Associated 2005. Thewhitepaper, “Addressing the APHIS whitepaperissuedinDecember otic pests—anditsgoalsare outlinedinan the global-trade-driven introduction ofex- and quantity andvariety ofplantimports sharpincreasesthe effort—including in ofplants.Thefactorsdriving importation date thebodyofregulations governing the tus growing threat tothepricklypearcac- Caribbean asabiocontrol agent,isa rum), The cactusmoth(Cactoblastis cacto- CACTUS NATIVE IMPERILS MOTH da Keys in1989andhas sincemoved plant tocollapseanddie. ing themoutandeventually causingthe tus’s padsandfeedvoraciously, hollow- The moth’s burrow larvae intothecac- ofAgricultureDepartment (USDA). United States, according totheU.S. similar exceptthatthefemale,attop,isslightlylarger. on theoutsideofplants,aboveleft.Aboveright:Maleand femalecactusmothslook Though cactusmothlarvaeusuallyburrowinsidepads,they occasionallycongregate GARDENER The mothwas first foundintheFlori- (Opuntia valued inAustralia andthe C spp.) populationinthe with theImportation of ’ NOTEBOOK S in spring 2005. “The SITprogram, cou- in spring2005.“The spread. Alarge-scalestudyonSITbegan less likely, willhelptocontrol themoths’ population, makingproductive mating viduals isreleased intothecactusmoth whereby alargequantityofsterileindi- so-called sterileinsecttechnique(SIT), New Mexico, Texas, andNevada. ern statessuchasCalifornia,Arizona, United States, mostoftenfoundinwest- regions oftheworld,itisnative tothe sidered aninvasive exotic plantinsome population ofpricklypears,by 2007. the borders ofTexas, hometoalarge of spread, thecactusmothcouldreach searchers estimatethat,atthecurrent rate about 100milesperyear. USDAre- along bothsidesofthecoastatarate southeastern states.” movement ofhost material from the a regulation intheworks toprevent the Health Inspection “We Service. alsohave Floyd oftheUSDA’s AnimalandPlant test siteatDauphin, Alabama],”saysJoel duced thecactusmothpopulation [ina material, seemstohave significantlyre- pled withphysicalremoval ofinfested USDA scientistsare hopefulthatthe While thepricklypearcactusiscon-

TOP LEFT: VIVEKA NEVELN. CENTER AND RIGHT:.COURTESY OF IGNACIO BAEZ / USDA/ARS (2) Home gardeners outside infested areas who believe their prickly pear cacti might be hosting cactus moth larvae are encour- aged to contact their state department of agriculture, the USDA, or the entomolo- gy department of a state university. For more information, including photos of cactus moths, their larvae, and infected plants, visit www.aphis.usda.gov/ppq/ep/ emerging_pests/cactoblastis/indes.html. ORGANIC GOES ACADEMIC Colorado State University (CSU) in Fort Collins, Colorado, has developed the nation’s first science-based organic agriculture program for undergraduate students. The groundbreaking interdis- ciplinary program will be offered start- ing this fall through CSU’s College of Colorado State University’s nearby certified organic farm will provide hands-on learning Agricultural Sciences. In addition to for students in the school’s new organic agriculture program. agriculture, students in the program will study ecology and environmental con- “This program provides students for tural Sciences. “Our goal is to provide servation, nutrition, soil science, plant the first time with an opportunity to students with the tools to develop a holis- pathology, and greenhouse production. study the science of organic food and tic understanding of the food system— They will be required to complete an in- fiber production through classroom and and to empower them to enhance that ternship with an organic farm or CSU’s experiential learning,” says Marc John- knowledge with alternative agriculture COURTESY OF COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY own certified organic facility. son, dean of CSU’s College of Agricul- practices.”

July / August 2006 49 50 is anoutgrowth ofthestudents’ leader- ganic garden foryears, andthisprogram ences. “We or- have hadastudent-run CSU’s ofSoil Department &Crop Sci- ture,” saysJessica G.Davis, aprofessor in that organicfarmingcanplayinthefu- about sustainableagriculture andtherole organic program waslaunched. more thanadecadebefore thenational program in1989, organic certification The Coloradolegislature establishedan dents ledCSUtodevelop theprogram. tion amongbothconsumersandstu- keep itsheadquarters andemployeesinPortland. sional horticulturists.Conklin toldreportersthatheexpectsWorkmantooperateTimber asanindependententityandto Conklin’s tenure,growingfrom fiveto30employeesandsecuringitsnicheasafavorite ofseriousgardenersandprofes- Abel. Since1989,formerbusiness lawyer bought byWorkmanPublishing , basedinNewYorkCity.Timber PresswasfoundedinPortland,Oregon,1978byRichard Timber Press,aboutiquepublisherknown foritsexclusivelineofdetailedandoftenbeautifulhorticultural books,hasbeen Workman PublishingAcquiresTimberPress the 15-acrepropertyhasnotyetbeenannounced. by Burpeein2000.ThefateoftheKingstonbuildingsand therenowneddemonstrationgardensthatHinkleycreatedon son, ordersforplantsfromtheHeronswoodcatalogandwebsite willcontinuetobefulfilledthroughFordhookFarm. Washington,” Ballstatedinapressreleaseissuedontheday theKingstonsitewasclosed.AccordingtoaBurpeespokesper- outside theNorthwest,wefounditinefficienttofulfillorders nationallyandcontinuetoconductoperationsinthestateof moved fromtheoriginalKingston,Washington,sitetoBurpee’s FordhookFarmfacilityinDoylestown,Pennsylvania. and plantexplorerDanielHinkley,werelaidoffwithoutwarning,whatremainsofHeronswood’s nurserystockwillbe abruptly shutdownbyitscorporateowner, On May30,HeronswoodNursery,theinternationallyacclaimedpurveyorofunusualplantsandhorticulturaltreasures,was Heronswood’s KingstonNurserySiteClosedbyBurpee PLACESintheNEWS PEOPLE and “Many ofourstudentsare passionate Growing interest inorganicproduc- Hinkley andpartnerRobertJones,whostartedthenursery19yearsago,hadmanagedHeronswood sinceitspurchase According toBurpeeCEOGeorgeBall,thedecisionwasbasedoneconomics.“Asbusiness of Heronswoodexpanded the American Gardener issue ofthejournal external protection by awindbreak. lamide geltreatment foritsroots, and rant sprayonaplant’s leaves, polyacry- of three protective measures: antitranspi- coln (UNL)hasstudiedtheeffectiveness tists attheUniversity ofNebraska inLin- wind ontheirplants.Agroup ofscien- are familiarwiththedesiccatingeffectof Gardeners ofthecountry inmanyparts WINDPROTECTION STUDY RESEARCHERS http://organic.colostate.edu. ship inthisarea.” To learnmore, visit Bob Conklin W. AtleeBurpee&Company.Mostofthenursery’sstaff,includingco-founder The results, detailedintheApril 2006 muskmelon transplants, done over fouryears on vided theleastprotection. gel root dip. Thespraypro- lowed by thepolyacrylamide beneficial treatment, fol- from windwasthemost that physicalprotection from thedryingeffectsofwind. protect othergardenplants offer oneofthebestwaysto oleander hedges, suchasthisoneof searchers havefoundthat University ofNebraskare- has overseenthecompany’s operations.Timberprosperedduring The experimentswere HortScience, (Nerium oleander), (Nerium showed gated orthatare setoutinhotweather. plantingsthatwon’tthem onnew beirri- that UNLscientistsnow routinely use vice whentheyplantbareroot trees, and these dipsare usedby theU.S.Forest Ser- early stagesofgrowth. Hodges saysthat transplants toestablishthemselves inthe treatment proved usefulinhelpingnew comprehensive protection, thegelroot well asfencesandwalls.” can beprovided andtrees by shrubs as deners inwindyareas,” shesays.“This an advantageous measure forhomegar- varieties. “Providing windprotection is results shouldbesimilarforotherplant fessor andextensionspecialist,saysthe but LaurieHodges, aUNLassociatepro- Ross’ in2000. cessful introduction of lilaccultivarsnew tofollow uptheirsuc- boretum (USNA)have announcedtwo Plant breeders attheU.S.National Ar- ARBORETUM FROMNATIONAL NEW LILACS 13 feetwideover a25-year testingperiod. lilac cultivars. It grew about11feethighand warmer andmore humidareas than other ant foliage,makingitpotentiallyusefulin rounded growth habit,anddisease-toler- dance offragrant,blue-purpleflowers, a While awindbreak offersthemost Syringa ‘Old Glory’ boastsanabun- Syringa ‘Betsy

MICHAEL S. THOMPSON COURTESY OF USDA / ARS (2) above right—willbeavailableforhomegardenersin2008. The U.S.NationalArboretum’stwonewlilaccultivars—‘OldGlory’,above,and‘Declaration’, in garden centersin2008. Zone 7).Theyshouldbewidelyavailable boretum (USDA Zone 7,AHSHeat mid- tolateApril attheNational Ar- conditions oftenfoster. warmer climatesandthediseasessuch op superiorlilacsthatcouldwithstand acclaimed plantbreeder, soughttodevel- 1970s by thelateDonald Egolf. Egolf, an attheUSNAinearly program started vars are products ofalilachybridization well. in whichlilacsgenerallyperform claration’ isbestsuitedtocoolerregions feet tallandsix-and-a-halfwide.‘De- ing period,itgrew abouteight-and-a-half its openanduprighthabit.Over thetest- flower clusters,nearlyafootlong,andfor its showy, fragrant,dark-red-to-purple plant physiology andgenetics. pest management andbiocontrol, and water managementandconservation, located inMaricopa, Arizona, willstudy cultural Research Center(USALARC), Researchers attheU.S.Arid-LandAgri- challenges ofgrowing climates. indry search facility, whichwillfocusonthe Agriculture re- (USDA) openedanew Earlier thisyear, of theU.S.Department OPENS FACILITY DRY CLIMATERESEARCH Both of the new cultivarsBoth ofthenew flower in Like ‘Betsy Ross,’ bothoftheseculti- Syringa ‘Declaration’ wasselectedfor environment,” saysEdward B.Knipling, ping systems,watermanagement,andthe the complexrelationships between crop- “Scientists willfocusonunderstanding P.O. BOX145,DEPT. AG06,LYNDONVILLE,05851/TEL. 802-626-3610/WWW.BAGBALM.COM VT WEST OFROCKIES: SMITHSALESSERVICE, 16372S.W. 72NDST., PORTLAND, OR97223 It’s remarkablewhatbigthings arebeingreportedaboutthestuffinsideour little greencan.Trysometoday. Yourskinshouldbesoftertomorrow. “Elsie’s beautysecret.” DAIRY ASSOCIATION CO.,INC. “Works wonders.” lance writerL Written by Washington, D.C.-based free- search willbeeagerlyawaited. Center, theresults ofUSALARC’s re- government’s National ClimaticData tal United States, according tothe fecting about12percent ofthecontinen- could behelpfulforgardeners.” knowledge willprovide afoundationfor resulting search (ARS).“The Service administrator ofUSDA’s AgriculturalRe- With severe toextreme drought af- –Denver Post –Glamour inda McIntyre. sources, bothofwhich agement oflimitedwaterre- pest managementandman- have researched integrated scientists of ARS.“These scale,” saysLauraMcGinnis be appliedonasmaller ers inmind,someofitcould work isdesignedwithfarm- thebulkofthis ers. “While ly tobenefithomegarden- arid climates.” tally friendlyagriculture in efficient andenvironmen- This research isalsolike- July /August 2006  51 52 by RitaPelczar The EssentialGarden Hose T as specialfittingsthatwillincrease theirefficiencyandutility. Here’s anoverview. rubber hosesusuallylastlonger andarerubber brittle andcrack over time.Although giving whencrimped,andmay become tively inexpensive, buttheyare lessfor- plies, thestronger thehose. one toeight—thegreater numberof The numberofplies(layers) varies from dial cord andare inlayers. constructed ter qualityhosesare reinforced withara- rubber, oracombination of thetwo. Bet- hoses withalargerdiameter. diameter. Water isdelivered faster through and theyrangefrom feet long,soldinincrements of25feet, ments. Most garden hosesare 25to100 est hosethatmeetsyour distancerequire- water pressure, you shouldbuytheshort- diameters. Because addedlengthreduces Hoses comeinavariety oflengthsand CHARACTERISTICS Vinyl hosesare lightweight andrela- Hoses are generallymadeofvinyl, the American Gardener lecting, using,andcaringforone.However, there are different typesandqualitiesofhosesaswell HE GARDENHOSEISSUCH 1 /2 -inch to 3 /4 -inch in durable brass. kinking, anditscouplingsare madeof At thefaucet end,arigidcollarprevents layers are abrasionandweather resistant. ity whilekeepingitlightweight, andouter tion. Foam innerlayers contributeflexibil- Manufacturing, boasts eight-plyconstruc- leak orcrack. heavy-duty fittingsthatare lesslikelyto good compromise. Lookforonethathas quality rubber-reinforced vinylhoseisa yard. For mostgardening tasks,agood you needtolugyour hosesaround the considerationif heavier—an important vinyl types,theyare more expensive and less likelytoburstunderpressure than facturers andSuppliers.” htm) website Comprehensive Procurement Guidelines the Environmental Protection Agency’s suppliers forthese“green” products, see cycled and/orplastic.For rubber alist of hoses withasignificantpercentage ofre- are distributedby Fiskars, manufacture Aquapore Moisture Systems, whosehoses companies, includingTeknor Apex and winding uphosesafteruseasnap. Several ogy thatprevents kinkingandmakes line ofhosesthathave apatentedtechnol- the shortesthosethatsatisfiesyourneeds. maximize waterpressureinthegarden,use Flexogen hose,adddurability.Left:To Above: Multiplelayers,asseeninthis Teknor Apex offerstheNeverKink The Flexogen hose,offered by Gilmour a simpletool,you mightthinkthere’s notalottosayaboutse- and clickonits “Database ofManu- (www.epa.gov/cpg/products/garden. RE GARAGE GREEN C ™ the rootzoneofnewly plantedshrubsandtrees. The TrickleRing TreeSaverdeliverswaterto or shrubs toslowlyor shrubs soaktheroot zone. Soaker oftrees Ringfitsaround thetrunk Similarly, theFiskars Tree andShrub critical firstyearplantedtrees. ofnewly plastic tube,andisrecommended forthe through theholesinrigid,circular plies uptohalfgallonofwaterperminute lished. TheTrickle RingTree Saver sup- that helpsyoung plantsbecomeestab- toprovideshrubs theslow, deepwatering placed aroundplantedtrees newly or same principle.Theyare designedtobe gating bedsandvegetable gardens. meansofirri- pensive, andtransportable 32), thesehosesprovide asimple,inex- aboutdripirrigationonpage the article precise thandripirrigationsystems(see Althoughless needed, waterisconserved. area. By focusingthewaterwhere it’s liver asteadystream ofwatertoaspecific er andsprinklerhosesare designedtode- water from thefaucettogarden. Soak- Hoses are usedformore thantransporting HOSES FORDIFFERENTUSES Soaker orsprinkler rings work onthe

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July / August 2006 53 BOOKC REVIEWS

Recommendations for Your Gardening Library

The Naming of Names: The Search nally arrived at our modern way of nam- lar ground, Armitage includes annuals, for Order in the World of Plants ing and ordering the plant kingdom. bulbs, ferns, and grasses, as well as peren- Anna Pavord. Bloomsbury, New York, New Pavord’s epilogue gives a nod to the nials for a total of 630 species. York, 2005. 471 pages. Publisher’s price, work of 20th and 21st century scientists. Headings call out ecological and cul- hardcover: $45. New technological breakthroughs, such as tural information for easy reference. Prop- the invention of the electron microscope agation methods are highlighted as well. IT’S EASY for plant enthusiasts today to and the discovery of DNA, have created a An additional header of particular interest take for granted the plant classification sys- new ground shift in our understanding of describes the etymology of the botanical tem we all know, but this system of cate- how plants should be systematized. as well as the common names. Useful lists gorizing plants Today’s botanists, who are trained as of plant sources and animals be- physicists, phytochemists, and molecular and societies and ginning with systematicists, are again refining and re- plants with par- kingdom and defining the way we order plants. ticular traits such becoming more This richly illustrated book, which re- as deer resistance specific as you cently won a 2006 Annual Literature and drought tol- work down to Award from the Council on Botanical erance round out family, genus, and Horticultural Libraries, is lengthy the volume. and species is and at times repetitive, but anyone who A high point the result of mil- takes the time to read it will be rewarded of the book for lennia of study with a deeper appreciation of humanity’s some readers will and reflection. In The Naming of Names: intellectual journey toward understand- surely be the up-to-date cultivar lists. The Search for Order in the World of Plants, ing and categorizing the plant kingdom. There are, however, some problems with Anna Pavord, best known for her popular —Catriona Tudor Erler these. Several of the ferns and grasses cov- book, The Tulip, traces the course of our ered, while native to North America, are understanding of the nature of plants and Catriona Tudor Erler is the author of eight also native to Europe or Asia. Most of our attempts to categorize and name them. garden books, including Poolscaping: Gar- their listed cultivars are of foreign origin, Although her topic is academic, Pa- dening and Landscaping Around Your not selected from native American stock. vord makes it fascinating. She cares pas- Swimming Pool and Spa (Storey Publish- Overall, the quality of the pho- sionately about the subject, and it’s ing, 2003). tographs is high, though there are excep- contagious. She begins with the theories tions, and a handful of photos are of early philosophers working circa 500 Armitage’s Native Plants for mislabeled. As in all his books, Armitage B.C., who postulated that air contains the American Gardens takes a personal approach to , seeds of all things. When washed to the Allan M. Armitage. Timber Press, Portland, acknowledging some revisions while ig- ground by rain, some of these seeds pro- Oregon, 2006. 448 pages. Publisher’s price, noring others. As a result, names are not duced plants. Another theory was that hardcover: $49.95. always up-to-date, but they are usually plants were animals with their feet in the representative of those being used in the air and their mouths in the ground. PEOPLE ARE drawn to native plants for nursery industry. A major breakthroug came in 300 B.C., many reasons, from aesthetics to conser- “This book is not written for extreme when Theophrastus published two vol- vation. If you love the beauty of North native plant enthusiasts,” explains Ar- umes describing 600 known plants and American plants, and wish to learn more mitage. “In fact, I suspect the right wing suggesting that they be divided into four about how to grow them, this book is of the ‘Native Party’ will not particularly categories: trees, shrubs, subshrubs, and sure to please. In a straightforward A-to- like this book.” The featured species are herbs. We still use those categories today. Z format, Armitage’s conversational and more representative of herbaceous plants However, 2,000 years passed after opinionated prose introduces you to that happen to be native rather than na- Theophrastus wrote his books before some of the showiest and easiest-to-grow tive plants that are herbaceous. He goes much more intellectual progress was plants that originate within what he on to say that the book “is written for made. Scholars such as Leonhart Fuch and refers to as “mainland America.” A step [people] who would love to try some na- John Ray in the 16th and 17th centuries fi- ahead of other volumes that cover simi- tive plants but don’t know where to

54 the American Gardener start." If you are one of those people, this Montrose as the name of the nursery busi­ Goodwin works hard, often weeding book is for you. ness she ran there from 1984 to 1993. But until it's too dark to see, but long hours of -c. Colston Burrell when the demands of running a nursery toil are tempered by her delight with the left no time for developing the garden, thousands of little miracles that surround C. Colston Burrell is a plantsman, garden Goodwin followed her. Among these are her plants, the fam­ designer,and author of : A Com­ MONTROSE her heart and put ily cats, and a small, devoted staff prehensive Guide (Timber Press, 2006). life ,. in a garden all of her energy Even the weeding itself brings her "an into making Mon­ almost indescribable joy." As she writes, Montrose: Life in a Garden trose into the place "I always feel a release of tension, a thrill Nancy Goodwin with illustrations by Ippy Pat­ she dreamed it when my hands and knees reach the soil, terson. Duke University Press, Durham & Lon­ could be. Te lling and satisfaction when I pull a weed up by don, 2005. 292 pages. Publisher's price, the garden's story the roots." hardcover: $34.95. in month-by­ The pages are graced by more than month format cre­ 160 drawings by Ippy Patterson, an IS A GARDEN aplace,an artistic arrange­ ates a sense of immediacy. This award-winning garden illustrator who ment of well-sited plants, or a unique ex­ chronological structure also serves as a per­ lives only a short drive from Montrose. pression of the gardener who created it? fect platform for Goodwin's precise yet These masterful illustrations include a This engaging book, which reads like a cleverly droll writing style. subtly-tinted silverbell bough (Halesia memoir of a year in the life of Nancy As the chapters unfold, so does the carolina), which aptly fills an entire page, Goodwin's 20-acre North Carolina garden, story of a 44-year marriage between a and a drawing of bloodroot (Sanguinar­ known as Montrose, leaves no doubt that husband who dons protective goggles to ia canadensis), which is a triumph. � a great garden is all of these things, and help move a spiny old agave from the -Barbara Pleasant more. "I am tied to this place in every way," greenhouse to its place in the sun, and a Goodwin writes. "This place is my life and wife who gradually grows away from her North Carolina garden writer Barbara its garden my obsession." first vocation as a music teacher and Pleasant is the author ofnumerous books Fans of Goodwin's first plant loves­ blossoms into one of America's most including Garden Stone (Storey Publish­ hellebores and cyclamens-may recall gifted gardeners. ing,2002).

herry Lake Tree C Farm is pleased to announce its corporate partnership with the American Horticultural Society and is committed to helping fulfill the AHS mission by promoting the importance oflarge trees in the landscape.

TREE ·FARM

jULY/AUGUST2006 55 GARDENERC’S BOOKS

Gardening in Small Spaces

O MATTER where I’ve gardened—from a rooftop “Intimacy comes when a variety of elements coalesce into a har- container garden to a modest suburban yard—I never monious composition. These elements include well-propor- Nseemed to have enough room for all that I wanted to tioned spaces, a comfortable sense of grow. After coming to terms with the fact that my space for gar- enclosure, and captivating plants.” dening always will be finite, I realized that the options and pos- Design plans for a terrace garden, a sibilities for filling that space are virtually limitless. However, woodland garden, and a courtyard gar- when every inch in your garden counts, it pays to do a little re- den help to illustrate these concepts. search on how to use it to best advantage. Just over half of this slim handbook is “Creating an attractive and functional small space hideaway devoted to an “encyclopedia” of plants has its special opportunities,” writes Melinda Myers in Small that are suited for intimate gardens, Space Gardening (Cool Springs Press, 2006, $18.99). “And also, “carefully chosen to provide for a wide needless to say, its special challenges,” she range of forms, colors, and textures.” adds. In the book, Myers discusses How about a bumper crop of veg- strategies for maximizing your space etables from a small garden? Mel Bartholomew will tell you how such as the judicious use of containers, in All New Square Foot Gardening (Cool Springs Press, 2006, espalier, and selecting columnar or dwarf $19.99). As the title implies, this is a revised version of a book pub- varieties of plants. She also discusses the lished in 1981 that first laid out the concept of square-foot gar- basics of the design process, garden dening. By questioning the tradition of preparation, and planting how-to. The planting in rows, Bartholomew devel- book concludes with a directory of oped a method to make gardening easier plants—listed by common name—that and more efficient by planting in a four- is divided into color-coded sections for flowers, groundcovers, or- foot-by-four-foot grid divided into namental grasses, shrubs, trees, and vines. Myers painstakingly se- square-foot sections. Since that time, lected these plants for size, seasons of interest, and heat and cold Bartholomew has perfected his system in tolerance. A color photograph accompanies each entry as well as several ways, which he divulges in the up- a brief description and suggestions for how to use it. dated edition. The book also includes in- In Small Garden (DK Publishing, 2006, $19.95), garden de- structions for planning, building, and signer John Brookes explains, “The key to realizing the potential planting a square-foot garden. of your small space, in both visual and practical terms, is design— On the truly tiny end of the size spectrum, there’s Tabletop this involves planning and styling your Gardens by Rosemary McCreary (Storey Publishing, 2006, space so that it suits your way of life, as $16.95). For those with only indoor space to spare, or for those well as the character of your home and who would like to bring the outdoors in, this book will inspire its surroundings.” Chapters on style, de- you to go “beyond the traditional houseplant to a broader sense sign, structure, and planting illuminate of ‘garden’.” According to McCreary, “Small-scale interior land- all the important elements to consider. scapes challenge our creativity and yield exciting plant combina- The chapter titled “Case Studies” looks tions that are often impossible at four small gardens the author has outdoors.” Water gardens, herb gar- built, which “demonstrate the usability dens, and flower gardens are just and charm of small spaces well de- some of the possibilities. You’ll also signed.” The final chapter includes plant lists, categorized by their find ideas for terrariums, dish gar- design uses—for example, “plants with form” and “plants for dens, and gravel gardens, all accom- color.” Color photographs on nearly every one of the book’s 352 panied by artistic color photographs. pages offer plenty of ideas for integrating hardscape, water fea- Most of these “plantscapes” include a tures, lighting, furniture, and plants into a cohesive small garden. materials list, simple instructions, Intimate Gardens by C. Colston Burrell with Lucy Hardi- and tips for ongoing maintenance. man (Brooklyn Botanic Garden, 2005, $9.95) not only deals The final chapter addresses plant care with creating gardens in small spaces, but also with defining in- in more detail, offering tips on providing the right amounts of timate havens within larger areas. For either situation, many of nutrients, water, and light, and how to repot and propagate.  the same design considerations apply. The book points out that —Viveka Neveln, Assistant Editor

56 the American Gardener Montrose: LifeinaGarden

NANCY GOODWIN ILLUSTRATIONS BY IPPY PATTERSON

“A beautiful book about a beautiful garden.” —MICHAEL POLLAN,authorofTheBotanyofDesire:APlant’s-EyeViewoftheWorld

Beautifully written and illustrated, Montrose:LifeinaGardenis Nancy Goodwin’s affectionatebiographyofherrenownedgardensinhistoricHillsborough,North Carolina.

FollowingGoodwin’sactivitiesthroughouttheyear,readerswilllearnthefunda- mentalsofmaintainingafour-seasongardeninZone7intheSouth.Award-winning gardenillustratorIppyPattersonhasprovidedmorethan160lavishillustrationsof the gardens at Montrose and these meticulously detailed drawings appear through- out the book.

312 pages, 168 color illustrations, hardback $34.95

Duke University Press

available at fine bookstores toll-free 1-888-651-0122 www.dukeupress.edu REGIONALC HAPPENINGS

Horticultural Events from Around the Country

AUG. 15. Summer Fragrance: Herb Walk. NORTHEAST Events sponsored by or including official Brookside Gardens. Wheaton, Maryland. (301) CT, MA, ME, NH, NY, RI, VT participation by AHS or AHS staff members 962-1400. www.brooksidegardens.org. RAP THROUGH AUG. 27. Garden Improve- are identified with the AHS symbol. ment. Exhibit. Wave Hill. Bronx, New York. AUG. 19. Virginia Native Fruits. Class. (718) 884-8952. www.wavehill.org. Monticello. Charlottesville, Virginia. Events hosted by botanical gardens and (434) 984-9822. www.monticello.org. arboreta that participate in AHS’s Reciprocal JULY 22. Woody Plant Propagating at Home. Class. Berkshire Botanical Garden. Stock- Admissions Program are identified with the RAP AUG. 26. Good Green Fun. Children’s bridge, Massachusetts. (413) 298-3926. RAP symbol. Current AHS members showing a Garden. Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. www.berkshirebotanical.org. valid membership card are eligible for free or Richmond, Virginia. (804) 262-9887. discounted admission to the garden or other www.lewisginter.org. RAP JULY 26. Luminous & Lively: Grasses benefits. Special events may not be included; for New England Gardens and Landscapes. contact the host site for details or visit Looking ahead AHS Class. Polly Hill Arboretum. West Tisbury, ww.ahs.org/events/reciprocal_events.htm. SEPT. 20–23. Fashion in Bloom. Preview Massachusetts. (508) 693-9426. of new plant introductions for 2007. Garden www.pollyhillarboretum.org. Centers of America. American Horticultural 507. www.woodyplantconference.org. Society at River Farm. Alexandria, Virginia. JULY 29 & 30. Garden Walk Buffalo. Buffalo, (703) 768-5700. www.ahs.org. New York. (716) 879-0123. www.Garden JULY 29. Grasses, Sedges and Rushes: A WalkBuffalo.com. Primer. Class. Bowman’s Hill Wildflower SOUTHEAST Preserve. New Hope, Pennsylvania. (215) RAP AUG. 9. How Many Plants Will Survive 862-2924. www.bhwp.org. JULY 19–25. The International Waterlily and the 21st Century? Lecture. Polly Hill Arbore- Water Gardening Society’s 21st Annual tum. West Tisbury, Massachusetts. (508) RAP AUG. 12. Plant for the Planet! Work- Symposium. Fort Lauderdale, Vero Beach, 693-9426. www.pollyhillarboretum.org. shop. U.S. Botanic Garden. Washington, and Orlando, Florida. (941) 756-0880. D.C. (202) 225-8333. www.usbg.gov. www.iwgs.org. RAP AUG. 19. Herbal Salads. Demonstra- tion. Wave Hill. Bronx, New York. AUG. 13. Daylily Sale. Brookside Gardens. RAP JULY 20. Canning in the Garden. Class. (718) 884-8952. www.wavehill.org. Wheaton, Maryland. (301) 962-1400. State Botanical Garden of Georgia. (706) www.brooksidegardens.org. 542-1244. www.uga.edu/botgarden. AUG. 27. “Abuzz in the Meadow” Festival. Garden in the Woods. Framingham, AUG. 14. A Walk with the Curator. Scott Arbore- RAP JULY 21 & AUG. 18. Monthly Floral De- Massachusetts. (508) 877-7630. tum of Swarthmore College. Swarthmore, sign Demo. Memphis Botanic Garden. Mem- www.newenglandwildflower.org. Pennsylvania. (610) 388-1000 ext. 507. phis, Tennessee. (901) 685-1566. www.woodyplantconference.org. www.memphisbotanicgarden.com. MID-ATLANTIC PA, NJ, VA, MD, DE, WV, DC JULY 21. Moonlight Madness. Walk. Reeves- Celebrate Kitchen Gardens in August Reed Arboretum. Summit, New Jersey. (908) 273-8787. www.reeves-reedarboretum.org. INTERNATIONAL KITCHEN GARDEN DAY, a flexibly organized yet commu- nity-oriented event propounded by Kitchen Gardeners International (KGI), will JULY 22. Woody Plant Propagation. Class. occur this year on August 27. Roger Doiron, the founder of KGI, came up with the Monticello. Charlottesville, Virginia. idea for Kitchen Garden Day as an answer to Snack Food Month, which is February. (434) 984-9822. www.monticello.org. “It struck me that if some of the largest manufacturers of processed foods could pool JULY 26. Orchid Repotting. Class. Duke their resources to promote potato chips and fluorescent orange cheese snacks for an en- Farms. Hillsborough, New Jersey. tire month,” Doiron says, “the world’s food gardeners should be able to find a way of (908) 243-3627. www.dukefarms.org. uniting for at least a day to celebrate foods that are locally grown, healthy, and delicious.” Exactly how to celebrate these foods is largely up to participants the world over. RAP JULY 28. Plants that Sizzle, Not Fizzle. KGI’s website suggests a potluck featuring locally-grown foods, a planting or har- Class. Green Spring Gardens. Alexandria, Vir- vesting party, or touring a local farm or garden—anything that celebrates, educates, ginia. (703) 642-5173. www.greenspring.org. or brings people together for a healthy and tasty local gardening experience. Find out more at www.kitchengardeners.org. JULY 28. Woody Plant Conference. Scott Ar- —-Heather Robbins, Editorial Intern boretum of Swarthmore College. Swarth- more, Pennsylvania. (610) 388-1000 ext.

58 the American Gardener RAP AUG. 12. Gardening for Wildlife Ram- ble. State Botanical Garden of Georgia. Science and Nature Harmonize in the Bronx (706) 542-1244. www.uga.edu/botgarden.

RAP SEPT. 5. Tips for Fall Planting. Class. Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden. Belmont, North Carolina. (704) 825-4490. www.dsbg.org.

Looking ahead RAP SEPT. 14. Plant Walk with Dr. Paul Cappiello. Yew Dell Gardens. Crestwood, Kentucky. (502) 241-4788. www.yewdell gardens.org.

NORTH CENTRAL IA, IL, IN, MI, MN, ND, NE, OH, SD, WI FOR MOST OF US, the Bronx conjures images of endless traffic jams, Yankee Sta- JULY 27. Designing a Children’s Garden. dium, Arthur Avenue’s “Little Italy” or The Bronx Zoo. But few people are aware that Garden walk. Reiman Gardens. Ames, Iowa. a new major plant science center, one of the most advanced in the world, opened in (515) 294-2710. www.reimangardens. May on the grounds of the venerable New York Botanical Garden (NYBG). iastate.edu. The first research lab built at NYBG in nearly 50 years, the Pfizer Plant Research Lab- JULY 31–AUG. 11. 2006 Michigan Garden oratory will focus on molecular systematics and plant genomics, cutting-edge technolo- Plant Tour. Michigan State University De- gies that use DNA data to answer questions about plant biodiversity and evolution. The partment of Horticulture. (517) 355-5191, 28,000-square-foot facility contains the latest in high-technology equipment, including ext. 1339. www.hrt.msu.edu/planttour. robotic workstations, a DNA sequencer, and scanning electron microscope. Ten full-time research scientists and 40 graduate students, along with visiting schol- RAP AUG. 12 & 13. Gardeners of the North ars from around the world, work in a Shore Show and Sale. Chicago Botanic Gar- flexible, open laboratory environment den. Glencoe, Illinois. (847) 835-5440. that fosters scientific interaction and www.chicagobotanic.org. collaboration. Research goals include unlocking as-yet-undiscovered medici- AUG. 18. Gardening with the Experts: Water Gardening for Everyone. Class. Minnetrista. Top: The new Pfizer Plant Research Muncie, Indiana. (765) 213-3549. Laboratory at the New York Botanical www.minnetrista.net. Garden opened in May. Right: The main RAP AUG. 26 & 27. Dahlia Show. Olbrich molecular laboratory features the latest Botanical Gardens. Madison, Wisconsin. high-tech equipment. (608) 233-2394. www.olbrich.org. nal benefits from the vast majority of Looking ahead plant species. For example, Dennis Stevenson, vice president for botanical science at SEPT. 28 & 29. Perennial Plant Symposium “Where Human Nature Embraces Mother NYBG, is working with cycads, the most ancient primitive plants that reproduce by Nature” (two sessions, with separate regis- seeds. Cycads produce a neurotoxin that in humans is strongly suspected of playing a tration for each day). Chicago Botanic Gar- causal role in neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. Stevenson’s team den. Glencoe, Illinois. (847) 835-8261. hopes to isolate and test resistance to this neurotoxin in cycads. www.chicagobotanic.org. And for gardeners, molecular research may eventually shed light on such practical issues as keeping plants alive and blooming, promoting biodiversity in home gardens, SOUTH CENTRAL introducing new and more adaptable species, promoting healthier soil, and keeping AR, KS, LA, MO, MS, OK, TX endangered species alive. AHS The Pfizer Lab itself is not open to the public, but NYBG’s website (www.nybg.org) JULY 27–29. National Children & Youth goes into great detail on the facility, the scientists, and the current research projects. Garden Symposium: Cultivating a Sense of Place. American Horticultural Society. Mis- And the LuEsther T. Mertz Library, the most important botanical and horticultural souri Botanical Garden. St. Louis, Missouri. library in the world, is open to visitors. And NYBG’s educational programs—includ- (703) 768-5700. www.ahs.org. ing a top-notch graduate studies program, a Virtual Herbarium containing informa- tion on almost 800,000 specimens, and the Steere Herbarium housing 7.2 million RAP AUG. 4. Exotic Vegetables Seminar. specimens—are all available in varying degrees to the public. The Crosby Arboretum. Picayune, Mississip- And of course the glorious gardens themselves, including the recently restored 15- pi. (601) 799-2311. www.msstate.edu/ acre Benenson Ornamental Conifer collection and the nation’s preeminent Victori- dept/crec/camain. an glasshouse, the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, make NYBG one of the truly great botanical destinations in the country. RAP AUG. 12, 19, & 26. Native Plant Propa- gation Workshop. Lady Bird Johnson Wild- —Betsy Hays, special to The American Gardener flower Center. Austin, Texas. (512) 242- 4200. www.wildflower.org. TOP: MEG MINGIONE; CENTER: JASON GREEN /BOTH COURTESY OF NEW YORK BOTANICAL GARDEN

July / August 2006 59 WEST COAST Looking ahead Occidental, California. (707) 874-1557 CA, NV, HI RAP SEPT. 6, 13 &20. Janet Carson Land- ext. 201. www.oaec.org. scape Design Workshop. Garvan Woodland JULY 28–AUG. 3. Botany 2006. Symposium. Gardens. Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas. California State University. Chico, California. NORTHWEST (501) 262-9300. www.garvengardens.org. (614) 899-9356. www.botany.org. AK, ID, MT, OR, WA, WY

AUG. 6. Garden Tours. Rancho Los Cerritos RAP AUG. 5 & 6. Flower Show. Anchorage SOUTHWEST Historic Site. Long Beach, California. (562) Garden Club. Alaska Botanical Garden. AZ, NM, CO, UT 570-1755. www.rancholoscerritos.org. Anchorage, Alaska. (907) 646-0584. RAP JULY 29. Rocky Mountain Bonsai Soci- www.alaskabg.org. ety Japanese Garden Demonstration. Denver AUG. 10–13. Annual Conference. American Botanic Gardens. Denver, Colorado. (720) Community Gardening Association. Los An- AUG. 18–20. North American Heather Society 865-3500. www.botanicgardens.org. geles, California. (877) 275-2242. Annual Conference. Philomath, Oregon. www.communitygarden.org. (541) 929-6272. www.northamerican RAP AUG. 5. Penstemon Festival. Arbore- heathersoc.org. tum at Flagstaff. Flagstaff, Arizona. RAP AUG. 11. Night Walk. Descanso Gar- (928) 774-1442. www.thearb.org. dens. La Cañada Flintridge, California. (818) AUG. 19. Heather Show and Plant Sale. North 949-7980. www.DescansoGardens.org. American Heather Society. Salem, Oregon. RAP AUG. 8 & AUG. 27. Desert Vegetable (541) 929-6272. www.northamerican Gardening. Class. Desert Botanical Garden. AUG. 14. New Plant Introductions. heathersoc.org. Phoenix, Arizona. (480) 941-1225. Lecture and plant forum. San Diego Horti- www.dbg.org. cultural Society. Encinitas, California. AUG. 27–31. Whitebark Pine: A Pacific (619) 296-9215. www.sdhortsoc.org. Perspective. Conference. Southern AUG. 11. Southwest Horticulture Annual Day of Oregon University. Ashland, Oregon. Education. Arizona Nursery Associaton. Par- RAP AUG 19. Horticultural Therapy: (541) 858-6126. www.fs.fed.us. adise Valley Doubletree Resort. Scottsdale, Healing Gardens. Class. San Francisco Arizona. (480) 966-1610. www.azna.org. Botanical Garden Society. San Francisco, CANADA California. (415) 661-1316, ext 354. RAP AUG. 26. Native Seed Collecting. Work- www.sfbotanical garden.org. RAP AUG. 7 & 17. Woodland Garden Tour. shop. Red Butte Garden & Arboretum. Salt Royal Botanical Gardens. Hamilton, Ontario. Lake City, Utah. (801) 581-4747. AUG. 26 & 27. Plant Sale and Open House. (905) 527-1158. www.rbg.ca.  www.redbuttegarden.org. Occidental Arts and Ecology Center. PHOTO BY JAMES TRACY FROM 2006 GARDENER’S CALENDAR 2007 “Gardener’s” Calendar $6.95 ($59.00 for 10) Postpaid There are 13 prize color photos in this new calendar.

The Gardeners of America Men’s Garden Club of America Box 241 Johnston, IA 50131-0241 Phone: 515-278-0295 www.tgoa-mgca.org

60 the American Gardener GARDENC MARKET

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July / August 2006 61 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. 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 codes 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. To purchase a two-by-three-foot glossy AHS Plant Heat Zone Map for $9.95, call (800) 777-7931 or visit www.ahs.org.

A–C Gaillardia aristata gay-LARD-ee-uh L. subcoriacea L. sub-kor-ee-AY- R–Z ahr-iss-TAY-tuh (3–8, 8–1) see-uh (7–8, 8–6) Acer glabrum AY-ser GLAB-rum Ranunculus adoneus rah-NUNG- Geranium viscosissimum juh-RAY- L. triloba L. try-LO-buh (6–8, 8–6) (USDA 4–8, AHS 8–3) kyew-lus uh-DON-ay-us (3–5, 5–1) nee-um vis-ko-SISS-ih-mum Asclepias tuberosa as-KLEE-pee-us R. jovis R. JO-viss (3–6, 6–1) (4–8, 8–5) M–Q too-bur-O-suh (3–9, 9–2) Rhamnus californica RAM-nus Hamelia patens huh-MEE-lee-uh Agastache cana ah-guh-STAH-she Mahonia aquifolium mah-HO-nee- kal-ih-FORN-ih-kuh (7–9, 9–7) PAY-tenz (8–12, 11–8) KAN-uh (6–11, 12–1) uh ah-kwi-FO-lee-um (6–9, 9–6) R. frangula R. FRANG-ew-luh Heteromeles arbutifolia het-ur-o- Amelanchier alnifolia am-eh-LANG- M. nervosa M. ner-VO-suh (3–8, 8–1) ME-leez ar-byew-tih-FO-lee-uh kee-ur al-nih-FO-lee-uh (4–9, 8–3) (5–7, 7–5) Rhus glabra RUS GLAB-ruh (8–11, 12–8) Arctostaphylos densiflora ark-toh- M. repens M. REP-enz (4–8, 8–3) (3–9, 9–3) Ilex crenata EYE-leks kreh-NAY-tuh STAFF-ih-loss dens-ih-FLOR-uh Myrica californica my-RIH-kuh R. integrifolia R. in-teg-rih-FO-lee- (5–7, 7–5) (7–9, 9–7) kal-ih-FORN-ih-kuh (7–10, 9–7) uh (9–10, 10–8) I. glabra I. GLAB-ruh (5–9, 9–1) A. uva-ursi A. YOO-vuh-UR-sy Penstemon palmerii PEN-steh-mon Ribes americanum RY-beez uh- I. verticillata I. vur-tih-sih-LAY-tuh (2–8, 9–3) pawl-MER-eye (3–11, 12–1) mair-ih-KAN-um (3–7, 7–1) (5–8, 8–5) Atriplex lentifomis AT-rih-pleks Philadephus lewisii fil-uh-DEL-fus R. aureum R. AW-ree-um Iris missouriensis EYE-ris mih-zur- len-tih-FOR-mis (6–10, 10–6) loo-ISS-ee-eye (5–8, 8–1) (5–8, 8–5) ee-EN-sis (3–9, 9–1) Azara microphylla uh-ZAR-uh Phillyrea angustifolia fih-LEE- Rosa rugosa RO-zuh roo-GO-suh my-kro-FIL-luh (8–10, 12–10) ree-uh an-gus-ti-FO-lee-uh (2–9, 9–1) J–L Betula papyrifera BET-yew-luh (7–9, 9–7) R. woodsii R. WOODS-ee-eye pap-ih-RIF-ur-uh (2–7, 7–1) Juniperus scopulorum joo-NIP-er-iss Picea engelmanii PY-see-uh en- (4–9, 9–1) Buxus sempervirens BUCKS-us skop-yew-LOR-um (3–7, 7–1) gul-MAN-ee-eye (3–6, 6–1) Sambucus mexicana sam-BOO-kus sem-pur-VY-renz (6–8, 8–6) Leucophyllum zygophyllum loo-ko- P. pungens P. PUN-jenz mex-ih-KAN-uh (6–10, 10–6) Camellia sasanqua kuh-MEEL-yuh FIL-um zy-go-FIL-um (8–9, 10–7) (3–8, 8–1) S. nigra subsp.canadensis S. NY- sah-SAHNG-kwuh (7–9, 9–6) Lindera aggregata lin-DAIR-uh Pinus aristata PY-nus ar-iss-TAY- gruh subsp. kan-uh-DEN-siss Carpinus betulus kar-PIE-nus ag-ruh-GAY-tuh (7–8, 9–7) tuh (2-10, 9-1) (4–7, 7–1) BET-yew-lus (4–8, 8–1) L. benzoin L. BEN-zo-in (4–9, 8–1) P. flexilis P. FLEX-ih-liss S. racemosa S. ras-eh-MO-suh Ceanothus americanus see-uh-NO- L. communis L. com-YEW-niss (4–6, 6–3) (3–7, 7–1) thus uh-mair-ih-KAN-us (4–8, 8–1) (6–8, 8–6) P. ponderosa P. pon-deh-RO-suh Silphium gracile SIL-fee-um Celtis occidentalis SEL-tiss ahk- L. erythrocarpa L. air-ih-thro-KAR- (5–8, 8–5) GRASS-ih-le (5–9, 9–5) sih-den-TAL-iss (2–9, 9–1) puh (6–8, 9–6) Populus tremuloides POP-yew-lus S. integrifolium S. in-teg-ruh-FO- Cercocarpus montanus sur-koh- L. floribunda L. flor-ih-BUN-duh trem-yew-LOY-deez (1–7, 8–1) lee-um (4–8, 7–1) KAR-pus mon-TAN-us (4–8, 8–3) (7–8, 9–7) Prunus caroliniana PREW-nus S. laciniatum S. lah-syn-ee-AY-tuh Cornus stolonifera KOR-nus L. fragrans L. FRAY-granz kair-o-lin-ee-AN-uh (4–10, 10–1) (4–9, 9–5) sto-lon-IF-ur-uh (3–8, 8–1) (6–7, 7–6) P. ilicifolia P. il-ih-sih-FO-lee-uh S. perfoliatum S. per-fo-lee-AY-tum C. sanguinea C. sang-GWIN-ee-uh L. glauca L. GLAW-kuh (6–8, 8–5) (6–10, 10–7) (4–9, 9–5) (4–7, 7–1) L. megaphylla L. meh-guh-FIL-uh P. lyonii P. lie-O-nee-eye S. terebinthinaceum S. tair-uh-bin- (6–8, 8–6) (7–10, 10–7) thin-AY-see-um (3–9, 9–1) D–I L. melissifolia L. mel-iss-ih-FO-lee- P. virginiana var. melanocarpa Ternstroemia gymnanthera tern- uh (7–9, 9–6) P. vir-jin-ee-AN-uh var. mel-an-o- Dodonaea viscosa doh-doh-NEE-uh STRO-me-uh jim-nan-THUR-uh L. obtusiloba L. ahb-TOO-sih-lo- KAR-puh (3–8, 8–1) vis-KOH-suh (9–15, 12–10) (8–10, 10–8) buh (6–9, 8–1) Pseudotsuga menziesii soo-doh- Eriogonum umbellatum air-ee-OG-o- Vauquelinia californica vaw-kwe- L. reflexa L. ruh-FLEK-suh SOO-guh men-ZEES-ee-eye num um-bel-LAY-tum (3–8, 8–4) LIN-ee-uh kal-ih-FORN-ih-kuh (7–8, 9–7) (5–7, 7–5) Forestiera pubescens for-es-tee-AIR- (7–10, 10–7) L. salicifolia L. sal-iss-ih-FO-lee-uh Quercus agrifolia KWER-kus uh pyew-BESS-enz (6–10, 10–7) Viola biflora VY-o-luh by-FLOR-uh (6–8, 8–5) ag-rih-FO-lee-uh (9–11, 12–9) (4–8, 8–1)

62 the American Gardener A green lawn does not have to be hazardous to your health.

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THE LEADER I N ORGANI C- BASED LAWNCARETM © 2005. NaturaLawn of America, Inc. All rights reserved. Each office independently owned and operated. www.nl-amer.com For permission to reproduce this piece, call 800-989-5444. high-bred

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