Designing for Winter Interest Designing For

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TheThe AmericanAmerican

GARDENERGARDENER®

TheThe MagazineMagazine ofof thethe AAmericanmerican HorticulturalHorticultural SocietySocietySociety NovemberNovember / DecemberDecember 20132013

designing for WinterWinter InterestInterest

BeautifulBeautiful BarrierBarrier PlantsPlants A FreshFresh LookLook atat AmericanAmerican ArborvitaeArborvitae PierrePierre Bennerup:Bennerup: Trendsetting Plantsman

contents Volume 92, Number 6 . November / December 2013

features DepartmeNts

5 notes from river farm

6 members’ forum

8 news from the ahs Rain doesn’t dampen AHS gala, AHS to host Coalition of American Plant Societies meeting, new Gator for River Farm.

11 ahs news special America in Bloom’s Community Involvement Award.

12 ahs members making a difference Juliana Cerra.

40 homegrown harvest Crisp, sweet Asian pears. page 20 42 garden solutions Deterring deer.

44 gardener’s notebook designing a garden with winter interest 14 American Garden Award-winning new by c. colston burrell annuals, modified pesticide labels protect Create a tapestry of berries, bark, foliage, and flowers for winter effects. pollinators, Brooklyn Botanic Garden suspends science and research programs, study shows that touching plants helps fight disease, the venerable osage-orange by guy sternberg 20 habitat campaign aimed at Western gardeners, This native tree, deeply enmeshed in American history, is deserv- NAPCC accreditation for San Diego Botanic ing of wider consideration as a hardy, drought-tolerant shade tree. Garden bamboo collection, James van Sweden’s legacy to American garden design. 25 a fresh look at american arborvitae green garage: Supplies for winter by daniel mount birdfeeding.

The popular conifer is sometimes overused as a hedge, but with 50 book reviews more than 200 selections available, there are many ways it can be Succulents Simplified and Beatrix Potter’s incorporated into the landscape. Gardening Life.

traveler’s guide to gardens 30 beautiful barriers by viveka neveln 52 The Botanical Gardens at Springs Preserve. Protect the perimeters of your garden with prickly but pretty plants. 54 gifts for the gardener 34 pierre bennerup by allen bush 56 regional happenings A colorful second-generation nurseryman, Pierre Bennerup of Sunny Border Nurseries has been an influential figure in the use 58 hardiness and heat zones of perennials in American gardening. and pronunciations

60 2013 magazine index

62 plant in the spotlight ON THe COveR: A hybrid between Ilex cornuta and Illex aquifolium, ‘Nellie R. Stevens’ holly offers Giant sacacton.

guy sternberg lustrous evergreen leaves and abundant red berries. Photograph by Rob Cardillo

November / December 2013 3 AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY

Veggies And Herbs Making America a Nation of Gardeners, a Land of Gardens In Biodegradable Pots Board of Directors CHAIR Harry A. Rissetto, Esq. Falls Church, Virginia FIRST VICE CHAIRMAN Jane Diamantis McDonald, Tennessee SECOND VICE CHAIRMAN Mary Pat Matheson Atlanta, Georgia SECRETARY Leslie Ariail Alexandria, Virginia TREASURER J. Landon Reeve, IV Woodbine, Maryland IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR Susie Usrey Dayton, Oregon EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Henrietta Burke Alexandria, Virginia

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

Skipp Calvert Alexandria, Virginia Q Joel Goldsmith Gilroy, California Q Ed Snodgrass Street, Maryland Marcia Zech Mercer Island, Washington

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Tom Underwood PRESIDENT EMERITUS Katy Moss Warner

President’s Council The President’s Council is comprised of dedicated members whose annual support makes many of the Society’s programs possible, www.BonniePlants.com from youth gardening activities to horticultural awards programs.

FOUNDER’S CIRCLE ($25,000+) Mr. and Mrs. George Diamantis Q Mr. and Mrs. Harry A. Rissetto Q Mr. and Mrs. Klaus Zech Gardening With CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE ($10,000–$24,999) Mrs. Leslie S. Ariail Q Mr. and Mrs. Kurt Bluemel Q Mrs. Elisabeth C. Dudley Q Mr. and Mrs. You Since 1918. Thomas Farrell Q Mrs. Shirley Ann Nicolai Q Ms. Katy Moss Warner

LIBERTY HYDE BAILEY CIRCLE ($5,000–$9,999) Mrs. Lynda A. Bachman Q Mr. and Mrs. Bill Barnett Q Mr. and Mrs. Robert L. Bogle Q

Ms. Amy Bolton Q Anonymous Q Mr. and Mrs. J. Landon Reeve, IV Q Mr. and Mrs. Tom Underwood Q Mr. and Mrs. W. Bruce Usrey

Q Mr. and Mrs. William Winburn, III

HAUPT CIRCLE ($2,500–$4,999) Mrs. Sandra L. Addres Q Mr. and Mrs. Taylor Burke, III Q Ms. Petra Burke Q Mr. and Mrs. Skipp Calvert Q

Mr. and Mrs. James R. Cargill Q Mr. and Mrs. Andy Daniel Q Ms. Katherine B. Edwards and Mr. John A. Ronveaux Q Dr. and Mrs. William

O. Hargrove Q Mr. and Mrs. Norman Hofley Q Dr. David D. Parrish

COUNCIL MEMBER’S CIRCLE ($1,000–$2,499) Ms. Pauline Adams Q Mr. and Mrs. Robert Baillie Q Mrs. Sallie S. Barnes Q Mrs. Katherine

McKay Belk Q Dr. and Mrs. Joseph Benedict Q Dr. and Mrs. Charles A. Binder Q Mrs. George P. Bissell, Jr. Q Mr. Roger Blair, Esq. and Dr.

Sherran Blair Q Mrs. Elspeth G. Bobbs Q Mr. and Mrs. Michael T. Bradshaw Q Mrs. Ellen Cabot and Mr. Matthew Watson Q Ms. Mary

Ann Carey Q Mrs. Clarissa H. Chandler Q Mr. and Mrs. John E. Clark Q Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Conlon Q Ms. Linda Copeland Q Ms.

Mary O. Dyer Q Mr. Monte Enright Q Mr. Joseph Errington and Mr. William Pullen Q Mr. and Mrs. Carl Estes Q Ms. Megan Evans and

Mr. Howard M. Tucker Q Ms. Elizabeth Floyd Q Dr. and Mrs. John A. Floyd, Jr. Q Ms. Amy Goldman Q Mr. and Mrs. Joel Goldsmith Q

Dr. and Mrs. Thomas B. Hall, III Q Mr. and Mrs. Richard W. Hanselman Q Mr. and Mrs. Scott A. Harris Q Ms. Catherine M. Hayes Q Ms.

Nancy Hockstad Q Mr. Philip Huey Q Mrs. Virginia Korteweg Q Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Kral Q Mr. Mike Kunce Q Mr. and Mrs. Forrest Latta

Q Ms. Elaine Lee Q Mr. and Mrs. R. Scott Lyons Q Mr. and Mrs. Bob J. MacLean Q Mr. and Mrs. Randolph Marshall Q Mrs. Dorothy W.

Marston Q Mr. Egon Molbak Q Mr. Jens Molbak Q Dr. and Mrs. David E. Morrison Q Mr. James R. Moxley, Jr. Q Mr. and Mrs. James T.

Norman Q Mr. and Mrs. Al Osman Q Ms. Julie Overbeck Q Mr. and Mrs. Bill Paternotte Q Ms. Allison Porter Q Mr. and Mrs. James A.

Runde Q Mr. and Mrs. Mike Rushing Q Mr. R.P. Simmons Q Mr. and Mrs. Charles H. Smith Q Mr. Ed Snodgrass Q Dr. and Mrs. Steven

M. Still Q Mr. Joseph B. Tompkins, Jr. Q Dr. Pat Turner Q Mrs. Angela M. Vikesland Q Mr. and Mrs. Robert D. Volk Q Ms. Elizabeth M.

Wehrle Q Mrs. Dudley B. White Q Mr. and Mrs. Donald Winship Q Mr. and Mrs. John Zoldak

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

Corporate Members

Bonnie Plants Q The Burpee Foundation Q The Care of Trees Q Chapel Valley Landscape Company The Espoma Company Q Kurt Bluemel, Inc. Q Monrovia Q Osmocote

Horticultural Partners

America in Bloom Symposium & Awards Program Q Bellingrath Gardens and Home Colonial Williamsburg Foundation Garden Symposium Q Cox Arboretum MetroPark Friends of Fellows Riverside Gardens Q Garden Centers of America The Gardeners of America/Men’s Garden Clubs of America

Great Gardens and Landscaping Symposium Q The Homestead in the Garden Symposium Inniswood Garden Society

4 the American Gardener The American NOTES CFROM RIVER FARM GARDENER

EDITOR David J. Ellis MANAGING EDITOR AND ART DIRECTOR Mary Yee ASSOCIATE EDITOR Viveka Neveln NE OF THE core philosophies underpinning our work at the Ameri- EDITORIAL INTERN can Horticultural Society is an unwavering belief in the positive bene- Audrey Harman fits of gardening. This holiday season, we encourage you to share your CONTRIBUTING EDITOR O passion—and all of the good things that go along with it—by giving the gift of Rita Pelczar gardening to a friend, family member, or your entire community. You will enrich CONTRIBUTING WRITER someone’s life and make a genuine difference in ways that those of us who have Carole Ottesen

already been bitten by the gardening bug know well. EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD The benefits of gardening are many and well documented—exercise, relaxation, and CHAIR Richard E. Bir stress relief, to name but a few. We frequently hear comments from volunteers at our Brevard, North Carolina River Farm headquarters about the importance of getting their own “gardening fix.” Allan M. Armitage Gardening offers an antidote to the Athens, Georgia information overload inherent in Nina L. Bassuk our plugged-in lives. This is a partic- Ithaca, New York ularly true for younger generations, Steve Bender who are growing up surrounded by Birmingham, Alabama technology rather than nature. Panayoti Kelaidis There are many ways to give Denver, Colorado the gift of gardening. For starters, Richard W. Lighty Kennett Square, Pennsylvania you could make a point to share Elvin McDonald your garden successes—including West Des Moines, Iowa plants, seeds, or fresh produce— Denny Schrock with a neighbor. Or take your Ames, Iowa children or grandchildren on a These young gardeners participating in the America fun-filled outing to a local public in Bloom program take pride in their efforts to beautify CONTACT US The American Gardener their community in Belpre, Ohio (see page 11). 7931 East Boulevard Drive garden. Offer to present a garden- Alexandria, VA 22308 ing topic at a neighborhood meet- (703) 768-5700 ing or volunteer to help at a school or community garden. Organize a group to get your town involved with the America in Bloom program. The smallest of gestures EDITORIAL E-MAIL: [email protected] can make an enormous positive difference in the lives of others. ADVERTISING E-MAIL: [email protected] Because the AHS is all about getting more people involved with gardening, we’d be remiss if we didn’t suggest making a gift of an American Horticultural Society membership. As you already know, our members enjoy benefits like free The American Gardener (ISSN 1087-9978) is published bimonthly admission at nearly 300 public gardens, an annual seed exchange, and a year of (January/February, March/April, May/June, July/August, September/ The American Gardener. Or you can simply pass this magazine on to someone who October, November/December) by the American Horticultural Soci- ety, 7931 East Boulevard Drive, Alexandria, VA 22308-1300, (703) might appreciate it. As with every issue, it features informative, entertaining, and 768-5700. Membership in the Society includes a subscription to The American Gardener. Annual dues are $35; international dues inspiring articles about plants, gardens, and gardeners in North America. are $55. $10 of annual dues goes toward magazine subscription. Periodicals postage paid at Alexandria, Virginia, and at additional In the following pages you’ll enjoy a profile of Pierre Bennerup, an innovative mailing offices. Postmaster: Please send Form 3579 to The American nurseryowner who played an integral role in the current popularity of herbaceous Gardener, 7931 East Boulevard Drive, Alexandria, VA 22308-1300. Botanical nomenclature is based on The American Horticultural perennial plants. You’ll also learn the fascinating history of the Osage-orange tree, Society A–Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants, on A Synonymized Check- find recommendations for the best selections of American arborvitae, and pick list of the Vascular Flora of the United States, Canada and Greenland and on the Royal Horticultural Society Index of Garden Plants. Opinions up some design pointers for creating winter interest in your garden. And if you’re expressed in the articles are those of the authors and are not necessarily those of the Society. Manuscripts, artwork, and photographs sent looking for some more tangible garden-related gifts this season, see the holiday gift for possible publication will be returned if accompanied by a self-ad- guide for gardeners on pages 54 and 55. dressed, stamped envelope. We cannot guarantee the safe return of unsolicited material. Back issues are available at $8 per copy. On behalf of the AHS Board of Directors and staff, we offer our very best wishes Copyright ©2013 by the American Horticultural Society. for a joyful, healthy, and safe holiday season. Printed in the U.S.A. Harry Rissetto, Chair, AHS Board of Directors Tom Underwood, Executive Director COURTESY OF EVELYN ALEMANNI OF EVELYN COURTESY

November / December 2013 5 6 Springtime attheKoiPondinGardenofPineWindGarvanWoodlandGardens beautiful woodlandpathswith me. was onceagainbymyside,walking the and storiesaboutmothers,Ifelt thatshe Chapel listeningtothehandbell choir as IsatinGarvan’sstunning Anthony in together.So,thispastMother’sDay, Garvan wasthelastgardenwewalked many beautifulgardensovertheyears; vorite seasonwasspring,andwevisited Woodland Gardens.Mymother’sfa- tum andBotanicalGarden,Garvan ical GardeninPhoenix,DallasArbore- along theway,includingDesertBotan- Admissions Programgardenswepassed iting familyandalltheAHSReciprocal from CaliforniatoNorthCarolina,vis- cember 2012. and Isharedtogether;shediedinDe- of thelastspringvacationmymother Mother’s Day,becauseitwasahighlight Arkansas, includingavisittoGarvanon past May,IspentaweekinHotSprings, September/October 2013issue.This “Traveler’s GuidetoGardens”inthe Garvan WoodlandGardensinthe I hadtoshedatearwhenreadabout CHERISHED GARDENMEMORIES In 2008,wespentamonthtraveling the American Gardener Whittier, California Cindy Werner Japanese stewartia inbloom to thiswonderfuladditionmygarden. man inKennebunk,whointroducedme tiful. ThankstoPaulCotton,anursery- year, theflowerswereprofuseandbeau- (USDA HardinessZone5a),butthis Maine and soilwhereIliveinsouthern to becomefullyadjustedtheclimate stewartias inmygardentookafewyears ber/October 2013).ThetwoJapanese article “All-SeasonStewartias”(Septem- so IespeciallyenjoyedCaroleOttesen’s Stewartias areoneofmyfavoritestrees, STEWARTIA FAN MEMBERS C ’ Kennebunk, Maine FORUM Bevan Davies PLEASE WRITEUS! we printmaybeedited forlengthandclarity. ahs.org (noteLetter toEditorinsubjectline).Letters Alexandria, VA22308.Sende-mails to American Gardener, duced in 1901 by Jackson & Perkins. duced in1901byJackson&Perkins. Perkins’, avintagevarietythatwasintro- informed theroseisactually‘Dorothy where theimagewastaken,andwewere Planting Fields Arboretum in New York, Planting FieldsArboretuminNewYork, keen eyeforroses.Wecheckedwiththe to roses.Onpage25inthe interest wheneverIseeanythingrelating ican RoseSociety,Ialwayshaveakeen As aconsultingrosarianwiththeAmer- A ROSEBYANYOTHERNAME... Editor’s note: Could therosehavebeenmisidentified? ent shapethanthoseontheroseshown. are amuchpalerpinkandhavediffer- miliar with‘NewDawn’,anditsflowers shown below].However,I’mprettyfa- rose waslistedas‘NewDawn’[photo growing inanallée.Inthecaption, published animageofaclimbingrose article (September/October2013),you Senior GroundsKeeper,FurmanUniversity Sheree doesindeed havea Greenville, SouthCarolina

7931EastBoulevardDrive, Address letterstoEditor, Alluring Allées Sheree Wright editor@

The The

TOP: TODD SADOWSKI PHOTOGRAPHY / COURTESY OF GARVAN WOODLAND GARDENS. BOTTOM: JOSH MCCULLOUGH. RIGHT: JUDYWHITE / GARDENPHOTOS.COM. Gifts by will or trust benefit you and the American Horticultural Society.

Gifts through your estate can provide important benefits to you and the Society. Gifts may be made by will or trust, through which you may direct either a specific dollar amount (e.g. $250,000), a percentage (e.g. 25%), or the remainder after provisions for your loved ones. Through your gift you can:

• Preserve current assets. • Reduce or eliminate estate taxes. • Leave a legacy of a greener, healthier, more beautiful America. • Become a member of the Horticultural Heritage Society.

We will be pleased to discuss ways to make a gift through your estate to benefit the Society. Contact Scott Lyons, Director of Institutional Advancement, at [email protected] or (703) 768-5700 ext 127. CONTACTS FOR AHS PROGRAMS, News from the AHS MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS & DEPARTMENTS November / December 2013 PROGRAMS • EVENTS • ANNOUNCEMENTS For general information about your membership, call (800) 777-7931. Send change of address notifications to our membership department at 7931 East Boulevard Drive, Alexandria, VA 22308. If your magazine is lost or damaged in 20TH ANNUAL GALA A SHINING SUCCESS DESPITE DOWNPOURS the mail, call the number above for a replace- ment. Requests for membership information RAINY WEATHER didn’t dampen guests’ spirits on September 21 as they enjoyed and change of address notification can also be the American Horticultural Society’s 20th annual Gala, held at the Society’s River e-mailed to [email protected]. Farm headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia. More than 180 people attended the black tie affair, which featured an elegant formal dinner and a live jazz performance. Local THE AMERICAN GARDENER To submit a letter to the editor of The American Gardener, write to community members and businesses donated a variety of items, such as theater tick- The American Gardener, 7931 East Boulevard Drive, Alexandria, VA 22308, or send an e-mail to [email protected].

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

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

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

NATIONAL CHILDREN & YOUTH GARDEN SYMPOSIUM For information about the Society’s annual National Children & Youth Garden Sym- posium, e-mail [email protected] or visit the Rain doesn’t deter gala guests arriving at River Farm for its annual fall fundraiser, above Gardening Programs section of www.ahs.org. left. Above right: Guests view a variety of silent auction items available for bidding. RECIPROCAL ADMISSIONS PROGRAM The AHS Reciprocal Admissions Program offers members ets, jewelry, and gift baskets, for the evening’s silent auction. Always popular for free admission and other discounts to nearly 300 botanical gardens and other horticultural bidding are River Farm-themed items, which this year included hand-turned wood- destinations throughout North America. A list of en bowls made from the property’s fallen trees and rooted cuttings from its historic participating gardens can be found in the Gar- dening Programs area of www.ahs.org. For more Osage-orange tree. Local garden clubs donated and arranged flowers for each table’s information, call (800) 777-7931 ext. 119. centerpiece, which guests were able to purchase at the Gala’s conclusion. “This annual event is one of the AHS’s most important fundraisers,” says Devel- RIVER FARM The AHS headquarters at River Farm is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays year- opment Associate Joanne Sawczuk. “We are so grateful for the generous donations round (except Federal holidays), and 9 a.m. to and other support we received to make this one such a success.” Proceeds from the gala 1 p.m. Saturdays from April through Septem- ber. For information about events, rentals, and help to support the stewardship of River Farm and the AHS’s educational programs. directions, visit the About River Farm section of www.ahs.org. PLANT SOCIETY MEETING SET FOR SPRING

TRAVEL STUDY PROGRAM Visit spectacular THE AHS is excited to be hosting the third annual meeting of the Coalition of Amer- private and public gardens around the world ican Plant Societies on May 15 and 16, 2014. Representatives from national and re- through the Society’s acclaimed Travel Study Program. For information about upcoming gional plant-focused organizations are encouraged to attend the event, which will be trips, call (703) 768-5700 ext. 132, send based at the Society’s River Farm headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia. Planning for an e-mail to [email protected], or visit the the meeting is still underway, and additional details will be announced in the coming Gardening Programs section of www.ahs.org. months on the AHS website (www.ahs.org) and in this magazine. WEBSITE: www.ahs.org The AHS website is a valuable source of information about the GATOR SPOTTED AT RIVER FARM Society’s programs and activities. Users must set up a username and password to access the THE 25 ACRES OF uneven terrain that comprise the AHS’s River Farm headquar- member’s-only sections. ters requires its gardeners to cover a lot of ground during daily maintenance of the

historic property. Doing so just got easier thanks to the arrival of a new John Deere COURTESY OF HERRERA-CAMPBELL PHOTOGRAPHY (2)

8 the American Gardener GiftsGifts ofof Note Note In addition to vital support through membership dues, the American Horticultural Society relies on grants, bequests, and other gifts to support its programs. We would like to thank the following donors for gifts received between September 1, 2013, and October 31, 2013.

$1,000+ Gifts

Burke & Herbert Bank & Trust Mrs. Leslie S. Ariail Mr. and Mrs. Bill Barnett Mrs. Henrietta Burke Mr. and Mrs. George Diamantis Mr. Joseph Errington and Mr. William Pullen Mrs. Dorothy W. Marston Mr. and Mrs. Al Osman Mr. and Mrs. Frank Nicolai Mr. and Mrs. J. Landon Reeve, IV Mr. and Mrs. Tom Underwood Mr. and Mrs. W. Bruce Usrey Mr. and Mrs. WilliamWinburn, III Mr. and Mrs. Klaus Zech

If you would like to support the American Horticultural Society as part of your estate planning, as a tribute to a loved one, or as part of your annual charitable giving plan, please contact Scott Lyons Maryland 410.442.2310 Virginia 703.406.0802 Washington, D.C. 301.924.5400 at [email protected] or call (703) 768-5700 ext. 127. www.chapelvalley.com

PlantPlant PPrideride andand ProsperProsper withwwiithth AAmericammeerriiccaa inin BloomBloooom

` Because of America in Bloom we have River Farm Horticulturist Sylvia Schmeichel tries out the new Gator. a heightened sense of community and pride. Today we have an amazing partnership between city staff, “Gator” utility vehicle. Donations from two AHS Board mem- business people, organizations, bers, Katy Moss Warner and Skipp Calvert, helped make this and residents.a purchase possible. BobB b LLund,d “A Gator has been on our wish list for a long time, so this is a Arroyo Grande, CA AIB participant dream come true for our staff and volunteers,” says River Farm since 2007 Horticulturist and Manager Sylvia Schmeichel. “Now we are able Plant Pride in Your Community to accomplish tasks much more efficiently and get supplies to hard- For details on how AIB can to-reach places.” Prior to getting the utility vehicle, work crews had help your community, visit to use wheelbarrows or hand carts to haul tree trimmings, mulch, www.AmericaInBloom.org. and plants long distances.

AUDREY HARMAN News written by Editorial Intern Audrey Harman.

November / December 2013 9

AHS NEWS SPECIAL: America In Bloom Community Involvement Award by Audrey Harman

HE CLOSE-KNIT town of Belpre, Ohio, took home the T Outstanding Achievement in Community Service Award for this year’s America in Bloom (AIB) competition. This award, sponsored by the American Horticultural Society, “is a thrill for us to win,” says Leslie Pittenger, a Belpre city auditor who helped coordinate the town’s beautification efforts. AIB promotes “nationwide beautification through education and community involvement by encouraging the use of flowers, plants, trees, and other environmental and lifestyle enhancements.” One of the main ways the organization does this is by orchestrating an annual compe- Above: A group of Belpre volunteers gathers tition that evaluates contestants for over- proudly at the city’s welcome sign. Left: A all impression, environmental awareness, Belpre church group helps plant trees. heritage, urban forestry, landscape, and floral displays. Communities compete in emplary ones on the city website and on the eight population categories and also vie for Belpre in Bloom Facebook page. special awards that recognize outstanding While the entire town got involved in achievements in different categories. some way, “the dedication and hard work of our youth has been amazing,” says Pit- BLOOMING BELPRE tenger. The judges were also impressed with A variety of projects and activities added up how the town got youngsters involved. For to help Belpre, a town of about 7,000 locat- example, Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts painted in southeastern Ohio, stand out from the ed more than 300 fire hydrants sky blue competition when it comes to community These various groups undertook beau- with white daisies throughout the town. involvement. “All sectors are involved,” says tification projects such as up-cycling used Belpre selects a “Miss Belpre in Bloom” Evelyn Alemanni, one of the AIB judges tires into painted planters and constructing from among the town’s elementary school who evaluated the town, “the Rotary, a raised-bed island at a busy intersection. students. The winner reigns over all Bel- Women’s Club, Garden Club, a local gar- The Belpre in Bloom committee encour- pre in Bloom activities. “It’s the only place den center, Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts, and aged businesses to take pride in their store we’ve seen do this, and I thought it was a the community garden.” fronts and landscaping by recognizing ex- wonderful idea,” says Alemanni. FUTURE PLANS 2013 AMERICA IN BLOOM AWARD WINNERS After participating in the AIB contest for the last two years, Belpre isn’t resting on Population Category Awards Outstanding Achievement Awards its laurels. “We are already reviewing the Q Under 4,000 Echo, Oregon Q Heritage Preservation Holland, Michigan notes from the judges on what to improve Q 4,001–7,000 Estes Park, Colorado Q Floral Displays Gallipolis, Ohio upon in 2014,” says Pittenger. Q 7,001–12,000 Demopolis, Alabama Q Landscaped Areas Estes Park, Colorado A plaque displayed at the town’s his- Q 12,001–18,000 Holliston, Q Environmental Efforts torical society reads: “The greatest wealth Massachusetts University of Findlay, Findlay, Ohio of a community lies not in the amount of Q 18,001–25,000 Calabasas, California Q Community Involvement Belpre, Ohio its treasury, but in the quality of its lead- Q 25,001–30,000 Winter Park, Q Urban Forestry Washington, Missouri ership and the dedication of its people.” Florida The community within Belpre has proven Q 30,001–50,000 Holland, Michigan For a complete list of 2013 award-winners beyond a doubt that it is rich indeed. Q Over 50,000 Greater Racine, and more information about the annual Wisconsin competition, visit www.americainbloom.org. Audrey Harman is an editorial intern with

COURTESY OF LESLIE PITTENGER (2) The American Gardener.

November / December 2013 11 by AudreyHarman 12 AHS MEMBERS Palmer House project, withapplications igan StateUniversity focusesonthe “My currentprogramofstudy atMich- degree inenvironmentaldesign in2011. Cerra beganworkingtowards amaster’s to historicplacesandtheirlandscapes, one-and-a-half acresuburbansite. tion ofsustainabilityguidelinesonthe of nativeecosystems,andimplementa- endary architectinthe1950s—restoration owners ofthehousedesignedbyleg- William andMaryPalmer—theoriginal ovation ofthelandscapeestablishedby worked since2009.Herjobinvolvesren- in AnnArbor,Michigan,whereshehas of theFrankLloydWrightPalmerHouse her currentpositionaslandscapemanager past butlookstothefuture,”especiallyin part ofanorganizationthathonorsthe Cerra hasfound“inspirationinbeinga Over thedecadeofher AHS membership, RESTORING NATIVEECOSYSTEMS cultural Society (AHS). cultural Society(AHS). time, shealsojoinedtheAmericanHorti- Northville’s publicgardens. At thesame various improvementprojectsatsomeof and gardeningskillswhilecontributingto this club,shecontinuedtohoneherdesign in thecommunity,”Cerrasays.Through of her one-acre lot drove her to sign up for of herone-acrelotdrovetosignupfor features,” shesays.Theblandlandscape in 1998,ithad“novaluablehorticultural W Juliana Cerra To gainmoreformaltraining related the American Gardener in Northville,Michigan, first movedintoherhome HEN JULIANACERRA “vested interest “vested interest club witha local a garden later, shejoined says Cerra. landscaping,” den designand sessed withgar- became ob- program. “I dener training a MasterGar- MAKING ADIFFERENCE: A fewyears

Northville HistoricalSocietyinstallcoirlogsalongthemillracetocontrolerosion. Partnering withFriendsoftheRougeandothercommunityvolunteers,members for wildlife,”notes Cerra,who“noticed native plantings offermoreprotection already payingoffinmanyways. “The as educationalsignage.These effortsare hundreds ofnativeplantplugs, aswell coir logs,erosioncontrolblankets, and low volunteershaveinstalled 140feetof the project,Cerraandherteamoffel- ponents,” shesays.Justtwoyearsinto improvement, andeducationalcom- native-plant growzones,wildlifehabitat plan thatincludesbankstabilization, environmental hazard. bank, whichhadbecomeapublicand stabilize thechannel’sseverelyeroded explains Cerra.Theprojectaimsto the RougeRiverandanoldmillrace,” ry buildingsboundedbyatributaryof acre parkfeaturesrestored19th-centu- Race VillageinNorthville.“The10- store astreambankecosystematMill benefiting acommunityprojecttore- and culturallandscapes,”sheexplains. for mid-centurymodernarchitecture “We arecurrentlypursuingamaster Cerra’s studiesandskillsarealso

Juliana Cerra with Audrey Harmanisaneditorial intern sult isbeautiful.” term solutions,”saysCerra,“and there- can beaddressedwithinexpensivelong- how specificenvironmentalproblems proaches intheirownlandscapes. them toadopteco-friendlylandscapingap- protecting water quality, but also inspire protecting waterquality,butalsoinspire will not only emphasize the importance of will notonlyemphasizetheimportanceof property—she hopesthebankrestoration in general—manyofwhomownwaterfront ecosystems. Forthecommunity’sresidents ents andeducatorswithlessonsaboutnative visiting schoolchildrenaswelltheirpar- es. Forexample,Cerraisworkingtoengage able toolforpromotingsustainablepractic- The MillRaceVillageprojectisalsoavalu- ENGAGING THECOMMUNITY selves thanever”thispastsummer. more turtlesonthebankssunningthem- to thisarticle. editorial intern MissyKatnercontributed

“The projectisagoodexampleof The AmericanGardener. Former

LEFT: COURTESY OF JULIANA CERRA. RIGHT” COURTESY OF CAROL NOFFZ

designing a Garden with

Create a tapestry of berries, bark, foliage, and flowers for winter effects.

BY C. COLSTON BURRELL

F YOU’RE ONE of those people who believe winter means the end Iof garden pleasures, you’re in for a surprise; there are many ways to create a garden that is sensual and compelling during the “unsung” season. Winter strips away a garden’s green veneer, leaving an austere but hauntingly beautiful landscape ripe with promise. Divested of summer’s excesses, the details of each plant’s architecture are open to scrutiny. As deciduous trees and shrubs shed their leaves, their branching structure emerges against a backdrop of bark, berries, seed heads, and evergreen foliage. Well-planned winter gardens use this simple framework to create visual complexity throughout the many phases of the season. Plants and low-angled sunlight conspire in a subtle interplay, and the overall display evolves daily as birds feast on berries and wind sets grass seeds free from their plumes. Some people designate a specific area as a “winter garden,” but I suggest thinking boldly and making your entire yard a winter canvas. By placing key elements throughout the landscape, you provide structure, interest, and flowers during the winter. Trees and shrubs create the permanent framework, or bones of the garden, which is most evident early bulbs, precocious shrubs, and other privilege reserved for those who live in the in winter. Early in the season, bark and flowering plants emerge to bring welcome temperate regions of North America. In berries are the main show, along with the color and fragrance. the South, coastal northern California, and colorful dried foliage and silken plumes of the Pacific Northwest (USDA Hardiness ornamental grasses. Plants with evergreen REGIONAL PERSPECTIVE Zones 7–9), winter is relatively mild and foliage—including trees, shrubs, and herba- In subtropical America, the winter season short-lived. Throughout the rest of North ceous perennials—are the workhorses of the is little more than a temporary lull in the America, however, winter occupies a signif-

winter landscape. At the cusp of late winter, usual riot of bloom. Winter gardening is a icant chunk of the gardening year. SUSAN A. ROTH

14 the American Gardener Winter Interest

Left: Designed by Conni Cross, this pleasing composition at Donna Wilder’s Long Island garden features ‘Heritage’ river birch, hydrangeas, and spireas. Above: The sculptural shape of a cutleaf Japanese maple and evergreen shrubs lend winter interest to this Seattle garden. Top: In southern California, Patrick Anderson’s succulent garden is bright with blooms in January.

The type of winters experienced in In regions like this, where snow cov- tall perennials such as Joe-Pye weed (Eu- your region governs the overall strategy for er persists, ground-level plantings have trochium purpureum, USDA Zones 3–8, designing a winter garden. I gardened for little impact, so it’s best to concentrate AHS Zones 9–1) and cup plant (Silphium 11 years in USDA Zone 4 in Minnesota, on shrubs and trees with exceptional at- perfoliatum, Zones 4–9, 9–4) will also pro- where a deep blanket of snow spread over tributes and good winter color. Choose trude elegantly from the deepest snow. the garden soon after Thanksgiving, and plants with dramatic bark coloration, Now I live in Virginia, where my gar- few plants stirred until warm spring winds brilliant berries, and eccentric forms. Or- den covers a wooded hillside that falls away

TOP: CATRIONA T. ERLER. TOP: CATRIONA T. ERLER. BOTTOM: MARK TURNER melted the snow. namental grasses and dried seed heads of from a terrace and deck at the front of the

November / December 2013 15 WINTER GARDEN DESIGN TIPS Thoughtful plant choice and placement are the keys to creating an evocative winter garden. Start by looking out of your windows. Analyze the major sight lines of your garden and plan how to integrate plants that will add eye-catching color or structure in winter. Layer plantings for cumulative, dramatic effect. Layered plantings are more interesting as well as more wildlife friendly. Maximum drama depends on a balance between contrast and harmony. Set a flowering tree against a rich evergreen backdrop for contrast, then underplant with a blend of evergreen perennials and flowering bulbs. A bed of mixed heaths (Erica spp.) and heathers (Calluna spp.) offers colorful evergreen foliage and early flowers. That’s not to say that a single specimen cannot make a powerful statement. The eccentrically twisted branches of a moss-covered Harry Lauder’s walkingstick (Corylus avellana ‘Contorta’, Zones 4–8, 9–1) can hold the eye in any context. A lone Japanese apricot (Prunus mume, Zones 6– 9, 8–6) in full February bloom against a haze of bare winter branches is also a stand-out soloist. Repetition creates unity and rhythm in a planting. Picture a mountain view, with over- lapping ridges as far as the eye can see. Each successive ridge gets paler, until earth and sky meld. Plants farther from the eye should be lighter in color, which accentuates the illusion of depth. Fine texture juxtaposed with bold texture creates the same effect. Designer Conni Cross creates a layered effect with a large shock of miscanthus Be sure to choose plants in scale with the rising amid evergreen Japanese cedars and backed by silver birches. space in which you are working. A small city lot may have room for only one tree or a cluster of shrubs. If that’s the case, choose plants that offer the best combination of branching structure, bark, flowers, and fruits. In a larger garden, plantings can feature clusters of trees, drifts of shrubs, and sheets of bulbs and perennials at ground level. To stimulate dulled winter senses, choose a few plants that offer fragrant blossoms, such as witch hazels (Hamamelis spp.), daphnes, or sweet box (Sarcococca spp.). These as well as small, delicate, winter-blooming bulbs should be planted near the house or along a regularly traveled pathway. Light is also an important factor when creating a great winter garden. Place your plants to take full advantage of the soft quality of light and the low angle of the winter sun. An orange-flowered witch hazel will burst into flames when illuminated from the side by the warm glow of the rising or setting sun. Grass plumes seem to glisten from within with backlighting. Constructed elements such as walls, arbors, and benches add their own interest in winter. Free of the greenery that festoons them during the growing season, they take on a new prominence and make good focal points in the winter landscape. —C.C.B. house. Here, as in much of the South, win- tional winter interest in each sight line. near the house or along a regularly traveled ters are relatively mild, and there is seldom Successive layers of plantings carry the eye walkway so they can’t be missed. Beds im- more than a month after the turning of the from beds just outside the windows to the mediately around my house feature small year when a bloom cannot be found. This middle ground, to the background, and, shrubs mixed with evergreen groundcovers, allows me to use a wide variety of plants to ultimately, to the borrowed scenery beyond minor bulbs, and herbaceous perennials enhance my winter landscape. the confines of the garden. selected to provide maximum color and The garden is viewed in all seasons Although not everyone has four sight fragrance early in the season. By the first through four large windows that bring the lines, I recommend trying this process week in February, the evergreen variegated outdoors in and frame a series of dramatic with whatever vistas you have. Start by winter daphne (Daphne odora ‘Variegata’, outward views to the meadows and gently working with the view you enjoy most in Zones 7–9, 9–7) is festooned with tight rolling mountains beyond. Key sight lines winter, perhaps the one you see from your pink flower clusters that, to my nose, smell or vistas radiate like spokes from each win- sun room or out of the kitchen window. a perfect mixture of gardenia and lemon. dow, so I have placed sitting areas or objects Entering and leaving the house is a treat, such as water basins to provide a focal point AROUND THE HOUSE and on warm days with the door open, the in each of these views. To accentuate these Sometimes we don’t want to stir far from whole house smells divine. vistas, I have included a dramatic plant or our warm houses in winter, so plant small, Some of winter’s flowers are subtle, of-

combination of plants that offer excep- early-blooming bulbs and fragrant plants ten making up in fragrance for what they SUSAN A. ROTH

16 the American Gardener lack in size and color. When the tantalizing Another scented winter bloomer in my color and also provide a backdrop for de- scent of sweet box (Sarcococca hookeriana garden is standish honeysuckle (Lonicera ciduous shrubs and trees with colorful stems var. humilis, Zones 6–9, 9–3) mingles with standishii, Zones 5–8, 8–3), a precocious or interesting branching patterns. Be sure the chilly air in February and March, the ti- vamp doused head to toe with perfume to include a blend of evergreens with dif- ny white flowers are easily overlooked. The when its cream-colored flowers open in ferent heights and shapes throughout your glossy evergreen leaves make an excellent late winter. (Note: Check with local ex- garden. Don’t confine yourself to conifers; groundcover in rich, well-drained soil un- perts before planting because this species where they are hardy, include broadleaf ev- der berried branches of chokeberry (Aronia is invasive in some regions.) ergreen shrubs and perennials, too. Larger spp.) or winterberry holly (Ilex verticillata, evergreens can be used as specimen plants Zones 3–9, 9–1), but are equally effective EVERGREEN MAINSTAYS or placed near the middle and edges of the carpeting the ground amid fragrant white Evergreens are particularly critical elements garden to serve as backdrops for other plant- forsythia (Abeliophyllum distichum, Zones of the winter landscape, especially in the ings. Smaller ones are easily incorporated 5–8, 8–5), camellias, or witch hazels. North. They are a reliable source of winter into mixed borders or grown as low hedges.

In addition to their foliage, evergreen hollies bear colorful fruits that persist through winter.

Some plants serve double duty, providing evergreen foliage and beautiful flowers. One indomitable winter bloomer that I use throughout my garden is the Lenten rose (Helleborus hybridus, Zones 4–8, 8–3). These cheerful, long-lived plants tolerate plunging temperatures with aplomb. They greet a frosty morning with their heads face down, but the flowers rise with the mercury and are fully recovered by 40 degrees. Not only do they flower in winter, their elegant, umbrellalike leaves grace the garden through the seasons. For variety, try sweet hellebore (H. odorus, Zones 5–9, 9–3), which sports fragrant green flowers and silky bright green leaves. The spidery black-green leaves of Hellebores are among the perennials that begin blooming in late winter. Here stinking or stinking hellebore (H. foetidus, Zones 5–8,

LEFT: MARK TURNER. RIGHT: ROB CARDILLO bear’s foot hellebores are accompanied by the flowers of ‘Orange Beauty’ witch hazel. 8–6) are elegant intermingled with ferns or

November / December 2013 17 in mass plantings. The chartreuse flower warm days together, the first flowers to where the lithe green stems can cascade buds begin developing in December, and open are those of fragrant wintersweet down a wall. This early bird, which seems plants are usually in full bloom by February. (Chimonanthus praecox, Zones 7–9, 9–6), immune to cold, has a lax habit that recalls an upright, open shrub to 10 feet tall. forsythia, but is more graceful. DECIDUOUS SHRUBS AND TREES The rhapsodic scent of these nodding, Larger shrubs and small trees are best waxy-yellow flowers, reminiscent of spicy MORE FLOWERING PLANTS used to define the mid-ground of the gar- fruit, is as pronounced as that of witch When warm days begin to beckon, be den. Mass plantings of grasses, berried hazel is subtle. And the flowers seem sure there are detailed plant combina- branches, and colored twigs come into unperturbed by frost, often emerging tions to discover throughout the garden. play as well. Shrubby dogwoods (Cornus unblemished from temperatures in the Intermingle an assortment of shrubs with sericea and C. alba, Zones 2–8, 8–1) are teens. ‘Concolor’ has pure yellow flowers good winter interest and underplant with mainstays, and red-, orange-, and yel- that are larger than those of the species. a carpet of low-growing evergreen shrubs low-twigged varieties are available. Praecox means premature, or precocious, or perennials such as Chinese sweetbox Willows are another good choice. Flame so these are true winter bloomers. (Sarcococca orientalis, Zones 6–8, 8–5), willow (Salix ‘Flame’, Zones 2–8, 8–1) has Try also a mass of yellow-flowered win- wild ginger (Asarum europaeum, Zones glowing red-orange stems, while basket wil- ter jasmine (Jasminum nudiflorum, Zones 4–8, 8–1), and holly ferns (Polystichum low (S. purpurea ‘Nana’, Zones 3–7, 7–1) 6–9, 9–6) as a groundcover, or place it spp.) mixed with early-blooming bulbs.

Resources The Garden in Winter by Rosemary Ve- rey. Timber Press, Portland, OR, 1995. The Garden in Winter: Plant for Beauty and Interest in the Quiet Season by Suzy Bales. Rodale, Emmaus, PA, 2007. The Winter Garden by Peter Loewer and Larry Mellichamp. Stackpole Books, Mechanicsburg, PA, 1997. Wonders of the Winter Landscape by Vincent A. Simeone. Ball Publish- ing, Batavia, IL, 2005. has stems the color of burnished bronze. Set against a backdrop of evergreens, these colorful stems put on a long show, and glow in the low winter sun. I achieve rhythm in my garden by re- peating a key plant or a key color. One small tree with a vase-shaped form I use repeatedly is witch hazel (Hamame- lis intermedia, Zones 5–9, 9–1), which is placed layer upon layer in the foreground, mid-ground, and background. The spidery petals unfurl in the strength- ening sun, spreading a delicate perfume. The cultivar ‘Diane’, with flowers the color of a winter fire, is placed close to the house because its richly colored beauty is most apparent on close inspection. In the mid-ground, orange ‘Jelena’ and yellow ‘Primavera’ hold sway, while the golden ‘Arnold Promise’ is placed at the far reaches of the garden because its bright color reads best at a distance. Witch hazels are not always the earli- The fragrant white flowers of paperbush (Edgeworthia chrysantha) contrast pleasingly with

est of bloomers. When you can rub two the vivid bare stems of Cornus sanguinea ‘Midwinter Fire’ and ‘Winter Flame’. JOSH MCCULLOUGH

18 the American Gardener SELECTED PLANTS FOR WINTER INTEREST Here’s a list of plants with various features that make them suitable for including in a winter garden. The botanical names are followed by USDA Plant Hardiness and AHS Plant Heat Zones.

PLANTS WITH COLORFUL STEMS WINTER-FLOWERING SHRUBS AND TREES Japanese fatsia (Fatsia japonica, OR BARK Buttercup winter hazel (Corylopsis 8–11, 12–8) Crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica, pauciflora, 6–9, 9–5) Osmanthus (Osmanthus heterophyllus, 7–9, 9–7) February daphne (Daphne mezereum, 6–9, 9–4) Ghost bramble (Rubus cockburnianus, 5–8, 8–5) Star anise (Illicium floridanum, 5–9, 9–6) Silk tassel tree (Garrya elliptica, 7–10, 9–4) Himalayan birch (Betula utilis var. 8–11, 12–8) jacquemontii, 4–9, 9–3) Spring spiketail (Stachyurus praecox, Q Herbaceous Perennials Moosewood maple 6–8, 8–6) Bergenia (Bergenia cordifolia, 4–8, 8–1) (Acer pensylvanicum, 3–7, 7–3) Winter heath (Erica carnea, 5–7, 7–5) Christmas fern (Polystichum Paperbark maple (Acer griseum, acrostichoides, 3–8, 8–1) 3–7, 7–2) EVERGREENS Hardy ginger (Hexastylis shuttleworthii, River birch (Betula nigra ‘Heritage’, Q Conifers 5–8, 8–4) 5–7, 7–2) False cypress (Chamaecyparis Japanese holly fern (Cyrtomium lawsoniana, 5–8, 9–5) falcatum, 6–11, 12–6) BERRY-BEARING PLANTS Lacebark pine (Pinus bungeana, Makinoi’s holly fern (Polystichum American cranberrybush (Viburnum 4–7, 7–1) makinoi, 4–8, 8–3) trilobum, 2–7, 7–1) Plum yew (Cephalotaxus harringtonia, Sacred lily (Rohdea japonica, Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster divaricatus, 6–9, 9–3) 6–9, 9–6) 4–7, 7–4) Q Trees and Shrubs Firethorn (Pyracantha coccinea, Alexandrian laurel (Danae racemosa, WINTER-FLOWERING BULBS 6–9, 9–6) 6–9, 9–2) Crocus (Crocus chrysanthus, 3–8, 8–1) Mountain ash (Sorbus alnifolia, Creeping mahonia (Mahonia repens, Cyclamen (Cyclamen coum, 5–9, 9–5) 3–7, 8–1) 5–8, 8–3) Grecian windflowers (Anemone blanda, Pernettya (Pernettya mucronata, Inkberry holly (Ilex glabra, 4–8, 8–1) 7–10, 10–7) 5–9, 9–5) Reticulated iris (Iris reticulata, 5–9, 8–4) Possumhaw holly (Ilex decidua, Japanese camellia (Camellia japonica, Winter aconite (Eranthis hyemalis, 5–9, 9–5) 8–10, 10–3) 4–9, 9–1)

In my garden, a carpet of snowdrops out against the green junipers that punc- (Galanthus spp.) and lavender Crocus tuate the tawny meadow grasses. tommasinianus (Zones 4–8, 8–1) is lovely No matter where you live or how se- under a sweep of fragrant, yellow-flow- vere your winter, you can create an evoc- ered paperbush (Edgeworthia chrysantha, ative garden that celebrates the sublime Zones 7–9, 9–6). Other early-blooming beauty of the winter season. This winter, bulbs such as daffodils, glory of the snow consider the views from your windows, (Chionodoxa luciliae, Zones 3–9, 9–1) and and imagine a landscape as provocative as striped squill (Puschkinia scilloides, Zones a summer border. Come spring, you can 3–9, 9–1) add valuable ground-level color add the plants that will color and perfume to the late-winter landscape. the next unsung season. The most distant plantings in a garden should meld almost imperceptibly A writer, photographer, lecturer, and land- with the borrowed landscape beyond. I scape consultant, C. Colston Burrell lives placed a drift of Indiangrass (Sorghastrum in Free Union, Virginia. He and coauthor nutans) at the bottom of my garden to Judith Knott Tyler celebrate precocious echo the tawny broomsedge (Andropogon bloomers in Hellebores: A Comprehen- virginicus) and little bluestem (Schizach- sive Guide (Timber Press, 2006). yrium scoparium) growing in the mead- [This is an updated version of an arti- ow beyond. Pale witch hazel (Hamamelis cle that was originally published in the mollis ‘Pallida’) and yellow-twig dog- Winter aconite is an early-blooming bulbous November/December 2001 issue of The

KAREN BUSSOLINI wood (Cornus sericea ‘Flaviramea’) stand plant that usually appears before crocuses. American Gardener.]

November / December 2013 19 the venerable BY GUY STERNBERG Osage-Orange

This native tree, deeply enmeshed in American history, is deserving of wider consideration as a hardy, drought-tolerant shade tree.

HE OSAGE-ORANGE (Maclu- ra pomifera, USDA Hardiness T Zones 4–9, AHS Heat Zones 10–5) is not well known in horticultural circles—yet. But the tree’s intriguing role in American history has fueled an enduring fascination among historians, anthro- pologists, arborists, and gardeners alike. Before settlers arrived in North America, Native Americans prized Osage-orange for its wood, ideal for making bows and a source for yellow dye. The tree was introduced to Western science in the early 1800s as the first plant specimen collected by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark’s Corps of Dis- covery expedition. Next came the tree’s important use as field hedgerows, which helped the heartland of America evolve from open range to a farm economy in the mid-1800s. After the inven- tion of barbed wire in the 1870s reduced the need for hedges, it provided durable fence posts upon which to fasten that wire. In the 1930s, those Osage-orange hedgerows served as windbreaks that saved so much of our Great Plains soil from erosion during the Dust Bowl years. The fruits, long reputed to have insect-repelling properties, are now being evaluated as a source for chemical The author gazes up at a giant Osage-orange tree near Piasa, Illinois. Standing at the edge compounds for controlling insects. of a field, the tree is the lone remnant of a former hedgerow. A tree of many virtues, Osage-orange makes an impressive shade tree that thrives to brown, deeply furrowed bark that has Osage-oranges are monoecious, so indi- in a broad range of climates and soils. rust-colored highlights. Their alternate vidual trees bear either female (pistillate) or leaves are ovate, tapering to a sharp point. male (staminate) flowers in early summer. STATELY SPECIMENS The leaves are medium to dark green in Both are greenish-colored and relatively in- Osage-oranges generally grow 30 to 50 spring and summer, turning chartreuse conspicuous; female flowers appear in globe- feet tall with an equal or greater spread, to buttery yellow in fall before they drop. shaped clusters on short stems; male flowers taking on a rounded to spreading habit as Young trees usually bear sharp spines locat- are usually in globular clusters but occasion- they age. Trees often form multiple trunks ed near the leaf axils, but these become less ally form slightly elongated racemes. The

that become wide near the base, with gray prevalent or disappear as trees mature. flowers are wind-pollinated, and fruits form GUY STERNBERG

20 the American Gardener Unlike almost all other trees, it didn’t find its way back when the ice retreated. Sci- entists believe this is because the primary organisms that consumed and spread its large fruits—probably large mammals such as mastodons, gomphotheres, prehistoric horses, and ground sloths—became extinct before they could get the job done. EXPANDING HORIZONS By the time Europeans began arriving in North America in the 16th and 17th centuries, the natural range of the tree was primarily in the drainage basin of the Red River, which runs from southern Oklahoma and Arkansas into northern Osage-oranges are monoecious, so individual trees have either male flowers, left, or female Texas and Louisiana. Native Americans flowers, right. Because they are greenish and small, the flowers are easy to miss. familiar with Osage-orange’s many virtues likely aided in spreading the tree be- only on trees that bear female flowers. The begin dropping to the ground in late Sep- yond its range. grapefruit-sized fruits—technically known tember to October, they create a hazard One of the earliest written reports of as syncarps—start out bright green and turn for unwary pedestrians as well as a signif- the tree came from soldier-turned-explor- yellowish as they mature. Average fruits icant mess. For this reason, male trees are er Meriwether Lewis, who saw Osage-or- weigh about a pound, but selections such generally preferred for landscape use. ange trees growing in the garden of Pierre as ‘Cannonball’ and ‘Bowling Ball’ can bear Chouteau, an Indian agent who was living three-pounders. Encased under the bumpy PREHISTORIC ROOTS in St. Louis, Missouri. Prior to embarking rind are hundreds of seeds embedded in a Based on fossil records, the Osage-orange’s on the first Corps of Discovery expedition pulpy, fibrous mass. The fruits are generally existence dates back at least 100,000 years, with William Clark, Lewis sent President regarded as inedible, but a number of forag- prior to the last glaciation of eastern North Thomas Jefferson “slips”, or cuttings, of ers say the seeds can be eaten raw or roast- America. At that time, its range extended what he, in a letter dated March 26, 1804, ed, much like pumpkin or sunflower seeds. from what is now the south-central Unit- referred to as “Osage apple.” You can view Squirrels, horses, and cows also enjoy them. ed States north and east to at least Ontar- a herbarium specimen of the plant, one of The fruits are attractive on the tree and io, Canada. Like all trees, its range was 134 plants collected by Lewis and Clark, a great conversation piece, but when they forced south by the advancing ice sheet. online (see “Resources,“page 22). The disposition of these cuttings is not conclusively recorded, but researchers suspect Jefferson may have shared some with seedsman Bernard McMahon of Philadel- phia. Several Osage-orange trees grow in the yard of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Philadelphia, which is across the street from where McMahon operated a store. (For a list of places where other large and/ or historic Osage-orange specimens can be viewed, see the web special linked to this article on the AHS website at www.ahs.org.) The spread of the Osage-orange by humans and wildlife continued over the next two centuries, so that today the tree is cultivated or naturalized in about three quarters of the United States, primarily east of the Rocky Mountains. A LITTLE FAMILY HISTORY At one time, Maclura pomifera was considered to be the sole species in its ge-

TOP (2): GUY STERNBERG. BOTTOM: SUSAN A. ROTH Osage-orange fruits grow to the size of grapefruits, turning from green to yellow as they mature. nus, which is part of the mulberry family

November / December 2013 21 Sources PROPAGATING OSAGE-ORANGES Forestfarm Nursery, Williams, OR. Osage-oranges can be hard to find in nurseries, but, fortunately, they are easily (541) 846-7269. propagated from seed, which can be extracted from partially decayed fruits in late www.forestfarm.com. fall. Soak the seeds in water for a day or so to help remove the sticky pulp around Forrest Keeling Nursery, Elsberry, MO. them, then plant them in containers and cold-condition them by placing the (573) 898-5571. www.fknursery.com. containers in a refrigerator or cool garage with temperatures below 40 degrees F Musser Forests, Inc., Indiana, PA. for at least 60 days. Seedlings should be dibbled out as soon as their seed leaves (800) 643-8319. (cotyledons) open and planted into individual pots. www.musserforests.com. Trees won’t come true from seed, so you’ll be more satisfied if you locate a cul- Rare Find Nursery, Jackson, NJ. (732) tivar or specimen that has the features—male or female, thornless, etc.—you want 833-0613. www.rarefindnursery.com. and get permission to take cuttings. Root the Sunshine Nursery, Clinton, OK. cuttings in a sterile, well-drained potting mix (580) 323-6259. such as 70:30 perlite/peat (or coarse sand www.sunshinenursery.com. and ground bark). Take eight- to 10-inch-long hardwood cuttings in late winter and keep Resources them in a cool greenhouse or similar environ- Discovering Lewis & Clark (The Lewis ment. Provide bottom heat (about 65 degrees) and Clark Fort Mandan Foundation): and keep the soil mix in which the cuttings are To view the herbarium sheet of placed evenly moist until they have rooted. Osage-orange, along with details about Ventilation from a fan will help prevent fungal the specimen and the nomenclature: diseases. Softwood cuttings taken in early to www.lewis-clark.org/content/content- midsummer should be treated in a similar article.asp?ArticleID=2521. fashion. With either technique, use rooting Native Trees for North American hormone to improve results. Pot up the new Landscapes by Guy Sternberg with plants promptly to avoid root rot, and place Jim Wilson. Timber Press, Portland, Rooted cuttings at Brenton Arboretum them outdoors as soon as weather permits. OR, 2004. After a year’s growth, the cuttings can be Nature’s Heartland: Native Plant transplanted in spring just prior to bud-break. Small seedlings may be moved bare Communities of the Great Plains by root, but larger ones will do better if they have a solid root ball. Set them no deeper Bill Boon. Iowa State University than they grew in the container or nursery row, and stake them if needed to develop Press, Ames, IA, 1990. a straight trunk. In cold climates, mulch them well for the first winter. —G.S.

(Moraceae). Many botanists now rec- Rafinesque, who in 1817 called it Ioxylon Red River and used—and traded—the ognize 11 or more species in the genus, pomiferum. Apparently unaware of Raf- tree’s valuable wood. The roots of the including a red-fruited relative called inesque’s name, botanist and explorer “orange” part are less certain. The fruits Chinese silkworm tree (M. tricuspidata), Thomas Nuttall named it Maclura au- bear a superficial resemblance to unripe which was formerly listed in the genus rantiaca shortly afterwards. Nuttall’s ge- oranges, and some claim they give off a Cudrania, and the tropical fustic (M. neric name honored William Maclure, a citrusy scent when they ripen in early fall. tinctoria) commonly used for dye. geologist and longtime president of the The tree’s interior wood is often described Other members of the family include Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadel- as orange—although it’s really bright yel- tropical trees such as jackfruit and bread- phia. In 1906, German botanist Camillo low, darkening to a warm brown with fruit, as well as the mulberries (Morus spp.) Karl Schneider resolved the conundrum time and light exposure. The root bark more familiar to those of us in temperate by combining Nuttall’s generic name with is orange-colored, which is quite striking regions. Indeed, the relationship between Rafinesque’s specific epithet. since the muscular roots are often visible mulberries and Osage-orange can be seen The list of the tree’s common names at ground level. quite clearly if you look closely at the flow- is extensive, with some derived from Na- ers and fruits of both species. Figs (Ficus tive American languages or French, and GARDEN ATTRIBUTES spp.) are also in the mulberry family, and others related to whatever the local pop- Osage-oranges offer many valuable at- if you break open Osage-orange fruits or ulace observed about the tree. In Illinois, tributes for gardens. Start with the fact cut into branches, you’ll encounter sticky, where I live, we call it Osage-orange or they are long-lived, sturdy, and—like milky-colored sap similar to that in figs. hedge apple; further west and south, we many hedge trees—quite adaptable, The Osage-orange endured some often hear the French bois d’arc or a pho- shrugging off floods, droughts, wind, nomenclatural musical chairs before its netic corruption thereof, bodark. ice, heat, deer, insects, air pollution, ex- current name was accepted. It was first The “Osage” part of the name derives treme soil pH, and about anything else

named by botanist Constantine Samuel from the Indian tribe that lived along the that comes their way. COURTESY OF ANDY SCHMITZ

22 the American Gardener The author’s home in Petersburg, Illinois, was built in a grove of Osage-orange trees, shown here in fall color. Note the yellowish, globe-shaped Osage-orange fruits used as seasonal decorations together with assorted pumpkins in the foreground.

Attractive shade trees in the right site, shadow, allowing the early spring sun to Southeast than they do in drier areas of the they offer gold or bright yellow fall col- warm cool-season turf or houses under Great Plains and Southwest. or, fissured bark, interesting fruits (on their canopy. Fast growing—up to two Osage-orange is still a good choice for female trees) or fruitlessness (on male or three feet a year under favorable condi- a hedge plant, but annual pruning is need- trees). They leaf out late in spring, avoid- tions—they may achieve a greater mature ed to keep it in check. Specimens used as ing unseasonable freezes, and cast an open height and spread in the Mid-Atlantic and hedging usually retain their thorns, which may be a good thing if the goal of the hedge is to keep animals out. Thorns are NATIONAL CHAMPION TREE clearly not as desirable for a garden speci- The nonprofit group American Forests coordinates the national Big Tree program, men, but a number of thornless cultivars which promotes recognition and protection of the largest trees of all species grow- exist (see list of cultivars, page 24). ing in the United States. For the last few years, the designation of the national Perhaps the tree’s biggest limitation champion Osage-orange tree has see-sawed between one at Patrick Henry’s Red from a gardening perspective is that Hill estate in Charlotte County, Virginia, and one at the American Horticultural very few nurseries carry it (see page 22 Society’s River Farm headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia, with Red Hill’s tree for sources). If we spread the word, this currently holding the title, at 60 feet tall and 88 feet canopy diameter. But should change as supply rises to meet de- both of those trees are multiple-stemmed, making comparisons with the giant mand. For now, we must be content to single-stemmed trees found in the Midwest difficult based on the measurement choose from the one or two selections criteria used by the Big Tree program. —G.S. currently available, or propagate them

GUY STERNBERG ourselves (see sidebar, page 22).

November / December 2013 23 EVALUATING AND SELECTING VARIETIES tings from the finest Osage-orange trees to have an occasional double leader re- Until the 1970s, not much was known we knew. The trees grown from these moved. Vigorous young growth may be about the horticultural merits of different cuttings were established in a trial planting slightly thorny, but on the good cultivars selections of Osage-orange. It was around at the research center, which, after Pair’s this will disappear as they gain a little that time that John Pair, a horticulture death in 1998, was named the John C. Pair maturity. Basal sprouts are produced oc- professor at Kansas State University’s Hor- Horticultural Center. Pair selected a few casionally from grafted trees and should ticulture Research Center near Wichita, mostly thornless male cultivars along with be removed as soon as you see them. observed that Osage-oranges were one of two females—‘Quaker’ and the thorn- Once you get the trees past the awk- the few shade trees adapted to the rigorous less, giant-fruited ‘Cannonball’—that are ward early years, they will pay great climatic conditions of the Great Plains. In available in the nursery trade. dividends for the time you invested in 1980, he asked several woody plant spe- Other public gardens that feature them during their wayward youth. And cialists, including me, to send him cut- Osage-orange plantings include the on the plus side, they will tolerate less RECOMMENDED CULTIVARS Here are a few Osage-orange selections worth considering for your garden. With the exception of ‘Cannonball’, all are male selections.

‘Altamont’ Tall, well-formed crown, nearly thornless ’Cannonball’ (formerly ‘Delta’) Bears giant, three-pound fruits ‘Denmark’ Tall, narrow-crowned ‘Derby’ Round-headed, spreading ‘K-2’ Straight, central leader INISTRATION ‘Smolan’ Rugged, well-formed crown ‘Triple-O’ Vigorous, full-crowned ‘What Cheer’ Uniform, full-crowned ‘White Shield’ Vigorous, arching, thornless A neatly trimmed historic Osage-orange hedge borders the property of Winterthur Museum, ‘Wichita’ Stout, well-formed crown, Garden & Library along U.S. Route 52 near Wilmington, Delaware. thornless Brenton Arboretum, located west of than perfect pruning or benign neglect Des Moines, Iowa, where a collection of much better than more finicky trees. Osage-orange trees is being developed; In 1978, my wife and I had the good for- the Olbrich Botanical Gardens in Mad- tune to build our home in Petersburg, Illi- ison, Wisconsin, which is establishing nois, within a large grove of Osage-oranges some plantings in its USDA Hardiness originally established in the 1930s. Through Zone 4 climate, and Starhill Forest Ar- selective thinning, we have kept the best of boretum—the arboretum my wife, them as magnificent shade trees around our Edie, and I established in Petersburg, Il- house and outbuildings. When storm winds linois—where several of the named cul- blow, or freezing rain begins to collect on tivars originated. branches, I can sleep well at night while many of my neighbors are fearful that other CULTURE AND MAINTENANCE kinds of trees might pay them a sudden visit Young Osage-oranges are like precocious through their ceilings. On top of all of the children, needing some guidance as they other attributes and historical associations of grow. They do not shed their dead lower Osage-orange, what more could I ask! limbs or suckers unless helped to do so with a pruning saw. They may decide Guy Sternberg is an arborist and landscape ‘Altamont’, a semi-thornless selection, to go off in the wrong direction occa- architect based in Petersburg, Illinois. He is growing at the John C. Pair Horticultural sionally and need to be reeled in with a the author of several books, including Na- Center at Kansas State University. hand pruner or lopper. They might lean tive Trees for North American Landscapes

a little and benefit from staking, or need (Timber Press, 2004). LEFT: GUY STERNBERG. RIGHT: COURTESY OF REGIONAL LANDSCAPE ENHANCEMENTS, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADM

24 the American Gardener a fresh look at BY DANIEL MOUNT American Arborvitae The popular conifer is sometimes overused as a hedge, but with more than 200 selections available, there are many ways it can be incorporated in the landscape.

MERICAN ARBORVITAE (Thu- After observing my collection for a few which are native to North America; T. ja occidentalis) is as iconic as a years, I was surprised at how well most occidentalis in the east and T. plicata in A white picket fence. Yet, as a gar- selections are thriving in my often water- the west. While most commonly known den designer for three decades, I felt it was logged soil. That encouraged me to com- as American arborvitae or simply arbor- overused as a hedge or screen plant, and thus pare notes with other growers around the vitae, T. occidentalis is often listed with avoided including it in my designs. It took country to get a sense of just how adaptable other common names, including eastern planting one such hedge at the insistence American arborvitaes are, and which cul- or northern white cedar, swamp cedar, of a client to make me give this landscape tivars are most successful in other regions. and thuja. standard a second look. Since then, I have American arborvitae’s broad native accumulated a small collection of American ADAPTABLE NATIVE range is a good indication of its status as arborvitae cultivars on my seven-acre farm Thuja is a genus of five species in the a tough, adaptable conifer. It is found east of Seattle, Washington. cypress family (Cupressaceae), two of in the wild from the south end of Lake

The striking chartreuse foliage of the arborvitae selection ‘Gold Drop’ stands out above a sea of colorful gloriosa daisies, ‘Marguerite’

MARK TURNER ornamental sweet potatoes, and other bedding plants in this border at Queen Elizabeth Park in Vancouver, British Columbia.

November / December 2013 25 Winnipeg (USDA Hardiness Zone 2) in Manitoba eastward to the Atlantic, and southward near the moderating effects of the Great Lakes. There are a few isolated populations in Illinois, Ohio, and high- er elevations of the lower Appalachian Mountains in North Carolina (USDA Hardiness Zone 6). In the far north it is never more than a large shrub, and in the Appalachians a bonsai-esque, wizened old tree. It reaches its maximum potential in the Great Lakes region, where the tallest living arborvitae, at 113 feet, grows in Lee- lanau, Michigan. Though American arborvitae thrives in moist or even swampy sites, it can be THE TREE OF LIFE Though American arborvitaes are prized for landscape uses today, they first at- tracted attention for entirely different reasons. When French explorer Jacques Cartier and his posse entered the Great Lakes Basin in the 16th century, Na- tive Americans had already been making use of the tree for millennia. They used its rot-resistant wood for canoe frames, baskets, and fishing gear. But it was the healing and refreshing tea made from the leaves that most capti- vated the explorers’ interest. It also led to the tree’s common name. When Cartier and other members of his group developed scurvy during the harsh northern winter, Native Ameri- cans taught them to drink the vitamin C-rich tea. Their quick recovery—five days, by one account—had Cartier believing he had found l’arbre de vie, the tree of life. The name was later latinized to arbor vitae. —D.M. found on limestone bluffs along the Mis- sissippi River and on sand dunes along the Great Lakes. It seems to thrive in crowd- ed stands, which is one of the attributes, along with its ability to regenerate from deer browsing, that makes it such a good candidate for hedges. HEDGING YOUR BETS The popularity of American arborvitae Top: The narrow, columnar habit of the arborvitae selection Emerald Green (‘Smaragd’) shows in the 200-odd cultivars that have complements a formal planting of boxwood in Judy Boxx’s Bellingham, Washington, garden. been introduced over the years. Of the se- Above: Technito (‘Bailjohn’), shown on the right, is a relatively new selection with a

lections favored for hedging, none is more compact, dense, pyramidal shape suited to smaller gardens. TOP: MARK TURNER. BOTTOM: COURTESY OF BAILEY NURSERIES

26 the American Gardener versity of Wisconsin Arboretum in Madi- son, which is home to the nation’s largest collection of mature American arborvitae, prefers ‘Hetz Wintergreen’ (sometimes listed as ‘Wintergreen’) above all other arborvitae for hedges. In addition to its columnar habit, Hasselkuss appreciates its year-round deep green color, fast growth, and most important, its single leader. A close second is ‘Holmstrup’; Hasselkuss says its slow growth and finely textured, tightly bunched, dark green foliage create a unique hedge. He also recommends ‘Techny’, a broad-based, compact pyramid with deep green foliage. A variant trademarked as Technito (‘Bailjohn’) has the same assets as ‘Techny’ but in a much more compact habit, ideal for smaller urban spaces. ‘War- eana’, a cultivar from the 1830s that has soft sprays of bright green foliage, is one of my favorites, but hard to find. GLOBOSE AND MINIATURE OPTIONS While selections with upright, pyramidal shapes are the most prevalent, rounded and dwarf forms are gaining popularity. ‘Hetz Midget’ is a classic that has been in production for nearly 70 years. It grows very slowly, reaching three feet at maturity, and its stout shoots need little shearing to maintain its fine globose form. ‘Woodwardii’ is a slightly larger, faster-growing option that also holds its four-foot, rounded shape well with min- imal shearing. Among my personal favorites of the globose forms is slow-growing and compact ‘Tiny Tim’, which tops out ‘Wareana’ is a selection from the 1830s that can be used as a low hedge or, as here, a specimen. around one foot. And I like the relative newcomer ‘Bobazam’ (trademarked as widely admired and used than ‘Smaragd’, 20th century. Oregon is now the epicen- Mr. Bowling Ball, and newly listed as or ‘Emerald’ arborvitae, often referred to in ter of Emerald Green production in the the trade simply as Emerald Green. They United States, producing over 60 percent seem to make a nearly unbroken hedge of those planted in the country each year. from the West Coast to the East, passing Aside from Emerald Green, conifer through posh suburbs and trailer parks connoisseurs are partial to a number of with democratic ease. And for good reason. other columnar cultivars. Gerald Kral, a ‘Smaragd’ responds well to shearing, is former director of the American Conifer adaptable to a wide variety of soils, propa- Society who gardens in Rochester, New gates readily from cuttings, and retains its York, considers ‘Degroot’s Spire’ one of bright green color through heat and cold. his favorites. He says its narrow, twisting After its introduction in 1950, it remained habit and single leader are great attributes. a rather obscure shrub until Iseli Nursery Single-leader cultivars suffer less breakage in Oregon began to promote it in the early and splaying from winter snow and ice ’80s. It caught on like wildfire, quickly than the multi-leader forms, making them replacing ‘Pyramidalis Compacta’, which desirable for harsher northern climates. had been the go-to arborvitae for northern Ed Hasselkuss, curator of the Longe- Pint-sized with bright golden foliage,

DANIEL MOUNT (2) hedges since its introduction in the early necker Horticultural Gardens at the Uni- ‘Harvest Moon’ is a popular miniature.

November / December 2013 27 Sources Forestfarm, Williams, OR. (541) 846-7269. www.forestfarm.com. Girard Nurseries, Geneva, OH. (440) 466-2881. www.girardnurseries.com. Meadowbrook Nursery, Marion, NC. (828) 738-8300. www.we-du.com. Musser Forest, Indiana, PA. (724) 465-5686. www.musserforests.com. Venero Garden Nursery, Shorewood, MN. (952) 474-8550. www.venerogardens.com.

Resources Dirr’s Encyclopedia of Trees and Shrubs by Michael A. Dirr. Timber Press, Portland, OR, 2011. Native Trees for North American Land- scapes by Guy Sternberg with Jim Wilson. Timber Press, Portland, OR, 2004.

‘Linesville’ by the American Conifer So- ciety). Its threadlike, silvery juvenile foliage gives it an overall soft appearance, a lovely counterpoint to its crisp, rounded shape, which rarely needs shearing. For containers and rock gardens, more miniature forms are now available than ever before. Robert Fincham, author of Small Conifers for Small Gardens, highly recommends ‘Mini Spiral’ that only reaches 30 inches tall with a spread of 10 inches. Growing it myself, I can attest to its dimin- utive charm, featuring wavy sprays of foliage twisting up its tiny trunk. Two other interesting miniatures worth growing are ‘Harvest Moon’ and ‘Amber Glow’, both of which boast bright yellow foliage. Shown here planted with salvias and variegated giant reed at Chanticleer gardens in Wayne, COLOR CHOICES Pennsylvania, ‘Yellow Ribbon’ stands out as one the best single-leader, columnar American Wild arborvitae often discolor in win- arborvitae selections with yellow or golden foliage. ter, dulling to a drab olive or even near brown. Because of this, arborvitae breed- a spreading cushion of golden-orange ju- tar’, which is Polish for amber, it could ers have looked for plants that hold their venile foliage, as a favorite. As a garden soon be brightening up hedges across the color well year round. Many of the selec- designer, I like the 100-year-old cultivar country. Then there’s a semi-dwarf cul- tions mentioned earlier, such as ‘Smar- ‘Rheingold’. I use it as much for the golden tivar ‘Gold Drop’, a seedling of ‘Holm- agd’, ‘Hetz Wintergreen’, and ‘Techny’, foliage that sets off spring’s vibrant tulips as strup’ selected by arborvitae expert Clark all share this asset. I do for the way it blends with the changing West of Harrison, Ohio. Its lovely yellow Where American arborvitae shines, leaves of the autumn garden and holds a foliage actually gets brighter in winter. though, is in the gold and yellow variet- somber coppery glow through the winter. Two new introductions from Chris- ies. Hasselkuss admires ‘Yellow Ribbon’, Sandy Dittmar of Iseli Nursery is most topher Daeger, manager of the Stanley noting it is the only single-leader golden excited about an amber form of ‘Smaragd’ Rowe Arboretum outside of Cincinnati,

cultivar to date. Kral lists ‘Golden Tuffet’, that was found in Poland. Dubbed ‘Jan- and his long-time friend and collaborator MARK TURNER

28 the American Gardener has passed. So far I have only lost ‘Golden Tuffet’, probably better off in the well- drained soils of a rock garden. And I only eliminated one, ‘Teddy’, which after a few good years splayed hideously, a trait shared by many multi-stemmed varieties. Once properly sited, most arborvitae don’t require much maintenance. For keeping hedges healthy, Dave Wagner of Wagner Nursery in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, which specializes in large field- grown Emerald Green, recommends a biyearly shearing and topdressing with a balanced (16-16-16) fertilizer each spring. Spider mites can be a pest of arborvitae, so monitor trees in fall by shaking a branch over a piece of white paper. If you observe tiny mites on the paper, treat trees with ultra-fine horticultural oil in fall. In the wild, American arborvitae is a valuable habitat species, especially in the Great Lakes region where it provides critical winter cover and browse for white-tailed deer. In cultivation, its susceptibility to deer browse is probably the worst failing of American arborvitae. I would go so far as to ‘Rheingold’, shown here complementing the fall foliage of Berberis thunbergii var. atropurpurea say it is probably not worth planting with- ‘Crimson Velvet’, is a relatively compact, spreading selection with golden-tinted foliage. out protection from deer fencing in subur- ban and rural areas where deer are plentiful. on arborvitae selection Clark West, will bose form ‘Sherwood Frost’, which has My own collection has had no deer damage become available through the American tidy white-tipped foliage. despite its proximity to a wildlife sanctuary Conifer Society this year. Of the pair, rife with deer, which I attribute to our very named ‘Going Up’ and ‘Going Down’, PROMISING NEW SELECTIONS large dog, who patrols our property. the latter is said to have a distinct bluish Much of the excitement in new T. oc- cast—a rare hue for American arborvitae, cidentalis cultivars has arisen from the LOOKING BACK AND LOOKING AHEAD which in its natural state tends to have a collaboration of Daeger and West. Cur- Last year while on vacation, I walked the yellow undertone to its green foliage. rently Rowe Arboretum holds about 115 boardwalk trails through the sand dunes of Some white-variegated varieties are of West’s selections. At least 34 of those, Kohler-Andrae State Park in Sheboygan, available, but I find them uninteresting. known as the ‘Filiformis’ group, were Wisconsin, searching for an old stand of Hasselkuss recommends the large glo- seedlings of a seedling from the cultivar American arborvitae on the western shores ‘Filiformis’ that West grew in his Ohio of Lake Michigan. I had picnicked in that garden. This diverse group shows a great area back in the ’70s and the memory of deal of promise with globose, columnar, those trees remained vivid. When I finally and pyramidal forms, some with the found them again, I was pleased to see threadlike foliage of ‘Filiformis’ and oth- they had not only survived nearly 40 years ers with the feathery fans of the species. in pure sand and in full exposure to Wis- But more importantly, they have inher- consin’s harsh winters, but had grown! ited heat tolerance from their parent, a This discovery reaffirmed my belief that step in the right direction for American this tough, adaptable conifer has limitless arborvitae in this time of climate change. potential. While I continue to seek out older cultivars to add to my American arbor- CULTURAL REQUIREMENTS AND A CAVEAT vitae collection, I am equally excited about Though most sources recommend well- up-and-coming selections of this garden drained, slightly alkaline soils, my arbor- classic that breeders have in the works. vitaes are thriving in heavy acidic soils Mr. Bowling Ball (‘Bobozam’) has a compact often flooded in winter and remaining Daniel Mount is a garden designer and

TOP: DANIEL MOUNT. BOTTOM: LYNNE HARRISON habit and feathery blue-green foliage. waterlogged long after the rainy season writer based in Carnation, Washington.

November / December 2013 29 Beautiful Barriers

Protect the perimeters of your O ME, stepping in a planting bed is tantamount to sacrilege because of the damage this does to soil structure and resident plants. So when the mail carrier garden with prickly but pretty T developed the habit of traipsing through my front border on his way to the next house rather than retracing a few steps to walk around it, I had a dilemma on my plants. hands. At the time, I was trying to establish a flower bed from seed in the space, but the tender seedlings kept getting trampled. Plus the heavy clay soil I had worked so hard to improve with plenty of organic matter was becoming more and more compacted. BY VIVEKA NEVELN Serendipitously, as it turned out, I plunked a young shrub rose in the vicinity. Pret- ty soon it expanded into the area where the mail carrier left his footprints and, to my astonishment, he began walking around instead of through the bed! Perhaps the rose’s shock of hot pink blossoms caught his eye enough for him to realize this was indeed a The thick, spine-covered pads of Engelmann’s growing space, but I suspect that its wicked thorns reinforced that any trespassing in prickly pear (Opuntia engelmannii) discourage the rose’s domain was no longer prudent. short cuts through the front yard of this Tucson, Arizona, home. SPIKY SOLUTIONS In addition to keeping people on the straight and narrow, other situations that could

make use of prickly plants include near windows for deterring intruders and blocking MARK TURNER

30 the American Gardener A fast-growing, evergreen shrub with sharp barbs along its branches, ‘Fiery Cascade’ scarlet firethorn (Pyracantha sp.) lives up to its name when small, white flowers in spring are followed by sprays of orange berries in fall that turn reddish in winter. It reaches eight to 10 feet in height, so it works well as an informal hedge or trained against a wall.

dangerous areas such as ledges or steep slopes. A living barrier lends more interest and texture to a landscape than any fence can. While many plants make suitable barriers, well-armored ones tend to command a little more respect simply because of the pain factor. Where people or animals may take a short cut through a non-prickly hedge, for example, they almost always will give a thorny one a wide berth. Various cacti are obvious choices, but there are a number of shrubs, vines, and small trees that have an imposing enough presence to make their points quite clear. These plants either possess thorns (or prickles) along their stems, like roses (Rosa spp.) and firethorn (Pyracantha spp.) do, or feature sharply pointed foliage—such as certain yews (Taxus spp.), junipers (Juniperus spp.), and hollies (Ilex spp.). Many of these prickly plants also offer ornamental characteristics such as fragrant flowers, showy Ferocious thorns up to two inches long defend fruits, fall color, and winter interest to boot. the fragrant spring flowers, top, and downy, seed-filled, yellow fruits, above, of trifoliate THORNY ISSUES or hardy orange (Poncirus trifoliata). Its bare, There are a few precautions to take when incorporating potentially painful plants into twisting stems also offer winter interest. your landscape. Of course, they should be kept away from areas frequented by small

TOP LEFT: NEIL SODERSTROM. RIGHT: BRINDA MANDELLA. BOTTOM: MARK TURNER children or pets. And remember to account for the plant’s mature size so it won’t end

November / December 2013 31 Many drought-tolerant succulents make lovely but formidable barriers. In this California garden, artichoke agave (Agave parryi var. truncata) in the foreground and Aloe arborescens behind the low wall guard a small fountain with their rows of curved teeth and needle-sharp tips on their leaves.

up growing into walkways or other spaces where you and others could get snagged. Also, consider your neighbors if you want to use such plants between your properties. Jenny Peterson, a landscape designer in Austin, Texas, recalls an instance where she recommended planting a bigleaf podocarp (Podocarpus macrophyllus) hedge between a client’s property and the neighbor’s. Because of this plant’s “pointy leaves,” Peterson explains, “the neighbor thought it seemed ‘unfriendly’.” In similar situations where you might need to “soften the edges, try planting something more hospitable in front of the prickly plant,” she suggests. For this, she likes to use “a lower-growing perennial or shrub such as rosemary.” Finally, keep your own safety in mind. Try to site spiny plants in areas that don’t ‘Kembu’ false holly (Osmanthus heterophyllus) require a lot of maintenance so that you won’t have as much cause for getting too close features spiny, evergreen leaves splashed to them. When you do need to work around them, long-handled tools, safety glasses, with creamy white variegation. Tiny but and thick gloves help keep injuries to a minimum. very fragrant white flowers bloom from With a little planning and creativity, you can make good use of prickly personalities in late summer to fall. Well suited to smaller your garden. These plants offer beauty while providing protective services wherever you need gardens, this slow-growing shrub reaches to deter unwanted traffic. two to four feet in height and spread.

Viveka Neveln is associate editor of The American Gardener. LEFT: BILL JOHNSON. RIGHT: RICK WETHERBEE

32 the American Gardener Covered with prickly, compound leaves, Oregon grape holly (Mahonia The dense, thorny branches of flowering quince (Chaenomeles aquifolium) is a good choice for shady areas. Fragrant yellow blooms speciosa) help fortify this brick wall while also providing appear in spring, and dark blue, edible berries ripen in early fall. ornamental value in spring with masses of flowers.

TOP LEFT: JOSH MCCULLOUGH. RIGHT: SUSAN A. ROTH. BOTTOM: JERRY PAVIA These floriferous but very spiny rugosa roses (Rosa rugosa) ensure that visitors will use the steps to traverse the different levels of this landscape.

November / December 2013 33 Pierre Bennerup

A colorful second-generation nurseryman, Pierre Bennerup of Sunny Border Nurseries has been an influential figure in the use of perennials in American gardening.

ODAY, DIVERSE selections of According to peers, he has an uncanny herbaceous perennial plants knack for anticipating and implementing Tgrowing in colorfully branded new trends in the production and market- containers are a familiar sight at any nurs- ing of perennials, grasses, vines, and herbs. ery or garden center, but it wasn’t always “I firmly believe that the perennial BY ALLEN BUSH that way. Flash back to 1960, and if you industry would not be where it is today went to a nursery looking for a perennial, without Pierre,” says David Culp, Sunny PHOTOGRAPHS BY you would likely have had a choice be- Border’s vice president of sales and market- KAREN BUSSOLINI tween three or four bareroot plants lan- ing. “His leadership and passion for plants guishing in two-quart wooden baskets. have made him an icon in the perennial in- The person who came up with the idea dustry as well as in American horticulture.” of selling perennials in containers is Pierre Culp, who has worked with Bennerup for Above: At Sunny Border Nurseries in Kensington, Bennerup, co-owner of Sunny Border 20 years, is also a garden book author and a Connecticut, tender perennials such as Pentas Nurseries, a wholesale company in Kens- noted hellebore breeder. ‘Graffiti Violet’ and ‘Ruby Glow’ and Angelonia ington, Connecticut. The breakthrough Colleagues and friends describe Ben- ‘Spreading White’ await shipment. Above right: was just one of many attributed to the nerup as intelligent, sophisticated, and opin- Practicing what he preaches, Sunny Borders energetic 79-year-old Bennerup, who is ionated. “Pierre is witty and has such a great co-owner Pierre Bennerup prepares to add widely regarded as an innovator and vi- sense of humor about the work that we do,” some new perennials to his home garden. sionary in the American nursery industry. says Maryland nursery owner and ornamen-

34 the American Gardener tal grass expert Kurt Bluemel, a longtime home in Norwalk, Connecticut. Fifteen Looking for an excuse to stay in the Bay friend. “If you’ve ever read the annual letter years later, Robert Bennerup bought 135 Area, he took a job teaching 7th and 8th in his catalogs over the years, you know ex- acres and a house near Kensington for graders at the Menlo School in Atherton, actly how clever this horticulturist truly is.” $18,000. Sunny Border Nurseries has California. Looking back, Bennerup recalls been there ever since. he was a constant target for the pranks of FAMILY LEGACY Notable gardeners and horticulturists the adolescent boys. “There wasn’t a day Bennerup is a second-generation nursery often relate heartwarming tales of their that went by that they didn’t figure out owner. His father, Robert Bennerup, was childhood experiences with plants, but some way to torment me,” he says. born in Denmark at the turn of the 20th not Bennerup. “I’m not sure I was born Teaching didn’t strike a chord any century. He immigrated to the United with an interest in plants, but my father more than law. In 1969, the restless States in 1923 at the age of 20 and found was a landscape designer and nurseryman, 35-year-old Bennerup moved back east and settled in New York City. RESCUING THE FAMILY BUSINESS Bennerup may not have been born with a love of plants, but the nursery business seems to have been ingrained in his DNA. Robert Bennerup died in 1967 after a long illness, and two years later, Pierre purchased the struggling nursery from his mother. At this point in his life, he embraced the challenge of owning his own business and was motivated to make the nursery more successful than his father had. Initially, however, Bennerup wasn’t able to make a living from the nursery, so he signed on as a salesman with Banfi Vintners. The New York-based company obtained the North American rights to Ri- unite, a varietal of Lambrusco that in the Above: Five-year old Pierre Bennerup strikes 1970s became a blockbuster a pose in his parents’ Victory Garden. Right: success with the catchy mar- An early view of Sunny Border taken not keting jingle: “Riunite on long after it was founded in 1929 by Pierre’s ice, that’s nice.” Finding his father, Robert Bennerup. niche as a salesman and mar- keter, he worked his way up work, first as an estate gardener and, a the company ladder, even- short time later, as a nurseryman. He met tually becoming corporate his wife, Claudia Audet, a French Cana- vice-president. dian, while she was working as a govern- For the first decade of his ess in Westchester County, New York. operation of the nursery, he When winter work was scarce in New acknowledges being some- England, Robert went south and sold thing of an absentee owner, flowers door to door in Miami, Florida. returning to Kensington on His education and skills eventually at- so I was required to pull weeds when I was weekends to weed, ship orders, and do the tracted the attention of some well-known a kid,” he says. “I hated it then, although books. Because of that, he had to find and landscape designers, including Beatrix now I love doing it.” train capable staff to run the nursery. Farrand. Robert later named a dianthus A bright student, he became the first One of Bennerup’s first hires was Marc ‘Beatrix’ in her honor. graduate of Connecticut’s Berlin High Laviana, who as a 15-year-old was brought The first Bennerup nursery was found- School to go to Princeton University, where on part-time in 1969. “If I worked hard af- ed in Tuckahoe, New York, in October he majored in English. If you ask him about ter school, Pierre told me, I could work the 1929, two weeks before “Black Friday,” his lack of formal training in horticulture, summer,” Laviana recalls. Laviana, who the beginning of the Great Depression. he’s proud of the fact his expertise came started working full-time in 1974, was an In 1933, Pierre was born a few miles away through hands-on learning and reading. integral part of Sunny Border’s operations in Bronxville, New York. One of his first After Princeton, Bennerup briefly at- during the phenomenal growth in con- memories, as a three-year-old, was his fa- tended law school at the University of Cal- sumer demand for perennials that start-

PHOTOS COURTESY OF SUNNY BORDER NURSERIES (2) PHOTOS COURTESY OF SUNNY BORDER NURSERIES (2) ther’s backyard pansy crop at their new ifornia before deciding it wasn’t for him. ed in the 1980s. “Pierre’s vast experience

November / December 2013 35 in sales and marketing has changed the mand for foundation plantings created “People who buy fine wines are often the course of the industry and Sunny Border, by the boom in home construction fol- same as those who buy perennials. They too,” says Laviana, who is now co-owner lowing World War II. The soil in that are experimental, always trying different and president of the nursery. “He’s always area of Connecticut is a clay loam, ideal things, not always Budweiser or red gera- been an innovator with new ideas. I’d call for producing balled-and-burlapped yews, niums.” By the mid-’80s, the popularity of him a strategist visionary and then some.” but not for perennials, which couldn’t be perennials was soaring and sales at Sunny In the early 1970s, perennial plants dug after rains as quickly and easily as they Border were growing exponentially. were primarily sold bareroot. Wholesale could in the sandy soils of Bennerup’s big- growers such as Walters Gardens in Zee- ger competitors. UNITING PERENNIAL GROWERS land, Michigan, and Springbrook Gar- With the market for perennials ex- Some entrepreneurs are content to sim- dens in Mentor, Ohio, grew hundreds panding in the 1970s, Bennerup needed ply enjoy their own success, but Ben- of acres of perennials in sandy soils and to come up with a solution. It was at this nerup saw value in helping his fellow shipped nationwide to mail-order firms. point that he decided to take the digging perennial plant growers succeed as well. In turn, the firms put their inventory into out of the equation and grow plants in “Pierre has always been an advocate of

A recent aerial photograph of Sunny Border shows the extent of the nursery’s expansion since Pierre Bennerup assumed its operation in the late 1960s. coolers until it was time to ship in spring pots. “Pierre was the first person to grow horticulture—willing to share his knowl- and fall. Perennials such as moss phlox perennials in containers,” says Laviana. edge with colleagues—and potentially (Phlox subulata) and evergreen candy- The revolutionary practice was quickly competitors—in order that the perennial tuft (Iberis sempervirens) were field-dug, adopted by other growers and soon be- industry may continue to be advanced,” thrown into two-quart wooden baskets, came the industry standard. says John Walters, chief executive offi- and placed on sale in retail nurseries, but In 1980, Bennerup resigned from Banfi cer of Walters Gardens. “He has put the few other perennials had the durability to to devote himself to the nursery full-time, greater industry ahead of personal gain.” withstand that kind of rough handling. successfully adapting the management, A perfect example of this is Bennerup’s In the ’50s and ’60s, Sunny Border had sales, and marketing experience garnered in role in founding the Perennial Plant Asso- converted a large part of its operation to the wine industry. “The skill sets I learned ciation (PPA), which is now an influen- field-grown production of yews (Taxus at Banfi were very helpful in establishing a tial industry group with more than 1,200

media) in order to meet the huge de- market for fine perennials,” says Bennerup. members in North America and overseas. COURTESY OF SUNNY BORDER

36 the American Gardener 1998. He was also instrumental, says Still, in the establishment of the PPA’s Perenni- al Plant of the Year program. Bennerup also has been active with state horticulture groups, serving as founder and first president of the Con- necticut Chapter of the Hardy Plant So- ciety and as president of the Connecticut Horticultural Society. SETTING—AND BUCKING—TRENDS As a wholesale nursery, Sunny Border sells to independent garden centers and direct- ly to landscapers. Bennerup’s guiding philosophy is that foliage—not flowers—is the key to successful gardens and landscapes. He elucidated this in the letter he wrote in his 2013 catalog, under the theme “Green is a color, too.” Taking issue with what he terms “lipstick landscapes,” Ben- nerup stated, “I believe a good perennial garden is mostly foliage—various shades of green, bronze, silver, and gold. It’s soothing. It’s cooling.” He adds, “Flow- er color in the garden should be savored in small portions like dessert. Too much color causes garden obesity.” This approach bucks the trend set by many other wholesale nurseries and greenhouses, particularly those catering to Big Box stores. Bennerup says these companies have streamlined their offer- ings with a focus on two primary criteria: short and in-flower. If plant pots can’t

Left: In his home garden, Bennerup backs up his philosophy that perennials should be valued as much for their foliage than they are for their flowers by showcasing combinations like this one of Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’, Heuchera ‘Molly Bush’, and Hosta ‘Great Expectations’.

The idea of forming a trade group for to “lay out what a new association would be squeezed on a shipping rack in full perennial plants took shape in 1983 during look like.” Bennerup and three other pe- bloom, there’s a growing chance you’re a perennial plant symposium held at Ohio rennial-nursery owners—Aine Busse of not going to see them sold in the Big State University (OSU) in Columbus. Busse Gardens in Minnesota, Jim Beam Boxes at all. “They’re promoting a fal- The conference was organized by Steven of Sunbeam Farms in Ohio, and Jim Kyle lacy,” says Bennerup. “You can have a Still, who was an OSU horticulture pro- of Spring Hill Nursery in Ohio—agreed wonderful garden without any flowers.” fessor at the time. Among the participants to meet again a few months later. Each put He wonders aloud why anyone would was Bennerup, who gave presentations up $250 to cover office supplies, stamps, want to watch a mass of annuals all sea- on propagation by cuttings and container and printing costs to get the new organiza- son long. “The idea of different plants production of perennials at Sunny Border. tion up and running. The PPA was incor- blooming at different times is the miracle The symposium was a huge success, with porated late in 1984, and Still became its of nature and gardening,” he says. “Un- some 250 people in attendance. first executive director. Bennerup served less you appreciate that miracle, you’ll At the end of the meeting, Still says, as president for two years in 1986 and 1987 never be a gardener.” Of course, his pref- about two dozen attendees got together and received the PPA’s Award of Merit in erence is for people to rely on perennials

November / December 2013 37 to create ever-changing bloom through- good example of that is his introduction out the season. of Dianthus ‘Feuerhexe’ (Firewitch),” says An unabashed purist at heart, Ben- Still. “He saw it in flower on an excur- nerup estimates that only about one in sion in the Netherlands, procured it, and 10 people have the knack to become a brought it back to the U.S. It later became gardener in the way he defines it. “Peren- the Perennial Plant of the Year.” nial gardening is about subtlety, form, In recent years, Bennerup has become fragrance, texture, calm, and sometimes excited about the promise of “tender pe- even sound and motion; in fact, all the rennials”—generally subtropical plants senses, not just sight,” he says. “Will ev- that are not frost hardy. He coined the eryone buy into this? Absolutely not! But term “temperennials” and Sunny Border all we need is to appeal to that constant has introduced a line of them under the percentage of discerning, dedicated gar- marketing name Bodacious Temperen- deners. If we set the tone, they will follow nials™. “I like the big stuff like bananas and so will others.” and brugmansias,” says Bennerup. “I also like succulents—agaves, aeoniums, and Notable INtroductIoNs phormiums.” Of the many noteworthy plants that have Bennerup has a friendly rivalry with been introduced by Sunny Border, perhaps the woody plant and annual growers the best known is Veronica ‘Sunny Border he competes against for scarce dispos- Blue’, a sturdy hybrid of Veronica subsessilis able spending from gardeners. He likes that Robert Bennerup discovered in the late Among the many perennials introduced to tease tree growers that they’re raising 1940s. By the time the younger Bennerup by Sunny Border is Echinacea ‘Kim’s Mop cordwood. A neighboring bedding plant took over the nursery, however, the signa- Head’, a compact, white-flowered selection grower in Cheshire, Connecticut, called ture plant was no longer being grown. After of purple coneflower. perennials “glorified weeds.” Pierre re- doing some detective work, Pierre located a sponded by comparing perennial enthu- plant and reintroduced it in the early 1980s. Head’, ‘Stairway to Heaven ’Jacob’s lad- siasts to consumers of fine wine. “Annu- It was named the PPA’s 1993 Perennial Plant der (Polemonium sp.) , Knautia ‘Thunder als are for beer guzzlers,” he countered. of the Year and remains popular today. and Lightning’, and several new Coreopsis Yet he also doesn’t hesitate to infringe on Other popular introductions have hybrids bred by Darrell Probst. the opposition’s turf when an opportuni- included purple coneflowers (Echinacea Bennerup benefits from a keen eye for ty presents itself. In 2006, he discovered spp.) such as ‘Kim’s Knee High’ and ‘Mop potential new plants, notes Steven Still. “A and introduced a variegated basil called

a few bennerup favorites In addition to being a fan of perennials with interesting foliage, Pierre Bennerup says his favorite plant “tends to be whatever is blooming at the moment.” He does admit to affinities to certain families or genera, such as the primrose family, the ranunculus family, the genus Epimedium, the genus Hakonechloa, the genus Saxifraga, and the genus Phlox. Here are some of his favorite individual perennials, including a few introductions by Sunny Border.

Athyrium niponicum ‘Pictum’ Actaea (syn. Cimicifuga) ‘Brunette’ Coreopsis ‘Mercury Rising’ Epimedium grandiflorum var. higoense Geranium ‘Rozanne’ Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’ Heuchera ‘Molly Bush’ Pulmonaria ‘Majesté’ Tiarella cordifolia var. collina and crosses Pulmonaria ‘Majesté’‘Majesté’ Veronica ‘Sunny Border Blue’

38 the American Gardener sophisticated mass producers. “They will ignore 99 percent of possible plant choices in favor of 50 sock-’em-in-the-eye color selections,” he predicts. Bennerup imagines that there will be a few conscientious nursery owners who will be left to supply the remaining 20 percent of the market. Tens of thousands of perennials will be up for grabs. Guess which group Bennerup will be in. His 2013 wholesale catalog has nearly 3,000 listings, not including more than 1,000 in the Bodacious Temperennials™ line. He expects Sunny Border to lead the charge for new introductions and continue to trumpet many of his old favorites for years to come.

Above: This part of Bennerup’s garden features Rudbeckia maxima, Astilbe chinensis ‘Pumila’, and Macleaya cordata. Right: Bennerup surveys his home vegetable garden.

‘Pesto Perpetuo’. A quarter million of of gray-green Macleaya cordata and the them were sold last year. chocolate-maroon leaves of Ligularia dentata ‘Britt-Marie Crawford’. There are AT HOME IN THE GARDEN also flowers, of course. The yellow flower- Bennerup and his wife, Cheryl, share a heads of Rudbeckia maxima, which resem- For a man who hated weeding when three-and-a-half-acre garden at their home ble little sombreros, and the wispy lavender he was a kid, he’s come a long way. “I get in Kensington. They have been married six inflorescences of Thalictrum rochebrunia- so much enjoyment from gardening and years and Cheryl wears many hats at Sun- num are the exclamation points. No doubt, plants,” he says. “It’s such a great gratifi- ny Border, including pest and disease over- colorful flowers will always be the money cation. We are connecting with the real sight, writing and editing catalog copy, strokes, the fussy and ephemeral detail that world.” I stop to scribble his words on my maintaining display gardens, and directing breeders get so worked up about. notepad, and when I turn around, Ben- part-time students and interns. You can take the man out of the nursery, nerup has disappeared into his woodland I have been to their home many times, but you can’t take the nursery out of the garden, still talking plants. but until my most recent visit, I had not man. Even in the calm oasis of his home observed how Bennerup was putting his garden, Bennerup is still thinking about the Director of Special Products for the Ameri- plant philosophy into action in his own future and anticipating trends. In his esti- can office of Jelitto Seeds and a contributor yard. In the formal courtyard are shades mation, by 2025 80 percent of all perennials to the Garden Rant blog, Allen Bush lives of colorful and textural foliage: totems will be produced by three or four highly in Louisville, Kentucky.

November / December 2013 39 HOMEGROWNC HARVEST

The Sweet Sensation of Asian Pears by Kris Wetherbee

OTHING CAN quite match the waterfall of juicy sweet- N ness and crisp texture of a homegrown, tree-ripened Asian pear. When my husband and I moved to Or- egon over 20 years ago, we planned to grow a few trees, but after reading about the different varieties, we ended up with more than 100 Asian pear trees and nine different cultivars in our first orchard. As the oldest known cultivated pear, Asian pears (Pyrus pyrifolia) combine the best traits of apples and European pears— enticingly sweet, crisp, and juicy, with a complexity of flavors that includes hints of butterscotch, brandy, apricot, and un- dertones of a light-bodied yet lively wine. Colors of the thin-skinned fruits range from moonlit yellow or yellow-green to butterscotch-orange and russet. Japanese As with all Asian pears, the fruits of the variety ‘Shinko’ should be harvested only when varieties are round, while Chinese variet- they are ripe. Stored in a cool environment, the pears can remain fresh for several months. ies are often pear-shaped. One characteristic that really sets Asian trees five years and older can get by with Mulching with compost annually will pears apart from European pears is that their less frequent watering. The more water a both feed trees and conserve soil mois- fruit must be tree-ripened for peak flavor tree receives during the growing season, ture. An occasional dressing of rock dust and sweetness. Once picked, the fruits of the bigger and juicier the fruit will be. (also called mineral fines) every three to Asian pears will not ripen further. By grow- five years adds essential trace minerals, re- ing your own, you can harvest ripe, sweet sulting in more flavorful fruit. Do, how- fruit with unsurpassed flavor. PLANTING BASICS ever, go easy on the nitrogen; if the trees are growing more than two feet per year, GROWING GUIDELINES Getting Started Set out bareroot trees they’re getting too much nitrogen, which Asian pears can be grown in USDA Hardi- in late winter or early spring. Potted can affect fruit flavor, increase susceptibili- ness Zones 4 through 9, although some of trees can be planted anytime during ty to bacterial diseases on young trees, and the Chinese cultivars can withstand tem- the growing season. Set trees so that lead to winter damage on tender growth. peratures down to minus 30 degrees Fahr- the graft union (it will appear as a scar Asian pear trees are easily maintained enheit (F). The trees tolerate heat and hu- or knob on the trunk) remains two to at 10 to 15 feet tall, even when mature. midity and need only 300 to 600 hours of four inches above the soil. Trees begin bearing fruit at two or three winter chilling (temperatures above freezing Spacing Space trees 12 to 15 feet apart years old and will live for 50 years or but under 45 degrees F) to set fruit, so they in well-drained, slightly acidic soil. more. Mature trees will produce 30 to 50 can be grown in most regions of the country. Days to Harvest Depending on your pounds of fruit or more a year. In fact, For best fruit flavor and production, growing climate, location, and variety, the trees are so productive that they tend grow Asian pears in a site that gets full fruit is ready to harvest from mid-July to overbear, sometimes producing five to sun and has free-draining, slightly acidic to early October. There is usually a eight fruits per cluster. soil—a pH between 5.9 and 6.5 is ideal. light harvest the first year after plant- Thinning the fruit is essential for Water needs differ depending on soil ing; larger harvests begin the second large, flavorful pears, to prevent al- conditions and location. Young trees or third year after planting. —K.W. ternate-year bearing, to reduce insect

need to be watered deeply once a week; damage (two fruits touching provide MICHAEL S. THOMPSON

40 the American Gardener an excellent area for coddling moths west and will vary from two to four weeks to lay their eggs), and to keep limbs Sources earlier in the South, and one to three and branches from breaking under too One Green World, Molalla, OR. (877) weeks later in cooler northern climates. much weight. Thin fruits when they 353-4028. www.onegreenworld.com. ‘Large Korean’ Also known as ‘Ko- reach cherry size, leaving one per cluster Stark Bros Nurseries & Orchards, rean Giant’, fruits have a gold-bronze or every five or six inches. Louisiana, MO. (800) 325-4180. russet skin with white flesh. Fruits are www.starkbros.com. very rich, sweet, and juicy and can weigh DISEASES AND PESTS Willis Orchard, Cartersville, GA. (866) up to a pound each. Ripens late—about Two of the most common bacterial diseas- 586-6283. www.willisorchards.com. mid-October—and is fireblight resistant. es that plague pears are fireblight and pseu- ‘Nijiseiki’ Also known as ‘20th Century’, domonas, which cause infected branches the mildly aromatic, bright yellow-green to appear scorched, with blackened leaves but coddling moths require additional fruits are large and sweet, with crisp, juicy, remaining attached. The best control is measures. I’ve found that releasing par- white flesh. Reliably productive medi- to prune affected branches 12 to 15 inch- asitic Trichogramma wasps is the easiest um-large fruits ripen in late August. es below the infection. Sterilize pruning and most effective control. Release them ‘Seuri’ Chinese variety with dark orange tools between each cut by dipping them in when moths are flying and laying eggs; skin and deliciously crisp, white flesh. rubbing alcohol or a 20 percent solution this typically occurs in spring. The round fruit is aromatic, very sweet, of household bleach and water. A copper and distinctively flavored with hints of spray, applied during the bloom period RECOMMENDED CULTIVARS apricot; they ripen in late September to to control fireblight, or before blossoms Most Asian pears are partially able to early October. open or in fall for pseudomonas, may help self-pollinate, but planting at least two ‘Shinko’ Large round fruits with bronze reduce damage from these diseases. or three different cultivars will enhance to dark golden skin are favored for their A dormant oil spray will destroy many fertilization and fruit quality. Ripening sweet, richly flavored, yellow-white flesh overwintering insects and deter disease, dates listed here are for the Pacific North- boasting subtle tones of butterscotch. Fruit ripens in mid-September to early October. ‘Shinseiki’ Faintly aromatic fruits are round and smooth, with pale yellow skin and delicately sweet, firm-textured, and juicy white flesh. It’s reliably productive, with medium to large fruits that ripen in late August. ENJOYING THE HARVEST Depending on the variety and where you live, tree-ripened fruit is ready to harvest from about mid-July to early October. Wait until the fruit’s skin changes to a paler green color, then begin tasting pears to determine when they are ripe. The fruit should be sweet but still firm and crisp. The tender skin bruises easily so handle fruit gently. Use the fresh pears in fruit salsas or toss in a fruit salad. The flavor intensifies when poached, baked, or sautéed, and is outstanding in muffins, breads, pies, and other baked goods and desserts. Asian pears store well, with many varieties retaining their quality for up to five months in a cool environment (about 34 degrees F). The fruit can also be frozen or dried. Of course, the fruit is delicious eaten fresh, especially when picked right from the tree.

If you have limited space, Asian pears can easily be trained as an espalier or on a trellis, Freelance writer Kris Wetherbee lives in

JERRY PAVIA as with the selections ‘Shinseiki’ and ‘Nijiseiki’ shown above. Oakland, Oregon.

November / December 2013 41 GARDENC SOLUTIONS

Deterring Deer by Scott Aker

ITHOUT A doubt, deer are one of the major causes of W gardener discouragement. Just when the garden is reaching its peak, tomato plants are nibbled to fruitlessness, yews are munched to a framework of branches, and Asian lilies are decapitated just before they open. Some may argue that the deer have always been around, and that it is humans who have moved into their territory. This may be so, but thanks to a lack of pred- ators, deer populations have exploded in many areas of the country. If you garden in one of these areas, you will have to cope with deer one way or another. Deer do most of their damage when browsing, evidenced by leaves and small branches clipped off with a telltale rag- ged edge. Once deer find a suitable The most common types of deer damage are browsing, as shown on this row of lettuce, dining spot, they habituate to it, and it left, and bark loss caused by male deer rubbing velvet off their antlers on tree trunks, right. becomes more difficult to persuade them to eat elsewhere. It is therefore very im- The best repellents are based on putres- idea to rotate the types of repellents so the portant to prevent browsing. cent egg solids or blood meal. Their odors deer don’t get accustomed to an odor; you The other common type of deer dam- indicate predator activity, theoretically could alternate between two products such age is done by bucks when they rub the causing deer to look elsewhere for a meal. as Bobbex™ and Plantskydd®. Although velvet off their newly grown antlers in the Some repellents use various spices and pep- these products may deter deer for up to autumn. Usually, they target a young tree per extracts to repel deer by making plants two months in late summer and autumn that has suitably rough bark and is still flex- less palatable to them, but these tend to when plant growth has slowed, it is im- ible. To protect young trees from deer-rub last for a shorter period of time. It’s a good portant to apply them frequently—every damage, you can either coil a plastic tree six to 10 days—during periods of rapid guard around the trunk, or encircle the tree plant growth in spring. with stakes. Use sturdy stakes spaced about If you are faced with a large deer pop- a foot apart and driven deep enough into ulation, and they are desperate for food, the ground to withstand pushing (you can repellents may not be enough of a deter- attach black plastic mesh to the stakes as an rent. Exclusion then becomes your main additional precaution). strategy. Conventional chainlink, rail, and picket fences aren’t effective against DEER MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES deer, unfortunately, because deer are The success of deer management strate- great jumpers—able to clear a 12-foot gies in your garden depends on your cir- fence if they have a run at it. They can cumstances. If you are dealing with just a also slink under a fence if there is a gap few deer, and there is a nearby woodland between it and the ground. that has understory plants that they can The best barriers for deer exclusion are use for food, you may only need some mesh netting and electric fences. Mesh mild persuasion in the form of repellents Deer repellents are most effective if applied netting fences take advantage of the fact

to keep them away from your garden. regularly, especially in spring. that deer are far-sighted—like most prey TOP (2): COURTESY OF WHITNEY CRANSHAW, COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY / WWW.BUGWOOD.ORG.

42 the American Gardener Gardening Q&A with Scott Aker SPARSELY FRUITING CURRANTS I planted some red currant bushes in fall two years ago. The following spring they each produced a few currants. But despite good sun exposure and regular watering, I didn’t get any currants this year. What can I do to encourage the plants to set fruit?

Currants often don’t produce heavy crops until their third year, so be pa- tient. This coming spring, make sure the bushes are protected from the wind, and mulch them with straw or grass clippings to conserve soil Designing with deer-resistant plants, such as moisture. Keep the soil evenly moist, hellebores, above, and alliums, left, is a good particularly when the fruits are devel- strategy for preventing problems. oping. If hot weather arrives early, the fruits may drop before ripening. Pro- current during cloudy weather. The viding temporary light shade with net- fence must also be well grounded in rea- ting or a lattice may help prevent this. sonably moist soil so the deer completes the circuit when it touches the bait. One other electrical option that is DEALING WITH TOUGH-TO-REACH WEEDS less obtrusive than a fence consists of a My small patio is made of pavers set stake containing a capacitor that is pow- in stone dust. Weeds keep coming up ered by two AA batteries. Wireless Deer in the spaces between the pavers, and I Fence™ stakes deliver a substantial jolt, never seem to be able to get enough of and I have found them to be an effective the roots when I weed. I don’t want to option, particularly for small gardens or use an herbicide. Any advice? for protecting individual plants that deer animals—and cannot see things that are love to eat, such as hostas and lilies. You might have better luck pulling the close to them very well. The fine black weeds cleanly if you do it after a soak- plastic filaments of the mesh are especial- DEER-RESISTANT PLANTS ing rain or watering the patio. If you ly difficult for them to see, so deer tend If you don’t want to use repellents or fenc- are starting with a lot of weeds and the to run into the barrier, which to them es, another approach is to redesign your patio is in a sunny location, you can seems like an invisible and startling force garden to feature plants that deer won’t try solarization. First water the patio field. Because they can’t see it, they aren’t find as tasty. For that reason, peonies, iris- thoroughly, then dig a shallow trench inclined to try to jump over it, so a six- es, yarrows, hellebores, and foxgloves are around it. Second, place a sheet of foot-high mesh fence is effective. Be sure now mainstays of my own garden. I grow clear plastic over it and bury all the to securely bury the bottom of the mesh plants that are more prone to deer brows- edges. A few weeks of exposure to sun so they can’t get under it. ing close to my house, where deer are less will kill most of the weeds. If the patio Baited electric fencing is also effec- likely to venture. In my edible garden, deer is in shade, you can pour boiling water tive. Enclose the area to be protected tend to avoid prickly raspberry canes and on the weeds or kill them with a pro- with a single or double electrified wire the astringent foliage or fruit of persim- pane torch. To reduce future problems, that has aluminum clips attached at in- mon trees. They also seldom eat cucum- regularly use a broom or blower to re- tervals. Bait the clips with peanut butter, bers, onions, and cabbages. There are, of move seeds from the patio before they which deer find irresistible, and any nib- course, too many deer-resistant plants to have a chance to grow. —S.A. ble results in a mild but startling electric include here, but you can find lists in vari- shock. If running a low-voltage line to ous garden books and websites. Send your gardening questions to Scott your fence is not an option, solar-pow- Aker at [email protected] (please include ered models exist, but you need to have Scott Aker is a horticulturist based in the your city and state with submissions).

DAVID ELLIS (2) battery storage to maintain electrical Washington, D.C., area.

November / December 2013 43 GARDENERC’S NOTEBOOK

Horticultural News and Research Important to American Gardeners

Visitors’ top three favorite new annuals at selected North American public gardens this past summer were, in order of popularity from left to right: Lanai® ‘Candy Cane’ verbena, Zahara™ ‘Cherry’ zinnia, and SunPatiens® ‘Compact Electric Orange’ impatiens.

VOTES ARE IN FOR THE YEAR’S HOTTEST have information about preventing the BROOKLYN BOTANIC GARDEN SUSPENDS NEW ANNUALS pesticides from traveling beyond target RESEARCH PROGRAM This past summer, visitors at 31 North areas and causing more widespread en- In late August, the Brooklyn Botanic American public gardens once again had vironmental damage. Garden (BBG) in New York announced the chance to vote for their favorite new “Multiple factors play a role in bee colo- that it had suspended its Science Cen- bedding plants to receive the American ny declines, including pesticides,” says Jim ter research programs and laid off three Garden Award. Verbena Lanai® ‘Candy Jones, assistant administrator for the EPA’s employees, including the staff of the Cane’ from Syngenta Flowers ranked Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution herbarium and manager of its New York highest, beguiling beholders with mass- Prevention. “The EPA is taking action to Metropolitan Flora Project. The suspen- es of starry flowers. Close behind in protect bees from pesticide exposure and sion was attributed to chronic structural popularity were PanAmerican Seed’s these label changes will further our ef- problems with the Science Center build- disease- and drought-tolerant Zahara™ forts.” Learn more about the new labeling ing and a budget shortfall. ‘Cherry’ zinnia and Sakata Ornamentals’ requirements at www.epa.gov. A number of the garden’s members newest addition to its SunPatiens® line and supporters have expressed concern of sun-loving impatiens, ‘Compact Elec- that the move is a step backward for the tric Orange.’ For more details about the BBG’s scientific research programs, but awards program and the winners, visit according to BBG President Scot Med- www.americangardenaward.com. bury, “Our commitment to scientific research as a fundamental part of the Gar- NEW PESTICIDE LABELING AIMS TO PROTECT den’s mission is unwavering. We will use POLLINATORS this transition period to refine the focus Because certain types of pesticides have of our research program and strengthen proven toxic to honeybees, the Environ- its base of financial support.” mental Protection Agency (EPA) now While the BBG explores ways to requires these products to be labeled fund a new Science Center building accordingly. In particular, labels must and programs, the more than 300,000 include a “Protection of Pollinators” ad- preserved plant specimens in the her- visory box to alert users that applications barium are being temporarily moved of the potentially harmful chemicals are to climate-controlled storage. “BBG prohibited when bees and other polli- Updated EPA-required pesticide labeling has successfully re-imagined its research

nators are present. The labels also will aims to better protect honeybees. programs several times in its 100-year TOP (3): COURTESY OF ALL-AMERICA SELECTIONS. BOTTOM: DAVID CAPPAERT, MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY, BUGWOOD.ORG

44 the American Gardener PeoPle and Places in the News Ball Horticultural Company CEO Inducted into Floriculture Hall of Fame Anna Ball, CEO and third-generation owner of Ball Horticultural Company based in West Chicago, Illinois, became the newest member of the Society of American Florists (SAF) Floriculture Hall of Fame in September. “The Floriculture Hall of Fame is truly the floral industry’s highest achievement,” says SAF Awards Committee Chairman Terril Nell. “It means that the recipient has made a permanent and significant contribution to the advancement of floriculture.” In addition to her infec- tious passion for flowering plants, Ball received this honor for her extensive efforts to promote the floral industry as a whole. To learn more about the Floriculture Hall of Fame, Anna Ball visit www.safnow.org.

Tony Avent Receives Perennial Plant Association 2013 Award of Merit Tony Avent, president of Plant Delights Nursery in Raleigh, North Carolina, has received the Perennial Plant Association’s highest honor, the Award of Merit. This prestigious award recognizes Avent’s “outstanding career achievements in propagation, production, and retail marketing success with the perennials.” Avent founded his nursery and Juniper Level Botanic Gardens in 1988, both of which are known for their unusu- al and rare plant species. Avent has bred and introduced numerous new cultivars and he is an accomplished plant hunter who has brought back many exciting species from around the world. He tirelessly promotes perennial plants Tony Avent through his nursery website and catalog as well as through magazine and newspaper articles. Possessed of a wry sense of humor, Avent also has made entertaining and enlighting television appearances on the “Martha Stewart Show” and various PBS programs. m

history, and this is another such junc- defense response.” Exactly how plants are ture,” says Medbury. No timeline was able to do this is still under investigation. To announced for construction of a new learn more, visit www.biomedcentral.com. facility. For more about the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, visit www.bbg.org. a helPing hand for habitats To promote “wildscaping,” or creating Please Pet the Plants bird and pollinator habitat through gar- While there’s still little evidence that dening, several conservation-oriented talking to your plants is beneficial to them, entities are collaborating on a new pro- a recent study indicated that stroking them may actually pay off by helping plants ward off diseases. Prior research has shown that damaging cells produces an immediate biochemical immune response in plants. Building on this discovery, further gram, “Be a Habitat Hero.” The pro- experimentation has demonstrated that a gram aims to help people in the western similar response results from simply touch- United States “build positive connections ing leaves rather than wounding them. between their yard and the surrounding According to the paper, published Sep- landscape,” says Susan Tweit, communi- tember 13, 2013, in the journal BMC Plant cation director of the Terra Foundation, Biology, “these results highlight the remark- which is one of the program partners. able ability of plants to sense external me- The program encourages planting na- The Original Vitamin Solution top left:courtesytop ballof horticultural company.left:courtesy plantbottom of delights nursery chanical stimuli and activate a powerful tives and regionally adapted plants that

November / December 2013 45 offeryear-round sources of food and shelter; CALIFORNIA BAMBOO COLLECTION RECEIVES reducing lawn areas; limiting or foregoing NAPCC ACCREDITATION the use of synthetic chemical pesticides and San Diego Botanic Garden's (SDBG) fenilizers; and controllinginvasive species. extensive bamboo collection-the larg Two garden-related groups are also pan est one in a North American public of the effon: PlantSelect and High Country garden-was recently accredited by the Gardens. Administered by Denver Botanic North American Plant Collections Con Gardens and Colorado State University, sortium. This accreditation designates the Plant Select's mission is to "seek out, iden collection as a resource for plant identifi tifY, and distribute the best plants for land cation, cultivar registration, and research. scapes and gardens from the intermountain Originating with the founding of the region to the high plains." Many of these American Bamboo Society at the garden plants make good choices for creating "nat in 1979, the SDBG bamboo collection ural settings for birds and other pollinators, consists of 121 taxa. These include Asian while saving water," says Plant Select Exec species and cultivars as well as species utive Director Pat Hayward. from the Himalayas, South America, New Mexico-based High County and Africa. In addition to highlight Gardens nursery is known for its hardy, ing bamboo's ornamental value in gar drought-tolerant plants. Next spring, it dens, the collection celebrates the plant plans to offera "Habitat Hero" Birdwatcher group's long history of use by humans Pre-planned Garden created by renowned and cultural significance. Visit www. garden designer Lauren Springer Ogden. San Diego Botanic Garden's bamboo collection sdbgarden.org for more details about the The Audubon Rockies, part of the Na showcases the plant's beauty and utility. bamboo collection. � tional Audubon Society, is the final Be a vation programs, and to protect wildlife and Habitat Hero partner. Based in Fort Col News written by Editorial Intern Audrey wild lands." For more about the BeA Hab lins, Colorado, it works to "connect people Harman with Associate Editor Viveka itat Hero program, visit www.habhero.org. with nature through education and conser- Neveln.

Just one of over 650 varieties including high-yielding hybrid, unique heirloom� and open-pollinated varieties. YARDS: turn any outdoor space into the garden of your dreams To request a free catalog, visit � ISBN: 978-0-9855622-1-2 � $17.95 160 pages hardcover ,4r/-'MM<:r www.highmowingseeds.comorcaI/802.472.6174 www.stlynnspress.com v7;�::�

46 THE AMERICAN GARDENER In Memoriam: James van Sweden by Susan Hines

The profession of landscape architecture has lost one of its in newspapers, to proselytize for parks and build his firm’s best ambassadors to the public with the passing of James van commissions. Would Olmsted have admired the New Amer- Sweden, on September 30, 2013, at age 78. Together with ican Garden style? Unlikely; he would have considered it too his longtime business partner Wolfgang Oehme—who died colorful—too natural—for any public application. Olmsted in 2011—and their foresaw an increasingly urbanized future, but he couldn’t Washington, D.C.- predict how starved for color, motion, and seasonal change based firm, Oehme, people fed on lawns and boxwoods would become. van Sweden & Associ- The widespread impact of OvS on the American landscape ates (OvS), he has done crystallized for me in 2002, when I interviewed Warren Klink more to transform the for Landscape Architecture magazine. Klink and his small American landscape firm, Urthworks, were transforming Hamilton, Ohio. Local than anyone since the banks, libraries, small city parks, even a McDonald’s, fea- great park designer Frederick Law Olmsted established his firm a century before. Now widely accepted and frequently imitated, meadowlike profusions of perennials and ornamental grasses were revolutionary when first in- James van Sweden troduced by OvS in the 1970s. Van Swe- den’s tireless advocacy on behalf of the firm’s signature style—which became known as the New American Gar- den—enticed a public and a profession accustomed to the traditional aesthetic of staid lawn and evergreen foundation plantings to return to the garden. Van Sweden popularized this approach through numerous articles and books, including Bold Romantic Gardens, Gar- dening with Water, and Architecture in the Garden. He deliv- Evening Island at the Chicago Botanic Garden is among many public ered lectures to garden clubs large and small. Guided tours of landscapes designed by Oehme, van Sweden & Associates. his own gardens and those of clients kept him running from spring until fall. When he was a guest on NPR’s Diane Rehm tured abundant perennials, grasses, and flowering shrubs. show, his fans lit up the phone lines. Unlike many landscape Asked what inspired his design style, Klink credited van Swe- “starchitects,” he was extraordinarily accessible. den’s book, Bold Romantic Gardens. More than any richly illustrated book or magazine spread, Trained as an architect and urban planner, van Sweden OvS’s many public commissions, especially those in the recognized our innate need for natural beauty. He persisted nation’s capital, demonstrated that these naturalistic plant- through the initial shockwaves and retrained the public eye. ings could be appropriately applied at every scale. At the The countless public landscapes that subsequently adopted Virginia Avenue gardens of the Federal Reserve, at the Ger- the New American Garden style, such as Klink’s humble man American Friendship garden, and elsewhere in Wash- McDonald’s, are a testament to both van Sweden’s advoca- ington, D.C., millions of tourists and government workers cy and the enduring quality of OvS’s work. “I learned early saw firsthand the beauty of the New American Garden style. on,” he frequently said, “that imitation is the sincerest form While Olmsted’s firm and OvS worked on different of flattery.” scales, Olmsted and van Sweden share key similarities. For example, like van Sweden, Olmsted had an evangelical zeal A former staff writer for Landscape Architecture magazine, for his work and he too used lectures, frequently reprinted Susan Hines lives in the Washington, D.C., area. LEFT: ROGER FOLEY. RIGHT: RICHARD FELBER. BOTH COURTESY OF OVS

November / December 2013 47 GREEN GARAGE®

Contributing editor Rita Pelczar reports on products she has found useful or innovative in her garden, with an emphasis on earth-friendly products and supplies. Here she focuses on products for helping avian garden visitors in winter.

Feeding Birds in Your Winter Garden Colder weather finds me spending more time viewing my gardens from the comfort of an indoor easy chair. A wide variety of birds add lots of color and amusing activity to the late fall and winter landscape. I encourage visitation with several feeders in different styles, stocked with the seeds and suet they enjoy. I also make sure there’s water for them to drink.

What makes a good bird feeder? Beyond holding a decent Since I have many feeders to fill, I appreciate the innovative supply of food that is accessible to birds, it should be du- simplicity of the Funneling Bird Seed Scoop, which allows me rable and easy to fill. And if it’s attractive, it doubles as to fill most of my feeders without hav- garden art. One feeder that fills ing to remove them from their stand that particular bill is the Acorn or hanger. Made of UV-stable plastic, All-Bird Café. Constructed of the large end holds almost a pint- all-weather fiber-reinforced ce- and-a-half of seed. The smaller end ment, it’s a feeder and garden serves both as a handle and a one- sculpture in one. The soft green inch funnel. Simply insert the small acorn-shaped reservoir holds a end into your feeder, slide the latch to generous nine quarts of seed, open the funnel, and the seed pours and the brown acorn cap lifts off into your feeder through the handle. for filling. Stainless steel wire Available from Lee Valley Garden Tools (www.leevalley.com). mesh, attached on the inside of the reservoir, keeps the seed Store your seed in style with a Bird Feed Tin from Gardener’s from spilling out of the open- Edge (www.gardenersedge.com). The cheerful blue pow- ings, but visiting birds have no der-coated steel container holds problem accessing the seed as they sit on the nine-inch- five pounds of seeds. It has a wide feeder tray. This feeder weighs about 17 pounds, so it tight-fitting lid and side and top needs to be mounted on a sturdy pole, such as the Weath- handles and includes a small er Resistant Steel Birdhouse Pole. Both feeder and pole are aluminum scoop. available from Plow and Hearth (www.plowhearth.com). Provide birds with water all winter with the E-Z Tilt-To-Clean The Moon Birdfeeder adds a splash of sparkling color to the Heated Birdbath—also from winter landscape while catering to the smaller birds who Gardener’s Edge—which has often seem to be intimidated been tested to temperatures as by larger birds at heftier feed- low as 20 degrees below zero ers. Finches, chickadees, and Fahrenheit. The 20-inch-di- nuthatches perch on the edge ameter poly tub mounts with a or hop right into the feeder for U-bracket on a deck or porch a meal. Made of thick recycled railing and tilts for easy clean- crackle glass, it comes in blue, ing. The 14-inch electric cord purple, and gold. I have a blue may require an extension, but one placed in a bed outside my once plugged in, birds will dining room windows, where a lot have a source of fresh water all of avian action takes place. Although the feeder holds only winter. In summer, the cord tucks into the base. two cups of seed, it’s easy to refill, and drainage holes prevent the seed from getting soggy. Available from Gardeners A contributing editor for The American Gardener, Rita Pelczar Supply Company (www.gardeners.com). lives in North Carolina. ALL PHOTOS BY RITA PELCZAR

48 the American Gardener A Step-By-Step Guide to Basic Skills Every Gardener Needs

Available Now in Paperback

From vegetable and herb gardens and glorious flower beds to wildlife, greenhouse, and container gardening, this book shows gardeners at all skill levels how to accomplish their goal using earth-friendly techniques.

COMPILED BY THE AMERICAN Learn how to: HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY AND A • Plant, prune, propagate, and nurture plants of TEAM OF NORTH AMERICA’S LEADING all kinds GARDEN EXPERTS Select the best garden tools and equipment • Q More than 2,000 easy-to-follow, • Garden using organic methods step-by-step color illustrations • Replace the grass in your lawn with low-maintenance groundcovers Q More than 200 color photographs throughout • Reduce waste by recycling • Extend your gardening season for a longer harvest Softcover, $29.99 480 pages

And much more! Published by Mitchell Beazley/Octopus Books USA BOOKC REVIEWS

Recommendations for Your Gardening Library

Succulents Simplified Beatrix Potter’s Gardening Life Debra Lee Baldwin. Timber Press, Portland, Oregon, 2013. 272 Marta McDowell. Timber Press, Portland, Oregon, 2013. 339 pages. pages. Publisher’s price, softcover: $24.95. Publisher’s price, hardcover: $24.95.

SUCCULENTS SIMPLIFIED is Debra Lee Baldwin’s third book ALMOST EVERYONE knows The Tale of Peter Rabbit, the chil- about these fleshy “plants that drink responsibly,” as she calls dren’s book about a mischievous bunny who sneaks into a vegetable them. While I wholeheartedly recom- patch and hides from the angry gardener, mend her first two books, Succulent Mr. McGregor. First published in 1902, it’s Container Gardens and Designing with arguably one of the most popular books of Succulents, this new book is by far my all time, but few know the story of its au- favorite for a number of reasons. thor and illustrator, Beatrix Potter. The first section provides all the Marta McDowell brings to light a de- guidance you need for keeping your lightfully different side of the celebrated succulents healthy and happy, both in author. With formidable self will and an containers and in landscapes. Baldwin independent spirit, Beatrix Potter chose the covers topics such as water, light exposure, and other require- lifestyle she wanted, far from fashionable ments for successfully growing various succulents. She address- Victorian London, where she was born. She purchased her 34-acre es common misconceptions when it comes to care, especially Hill Top farm in England’s Lake District as an unmarried woman, watering (she stresses that they are “low-water, not no-water, and transformed it with an orchard, vegetable garden, and peren- plants”). She wraps up with brief discussions of propagation nial beds she designed herself. An author, artist, landscape designer, techniques and design considerations. naturalist, and preservationist, she was a woman ahead of her time. The second section of the book gives step-by-step instructions The first part of the book recounts Potter’s life through a for making beautiful projects with succulents. Baldwin provides gardening lens and is copiously illustrated with her sketches a wide variety of projects, ranked from easy to advanced, for and watercolors of plants. The second part is a guide to her readers to choose from. Whether or not you’ve worked with gardens at Hill Top through the different seasons of the year, succulents before, you’re likely to find plenty of insights and cre- supplemented with period and contemporary photographs as ative ideas for crafts that show off these plants. For example, you well as Potter’s artwork. can try your hand at making a simple dish garden or a complex A casual gardener, Potter delighted in peonies, ‘Queen of bouquet featuring a mix of different succulents. Bourbons’ shrub roses, witch hazels, and blue gentians; zonal The final section lists 100 succulents that are relatively easy geraniums in clay pots lined her windowsills; and she appreci- to find in the trade and care for. The plants are listed in alpha- ated hardy plants that livened up the winter scenery, especially betical order by genus and there is at least one photograph and snowdrops and winter jasmine. She also was thrifty, growing short description of each one. You’ll also find hardiness ranges, many plants from cuttings and divisions, and from seed she what colors the plants will turn when stressed, and lots of other saved each year. useful tidbits that will help you get to know your plants better. Hill Top is now part of the United Kingdom’s National Throughout the book, instructive photos—most of which are Trust, which protects and maintains historic sites. Hordes of Baldwin’s—help clarify the concepts she discusses. Numerous in- Beatrix Potter fans make the pilgrimage to see it, and her gardens formation-packed sidebars supplement the main text, too. One I there still offer a glimpse of the plants that inspired her. The last particularly appreciate is, “What’s wrong with your succulent?”, section of the book is a helpful guide to visiting the gardens and which lists common problems and how to remedy them. other nearby properties she helped to conserve. An interesting Overall, Succulents Simplified will appeal to those just dis- list of plants that grew in her gardens (compiled from her letters covering the amazing world of succulents and longtime en- and other sources), and another list of plants that appear in her thusiasts alike. It is down-to-earth, fun to read, and really does published stories round out the book. simplify succulents for everyone! —Charlotte Albers —Cassidy Tuttle Charlotte Albers is a landscaper and garden writer who lives in Cassidy Tuttle is a Utah-based photographer and succulent plant en- Shelburne, Vermont. She writes about gardening in the Northeast thusiast. Find her at www.succulentsandsunshine.com. at www.houzz.com.

50 the American Gardener

I 52 by AudreyHarman The BotanicalGardensatSpringsPreserve “so the gardens showcase drought-tolerant landscape design to encourage people antlandscapedesigntoencouragepeople drought-toler- showcase gardens the “so Las Vegasisonlandscapes,”saysOmar, enheit. “Alargeportionofwaterusein temperatures ashigh117degreesFahr- inches ofrainperyearandexperiences cated intheMojaveDesert,averagesthree Springs Preserve,giventhatthearea,lo- tainability isanimportantthemeat Promoting waterconservationandsus- DESERT GARDENING Omar, science and gardens supervisor. Omar, scienceandgardenssupervisor. siasts fromallovertheworld,”saysTracy come respitetotouristsandnatureenthu- of theLasVegasstrip—providesa“wel- Preserve—located aboutthreemileswest Americans andearlysettlers.Today,the at onetimeavitalwatersourceforNative ed land.Asitsnameimplies,thesitewas Area, Red RockCanyonNationalConservation (702) 384-3466. Las VegasNaturalHistoryMuseum, Other nearbysitestoexplore: Q Q 822-7700. Blvd., LasVegas,NV89107.(702) Springs Preserve, Additional Information gift shop and cafe. gift shopandcafe. admission aswelldiscountsinthe Program, soAHSmembersreceivefree in theAHS’sReciprocalAdmissions $17.05. SpringsPreserveparticipates free), studentswithI.D.andseniors dren (ages5to17)$10.95(under4 and ChristmasDay. p.m. ClosedonThanksgivingDay

Admission: Adults$18.95,chil- Open dailyfrom10a.m.to6 N THEHEART gem comprising180acresofprotect- da, liesSpringsPreserve,anatural the American Gardener (775)861-6500. www.springspreserve.org. 333 S. Valley View 333S.ValleyView of Las Vegas, Neva- of www.lvnhm.org. www.blm.gov.

TRAVELER Cactus Alley,oneofSpringsPreserve’sdisplaygardens,featuresbothnativeandexoticspecies. more appropriatelandscaping.” to removelawnsandreplacethemwith be destroyed,” says Omar, “we partnered be destroyed,” says Omar,“wepartnered acres ofland.“Rather thanletnativeplants boom thatinvolvedclearingthousands of and 2007,LasVegaswasinadevelopment Preserve wasbeingdevelopedbetween 2000 came aboutserendipitously.When Springs dening methods,”saysOmar. Vegas byusingregionallyappropriategar- array ofproducethatcanbegrowninLas vegetable garden.Thelast“showsthewide in thePalmOasis,andtourherb tors canstrollthroughCactusAlley,relax tanical garden.Inthedisplaygarden,visi- accessed bytrailsandinaneight-acrebo- cluding on110acresofnaturalhabitat are locatedthroughoutthePreserve,in- of theworld,”saysOmar. from hot,aridareasthroughouttherest public garden.“Wealsofeatureplants collection ofMojaveDesertplantsatany The Preserveishometothelargest Much ofthenativeplantcollection Plantings, bothnaturalanddesigned, C ’ S

GUIDE

GARDENS The American Gardener. Audrey Harman isaneditorialinternwith to smelltheroses.” ment,” notesOmar,“literally taking time than inthebustlingdowntown environ- enjoying nature.“Guestsmove slowerhere few outdoor spaces in the city dedicated to few outdoorspacesinthecitydedicatedto fers a refreshing change of pace as one of the fers arefreshingchangeofpaceasonethe appeal formostvisitors,butthePreserveof- as wellthecity’smorenotoriouspast. railroad era,mining,andnucleartesting, Native Americanhistory,ranching,the and educationalprogramsfocusedon April. ThePreservealsooffersexhibits ence thegardensisbetweenFebruaryand but Omarsaysthebesttimetoexperi- There issomethingtoseeyearround, PLANNING YOURVISIT for thelandscapeatPreserve.” sites aheadofbulldozersandsalvageplants Land Managementtogetpermitsaccess da DivisionofForestry,andtheBureau with localrealestatedevelopers,the Neva- The glitzy side of Las Vegas clearly has its The glitzysideofLasVegasclearlyhasits

COURTESY OF SPRINGS PRESERVE THE AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY TRAVEL STUDY PROGRAM 2014 TOURS

TOUR SPOTLIGHT NEW! Gardens of Gloucestershire & the Chelsea Flower Show JUST May 16–24, 2014 ADDED Spring will be in full glory during this not-to-be-missed trip to Gloucestershire. This area in southwestern England is rich in history and features splendid formal landscapes and charming informal gardens. We will also visit London to explore the Chelsea Flower Show, which is internationally known for its spectacular horticultural displays and garden designs. Verity Smith of Specialtours will serve as tour leader. Accommodations are limited; please make reservations early.

Other 2014 Travel Destinations

Gardens, Wine, and Wilderness: A Tour of New Zealand January 11–26, 2014 SOLD OUT

Private Gardens of Normandy and Paris September 9–19, 2014

For more information about the AHS Travel Study Program, visit www.ahs.org/gardening-programs/travel-study or contact Joanne Sawczuk at [email protected]; (703) 768-5700 ext. 132.

Participation in the Travel Study Program supports the American Horticultural Society and its vision of Making America a Nation of Gardeners, A Land of Gardens. GIFTS FORC THE GARDENER

Need some ideas for plant- or garden-themed gifts? Here are some must-haves for this holiday season.

Customizable Blooming Kits Mix and match various containers with 15 different varieties of amaryllis or paperwhite bulbs to suit your recipient. $16.95 to $64.95, depending on selections. (855) 534-2733. www.longfield-gardens.com.

AHS Membership Gift memberships for the American Horticultural Society are a great way to share inspiration, information, and a worthy cause with everyone on your list. $35 for a one-year individual Tulip Socks membership. (800) 777-7931. Give “tiptoeing through the tulips” a www.ahs.org. whole new meaning with these woolen socks. Available in four different color combinations in small, medium, and large for $16 a pair. (877) 327-6883. www.darntough.com.

Air Plants and Terrarium This nine-inch-high, pear-shaped glass terrarium comes with sand and a driftwood accent plus assorted tillandsia air plants. These low-maintenance plants grow without soil, only requiring a misting of water twice a week. $44.95. (877) 255-3700. www.windandweather.com.

54 the American Gardener Sun Prints Create photographic prints of plants in your garden with just sun and water. Then transform them into anything from decorative wall art to note cards. Set of 12 five-by-seven- inch sheets for $18. (877) 583-7724. www.shopterrain.com.

Tubtrug Colander Lightweight and flexible, this seven-gallon polyethylene colander facilitates numerous garden chores such as rinsing off your harvest right in the garden. (Shown with a tubtrug, sold separately.) $14.95. (888) 833-1412. www.gardeners.com. Compost Shredder The hand-operated Green Cycler revs up composting-producing rates by shredding up to one gallon of kitchen scraps at a time so they break down up to 10 times faster. Its compact design works on countertops or tucked in a cabinet. $119.99 to $139.99. (855) 432-6866. www.thegreencycler.com.

Butterfly Puddler This handcrafted stoneware piece adds a decorative element to any garden, while attracting butterflies. Simply place a little sand and water in the glass well, then enjoy the winged wonders that stop by for a drink. $49.95. (800) 669-9696. www.signals.com.

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

November / December 2013 55 REGIONALC HAPPENINGS

Horticultural Events from Around the Country

NORTHEAST Botanical gardens and arboreta that NORTH CENTRAL CT, MA, ME, NH, NY, RI, VT IA, IL, IN, MI, MN, ND, NE, OH, SD, WI participate in AHS’s Reciprocal Admissions RAP NOV. 23–JAN. 1. Christmas at Newport Program are identified with the RAP symbol. RAP NOV. 26–JAN. 5. Christmas & Holi- Mansions. Tours. Green Animals Topiary AHS members showing a valid membership day Traditions Around the World. Exhibit. Garden. Portsmouth, Rhode Island. (401) card are eligible for free admission to the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. 683-1267. www.newportmansions.org. Grand Rapids, Michigan. (888) 957-1580. garden or other benefits. Special events may www.meijergardens.org. not be included; contact the host site for RAP NOV. 29–DEC. 26. Christmas at Blithe- details or visit www.ahs.org/rap. wold. Tours, display. Blithewold Mansion, RAP NOV. 29–DEC. 31. Conservatory Crossing. Gardens and Arboretum. Bristol, Rhode Is- Display. Garfield Conservatory & Sunken land. (401) 253-2707. www.blithewold.org. Gardens. Indianapolis, Indiana. (317) 327- SOUTHEAST 7183. www.garfieldgardensconservatory.org. AL, FL, GA, KY, NC, SC, TN RAP NOV. 29–DEC. 29. Poinsettia Show. Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens. RAP NOV. 15–DEC. 31. Galaxy of Lights. Dis- RAP NOV. 29–JAN. 5. Wonderland Express. Buffalo, New York. (716) 827-1584. play. Huntsville Botanical Garden. Huntsville, Display. Chicago Botanic Garden. Glencoe, www.buffalogardens.com. Alabama. (256) 830-4447. www.hsvbg.org. Illinois. (847) 835-5440. www.chicago botanic.org. RAP NOV. 30. Decorating with Native RAP NOV. 22–DEC. 31. Holiday at the Gar- Greenery. Workshop. Landis Arboretum. den. Display. Daniel Stowe Botanical Gar- RAP NOV. 30–JAN. 5. 50 Shades of Green. Esperance, New York. (518) 875-6935. den. Belmont, North Carolina. (704) 825- Lecture. The University of Michigan Mat- www.landisarboretum.org. 4490. www.dsbg.org. thaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arbo- retum. Ann Arbor, Michigan. (734) 647- RAP DEC. 21. Plants of the Winter Solstice. RAP NOV. 23 & 24. Edison Garden Market. 7600. www.mbgna.umich.edu. Class. Cornell Plantations. Ithaca, New York. Plant sale. Edison & Ford Winter Estates. (607) 255-2400. www.cornellplantations.org. Fort Myers, Florida. (239) 334-7419. RAP DEC. 1–30. Deck the Hall. Light show. www.edisonfordwinterestates.org. Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens. Akron, Ohio. (330) 836-5533. www.stanhywet.org. MID-ATLANTIC RAP NOV. 29–DEC. 21. Enchanted Airlie. DC, DE, MD, NJ, PA, VA, WV Light display. Airlie Gardens. Wilmington, RAP DEC. 13–29. Holiday Light Show. RAP NOV. 22–27. Million Bulb Walk. Norfolk North Carolina. (910) 798-7700. Rotary Botanical Gardens. Janesville, Botanical Garden. Norfolk, Virginia. (757) www.airliegardens.com. Wisconsin. (608) 752-3885. 441-5830. www.norfolkbotanicalgarden.org. www.rotarybotanicalgardens.org. NOV. 29–DEC. 31. Magic Christmas in Lights. RAP NOV. 23. Thanksgiving Centerpiece Bellingrath Gardens and Home. Theodore, Ala- JAN. 10–12. Indiana Home & Garden Show. Workshop. Adkins Arboretum. Ridgely, bama. (251) 973-2217. www.bellingrath.org. Indianapolis Convention Center. Indianapo- Maryland. (410) 634-2847. lis, Indiana. www.homeshowcenter.com. www.adkinsarboretum.org. RAP NOV. 29–JAN. 5. Poinsettia Display. Bok Tower Gardens. Lake Wales, Florida. (863) SOUTH CENTRAL RAP NOV. 23–JAN. 5. Yuletide at Winter- 676-1408. www.boktowergardens.org. AR, KS, LA, MO, MS, OK, TX thur. Tours. Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library. Winterthur, Delaware. (302) 888- RAP DEC. 6–22. Garden of Lights. Display. RAP NOV. 11–DEC. 31. Holiday Lights. 4600. www.winterthur.org. Flamingo Gardens. Davie, Florida. (954) Display. Garvan Woodland Gardens. Hot 473-2955. www.flamingogardens.org. Springs, Arkansas. (501) 262-9300. NOV. 23–JAN. 6. Garden of Lights. Display. www.garvangardens.org. Brookside Gardens. Wheaton, Maryland. RAP DEC. 7. Winter Holiday Topiary or Ta- (301) 962-1400. www.montgomeryparks. ble Wreath. Class. Sarah P. Duke Gardens– RAP NOV. 23–JAN. 5. Wreath Auction. Ex- org/brookside. Duke University. Durham, North Carolina. hibit and silent auction. Missouri Botanical (919) 684-3698. www.gardens.duke.edu. Garden. St. Louis, Missouri. (314) 577- RAP NOV. 29–JAN. 13. Dominion GardenFest 5100. www.mobot.org. of Lights. Display. Lewis Ginter Botanical JAN. 24–26. Southern Gardening Sympo- Garden. Richmond, Virginia. (804) 262- sium. Callaway Gardens, Pine Mountain JAN. 5 & 6. Western Trade Show & Educa- 9887. www.lewisginter.org. Georgia. (706) 663-5153. www.callaway tion. Western Nursery & Landscape Associ- gardens.com. ation. Overland Park, Kansas. (888) 233- Looking ahead 1876. www.nationalgreencentre.org. JAN. 9 & 10. Mid-Atlantic Nursery Trade RAP JAN. 28–30. The Pleasure Garden. Show 2014. Baltimore Convention Center. Symposium. Atlanta Botanical Garden. JAN. 10–14. Horticulture Industries Show. Baltimore, Maryland. (800) 431-0066. Atlanta, Georgia. (404) 876-5859. Tulsa Community College. (479) 494- www.mants.com. www.atlantabotanicalgarden.org. 3760. www.hortla.okstate.edu/his.htm.

56 the American Gardener JAN. 14–16. Austin Home & Garden Show. Austin Convention Center. Austin, Texas. Interactive Light Display at Morton Arboretum (210) 408-0998. www.austinhomeand FROM NOVEMBER 22 through January 4, the Morton Arboretum in Lisle, Illi- gardenshow.com. nois, will offer a “holiday experience far beyond traditional twinkling lights,” says Sue Wagner, Morton’s vice president of education and information. “Illumina- SOUTHWEST tion: Tree Lights at the Morton Arboretum” will use cutting-edge technology to AZ, CO, NM, UT not only illuminate its trees, but make them virtually come to life with interactive RAP NOV. 29–DEC. 31. Las Noches de las elements. For example, trees will glow brighter with a hug and change colors with Luminarias. Display. Desert Botanical Gar- a song or a wave of the hand. Visitors can even project an image of their own den. Phoenix, Arizona. (480) 941-1225. face onto the trees, 30 feet up. To further enhance the experience, warming fires, www.dbg.org. make-your-own s’mores, and additional activities will be offered. RAP NOV. 29–JAN. 1. Blossoms of Light. The Morton Arboretum participates in the American Horticultural Society’s Display. Denver Botanic Gardens. Denver, Reciprocal Admissions Program; visitors showing a current AHS membership Colorado. (720) 865-3500. www.botanic card receive free admission and parking. Tickets for “Illumination” are not in- gardens.org. cluded. To plan your visit, go to www.mortonarb.org.

NOV. 30–DEC. 30. River of Lights. Display. ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden. Albuquerque, New Mexico. (505) 848-7182. www.cabq. Redesigned Garden Opens at Gardner Museum gov/biopark. THE ISABELLA STEWART GARDNER Museum in Boston, Massachusetts, de- buted its redesigned Monks Garden in September. This 7,500-square-foot space RAP DEC. 6–31. Garden of Lights. Display. has been part of the museum’s campus since it opened in 1903, but has undergone The Gardens on Spring Creek. Fort Collins, Colorado. (970) 416-2486. www.fcgov. many changes since then. Gardner, an avid art collector, originally created it as a com/gardens. contemplative space in an Italianate style. The latest design by landscape architect Michael Van Valken- JAN. 15–17. Arizona Home & Garden Show. burgh preserves the con- Phoenix Convention Center. Phoenix, templative atmosphere Arizona. (210) 408-0998. www.arizona homeshows.com. while giving the garden a much more informal, JAN. 15–17. Maricopa County Home & woodland feel. Garden Show. Arizona State Fairgrounds. Serpentine paths Phoenix, Arizona. (602) 485-1691. wind through the gar- www.maricopacountyhomeshows.com. den, encouraging visitors to meander thoughtfully WEST COAST CA, HI, NV rather than taking quick, direct routes. Planted in RAP DEC. 7–30. Garden of Lights. the spaces created by the Display. San Diego Botanic Garden. Encinitas, California. (760) 436-3036. paths are small groves www.sdbgarden.org. of trees with interesting Serpentine brick paths invite visitors to take a contemplative bark—such as paperbark journey through the newly redesigned Monks Garden. RAP DEC. 14. Organic Fruit and Vegetable maples and stewartias— Gardening. Class. Los Angeles County and a tapestry of perennials with contrasting textures that invite further inspection Arboretum & Botanic Garden. Arcadia, California. (626) 821-3222. and provide multi-season appeal. To learn more about the Monks Garden, visit www.arboretum.org. www.gardnermuseum.org. —Audrey Harman, Editorial Intern DEC. 21. Medicinal Plants. Tour. Foster Botanical Garden. Honolulu, Hawaii. (808) 522-7066. www1.honolulu.gov/parks/hbg. RAP NOV. 30–JAN. 4. Garden d’Lights. CANADA Bellevue Botanical Garden. Bellevue, NORTHWEST Washington. (425) 452-6844. RAP DEC. 8. Jack Frost Holiday. Display AK, ID, MT, OR, WA, WY www.bellevuebotanical.org. and tours. Muttart Conservatory. Edmonton, NOV. 28–JAN. 5. Winter Garden aGlow. Alberta. (780) 496-8737. www.muttart Idaho Botanical Garden. Boise, Idaho. RAP DEC. 20 & 21. Solstice Stroll. Krucke- conservatory.ca. (208) 343-8649. www.idahobotanical berg Botanic Garden and MsK Rare & Na- garden.org. tive Plant Nursery. Shoreline, Washington. DEC. 11–JAN. 4. Festival of Lights. Display. (206) 546-1281. www.kruckeberg.org. VanDusen Botanical Garden. Vancouver, RAP NOV. 29–DEC. 22. Christmas in the British Columbia. (604) 257-8335. Garden. Light display. Oregon Garden. JAN. 27–31. Tacoma Home & Garden Show. www.vandusengarden.org Silverton, Oregon. (503) 874-8100. Tacoma Dome. Tacoma, Washington. www.oregongarden.org. (253) 756-2121. www.otshows.com. ELIZABETH FELICELLA/ COURTESY OF ISABELLA STEWART GARDNER MUSEUM

November / December 2013 57 PRONUNCIATIONSC AND PLANTING ZONES

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

A–L M–Z Abeliophyllum distichum uh-beel-ee-o-FIL-um DIS-tih-kum Macleaya cordata muh-KLAY-uh kor-DAY-tuh (3–8, 8–3) (USDA Hardiness Zones 5–8, AHS Heat Zones 8–5) Maclura pomifera muh-KLUR-uh pom-IF-ur-uh (5–9, 9–5) Agave parryi var. truncata uh-GAH-vee PAIR-ee-eye var. trun-KAY-tuh Mahonia aquifolium muh-HO-nee-uh ah-kwi-FO-lee-um (6–9, 9–6) (7–10, 11–4) Oenothera caespitosa ee-NOTH-ur-uh sez-pih-TOH-suh (4–8, 8–1) Aloe arborescens AL-o ar-bo-RES-enz (9–11, 11–9) Opuntia engelmannii o-PUN-shuh en-gul-MAN-ee-eye (6–9, 10–7) Andropogon virginicus an-dro-PO-gon vir-JIN-ih-kus (2–7, 7–1) Osmanthus heterophyllus oz-MAN-thuss het-ur-ah-FIL-lus (7–9, 9–7) Astilbe chinensis uh-STIL-bee chy-NEN-sis (4–8, 8–2) Phlox subulata FLOKS sub-yew-LAY-tuh (3–8, 8–1) Athyrium niponicum uh-THIH-ree-um nih-PON-ih-kum (5–8, 8–1) Podocarpus macrophyllus poh-doh-KAR-pus mak-ro-FIL-lus (8–10,10–7) Berberis thunbergii var. atropurpurea BUR-bur-iss thun-BUR-jee-eye var. Poncirus trifoliata pon-SEER-us try-fo-lee-AY-tuh (5–9, 9–5) at-ro-pur-PUR-ee-uh (4–8, 8–4) Puschkinia scilloides push-KIN-ee-uh sil-OY-deez (3–9, 9–1) Calylophus hartwegii kal-ih-LO-fus hart-WEG-ee-eye (5–8, 8–5) Prunus mume PREW-nus MOO-may (6–9, 8–6) Chaenomeles speciosa kee-NOM-uh-leez spee-see-O-suh (5–9, 9–1) Pyracantha coccinea py-ruh-KAN-thuh kok-SIN-ee-uh (6–9, 9–3) Chimonanthus praecox kim-o-NAN-thus PREE-cox (7–9, 9–6) Pyrus pyrifolia PY-rus py-rih-FO-lee-uh (4–9, 9–3) Chionodoxa luciliae ky-on-o-DOK-suh loo-SIL-ee-ee (3–9, 9–1) Rosa rugosa RO-zuh roo-GO-suh (2–9, 9–1) Cornus alba KOR-nus AL-buh (2–8, 8–1) Rudbeckia maxima rood-BEK-ee-uh MAKS-ih-muh (4–8, 8–1) C. sericea C. seh-RISS-ee-uh (2–8, 8–1) Salix purpurea SAY-liks pur-PUR-ee-uh (3–7, 7–1) Corylus avellana KOR-ih-lus ah-vel-LAN-uh (4–8, 9–1) Sarcococca hookeriana var. humilis sar-kuh-KOKE-uh hook-ur-ee-AN-uh Crocus tommasinianus KRO-kus tom-muh-sin-ee-AY-nus (3–8, 8–1) var. HEW-mih-lis (6–9, 9–1) Daphne odora DAF-nee o-DOR-uh (7–9, 9–7) S. orientalis S. aw-ree-en-TAL-iss (6–8, 8–5) Datura wrightii duh-TOOR-uh RIGHT-ee-eye (8–11, 12–1) Schizachyrium scoparium skits-ah-KEER-ee-um sko-PAR-ee-um Edgeworthia chrysantha edj-WORTH-ee-uh krih-SAN-thuh (7–9, 9–6) (3–8, 8–1) Epimedium grandiflorum var. higoense ep-ih-ME-dee-um Silphium perfoliatum SIL-fee-um per-fo-lee-AY-tum (4–9, 9–4) gran-dih-FLOR-um var. hih-go-EN-see (5–8, 8–5) Sorghastrum nutans sor-GASS-trum NOO-tanz (4–9, 9–1) Eutrochium purpureum yoo-TROK-ee-um pur-PUR-ee-um (3–8, 9–1) Sporobolus wrightii spor-OB-o-lus RIGHT-ee-eye (5–9, 9–3) Hakonechloa macra ha-kon-eh-KLO-uh MAK-ruh (5–9, 9–2) Taxus media TAK-suss MEE-dee-uh (4–7, 7–3) Hamamelis intermedia ham-uh-ME-liss in-ter-MEE-dee-uh (5–9, 9–1) Thalictrum rochebrunianum thal-IK-trum rowsh-broo-nee-AY-num H. mollis H. MOL-lis (5–9, 9–2) (3–8, 8–4) Helleborus foetidus hel-eh-BOR-us FEE-tih-dus (5–8, 8–6) Thuja occidentalis THEW-yuh ahk-sih-den-TAL-iss (2–7, 7–1) H. hybridus H. HY-brih-dus (4–8, 8–3) T. plicata T. ply-KAY-tuh (6–8, 8–6) H. odorus H. o-DOR-us (5–9, 9–3) Tiarella cordifolia var. collina tee-uh-REL-luh kor-dih-FO-lee-uh Iberis sempervirens eye-BEER-iss sem-pur-VY-renz (3–8, 8–1) var. ko-LEE-nuh (3–7, 7–1) Ilex verticillata EYE-leks vur-tih-sih-LAY-tuh (3–9, 9–1) Veronica subsessilis vur-ON-ih-kuh sub-SESS-ih-lis (4–7, 7–1) Jasminum nudiflorum jaz-MIN-um new-dih-FLOR-um (6–9, 9–6) Ligularia dentata lig-yew-LAIR-ee-uh den-TAY-tuh (4–8, 8–1) Lonicera standishii lah-NISS-er-uh stan-DISH-ee-eye (5–8, 8–3)

58 the American Gardener GARDENC MARKET

CLASSIFIED AD RATES: All classiﬁed advertising must be prepaid. $2.75 per word; minimum $66 per insertion. Copy and prepayment must be received by the 20th of the month three months prior to publication date. Display ad space is also available. To place an ad, call (703) 768-5700 ext. 120 or e-mail [email protected].

NATIVE PLANTS PLANT LABELS ENGRAVED PLANT LABELS Mail-Order Natives, P.O. Box 9366, Lee, visit FL 32059. Retail supplier of native trees, To place your ad here, shrubs, native azaleas, perennials, palms & call (703) 768-5700 ext. 120 grasses. Top-quality plants with service to match. Free catalog. www.mailordernatives. Plant Identiﬁcation or e-mail [email protected]. com. E-mail: [email protected] for Every Garden $0..0/t41&$*&4t03*(*/$0. / phone: (850) 973-0585.

Statement of Ownership, Management, and Circulation

1. Publication Title: The American Gardener. 2. Publication No. 1087-9978. 3. Filing Date: September 18, 2013. 4. Issue Frequency: Bi-monthly. 5. No. of Issues Published Annually: 6. 6. Annual Subscription Price: $35. 7. Complete Mailing Address of Known Office of Publication: The American Gardener, American Horticultural Society, 7931 East Boulevard Drive, Alexandria, Virginia 22308–1300. 8. Complete Mailing Address of Headquarters or General Business Office of Publisher: Same as above. 9. Full Names and Corporate Mailing Addresses of Publisher, Editor, and Managing Editor: Publisher—American Horticultural Society, same address as above. Editor—David J. Ellis, same address as above. Managing Editor—Mary Yee, same address as above. 10. Owner: American Horticultural Society, same address as above. 11. Known Bondholders. Mortgagees, and Other Security Holders Owning or Holding 1 Percent or More of Total Amount of Bonds, Mortgages, or Other Securities: None. 12. The purpose, function, and nonprofit status of this organization and the exempt status for federal income tax purposes have not changed during the preceding 12 months. 13. Publication Name: The American Gardener. 14. Issue Date for Circulation Data Below: Nov./Dec. 2012–Sept./Oct. 2013. 15. Extent and Nature of Circulation:

Avg. No. Copies Actual No. Each Issue Copies of Issue During Preceding Published Nearest 12 Months to Filing Date

a. Total No. Copies (Net Press Run) 17,732 17,035 b. Paid Circulation (1) Mailed Outside-County Paid Subscriptions 16,396 16,081 Stated on PS Form 3541 (2) Mailed In-County Paid Subscriptions 0 0 Stated on PS Form 3541 (3) Paid Distribution Outside the Mails 0 0 Including Sales Through Dealers and Carriers, Street Vendors, Counter Sales, and Other Paid Distribution Outside USPS® (4) Paid Distribution by Other Classes of Mail 0 0 Through the USPS c. Total Paid Circulation 16,396 16,081 (sum of 15b (1), (2), (3),(4)) d. Free or Nominal Rate Distribution (1) Free or Nominal Rate Outside-County 0 0 Copies Included on PS Form 3541 (2) Free or Nominal Rate In-County Copies 0 0 Included on PS Form 3541 (3) Free or Nominal Rate Copies Mailed at 71 75 Other Classes Through the USPS (4) Free or Nominal Rate Distribution Outside 750 0 the Mail (Carrier or Other Means) e. Total Free or Nominal Rate Distribution 821 75 (Sum of 15d (1), (2), (3), (4)) f. Total Distribution 17,217 16,156 (Sum of 15c and 15e) g. Copies Not Distributed 515 879 h. Total (Sum of 15f and 15h) 17,732 17,035 i. Percent Paid 95% 99%

I certify that all information furnished above is true and complete. —David J. Ellis, Editor

November / December 2013 59 2013C MAGAZINE INDEX

AUTHORS LeHoullier, Craig. Spectrum of Bulbs: Great Bulbs That Last, Grasses, Ornamental: Giant Saca- Heirloom Tomatoes, M/A, 34. S/O, 16. ton, N/D, 62. Great Grasses for Aker, Scott. Controlling Aphids, Lowenfels, Jeff. Six Minerals for Chelsea Flower Show: Chelsea Small Spaces, M/A, 28. M/J, 40. Deterring Deer, N/D, Gardening Success, J/A, 20. Turns 100, J/F, 26. Heirlooms: Spectrum of Heirloom 42. Disease-Resistant Plants, Manny, Maya Moran. Flannel Children and Youth Gardening: Tomatoes, M/A, 34. True to M/A, 44. Organic Mulch, S/O, Bush, J/F, 62. Denver Urban Gardens, S/O, Seed, J/F, 32. 38. Powdery Mildew, J/A, 42. Mount, Daniel. A Fresh Look at 12. Mile-High City Hosts AHS Herbs: Delightfully Piquant Dill, Success with Seeds, J/F, 44. American Arborvitae, N/D, 24. Symposium, M/J, 14. J/A, 44. Bristol, Caroline. Regional Gar- Neveln, Viveka. Beautiful Barri- Currants: New Era for Currants, Hosta: Hostas by Design, J/A, dening and Plant Guides, J/A, ers, N/D, 30. J/F, 37. 24. 50. Ottesen, Carole. All-Season Stew- Design: Alluring Allées, S/O, 22. Maclura pomifera: See Osage- Bush, Allen. Pierre Bennerup, artias, S/O, 27. Enliven Your Designing a Garden with Winter Orange. N/D, 34. Garden With a Small Pond, M/J, Interest, N/D, 14. Enliven Your Native Plants: All-Season Stew- Bunting, Andrew. Shrubs with 24. Fragrant Flowering Shrubs, Garden With a Small Pond, M/J, artias, S/O, 27. Flannel Bush, Outstanding Summer Foliage, M/A, 18. 24. Hostas by Design, J/A, 24. J/F, 62. Fragrant, Flamboyant M/J, 18. Patel, Neel. AHS Members Mak- Powerhouse Plants, M/A, 39. Sassafras, S/O, 60. Fragrant Burrell, C. Colston. Designing a ing a Difference: Russell Stude- Raising Your Standards, J/A, Flowering Shrubs, M/A, 18. A Garden with Winter Interest, baker, J/F, 12. 36. Fresh Look at American Arbor- N/D, 14. Pelczar, Rita. Build a Bamboo Edible Plants: All-American vitae, N/D, 24. Giant Sacaton, Bussolini, Karen. Great Bulbs Fence, M/A, 24. Green Garage, Pumpkin, S/O, 40. Delightfully N/D, 62. Great Coneflower, J/A, That Last, S/O, 16. J/F, 50; M/A, 55; M/J, 54; J/A, Piquant Dill, J/A, 44. Eggplant, 62. Great Grasses for Small Calhoun, Scott. Giant Sacaton, 55; S/O, 48; N/D, 48. Raising M/J, 42. Fresh Figs Can’t Be Spaces, M/A, 28. Venerable N/D, 62. Your Standards, J/A, 36. Beat, J/F, 42. New Era for Cur- Osage-Orange, N/D, 20. Cannon, Paul Lee. Alluring Allées, Pleasant, Barbara. Eggplant, M/J, rants, J/F, 37. New for 2013, Osage-Orange: Venerable S/O, 22. 42. J/F, 17. Radishes, M/A, 46. Osage-Orange, N/D, 20. Chase, Nan K. Fragrant, Flamboy- Raver, Anne. Rosalind Creasy, Rare Fruits at Filoli, J/A, 14. People: (also see AHS Members ant Sassafras, S/O, 60. M/J, 24. Seize the Winter Season, S/O, Making a Difference) Bennerup, Cutler, Karan Davis. All-American Reich, Lee. Fresh Figs, J/F, 42. 32. Spectrum of Heirloom To- Pierre, N/D, 34. Creasy, Rosa- Pumpkin, S/O, 40. Rice, Graham. Powerhouse matoes, M/A, 34. lind, M/J, 34. Griffin, Kelly, J/F, Ellis, David J. Great Coneflower, Plants, M/A, 39. True to Seed, Evergreens: See Arborvitae. 20. Steffen, Richie, J/A, 30. J/A, 62. J/F, 32. Fencing: Beautiful Barriers, N/D, Van Sweden, James, N/D, 47. Gardner, Jo Ann. A New Era for Richter, Gladys, J. Delightfully Pi- 30. Build a Bamboo Fence, Perennials: Great Bulbs That Currants, J/F, 37. quant Dill, J/A, 44. M/A, 24. Last, S/O, 16. Great Grasses for Harman, Audrey. AHS Members Sterman, Nan. Kelly Griffin, J/A, Flower Shows: Chelsea Turns Small Spaces, M/A, 28. Hostas Making a Difference: Juliana 20. Rare Fruits at Filoli, J/A, 14. 100, J/F, 26. by Design, J/A, 24. 14. Kalim- Cerra, N/D, 12. America in Sternberg, Guy. Venerable Fragrant Plants: Fragrant, Flam- eris pinnatifida, M/J, 62. Kelly Bloom Community Involvement Osage-Orange, N/D, 20. boyant Sassafras, S/O, 60. Griffin: Succulent Plant Evan- Award, N/D, 11. Botanical Taylor, Patricia. Reliable Perenni- Fragrant Flowering Shrubs, gelist, J/F, 20. New for 2013, Gardens at Springs Preserve, al with Mysterious Antecedents M/A, 18. J/F. Pierre Bennerup, N/D, 34. N/D, 52. (Kalimeris pinnatifida). M/J, 62. Fruits: See Edible Plants. Statuesque Beauty: Great Cone- Hill, Bob. Dove Tree, M/A, 62. Wetherbee, Kris. Asian Pears, Garden Organizations: 2013 Inter- flower, J/A, 62. Hoffman, Lynne. AHS Members N/D, 40. Great Grasses for national Master Gardener’s Con- Plant Nutrients: Six Minerals for Making a Difference: Eva Small Spaces, M/A, 28. Hostas ference, 55. America in Bloom, Gardening Success, J/A, 20. Monheim, M/A, 12; AHS Mem- by Design, J/A, 24. Radish J/A, 10; N/D, 11. Garden Club Ribes: See Currants. bers Making a Difference: Ian Revelations, M/A, 46. Seize the of America Centennial, J/A, 53. Roses: New for 2013, J/F, 16. Warnock, M/J, 12. A Spanish Winter Season, S/O, 32. Green Industry Groups Consoli- School Gardens: See Children and Garden Adventure, M/A, 11. Or- Wingate, Marty. Chelsea Turns date, 53. Youth Gardening. egon Garden, M/J, 44. Windmill 100, J/F, 26. Richie Steffen, Gardens, Public: Botanical Gar- Stewartia: All-Season Stewartias, Island Gardens, M/A, 48. J/A, 30. dens at Springs Preserve, N/D, S/O, 27. Katner, Missy. AHS Members Yee, Mary. New for 2013, J/F, 52. Denver Botanic Gardens, Succulents: Beautiful Barriers, Making a Difference: Shelly 14. M/J, 14. Elisabeth Carey Miller N/D, 30. Kelly Griffin: Succu- Mitchell, S/O, 11. Garvan Botanical Garden, J/A, 30. lent Plant Evangelist, J/A, 20. Woodland Gardens, S/O, 42. Garvan Woodland Gardens, Techniques: Build a Bamboo Hildene, J/A, 46. SUBJECT S/O, 42. Hildene, J/A, 46. Rare Fence, M/A, 24. Raising Your Kuhn, Jane. Denver Urban Gar- Annuals: New for 2013, J/F, 16. Fruits at Filoli, J/A, 14. Oregon Standards, J/A, 36. Six Miner- dens, S/O, 12. Mile-High City Zestful Zinnias, M/J, 28. Garden, M/J, 44. Windmill Is- als for Gardening Success, J/A, Hosts AHS Symposium, J/A, 14. Arborvitae: A Fresh Look at Amer- land Gardens, M/A, 48. See also 20. True to Seed, J/F, 32. Lee, Rand B. Zestful Zinnias, M/J, ican Arborvitae, N/D, 24. Regional Happenings. Thuja occidentalis: See Arborvitae. 28.

60 the American Gardener Tomatoes: Spectrum of Heirloom Gardener’s Notebook: Garden Solutions: Benefits of Great Coneflower, J/A, 62. Giant Tomatoes, M/A, 34. J/F: 2013 Green Thumb Awards, Selecting Disease-Resistant Sacaton, N/D, 62. Kalimeris Vegetables: See Edible Plants. 48. Downy Mildew Epidemic Plants, M/A, 44. Choosing and pinnatifida, M/J, 62. Sassafras, Water Gardening: Enliven Your Strikes Impatiens, 46. La- Using Organic Mulch, S/O, 38. S/O, 60. Garden With a Small Pond, M/J, dy Bird Johnson on Forever Controlling Aphids, M/J, 40. De- Regional Happenings: 24. Stamp, 49. New Fern Genus terring Deer, N/D, 42. Scourge J/F: 2013 International Master Woody Plants: All-Season Stew- Named for Pop Diva, 48. of Powdery Mildew, J/A, 43. Gardener’s Conference, 55. artias, S/O, 27. Alluring Allées, Renewable Energy Facilities Success with Seeds, J/F, 44. 2013 Garden Milestones, 56. S/O, 22. Beautiful Barriers, May Threaten Native Plants, Green Garage: J/F, 50; M/A, 55; A Magnolia Spectacle, 56. N/D, 30. Dove Tree, M/A, 62. 46. Western Wildfire Recovery M/J, 54; J/A, 55; S/O, 48; N/D, M/A: Earth Perfect? Symposium, Flannel Bush, J/F, 62. Fragrant, Slowed by Seed Shortages, 47. 48. 57. Lilac Days at Hulda Klager Flamboyant Sassafras, S/O, 60. Why Plant-Eating Insects are Homegrown Harvest: Asian Pears, Lilac Gardens, 58. Whitesbog Fragrant Flowering Shrubs, M/A, Important, 48. N/D, 40. Dill, J/A, 44. Eggplant, Preservation Trust Celebrates 18. A Fresh Look at American M/A: Beware Weedy Aquatic M/J, 42. Figs, J/F, 42. Pump- 30th Anniversary, 57. Arborvitae, N/D, 24. New for Plants, 53. Chestnut Come- kins, S/O, 40. Radishes, M/A, M/J: Living Museum in Los An- 2013, J/F, 18. New Era for back Immortalized in Dolly 46. geles, 58. New Native Plant Currants, J/F, 37. Rare Fruits at Parton Song, 52. Garden Club News from AHS: Garden at NYBG, 57. Santa Fe Filoli, J/A, 14. Sassafras, S/O, of America Celebrates Centen- J/F: 40 Years at River Farm, 8. Botanical Garden, 58. 60. Shrubs with Outstanding nial, 53. Green Industry Groups AHS Spring Garden Market, J/A: Cummer Museum’s Olmsted Summer Foliage, M/J, 18. Ven- Consolidate, 53. Perennial of 10. America in Bloom 2013 Garden Restored, 57. Heron- erable Osage-Orange, N/D, 20. the Year, 52. Plants Communi- Competition, 11. Colonial Wil- swood Open Garden and Plant Zinnia: Zestful Zinnias, M/J, 28. cate with Relatives, 52. liamsburg Garden Symposium, Sale, 58. Larger-than-Life M/J: American Chestnut Foun- 10. New AHS Website, 8. Up- Plants in Atlanta, 57. COLUMN INDEX dation Receives Medal of coming Travel Study Program S/O: Longue Vue’s Cushaw Fes- Honor, 53. Anne Frank Tree Destinations, 9. tival, 55. New Chihuly Exhibit AHS Members Making a Difference: Symbol of Tolerance, 52. Im- M/A: Garden and Landscaping at Desert Botanical Garden, Cerra, Juliana N/D, 12. Mitchell, prelis Settlement Announced, Symposium, 8. Historic Garden 56. Pioneering Female Botani- Shelley, S/O, 13. Monheim, Eva, 50. New Jersey Claims Victory Week, 10. National Children & cal Artists, 55. M/A, 12. Studebaker, Russell, over Asian Long-horned Beetle, Youth Garden Symposium in N/D: Interactive Light Display at J/F, 12. Warnock, Ian, M/J, 12. 52. Raising the Salad Bar, Denver, 8. New Edition of AHS Morton Arboretum, 57. Rede- AHS News Specials: AHS 2013 51. Return of the Cicadas, 50. Encyclopedia of Gardening signed Garden Opens at Gard- Great American Gardeners Na- Stamps Celebrate Vintage Seed Techniques, 8. Spring Garden ner Museum, 57. tional Award Winners, M/A, 14. Packet Art, 50. Market at River Farm, 9. Traveler’s Guide to Gardens: Botani- America in Bloom Community J/A: Blight Resistant American M/J: AHS Participates in Plant cal Gardens at Springs Preserve, Involvement Award, N/D, 11. Chestnuts Used in Reforesta- Society Meeting, 8. Grant N/D, 52. Garvan Woodland Gar- A Spanish Garden Adventure, tion, 54. Century-old Monitor- Funds AHS Online Commu- dens, S/O, 42. Hildene Estate M/A, 11. ing Program Yields New Plant nications Internship, 8. River & Gardens, J/A, 46. The Oregon Book Reviews: Ecology Discoveries, 52. Glow- Farm Reopens, 9. Save the Garden, M/J, 44. Windmill Is- J/F: Beautiful No-Mow Yards, 52. ing Plants Within Reach, 53. Date for 2013 Gala, 9. Special land Gardens, M/A, 48. Lawn Gone!, 52. Why Grow That Honeybee Deaths Remain a Members-Only Offer from the When You Can Grow This?, 52. Mystery, 52. Plants Uncovered Folio Society, 9. AHS Flower Index compiled by AHS Volunteer M/A: 20-Minute Gardener, 50. by Glacier Reawaken, 54. Why Show Awards, 10. No Nonsense Vegetable Garden- Katherine Hoffman. Salt and Roots Don’t Mix, 53. J/A: AHS Annual Gala, 10. AHS ing, 50. World’s Fair Gardens, S/O: Dividing to Conquer Star- Receives Award of Excellence, 51. vation, 47. Fire Ants Produce 8. America in Bloom Sympo- M/J: Kiss My Aster, 46. Lifelong Natural Fungicide, 45. Grant sium and Awards Ceremony, Landscape Design, 47. Paradise Program For Native Plant 10. Fall Trip to Southern Lot, 46. Conservation Terminated, Spain, 12. Great American J/A: Derek Fell’s Grow This!, 45. Monitoring Plant Health Gardeners, 8. Homestead “In 48. Gardener’s Guide to Com- From Space, 44. New Box- the Garden” Symposium, 10. mon-Sense Pest Control, 48. wood Blight Insights, 44. New Start Saving Seeds to Share, Vegetable Gardener’s Guide to Strawberry Species Discovered, 10. Watercolors at River Farm, Permaculture, 49. 44. Two Pharmacy Schools 12. S/O: Backyard Foraging, 51. Gar- Revamp Medicinal Plant Gar- S/O: “Growing Good Kids” Chil- dening for the Birds, 50. Quick dens, 45. dren’s Book Awards Winners, Guide to Wild Edible Plants, 51. N/D: American Garden Award 8. Mystery Flower Revealed, 8. Yards, 50. Winners, 44. Brooklyn Botanic Save the Date for Columbus, N/D: Beatrix Potter’s Gardening Garden Suspends Research 10. Send in Your Seeds, 8. Life, 50. Succulents Simplified, Program, 44. California Winner of the Photo Contest, 50. Bamboo Collection Receives 10. Gardener’s Books: Flower Power, National Accreditation, 46. N/D: AHS 20th Annual Gala a S/O, 52. Garden Biographies Helping Hand for Habitats, 45. Success, 8. CAPS Gathering and Memoirs, J/F, 53. Making Modified Pesticide Labeling Set for Spring, 8. Gator Spot- the Most of Your Harvest, M/J, Aims to Protect Pollinators, 44. ted at River Farm, 8. 48. Regional Gardening and Please Pet the Plants, 45. Plant in the Spotlight: Dove Tree, Plant Guides, J/A, 50. M/A, 62. Flannel Bush, J/F, 62.

November / December 2013 61 PLANT CIN THE SPOTLIGHT

Giant Sacaton: A Tough and Elegant Native Grass by Scott Calhoun

FIRST SAW giant sacaton in the wild one August on a family trek in the Igrasslands southeast of Tucson, Arizo- na. Lured by cool sycamore-lined stream- beds and oak-studded hills, we drove down a lonely dirt road near the town of Pata- gonia, half-seriously looking for land on which to build a cabin. My wife, Deirdre, rode shotgun, while our then 12-year-old daughter Zoë sulked in the backseat—a captive on yet another trip filled with stops to look at plants and rocks. After ample rains, the grasslands in southern Arizona had turned an almost shocking green. The valleys and rolling hills were coiffed with grama grasses (Bouteloua spp.), while muhlys (Muhlenbergia spp.) lined creek beds and hillsides. But one species of native grass stood well above the rest: the aptly-named giant sacaton (Sporobolus wrightii, USDA Hardiness Zones 5–9, AHS Clump-forming giant sacaton is graced by feathery flower plumes in summer and fall. Heat Zones 9–3). Spotting a “For Sale” sign tacked to a Giant sacaton occurs at elevations of grass, so it goes dormant over the winter tree, we got out to look. The land—tree- 2,000 to 6,000 feet in west Texas, south- anyway. lined on one side and abutting a wide dry ern Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, and streambed—was without a doubt bot- southeastern California. It thrives in spots LANDSCAPE USES tomland and squarely in the floodplain. prone to occasionally flooding, making it Besides the rainwater basin use I already Only a fool would build here. Yet some- a great choice for use in rainwater har- mentioned, giant sacaton can be used as an thing drew us to the property, and when vesting basins. It also puts up with poorly allée, hedge, windbreak, or living screen. It we looked down the entire bottomland drained, salty, and alkaline soils. is also a fine substitute for invasive exotic was filled with a sea of giant sacaton. A quick grower, giant sacaton reaches grasses like pampas grass (Cortaderia spp.). The grasses were in full flaxen bloom, a height of seven to eight feet and a spread An excellent, especially vigorous selection and the stalks softly brushed our faces as of four to six feet once established, even named ‘Windbreaker’ presents a statuesque we walked through them. Even Zoë, the when the clumps are chopped nearly to form with handsome flowers. It looks great sullen pre-teen, was delighted. I snapped the ground in late winter—a practice I mixed with other drought-tolerant peren- a photo of her, in full brace-face grin, recommend in a garden setting to keep nials such as white-tufted evening primrose with strands of hair and blonde sacaton things looking tidy. It’s a warm-season (Oenothera caespitosa), sundrops (Calylophus flowers arching across her forehead. It re- hartwegii), and datura (Datura wrightii). mains one of my favorite portraits of her. We never purchased the land near Sources Patagonia, but I planted some giant sac- ADAPTABLE AND QUICK-GROWING High Country Gardens, Santa Fe, NM. aton in our Tucson garden. Even so, we As a garden plant, giant sacaton has been (800) 925-9387. sometimes visit that bottomland just to largely ignored. I aim to change that. And www.highcountrygardens.com. see the swath of giant sacaton, which we I’m not alone. In his book Native Ferns, Plant Delights Nursery, Inc, Raleigh, still think of as “ours.” Moss, & Grasses (Houghton Mifflin, 2008), NC. (919) 772-4794. Bill Cullina writes that giant sacaton is “on www.plantdelights.com. Scott Calhoun is a garden writer and

my top 10 list of ornamental native grasses.” landscape designer based in Tucson, Arizona. SCOTT CALHOUN

62 the American Gardener where gardeners go to grow.

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