The Polly Hill Arboretum Meristems West Tisbury, Massachusetts Vol. 14, No. 1 Spring 2012

Enkianthus campanulatus ‘Showy Lantern’ Polly’s Play Pen Renovated

The serene atmosphere of Polly’s Play Pen frame that supported the old fence had form the framework of the new Play Pen. makes it a favorite destination; nonetheless, rotted; the stainless steel fencing was com - The black poly-coated wire blends it was built to serve a utilitarian purpose. promised by rust and holes; and the base seamlessly with the oak woodland to the Many of you already know the historic sig - of the fencing had been patched numerous south and the conifer rows to the north. nificance of this special Arboretum feature. times to prevent entry by rabbits. The The doorway frames support new entry Polly wanted an area where her small playpen had reached a crossroads. Just in doors that visitors will find easier to open experimental would be protected time (last December) we received the and close. New and improved is an from deer and rabbits until they were large exciting news that a $14,600 Stanley Smith understatement! Come see for yourself. enough to be planted on the grounds. Horticultural Trust Grant had been Congratulations to PHA staff Tom In the early 1970s she devised a solution: awarded to PHA to support a renovation. Clark, Karin Stanley, and Tim Boland on a huge 30-feet-wide by 300-feet-long We are happy to report, mere months the successful grant application that made garden enclosed by a tall wire fence. Her later, the renovation is complete! The this work possible. A hearty thank-you husband, Julian, coined the name Polly’s replacement fence is an artistic assemblage goes to Tucker Hubbell and Ben Clark of playpen, and it stuck. of black locust wood and wire fencing. Rising Sun Construction as well as special Reflecting back over the past 40 years, Black locust ( Robinia pseudoacacia ) is used thanks to our PHA construction crew Polly’s Play Pen remains our most visited Island wide for its durable and rot-resistant members, Steve Masterson, Ian Jochems, destination and the origin of many of wood. The sinewy branches (now posts) and Jaime Morin. Polly’s famed varieties; however, the struc - were stripped of their bark, placed at ten- ture had become deteriorated. The wooden foot intervals, and connected overhead to

CONTENTS 1 POLLY’S PLAYPEN RENOVATED 8 FROM THE VINEYARD FLORA 2 MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR 10 FROM THE LIVING COLLECTION 3 ARBORETUM NEWS 11 VOLUNTEERS IN THE ARBORETUM 6 EDUCATION AND OUTREACH 12 THEN AND NOW The Polly Hill Arboretum

THE CORPORATION AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS Rachael Smith Alternative Timothy M. Boland Ex Officio William R. Hambrecht Pamela Kohlberg Peter Norris Claire Sawyers E. Douglas Sederholm Lydia Hill Slaby Treasurer Frank R. Smith Joan Margot Smith President & Chairman Philippe de Spoelberch Kimbrough Towles Susan H. Wasserman

HONORARY BOARD MEMBERS Robert W. Doran Lisina M. Hoch Stephen A. Spongberg

RESEARCH ASSOCIATES Melissa Cullina David R. Foster Eric Hsu Shigeto Tsukie

STAFF OF THE POLLY HILL ARBORETUM Timothy M. Boland Executive Director Tom Clark Collections & Grounds Manager Barbara Conroy Administrative & Financial Officer Betsy Dripps Youth Education Coordinator Ian Jochems Horticulturist Stephen Masterson Senior Horticulturist/Arborist Karin Stanley Education & Outreach The Playpen renovation project is another example of preservation at the PHA. Administrator Nancy Weaver Volunteer Coordinator & Recorder Message from the Director

The mission of the Polly Hill Arboretum is to perpetuate We all have stories to tell. Sharing stories, the telling Polly Hill’s parents. In her wisdom and admiration the experimental tradition in and the listening, is how sympathetic connections are for this monarch , Polly preserved the black oak horticulture established by Polly Hill by sharing knowledge made. And, yes, have stories to tell too. Our as well as two large post oaks that reside on opposite of plants and scientific procedure own life story begins when we are born and ends ends of the West Field. Who knows what stories through educational programs, research, plant conservation, when we die. Trees have a lifespan as well: a seed these trees could tell? Every tree and plant at the and exploration. The Arboretum germinates, grows into a sapling, moves through the PHA has a story. Each year we tell stories of the new seeks to preserve its meadows teenage years that Polly so loved, comes into flower, trees on our grounds, the places from where the and woodlands, to promote an understanding of its collections, produces seed, reaches maturity, and eventually plants came, and the people involved. You as mem - and to encourage their utilization declines. The bulk of the PHA collections began in bers, volunteers, and particularly our docents relish for scholarship, observation, the late 50s. Many of our trees have passed their these stories and share them with others. Strong con - and the enjoyment of all. zenith, and are gracefully embracing their closing nections are made to the landscape, to the trees, and Meristems © The Newsletter years. But as with people, care and nurturing makes a to our visitors. Please plan to visit the Arboretum of the Polly Hill Arboretum difference and can enrich and extend life. This year this summer to hear our stories, old and new—as News and Photography PHA Staff we engaged in two projects to sustain our trees. The always, guided tours by knowledgeable docents are Editor Laura Coit kousa dogwood soil replacement project moved into given at 2pm daily. I encourage you to visit often and Design Lorraine Ferguson Printing Bolger, Minneapolis MN its second stage; the first stage revived a struggling share your enthusiasm for this special landscape. group of trees. The second project is a crown reduc - tion and cabling of our largest native black oak. This oak predates the purchase of the property in 1926 by Printed on recycled paper. ARBORETUM NEWS 3

Staff News

This January Collections and Grounds Senior Horticulturist/Arborist Steve cultivar applications from around the world. Manager Tom Clark presented Stewartia: Masterson has been involved with the Also on magnolia business, Tim travelled to Trees for All Seasons to the Connecticut Martha’s Vineyard Prescribed Fire Petaluma, California, to attend the chapter of the American Rhododendron Partnership for over five years, which, aside Magnolia Society International annual Society. A connection made at the talk led from the pyrotechnical aspects, seeks to meeting in March. Closer to home, Tim is to the acquisition of Stewartia rostrata ‘Pink share land management expertise across its working with staff of Sheriff’s Meadow Satin’, a new pink-flowered form of beaked partner organizations. In March Steve led a Foundation and the MV Land Bank stewartia from Broken Arrow Nursery in workshop on chainsaw safety and mainte - Commission to review historical records of Hamden, Connecticut. Also in January, nance for members of the partnership, and rare plants at the Harvard University Volunteer Coordinator & Plant Recorder in April he conducted a workshop on tree Herbaria in preparation for the production Nancy Weaver attended a class at Harvard felling techniques. of a web-based flora for Martha’s Vineyard. focusing on Arc GIS (Geographic Executive Director Tim Boland pub - Tim is also working with research associate Information System), a software application lished an article on new magnolia cultivars David Foster on bringing together modern designed to visualize, manipulate, analyze, in the spring issue of Magnolia: the Journal floristic maps and the historical forest dis - and display spatial data in managed land - of the Magnolia Society . Now in his tenth tributions on Martha’s Vineyard using GIS scapes and public gardens. year as the society’s registrar, Tim reviews technologies.

Welcome Ian

We are pleased to welcome Ian Jochems to the PHA staff as full-time Horticulturist. Ian moved from Ft. Collins, Colorado, where he acquired experience in residential and commercial horticulture including work at the Gardens on Spring Creek (soon to become the Northern Colorado Botanical Garden). In December 2011 Ian graduated Colorado State University with a degree in environmental horticulture and a concentration in nursery production and management. By late January he was look - ing forward to joining our team. We’re thrilled to have Ian at PHA; it took all of eleven minutes to confirm that we had made a great decision. From Day Ian Jochems, PHA Horticulturist One, Ian jumped in where needed. We’d find him grubbing out stumps, pruning, example. However, it’s difficult to pin Ian In his application Ian expressed the goal helping in the greenhouse, working on the down to just one or even ten favorite “to work for a organization where I can Play Pen project—all with an enthusiastic plants. He is the proverbial kid in the candy experience new challenges, learn new skills, and cooperative spirit. The mild spring store, delighting in the selection. He also and be able to work with a knowledgeable allowed us to get a jump on spring planting enjoys the stories that go with the plants. staff.” He already feels that coming to and Ian was there. First tree planted: Early on while pruning a plant in the PHA was a good choice and a great move fragrant epaulette tree ( Pterostyrax hispida ). Play Pen, he commented, “This is so cool that will enable him to realize his goal. Look for it growing near the Cow Barn. knowing that Polly planted and pruned Ian says, “This is more than I expected Coming from the dramatically this same plant!” from a job coming straight out of college.” different climate of Colorado, Ian enjoys Yet more enthusiasm: Ian is excited We’re delighted to have Ian onboard. learning about plants that simply won’t to be part of a positive staff that is building Please introduce yourself and welcome grow in the Rocky Mountain State. One of on Polly’s accomplishments, sharing her him on your next visit to PHA. Ian’s favorite plants, stewartia, is a perfect vision, and supporting the mission of PHA. 4 – ARBORETUM NEWS

Welcome Jamie Morin

If Connecticut native Jaime Morin had several months later her application landed house. In her application she states, her way, this proud 2011 Clemson at PHA. In March she eagerly began “I am looking for an intimate atmosphere University graduate would paint the world as the Arboretum’s fourth collections man - where I can learn curatorial skills from a with her school colors. Last summer we agement intern. close-knit group of staff, sink my teeth into spied her when the Arnold Arboretum’s While earning her degree in environ - projects, and have a hands-on learning intern crew visited PHA. She was easy to mental horticulture from Clemson, Jaime experience.” Was this internship created spot with her infectious smile, bubbly found time to work at the South Carolina with Jaime in mind? What better place to enthusiasm, and screaming orange Clemson Botanical Garden collecting seed for reach her goals than at PHA. Look t-shirt. She expressed sincere interest in conservation projects, propagating plants, for Jaime this summer perhaps this time our collections management internship, and and helping manage the nursery and green - wearing a Polly Hill t-shirt.

Jaime Morin, collections management intern

Meet the Horticulture Interns

With each passing year our summer to apply for the internship by her professor much as the plants. With her passion for horticulture internships become more Andy Pulte, PHA summer intern in 1999. both, she sees herself working in a public competitive. This year we read and He spoke highly of Julie’s abilities, aptitude, garden setting in the future. Keelan evaluated nearly 40 applications! How we and work ethic. In addition to classes she feels that the internship at PHA will be promote the internships and the unique is currently helping to manage the Univer- the perfect addition to her education and opportunity PHA provides are contributing sity’s greenhouses and outdoor production experience. factors in the rising interest, but also the facilities. She is eager to expand her We eagerly welcome Julie and Keelan growing number of past interns who are knowledge and experience by working as our 2012 summer interns. As always spreading the word and influencing with the plant collections at Polly Hill. we appreciate the support of the Feldman current applicants. They are ambassadors SUNY Cobleskill plant science senior family who for 15 years has generously for PHA as they continue their careers. Keelan Weiss has spent the past two sponsored our summer internship program. One such intern is Julie Jones, summers working as a gardener at private Their willingness to support this program a University of Tennessee senior majoring and public estates in the Berkshires includ - contributes significantly to the education, in plant sciences with a concentration ing Edith Wharton’s The Mount where training, and enthusiasm of students in landscape design. She was encouraged she enjoyed working with the public as and the maintenance of the arboretum. 5

Board News

We are pleased to welcome Pam Kohlberg personal connection. She notes, “Having to the Polly Hill Arboretum Board of worked with David Smith on projects Directors. Over the years Pam has focused with The Nature Conservancy on much of her nonprofit work on environ - Martha’s Vineyard, and having had a mental conservation and education. She is chance to meet Joan [Smith] in the currently co-chair of the Yale Forestry process, I have eagerly followed the Leadership Council, a member of the board inception and growth of the Polly Hill of advisors for the Wildlands Trust of Arboretum. The vision of both Polly Southeastern Massachusetts and the South Hill and David Smith in setting up the Shore Natural Science Center, and an advi - Arboretum makes it an outstanding sor to the Martha’s Vineyard Vision Fund resource for the Island, in particular, and of the Kohlberg Foundation. That is the for plant biologists, conservationists, current short list! She also served on the and researchers in general.” board of the Massachusetts Chapter of The Pam is pleased to be joining the Nature Conservancy for over ten years. PHA board. She adds that she is honored Pam has always been interested in and excited to begin work with the staff environmental issues and in 1977 earned and board of the Arboretum, and to a MFS from the Yale School of Forestry learn more about the opportunities and & Environmental Studies. The PHA Board challenges ahead . will benefit greatly from her interest and Pam Kohlberg

ArbNet Accreditation

ArbNet? ArbNet is an online, interactive important role in our shared purpose to community of arboreta that supports the plant and conserve trees, and accreditation common purposes and interests of tree- in this work acknowledges your commit - focused public gardens. The ultimate goal ment to and fulfilment of professional of ArbNet is to encourage the planting criteria.” and conservation of trees for a greener, Level IV accredited arboreta have involved in the professional development healthier, and more beautiful world. Sounds met all the levels of arboretum standards of our collections has been recognized. We right up our allée and then some! specified for Level I, II, and III and are very pleased to have met this standard!” We are pleased to announce ArbNet demonstrate additional institutional capaci - ArbNet is sponsored and coordinated has awarded us the highest level (IV) of ty to collaborate on scientific and conser- by the Morton Arboretum in cooperation accreditation through the Morton Register vation activities related to trees. Executive with the American Public Gardens Asso- of Arboreta. Morton Arboretum president Director Tim Boland comments, “We ciation and Botanic Gardens Conservation Gerard Donnelly writes, “As part of the have been peer reviewed by the very best in International. For more information about Morton Register of Arboreta, you have an the public garden field. The hard work the program go to arbnet.org.

Erin McKeon, Graduate Student and PHA Intern

This season we are pleased to welcome the first and second year. Though Erin is experience, assisting with development, Erin McKeon, a summer intern with a an experienced horticulturist, this intern - and deepening her understanding of PHA difference. Erin is currently a graduate ship will focus on public garden administra - and the role it plays in the community. fellow in a program at Cornell University tion and development instead of plants. She is thrilled with the opportunity to join developed in conjunction with the Erin says that Executive Director the Arboretum staff for the season. department of horticulture and the Cornell Tim Boland’s talk at the Woody Plant And we are excited about the opportunity Plantations. This two-year master of pro - Conference in 2010 kindled a strong desire this gives us to expand our development fessional studies program in public garden to work at the Arboretum. Her goal activities as well as extend our internship leadership requires an internship between for the internship is gaining professional to the graduate level. 6 – EDUCATION AND OUTREACH

Summer Program Preview

This year our summer program is filled Nantucket Land Council director Cormac to the brim with an exciting variety of Collier. He will discuss conservation and lectures and classes along with some very plant ecology on our neighboring island. special events. (See box for information on a PHA- We begin our summer lecture sponsored September trip to Nantucket.) series with a new tradition, “Know Your Other programs include staff-led tours, Arboretum.” This wine and cheese drawing classes, butterfly gardening, a reception is followed by a staff report on woven willow workshop, and two afternoon PHA activities. Other evening programs author talks and receptions: Judith Tankard include author Nancy Hugo on her book, will discuss her book, Gertrude Jekyll and Seeing Trees: Discover the Extraordinary the Country House Garden , and Holly Secrets of Ordinary Trees , and conservation Bellebuono will present her new book, biologist Dr. Richard Primack for an The Essential Herbal for Natural Health . The July 11 evening lecture features Nancy Ross update on his work on the impact of In August look for a special event with Hugo, author of Seeing Trees. climate change on plants and birds. Later Peter Pap of Peter Pap Oriental Rugs. in the season we welcome back horti- Pap will speak on the use of natural dyes Cullina for another intensive two-day cultural designer and dynamic speaker and the depictions of flora in antique plant workshop, “Introduction to Grasses, Patrick Cullina. He will also be the featured rugs, along with a trunk show and two-day Sedges, and Rushes.” guest for our popular evening garden rug sale. A portion of the proceeds of For our complete summer schedule stroll, “Wine, Cheese … and Trees.” the sale will go to the Arboretum. look for our education brochure mailing or We have established an annual lecture In September, landscape designer visit our education page at pollhillarbore - focusing on great American gardens in and teacher Laura Eisener will be on hand tum.org. To receive email program updates recognition of the contributions of Lisina for our end-of-season plant sale. She contact Karin at karin@pollyhillarbore- and Frank Hoch. As our inaugural speaker will inspire us with her talk, “Four Season tum.org. We thank our friends and we welcome Bill Thomas, director of Gardening,” then later in the day present sponsors—Bartlett Tree, Donaroma’s, Chanticleer, a pleasure garden located in a workshop, “Designing with Trees.” Heather Gardens, Middletown Nursery, Wayne, Pennsylvania. Our annual David H. And, finally, at the end of the season, we and SBS—for their generous support of our Smith memorial lecture will feature welcome PHA research assistant Melissa lecture series.

Touring with PHA

Encouraged by our successful garden dens set around an Italianate style villa. tour of the Delaware Valley last spring, we All gardens are sure to please. are offering more group tours. This spring Or, perhaps you’d like to island hop? a PHA-sponsored group traveled to On September 24 –26 we are offering Belgium for a very special tour of seven a two-day trip to Nantucket to explore exquisite gardens. The highlight was a visit the landscape and gardens of our island to board member Philippe de Spoelberch’s neighbor. We plan to stroll the cobblestone private estate Herkenrode and his streets, visit several conservation properties, recently opened public garden Arboretum and tour a few private gardens. With Wespelaar. More tours ahead. See the hidden street trees of Nantucket on our assistance from our Nantucket Land September tour. Our next tour takes place on a (not so) Council colleagues, we will visit beaches, faraway island: Martha’s Vineyard. Perhaps heathlands, ponds, bogs, and forests to there are places here you have never (85 lavender plants!) on the shore zone learn about land preservation on Nantucket. seen! Hidden down dirt roads and behind at Oyster Pond, and travel next to a vibrant Our trip will also include a walking tour stone walls are some spectacular gardens. water garden carved out of the Chilmark with Nantucket’s tree warden to discover On Tuesday, July 17, we will offer an woodlands. After lunch at PHA we’ll travel the historic legacy of the majestic street exclusive one-day Martha’s Vineyard garden to Music Street to an enchanting formal trees of downtown Nantucket. tour to visit four unique gardens. We garden set on Look’s Pond. We end our day To learn more about our garden tours, begin with an intimate garden incorporat - at “The Folly” on Lambert’s Cove— visit our website or call Karin at ing , grasses, and perennials this elaborate property features many gar - 508-693-9426. Our Welcoming Center

The Visitor Center is the Arboretum’s official public entrance. It is here that visitors get their first glimpse of our plant collections and their first greeting from our volunteers. There are maps, educational references, interpretive signs, orientation The Visitor Center terrace serves as a lush introduction to the Arboretum. materials, restrooms, and a plant sale area, all set off by lovely plantings. It is truly a building has served us well over the years. Polly, has been expanded. Winter-hazel, welcoming center. Thousands of visitors have been warmly enkianthus, hydrangea, and a variety Initially a woodland at the edge of the greeted and oriented for their visit through of groundcovers were added to the oaks, farm, this area was never intended to be the arboretum. After a stroll through the hollies, and rhododendrons to create this a focal point. However, when the transition grounds, many people linger to peruse our attractive garden. These improvements were from a private garden to a public arboretum bookstore or to discover more information made possible through a generous donation was made, it was decided that the public about a plant of interest. Outside on the from James Luther in memory of his entrance should be located here to preserve stone terrace, under the pergola draped with wife, Hilly; since then it has been known the historic integrity of the core property. woolly pipevine ( Aristolochia tomentosa ), as Hilly’s Garden. This beautiful, layered In 1998 when the Arboretum was opened tour groups meet and school children gather woodland garden is an inviting introduction to the public, visitors were greeted at our for the start of their fieldtrip. Others enjoy to the Arboretum offering an easy stroll stunning new Visitor Center, constructed just sitting back and gazing into the garden. for those unable to walk our entire grounds. of glass, stone, copper, and eight different The view from the terrace has changed The next time you visit, linger a bit types of wood. over the years. The woodland area beyond longer at the Visitor Center, and experience Nestled into the native woods, the the wall, originally called Holly Park by our welcome!

Weather or Not?

Reflecting on the “winter that wasn’t,” it is zone maps using weather data depicting and years from 1976 –2005. For PHA the challenging to understand what is going on predicting hardiness (where plants might change is that we are now in USDA Zone with our climate and the plants that endure survive) was developed by renowned horti - 7b instead of Zone 7a as depicted in the it, or to know how we (PHA) should culturist Alfred Rehder in 1927 at the 1990 map. The new online interactive map respond. Whether people are growing Arnold Arboretum. This map was revised is available at planthardiness.ars.usda.gov. plants for food, or ornament, or are inter - and expanded upon by Donald Wyman, Will the new map prove to be the ested in the natural areas that surround another famed horticulturist from the decisive guide to growing plants on them, the heat energy from the sun drives Arnold, in 1940. Martha’s Vineyard? No! There are too our seasonal changes and weather patterns. In 1960, the USDA produced their many other factors that play a part in the One factor that affects the growth and own standardized Plant Zone Hardiness success or failure of a plant; local condi- survival of plants is seasonal maximum and Map and updated it in subsequent years. tions such as exposure, humidity, and soils minimum temperatures. The most critical The map was last revised in 2012. Each are just a few. factor for temperate plants being the mini - zone represents the average annual extreme PHA is committed to recording mum (coldest) temperatures reached on a minimum temperature for an area, reflecting weather and plant growth statistics. We year-by-year basis. The earliest attempt at the temperatures recorded for each of the are looking for help in purchasing and setting up a weather station for the on-site recording of local weather data. Imagine Arboretum Wish List a system where you can turn on your computer or smartphone and access the $ 800 Davis Vantage Pro2 Weather If you would like to contribute to the weather conditions at the PHA anytime! Station purchase of this equipment, please call This recording equipment will record + $ 500 WeatherLink Data Logger Barbara or Tim at 508-693-9426. and display data on an hour-by-hour, day- and Software We extend our sincere thanks to those by-day, year-to-year basis. The weather + $ 200 Labor: Install and Set-up of you who have generously responded data from this new equipment will form to our previous requests. a chronological recording of weather = $1500 Total Cost of Weather Station (and climate) now and into the future. 8 – FROM THE VINEYARD FLORA Meeting Broom Crowberry for the Very First Time by Tom Clark

Despite my abiding passion for plants, there plant explorer but the latter can be exasper - stretch of “road” with the bottom of Tim’s are scores for which I have no memory of atingly difficult to track down. There are car, and following Kristen about 100 feet making their acquaintance; they just seeped only five or six populations of this rare from where we parked, we arrived. The into my consciousness. My introduction to plant on the Island. It helps to have a car, a stunted oak forest atop this hill opened up others, however, stands out as some of my naturalist, and a map. to a hillside glade punctuated by a massive fondest memories: such is the case with In early April of last year these three glacial erratic. At first glance, with the broom crowberry ( Corema conradii ), one of things came together. Kristen Fauteux of stunning view toward Vineyard Sound, the the earliest Vineyard native plants to flower. Sheriff’s Meadow Foundation called to say site looked spectacular yet unremarkable. March and April are not ideal for Corema just might be in bloom—“Do you On closer inspection, however, the ground - exploring the wilds of Martha’s Vineyard want to check it out?!” Tim and I, always cover in the clearing was a magnificent tap - searching for plants in bloom, unless you’re keen for a botanical foray, replied with an estry of black huckleberry, mosses, reindeer looking for skunk cabbage or red maple, or enthusiastic “yes.” Within the hour, the lichen, black oak seedlings, and … broom … broom crowberry? The first two familiar three of us were winding up a deeply rutted crowberry. And sure enough, it was in full plants present no challenge to the would-be Chilmark track. After grading the last bloom!

The minute blooms of broom crowberry appear in March most years on the Vineyard. 9

Map courtesy of the Flora of North America

fire at the Chilmark population, the open - ing was clearly mowed suggesting that this may be an effective tool in maintaining suitable habitat. Without mowing the surrounding forest would overtake the site, shading and outcompeting the crowberry. Broom crowberry has a precarious existence on the island but with judicious land management it will exist for years to come, as will my memory of that first encounter.

Open sandy ground is the preferred habitat for broom crowberry.

Images courtesy of the Flora of North America

To appreciate the small purplish-red flowers that cluster at the tips of the branches requires inspection on hands and knees, which we gladly provided. Like hol - lies, broom crowberry plants are dioecious, bearing exclusively male flowers or female flowers. Pollination is likely affected by wind. As we explored that Chilmark hill - side our footfalls stirred up clouds of pollen; perhaps some landed on receptive female flowers that would later produce tiny, three- seeded . At only 12- to 18-inches tall with a wispy, tufted habit, broom crowberry is similar to several other sub-shrubby members of the heath family such as Erica (heath and heather), Calluna (heather), and Empetrum (crowberry). Broom crowberry’s small, waxy, needlelike enable poverty grass (another common name) to survive in poor, dry sites. The overall range of this coastal species extends from Nova Scotia to New Jersey’s Pine Barrens where broom crowberry was discovered and described in the mid-1800s. Within this broad range populations tend to be small, scattered, and generally restrict - ed to dry, open, upland sites that are fire prone. Broom crowberry is well adapted to these sites. Fire not only promotes germi - nation but also is a key factor in maintain - ing the open field habitat that Corema requires. Although there were no signs of 10 – FROM THE LIVING COLLECTION

Delicate bell flowers of red-vein enkinathus

Red-vein enkianthus displaying brilliant fall color, ‘Albiflorus’ displays pure white blossoms. Mt. Sanpokojin, Japan Image courtesy of P. deSpoelberch

Enkianthus: Belles of the Heath Family by Tom Clark

Charming flowers, vibrant fall color, Northeast, including Martha’s Vineyard. plants are screaming “LOOK AT ME!” obliging disposition, elegance admired by The heath family (Ericaceae) is fertile red-vein enkianthus whispers. It beckons the most discerning gardeners: these are ground for gardeners in search of choice you to appreciate its delicate flowers just some of the characteristics that trees and shrubs. Rhododendrons and dangling in dense clusters. The background recommend the Enkianthus . There azaleas come to mind: many make sensa - color of the small bell-shaped blossoms are close to a dozen members of this Asian tional statements in our gardens, gobs is typically creamy white to muted apricot- genus. Red-vein enkianthus ( Enkianthus of spring color, but little else—a dramatic, pink etched over with a fine detail of campanulatus ) is the most frequently one-dimensional display. Enkianthus are reddish veining, hence the common name. encountered in gardens, although even it nowhere as theatrical; instead they put Once the blossoms are spent they don’t is far from common. Hailing from moun - on an alluring, multi-dimensional perform - merely shrivel up, they fall to the ground tainous parts of central and northern Japan, ance that lasts all season long. as intact bells carpeting the ground much it is hardy and well-adapted to much of the In mid-May when many ericaceous like cherry blossoms. VOLUNTEERS IN THE ARBORETUM

Sofia Anthony

After the elegant bells drop, the Sofia Anthony finds peace at the developing seed capsules begin a complete Arboretum. As soon as she enters the turnaround. By fall, what started as down - parking lot she gets that “ahhh” feeling. ward-facing flowers are now skyward- Sofia, who has been volunteering facing chalices opening just as the seeds Saturday mornings in the Visitor Center ripen. This botanical mechanism enables for over ten years, just likes the soothing red-vein enkianthus, along with several feel of the place. other members of the heath family, to more As a Visitor Center volunteer she efficiently disperse their seeds. At about greets visitors with a smile, a map, and the same time the foliage of red-vein our “what’s in bloom” guide. She enkianthus is turning color. Brilliant yellow encourages visitors to venture forth and Volunteer Sophia Anthony and orange tones or stunning shades of explore. Sofia enjoys coming early to reddish purple –– the fall color can be walk the grounds so she knows what get it—the plants, trees, flowers, birds— spectacular! is in bloom and is prepared to share any it’s beautiful.” Sofia’s enthusiasm and love The specimen that arches high over special information. She says part of the of the arboretum are part of why the the Play Pen path at PHA is one of the fun is helping visitors find answers to Polly Hill Arboretum is an uplifting place largest in North America, measuring nearly their questions after their tour; together to visit. 30 feet tall with an even greater spread. they look through books and reference At PHA we have a nationally recog - It’s a treat to explain this to visitors and materials available at the Visitor Center. nized collection of shrubs and trees. witness their amazement as we stroll Sofia, a retired physician, is a busy However, it is our volunteers who make beneath what most people know (if at all!) lady: she sings in the Island Community this collection accessible to the public. as a medium-sized . In all fairness, Chorus, serves as a member of the ethics Grounds volunteers, school guides, tour our glorious specimen is an anomaly: a committee at the Martha’s Vineyard docents, and visitor center volunteers are more typical height is 8-12 feet tall, and Hospital, calls bingo at Windemere among our greatest assets, true ambassadors despite the broad spread of our decades- Nursing Center, and volunteers for for all that the Arboretum offers to enrich old plant, red-vein enkianthus tends to be Hospice of Martha’s Vineyard. We don’t our lives and community. The Visitor taller than wide in its youth. know how she finds the time to help us; Center is staffed almost entirely by volun - In recent years we have amassed we are just glad she does. teers every day from Memorial Day thru quite a collection of species and cultivars Sofia also loves to share Polly’s story Columbus Day! at PHA. Four years after our 2007 plant and how Polly, with an eye for aesthetics, Sofia encourages others to volunteer exploration to Japan, seeds of E. campanula - had the ability to create more from and feel that “ahhh” feeling for them- tus collected on that trip yielded several the natural beauty of the land. She says, selves. Please contact Nancy Weaver for plants of flowering size. I was astonished “You don’t have to give people a ‘take more information on volunteering at the when all bore rich red flowers announcing home’ message; by being out here, they Arboretum. it as the botanical variety palibinii. Given enkianthus’s adaptability to the Island climate and growing conditions we look forward to further evaluating the merits of enkianthus and sharing the subtle yet satisfying notes enkianthus brings to the garden. Here on the Vineyard, our acidic, well- drained soils suit red-vein enkianthus well. In your own garden choose a partly shaded site or one with more sun, provided the site isn’t particularly hot and dry. An added bonus is that deer seem to pass it by when sampling from our garden buffet. To find out more about the diversity within this wonderful genus, visit the PHA website at pollyhillarboretum.org/plants/enkianthus-2/ and follow the link to my article Enkianthus in Cultivation . ‘Summer Hill’ one of the many new cultivars found in the PHA collections. NON - PRO fi T ORG THE POLLY HILL ARBORETUM US POSTAGE THE POLLY HILL ARBORETUM PAID MAILING ADDRESS ARBORETUM GROUNDS HOURS PO Box 561 PERMIT #3723 PO Box 561 Sunrise–sunset, year-round West Tisbury, MA 02575 MINNEAPOLIS MN West Tisbury, MA 02575 TOURS www.pollyhillarboretum.org 508-693-9426 Tel Memorial Day weekend through 508-693-5772 Fax Columbus Day: 2 pm daily www.pollyhillarboretum.org ADMISSION ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES $5 suggested donation The Homestead Free to members and children under 12 809 State Road West Tisbury, MA 02575 FREE PARKING

VISITOR CENTER DRIVING DIRECTIONS 795 State Road See www.pollyhillarboretum.org West Tisbury, MA 02575

ACCESSIBILITY The Visitor Center is wheelchair accessible.

VISITOR CENTER HOURS mer.i.stem: n. botany. The growing Memorial Day weekend to point or area of rapidly dividing cells Columbus Day: 9:30 am–4 pm at the tip of a stem, root, or branch.

THEN & NOW

The Dogwood Allée

1961

2011

The Kousa Dogwood Allée, a side-by- scape feature. Their stunning blooms this allée (the French term for lane, ten trees were treated with a procedure side row planting of 28 Kousa burst forth in June, followed by walk, avenue, or drive) entices people to lessen the impact of compacted Dogwoods ( Cornus kousa ), was planted impressive red fruits, and in winter to stroll down its path. However soils. These trees responded beauti- in 1961. Since that time the dogwoods their mottled bark and beautiful over the years all this foot traffic has fully; treatment of additional trees have grown to create an indelible land - branching are spectacular. Year round taken its toll. In 2010 a group of is planned for this fall.