Planning and planting for a better world

Friends of the JC Raulston Arboretum Newsletter Number 8, Summer 1999 Arboretum from the Bill and Libby ground up. As the founding Wilder Retire chairman of the Arboretum The Arboretum’s board of advisors board, he has convened for the first time in been a key March 1989 at an informal meeting player in in the White Garden. Each of the strengthening charter members arrived with their the own ideas and expectations. Arboretum’s Robert Hayter remarked “I knew presence you were serious when I saw Bill within the Wilder there. That man knows green industry how to make things happen.” and the greater It’s true. Bill Wilder has been community. making things happen for the The Raulston Arboretum - and for the entire Arboretum green industry - for a long time. would not enjoy He and his wife Libby retired this the stature it has Bill Wilder has had an enormous affect on spring after 18 years at the helm today were it not the Arboretum as we know it today. of the NC Association of for Bill Wilder’s Above, he speaks at the 1999 Gala in the Nurserymen (NCAN) and 16 years guidance, Garden. Photo by Herman Lankford with the NC Landscape influence Association (NCLA). In that role, and advocacy.” they continually served as He never ceases his work on our champions of the Arboretum. Oblinger continued, “Bill personifies the ideal University behalf within the green industry, the corporate sector, and with our Jim Oblinger, Dean of the College supporter and advocate, touching elected officials.” of Agriculture and Life Sciences, almost every aspect of the College worked with Bill on myriad and its mission. A founding At the Arboretum, it’s hard to find College projects and boards. He member of the CALS Alumni anything that DOESN’T have said, “We are grateful for the Association board, a leader on the Wilder’s fingerprints on it. Bill pivotal role Bill Wilder has played, NC Agricultural Foundation board, worked with JC Raulston to arrange and continues to play, in the past chairman of the Horticultural NCAN’s donation of the success of the Raulston Arboretum. Council... these are only a few of the Arboretum’s first signature As the director of the green groups to which Bill has brought structure - the white gazebo. He industry associations, he worked profound wisdom, strong instigated the NCLA Construction with JC Raulston to help build the leadership, and powerful influence. Summer 1999 Page 1 Table of Plant News...... 3 Calendar of Events...... 16 Contents Development News...... 10 Director’s Letter...... 18 Volunteer News...... 15

Workshops, which gave rise to a higher vision for the many of the Arboretum’s Raulston Arboretum.” architectural features. The JC Raulston Selections program and When they weren’t lucrative trade show benefit working on behalf of auctions were born through his the Arboretum, Bill and leadership. At field days and Libby were busy workshops, Bill and Libby were transforming North always there to register, orchestrate, Carolina’s green and feed the crowds, making industry on other everyone feel like family at a fronts. In 1981, Bill was reunion. hired as executive director of the NC Association of Nurserymen. Libby Agricultural joined him in the office, Commissioner Jim working as Bill’s right- Graham said, “Bill and hand man and girl Friday on all fronts. Libby are a great team, Libby Wilder’s smile has been lighting and have provided Richard Beeson, of up events for years! photo by Ginger Long inspiration and Beeson Rhododendron leadership for two Nursery and recent generations of up and NCAN president, also served on the board in the early Association as well. Mark Peters, coming agricultural eighties. He of Piedmont/Carolina Nursery, producers, especially remembers the Wilder’s first days worked with the Wilders on both those in the nursery and with NCAN. boards. horticultural fields.” “Bill and Libby came on board “As past president of the NCLA, I when we needed people with their can say that Bill and Libby were gung-ho spirit to lead the industry. instrumental in bringing that Bill knew the ropes in NCDA and at association out of near failure to the As founding chairman of the NCSU, and that’s the kind of person very successful organization that it Arboretum board, Bill Wilder we needed at the helm. He brought is today,” Peters said. “They also guided the organization through the nursery association a long way deserve total credit for fostering the exciting and treacherous times. The in a short time, because he had the cooperative relationship between first strategic planning process, the foresight to ask us to go out on a the NCLA and the NCAN. Once first capital campaign, the design of limb when we needed to. He did that was accomplished, the Green the education center, securing the some outstanding things....he was and Growin’ Show started getting first legislative funding, and the right man at the right time. He better and better, and the whole surviving the tragedy of JC’s death will industry’s spirit of cooperation are only a few of the major always be remembered for his improved. They’ve been the glue milestones through which Wilder support of the Arboretum, both in that’s kept it all together...... and led the board. working with JC and in his they’ve left us a great foundation leadership after the tragedy.” on which to build.” Rick Crowder, of Hawksridge Farm, said of Bill, “I don’t think In 1983, Bill took on the executive See Wilder, page 20 anyone other than JC Raulston had directorship of the NC Landscape Page 2 Friends of the JC Raulston Arboretum Newsletter examples of annuals. Once they perennial is used accurately. produce seed there is no stopping Plant the death of these plants. Tender Perennial Defined

The classic biennial produces a non- We have come this far and you are blooming plant, often a basal probably wondering if I am ever News going to define tender perennials. I rosette, in its first year. It then blooms, produces seed and dies in will now try. In order to do so, it is its second year. The common necessary to know the behavior of a foxglove, Digitalis purpure,a and plant in its native habitat as op- Tender Perennials many Verbascum species are well posed to where it is being grown in known examples of biennials. Of order to define it as either perennial, course, all of this supposes that the biennial or annual. By Douglas Ruhren natural world is as orderly a place as human definitions would lead Most herbaceous and woody If ever there was an oxymoron, the one to believe, that the distinction houseplants, with appropriate care, term tender perennial would seem between plants is as clear cut as will live for years, thus qualifying to be it. So just what are these black and white. Nevertheless these them as perennials. They certainly plants that offer so much for the are extremely useful terms to know are not annuals or biennials. That summer garden? In this article, I and use. they are perennials does not mean hope to answer this question. that they are winter hardy, as Which plants are some of the best? I believe a good part of the reason anyone who has been tardy in Look to the next newletter for a list that I have observed something not bringing houseplants inside in the of my favorites. too far from revulsion on the part of fall knows all too well. They are some individuals being exposed to tender perennials. So to a large part I will start by defining the words the term tender perennial for the the tender perennials that I am tender and perennial. Tender is a first time is that most often when writing about and that I value as term that is rarely used by garden- gardeners use the term perennial, additions to the summer garden are ers. It means not hardy, i.e. not they actually mean, “winter-hardy, perennial, tropical plants (thus frost- winter-hardy; the plant in question herbaceous perennial.” In their tender perennials) that in essence does not survive winter tempera- mind perennial implies that a plant we treat as annuals because the tures. Hardiness and its corollary, is both winter-hardy and herba- killing frost of Fall ends their life tenderness, are of course relative to ceous. I can understand the desire (prematurely, it must be noted.) where a plant is being grown. For for brevity, but the terms perennial, instance, cannas are hardy in zone 7 annual and biennial, do not on their Their life in the open garden is but tender in zone 6. The same is own denote whether a plant is restricted to one frost-free season. true of many camellia species. For winter-hardy. Nor does the term Thus they appear to be annuals greater clarity and accuracy we perennial include just the herba- when in actuality if they are pro- ought to use the terms frost-tender ceous perennials; herbaceous plants tected from frost, they will prove and winter-hardy, for that is what is being the non-woody perennials, their status as perennials and live really meant. that is those without permanent for many years. Protection most often involves bringing either the The term perennial in its broadest stems; but it also includes woody whole plant or propagules of them sense means a plant that lives for an perennials which are otherwise into a frost-free location, usually extended number of years, as known as trees, shrubs and lianas either a heated greenhouse or a opposed to annuals and biennials (woody vines as opposed to herba- sunny windowsill. Most of my that live for one or two years. ceous perennial vines or other favorite tender perennials for Annuals complete their life cycle variations). And so the gardener, summer use are readily propagated from seed to seedling, then flower- newly acquainted with the term from stem cuttings and easily over- ing and seed-production, then tender perennial wonders, “How wintered in the house on a sunny death within a year’s time (not can that be so?” when perennials in windowsill. necessarily the calendar year). their mind are winter hardy. I might Larkspur, Consolida ambiqua, and propose that what seemed to be an Shirley poppies, Papaver rhoeas, are oxymoron actually isn’t if the term Summer 1999 Page 3 Plant News perennials in one garden, the one indeed indispensable, southern But why not just call them annu- I’ve done for several summers now perennials that look great through als? Especially since quite a number in front of the pink pee-palace (aka the worst of our summer). of plants that are widely thought of the Necessary). I could hardly be as annuals, such as Pelargonium (the happier! These particular I am sorely pressed to remember geraniums), Impatiens walleriana (the plantings also have maps, thanks to any of these heat and humidity common impatiens) and Begonia Val Tyson, posted to help visitors loving plants rotting in the summer semperflorens (wax begonias) are identify the individual plants. as is so dishearteningly common really tender perennials, which can with quite a few hardy perennials, live for years in a frost-free climate. especially those from milder climates. One reason is that tender perennial You might cower is more accurate and informative. Beyond the trying nature of our Another reason, and I must admit a inside in the AC, but heat and humidity on both plants more personal reason on my part, is the tender perenni- and gardeners is that the higher the that I truly believe that here is a temperature the faster many great group of plants that are sort of als are outside flowers go by. For instance if late orphans, especially in the nursery thinking “Ahhhh, May is warm, individual flowers of industry where they don’t quite fit we are finally com- the old shrub roses usually only last into the annual bedding plant trade, a day whereas in a typical English which is largely interested in plants fortable!” summer, the flowers of these “June that are rapidly produced from seed Roses” might each last a week. in cellpaks, nor are they widely Another effect of these long sum- accepted by perennial nurseries mers is that many plants that are since by these, nursery people Why Grow Them? counted on for summer bloom in usually mean “winter-hardy other areas are done blooming by herbaceous perennials.” So why even bother growing these the time summer has just barely perennials which are not winter- begun. Daylilies are a good ex- Least I offend anyone, let me make hardy? The short answer is that our ample. it clear that I do not believe that summers in NC are long, hot, and there is anything wrong in nurser- humid (you, of course, had not I grew up gardening in New Jersey. ies specializing in one group of noticed) and these plants are It is, The Garden State, after all! plants. The only problem I see, and tropicals and many tropicals thrive There, daylilies are a July and problem is not really the correct in high heat and humidity. You August thing while here in NC the word, is that here is a group of might cower inside in the AC, but main season daylilies bloom in plants that are of great value to they are outside thinking “Ahhhh, June. And so anything that looks summer garden displays that are, in we are finally comfortable!” These great through the worst of summer my opinion, underappreciated and tender perennials, provided they is of great value and this includes underused. And having said all have adequate moisture and most many tender perennials. that, I must add, with great delight, of them need no more water than that things are indeed changing for average hardy plants, get better all Many of my favorite tender peren- the better and that many great summer long, most often right up nials have burgundy foliage which tender perennials are becoming to frost. Knowing nothing of winter is the same color as many winter more widely accepted and avail- they expect to keep on growing hardy plants such as Japanese able. Indeed, it was reported to me forever and do not slow down in Maple cultivars as well as Crimson that the Johnston County Nursery- preparation for winter. Thus while Japanese Barberry, Berberis men Association, on a recent visit to the winter-hardy plants are often thunbergii ‘Atro purpurea’. This the JC Raulston Arboretum, ex- tired and shabby looking by late does not make these tender peren- pressed great interest in the summer, the best of the tender nials redundant because they plantings of tender perennials. So perennials are looking as fresh as remain equally highly colored all much so, that they took away with Spring. (Though I must add at this summer long, whereas nearly all them all of the lists of tender point that I could be equally long- hardy plants that start off burgundy winded on another of my favorite in the Spring steadily become soapbox issues: the fantastic, greener, usually never quite making Page 4 Friends of the JC Raulston Arboretum Newsletter Plant News it all of the way to a fresh pure Also, Edith Eddleman and I are now, but my perspective, which is green but rather as a brownish- constantly acquiring new plants to not necessarily either right or green. This brownish-green color, is test. wrong but only my own perspec- to my eye at least, a very tired tive, is that of a garden designer unpleasant color, perhaps too great The soil at the Arboretum varies rather than an obsessed plant a price to pay for a few moments of tremendously. The soil in front of collector. I feel that the most glory. This loss of red pigment the pink pee-palace is quite sorry. It successful plantings are created by occurs faster and more thoroughly is a sticky clay subsoil that was selecting the best from all groups of with higher temperatures. compacted during the construction plants. The tender perennials can of the palace, which certainly go a long way in keeping a garden I am sure I am forgetting other speaks well of the adaptability of fresh and colorful through the high justifications for growing these these plants. Do I remember humidity and heat of summer. plants. For now I will end with just correctly that many tropical soils one more. Sometimes a plant is so are clay? I hope by now you have been beautiful, or fragrant, or interesting inspired to go look at tender that this alone is enough reason to How to Use Them perennials at the Arboretum. The grow it. Need I apologize further? easiest to find are near the entrance Though this planting is nearly along Beryl Road (designed by Pam entirely of tender perennials and if I Why the Planting at the Arb? Baggett) and my plantings near the may be so modest as to say a fairly pink pee-palace. Please feel free to My main reason for doing the successfully attractive one, my call me if you have any questions plantings of tender perennials in favorite use of tender perennials is (919-688-0240) and be sure and look front of the pink pee-palace at the in association with other plants. for my list of favorites in the next Arboretum is to put these plants in There is no reason to restrict tender newsletter. front of visitors with the hope that perennials to their own ghetto any some will see their value as Sum- more than it is necessary or even Douglas Ruhren is co-curator of the mer ornamentals. A secondary desirable to isolate roses in rose perennial borders at the Arboretum. purpose is to learn more about ghettos or dwarf conifers in dwarf He is leading a special Tour of Tender these plants, though many I have conifer ghettos. I guess I’ve Perennials at the Arboretum on grown for years in other gardens. stepped on more than a few toes by September 28, 1999. Look at the calendar on page 16 for details. ■ Ornamental is the colorful, long lasting foliage. ornamental kale varieties were All varieties of ornamental kale subjected to a low or a high concen- Cabbage and Kale and cabbage are true kales, the tration of B-Nine, an anti-gibberillin Cultivar Comparison margins of the leaves influence the plant growth retardant (PGR). The Study classification of the plant. Orna- plants were evaluated, in pots, for mental cabbage possesses smooth foliar color and shape, plant form, Which varieties perform best leaves and ornamental kale PGR response, speed of coloration, in the southeastern U.S.? possesses frilled or notched leaves. and coloration intensity. After the Due to their vibrant colors of red, plant growth regulator experiment, pink, rose, and white, ornamental the plants were evaluated in the by James L. Gibson and cabbage and kale are now becom- garden and observations were Brian E. Whipker ing a very popular and profitable made from November 10, 1998 to The following study was done at the crop for the greenhouse grower, as April 6, 1999. well as, the professional land- Arboretum during the winter of 1998- For a detailed description of all scaper. 99. -- JN varieties planted in the trial gardens Ornamental cabbage and kale Twenty-six varieties of ornamental refer to Horticulture Information (Brassica oleracea L. var. acephala) cabbage and kale were planted in Leaflet # 507: Success with Orna- are popular plants used in the fall the Arboretum trial gardens at the mental Cabbage and Kale, http:// landscape which contribute to cold Horticulture Field Lab, 4301 Beryl www.cals.ncsu.edu/hort_sci/ season coloration of flower gar- Road, in Raleigh, NC. Before comm/orncab.html. dens. The interest of this fall crop planting, twelve ornamental Several varieties had tremendous cabbage varieties and fourteen Summer 1999 Page 5 Plant News garden appeal through the month Osaka White – Milky white center medium-tall growth habit; notched of December, but as temperatures color; semi-serrated leaf margins; leaf margins; robust foliar display; began to fluctuate in the late winter blue-green foliar color; medium-tall erect stem and overpowering form; and early spring, only a select few growth habit; horizontal and stout excellent specimen plant; pale continued to be excellent garden form; rapid coloration develop- blush-pink center within white specimens. These are listed below. ment; bolting in late winter. center. Ornamental Kale Flamingo Plumes – Bright fuchsia to Ornamental Cabbage deep magenta color; purple foliage; Chidori Red – Deep magenta to a notched leaf margins; open textured Rose Bouquet – Deep pink to ma- blood red center color; purple center; sprawling leaf architecture; genta center color; wavy leaf foliage; medium-tall growth habit; robust foliar display; erect stem and margins; blue-green foliar color; fringed leaf margins; horizontal and overpowering form; excellent medium-tall growth habit; main- stout form; early color develop- specimen plant; center color tained excellent form throughout ment; center color intense from maintained intensity during cold period; bolting was observed early fall to early spring and temperature fluctuations; retained in early spring; center color main- maintained intensity during lower leaves in stressful conditions; tained intensity during temperature temperature fluctuations; bolting in late bolting potential (bolting was fluctuations; retained lower leaves early spring. in stressful conditions. not observed at the end of garden Chidori White – Cream white center evaluation). Osaka Pink – Light fuchsia center color; dark blue-green foliar color; color; round leaf margins; pale medium-tall growth habit; fringed The authors would like to thank green to olive-green foliage; white leaf margins; early color develop- Ingram McCall, Paul Lineberger, venation in leaves very distinct; ment; bolting in late winter; robust Bradley Holland, and Douglas A. Bailey for their assistance. The medium-tall growth habit; mound- foliar display; excellent form. ing type growth habit; erect stem following companies supplied seeds: with excellent lower leaf retention; Snow Prince – Cream-white center American Takii, Ball, Gloeckner, ■ center color intense during fall and color; dark green foliar color; Parks, and Sakata. early winter.

clear plastic? And what are their We have been subduing the Chi- plans for the future of this bed? nese sumac, Rhus chinensis, for Read on and all will be revealed. years. It is planted on the other side of the Nellie R. Stevens holly Garden Why the Death hedge in the White Garden, or at and Destruction? least it was up until the White Garden renovations several years Any long term planting, as opposed ago. JC loved the Chinese sumac News to one that is completely redone and it is easy to see why. Not only once a year or even more frequently is its bloom spectacular, it comes such as the bedding plant trials, late in the year when there is a tends to accumulate weeds over shortage of flowering trees. But one What is going on with time. This happens even if the bed needs to make allowances for its started out sterilized. Some of these wide-ranging rhizomes, perhaps the Early-Late Border? new additions are gifts of the birds; restricting its planting to large usually these are fruiting plants parks and highway medians. I by Douglas Ruhren such as pokeweed and blackberry. have digressed but I felt I owed JC The ever thoughtful birds even an explanation for my opinions of If you have visited the JC Raulston deliver them with their own dose of this plant. Arboretum this summer you have fertilizer! Other weeds arrive as probably noticed that the Early-Late wind blown seeds. Then there are Now back to the subject at hand. Border has been leveled and those that sneak in by spreading Occasional sources of weeds are the wondered what are Edith & Doug from neighboring plants. very plants we have acquired and up to now! Why did they eliminate planted. Edith and I continually try this planting? Why the cover of Page 6 Friends of the JC Raulston Arboretum Newsletter Garden News plants that are new to us, some- In practice, I leave the plastic down I do not recommend tilling before times knowing nothing about the far longer than 20 minutes, usually pasteurization for this will only new acquisition, not even its name. for as long as the plastic lasts, about more deeply bury the perennial Of course we do so in order to 6-8 weeks. By then UV light has weeds and make them harder to know these plants and evaluate caused the plastic to break down. I kill. I do recommend mowing the them. Once in a while what we use 6 mil., clear plastic sheeting. area as low as possible before find out is that a new arrival is After 6-8 weeks even those stub- covering. This is especially impor- genetically programmed to think born perennial weeds such as tant to illuminate hard stubble that that surely our intention was to nutsedge and Bermuda grass are might puncture the plastic. have a garden entirely composed of dead. The number of weed seeds, I just this one species. believe, is also reduced. I have Use as large a sheet of plastic as never experienced a flush of seed possible so there are as few seams germination after removing the as possible. Every edge of a sheet In the Early-Late Border the plant plastic. Late summer or early fall is an area where heat can escape. that has proven to be an unaccept- when the plastic comes off is when I Most any hardware store will have ably vigorous spreader (three feet would expect massive germination rolls of 6 mil. PVC plastic as large or more a year by rhizomes) is of such winter weeds as chickweed as 20’x100’. Secure edges tightly Aster trinervius subsp. ageratoides. and henbit. with what ever you have on hand: We are saddened that we felt bricks, boards or metal pipes. compelled to eliminate this aster, Though the soil temperature rises Then just wait for at least 6 or 8 for like the sumac, it is beautiful in high enough for these desirable weeks. bloom and late blooming. I hope effects, it is not high enough to that nursery people have not eliminate beneficial soil microor- As I said earlier I have used this propagated it from the Arboretum. ganisms. I ease my conscience by method for over 10 years and have Like the pink Mexican evening believing that larger mobile crea- found it to be an excellent way of primrose, Oenothera speciosa, it tures such as earthworms survive eliminating all vegetation before would look gorgeous and innocent this treatment by moving deeper or starting a new garden. I firmly in a pot for sale in a garden center beyond the treated area. That the believe that from the standpoint of but it really has no place in the soil is pasteurized is one of this cutting down on future mainte- average garden; at least in this area, method’s benefits over chemical nance, eliminating perennial weeds it might be well behaved elsewhere fumigants, such as methyl bromide, before planting is the most impor- — Alaska perhaps? So for all of which sterilizes the soil. tant thing to do. You will otherwise these reasons Edith and I decided be forever chasing the same cursed to remove what we wanted to save Under what situations is solar weeds throughout your new and eliminate all else. pasteurization with clear plastic planting. I hope this method of usable? eliminating these weeds will be of Why the Plastic? use to some of you. Which brings me to the plastic. No, • An area that received full sun the bed is not being fumigated with for most of the day. The Future of the Earl Late chemicals. Instead we are utilizing the heat of the summer sun that • One which does not include the Edith and I are looking forward to builds up under the plastic to solar roots of neighboring plants the clean slate of a weed free bed. pasteurize the soil. I have used this which you plan on keeping. We are brainstorming as to its method for over 10 years. I first future. We are currently leaning read about it in Organic Gardening • Late May through June and towards two options, a drought- magazine and was sufficiently July are probably the only tolerant garden or a trial bed of skeptical to not even consider months to start solar pasteur- new acquisitions. We would be trying it until one day when I ization. Earlier or later and the happy to have input from the temporarily placed a sheet of sun will not be strong enough Arboretum community. You may plastic that had been covering some to kill so the plastic will act as a call me at 919-688-0240. ■ curing masonry on the lawn. greenhouse and the weeds will Twenty minutes later the lawn was grow lushly. burnt! Summer 1999 Page 7 Garden News

Joi Choi (Johnny’s) This is a kind of December ‘98 weather. Garden of Winter bok choi. It has thick, white petioles and a very pleasant light Red Orash (Johnny’s) This looked Delights shade of green. It sits squat, green great at two months with bright red and solid, lending substance to the leaves but bombed in the garden. It By Jonathan Nyberg showers of color around it. The went to seed very quickly and tight balls of yellow flowers are wouldn’t leaf out at all. Winter isn’t just for pansies very attractive in late winter. When Bright Lights Swiss Chard (Johnny’s) anymore I first moved here from N. Missouri 11 years ago I marveled at the This showy new variety made the beautiful mustard-yellow flowers cover of many seed catalogues last One of my goals in the Winter that occurred every spring around year, but I haven’t figured out how Garden is to find winter annuals to country houses — the remnants of to make it shine in the winter plant with pansies. Or as nursery- unharvested turnip greens. Grow- garden yet. man Andy Upshaw said, “Winter ing many of these winter vegetables isn’t just for pansies anymore.” enables the gardener to bring this In May ‘98 I planted out transplants exquisite spring color into the given to me by Edith Eddleman, I was happy to see NCSU Professor garden -- a burst of bolting, good who said they would make it Brian Whipker and grad student bolting for a change. Relax, enjoy through the summer. They did, Jamie Gibson do a trial of orna- the metamorphosis from leaves to even through the drought with mental cabbages and kales last flowers as you would any summer minimal watering, but not looking winter. Please see page five for garden plant. too vigorous. I thought they would their results. The one outstanding take off once cool weather set in. kale that I am definitely going to Hon Tsai Tai (Johnny’s) If you’ve Well, the cool weather really never plant this winter is ‘Flamingo ever heard of this plant then you set in, and the chard didn’t take off Plumes’. It has loose, wide, purple are already a serious oriental greens either. leaves and is distinctively different grower. I discovered it by accident. from all those endless balls of so- I planted a mesclun mix and this I sowed more seeds in August and called ornamental cabbages and plant was outstanding from germi- planted out in October with every- kales. nation. By far, this plant received thing else. Still, they sat there all more comment than all other winter winter not growing, while every- I also held a mini-trail of winter annuals put together! I’ll quote thing else was growing like mad. vegetables in the winter garden. I from the Johnny’s catalog, “The They were pulled up in April. A ordered seeds from Johnny’s young plants soon branch and few plants I put in my own garden Selected Seeds, and Shepard’s project quantities of long, pencil- last October are still in the ground Seeds that looked promising. Seeds thin, red-purple, budded flower and are just starting to get a little were planted in mid-August, 1998. stems.” size – 10 months after sowing. Oh Thanks to Mitzi Hole and her crew, well, the picture on the catalog beautiful transplants were available Dinosaur Kale, Lacinato Kale cover look so good I just have to for planting out in mid-October. (Shepard’s) Doug Ruhren grew this keep trying. Below is a summary of the plants I during the winter of 97-98 and it grew. The low temperature from grew well into the Spring. Its blue- Purple Kohlrabi (Shepard’s) With Oct ‘98 to March ‘99 in the winter green, crinkled, strap-like leaves the popularity for eating members garden was 14 degrees F. The only grabs the attention of passersby. of the mustard tribe here in the plant affected by the cold was the The ones I grew last winter did very south, I don’t know why kohlrabi lettuce. well but flowered before the plants isn’t as common as kudzu. It got good and big. Great plant. matures quickly and has a crisp, Don’t forget as you read through white, tasty flesh that makes the that almost all of these plants are Lettuce, Red Lollo ‘Impuls’ (Johnny’s) best turnip seem like the poor delicious to eat at various stages of This small mounding lettuce has an relation that it is. This purple growth. intense burgundy color that looks variety is also quite ornamental, great with white. I couldn’t keep it and makes a good conversation from bolting during the 80 degree piece with all those stems sticking up like an alien dart board. Page 8 Friends of the JC Raulston Arboretum Newsletter Garden News Summary

Since the mascot of the winter garden is the penguin, I’ve devel- oped a rating system as follows.

5 penguins = The very best, I’ll probably grow it every year. 4 penguins = Great plant. 3 penguins = Put it in the three year rotation. 2 penguins = Only if I have a specific use for it. 1 penguin = If you pay me, I’ll grow it. 0 penguins = I’ll never grow it again. 5 penguins Red Bor Kale Giant Red Mustard White Peacock Kale Hon Tsai Tai Hon Tsai Tai, with its delicate red-purple stems, was an eye- catching sight last year in the Garden of Winter Delights. 4 penguins Red Peacock Kale Joi Choi Red Bor Kale (Shepard’s) From the on a limited basis wholesale and Dinosaur Kale seed catalog, “A big beautiful new retail. I first saw this at Fearrington hybrid whose very ruffled leaves several years ago used with stirring 3 penguins are a dramatic dark purple. Plants effect with blue and yellow pansies. Purple Kohlrabi attracted lots of attention in our One of the great advantages of this trial garden. Texture and flavor are red-purple mustard is that it goes 2 penguins like that of most kales, but we’ve with about any color pansy – a Impuls Lettuce never seen them gift wrapped this great asset for us gardeners who are way.” I highly recommend this one a little color impaired. It has the 0 penguins and think it has commercial potential to be overplanted within Red Orash possibilities, too. five years – the mark of succuss for any plant. Not Rated Red and White Peacock Kale Bright Lights Swiss Chard (Johnny’s) These finely cut-leaf varieties have been favorites of Johnny’s Selected Seeds mine for years. The white peacock Don’t Miss!! phone: 207-437-4301 is especially valuable to contrast e-mail: with all the purple shades. If there [email protected] is a mild winter and the bottom Jenks Farmer “Liberate WEB: http:// leaves are stripped off, they make Your Pansies! Winter www.johnnyseeds.com bizarre looking little trees in March Annuals with Bold, – not to everyone’s taste. Beautiful Texture and Shepherd’s Garden Seeds Color” phone: 860-482-3638 Giant Red Mustard (Shepard’s) This e-mail: is one of the breakout performers of See Calendar page 16 [email protected] winter ornamentals. It’s available WEB: http:// www.sheperdseeds.com ■ Summer 1999 Page 9 Development News

JCNA Tour Sponsors Johnson County Arboretum Director Bob Lyons. Registration for each of the Gold Sponsors Nursery Association participants, over 100 all told from Fulcrum Financial across the East Coast, included a Tour Supports Wilbro contribution to the Arboretum. Parker’s Products Arboretum Nursery Supplies On July 14, the group toured several IEM Plastics/Lerio The 11th annual Johnston County JCNA nurseries, and finished up at Nursery Association Tour the Johnston County Livestock Silver Sponsors introduced a new crop of buyers to Arena for a trade show and dinner. Carver Equipment the horticultural riches of the area - After dinner, Hudson presented the Coor Farm Supply and raised $3,775 for the proceeds of the event to Lyons. BWI Arboretum’s future Education Hudson asked those in the audience Center. to make pledges to increase the Bronze Sponsors donation, and offered to match any Florikan “This year we decided that our made that night. The flurry of Tarheel Helmlund Nursery annual tour could be a way to give activity raised an additional $995! back to the Arboretum for the ML Irrigation Bobcat of Johnston County plants, information, and cuttings it The purpose of the JCNA is to (Triangle Equipment) always shares with us,” said promote plant materials grown by Mackenzie Nursery Supply Johnston County Nursery members located in a 60 mile radius Mid-Atlantic Florist and Association (JCNA) chairman of the intersection of I-95 and I-40. Growers Insurance Services Mike Hudson of Sampson They cooperate in production and Raleigh Truck Leasing Nursery. “Thanks to our tour sales through the annual tour, by Revel’s Tractor sponsors, 100% of the earnings sharing source and availability from the event went to the information, by coordinating on Arboretum.” shipping, and through their Plant- JCNA Arboretum Fax. The Plant Fax allows buyers to Challenge Donors The tour began on the evening of fax a single order that is then July 13 at the Arboretum with a broadcast to the twenty-seven Annie’s Garden picnic buffet and a tour led by members nurseries. ■ Carroll’s Plant Center Ed’s Plant World Jeff Evans Fulcrum Financial Christina Hall Johnston County Nursery Association Kurt Muller Pender Nursery Sampson Nursery Wakefield Nursery Chris Williford

Page 10 Friends of the JC Raulston Arboretum Newsletter Development News was a graduate of NC State’s Sean McNeely horticulture Memorial Poker program, as well Run as an avid Harley rider. Grieving family and friends of Sean “He loved the McNeely turned their loss into a Arboretum,” celebration of his life and a benefit said Brad to the community last Saturday, McNeely, his when over 100 motorcycle riders brother. “He and volunteers raised $4,250 in the always talked Sean McNeely Memorial Poker about the work Run. The event brought total he did out there donations in memory of McNeely as a student.” to almost $10,000. Additional Though Saturday dawned cold and contributions in misty, volunteers from the Raleigh memory of Sean HOG (Harley Owners Group) may be sent to Chapter turned out early at Ray the Arboretum Price Harley-Davidson. Fueled by at Box 7609, doughnuts and coffee provided by Raleigh, NC Mrs. Price, they put up the tents 27695-7609. and set out the door prizes, Checks should Key organizer Brian McNeely, above, and Jean drawings, and memorial t-shirts, be written to the McNeely get into the spirit. photo by Catherine Maxwell and waited for the riders to appear. NC Agricultural It wasn’t long before the first Foundation, with registrants, heralded by the Sean McNeely distinctive rumble of Harley- Memorial Fund on the memo line. ■ Davidson engines, rolled in to sign up. “We were really overwhelmed by the response to the event,” said key organizer Brian McNeely, Sean McNeely’s brother. “We far exceeded our original goal of $1,500. “It wouldn’t have been possible without all the help from our sponsors, donors, and all the people who turned out to remember Sean and support the Arboretum. I especially want to thank Ray Price Harley-Davidson and the Raleigh HOG Chapter for all their support.” Proceeds from the poker run benefit the JC Raulston Arboretum at NC State University. A memorial to Sean McNeely will be placed in the Arboretum’s future education Family friends Lisa Silletti and Savannah turned out to help center. Sean McNeely, who died in photo by Catherine Maxwell November 1998 from a food allergy, Summer 1999 Page 11 Development News

1999 Gala in the Garden

Above, left to right, Harlan Boyles, Leo Daughtry, Jim Graham and Helen Daughtry photo by Ginger Long

UNC President Emeritus Bill Friday announces the York Challenge photo by Ginger Long

Above, left to right, Genelle Dail, NC State Chancellor Marye Anne Fox and Karen Barnes photo by Ginger Long

Mary Jo Pringle, right, and a friend Susan and Mack Little photo by Ginger Long photo by Herman Lankford

Page 12 Friends of the JC Raulston Arboretum Newsletter Development News

Hats, hats and more hats were the order of the evening. Here is a look at some of the most memorable ones. All photos by Herman Lankford

Left to right, Lu Troxler, Maggie Jones and Laura Stevens

Melissa Peden reflects on the Gala

Even the Sodfather, Commissioner Jim Graham got into the spirit

Adelaide Joyce enjoys the evening

From left, Virginia Baucom and Annette Owen

Summer 1999 Page 13 Annie’s Garden Development News Claude and Mary Caldwell Meeting the York Carroll’s Plant Center Dr. and Mrs. John E. Chandler Challenge Fred and Susan Chappell On the Road with Bob Coley Forest Garden Club Country Garden Club of Durham Bob Lyons may have only been Lotta and Allen Dick Arboretum director for six months, District 11/Garden Club of NC but he’s already getting to know in honor of Janie Stanley our North Carolina roads. Earl and Frances Emery in honor of Robert D. Hurst Ed’s Plant World April 6 found Bob at the Pioneer Jeff Evans Restaurant in Archdale, where he Fulcrum Financial met many of central North Michael and Lynn Haley Carolina’s industry leaders at the Christina Hall Piedmont Nursery Association’s Evergreen Garden Club monthly meeting. Organizer in memory of Helen Starritt, Mary Ronnie Swaim presented Bob with Hadley and Ruth Croom Edgar and Elizabeth Fisher a generous check in support of the As of July 21, 1999, the following Holt Gwyn Arboretum - and in support of him donors have made gifts or pledges Johnston County Nursery Assn. as director. totaling $47,663 to the Raise the Roof Emily Lambeth Campaign since May 2, 1999. This in honor of Lib York On April 15, Peter and Jasmin leaves $452,337 to be raised to meet Laurel Hills Garden Club Grey Lineweaver Gentling hosted a reception for the York Challenge! western NC friends in their Lois and Wade Markham in memory of Doris Kelly Coughenour Asheville home. Over 85 guests Martha and Daniel McAlister met Bob and basked in the Closer to home, the AE Finley Kurt Muller afternoon sunlight playing over Foundation hosted the first meeting New Garden Landscaping and Nursery their magical hillside garden in honor of Doug Chapman of the Chapel Hill Friends of the overlooking the Blue Ridge Marjorie O’Keeffe Arboretum at the Chapel Hill Mountains. Pender Nursery Country Club. Tarheel members Lydia Pickard were delighted to see an Arboretum in honor of Anthony Payne Lynn and Mike Haley hosted a program in their back yard! The Pointe at Falls Lake Women’s Club reception on May 19 for Bob in their in honor of Anne Clapp beautiful Greensboro garden, On June 16, Greyson and Garland Lou and Marci Pucillo designed by their friend, Chip in honor of Lib and Willie York Tucker hosted the first of a series of Callaway. Greensboro Friends of Raleigh Garden Club local events to introduce Bob to the the Arboretum were already in honor of Tom Bumgardner Raleigh community. Guests loved celebrating surpassing their $50,000 Sampson Nursery the Tucker’s Secret Garden...and Sheffield Gardeners campaign goal, when their host were excited about Bob’s ideas for in honor of Allene Merricks and increased his previous pledge the future of the Arboretum. Elizabeth Martin naming the Callaway Vine Aurelia Smith Collection by another in memory of Doris Kelly Coughenour In each region, volunteers are $25,000! Joy Makinson Strawn following up to tell local members in honor of John Strawn more about the Raise the Roof Doris Deal and fellow organizers of Thorn and Thistle Garden Club Campaign and how they can get Tinga Nursery the High Point Friends of the involved. in memory of George Coulter Sr. Arboretum started the June Garland and Greyson Tucker calendar off with a bang at the Though teaching will curtail his Trellis Garden Club String and Splinter Club. Bob in memory of Frances Norwood travel schedule, the fall season will brought members of the Turtle Creek Nursery find Bob at regional events in Arboretum’s first regional in memory of George Coulter Sr. Charlotte, Winston-Salem, and in friends group up to date.....and Wakefield Nursery eastern North Carolina, as well as Bill and Libby Wilder started planning for their next train giving a number of lectures at Betty and Jack Williams trip to the Arboretum. area events. Look for him at a in memory of Doris Kelly Coughenour Carolyn Wilson location near you! ■ Page 14 Friends of the JC Raulston Arboretum Newsletter Volunteer NEW OPPORTUNITIES As computers become a greater FOR VOLUNTEERS part of our work and connection to News each other, we are looking for volunteers with data base skills. New initiates were put in place We need assistance with tour guide by Harriet Bellerjeau earlier this summer to bring scheduling, mapping, and weekend and evening volunteers on volunteer coordination. Our A NEW and WELCOME, board. Two groups recieved annual update of volunteer interest orientation and accomplish weeding information is underway with the WELCOME! and deadheading after hours and final push in September and Our hottest summer ever and in the watering on weekends. They are October. We need help with thick of the only rain we had, there tending the annual and front evening calling and data entry at entrance plantings. Surely, during was Kathleen Thompson moving the Volunteer Office any time or on forward with her renovation of the the heat of the summer their efforts campus during the week. Visitors Center. She’s the one we have been invaluable. Their success have to thank for our sunny, allows us to think about other new welcoming, newly painted opportunities for volunteers in the future. greeting. The new look is inspired WE’RE STILL by her vision with the assistance of Sharon Mackey, Amy Bateman, We appreciate Chris Allen, Lukie LOOKING... Genelle Dail, Dale Allen, Tom Curless, Wendy Elliott, Wayne Friedrich, Gail Harris, Jennette Opportunities to make a Bumgarner, Harley Mudge and King, Sandy Reid, Pam Warner, difference Walt Thompson. Carolyn Weathers, Mary Peters, Mark Armagost, Peggy Barnhill, • for volunteers to manage the t- Not only is there new paint, right Tricia Tripp, Chris David, Kevin shirt sales. This is an important down to the walls underneath the Cox, John Myhre, Nancy responsibility and ideal for those bulletin boards, but more of Simonsen, Barbara Smith, Robyn who like team work and really and more carefully tended plants. Smith, Anna Yorba, Robert Ferone want to make a valuable The flags that Mary Edith and Peg Henderson. contribution. Alexander made for us quite some • for office volunteers and folks time back are once again fluttering IT ISN’T GARDENING interested in our new computer in the breeze along with a new flag scheduling system for tour guides at the arbor entrance. BUT... - also done at the volunteer office. The age of electronics has brought • for volunteers to work Sharon, a new volunteer, has been information to volunteers, tour weekends and evenings during assisting Kathleen since April when guides and members of special our fall leaf season - there’s a they began sprucing up in projects through email. We are whole lot of raking going on. preparation for the GALA. experiencing more and more Kathleen says she’s still visioning interaction between volunteers and All interested volunters should “what’s next.” It’s been a real treat are able to send out news just that contact the Volunteer Coordinator to watch this endeavor unfold, much quicker. Please let us know if at 515-3132 or complete a faithfully, every Tuesday morning. you now have email and want to be Volunteer Interest Form located in Many, many thanks! included. the Visitor Center. ■

Such intoxicating nectars. I am drunk with the passion of a Rogue Bee. ---Written by a visitor on the chalk board at the Arboretum.

Summer 1999 Page 15 Calendar Friends of the Arboretum Lectures Friends of the Arboretum lectures are free to those with current Of Events membership. There will be a $5.00 fee for non-members. Please bring your membership card. We will have a current membership list at the door should you need a replacement card. Memberships will be available for purchase at the door. Entrance is free to all NC State students with ID. Friends Giveaway All lectures are in room 159, Kilgore Hall on NC State University 2 October, 1999 (Saturday) campus. There is plenty of free parking at the intersection of Friends of the Arboretum Annual Hillsborough and Brooks Street. Please call 515-3132 if you need Plant Distribution. Bring directions or information about any of the following events. containers to carry all your treasures. Please bring your 16 September, 1999 (Thursday) membership card. If you can’t find Johnny Randall “Invasive Exotic Plants: A Real or Perceived it, come early and we can give you Problem?” As the Arboretum and the entire nursery industry another one that morning. Family grapples with the hot-button issue of invasive exotics, we have memberships and above are invited our esteemed colleague from the NC Botanical Garden in entitled to two membership cards. Chapel Hill for his prospective. Please bring an open mind and If your membership has lapsed or your toughest questions for Johnny. We hope many from the you want to join for the first time , nursery industry will attend and contribute to a lively discussion. we will be selling memberships starting at 8:00 a.m. The giveaway 21 October, 1999 (Thursday) begins at 9:00 a.m. sharp at the JC (note: printed version mistakenly lists the date as 10 October) Raulston Arboretum. Do not be Dick Bell “Urban Projects in the Landscape” Mr. Bell is known late!

as the dean of landscape architects in Raleigh because of the ○○○○○○○○○○○○

○○○○○○○○ tremendous impact he has had in 45 ye`‚s of designing in and Tender Perennials around Raleigh. 25 September, 1999 (Saturday) Tour 6 November, 1999 (Saturday) of Tender Perennials with Douglas Brent Heath “Scenes of South Africa” Bulb expert Brent Heath Ruhren $25 non-members, $20 and Arboretum staffer Jonathan Nyberg were part of a tour of members. At the JC Raulston South Africa in February, 1999. Both will comment on their trip Arboretum 9:00 a.m. til 11:00 a.m. while showing excellent slides taken by Brent while travelling

Register using form on page 19. through this magnificent part of Africa. ○○○○○○○○○○○○

○○○○○○○○ 11 November, 1999 (Thursday) Jenks Farmer “Liberate Your Pansies! Winter Annuals with Bold, Beautiful Texture and Color” Seasons of the Trying to garden with standard winter annuals is like trying to Perennial Border cook without spices. Jenks Farmer, curator of gardens at Riverbanks Botanical Gardens in Columbia, SC has used hundreds of beautiful, easy, winter annuals to add drama to 11 September, 1999, 5:30 p.m.--7:30 p.m. boring sheets of pansies. Explore the possibilities of bold textures, 9 October, 1999, 9:00 a.m.--11:00 a.m brilliant colors and armloads of flowers in winter gardens. 8 January, 2000, 1:00 p.m.--3:00p.m. 2 February, 2000 (Thursday) Walk-through of perennial borders with Rick Fell “Appreciation of a Floral Partnership: Bees, Flowers, Douglas Ruhren and Edith Eddleman. and Honey” Known as “The Bee Guy” at Virginia Tech where he $25 non-members, $20 members. At teaches classes in the entomology department, Professor Fell will the JC Raulston Arboretum. Register give us an entertaining and informative talk that will include a using form on page 19. honey tasting.

Page 16 Friends of the JC Raulston Arboretum Newsletter Other Horticultual Bulb Workshops with Brent Heath Events

Brent Heath is a third generation bulb grower and co- This listing includes more events owner of Brent and Becky’s Bulbs in Gloucester, VA. that may be of interest to our members. To list your event on He has worked with the Arboretum for many years future calendars contact Jonathan supplying and identifying bulbs. We are pleased to Nyberg, 919-515-3132, email: offer the following workshops this fall. Brent’s enthusi- [email protected] or mail asm for bulbs is highly contagious – you will never look to Box 7609, Raleigh, NC 27695. at bulbs the same again! Both workshops are at the Arboretum.

Bulbs as Companion Plants Piedmont Chapter, North American Rock Garden Society November 6, 1999 9:00 a.m. til noon All meetings are held at the $35 members, $45 non-members Totten Center of the N.C. Botanical Garden, Chapel Hill, This workshop will take you on a bulb excursion span- NC, beginning at 10:00 a.m. ning three seasons. It will show you how to integrate on the dates given. bulbs with annuals, perennials, groundcovers, veg- 9/18/99: Rich Dufresne, etables and flowering trees and shrubs. The slide talk Greensboro, NC “The Genus will give you great ideas for effective combinations and Salvia” efficient sequences of bloom. The lab portion will take you into the Arboretum for a hands-on lab of planting 10/16/99: Ted Kipping, San Francisco, CA “The Cloud and designing with bulbs. Forests of Oaxaca and Chiapas, Mexico”

The Best Bulbs for Containers and Forcing 11/20/99: Bob McCartney, Aiken, SC “Unknown Southern Natives for the Rock November 6, 1999 Garden” 2:00 p.m. til 5:00 p.m. $35 members, $45 non-members 1/15/00: Nancy Goodwin, Hillsborough, NC “The Garden in Winter” You will be the envy of your friends as Brent takes the mystery out of forcing bulbs. The slide lecture will 2/19/00: Bobby Ward, show lots of inspirational examples of container grow- Raleigh, NC “Four ing. In the lab you will pot up and take home you own Continents and a Camera: A bulbs to force. The price includes all materials. Year in Pursuit of Plants” 3/18/00: Pam Harper, Seaford, VA “My Garden Don’t you dare miss these workshops! Through the Seasons” To register, use the form on page 19, or call 515-3132 4/15/00: Panayoti Kelaidis, Denver, CO -title to be determined

Summer 1999 Page 17 Director’s Letter help indefinitely. And I hope you aesthetics of our annual plantings. by Bob Lyons caught the NY Times Sunday Most of all, however, the formation Magazine article about Dan of these new groups has engaged How about taking a break from the Hinkley and Heronswood Nursery those folks whose “real” jobs don’t logistics of running the JC Raulston (really nice story, and beautifully permit them to volunteer Arboretum for a moment and illustrated!) where we were kindly otherwise, giving them a stake in focusing on the heart of our mentioned. the Raulston Arboretum by making mission...... plants. Whether a valuable contribution. Yet, I am you consider them the While still in the vein of plants, I’m saddened to report that Harriet fundamentally new materials we pleased to report that we have Bellerjeau, our dedicated move or facilitate into the nursery received approval to fill a new Volunteer Coordinator, will be industry, or the subject of study by position, an Assistant Director of leaving. Not a day has gone by literally hundreds of formal or non- Horticulture, who will be a great since my arrival that I haven’t been traditional students, or the objects asset to the continuation of our grateful for her assistance, insight, of beauty and fascination during mission. We’re all looking forward and unwavering commitment to casual visits and formal tours, to the contributions of this the Raulston Arboretum volunteers. you’ll always return to the individual who can assist in all When I’ve proposed a wacky new center.....plants. facets of collections enhancement, idea, she’s always been happy to evaluation, and management. consider it, when I’ve made my In fact, the past six months have I’ll keep you posted. usual mistakes in administration, seen 455 plant materials she’s been way too understanding, accessioned into our inventory As for site developments, look for but most of all, she has moved the database, which includes seeds to these changes. The new Entry volunteer group forward and the whole plants. This figure Gardens have grown in beautifully Raulston Arboretum is so much represents a diverse lot, from Abelia along Beryl Rd. and are very much better for her efforts. Thanks, serrata, a small deciduous shrub our invitation to the drive-by Harriet, I know we haven’t seen the with dense branching and rose- public, the Paradise Garden is in the last of you! white flowers flushed with yellow; throes of long-term renovation to seed of Viburnum cotinifolium, a with the splintering bamboo dome We are, at this writing, in search of dwarf spreading shrub having now down, and our Visitor Center a replacement. All inquiries should cotinus-like leaves and wide, has a brand new, updated be directed to me, at 515-1192. ■ funnelform, white flowers; to appearance. The local spotlight Incarvillea arguta, a herbaceous- continues to highlight the becoming-woody species from the Raulston Arboretum, with recent steep, rocky areas of China which media spots on WRAL-TV, the should bloom continuously Durham Herald Sun, WUNC public once established. We’ve also radio, NC News Network, and acquired several selections within a NCSU Communications Services, single species, like the hellebores, with more scheduled in the future. including Helleborus atrorubens, H. Building a strong platform of local croaticus, H. cyclophyllus, H. recognition and identity will help multifidus, and a variety of cultivars us tremendously. within H. foetidus; and for the willows, we have accessioned Salix Finally, our volunteers continue to cinerea, S. fragilis, S. pendulata, expand their role in the Raulston and S. chaenomeloides.....and not all Arboretum. Since my last letter, necessarily from the same source. Harriet Bellerjeau has coordinated As each day passes, I’m also a Weekend Watering group and an grateful for the contacts I’ve had Evening Weeding/Deadheading with longtime advocates of the group. The former cares for various Raulston Arboretum; people who containers and garden spaces not don’t necessarily live next door but covered by our automatic irrigation, who have extended their offer to and the latter helps maintain the

Page 18 Friends of the JC Raulston Arboretum Newsletter Friends of the JC Raulston Arboretum Newsletter is published four times a year.

Jonathan Nyberg, Editor

JC Raulston Arboretum Staff

Director Bob Lyons 515-1192 Development Director Catherine Maxwell 515-2000 Program Coordinator Jonathan Nyberg 515-3132 Volunteer Coordinator Harriet Bellerjeau 515-3132 Arboretum Secretary Pamela Christie-Tabron 515-3132 Arboretum Technician Mitzi Hole 515-1632 Plant Recorder Valerie Tyson 515-1632 Arboretum Volunteer Office Staffed by volunteers 515-7641 World Wide Web Address: http://arb.ncsu.edu

Registration Form

Use this form to register for the following events. Mail to: JC Raulston Arboretum, Box 7609, NCSU, Raleigh, NC 27695 Make checks payable to: NC Ag Foundation, with JC Raulston Arboretum on memo line. See pages 16,17 for complete information about the events. Please call 919-515-3132 if you need further information.

The first price is for members, the second for non-members. Thank You!

___ 11 September, 1999 Seasons of the Perennial Border, $20, $25

___ 25 September, 1999 Tender Perennials, $20, $25

___ 9 October, 1999 Seasons of the Perennial Border, $20, $25

___ 6 November, 1999 Bulbs as Companion Plants, $35, $45

___ 6 November, 1999 The Best Bulbs for Containers and Forcing, $35, $45

___8 January, 2000 Seasons of the Perennial Border, $20, $25

Name: Address:

Phone/Fax/email:

Summer 1999 Page 19 “From the day I assumed the , cont. from page 2 fortunate to know them as friends Wilder and colleagues. Congratulations to directorship, I knew that we had Throughout it all, in the midst of Bill and Libby for a well-earned and one of our strongest advocates in their service on behalf of much deserved retirement.” Bill,” Lyons said. “I appreciate his insights and the direction he organizations and institutions, Bill Amidst all the reminiscing, provides for our board of advisors. and Libby always made time for however, current NCAN president I’m positive he’ll continue to help us the individuals involved...to help Mike Worthington, of Worthington move forward with exciting them with a problem, listen to Farms, was quick to point out that projects in the future.” their ideas, or just to have a little just because they’re retiring, we fun. haven’t heard the last of the Now, what about the future? Rick Crowder echos the thoughts of Wilders. Needless to say, the Wilders are taking more time for their many when he said, “I enjoyed my “The first weekend of Bill’s grandchildren, Melissa and Taylor. experiences being on the NCAN retirement, he faxed information to The number of hosta varieties in the board, especially for the me regarding proposed bills to fund garden and nursery is growing, and opportunity to work with Bill and the Education Center,” Worthington Bill has more time to spend at the Libby and to get to know them as said. “During his vacation the next potter’s wheel. And now, when friends.” week, he called to discuss Libby picks up her needlework, Bill legislative developments. His Kim Tripp, Vice President of can practice his new found skills in commitment to horticulture didn’t Horticulture at the New York botanical illustration. Botanical Garden and formerly begin with his job as executive with the Arboretum sums it up director of NCAN, nor did it end But don’t let that fool you. well: when he retired. He continues to be Remember, these are folks who a captain for the green industry.” know how to make things happen. “Bill and Libby Wilder’s There’s no telling what’s around the Bob Lyons realized that right away. contributions to the nursery corner. But it’s bound to be good. industry in North Carolina and the ■ southeast are legion. I find it very difficult to imagine the North Carolina Association of JC Raulston Arboretum at NC Nurserymen without the energy, State University NONPROFIT ORG discipline, and sincere engagement Department of Horticultural U. S. POSTAGE of Bill and Libby Wilder. During Science Box 7609 their tenure with the Association, Raleigh, NC 27695-7609 PAID Bill and Libby built strong RALEIGH, NC foundations of excellence, PERMIT NO. 2353 professionalism, and personal dedication that will carry the Association forward into an exciting future. It was a great pleasure and privilege for me to know and work with these two wonderful nursery professionals while I worked at the JC Raulston Arboretum. I will never forget Bill’s encouragement and humor that helped tremendously during the frenzied preparation for trade shows and field days. His experience and positive attitude always carried the day. Libby was always ready to prop us up with a pat on the shoulder and a real solution to a practical dilemma. They are a memorable team and I feel