}\\1ERICAN I IORTlcu~I~BlRg

River Farm Notes In the November issue of American Horticulturist we had the dismal duty of reporting to you the harsh effects of a very dry summer on our River Farm plantings. Happily, in this issue we can report that autumn was more kind. Our trees were filled with the yellows, oranges and reds that we all cherish at that time of year. Our dahlias, in their glory, boldly dis­ played every color combination imaginable; our roses, standing tall, gave a final, regal show before the coming of winter; our chrysanthe­ mums weaved luscious carpets of color; the fall crocuses emerged everywhere, anxious to bring a color­ showing ra cy reds, graceful ye llows, ful climax to another growing season; the purist of whites and the most 1981 Seed Program and the windflowers, so aptly named, gentle shades of pink. Imag ine these You will shortly receive the seed list waved gently as the last winds of sweeps of color dancing in the warm­ for our 1981 free seed program, and autumn removed the remnants of ing breezes and make plans now to we think you will be very pleased by dogwood leaves and rose petals. visit us this spring to enjoy what we this year's offerings. Here are a few Fall cannot, and should not, be for­ have created for you.-Steve Da vis of the varieties that will show up on ever, but what a glorious time of the list: dwarf columbine, Christmas year it was . Winter is now upon us, AHS Driveway Construction cherry, pearl everlasting, asparagus though, and beneath the frozen sur­ fern, maiden pinks, Dracaena and face of yesterday's garden sleep the Completed Cilia. bulbs, corms and perennial roots that Good news! At last the Society's staff Have we piqued your interest? We will soon herald the coming of yet can report completion of the con­ hope so, because this program is of another season. In the closing para­ struction of the new drive and en­ special importance to us all. It gives graphs of this chronicle, let us look trance way to our River Farm head­ us the opportunity to provide you to spring and to the plantings we quarters mandated by Fairfax Coun­ with the gratifying experience of hav@ made at River Farm to please ty The project, begun in 1977, has growing plants from seed; it enables our visitors. been fraught with problems and com­ us to bring about the dissemination Thanks to the American Daffodil plexities, but it is now finished. of plant varieties to parts of the Society we have been able to estab­ The Society must landscape the country where they perhaps do not lish a daffodil display garden within new approach, and we have estab­ naturally occur; and it gives us the our Ideas Garden. We planted 300 lished a special River Farm Land­ chance to solicit your help in testing bulbs of 100 new and beautiful vari­ scape Fund to which friends and new plants (products of hybridization) eties, and we cannot wait to see members of the Society may con­ that are not yet on the market them come to life. If names can be tribute. Proceeds from the fund will Look for this mailing soon and re­ suggestive, dwell on these for a few be used to plant ornamental shrubs turn your order card promptly to en­ moments: 'Artie Gold', 'Evening Star', and perennial beds. The fund has re­ sure that you get your first choices of 'Foxfire', 'Frost Kist', 'Golden Dawn' ceived an initial gift of $1 ,500 from plant varieties. and 'Snow Gem'. the Alcoa Foundation for which we In addition to these plantings we are all deeply grateful. The Society naturalized 600 daffodils and several needs an additional $9,500 to make The Williamsburg Garden hundred crocuses, and we developed possible the completion of the land­ Symposium, co-sponsored by beds containing some 5,000 tulips scape project The American Horticultural Picture hundreds of naturalized daf­ If you would like to make a dona­ Society, is scheduled for April fodils swaying quietly on the periph­ tion to this fund, please send your 5-April 8, 1981. Look for details ery of open fields; of crocuses push­ check to Landscape Fund, attention ing through the last remaining patch­ Tom Richards, AHS, Mt Vernon, VA and a registration form inside. es of snow; and of beds of tulips 22121. Dates to Remember The Society is sponsoring two hor­ New Plant listed ticultural explorations of note in the Tours, a lecture se ries, our Spring as Endangered spring of 1981. From May 21-June 2 Symposium, Open Houses .... these members will be touring the Island McKittrick pennyroyal, Hedeoma are so me of the AHS activities World of Great Britain via the luxury apiculatum, has been proposed by ( planned for members during the next cruise ship, MTS Argonaut. Gardens the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for few months. and other points of historical interest Threatened status. The proposal, F.R. After last year's successful lecture on the islands of England, Scotland, 8/15/80, also includes a determination series, we are once again planning Wales, Scilly, MuJI, lona and Orkney of Critical Habitat for the plant. winter lectures at River Farm for area are on the itinerary. For a brochure Hedeoma apiculatum is a member gardeners who would like to take ad­ and reservation card, write to of the mint family, Labiatae, and is vantage of the guest experts we in­ Dorothy Sowerby in care of the the second member of its genus to vite to join us for this program. The American Horticultural Society. be listed by the Service, the first be­ series will be on five successive The second spring horticultural ex­ ing Todsens pennyroyal, Hedeoma Thursday mornings from February 26 ploration is to Baja California and todsenii (F.R 7/25/80). H. apiculatum through March 26. Topics will in­ Copper Canyon in Mexico. One tour is endemic to the Guadalupe Moun­ clude plant propagation, pruning, departing March 21 and returning tains of Texas and New Mexico. It home landscape design, plant dis­ o~ April 5, is already full. However, we grows on open limestone rock sur­ eases and pests and indoor plants. are endeavoring to organize a second faces and outcroppings and along We are already looking forward to tour to accommodate those whose stream beds at elevations above our Spring Open House. The 1980 requests for space could not be hon­ 1,066 meters. Open House was such a success (over ored. Dates for this second tour are Since the majority of the known 800 visitors) that we are making plans April 11-26, 1981. To register, write to populations of McKittrick pennyroyal to expand this year's program by in­ Dorothy Sowerby in care of the are accessible by hiking trails which viting additional plant societies and American Horticultural Society. exist on government land, increased area artists to participate. It is sched­ Finally, another reminder to re­ traffic could destroy the plant's habi­ uled for Sunday, May 17. I n case of serve the dates July 14-18,1981 so tat. High visibility also could encour­ rain, it will be postponed until the that you may join us in Denver for age collecting. The total populatio~ following Sunday, May 24. our Spring Symposium. We will be of Hedeoma apiculatum is estimated enjoying the beauty of a Rocky to be approximately 950 individuals. Mountain alpine spring with the Den­ -Endangered Species Technical Bul­ ver Botanical Garden as our official letin, September 1980 fXV1ERlCAN HOIillCULTURIST host. One event already planned is an all-day trip to lovely Estes Park VOLUME 6O-NUMBER 1 and the Trailbridge Road, with dinner AHS Members' Advice Sought EDITOR and entertainment at the Lazy B Judy Powell on New Ortho Publication Ranch . Watch for registration materi­ ASSOCIATE WITOR al in an upcoming issue of American Ortho Books, publ isher of books such Barbara W . Ellis Horticulturist news. as All About Roses and All About EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Vegetables, has started work on an Jane Steffey entirely new type of book, The Ortho TAXONOMIST Problem Solver. Designed with an en­ Dr. Frederick C . Meyer David Burpee Memorial cyclopedia format and arranged by Address all Society correspondence to: In the September issue of News & symptom, it will cover the problems American Horticultural Society Mount Vernon, Virginia 22121 Views we announced plans to estab­ connected with diseases, insect and Address all editorial correspondence to: lish a living memorial to David animal pests, cultural conditions and The Editor, American Horticulturist Burpee, retired President of the W . weeds that affect home gardeners. American Horticultural Society Atlee Burpee Co., who died in June The book will be a 600-page, pro­ Mount Vernon, Virginia 22121 of this year. Because of Mr. Burpee's fessional quality volume covering AMERICAN HORTICULTURIST is published lifelong affiliation with the seed in­ every major plant cultivated in the monthly by the American Horticultural dustry, and because the Burpee com­ United States. The text, illustrated by Society, 7931 East Boulevard Drive Alexandria, Virginia 22308. 703-7~5700 pany is the site of an official AII­ over 1,200 high-clarity, color photo­ Dues for membership in the Society start at America Selections vegetable trial graphs, will describe and analyze $20 per year, $12 of which is for AMERICAN and display garden, we feel that it is each problem, give a simple and in­ HORTICULTURIST. most fitting that we dedicate our expensive solution and spell out care The American Horticultural Society is a non­ River Farm All-America Selections necessary to prevent its recurrence. profit organization. Contributions are de­ vegetable garden to David Burpee. Ortho is asking for help in prepar­ ductible for income tax purposes. We hope to have a memorial ing their new guide. Experts, both I SSN 009&-4417. Second-class postage paid plaque completed and in place for amateur and professional, are being at Alexandria, Virginia and at additional this year's garden. And we hope that sought who would be able to provide mailing offices. Postmaster: Please send Form 3579 to AMERICAN HORTICULTUR­ when you next visit us here at River information on the culture, care and IST, Mount Vernon, Virginia 22121 . Farm our AAS display garden will problems of plants cultivated in the Member of Society of National Association bring to mind the wealth of new gar­ United States. The company also Publications den plants this man gave to us all. needs photographs suitable for illus-

2 American HorticultUrist trating suc h a work. All interested in­ dividuals should contact Maureen V. Meehan, Production Editor, The Ortho Problem Solver, PO. Box 3744, San Francisco, CA 94119.

Flower Festival at Westminster Abbey AHS members planning a 1981 sum­ mer trip to England may want to ar­ range a visit to Westminster Abbey during the flower festival hosted by the National Association of Flower Arrangement Societies of Great Britain. The Society, which has over 1,200 branches in the United King­ dom and affiliates overseas, will dec­ Railroad Right of Way a Living Plant Museum orate Westminster with over 100 ar­ rangements, many of them highlight­ Riders on Amtrak's St. Clair Limited servancy has agreed to clear brush ing particular features of the abbey. between Detroit and Chicago mayor along the tracks and manage the The festival will be on June 10,11 may not be aware that they pass periodic burning so essential to main­ and 12. through a living museum. Between taining the stretches of prairie. Kalamazoo and the Indiana border, The six sections of prairie total ap­ six sections of grassland supporting proximately four miles of right-of-way New Edition of Forestry the original prairie vegetation that and protect most of the plant species Directory to Be Published existed in 1850 when the railroad first characteristic of dry, intermediate cut through the area have been pro­ and wet prairies. Fifteen species of The U.S. Forest Service is preparing tected and are being managed plants listed as endangered or threat­ a second edition of its Directory of through an agreement between ened in Michigan ca n be found in Professionals Practicing Urban Fores­ Amtrak and The Nature Conservancy. these now protected grasslands. try in the and Canada. This direc­ u.s. Botanists have long been aware These rare plants include white lady's tory attempts to identify those indi­ that many railroad rights-of-way pro­ slipper, Cypripedium ca ndidum; viduals currently devoting at least 75 tect valuable stretches of grass land shooting star, Dodecatheon meadia; percent of their time to the practice remnants. Nature centers and botani­ meadow beauty, Rhexia virginica; rat­ of urban forestry, as well as those cal gardens have often used these tlesnake master, Eryngium yuccifoli­ who, although spe nding less than 75 areas as seed sources for demonstra­ um; and compass-plant, Silphium percent of their time on urban fores­ tion prairies. Generall y the railroads laciniatum. The more common prairie try, have a basic professional or pro­ have controlled tracks ide vegetation plants such as poverty-oat grass, Hud­ gram responsibility in this area. AHS by burning these stretches of prairie, sonia tomentosa, beggar's ticks or bur members who meet the above cri­ inadvertently managing the land marigold, (Bidens species) and cone­ teria and wish to be included in the along sound ecological principles. A flowers (Rudbeckia) also flourish. Per­ new edition should submit the fol­ botanist collecting for the demonstra­ haps most importantly, the unbroken lowing information to the company tion prairie at Fernwood, In c., a na­ prairie sod supports lush stands of compiling the Directory before ture center in Niles, Michigan, recent­ the most dominant plants in any March 1, 1981. Please note that no ly discovered that Amtrak had begun prairie ecosystem, the grasses such as entry will be included unless com­ bulldozing and mowing tracks ide big bluestem, little bluestem and In­ plete information is received. vegetation rather than burning it. Her dian grass (Andropogon gerardii, Name (as you wish it to appear); discovery led to a management Schizachyrium scoparium and Area of Special ization (select one agreement whereby Amtrak has Sorghastrum avenaceum respectively). only): Arborist, Architect, Botanist, agreed not to plow or spray the track - The Nature Conservancy News, Economist, Engineer, Forester, Geog­ sections with herbicides, and the Con- September-October 1980 rapher, Horticulturist, Landscape Architect, Parks and Recreation Spe­ cialist, Planner, Urban Sociologist; Professional Title and Professional New Code of Nomenclature Published Address (organization name and full The International Association for edition, largely to clarify meaning or address); Telephone Number (include Plant Taxonomy has publ ished the add examples, the overall text is very area code). 1980 edition of their International similar to that of the 1969 edition," Submit complete information to Code of Nomenclature for Cultivated says the Association. KC I nformation Services, 1320 Fen­ Plants, replacing the last edition of The new 31-page Code is available wick Lane, Suite 800, Silver Spring, the Code published in 1969. "Though at a discount to AHS members. Send MD 20901, questions call (301) a great many detailed changes have $4.00 to Dorothy Sams, in care of the 565-4227. been made in the text of the present American Horticultural Society.

American Horticulturist 3 Making Sense Out of Hardiness Zone Maps AMERICAN Gardeners should be aware that a number of hardiness zone maps exist, all differing from one another. These differences are especially important HOIITICULTURAL when considering the hardiness of a specific plant because a zone number SOCIETY from one map cannot be paralleled with that of another without compar­ r ing the maps themselves. For example, a USDA Zone 4 winter low tem­ perature is - 30° to - 20° F while an Arnold Arboretum (Boston, MA) Zone 4 low is only -20° to -10°F. The differences between these two most OFFICERS commonly used zene maps are compared below.

USDA Arnold Arboretum Dr. Gilbert S. Daniels PRESIDENT Zone 1 below ~ Soor;: Zone 1 - 50°F and below Zone 2 - 50 to -40 Zone 2 - 50 to - 35 Edward N. Dane Zone 3 -40 to - 30 Zone 3 - 35 to - 20 FIRST VICE PRESIDENT Zone 4 - 30 to - 20 Zone 4 -20 to -10 Zone 5 - 20 to -10 Zone S -10 to - 5 Mrs. John M. Maury Zone 6 -10 to - 0 Zone 6 5 to + .5 SECOND VICE PRESIDENT Zone 7 0 to +10 Zone 7 + 5 to +- 1 0 Mrs. Edward C. Sweeney SECRETARY tach USDA zone is split into an a and b area with the warmer tempera­ tun~ occuring in the b area. Hardiness zone ratings refer to the temperature J. Judson Brooks at which a plant grows best. This rating, however, can only be used as a TREASURER guide since a number of other factors, such as adequate moisture, a pro­ tected location and well drained soil affect a plant's ability to survive. Thomas W. Richards Plants which are marginal in one zone may survive quite well farther north EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT if planted in the proper location. - Bonsai, October, 1980 Dr. Henry M. Cathey IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Winter Storage for Vegetables cooking, or keep them cold until you are ready to cook them as they tend It may be too late this season to BOARD OF DIRECTORS to get soft and lose flavor if they are store home-grown vegetables for win­ held at room temperature. ter use, but if you're spending your winter pining for fresh, garden-grown TERMS EXPIRING IN 1981: produce, it is not too late to make j. Judson Brooks plans for next season. By storing root Dr. Gilbert S. Daniels Harold Epstein crops and other varieties of vege­ Mrs. Joseph G. Poetke! tables and fruits in the garden or in Dr. Harold B. Tukey, Jr. a frost-free place, you can reserve Theodore Van VeeR space in your freezer for those foods TERMS EXPIRING IN 1982: which absolutely require freezing.

Richard J. Both Store in the Garden Edward N. Dane Jackson R. Eddy Store root crops such as mature Mrs. A. Lester Marks beets, carrots, Jerusalem artichokes, Mrs. John M. Maury Mrs. Edward C. Sweeney leeks, parsnips, root parsley, fall and Mrs. William .c. Weaver, Jr. winter radishes and salsify right in Dr. John A. Wott their garden rows. Sometime just be­ TERM EXPIRING IN 1983: fore the ground freezes in your area, Store in Frost-Free Places cover the rows with a thick (four to Unfortunately, modern-day homes J. Lyle Bayless, JI. six inch) mulch of straw, hay or are not equipped with the root cel­ Mrs. Benjamin P. Bole, Jr. Evenm Conklin leaves. The mulch will keep the roots lars so essential to housekeeping in Mrs. William Wallace Meil'l from freezing and permit easy dig­ years gone by. By sinking a clean, Dr. Gerald Barad R.j. Hutton ging during the cold winter months. galvanized trash can in the ground Mrs. Harry j. Van de Kamp Kale and Brussels sprouts also can outside your kitchen door you can Julia W. Rappaport be stored in the garden right where create a root cellar of sorts and ex­ they have been growing. They can tend your winter storage space. Sink even stand heavy frost and snow. the can into the ground to within one Many gardeners feel that frost and inch of the rim and fill it with your freezing seem to improve their taste freshly harvested roots. After putting by making these vegetables milder on the can lid, cover it with straw and sweeter. Pick frozen or snow­ which will keep the lid from freezing covered Brussels sprouts just before on tight. Apples also will store well in

4 American Horticulturist these modern-day root cellars. Keep them separate from potatoes as they give off ethylene gas which may cause unwanted sprouts on the po­ tatoes. A dark ce llar, shed or garage kept just above freez ing (34° to 40°F) is also an excellent place to store root crops and apples . Shelves of slatted ~'S~I'PLACE boards in these areas will serve as ex­ ce llent storage space for winter cab­ Reach the single most devoted group oj gardeners in the country bage, rutabagas and turnips as well. by advertising in our classified section. If your garage or cel lar is slightly warmer (45° to 55°F), it is perfect for Readers of American Horticulturist are not only subscribers to a magazine storing pumpkins and winter squ as h and newsletter, but also subscribers to a cause. Every one is a member of the American Horticultural Society, which is dedicated to promoting the cause of that have been harvested just before horticulture throughout the United States. the first heavy frost. Leave part of • 53 percent of the readers of American Horticulturist buy rare or unusual the stem attached to the fruit. Sweet plants every year. potatoes also will store well under • 35 percent now own or intend to buy a greenhouse in the nex t year. these conditions. Spread the stored • 60 percent spend an average of $100 to $499 per year on their gardens; 26 produce off the floor on slatted percent spend $500 or more. boards or a mesh f rame for bes t re­ • Statistics camefram the results afan August, 1980 reader survey canducted by Jahn T. Fosdick su lts .- jeannette Lowe, W. A tlee Associates, Inc. Burpee Company Classified advertising rates/or Gardener's Marketplace: 304: per word; $7.00 minimum per insertion. Special headings, $2.00 extra. New Sweet Pea Available 10070 discount for three consecutive insertions using the same copy. Copy must be received two months prior to publication date. For example, April 1 dead­ The f irst rich, sa lmon-colored sweet li ne for June issue. pea whose color is tru ly sun proof Payment for all classified advertisements must be in advance. No cash dis­ has been developed and named counts . A ll copy subject to the approval of the Society. 'Fra nces Perry' in honor of the inter­ Mail to: Judy Powell , American Horticultural Society Mount Vernon, nationally known author and garden­ Virgi nia 22 121 (703) 768-5700 in g correspondent. It has taken 15 years of work to produce the new variety, says its ori ginator, Mr. Charl es Unw in. The new sweet pea is very frilly w ith large f lowers borne on Enjoy WATER-LILIES strong stem s. It is available from its ori ginator, W . J. Unwin Ltd ., Seeds­ In your own garden. men, Histon, Cambri dge, Eng land. U.S.A address : Box 9, Fa rmingdale, Lilypons catalogue NJ 07727.-CC & HTj September 5, features everything 1980 needed for your A IICure" for Agent Orange garden pool, Sc ientists at Batelle Laboratories in including the pool. Columbus, O hio have used genetic engineerin g techniques to develop a bacteria that ingests t he herbicide 2,4-0 (a lso known as t he defoliant Lilypons Water Gardens Agent Orange) and degrades it into a product that can be converted into r------LILYPONS WATER GARDENS fert il izer. After iso lating the genes WATER-LILIES 1501 Amhort Road 150 1 Amhort Road that allowed one bacterium to use Lllypons, Maryland 2 17 17 Brookshire, Texas 77423 the chemical as a nutri t ional carbon Fiberglass garden pools, (301) 874-5133 (713) 934-8525 so urce, scientists at Batelle sp liced Lotus, aquatic plants, YES, Please send m e the new colorful the crucial genes onto a host bac­ Filters, pumps, lights Lilypons catalog. I enclose $ 1. 75. terium that was able to accept the PVC pool liners, sweeps Name ______~ ------graft and was better suited to labora­ Statuary, books, koi (Plea se p r int) Address ______tory production This breakthrough Goldfish, scavengers could lead to revolutionary tech­ City ______Send $1. 75 for catalogue. ni ques for clea ning up land poisoned Sta te ______by other ca rbon re lated chemicals Zip ______such as DDT.

L-______I _ . ______~I

American Horticulturist 5 Propagating Hostas from Seed from 20 species of hostas was ger­ HORTICULTURAL minated on an agar medium at four different temperatures. As the seed supply was limited, only five spec ies lOURS were tested at the highest tempera­ ture, 26°( (79°F) A ll of the seeds Upcoming offerings sponsored tested in the experiment were stored by the American in paper envelopes at room tempera­ H orticultural Society ture for f ive to six months after har­ vest. Unfilled seeds, which are often Baja, California and Copper Canyon present in mature seed capsu les, -includes" the most dramatic train ride were removed before the experiments in the Western Hemisphere" throug h were started by blowing them away Mexico and an area fill ed w ith gorges so from the heavier, fi lled seeds . huge they can swall ow four Grand Canyons! U ntil several years ago this The test results did not indicate area was inaccessible except by horseback. the existence of any form of physio­ T he first exploration, scheduled in March, logical dormancy that would require is fi lled. This second tour is plan ned for a treatment such as chill ing before April 11-26, 1981 germination can occur. The species The Royal Horticultural Society, in do differ in the time taken to ger­ Garden Cruise of the British Isles on M.T.S. Argonaut their September issue of The Garden, minate, and all preferred the warmer - including stops in England, Scotland, recommends that ra ising hostas from temperatures. Seed tested at 21°( Wales, Sci lly, Mull, lona and O rkney with seed is an excellent method for prop­ (70°F) had started to germinate six optional ea rlier departure to visi t London agating many of the hosta species, to 13 days after sowing and was vir­ and the famed C helsea Fl ower Show. especially if large numbers of plants tually complete within three weeks; May 21-June 2, 1981 are desired. Furthermore, results of the species tested at 26°( took onl y tests conducted by researcher Peter 14 days The drop in temperature to And More Trips to the British Isles! Thompson at the Royal Botanical 16°( (61°F) delayed germination Gardens, Wakehurst Place, indicate much more than would be expected. Spring Exploration of England that sowing in the open under natural At the lower temperature seed was -a diversified horticultural itinerary includi ng vis its to prominent public and conditions or in a cold frame is not still germinating eight weeks after private homes and gardens, botanic the best approach to growing hostas sowing. At 6°( (43°F) few seeds had ga rdens, nurseries, parks, plus ma ny from seed . Quicker, more complete germinated during the first 10 weeks cultural and historical attractions as well as germination can be attained by sow­ of the tests, and after eight months, the renowned C helsea Fl ower Show. ing seed in a heated greenhouse or in when the experiment was completed, May 7-21,1981 a propagating frame. germination in this group was still in­ For the purposes of the tests, seed complete. Autumn Exploration of England -a similar itinerary but without a visi t to the Chelsea Fl ower Show. September 10-24, 1981 Time (in days) to 50 percent germination Spring Exploration of Scotland 0 -an equally diversified horticultural 6 C 16° C 21° C 26° C experience. Participants will vis it public Hosta capitata 117 46 17 and private ga rdens as well as nurseries, Hosta crispula 78 20 9 parks and other cul tural and historica l Hosta crispula var. viridis 79 25 10 7 attractions . Hosta decorata 63 11 6 May 26-June 9, 1981 Hosta decorata normalis 53 12 6 5 Hosta elata 84 10 8 7 To reques t additional details or to ma ke Hosta fluctuans 87 21 10 reservations for any of these horticultural Hosta x fortunei 8 expl orations, w ri te to D orothy Sowerby, Hosta lancifolia 12 5 T our Coordinator, America n H orticultural Hosta montana 78 23 9 8 Society, Mount Vernon, VA 22121. Hosta nakaiana 62 12 6 6 Hosta rectifolia Our 198 1 Symposium is scheduled fo r July 14-18 in D enver, Colorado. Pl ease Hosta rectifolia var. sachalinensis 83 16 7 ma rk these dates on your ca lendar and Hosta sieboldiana 89 23 10 make plans to join other members of the Hosta sieboldiana var. sieboldiana 93 34 11 Society in a tour of the M ile- H igh City Hosta sieboldiana x tohudana 124 76 16 and the surrounding Rockies, w ith special Hosta sieboldii 116 14 6 emphasis on alpine gardening and cold­ Hosta sieboldii var. spathulata 76 16 6 hardy plants. Accommoda tions will be at Hosta tohudana 95 29 16 the world-famous Brown Palace H otel. Hosta ventricosa 139 61 13 8

6 American Horticulturist Meristem Propagation for the Home Gardener James D. Brasch and Ivan Kocs is of M cMaster University, Hamilton, On­ tario have developed a formul ation of plant hormones that, when applied to a dormant bud on the flower spike of Phalaenopsis orchids, will induce the formation of a meristematic dup­ licate right on the plant. Until now, meristem propagation has not been a practical alternative for the home gardener or even the sm all commer­ cial grower. With this new method orchid enthusiasts and other garden­ ers can have all the benefits of pro­ ducing meristem duplicates, ca ll ed keiki's (Hawaiian for babies), without any of the expenses of a sophisti ca t­ ed laboratory. Keikigrow, the hor­ mone preparation developed and marketed by the sci entists, is a for­ mulation of cytokinins. Bras ch and Kocsis have tested their preparation on 250 Phalaenopsis spikes, and the accompanying table indicates their results. Dormant, meristematic buds on the flower spikes of Phalaenopsis plants can easily be induced to de­ Two stages of keiki development on the sa me Ph alaenopsi s spike. velop into keikis or additional flower spikes when the hormone preparation withers and dies. If des ired, the ca llus Phalaenopsis intermedia var. dietz ii, a is applied according to the directions ca n eas il y be removed with a steril e beautiful and rare orchid that is usu­ included with the product. Once a knife. all y steril e. Obviously the product keiki has begun to develop, the hor­ While the formulation currently provides endless possibilities for ex­ mone applications should be discon­ avail abl e was des igned es pec ially for perimenting, and its developers tinued. At this point judicious water­ Phalaenopsis, experiments are also would be interested in hearing about ing and a feeding program with a fer­ being conducted on other orchid growers' results. tilizer high in nitrogen (such as 30-10- genera such as Cymbidium, Paphia­ Keikigrow is available from Plant 10) is most beneficial to developing pedilum, Vanda, Oncidium, Dendra­ Hormones, Box 345, McMaster Uni­ plants. Foliar feeding, especially with bium, Calanthe and Cattle ya. It also versity, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, a 5-1-1 fish emulsion fertilizer, is also has been tested to some degree on L8S 100. It comes with complete in­ recommended during this period The ferns, philodendrons and other rare structions and is ready to use. Prices young keikis should be removed and hard-to-propagate plants such as in U.S. or Canadian dollars are as fol­ wnen three or four roots have the carnivorous Nepenthes. lows: 15 cc-$15.00, 30 cc-$28.00, reached a length of one-half to three­ One of the most interesting poss i­ 45 cc -$35.00. The price includes air­ quarter inches. Plants that are left bilities for this new product is the re­ mail postage and handling cnarges. growing on the spikes for longer peri­ production of endangered orchid Wholesale and commercial price lists ods seem to make less sturdy trans­ species. Keikigrow's developers have are available on request.-American plants The newly potted plants used their preparation to reproduce Orchid Society Bulletin, October 1980 should be given a fertilizer high in phosphorus such as 10-52-10 in order to induce early flowering. Results of hormone application to date based on 250 applications Applications of Keikigrow may re­ of Keikigrow on Phalaenopsis spikes. sult in the formation of callus (scab) tissue. Tnis growth may be unsightly Initiation of healthy, normal keikis with roots (2-4 months) ...... 50% (it can reach walnut size), however, Additional side branch development and flowering if it is left in place over a period of nodes that normally would not develop ...... 25% several months, the cells may begin . Abnormal or aberrant forms; callus tissue, keiki clusters, etc...... 20% to differentiate, and a cluster of Negativ~ results; callus or spike turns black, dies back . 5% keikis can be the result. In some cases the callus tissue gives rise to a Death of host plant ...... 0% cluster of flower spikes, in others it 100%

America n Horticulturist 7 CALENDAR

MARCH 7·15 Indiana Flower and Patio Show Indiana State Fairgrounds Exposition and Expo-Pavilion Buildings Indianapolis, Indiana Information: P.O. Box 20189, Indianapolis, IN 46220, (317) 255-4151 MARCH 8-15 Philadelphia Flower Show Civic Center 34th and Civic Center Boulevard Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday Information: (215) 625-8262 MARCH 14-21 Boston Spring Flower Show Theme: Gardening in Your Own Backyard Commonwealth Pier Exhibition Hall Boston, Massachusetts Information: (617) 536-9280

APRll1~12 Central Florida Orchid Society 26th Annual Spring Show Winter Park Mall Winter Park, Florida JANUARY 11·16 FEBRUARY 15-19 Information: (305) 876-2625 Foliage World '81 National Arborist Association Annual APRil 18-26 New Concepts Show Meeting 48th Annual Historic Garden Week in National Tropical Foliage Short Course Sarasota, Florida Virginia Orlando, Florida FEBRUARY 18-21 Garden Club of Virginia Information: Foliage Education and Information: Booklet (50<1:) Historic American Camellia Society Research Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box Y, Garden Week Headquarters, 12 East Annual Meeting and Show Apopka, FL 32703 Franklin Street, Richmond, VA 23219 Show location: Community Activities (804) 644-7776 JANUARY 16-17 Building, 1400 Roosevelt Avenue, Wholesale Nursery Growers of America Redwood City, California APRil 25-MAY 3 Membership Meeting Information: Nancy or Jack Mandarich, Euroflora '81 National Association of Plant Patent 700 Woodland Avenue, Menlo Park, International Fair of Genoa Owners Meeting CA 94025 4th International Exhibition of Flowers Chicago, Illinois and Ornamental Plants FEBRUARY 26-MARCH 26 Information: Robert S. Fortna, 230 South· Information: Claretta Scott, Consulate ern Building, Washington, DC 20005 Winter Lecture Series General of the United States of Ameri­ (202) 737·4060 American Horticultural Society ca, Piazza Portello 6, 16124 Genoa, River Farm FEBRUARY 541 Italy Mt. Vernon, Virginia American I nstitute of Landscape Information: Dorothy Sowerby, (703) MAY 17·23 Architects Convention 768-5700 African Violet Society of America, Inc. Theme: Conserving our Environment Annual Convention and Show FEBRUARY 27·MARCH 1 Clearwater, Florida Sheraton Place Hotel Information: AILA, Box 1264, Miami, FL South Florida Orchid Society San Francisco, California 33143 37th International Orchid Show Convention open to nonmembers Bayfront Auditorium If your horticultural club or association is Miami, Florida FEBRUARY 14-15 planning an event that may be of interest Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Friday to our national audience, please send us Central Florida African Violet Society and Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. information concerning the nature of the 9th Annual Show Sunday Continental Resources Company meeting, the dates, times and location at 1560 Orange Avenue FEBRUARY 28-MARCH 8 least three months prior to the time the Winter Park, Florida Central Ohio Home and Garden Show meeting will take place. We will be hap­ Information: Mrs. Charles Midgett, 409 Multi·Purpose Building py to include it in our Calendar unless W . Buchanon Avenue, Orlando, FL Ohio State Fairgrounds space limitations prevent us from doing 32809 Columbus, Ohio so.

8 American Horticulturist Cold Hardiness of particles will take a while longer, and Forsythia Varies the clay particles may take several hours to settle, some remaining in Trials conducted at the University of suspension. Vermont, Burlington, indicate that )\'1ERICAN After the so il has completely set­ the cold hardiness of various spec ies tled, hold a piece of paper up to the of forsythia can vary considerabl y. jar and chart the layers to determine HOIffiCUlJURIST Field and laboratory tes ts on three the perce ntage of each type of par­ species, Forsythia x intermedia 'Lyn­ ticle. Remember- the speed with wood', Forsythia mandschurica and which the so il settled will give you Fors ythia ovata indicate that the buds an added clue as to your so il texture. of 'Lynwood' were significantly less Should you want to amend your hardy than those of the other two so il as a res ult of this tes t, these find­ species tested. Forsythia mandsc huri­ in gs w ill help your country extension ca and o vata showed a to F. 50 60 agent develop a so il conditioning pro­ percent survival rate after snow while gram suited to your needs.- Th e the buds of 'Lynwood' showed onl y Family Food Ga rden, O ctober 1980 five percent survival. Forsythia ovata survived temperatures of - 2° C in the fi eld while F. mandschurica should be hardy at temperatures of Linden Variety Resistant to more than - 32°C. Sin ce Forsythia Japanese Beetle Found mandschurica has larger bl ossoms Scientists at the Wooster, Ohio Agri­ than F. o vata, it should be consid ered cultural Resea rch and Development How does your garden grow? Ameri­ for breeding hardy forsythi as. -GC & Center have found a variety of little­ can Horticu/curist is not only filled with HT L August 22, 1980 leaf linden that shows resistance to beautiful pictures , but also with helpful Japanese beetle attack. Tilia cordata ga rdening information which you will want to refer back to time and time 'Chancellor', in recent observations at again . Home Test for Soil Texture the Center's shade tree pl ots, does A simple at-home test for soil texture not appear to be severely injured by Now you can keep your iss ues of can help you determine your soil the insects even w hen exposed to A merica n Horticulturist all in one place for conditioning needs for next se aso n. heavy infes tations. quick, handy reference. T hese attractive Soils are classified by their texture, 'Chance llor' appea rs to be one of binders will hold 18 iss ues. That's three years worth of gardening know-how . that is, the relative percentage and the better linden se lections currently sizes of the mineral particles that under eva luation in the Ohio Shad e O ur magazine ti tle is attractively em­ make up the soil. The most common Tree Project. Like many littleleaf lin­ bossed in gold on a rich, leather-like particle sizes are sand, silt and cl ay. dens, this variety changes its growth green spine. Easily applied gold numbers A loam soil, for example, has approx­ habit as it matures . As a young tree, are included to help you add dates and volume numbers. imately equal quantities of the three. 'Chancellor' has an upright habit, be­ Gardeners referring to the " lightness" ing more than twice as tall as it is T o order, simply fill in the coupon or " heaviness" of a soil are also refer­ broad. The pyramidal growth habit below and mail today. ring to soil texture. A heavy soil has characteristic of Tilia cordata be­ a high percentage of clay and other comes apparent at about 10 to 15 fine particles while a light soil is low years, and the mature form of the Binders in clay and high in sand and other tree-a rounded head, the tree often The American Horticultural Society coarse particles. being as broad as tall - does not oc­ Mount Vernon, Virginia 22121 In order to determine the texture cur until the plant is 40 to 60 years of your soil, you will need a soil sam­ old. While the variety 'Chancellor' Each binder $5.50. T hree © $5.00 each. ple from the portion of your garden has been one of the slower growing Please send me __ binders. that you want to test and a quart jar lindens tested, this tendency is offset filled about two thirds full of water. by its longer life expectancy. My check for ______IS A dispersing agent such as that con­ Another good characteristic of the enclosed . tained in Calgon dishwasher deter­ variety is its summer foliage color. gent will improve the stratification of 'Chancellor's' foliage is a much dark­ the layers. Add about one teaspoon er green than other littleleaf lindens Name ______per quart of water. Add soil to the jar available. Attractive yellow fall color until the water level rises almost to can develop, but normally the fall Address ______the top, screw th€l I id on tightly and leaf display of this variety is not shake vigorously until all of the par­ spectacular. The ivory flowers are City ticles seem to be equally distributed. quite fragrant and extremely attrac­ Set the jar aside and let all the par­ tive to bees. One should avoid plant­ State ____ _ Zip _____ ticles settle. The sand in your soil ing lindens if anyone in the family is sample will fall to the bottom of the sensitive to bee stings.- The Dawes jar almost immediately, the silt-size Arboretum Newsletter, October 1980

American Horticulturis t 9 Induce Renewal Canes on varieties," Cain says. - Science and Chesapeake Bay. The two scientists Roses Without Pruning Education Administration, USDA, Oc­ first discovered that the sediment tober 1980 contained a microbe that somehow Greenhouse rose growers soon may stimulated nitrogen fixation on the be usi ng a new method of inducing roots of an aquatic grass, Spartina. renewal canes on roses without the Nitrogen Fixing Microbe The scientists hope this discovery will pruning that is generally necessary Discovered help them develop more sophisticat­ for success. I n experiments conduct­ ed laboratory procedures. In time ed at Kanagawa Horticultural Experi­ " Rice experiments at the SEA Cell these procedures may lead to a ment Station in Japan, benzyl Culture and Nitrogen Fixation Labora­ breeding program that will produce adenine (BA) was mixed in a lanolin tory, Beltsville, Maryland are renew­ grasses which are able to fix nitrogen paste and applied to the lower buds ing hopes that farmers will one day in much the same way legumes do. of rose bushes. The paste was ap­ grow varieties of rice, corn, wheat plied by scoring the stem either above or below the bud. The benzyl Favorite African Violets adenine was mixed in various concen­ for 1980 trations - .25, .5 and one percent BA applications were the most successful Members of the African Violet Soci­ depending on the cultivar. Bottom ety of America, Inc.- have selected breaks were induced in over half of their favorite violets for 1980. Over the plants tested at one, five and 10 2,545 individual lists were submitted, years of age. and of the hundreds of cultivars The condition of the buds being nominated for top honors, three re­ treated affected the success of the ceived over 600 votes, and five more new method. Round buds jutting out received over 400 votes. The cultivar from the stems gave better results 'Mark' (Registration number 3007) re­ than flattened buds sligi'ltly sunken ceived the most votes with 682, while into the stem . Treatment was most 'Tommie Lou' (1744) and 'Tina' (2680) successful on plants with shoots that followed a close second and third were developing pea-sized flower with 668 and 602 votes respectively. buds.-GC & HTJ August 22, 1980 The five cultivars with over 400 votes are, 'Garnet Elf' (2339), '8. Anna' (2898), 'Dyn-o-Mite' (3440), 'Nancy Reagan' (2167) and 'Helene' (2885). New Method for Over 240 cultivars received more Developing Seedless Grapes than 50 votes each. - A frican Violet A scientist at the US Department of Magazine, November 1980 Agriculture, Fresno, California, is ex­ perimenting with a new method for Effects of Microwaves developing seedless grape varieties. The method, called ovule culture, is on Hard-Coated Seed based on the fact that most seedless Two Australian scientists are experi­ grape varieties do have ovules (eggs), menting with a new method for treat­ but they abort early in their develop­ ing hard-coated seed, reports Austral­ ment and in the mature fruit are all ian Plants in their March 1980 issue. but invisible. By removing these The scientists are studying the effects " stunted" ovules from the fruit be­ of microwaves on the seed of Acacia fore they abort and placing them on longifolia, a leguminous tree used for an artificial culture media, Dr. David rapid regeneration of devastated land W . Cain has been able to grow the as well as for large-scale landscape immature ovules into viable seed. So plantings in Australia and other parts far he has obtained two plants from and other grasses that get nitrogen of the world. seedless parent varieties. fertilizer from nitrogen fixing micro­ The microwave energy used in the " The exciting aspect of this tech­ organisms," reports the USDA pub­ experiment is obtained from a mag­ nique is that it allows grape breeders lication Agricultural Research, Oc­ netron oscillator rather than a con­ to hybridize seedless varieties with tober 1980. Charles Slager, a plant ventional microwave oven. It oper­ each other. This not only allows us physiologist with the Laboratory, and ates at a frequency of 2450 MHz and to make crosses which were previous­ Peter van Berkum, a biochemist from has a measured power output of 650 ly impossible, but also should result the University of Maryland, have watts. The seeds were placed in poly­ in a much higher frequency of seed­ been able to detect a small amount styrene foam containers and exposed less offspring. The increase in effi­ of nitrogen fixing activity on the to the microwaves for periods of ciency will greatly increase our roots of the rice plants they are grow­ time ranging from 60 to 240 seconds. chances of finding new commercially ing in the Beltsville greenhouses in For exposure times in excess of 160 acceptable table and raisin grape salt marsh sediment brought from the seconds, a beaker containing 50 cc.

10 American Horticulturist of water also was placed in the unit to prevent overheating. Germination testing on the treated seed indicated that exposures of 160 seconds without a beaker of water in the unit and times of 210 to 240 sec­ onds with a beaker of water present both produced between 65 and 75 percent germination. Acacias are well known for their hard seed coats, and the germination percentage on un­ treated seed would probably be close F or yourself or a friend. to zero. Membership in the These results were compared with those recorded for seeds which were Society, which costs only nicked or immersed in boiling water. $20 a year, will provide In general, both these last techniques show a faster rate of germ ination, you or your gift and in the case of boiling water treat­ recipient with these ed seed, a higher final germination benefits: percentage. Seeds that had been nicked swelled from water uptake but showed signs of rotting after • Twelve issues of Ameri­ about 12 days. At six weeks the seed­ can Horticulturist: lings from boiling water and micro­ six issues in beautiful, wave treated batches revealed little four-color format and apparent difference in seedl ing size six issues in newsletter and vigor. format. The microwave process has an • Ready answers to your personal added advantage in that the treated gardening questions from our seed can be safely stored for periods staff of ex perts . of up to four weeks in paper envel­ • Marvelous horticultural travel opportunities offered at low group opes with no apparent loss of viabili­ ty. Scarified or nicked seed in partic­ rates. ular must be sown almost immedi­ • Discounts on books, and free exotic seeds once a year. ately after treatment to expect satis­ • An open invitation to River Farm, the Society'S historic factory germination. headquarters. While microwave heating also has Why not send in your order today? Simply fi ll out the order blank been tested for its effectiveness on below and mail it to the Society. You may enclose a check, or if you improving germination in clover, al­ prefer, we will bill you later. Happy gardening! falfa and several species of spruce, pine and Douglas fir, scientists are still unsure of the reason for its effec­ tiveness. The microwaves caused par­ American Horticultural Society, Mount Vernon, VA 22121 tial cracking of the seed coat of A. o YES, I would like to become a member of the American longifolia seed tested as well as Horticultural Society. changes in the size and color of the strophiole, a raised, elliptical area on o I would like to give membership in the Society to a friend. the seed surface near the hilum (the point of attachment of the seed to Myname ______the strand holding it in place in the pod; it often appears to be the point Address;______of first water entry in germinating City' ______State ______Zip, _____ seed). Subsequent tests point strongly to the strophiole as being the domi­ Gift recipient's name______nant site of water entry in microwave Address: ______treated Acacia longifolia seeds. Will this treatment be successful City, ______State ______Zip, _____ with other types of seed and with a domestic microwave? That remains Sign Gift Card' ______to be seen, as scientists still haven't tested the idea. Perhaps it is worth an o I enclose my check for $20. 0 Please bill me. experiment. (S12 of membership fee is for American Horticulturist)

American Horticulturist 11 New Rigorous Climate Plants showy, white flowers in late spring, thorn, Hippophae rhammoides, was to Consider for the Garden and Sorbaria bears its large white selected for its bright orange-red ber­ plumes in June and July when many ries which remain on the plant all Several low maintenance shrubs suit­ other woody shrubs are not in bloom. winter. Both male and female plants ed for rigorous climates have been Sorbaria has a suckering habit which are necessary for fruit production. added to the list of plants recom­ may make restraint necess ary. Meyer Nannyberry viburnum, Viburnum len­ mended by two researchers at South lilac, Syringa meyeri, bears light-laven­ tago, is a vigorous shrub or small tree Dakota State University, J.E . Klett der to violet-purple flowers in dense, that bears flat clusters of cream­ and Iris Thoreso n (see Dr. Klett's ear- upright clusters. Toe flowers, which white flowers in late May. Its bluish­ I ier article in American Horticulturist, are not especially fragrant, are borne black fruit is relished as winter food Volume 56, #3, Late Spring 1977). The in late spring. Common sea buck- by birds. plants have been selected for their adaptability to the climatic condi­ tions of the Great Plains as well as for their growth habit and ornamen­ tal characteristics. Ivy Trial Conducted by RHS as the elephant's ear ivy; Hedera helix Seven small shrubs, generally ma­ The Royal Horticultural Society has 'Hibernica', an excellent, very old turing at four feet or less, have completed a trial of 200 ivy cultivars, variety first introduced in 1815; as emerged as outstandin.g plants at the the results of which were published well as several other cultivars of H. trial grounds. Amorpha brachycarpa, in the September 1980 issue of The helix such as 'Pin Oak', 'Atropur­ commonly called short-podded lead­ Garden. The first and only other ivy purea', 'Green Ripples' and Hamil­ plant, has dull, gray-green, pinnately trial conducted by the Society was ton'. compound leaves and bears 1D-inch held in 1889-1890 at their gardens at spikes of purple-blue flowers in June Chiswick. or July. It is quite adaptable to poor, This second trial was designed to dry, sandy soils. Berberis koreana, the evaluate ivy cultivars as climbing Korean barberry, is a four to six foot plants and groundcovers. These shrub with beautiful, deep-red fall plants were grown on wire mesh leaf color and bright-red fruit that is since providing brick walls for nearly attractive in the fall and winter. It 200 ivy cultivars at the trial grounds will tolerate most soils except per­ at Wisley was nearly impossible. Un­ manently wet ones, and because of fortunately, the exposed site and Root Ivy Cuttings the Easy Way its spines it will serve as an excellent sandy soil at the trial grounds kept The American Ivy Society, in the Sep­ barrier plant. Caragana pygmaea, some excellent cultivars such as tember 1980 issue of The Ivy Bulle­ pygmy caragana, has a round growth 'Goldheart' and ' Buttercup' from per­ tin, suggests a handy method of root­ habit, bright-yellow, pea-I ike flowers forming to their potential. The Soci­ ing cuttings for gardeners who " can't and grey-green foliage. While its win­ ety selected several outstanding seem to get their cuttings to root be­ ter appearance is not the most desir­ plants for commendation. fore they rot." The aim is to create a able ornamentally, it is able to with­ Three First Class Certificates were " mini-greenhouse" environment for stand drought, winds and extreme awarded. Hedera colchica 'Dentato­ the cuttings. Here's how: assemble cold. Diervilla lonicera, dwarf bush variegata', a cultivar "often described sterile potting soil, a three-inch plas­ honeysuckle, bears small, yellow as the best of all evergreen variegat­ tic pot and a clear, disposable plastic flowers in July and August. It will ed climbing plants," was given this cup (make sure this cup, when in­ grow in dry soils and makes a good well-deserved award 73 years after its verted, will fit down onto the inner bank cover. Two new cultivars of introduction. Hedera Helix 'Manda's rim of the pot to form a good seal). Potentilla fruticosa, bush cinquefoil, Crested', a cultivar with lightly curled Fill the pot with moistened soil to also have been added to the I ist of leaves first introduced in 1940 by just below the inner ledge and plant plants suggested for the Great Plains, W. A. Manda, In c. of New Jersey, the cuttings you want to root. Then 'Gold Drop' and 'Jackmannii'. also was given an F.C.C. award. drill or burn a small hole in the bot­ The meadow rose, Rosa blanda, is 'Manda's Crested' makes an excellent tom of the plastic cup to provide for recommended for its adaptability to groundcover, and its soft, green free air circulation, turn it over and poor growing conditions, its single leaves take on a purplish-pink color fit it down onto the ledge of the pot. pink flowers borne in May and June at the beginning of autumn. The third Place your mini greenhouse out of and its interesting winter character. certificate was awarded to a cultivar direct sunlight and leave it alone. The plant, which is often thornless, introduced in 1955 by a wholesale The cup will keep the humidity level has red to red-purple bark and holds florist in Springfield, Ohio, Mr. Keith high, and it will need no watering or its red rose-hips through the winter. Williams. Hedera helix 'Ivalace' is an other care. You will be able to watch Five larger shrubs (four to eight excellent plant bearing glossy, dark­ the progress of the cuttings without feet tall) and one small tree were green leaves with five lobes and a removing the plastic lid. When new added to the list. Philadelphus x crimped leaf margin that makes the growth appears, harden off the new lemoinei, lemoine mockorange, and leaves look very lacy. plants by keeping the pot in light Sorbaria sorbifolia, Ural false spirea, Thirteen cultivars were given the shade and gradually removing the are both prized for their white flow­ Award of Merit. They include Hedera cup for longer and longer periods ers. Philadelphus bears sweet-scented, colchica 'Dentata', commonly known each day.

12 American Horticulturist ~'SMR¥IPlACE

THE AVANT GARDENER outdoor planting, dwarf conifers suitable (about a ni ckel for 24 hours continuous op- for bonsai or the spec ia lized gard en, and eration) is idea l for starting seeds and main- YOU'VE HEARD ABOUT IT, now don't perennials es pecial ly selected by height taining draft-free uniform heat for growing miss the most useful, the most quoted and and spreading habit to be useful in the pl ants indoors, Al so exce llent for des k and reprinted of all gardening publications, small ga rd en, Send $1 ,00 (deductible on small area supplemental comfort heating, Subscribe to TH E AVANT GARDENER, first order) to Twin Peaks Nurse ry, p.o, Box UL li sted, Special offer to AHS members " the great green goss ip sheet of the horti- 196-AH S, Ocea nside, NY 11 572 , $12.50 plus $1 shipping, Send for leaflet cultural world," Twice monthly, 24 times a " Sun-Gro," M edallion Products, 7910 W , MISCELLANEOUS year, this unique news service bring you all Boulevard Dr. Alexandria, VA 22308, (703) the firsts -new plants, products, tech- PE CANS : Quart each halves, pieces, mea l. 768-6892, niques, with sources, plus feature articles Three-quart sa mpler $9,95 postpaid, Ten- and special issues, Now in its 12th year, and peco, Box 638 HO, Ru therford , TN 38369, PLANTING CALENDAR awarded the Garden Club of Ameri ca 1981 PLANT BY THE MOON SIGNS CAL- We are offering our first collection Medal for outstanding literary achieve- of ENDAR, Simplified planting guide with gar- perennials, wildflowers and se lected woody ment Special to new subscribers, $10 for a den rhymes and folklore for sowing and full year. Sample copy $1 , The Avant Gar- plants for spring planting, Our brochure is transpl anting according to an an cient sys- most inform ative, Pl ease send fifty ce nts dener, Box 489H, New York, NY 10028, tem that rea lly works! Beautifully illustrat- and plan to apply this cost to your pur- AZALEAS & RHODODENDRONS ed with dark red line drawings on oatmeal cha se, Allen W , Bu sh, Holbrook Farm & colored paper, space for your observations/ EXOTIC MALAYSIAN/VIREYA and M ad- Nursery, Route 2, Box 223 B6, Fl etcher, NC notations, Perfect gifts for a successful denii rhododendron adapt easily from trop- 28732, 1981 gardening season, $9,95, postpaid, ical mountaintops to sunny windowsills, HAWAIIAN PLANTS-many new, rare and Peaceable Kingdom, Waterford, VA 22190, Catalog $1 ,00, TH E BOVEES NURSERY, unusual in our 14 page ca talog and supple- 1737-C SW Coronado, Portland, OR 97219, RARE MAPLE SEED ment Send 50~ handl ing/postage, Hana BOOKS Gardenland, p.o, Box 248 AHS, Hana, HI JAPANESE MAPLES, UNUSUAL SPECIES, SELECTED CULTIVARS, Smal l pa ckets for All-color TROPICA, en larged 2nd Edition, 96713. collectors, specialists , bonsai, Send for 7000 photos, $115 ,00, Pictorial Cyclopedia 15~ 10 medium, different, label ed bromeliads list: MAPLEWOOD SEED CO, 6219 SW, EXOTICA, 12,000 photos, $78,00, EXOTIC ready for potting, $1 2.50 Postpaid, 3 page Dawn St, Lake Oswego, OR 97034, PLANT MANUAL, 4,200 photos, $37,50, listing for stamp, Cornelison's Bromeliads, EXOTIC HOUSE PLANTS, 1,200 photos, 225 San Bernardino, North Fort M yers, FL RARE NATIVE PLANTS $895, Shipped prepaid if check with order, 33903, Rhododendron chapmanii, Rho, austrinum, Circu lars gladly sent ROEHRS, Box 125, E, Rho, speciosum, Rho, serralatum, Rho, Rutherford, NJ 07073 , BABY EVERGREENS, Seeds, Seedlings, Or- namental and Xmas Tree Stock, Azaleas, prunifolia, Magnolia ashei (Weatherby), CARNIVOROUS PLANTS Rhododendrons, Flowering shrubs, Blue- Magnolia pyramidata, Stewartia malacro- Carn ivorous, woodland terrarium plants berries, Catalog Free, GIRARD NURSER- dendron, Grown from native seed or cut- and supplies, Book, The World of Carnivor- IES, Geneva, OH 44041 , tings, Write for prices and shipping dates, ous Plants, $6.50 postpaid, Illustrated cata- Salter Tree Farm, Rt 2, Box 1332, Madison, Miniature hand-coloured etchings- herb s, log 25~ , Peter Pauls Nurseries, Canandagua, FL 32340, wildflowers, landscapes, frakturs and more, NY 14424, List and photo $1.50, The Little Workshop, RARE PLANTS DWARF CONIFERS AND PERENNIALS 820-AH, Bath, PA 18014, Old-fashioned Mom and Pop Candy store DWARF CONIFERS AND PERENNIALS: PROPAGATION BREAKTHROUGH - for plant lovers, specializing in ornamental Catalog specializing in dwarf conifers suit- don't gamble- use only the best mist con- house, rock-garden, and bonsai plants- able for bonsai or the specialized garden, trois, Guaranteed versati le, portable, in- dwarf bushes and trees, succulents, cycads, miniature roses for indoor, greenhouse or door, outdoor, automatic, economical, euphorbias, sansevierias, hoyas, dischidias, outdoor planting and perennials especially Write Aquamonitor, Box 327, Huntington, bulbs, bamboo, ivy and variegated plants, selected by height and spreading habits to NY 11743, FRE E brochure or catalog and newsletters be useful in the small garden, Send $1 ,00 $3, " Endangered Species," 12571(A) Red (deductible on first order) to Twin Peaks WARM WEATHER-Gardening & Foraging Hill, Tustin, CA 92680, Nursery, PO Box 196-AHS, Oceanside, NY Newsletter $10,00 per year (Sample $100) UNCOMMON SEEDS 11572, Handbook $2.75-Marian Van Atta, Box 2131AH, Melbourne, FL 32901 , Our latest catalog features many new seeds GARDEN FURNITURE PHALAENOPSIS (MOTH) ORCHIDS and bulbs not previously offered, If you are Solid Teakwood Garden Seats-featured in a serious grower of uncommon plants, our the arboretums and gardens of England, PHALAENOPSIS (MOTH) ORCHIDS - catalog is specia lly for you, 15~ stamp, The The perfect heirloom gift for church, park Blooms for months, Avai lab le from f lask to Banana Tree, 715 Northampton St, Easton, or private garden, Send $2 ,00 (deductible) blooming size, white, pink, yellow, pepper- PA 18042, for the 10-page British color catalogue and mint, novelty and species, SPECIAL - WHERE-TO-BUY-IT -GUIDE current price list Precipitation, Inc. 17317 blooming size plant $10,00, Other orchids Germantown Rd " Germantown, MD 20767, available, GREEN VALLEY ORCH IDS, Rt 1, 600 MAIL-ORDER SEED AND PLANT (301) 428-3434, Box 233 S, Folsom, LA 70437, SOURCES-common and rare flowers, trees-shrubs-groundcover-vines, vegetables- MINIATURE ROSES PLANT HEATER fru its-nuts, and house and greenhouse MINIATURE ROSES: Catalog spec ializing The famous Aztec Radiant Electric Heating plants, $2 , THE AVANT GARDENER, Box in miniature roses for indoor, greenhouse or Panel using only 60 watts of electricity 489B, New York, NY 10028,

America n Horticulturist 13 \X1wAMsBURG GARDEN SYMPOSIUM

Presented by The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation in association with the American Horticultural Society, April 5-April 8, 1981.

Additional information on transportation, tours and other activities will be found in the booklet, Symposium jottings, contained in the conference packet you will re­ ceive on your arrival.

The Program Unless indicated otherwise, all events will take place in the Williamsburg Conference Center adjoining the Wil­ liamsburg Lodge. SUNDAY, APRil 5 2:00-5:00 p.m.- Free time to visit Colonial Williams­ burg's gardens, exhibition buildings, craft shops, Carter's Grove plantation and Bassett Hall. 5:30 p.m.- Virginia Room. Reception: President and Mrs. Charles R. Longsworth hosts. 8:30 p.m.-Auditorium. Film premiere presentation: Search for A Century, the faSCinating account of the dis­ covery of the long-lost 17th-century Wolstenholme Towne site at Carter's Grove plantation with Ivor Noel Hume, Colonial Williamsburg's resident archaeologist. MONDAY, APRil 6 9:30 a.m.-Auditorium. A Singing Spring: Insect Control Without Poison with Dr. Carroll M. Williams. 10:45 a.m.-North Gallery. Coffee. 11:15 a.m.-Innovative Plantings for Garden Glory with James C. Mikkelsen. 2:00 p.m.-Special tour of Historic Area gardens, pri­ vate homes and the newly refurnished Governor's Palace. 4:30 p.m.- Foyer. Informal tea. Williamsburg Garden Symposium participants will be among the first visitors to the newly renovated Governor's Palace. The 8:30 p.m.-Auditorium. The Symposium Flower Arrange­ palace gardens, described by joan Parry Dutton as a "great ments Presentation: Claude Jones, Jr. surveys Williams­ outdoor museum," will be especially inviting during April. burg Floral Styles Past and Present. TUESDAY, APRil 7 8:30 p.m.- Bruton Parish Church. Symposium Candle­ light Concert. 6:00 a.m.- The Early Risers' Bird Walk. WEDNESDAY, APRil 8 9:00 a.m.-Auditorium. Symposium Film Special. 9:00 a.m.-Auditorium. Symposium Film Special. 9:30 a.m.- Vivid Aspects of Home Landscape Appeal with Anthony Tyznik, ASLA. 9:30 a.m.- The Newest and Best Annuals for 1981 with James W. Wilson. 10:45 a.m.-North Gallery. Coffee. 10:45 a.m. - North Gallery. Coffee. 11:15 a.m.-Solar Greenhouses- The Beautiful Way to Garden Under Glass While Heating Your Home with 11:15 a.m.-Birthing a Botanical Garden with Ann Lyon Bill and Susan Yanda. Crammond. 2:00-5:00 p.m.-Three question-and-answer clinics con­ Afternoon- Tour on-your-own Bassett Hall, Carter's ducted by Colonial Williamsburg and guest authorities Grove, and the Historic Area buildings, homes 'and on Outdoor Planting Sticklers, Solutions to Residential shops Garden Design Problems and Whither Indoor Gardening? 7:30 p.m.- Virginia Room. The Symposium Gardeners' at 2 p.m. and, following a 3:15 p.m. tea break in the Banquet. Plant Hunting in Ecuador and the Galapagos Foyer, will be repeated at 3:45 p.m. with Anthony Huxley, M.A., V.M.H,

14 American Horticulturist How to Register • Anthony Huxley, Author, Botanist and Horticulturist, Garden Symposium registration should be made in ad­ Surrey, England. vance and must be accompanied by a check for $100 • Claude Jones, Jr., Williamsburg Floral Stylist. per person. This fee covers lectures, tours of Colonial • Richard D. Mahone, Director of Landscape Construc­ Williamsburg gardens and exhibition buildings, craft tion and Maintenance, Colonial Williamsburg. shops, Bassett Hall, Carter's Grove, teas, clinics, the • James C. Mikkelsen, President, Mikkelsens, Inc., candlelight concert, but not the Gardeners' Banquet Ashtabula, Ohio. and other meals or lodging. • Ivor Noel Hume, Resident Archaeologist, Colonial Hotel rates include lodging only. Please give two Williamsburg. choices for accommodations, since it is not always pos­ • Libbey Hodges Oliver, Flower Arrangements Super­ sible to reserve your first choice. All accommodations visor, Colonial Williamsburg. are attractive and every effort is made to give regis­ trants their first choice. A deposit is not necessary to • Donald H. Parker, FASLA, Director of Landscape reserve a room. Architecture, Colonial Williamsburg. • Anthony Tyznik, AS LA, Landscape Architect, The Morton Arboretum, Li sle, Illinois. Symposium Authorities Include • Dr. Carroll M . Williams, Benjamin Bussey Professor • Henry M. Cathey, Chief of the Florist and Nursery of Biology, Harvard University Crops Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Cen­ • James W. Wilson, Executive Secretary, National Gar­ ter, Maryland; Visiting Professor Ohio State University; den Bureau, Inc. and All-Ameri ca Selections, Sycamore, Past President, American Horticultural Society. Illinois. • Ann Lyon Crammond, Executive Director, The Atlan­ • Bill and Susan Yanda, President and Account Mana­ tic Botanic Gardens, Atlanta, Georgia. ger of Sunplace Corporation, Hinesburg, Vermont.

~------Registration Form Williamsburg Garden Symposium April 5-8,1981

Please register me for the 1981 session . My check covering $100 registration fee for each person is enclosed. (Please make registration checks payable to Colonial Williamsburg Foundation.)

RESERVATIONS ARE NOT TRANSFERABLE: Hotel rates are European Plan and are subject to Virginia sales tax. Deposit check is not necessary for accommoda­ tions. Colonial Williamsburg cannot guarantee a requested room location within its hotels but will make everyef­ fort to comply with the hotel choice.

Pleasemail your registration form and check to: The Williamsburg Garden Symposium/Mrs. Trudy S. Moyles, Registrar/Goodwin Building/Williamsburg, Virginia 23185.

o Williamsburg Inn .... $ 84 Signed ______o Bed-Sitting Room ...... $105 o Colonial Houses ...... $ 65 NAME o Williamsburg Lodge ...... $ 65 STREET o East Wing...... $ 65 o South Wing ...... $ 65 CITY, STATE, ZIP

o WestWing ...... $ 73 AREA CODE-PHONE NUMBER o The Motor House ...... $ 49 I will share a room with:

My second choice is NAME Date of arrival STREET Date of departure ______CITY, STATE , ZIP

Please tell us how you would like your name badge(s) pre­ AREA CODE-PHONE NUMBER pared: (Example: Mrs. John J. Adams or Mrs. Mary Adams)

America n Horticulturist 15 U.S. National Arboretum native environment in which it was I n addition to the general presenta­ Acquires largest Private found. tions, the Council is seeking individu­ When the transfer of this collec­ als to present specific horticultural Herbarium in Japan tion is complete (in approximately craft activities and technical horticul­ The U.S. National Arboretum has two years) the U.S. Arboretum will tural topics such as container and completed arrangements to purchase have the largest herbarium of Japa­ shade gardening, greenhouse energy what may be the largest private nese plants outside Japan. The Ar­ conservation, herb gardening, floral herbarium in Japan The collection, boretum also is making arrangements arranging and holiday decorations. consi sti ng of about 60,000 specimens to acquire Mr. Furuse's private library Also being sought are presenters for (130,000 including duplicates), has containing many valuable books on specific professional development been amassed by an amateur botan­ Japanese botany - USDA Research topics such as task and activity anal­ ist and retired Tokyo bus driver over News, October, 1980 ysis, medical terminology and phar­ the past 40 years. Dr. Frederick G. macology, observation skills and note Meyer, a research botanist at the Ar­ writing and supervision. NCTRH Seeks Help in boretum who will travel to Japan to For more information write Nancy complete the final arrangements says, Planning Conference K. Chambers, HTR, Program Chair­ " We already have purchased about The National Council for Therapy person, 1981 NCTRH Conference, 200 6,000 specimens from Mr. Furuse and Rehabilitation Through Horticul­ Alexander Avenue, Upper Montclair, over the past several years, and we ture requests aid in planning the pro­ NJ 07043. prize his material because of its very gram and workshop presentations for high quality.... This is a golden op­ their 9th Annual Conference, to take The Englishwoman's Garden­ portunity for the Arboretum. The place September 8-11 , 1981 at the acquisition is consistent with our Grand Hyatt Hotel, New York. Indi­ Temporarily Out of Print long-standing interest in the plants of viduals with program suggestions or Nothing sells like SUcCl~SS! Response Japan. Plant species of Japanese ori­ those interested in presenting papers to The Englishwoman's Garden, edited gin are among the most widely used or making workshop presentations by Alvilde Less-Milne and Rosemary landscape plants in the United States. should contact the Council at the ad­ Verey, has been so great that the Among them are most of our ever­ dress below. Some possiqle areas for publisher's supply of these books has green azaleas, Japanese yew, Japa­ presentations include youth, aging, been exhausted. We apologize for nese privet, maples and hollies." physical or psychological growth and any inconvenience this shortage has Each specimen in the collection has development, work, play, community caused those of you who ordered the been dried and systematically or­ or social groups, therapeutic environ­ book through the Society. Please be ganized and is accompanied by col­ ments, greenhouses, energy, agricul­ patient-a second printing is now in lection data such as the time and ture, landscaping. environmental progress and all unfilled orders will place the plant was collected and the waste, program development. soon be acknowledged.

~R1CAN HORTICULTURIST 2ND CLASS THE AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY POSTAGE MOUNT VERNON, VIRGINIA 22121 PAID AT ALEXANDRIA, VA.