Quick viewing(Text Mode)

Blazing Starsstars

Blazing Starsstars

TheThe AmericanAmerican

GARDENERGARDENER®

TheThe MagazineMagazine ofof thethe AmericanAmerican HorticulturalHorticultural SocietySociety May / June 2011

Less Lawn, More Groundcovers The Comeback of the American Chestnut Next-Generation Gardeners

Summer’sSummer’s BlazingBlazing StarsStars

contents

Volume 90, Number 3 . May / June 2011

FEATURES DEPARTMENTS

5 NOTES FROM RIVER FARM

6 MEMBERS’ FORUM

8 NEWS FROM THE AHS Renee’s Garden affiliate program supports the AHS, highlights of President’s Council trip to Houston, , in March, show recipients of AHS Environmental Award, revised editions of AHS reference books available in 2011, share garden and photos through monthly contests on AHS Flickr site.

12 AHS MEMBERS MAKING A DIFFERENCE Mary Ann Newcomer.

42 NATURAL CONNECTIONS Cowbirds and wrens. page 14 44 GARDEN SOLUTIONS Beating the heat. 14 LAWN ALTERNATIVES BY KRIS WETHERBEE Replacing some of your lawn with well-chosen groundcovers can 46 HOMEGROWN HARVEST reduce your fertilizer and maintenance needs along with con- Paste tomatoes perfected. serving water, energy, and—most of all—your time. 48 GARDENER’S NOTEBOOK page 46 Genes offer new hope in 20 NEXT-GENERATION GARDENERS BY KELLY D. NORRIS fighting Dutch elm disease, engineering As the baby boom generation ages, the horticultural world is to detect chemical and biological attempting to gauge the habits—and purchasing power—of the hazards, encouraging results from Great next wave of potential gardeners. Backyard Bird Count, dryer sheets repel fungus gnats, gardening helps seniors stay healthy, 2011 Plant Select winners, fossil find 26 THE RETURN OF THE AMERICAN CHESTNUT BY MARTY ROSS redefines evolution timeline for flowering Thanks to dedicated breeding efforts, the American chestnut tree plants, bill to protect plants appears to be staging a comeback after being decimated by an from poachers, smartphone apps for Asian fungal blight over the last century. gardeners. Green Garage®: Selected useful garden tools and products. 32 BLAZING STARS BY BARBARA PERRY LAWTON These adaptable American perennial wildflowers offer late-summer 53 BOOK REVIEWS color, attract pollinators, tolerate drought, resist deer, and look The Artful Garden, Bizarre Botanicals, and great in a vase. What more could you want? Founding Gardeners. Special focus: Regional gardening guides. DIGGING IN TO THE SCIENCE AND ART OF GARDENING 38 56 REGIONAL HAPPENINGS BY CHARLOTTE ALBERS Highlights of the upcoming AHS National Children & Youth 60 HARDINESS AND HEAT ZONES Garden Symposium in . AND PRONUNCIATIONS 62 PLANT IN THE SPOTLIGHT ON THE COVER: Spike blazing star harmonizes with purple coneflowers in the garden at Notch-

TOP: SAXON HOLT. RIGHT: DAVID CAVAGNARO land Inn in Hart’s Location, New Hampshire. Photograph by Susan A. Roth Redhead coleus.

May / June 2011 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, FIRST VICE CHAIRMAN Don E. Riddle, Jr. Davidsonville, SECOND VICE CHAIRMAN Mary Pat Matheson Atlanta, 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 ■ Allan M. Armitage Athens, Georgia ■ Amy Bolton Falls Church, Virginia Jane Diamantis McDonald, ■ Gay Estes Houston, Texas ■ Carole Hofley Wilson, Margaret Kulp Louisville, ■ Jack Lowry Phoenix, Maryland ■ Shirley Nicolai Ft. Washington, Maryland

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Tom Underwood PRESIDENT EMERITUS Katy Warner

www.BonniePlants.com

President’s Council Gardening With CHAMPION’S CIRCLE Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Kulp, Jr. You Since 1918. CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE Anonymous ■ Mr. and Mrs. Kurt Bluemel ■ Mr. and Mrs. George Diamantis ■ Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Farrell ■ Mr. and Mrs. Harry A. Rissetto ■ Mr. and Mrs. Charles H. Smith, Jr. ■ Mr. and Mrs. W. Bruce Usrey

LIBERTY HYDE BAILEY CIRCLE Mrs. Leslie S. Ariail ■ Ms. Judy Daniel ■ Trish and Cam Gibson ■ Mr. and Mrs. J. Landon Reeve, IV ■ Dr. Erich Veitenheimer and Mr. Andrew Cariaso ■ Ms. Katy Moss Warner ■ Mr. and Mrs. Klaus Zech

HAUPT CIRCLE Mrs. Sandra L. Address ■ Mrs. Lynda A. Bachman ■ Nancy J. Becker, M.D. ■ Mr. and Mrs. Robert L. Bogle ■ Ms. Amy Bolton ■ Mr. and Mrs. Taylor Burke, III ■ Mr. James R. Cargill, II ■ Mrs. Elisabeth C. Dudley ■ Mr. and Mrs. Carl Estes ■ Mr. and Mrs. Don W. Godsey ■ Dr. and Mrs. William O. Hargrove ■ Mrs. Carole S. Hofley ■ Mrs. Shirley Ann Nicolai ■ Mr. David D. Parrish

COUNCIL MEMBER’S CIRCLE Mr. and Mrs. Robert Baillie ■ Mr. and Mrs. Carter Bales ■ Mrs. Katherine Belk ■ Mrs. George P. Bissell, Jr. ■ Mr. and Mrs. C. William Black ■ Dr. Sherran Blair ■ Mrs. Elspeth G. Bobbs ■ Mr. and Mrs. Michael T. Bradshaw ■ Mrs. Barbara O. David ■ Mrs. Julie Ernest ■ Ms. Inger Fair ■ Ms. Walter S. Fletcher ■ Dr. and Mrs. John A. Floyd, Jr. ■ Mrs. Carolyn V. Foil ■ Ms. Marguerite Peet Foster ■ Ms. Joyce W. Godsey ■ Ms. Amy Goldman ■ Mr. and Mrs. Joel Goldsmith ■ Mrs. Joan Goltzman ■ Ms. LaDawn Griffin ■ Mr. Gerald T. Halpin ■ Mr. and Mrs. Richard W. Hanselman ■ Mr. Edwin L. Heminger ■ Ms. Nancy Hockstad ■ Mrs. Elizabeth Hooff ■ Mr. and Mrs. Albert Huddleston ■ Mr. Philip Huey ■ Mrs. Marta J. Lawrence ■ Mrs. Carolyn M. Lindsay ■ Ms. JoAnn Luecke ■ Mr. and Mrs. Bob J. MacLean ■ Ms. Melissa Marshall ■ Mrs. Dorothy Marston ■ Mrs. Carol C. Morrison ■ Mr. and Mrs. James R. Moxley, Jr. ■ Mr. and Mrs. James T. Norman ■ Mr. Michael Panas ■ Mrs. Jeanne Otis Shields ■ Mr. Harold Stahly ■ Mr. Arnold Steiner ■ Dr. and Mrs. Steven M. Still ■ Mr. Howard McK. Tucker and Ms. Megan Evans ■ Mr. and Mrs. Tom Underwood ■ Mr. Joe Viar ■ Ms. Angela M. Vikesland ■ Mr. and Mrs. Robert D. Volk ■ Mr. and Mrs. Dennis White ■ Mr. and Mrs. Harvey C. White ■ Mr. and Mrs. John W.White, Sr.

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

Corporate Members

Bonnie Plants ■ The Care of Trees ■ Chapel Valley Landscape Company ■ The Espoma Company Furbish Company ■ Homestead Gardens ■ Kurt Bluemel, Inc. ■ Monrovia ■ Osmocote

Horticultural Partners

America in Bloom Symposium & Awards Program ■ Bellingrath Gardens and Home Colonial Williamsburg Foundation Garden Symposium ■ Cox Arboretum MetroPark Garden Centers of America ■ The Gardeners of America/Men’s Garden Clubs of America Great Gardens and Landscaping Symposium ■ The Homestead in the Garden Symposium Inniswood Garden Society ■ Morris Arboretum ■ Botanical Garden & Arboretum

4 the American Gardener NOTESFROMRIVER FROM RIVER FARM CONTACTS FOR C AHS PROGRAMS, MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS & DEPARTMENTS

For general information about your membership, call (800) 777-7931. Send change of address notifications to our membership department at LTHOUGH THE 7931 East Boulevard Drive, Alexandria, VA weather over the past couple of months has not always 22308. If your magazine is lost or damaged in been very springlike, at least in the mid-Atlantic, we have definitely felt the the mail, call the number above for a replace- onset of the busy gardening season here at River Farm. The property is burst- ment. Requests for membership information A and change of address notification can also be ing with fresh green growth and bright colors, and large groups of visitors are com- e-mailed to [email protected]. ing to enjoy the beauty of the gardens. Our calendars have not only been full of THE AMERICAN GARDENER To submit a letter to American Horticultural Society activities, but we have also found ourselves caught the editor of The American Gardener, write to up in the rush of spring shows, meetings, and programs. The American Gardener, 7931 East Boulevard In March, we participated in the Philadelphia International Flower Show, where Drive, Alexandria, VA 22308, or send an e-mail to [email protected]. “Springtime in Paris” attracted tens of thousands of visitors. Our own AHS Presi- dent’s Council trip to DEVELOPMENT To make a gift to the American Horticultural Society, or for information about Houston included a pre- a donation you have already made, call view of Mercer Arboretum’s (800) 777-7931 ext. 127 or send an e-mail popular March Mart and a to [email protected]. very special visit to the gar- E-NEWSLETTER To sign up for our monthly den of former President e-newsletter, visit www.ahs.org. George H.W. Bush and his INTERNSHIP PROGRAM The AHS offers intern- wife, Barbara. At River ships in communications, horticulture, and youth programs. For information, send an Farm, our lineup of April e-mail to [email protected]. Information and activities included the an- application forms can also be found in the nual Spring Garden Market River Farm area of www.ahs.org. and an Earth Day celebra- NATIONAL CHILDREN & YOUTH GARDEN tion for families. SYMPOSIUM For information about the Soci- ety’s annual National Children & Youth Gar- Also at River Farm, we den Symposium, call (800) 777-7931 ext. have been focusing on our 132 or visit the Youth Gardening section of “By the Foot” Campaign in Children enjoy Earth Day activities at River Farm in April. www.ahs.org. support of necessary infra- RECIPROCAL ADMISSIONS PROGRAM The AHS structure upgrades at our national headquarters. While we have been incredibly Reciprocal Admissions Program offers members free admission and other discounts to more than fortunate to be able to base the AHS at this beautiful and historic 25-acre proper- 250 botanical gardens and other horticultural ty along the Potomac River since 1974 (as detailed in a wonderful article about the destinations throughout . A list of history of River Farm in the January/February issue of The American Gardener), we participating gardens can be found in the Mem- bership area of www.ahs.org. For more infor- are now facing the need for some major improvements to our water and sewer sys- mation, call (800) 777-7931 ext. 119. tem and communications technology. The response to our call for support has been RIVER FARM The AHS headquarters at River heartwarming, and if you have not already participated, please look for details about Farm is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays year- how you can help on page 11. round (except Federal holidays), and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays from April through September. To get your summer off to a rousing start, this issue of the magazine offers a Admission is free. For information about events, blend of inspiration, thoughtful analysis, and practical information. Kelly D. Nor- rentals, and directions, visit the River Farm sec- ris provides insight into the gardening interests and habits of the next generation tion of www.ahs.org. of gardeners. For those interested in iconic American trees, Marty Ross chronicles TRAVEL STUDY PROGRAM Visit spectacular pri- the improbable comeback of the American chestnut. And those of you looking for vate and public gardens around the world through the Society’s acclaimed Travel Study ways to reduce or eliminate lawns will appreciate Kris Wetherbee’s regional rec- Program. For information about upcoming ommendations for lawn alternatives. trips, call (800) 627-6621, send an e-mail to There’s a great deal more, so please turn the page and get started. Enjoy, and [email protected], or visit the Travel Study section of www.ahs.org. happy gardening! WEBSITE: www.ahs.org The AHS website is a valuable source of information about the Soci- Harry Rissetto, Chair, AHS Board of Directors ety’s programs and activities. To access the Tom Underwood, Executive Director members-only section of the website, the user name is garden and the password is ahs2011.

May / June 2011 5 6 ommend goldenhops Susan Morrison andRebecca Sweet, rec- in theMarch/April issue,theauthors, In “Garden thearticle Secrets,” published HOPS SPRINGETERNAL and theircommonnameequivalents. tains pronunciations, botanicalnames, Coombes (Timber Press, 2005).It con- ofPlant NamesDictionary entific plantnames.Irecommend the books thathave pronunciations forsci- member Eunice Swain askedaboutgood In theJanuary/February 2011issue,AHS ANOTHER PRONUNCIATIONRESOURCE a soil test. I like the idea of going with organiccompost.Anyothersuggestions? with going of idea a soiltest.Ilikethe 20feet)inordertoputaveggiegarden.Notsure Ireallyneed by (about 20feet Mike Burke: your oldassumptionsmaynolongerbevalid. Steven McKay: ing thepresenceofworms.Everythinggrowsverywell. and ,determinethehealthofmysoilbytexture appearance,includ- Jan Jensen: works wellandIhavenoplansforatestinthefuture. Dave Phillips: environment alotofdamage. chemicals (especiallyonalawn),testcouldsaveyoulot ofmoneyandsavethe that usefulfortheaveragehomegardener,butifyouplan ondumpinglots of my vegetablegarden?”or“Whyareoakschlorotic?”Iwouldsaythetestisnot example, “ShouldIputmywoodashes(orsulfur,ormagnesiumsulfateor...)on Susan Gaul: east. Nosurprisethere.)Iknowit’sheresy,butdon’tthinkatestisterriblyhelpful. growing thananythingelse.(Yeah,IknowneedlimeforadecentlawnintheNorth- Renee Beaulieu: that havenotbeensprayedwithchemicals,orotherorganicmatter. it shouldbetested.Otherthanthat,okayifyouaddgrassclippings Steve Stolzenburg: are actuallyhelpfulforthehomegardener,andhere’swhattheyhadtosay: stalling anewgarden.WerecentlyaskedourFacebookfansiftheythinksoiltests Every gardeningreferencerecommendsgardenersgettheirsoiltestedbeforein- Real Life:Your ThoughtsonSoilTesting the American Gardener I’ve neverhadasoiltesteither.Iuseonlycompost,biosolid soilmix, I liveintheLosAngelesareaandrecentlyrippedoutmyentire frontlawn You shouldonlytestifitprovidesinformationtosolveaproblem.For book page! Go to www.facebook.com/americanhorticulturalsociety to Go page! book and click “Like.” click and Join the conversation on the American Horticultural Society’s Face- Society’s Horticultural American the on conversation the Join I haven’thadasoiltestin60yearsheremygarden.Everything It canbeagoodideaifyouhavejustmovedsomeplacenew, where The typicalsoiltestresultsseemtobegearedmoretowardslawn- It dependsonwhereyoulive. If youdonotrotateyourgarden, Port Orford, Oregon (Humulus lupulus Jennifer Ewing by AllenJ. Yikes! Iplantedonetogrow over anugly grow upautilitypole[shown above]. ‘Aureus’) asafast-growing annualvineto MEMBERS MEMBERS C C ’ FORUMFORUM information onthis? there somewhere Icould getadditional used tocreate the red lightexposure. Is is nomentionmadeaboutthemethod making spores so itcan’t spread.” There light exposure preventsfrom mildew mentions that“as littleasonehourofred ened Ways toControl Powdery Mildew” dener’s Notebook, “Enlight- thearticle In theJanuary/February 2011issue’s Gar- MILDEW CONTROL SHEDDING LIGHTONPOWDERY article! wonderful er, designer, a andperson—itwastruly me toknow Sean betterasaplantexplor- helped ly andengaginglywrittenstory phere ofSean’s world,andthebeautiful- The photosbrought meintotheatmos- rating onthiswarmandwittyprofile. tographer Josh McCullough forcollabo- to thankauthorKym Pokorny andpho- Hogan (March/April 2011)andIwanted I justfinishedreading onSean thearticle HOGAN ARTICLEPLEASES control. mow around itfrequently to keep itunder place—probably bestinasitewhere you a beautifulvineandlovely intheright nual andyou cannot simply digitup. It’s use—to getridofit.It’s certainly me years—and herbicides,whichIrarely nearly tookover myflower garden. It took fence anditcameupallover theplace and to lightfrom red LEDbulbs. onroses,mildew theplantswere exposed that red lightcan helpcontrol powdery E American Gardener, American PLEASE WRITEUS! Letters weprintmay beeditedforlengthandclarity. [email protected] (note LettertoEditorinsubjectline). Alexandria, VA22308.Send e-mails to ditor’s response : Address letterstoEditor, 7931 EastBoulevardDrive, In thestudythatfound Wilmington, Vermont Lauren Hall-Behrens Mary AnnMary McLeod Portland, Oregon Marne, MaineMarne, Carol DeVries not an an- m The

REBECCA SWEET / COURTESY OF COOL SPRINGS PRESS THE AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY TRAVEL STUDY PROGRAM 2011 TOURS

Gardens and Innovation: Chicagoland and Rockford August 17–21, 2011 with AHS Host Katy Moss Warner and AHS Tour Escort Maren S eubert ■ Discover the horticultural abundance that the Chicago area offers during this tour of the innovative gardens that have contributed to the greening of Chicago. Among these are the Lurie Gardens in Chicago’s Millennium Park, the world-renowned Chicago Botanic Garden, and Garfield Park Conservatory. We will also visit several stunning private gardens, award-winning gardens in Rockford, , and the trial gardens at Ball Horticultural Company’s headquarters. 2011 trips Castles and Gardens of Bohemia and Moravia filling fast! September 25–October 6, 2011 Reserve your with AHS Host Kurt Bluemel and space today! Tour Escort Harriet Landseer of Specialtours ■ We begin this trip to the Czech Republic in the capital city of Prague, renowned for its castles and cathedrals. From there we will venture to the historic and picturesque regions of Bohemia and Moravia. Experience a wealth of gardens in styles ranging from formal Italianate, Renaissance, and Baroque to Neo-classical and modern—including several 20th-century gardens created by visionary designers.

COMING SOON! 2012 Travel Destinations The AHS’s Travel Study Program will be bound for three exciting destinations in 2012. Start planning now for next year’s trips! Late March/early April—Gardens of San Diego Late June/early July—Midsummer Gardens and Castles of Late October/early November—Andalusian Heritage and Gardens: Seville, Cordoba, and Granada Full travel itineraries will be available later this summer.

For more information about upcoming tours in the AHS Travel Study Program, please contact our travel partner, MacNair Travel: • E-mail: [email protected] • Call: (866) 627-6621 • Visit: www.ahs.org GARDENER Copyright ©2011 bytheAmericanHorticultural Society. ©2011 Copyright material. Backissuesareavailableat$8percopy. stamped envelope.Wecannotguaranteethesafereturn ofunsolicited possible publicationwillbereturnedifaccompanied byaself-addressed, ily those of the Society. Manuscripts,artwork, and photographssentfor expressed inthearticlesarethoseofauthorsand arenotnecessar- and onthe Botanical nomenclatureisbasedon Alexandria, VA22308-1300. Form 3579to ginia, andatadditionalmailingoffices.Postmaster:Pleasesend magazine subscription.PeriodicalspostagepaidatAlexandria,Vir- $60. Internationalduesare$50.$10ofannualgoestoward tion to (703) 768-5700.MembershipintheSocietyincludesasubscrip- Society, 7931EastBoulevardDrive,Alexandria,VA22308-1300, ber/October, November/December)bytheAmericanHorticultural Gardener ly (January/February,March/April,May/June,July/August,Septem- American The list of the Vascular Flora of the United States, Canada and Greenland and Canada States, United the of Flora Vascular the of list Society A–Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants, Garden of Encyclopedia A–Z Society 8 h American The ADVERTISING & PARTNERSHIPS CONTACT US CORPORATE EDITORIAL The American Gardener American The the American Gardener Royal Horticultural Society Index of Garden Plants Garden of Index Society Horticultural Royal CHAIR The American Gardener American The Printed intheU.S.A. (703) 768-5700 Alexandria, VA22308 7931 EastBoulevardDrive West DesMoines, Elvin McDonald Kennett Square, Richard W.Lighty Denver, Panayoti Kelaidis San Francisco,California John E.Bryan Birmingham, Steve Bender Ithaca, NewYork Nina L.Bassuk Athens, Georgia Allan M.Armitage Brevard, NorthCarolina EDITORIAL ADVISORYBOARD Carole Ottesen CONTRIBUTING WRITER Rita Pelczar CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Terra-Nova Sadowski EDITORIAL INTERN Viveka Neveln ASSOCIATE EDITOR Mary Yee MANAGING EDITORANDARTDIRECTOR David J.Ellis EDITOR Richard E.Bir E-MAIL: The AmericanGardener E-MAIL: (ISSN 1087-9978)ispublishedbimonth- . Annualduesare$35;twoyears, [email protected] [email protected] , 7931EastBoulevardDrive, The American Horticultural American The on A Synonymized Check- Synonymized A . Opinions benefits, sendan [email protected] orcall (703)768-5700,ext.123. formation onhow tobecome an AHS President’s Councilmemberandthe included Gardens. Bend Collectionand Gardens, andBayou boretum andBotanic Garden, Mercer Ar- such asPeckerwood greater Houston area, public gardens inthe visited anumberof Estes. Participants also and garden author AHS Board member 23 to27trip, ledby included intheMarch unique private gardens was amongseveral his wife, included avisittotheprivate garden offormerU.S.President gions oftheUnited States, specialthisyear; thetriptoHouston, wasparticularly Texas, THE ANNUAL TRIP HIGHLIGHTEDINPRESIDENT’SCOUNCIL GARDENS HOUSTON total purchase willbedonatedtotheSociety. browsingfrom thelistoforganizations,thenstart forbulbs.Twenty-five percent ofyour Bulbs. Go to theAHSwhenpurchasing throughsupport Bloomin’ Bucks withBrent andBecky’s organization theybelieve inthrough purchases they were going tomakeanyway.” says thecompany’s founderandowner ple are goingtogarden regardless,” fundraiserworks becausepeo- “The etables, ,herbs. andculinary pollinated, andhybridseedsofveg- its seedpackets,sellsheirloom,open- watercolorhand-painted imageson the checkoutpage. FR661A inthecouponcodebox on Horticultural Society by entering your order togotheAmerican designate 25percent ofthecost www.reneesgarden.com, time, thankstoRenee’s Garden seedcompany. Whenyou makepurchases from EVERYBODY FEELS THEAHS SUPPORT SHOP FORSEEDSANDPLANTS, For additionalin- The Bushes’ garden If your garden shoppinglistincludesbulbsandherbaceousperennials, you canalso Renee’s Garden, known forthe Barbara. www.bloominbucks.com AHS President’s AHS CouncilTrip, anexclusive tourofgardens inselectre- Gay good whentheygive. Now you cangive andreceive atthesame seated inthecenterthisgroup picture. President GeorgeH.W.Bushand hiswife,Barbara,whoare Houston inMarchwasavisitto thehomeandgardenofformer Among themanyhighlightsof AHSPresident’sCounciltripto you can PROGRAMS •EVENTS •ANNOUNCEMENTS News Renee Shepherd an waytheycansupport . “This and choosetheAmericanHorticultural Society from the May /June2011 George H.W. Bush AHS and

TOP: TERRA-NOVA SADOWSKI. BOTTOM: AHS STAFF FLOWER SHOW AWARD HIGHLIGHTS At the Philadelphia International Flower Show in March, THIS YEAR THE AHS’s Environmental Award was presented Mark Cook Landscape & Contracting took home the award at 35 participating garden and flower shows across the country. for its exhibit, “At Day’s End,” which featured a small cottage sur- The award is given to exhibits that demonstrate how the art of rounded by azaleas, tulips, and a cold frame for growing leafy greens. At the Southern Spring Home & Garden Show in Mount Pleasant, North Carolina, the award went to Southern Stonescapes for its display that drew inspiration from the chil- dren’s classic The Secret Garden, creating what judges described as “a garden homeowners could easily recreate.” The Environmental Award program is judged by nationally recognized leaders in fields such as landscape architecture and gar- den design. Criteria for the award include factors such as the use of non-invasive , designs that provide for wildlife habitat and water conservation, and overall sustainability. UPCOMING REVISED EDITIONS OF AHS GARDENING BOOKS IN MARCH, an updated edition of the American Horticultur- al Society Great Plant Guide (DK Publishing, 2011) was released. First published in 1998, this is the fourth “At Day’s End” by Mark Cook Landscape & Contracting of edition of this diminutive plant Doylestown, Pennsylvania, received the AHS Environmental Award at guide, which at four-and-a-half- the 2011 Philadelphia International Flower Show this spring. inches wide and five-and-a-half- inches long is designed to be a horticulture can be used to promote environmental sustain- portable reference gardeners can ability. AHS Member Programs Manager Maren Seubert says, carry with them to nurseries or “The Environmental Award recognizes and promotes the bond flower shows. Retailing at $14.95, between horticulture and the environment. By raising aware- the book covers more than 3,000 ness of this at flower shows, it inspires people to beautify their plants and includes sections recom-

TERRA-NOVA SADOWSKI home and community on a local scale.” mending plants for different garden uses.

Gifts Gifts ofNote

In addition to vital support through membership dues, the American Horticultural Society relies on grants, bequests, and other gifts to sup- port its programs. We would like to thank the following donors for gifts received between February 1 and March 31, 2011.

The Bachman Foundation Kurt Bluemel, Inc. In Memory of Mrs. Margaret Luckert Ball Horticultural Company Ms. Ruth Ann McKenty Ms. Teresa Luckert Mrs. Elspeth G. Bobbs Mr. Michael Panas Mr. and Mrs. George Diamantis Mr. and Mrs. Harry A. Rissetto In Memory of Max DeSilva and Ms. Katherine B. Edwards and Mr. and Mrs. James A. Runde In Honor of Alexander DeSilva Mr. John A. Ronveaux Dr. and Mrs. Brian L. Sayer Dr. and Mrs. James W. Smith Mr. and Mrs. Carl Estes Mr. and Mrs. W. Bruce Usrey Mrs. Walter S. Fletcher Dr. Erich Veitenheimer and Dr. and Mrs. John A. Floyd, Jr. Mr. Andrew Cariaso Mrs. Frances Goodman Yacht Haven Garden Club Mr. Paul A. and Mrs. Nancy B. Hess Mr. and Mrs. Klaus Zech Mr. and Mrs. Albert Huddleston

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 [email protected] or call (703) 768-5700 ext. 123.

May / June 2011 9 Gala in the Garden AHS EVENTS AND PROGRAMS Autumn may seem far away, but experienced gardeners know 2011 that early planning pays off. That’s why preparations are al- ready underway for the 18th annual Gala, taking place on Sep- CALENDAR tember 24. This elegant evening will feature al fresco dining and live music in the AHS’s River Farm gardens in Alexandria, ark your calendar for these upcoming events that are Virginia. There will also be a silent auction of gardening get- sponsored or co-sponsored by the AHS. Visit aways and unique items. All proceeds support the steward- M www.ahs.org or call (703) 768-5700 for more information. ship of River Farm and the Society’s outreach programs. To reserve your ticket today, contact [email protected] or call (703) 768-5700 ext. 132. See you at the Gala! JUNE 9. Great American Gardeners Awards Ceremony and Banquet. River Farm, Alexandria, Virginia.

The Great Plant Guide was the first of a steady stream of up- JULY 21–23. National Children & Youth Garden Symposium. dated editions of books in the popular AHS/DK gardening series East Lansing and Grand Rapids, Michigan. to be released this year. Scheduled for publication this summer is the AHS What Plant When (formerly issued in 2003 as AHS Plants AUG. 17–21. AHS Travel Study Trip: Gardens and Innovation. for Every Season), followed in fall by The AHS Encyclopedia of Chicagoland and Rockford, Illinois. Plants & Flowers (last published in 2002), and The AHS Complete Book of Pruning & Training (last published in 1996). AUG. 19–21. The Homestead’s 13th Annual “In the Garden with the All of the AHS book titles are available wherever books are sold Experts” Symposium. Hot Springs, Virginia. and may be ordered through the AHS website (www.ahs.org). SEPT. 24. AHS Annual Gala. River Farm, Alexandria, Virginia. CALLING ALL GARDEN SHUTTERBUGS IT’S FREE, IT’S FUN, it’s Flickr! Through this photo-sharing SEPT. 25–OCT. 6. Castles and Gardens of Bohemia and Moravia. website, you can show off your garden or plant shots and con- AHS Travel Study Program. Czech Republic. nect with other AHS members nationwide. You can also enter the AHS’s monthly, themed contests; visit www.flickr. OCT. 6–8. America in Bloom Symposium and Awards. Washington, D.C.

OCT. 22. Dr. Cathey Day—A Celebration of Grandparents. River Farm, Alexandria, Virginia.

com/groups/photo_of_the_month to learn how and to see pre- vious entries. Winners are published in the AHS’s e-newsletter and added to the Soci- ety’s Flickr “Hall of

Winners of recent AHS Flickr contests included Lisa Riley’s photo, far left, illustrating the theme of plants in unlikely places and, left, Dave Shafer’s image of an emerging skunk (Symplo- carpus foetidus) for the “Signs of Spring” theme.

Fame” gallery. The AHS’s Flickr site also offers a place for gardening discussions, and a collection of other garden photos not affiliated with the contests. m

News written by Editorial Intern Terra-Nova Sadowski.

10 the American Gardener

12 by Terra-NovaSadowski Garden demonstrates howregionalnativescanmake xericlandscapeslushandcolorful. Clark NativePlantGardenattheIdaho Botanical The WesternWaterwise GardenintheLewis& AHS Press askedhertocollaborateonabook blog, publishingcompanyCoolSprings den blogs in2009. one of as tions.” Thefrankyet funblogwasselected tion tohelppeoplewithcommonques- myself upasaclearinghouseofinforma- here,” saysNewcomer. “Iwantedtoset er canmakeitreally interesting to garden vagaries andextreme swingsoftheweath- www.gardensofthewildwildwest.com. ter Gardener inspired herblog, hertostart all thequestionsshewasgettingasaMas- teering asaMaster Gardener. Before long, commercial garden designer, whilevolun- Newcomer outasaprivate and started LENDING AHELPINGHAND A Diva” onBoise’s River Radio,94.9FM. blog andherappearancesasthe“Dirt the region through heraward-winning come somethingofagardening in guru since 1999,55-year-old Newcomer hasbe- Newcomer’s name.AnAHSmember stumbled across Idaho-native Ann Mary Partly becauseofthesuccess the American Gardener and gardening issueshasprobably on Intermountain West plants NYONE SEEKING EBR MAKINGA MEMBERS Horticulture magazine’sgar- top information “The DIFFERENCE: an onlinegarden designtoolshecreated Resource ber whenTheRocky Mountain Gardener’s thisDecem-work willcometofruition out.”Allherhardone whoisjuststarting for thebooktobereally usefultosome- ject, especiallysinceshe“wanted somuch so hard ofthepro- shesays onanything,” on western native plants. “Inever worked on Boise,Idaho,RiverRadio94.9FM. “Dirt Diva”MaryAnnNewcomerisaregular Until then,Newcomer’s latestproject, will bereleased. Mary AnnNewcomer at minutes. Newcomer saysthetool,found craft afeasiblegarden layout inunder10 with herbusinesspartner, canhelpusers ning tointermediategardener.” choiceplantsforthebegin- impervious, considers “easy togrow, long-lived, of 280landscapingplantsthatNewcomer want toinstall.Theprogram hasadatabase ditions are conducive fortheplantsthey figure growing outiftheirparticular con- with Terra-Nova Sadowski isaneditorial intern the rowdy Wild West!” there’s nodoubtaboutthat in certainly time learnsthatnature isincharge,and “Anyone who gardens of length forany rather thantheonesyou wishyou had. with theclimateandconditionsyou have across the Oregon Trail,” shesays. drought-tolerant choicestomakeit andlilacswerehearts, theoriginal realize thatplantslikeirises,bleeding thought ofaswater-thrifty. “People don’t mons, aswell asplantsnotusually natives such asgaillardias andpenste- end, shehasplantedherfavorite tough tolerant andwater-wiseplants.”To that goal is“to bethepostergirlfordrought- ant, andwell-adapted towhere we live.” They’re astoughnails,drought-toler- created from native plantsare really cool. varietiessome ofthenew thathave been Newcomer. “We wantpeopletorealize den peoplecouldcopyathome,”says adapted forcultivation andcreated agar- of afifthhabitat,thehomegarden. tats. Newcomer spearheadedthecreation sections representative ofdifferent habi- termountain West are planted intofour species recorded by theexplorers intheIn- which shehelpeddesign.Almostallthe &ClarkLewis Native Plant Garden, two decades.In 2006, theIBGopened at theIdaho BotanicalGarden (IBG)for home gardens, Newcomer haslentahand In additiontohelpingpeoplewiththeir HONORING THESPIRITOFPLACE www.garden-logic.com, For Newcomer, it’s allaboutworking In herown Boisegarden, Newcomer’s “We tooktheplantsthatare best The American Gardener. helps gardeners m

TOP: COURTESY OF MARY ANN NEWCOMER. BOTTOM: COURTESY OF THE IDAHO BOTANICAL GARDEN

14 covers usedtoreplace someorallof a thing.Butbe awonderful socanground- beds. Sure, anexpanseofthick grasscan flowing between theherb-infusedraised den, we didn’t wantatraditionallawn W conserving water, energy, and—mostofall—yourtime. can reduceyourfertilizerandmaintenance needsalongwith Replacing someofyourlawnwithwell-chosen groundcovers Alternatives Lawn Alternatives Lawn BY KRISWETHERBEE BY KRISWETHERBEE the American Gardener Mediterranean courtyard gar- designed andinstalledour HEN MY husband andIfirst more interest to our immediatesur- whileadding alot visual effectas turf tilizer, andmowing. out requiring hugeamountsofwater, fer- pathswith- filled inthewide,curvaceous ety oflow-growing thymes thattastefully lawn. Instead ofgrass,we planted avari- “A groundcover canprovide thesame because ofitsversatility,” notesHopkins. and itdoessolve agreat manyproblems “Grassturfgrass. hasitsplaceintheworld eco-friendly alternatives totried-and-true walk onorforornamentalpurposes, are you don’t have tomow? shady areas. Plus, what’s betterthanalawn most ofthemspread easilyinrocky or coverage ofthesoiltoblockoutweeds and sider groundcovers, theyprovide thick power thatequipment. Not tomentiontheenergyrequired to and equipmenttothosewhobuythem.” thefertilizer and gasisusedtotransport Bowden adds,“think ofhow much oil sources such ascoalandiron. “And,” which ismadefrom non-renewable re- tools—requires largequantitiesof steel, mowers, spreaders, edgers,andother as the equipmenttomaintainturf—such Gardens inOrlando, . Producing Bowden, P. director oftheHarry Leu a non-renewable source,” notesRobert lizes significantquantitiesofnaturalgas, grasses does. materials andenergythatcaringforturf- doesn’t consumethehugeamountsof ditionally, caringforgroundcovers birds, ,andsmallmammals.Ad- substitutes provides foodandcover for using appropriate groundcovers aslawn water onceestablished.” and creeping perennials require alotless requires somuchwater. Groundcovers STEPABLES lineofgroundcovers. “Grass Foot Plant Company, notedforits Frances A.Hopkins, president ofUnder A clude low- tono-wateringdays,”says ordinances are changingnationwidetoin- “City tical solutiontowaterconservation. garden offersaprac- spacedevoted toturf eliminating orreducing theamountof commodity inmanyareas ofthecountry, ic Garden inGlencoe, Illinois. herbaceous plantsattheChicagoBotan- stitute ofTechnology andcuratorof Gates, anadjunctprofessor atIllinois In- pact ontheenvironment,” saysGalen roundings andreducing thenegative im- durable groundcover. Thyme makesanattractive,fragrant,and Groundcovers, whethertheyare to If you stillneedmore reasons tocon- uti- manufacturingoffertilizers “The In additiontowater conservation, Because waterhasbecomeaprecious

KAREN BUSSOLINI Above: This front yard of western sedge (Carex praegracilis) provides the look of a traditional lawn with lower maintenance. Right: Rhus aromatica ‘Gro-low’, here with river birch, is an attractive groundcover, especially in fall.

However, most of us could do with less of it—and perhaps enjoy the results more. CHOOSING THE RIGHT GROUNDCOVER When choosing a groundcover for your garden, be sure to factor in your region- al climate, soil type, and landscape needs. Here are some points to consider: ■ What is its primary function? Is curb ap- peal your focus, or do you need a ground- cover that can withstand foot traffic? Groundcovers have varying degrees of dura- bility when it comes to being stepped on. ■ What will the plant look like during winter? Herbaceous perennials die to the ground in winter; evergreen plants stick around throughout the year. ■ Do you want to illuminate a shaded area? to be overrun by the plant, but at the same types, will outcompete weeds better than Plants with pale leaves or flowers will help time you don’t want to be moving to an- slower-growing groundcovers and, as brighten shadowy parts of the garden. other house before the groundcover fills such, may be the best bet for the most ■ Take into account a plant’s growth rate. in.” Some plants take time to establish visible areas of your yard. However, avoid “A groundcover’s sole purpose is to roam while others fill in quickly. More aggres- groundcovers with invasive tendencies. ■ TOP: SAXON HOLT. BOTTOM: DONNA KRISCHAN and cover,” Hopkins says. “You don’t want sive growers, especially mat-forming Is it native or non-native? Native plants

May / June 2011 15 REGIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS FOR LAWN ALTERNATIVES

In my Oregon courtyard garden, personal favorites for lawn alternatives include Verbena ‘Homestead Purple’, woolly yarrow (Achil- lea tomentosa), New Zealand brass buttons ( squalida), Irish or Scotch moss ( subulata), sweet woodruff (Gali- um odoratum), and baby’s tears ( soleirolii). These all do well in USDA Hardiness Zones 8 to 10, AHS Heat Zones 10 to 7, but they might not fare well in cooler regions. So I asked experts from different parts of the country to weigh in on their fa- vorite groundcovers that can be successfully used to reduce or replace lawns. —K.W.

NORTHEAST / MID-ATLANTIC Maine-based Paul Tukey, author of the Organic Lawn Care Manual and founder of SafeLawns.org recommends these high-performing groundcovers. Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) is a beautiful and durable groundcover native to a broad swath of North America. Low-grow- ing and initially somewhat slow-growing, it will eventually form a wide mat. The ‘Vancouver Jade’ is faster growing than the species. Self-sufficient once established, bearberry grows best in part shade. It tolerates wind, can handle slopes, and is suited for areas that get light to moderate foot traffic.

Waldsteinia ternata

those of strawberry. This dense and extremely low-spreading groundcover performs best in light shade to sun. Barrenwort (Epimedium spp.) is a welcome harbinger of spring. This semi-evergreen plant, with its jester-hat flowers, is ideal for any shady area. A number of selections sport fall color. Fragrant sumac (Rhus aromatica ‘Gro-low’) is a native plant with year-round fragrance from its leaves and late, great fall color. It’s wonderful for a larger scale landscape, especially where soil is poor or dry. ‘Gro-low’ grows two to three feet tall and spreads six to eight feet wide. Geranium ✕cantabrigiense is a phenomenal geranium that has long-lasting purplish flowers, fragrant foliage, and fall color. An evergreen perennial, it spreads slowly but wide- Goldmoss sedum (Sedum acre) spreads quickly and is ideal for ly and grows six to eight inches high. walkways because it can take a reasonable amount of foot Japanese pachysandra (Pachysandra terminalis) has its place in traffic. Drought, wind, and salt tolerant, this low-maintenance this rough climate where its evergreen quality and early fragrant plant forms a ground-hugging mat accentuated by bright yel- flowers are a real boon following a long winter. It grows best in low blooms in early summer. It grows best in part to full sun. part shade but withstands heavy shade and tolerates foot traffic. Lemon thyme (Thymus ✕citriodorus) is about as self-sufficient as it gets. It tolerates drought, wind, and sloping terrain. Most NORTHERN CALIFORNIA AND PACIFIC NORTHWEST fragrant and flavorful when grown in dry, lean soil, it prefers Based in Salem, Oregon, Frances A. Hopkins, president of Un- part shade to full sun and produces pink or purple blooms in der a Foot Plant Company, recommends these plants that are early to late summer. Plants may rot where soil is too moist. included in the company’s line of STEPABLES groundcovers. Blue star creeper (Isotoma fluviatilis) is perfect as a lawn sub- MIDWEST stitute or between pavers in part to full sun. Resilient and fast- Galen Gates, curator of herbaceous plants at the Chicago growing, it grows tight to the ground and produces a profusion Botanic Garden in Glencoe, Illinois, offers this list of ground- of tiny blue flowers all summer. covers suited to midwestern gardens. Brass buttons () is a fast-growing lawn sub- Barren strawberry (Waldsteinia ternata) is a semi-evergreen stitute for small areas. Chocolate-purple, fernlike leaves feel with yellow flowers in early spring. Virtually maintenance-free, soft on bare feet, and the mass of tiny, yellow, buttonlike flow-

it forms a dense mat of shiny leaves somewhat resembling ers creates a carpet of color in late spring. It grows best in LEFT: ALAN AND LINDA DETRICK. RIGHT: CATRIONA TUDOR ERLER.

16 the American Gardener part shade and tol- Snow-in-summer (Cerastium tomentosum) is a standout where erates moderate turf struggles, forming a drought-tolerant carpet of silver-gray foot traffic. foliage. It’s a fast grower that tolerates moderate foot traffic Creeping speedwell and produces fragrant flowers in late spring to early summer. (Veronica repens) Sweet woodruff (Galium odoratum) forms a dense, beautifully- ‘Sunshine’ is a textured layer of ornamental foliage. This shade-lover spreads standout selection rapidly when grown in rich soil with abundant moisture. It won’t that has bright yel- tolerate foot traffic so is best grown for visual interest. low, spreading fo- Yellow archangel ( galeobdolon ‘Hermann’s Pride’) liage. It is ever- provides a mound of pleasing textures and variegation for the green in temperate partly shady garden. More behaved than the species, this culti- climates or protect- Leptinella squalida var slowly spreads to form dense clumps heightened by whorls of ed areas. Pearly yellow flowers in spring. It is an excellent nectar and pollen source blue flowers bloom in mid-spring. Best in full sun, its growth rate for honeybees, and tolerates very light foot traffic. is moderate and it tolerates a modest amount of foot traffic. Thymes (Thymus spp.) are excellent groundcovers. Thymus SOUTHEAST serpyllum ‘Elfin’ is a favorite for its tight, solid mat of gray- Robert Bowden, director of the Harry P. Leu Gardens in Or- green foliage that stays put and doesn’t roam beyond its pa- lando, Florida, suggests the following lawn alternatives with in- rameters. Growth rate is slow, but it will take heavy foot traf- teresting foliage and appealing texture. fic, so it’s an ideal choice for filling in the spaces between Asiatic jasmine (Trachelospermum asiaticum) is one of the best stepping stones and pavers. groundcovers for southern gardens. It features a dense, low habit, extreme drought tolerance, and diversity of sizes and colors. SOUTHWEST/MOUNTAINS You can practically plant it and walk away. The cultivar ‘Tri- David Salman, president and chief horticulturist at Santa Fe color’, which Bowden says is a personal favorite, emerges dark Greenhouses Inc. (home of High Country Gardens) in New bronze and then changes to mottled green and white. Mexico offers this list of terrific turf replacements. Lilyturf (Liriope spp.), with its clump-forming habit and tufts of evergreen, grasslike leaves, works great as a smaller-scale groundcover in sun or shade and almost any type of soil. Liri- ope muscari ’Monroe White’ is one of the best selections with its pure white flowers. ‘Emerald Goddess’ and ‘Super Green Giant’ are both resistant to crown rot. Prostrate Japanese plum yew (Cephalotaxus har- ringtonia ‘Prostrata’) is perfect in semi-shade to deep shade. A single specimen of this durable low-growing evergreen will completely blanket a Delosperma ashtonii ‘Blut’‘Blut’ four-foot-by-four-foot area in little time. Ice plant (Delosperma ashtonii ‘Blut’) forms a nice flat mat of Toad lilies (Tricyrtis spp.) evergreen foliage punctuated all summer-long with deep ma- perform differently in the genta-red flowers that are most intensely colored when grown in south than in northern a hot and dry location. Use a gravel mulch to keep crowns dry. climes in that they “colo- This plant is an excellent nectar and pollen source and very nize” or form a low drought tolerant, but cannot withstand foot traffic. groundcover rather than Cephalotaxus harringtonia ‘ Lamb’s ear (Stachys byzantina ‘Countess Helen von Stein’, grow as tall perennials. ‘Prostrata’ syn. ‘Big Ears’) is a dense, mounding, large-leafed version of Their spreading foliage common lamb’s ear prized for its fuzzy, gray-green foliage. It makes them ideal groundcovers for moist areas. Tricyrtis hirta is easily grown in any average to poor garden soil that has good ‘Emperor’ and ‘Variegata’ are brightly-colored selections that

TOP LEFT: LYNNE HARRISON. BOTTOM COURTESY OF HIGH COUNTRY GARDENS. RIGHT: MICHAEL S. THOMPSON drainage. It tolerates drought, but only very light foot traffic. grow best in part to deep shade with rich soil. m

May / June 2011 17 Resources Covering Ground by Barbara Ellis. Storey Publishing, North Adams, Massachusetts, 2007. Perennial Ground Covers by David S. MacKenzie. Timber Press, Portland, Oregon, 1997. The Wild Lawn Handbook: Alterna- tives to the Traditional Front Lawn by Stevie Daniels. Macmillian Publish- ing, New York, New York, 1995. Sources Bluestone Perennials, Madison, OH. (800) 852-5243. www.bluestoneperennials.com. Digging Dog Nursery, Albion, CA. (707) 937-1130. www.diggingdog.com. Forestfarm, Williams, OR. (541) 846-7269. www.forestfarm.com. High Country Gardens, Santa Fe, NM. (800) 925-9387. www.highcountrygardens.com. Stepables, Salem, OR. (503) 581- 8915. www.stepables.com. Well-Sweep Herb Farm, Port Murray, NJ. (908) 852-5390. www.well-sweep.com. Whitney Gardens, Brinnon, WA. (800) 952-2404. www.whitneygardens.com.

done a number of ways. You can use a sod cutter (available from an equipment rental company), remove grass by hand- digging with a spade, or repeatedly roto- Fast-growing blue star creeper stays low to the ground and features blue summer flowers. till the area well in advance so vegetation can decompose. For best results, any that are adapted to your area are more For regional recommendations for hand-digging or rototilling should be likely to resist insects and disease. Non- groundcovers, see pages 16 and 17. done down to a depth of eight to 12 inch- native plants may require more care, and es. Other ways to clear an area of grass for some could be potentially invasive. SITE SELECTION AND PREPARATION groundcover include smothering the ■ Be sure the plant is suited to the condi- Any area where mowing is difficult or turf grass with layers of newspaper under an tions of your site, such as exposure to sun- isn’t doing well is a prime location for try- anchoring cover of compost or grass clip- light, soil type, temperature extremes, and ing a lawn alternative. Common problem pings, and solarizing—baking the grass natural moisture levels. Proper siting will areas include narrow or curvaceous strips with the sun’s heat by covering the area minimize maintenance. of grass between flower beds, difficult-to- with clear plastic sheeting. These last ■ Don’t forget maintenance. Established mow-around objects, shady areas beneath two methods may require several months groundcovers require much less care than trees or shrubs, and places that are hard to to do the job, depending on the time of turf but are not maintenance free. How maintain or not easy to access. year and weather conditions, but they much fertilizing, mowing, weeding, etc. Once you’ve decided on what areas are effective. will each type require and how much are you want to replant with lawn alterna- “It is always important to prepare the you willing to do? Some groundcovers tives, you’ll need to remove turf and soil with adequate quantities of compost

need less maintenance than others. other existing vegetation. This can be and natural or organic fertilizers,” says MICHAEL S. THOMPSON

18 the American Gardener DESIGN TIPS FOR GROUNDCOVERS Once the site is prepared, level the area with a rake and plant soon after, be- ■ Make your alternative lawn more beautiful and cut down on maintenance time fore weeds can resprout or germinate on by grouping plants together that have similar cultural requirements, such as sun, the bare soil. Thoroughly mulching the water, and soil. “Don’t be afraid to experiment,” says Galen Gates. “You can plant soil after planting will help prevent weeds more than one plant in the same location.” from popping through. ■ David Salman suggests planting different species of groundcovers together in Paul Tukey, author of the Organic large patches adjacent to each other for a dramatic effect. Lawn Care Manual and founder of SafeLawns.org—a leading organic-lawn advocacy organization—recommends planting new groundcovers through a layer of newspaper mulch. Simply lay sections of newspaper about six pages thick on the prepared soil, cut openings through it for planting, then cover the newsprint with a two- to three-inch- thick layer of topsoil/compost mixture. “This will keep the rhizomatous weeds from creeping up through the soil while the groundcover is getting established,” says Tukey. “Any weeds that do germi- nate above the newspaper can easily be plucked out.” Tukey also suggests using a weed barri- er placed several inches down into the soil that separates the planting beds from any grass. That way any aggressive ground- covers will be discouraged from overtak- ing the lawn. Large patches of cranesbill and barrenwort together provide a pleasing contrast of textures. ESTABLISHING AND MAINTAINING ■ For the quickest coverage, Frances Hopkins recommends spacing plants accord- GROUNDCOVERS ing to growth speed rather than generalized spacing charts. Fast-growing plants can As with any new planting, give special at- be spaced at 12 inches; some of the slower ones can be spaced at four inches. tention to groundcovers the first year by ■ Extend the seasonal appeal of any groundcover with pops of color by planting providing adequate water during this es- spring- or summer-blooming bulbs in the gaps between plants, where practicable. tablishment phase. Once established, ■ For shady areas with wet, acidic soil, consider a non-traditional groundcover such they will need occasional watering, fer- as moss (For more on growing a moss garden, see “Carefree Moss” in the Novem- tilizing, weeding, and pruning, depend- ber/December 2010 issue of The American Gardener.) Other candidates for these ing on the plant type. conditions include Corsican mint ( requienii), creeping jenny/golden creep- An easy way of deadheading many ing jenny (Lysimachia nummularia; L. nummularia ‘Aurea’), Kenilworth ivy (Cym- groundcovers is to mow them. “Set the balaria muralis), dwarf Himalayan sweetbox (Sarcococca hookeriana var. humilis), lawn mower deck on a high setting so the and sweet woodruff (Galium odoratum). old flowers are removed but not the fo- ■ If the look of grass is important to you, consider these grasses and grasslike liage,” Salman explains. “An early or mid- groundcovers: lilyturf (Liriope spp.), tufted hair grass (Deschampsia caespitosa), spring mowing of the groundcover may fescues (Festuca spp.), mondo grass (Ophiopogon spp.), and sedges (Carex spp.). be needed to remove foliage damaged by Many sedges are tough enough to take foot traffic, and there are numerous species winter and encourage fresh new growth. native to different regions of North America. —K.W. So go ahead and break away from the traditional lawn with groundcovers. The result will surely be anything but ordi- David Salman, president and chief horti- ual herbicides by doing a small test plant- nary. And if all goes as planned, your culturist at Santa Fe Greenhouses, Inc., ing.” If the planting succeeds, then a larg- groundcovers will grow into a thriving home of High Country Gardens in New er area can be turned over to groundcovers. and tantalizing spread of color and texture Mexico. “If the lawn being replaced has If the test planting does not produce posi- that you’ll actually have time to enjoy. m been heavily treated on a long-term basis tive results, it might be necessary to wait a with a ‘weed and feed’ fertilizer/herbicide, year or two for the residual chemicals to A freelance writer and book author, Kris

JERRY PAVIA it might be a good idea to check for resid- dissipate, degrade, or wash away. Wetherbee gardens in Oakland, Oregon.

May / June 2011 19 20 Gardeners next-generation the ageof40answered yes. plants, 64percent ofrespondents under they were growing ortaking care of According to the survey, whenaskedif young peopleare gardening insomeway. of indicated thatasignificantproportion Writers AssociationFoundation (GWAF) released by 2011survey theGarden ruary One promising trend revealed by aFeb- GOING GREEN on thewayAmericagardens. 42—is goingtohave aprofound influence of green thumbs—currently aged18to there’s nodoubtthata growing population Nodustry? onehasadefinitive answer, but ing generationsaffectthegardening in- noteasy.certainly So how willtheupcom- is with theirbaby boomercounterparts tocompare younger gardenersthat trying lawn andgarden industry, acknowledges years ofexperiencetrend-reading inthe tional Gardening Association,who has30 search director attheVermont-based Na- and statistics.Bruce Butterfield, market re- ofsuchgeneralities of theworthlessness you canfindsomeoneequallyconvinced erational stereotypes andmarketing data, things. For adamantadherent ofgen- every rather thanintheirgardens? their plantsinFacebook’s Farmville realitya virtual worldgoingtocultivate information? Are peoplewhogrew upin grow? How dotheygettheirgardening do theygarden? Whatdotheyliketo (those borninthe1980sand’90s).How born inthe1960sand’70s)Gen Y of peoplecategorized asGen X(those ing anddiscussingthegardening habits dening worldhasbeenanxiouslyanalyz- F BY KELLYD.NORRIS Demographics onlyseemtocomplicate the American Gardener hitting retirement age,thegar- baby started boomersofficially OR THELAST several years, as Environmental awareness motivatesmanymembers oftheyoungergenerationto garden. next waveofpotentialgardeners. the habits—andpurchasingpower—of horticultural worldisattemptingtogauge As thebabyboomgenerationages,

RICK WETHERBEE Preplanted mixed containers like these at Molbak’s garden center in Woodinville, Washington, provide novice gardeners with convenience.

For Benjamin Futa, a 21-year-old hor- and locavore. Speculate a little, and it’s in their 20s and 30s, on the other hand, ticulture student at Purdue University in easy to see the future of gardening dove- are more likely to live in apartments or West Lafayette, , gardening was a tailing with an ever-present and palpable townhouses with minimal gardening calling. “Before I even realized it was pos- sustainability movement, itself the prod- space. Tim Hamilton, marketing direc- sible to make it into a profession, I just uct of eco-consciousness and a retro tor for Homestead Gardens, an indepen- wanted to do it,” says Futa, who’s proud “back-to-the-land” movement. dent garden center in Davidsonville, to admit he has been getting dirt under his “We may have trouble wrapping our Maryland, doesn’t see this as something fingernails in one way or another since the heads around saving the rainforests,” says to worry about—yet. When it comes to earnest age of three. Susan McCoy, founder of the Garden under-40 gardeners, he says, “When they Like Futa, many young gardeners now Media Group, a Pennsylvania-based mar- have homes and spaces to garden, we’ll in their 20s and 30s grew up with a pas- keting and public relations firm that spe- see them.” sionate awareness of the environment and cializes in the gardening industry, “but we But other horticulture industry ob- the landscape around them. Optimists clearly can wrap our arms around saving servers caution that it’s not realistic to ex- hope that the activism and energy of a new our own backyards.” pect young people to jump on the generation of environmentally aware gardening bandwagon without a little young Americans may provide the tipping A SPACE AND A PURPOSE encouragement. “Gen Ys want a reason. point for a truly “green” revolution in the Another critical difference between the The benefits of gardening need to be spe- garden industry. Some surmise this revo- younger gardeners and their baby boom cific,” says Paige Worthy, a 20-something lution is already taking place, based on the counterparts is real estate. As a group, professional who handles marketing and latest buzzwords in the marketing lexi- baby boomers tend to live in homes with outreach for the American Nursery and

WOLFGANG KAEHLER con—for example, sustainable, ecological, a fair amount of space to garden. Those Landscape Association, a trade group for

May / June 2011 21 22 a healthy,earthfriendlylifestyle. view growingtheirownfood,right,aspartof popular withGenXandYmemberswho such asSwisschardandpansies,above,are Plants thatarebothedibleandornamental, their firstripe tomato? That’s theeasiest ter-quality food. Andwhodoesn’t love mention thisnotionofbetter-tasting, bet- gardening,” notesButterfield, “not to storm foranincreasewas aperfect in food local asyou canget.“It’s almostasifthere from homegrown produce—about as in pursuitofthehome-cookedmealmade tions before them, are enteringgardening kitchens, young gardeners, likegenera- of localfoodsinrestaurants andhome food culture and the increased promotion percent) was thetopreason cited. old group, growing theirown food(59 growing plants.For the18-to24-year- were thetwomostappealingreasons for and working withnature (62percent) to 40,asenseofsatisfaction(72percent) vey bearsthisout.For gardeners aged25 she adds.TheFebruary 2011GWAF sur- helps themgetintouchwiththeearth,” of gardening,” McCoy says.“Gardening pulling awayfrom conventional methods satisfaction outofgrowing thingsand ing thatyoung peoplegetagreat dealof challenge.“We’reis animportant notic- Finding thespark toignitethatpassion BUILDING BRIDGES,ADDINGVALUE cultivate apassioninourconsumers?” want tojustsellstuffordowe wantto hastoaskitself—dowe industry “The nurseries andlandscapingcompanies. With arapidly changing American the American Gardener Forest Nursery inChapelHill, North den designerandpropagator atCamellia Briennebined,” observes Gluvna, agar- idea ofthepracticalandaestheticcom- with thegarden, “young gardeners likethe ing andgardening.” ation wasfindingabridgebetween cook- first signwe sawthattheyounger gener- as theirgrandfathers.Thatwasreally the to 34were vegetable gardening asmuch 2005,” saysMcCoy. “Young menages18 yard ornot—isgrow alittlefood.” thing you cando—whetheryou have a In additiontoconnectingthekitchen “We noticingthistrend firststarted in bles coupledwithanecologicalaware- tasteful paletteofornamentalsandedi- multi-faceted landscapecompletewitha garden new similar trend.isa “The from Seattle, Washington, hasnoticeda in afoundationratherthanholly.” phlox orDianthus; berries asagroundcover insteadofmoss forasunnysite;straw- plant orrosemary (Camellia sinensis) mentals. For instance,Irecommend tea mixed garden spacethatincludesorna- nator Iseeisediblesweaved throughout a majorcommondenomi- Carolina. “The Rizaniño Reyes, agarden designer figs as‘corner’ features as ashadyfoundation

LEFT: COURTESY OF BONNIE PLANTS. RIGHT: ROB CARDILLO BEYOND PLANTS Aside from the retail arena and landscape design sector, a broad spectrum of horti- cultural organizations ranging from plant societies to garden clubs and botanical gardens is also coming to grips with at- tracting upcoming generations of gar- deners. For these groups, they are finding innovative ways to reach out to younger audiences in order to enhance visitation and woo prospective members. For example, at the Atlanta Botanical Garden (ABG), special events such as Thursday-evening cocktails in the garden in the summer and other programs geared toward young professionals help to attract this crowd to the garden. “Gardening is ex- periential—that’s the key for getting peo- ple interested and excited to learn about plants. We’re focusing on plants through creative programming,” says Mary Pat Matheson, ABG’s executive director. “Marketing the fact that the dogwoods are in bloom isn’t enough, because ballgames, art museums, and other life activities get in the way of our message. We have to com- pete with these other events to be relevant.” PLUGGED-IN GARDENING Communicating and marketing garden- ing is tough when it comes to this uber- plugged-in, yet seemingly unreachable group. Some industry analysts regard breaking through the texting lingo and so- cial networking framework to get the at- tention of Gen X and Gen Y as a challenge Above: Public gardens such as Atlanta akin to cracking a code. Botanical Garden in Georgia are attracting However, as generations of gardeners young professionals with events such as come and go, one thing remains clear— evening cocktail gatherings. Left: Garden gardening is a content-driven business. blogger Richardson sees social media as “Gardeners of all ages are hungry for in- a way to connect with likeminded co-horts. formation,” says Heims. “We don’t have to throw all the information at them at once, ness,” he says. Because of this, he believes but if they want more, we need to have it “it’s important that horticulturists con- available. That’s where the digital world tinue to discover and develop plants that saves the day.” are useful, vigorous, manageable, and It might seem obvious that younger beautiful in the landscape.” gardeners would naturally gravitate toward And indeed, the horticultural indus- getting their gardening information on- try is working hard on providing plants line. Yet the GWAF survey indicated that with added value. For example, Dan only 44 percent of gardeners under 40 Heims, owner of Terra Nova Nurseries, search for gardening information online. an Oregon-based plant development By contrast, according to the survey, 87 company, says “We focus a lot on plants percent of gardeners under 40 say they re- with great foliage because they give a lot ceived gardening information from friends more show than plants that bloom for or family and 69 percent come by garden-

TOP: COURTESY OF ATLANTA BOTANICAL GARDEN. BOTTOM: KELLY D. NORRIS just a few weeks.” ing know-how from books.

May / June 2011 23 That’s not to say that the garden world PASSION FOR SALE shouldn’t be investing in a vibrant presence Hamilton, as well as several other indus- in the digital world that the vast majority try insiders, believes the garden industry of Gen X and Y members occupy as some could take a lesson from the food scene, part of their daily lives. “Young gardeners which has evolved tremendously in the are using social media the way previous last two decades in this country thanks to generations stuck their head over the fence the popularity of personalities such as to chat with their neighbor,” says Fern Emeril Lagasse and Rachael Ray. Cook- Richardson, a garden blogger at lifeonthe- ing shows, foodie magazines, and the balcony.com. “We’re sharing our success- companies that sponsor them have made es and failures, asking for and receiving cooking and eating an intrinsic part of gardening help, and offering up extra divi- people’s overall lifestyle. The same model sions, seeds, and produce.” could be applied to gardening. To keep up with this kind of immedi- But whether it’s improving the aesthet- acy, printed media also needs to adapt to ics of a house or growing homegrown the needs of younger generations. For ex- fruits and veggies, the common factor in ample, Joseph Tychonievich, a doctoral Smartphones and mobile technology have all horticultural experiences is plants. One student in horticulture at Michigan State made it easy to instantly access gardening encouraging result of the February 2011 University who writes a garden blog at information from any location. GWAF survey is that under-40 gardeners greensparrowgardens.com, says, “I don’t appear to have a broad interest in plants, want to pick up a garden magazine to read a widespread community of friends and ac- with flowers, vegetables, and herbs topping things that are old and tired or to get basic quaintances. Smartphones can scan bar- out as favorites, closely followed by trees details. A magazine should be my conduit codes on plant tags to get additional and shrubs. However, catering to this di- to things that are off my radar.” information at once, or download any of verse market without overwhelming new, Technology is certainly revolutionizing the dozens of garden-related apps. “Hav- younger gardeners can be a fine balance. the way gardening information can be de- ing information at your fingertips means “Intimidation drives customers away, livered. People can download YouTube greater success in gardening,” says Hamil- and then we’ve lost an opportunity to work videos that show how to prune roses or cre- ton. “The availability of information will with them,” says industry analyst Lloyd ate a rain garden. Social networking sites really continue to open up this industry Traven. For instance, botanical names and are enabling gardeners to ask questions of and give gardeners the knowledge edge.” horticultural jargon can be turn-offs, says McCoy of the Garden Media Group. “They don’t want to walk into a garden center and feel foolish because they can’t pronounce the name of the plant,” says McCoy. “With new gardeners, you can’t get too bogged down in the particulars— they just want to know how to do it.” When it comes to shopping for plants, members of Gen X and Y tend to have a solutions-based attitude—the de- sire for something colorful on the patio or plants for a wet spot in the backyard. Perhaps as a result, pre-designed gardens and pre-planted containers have become popular options as a way to ease these newcomers into gardening. “They want to come in, get wowed, ex- cited, and leave ready to dig,” says Traven. “Those customers come in for a reason and buy something that fulfills a need— it’s passion for sale.” m

A Gen-Y himself, Kelly D. Norris is work- ing on a Master’s degree in horticulture at While younger generations may be more plugged into technology than baby boomers, they Iowa State University. He is also manager of still prefer learning about gardening from friends and family, like this intergenerational Rainbow Iris Farms and editor of Irises, the

community-garden group in Waukesha, . bulletin of the American Iris Society. TOP: MARY YEE. BOTTOM: DONNA KRISCHAN

24 the American Gardener Step-by-step instructions for A season-by-season guide to a essential gardening techniques sustainable kitchen garden

Available wherever books are sold

MUST-HAVE REFERENCES FROM THE AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY

“You’ll find step-by-step instructions for pruning, watering, “The book’s sumptuous tone, instructive photographs, propagating; information about all categories of plants… and detailed directions should give beginning gardeners the sections on organic techniques and recycling; and how to enthusiasm and confidence to get started and treat pests and disease…. Consider it a plant-lover’s mutual organizationally challenged old-timers a sigh of relief that fund—a little of this and little of that, in a dandy they won’t have to figure out what to do next.” investment.” —Publisher’s Weekly —Ginny Smith, Philadelphia Inquirer

• Learn how to plan and create • Advice on planning, setting an entire garden, from marking up, and designing your garden out the space to growing • Expert, earth-friendly delicious fruits and vegetables techniques for successfully • Ten easy-to-read chapters tell growing and harvesting herbs, you everything you need to fruits, and vegetables know about sowing, watering, • Suggestions on the best crop fertilizing, propagating, and varieties for different regions more • Handy charts for when to sow • More than 200 step-by-step seeds and harvest illustrations • More than 300 photographs Hardcover: $45 480 pages Hardcover: $32.50 304 pages

View an excerpt from Homegrown Harvest at For more information on these and other www.ahs.org. AHS books, visit www.ahs.org/books. Foresters from the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station amid a stand of 50-year-old American chestnuts in Harwinton, Connecticut, in1910. Foresters fromthe ConnecticutAgriculturalExperiment Stationamidastandof50-year-old AmericanchestnutsinHarwinton, Connecticut, 26 efforts ofscientiststosavetheAmericanchestnut treehavepaidoff. Mark yourcalendarforabout50yearsfromnow. Bythen, we’llknowforsurewhetherthededicated U proportions, 25 percent or moreforests, ofthe sickened anddied. ecologist Douglas Tallamy describesas“overnight, ecologically”—four billion chestnuttrees ofenormous sistant toit,butAmerican chestnutshadnosuchimmunity. In under50years—a periodoftimethatwildlife forests upon arrivingonAmerican shores. Asianchestnutshadevolved togetherwiththeblightandwere re- tained heightsofupto100feet.Theywere, however, nomatchfortheblight,which rippedthrough the AAiCt h the American Gardener m dentata) ica from Asiasometimeinthelate19thorearly20thcentury, theAmericanchestnut BLIGHT CHESTNUT NTIL was akingoftheeasterndeciduous forest. Mature trees lived forhundreds ofyears andat- e r ica , a deadlyandpersistentfungaldisease,wasintroduced toNorth Amer- f

n e Chest n ut BY MARTYROSS (Castanea

COURTESY OF CONNECTICUT AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION nuts died, “starvation was rampant among RESTORATION CHESTNUTS the big vertebrates,” he says. After decades of research, scientists are Today, in the natural range of the optimistic that a solution is at hand. The American chestnut, along the Ap- American Chestnut Foundation (TACF) palachian Mountains from Maine to has developed new hybrids by crossing Georgia, gigantic chestnut trees live only the otherwise sturdy genes of American as legends. Chestnut trees are not extinct: chestnuts with those of blight-resistant You can still find them growing in the Chinese chestnuts (Castanea mollissima), woods, but they exist predominantly as and these hybrids are being re-intro- shoots that have sprung up from the duced to forests in the chestnut’s original roots of blighted trees. These new trees native range. Re-inventing a tree takes may live 10 to 15 years, but they are also time: Frederick Hebard, chief scientist of fated to succumb to blight. TACF, which was founded in 1983 to re-

Top: Forests filled with dead American chestnut trees, like this one in North Carolina, were a common sight in the early 20th century. Above: The native range of the tree, shown in green on the map, originally spanned a large part of the eastern United States.

The death of these chestnuts was a pro- found loss, says Tallamy, professor of en- tomology and wildlife ecology at the University of and the author of Bringing Nature Home. “We lost a won- derful lumber tree, but ecologically, the loss of chestnuts changed the ability of the for- est to support the food web,” he says. Ac- cording to Tallamy, chestnuts supported hundreds of species of insects, which sup- port large populations of birds. The trees provided food for deer, bears, turkeys,

TOP LEFT: COURTESY OF NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL LIBRARY. BOTTOM USGS. RIGHT: MARK TURNER grouse, and other . When chest- American chestnuts produce masses of white summer blooms followed by burry fruits.

May / June 2011 27 28 can hybridswere produced by abreeding change, andit’s exciting,” very hesays. until 20years later. “It’s atremendous not produced andplantedinthewoods blight-resistant Americanchestnutwas nization since1989,andasufficiently woods, hasbeenworking withtheorga- store thechestnuttoitsplacein tanea sativa), tanea fairly talltrees,buteventually they,inturn,willbekilledbytheblight. main aliveandcontinuetoproduce newshoots.Theseshootsmaybecome collar oritsroots.Thuswhile thetopofaninfectedtreedies,itsrootsre- fissure orcrack.Interestingly, chestnutblightdoesnotattackatree’sroot occurs naturallywhenthetrees reachacertainageandthebarkbeginsto rain—enters treesthroughwoundsorbreaksinthebark,a phenomenon that pathogen—which istransferredbyinfectedwood,insects, birds,wind,or the barkandthusdestroyingatree’sconduitforwater nutrients.The the barkoftrunkandbranches.Overtime,cankers spread,killing yellowish toorange-coloredcankers—patchesofdeadtissue—to formon are highlysusceptibletothedisease,whichcauseseither swollen orsunken is minimal.Americanchestnut chestnut parasitica) Endothia Chestnut blightiscausedbyafungus CHESTNUT BLIGHT: ANINSIDIOUSFOE These tough,new, almost all-Ameri- the American Gardener (Castanea mollissima) (Castanea and anumberofotherNorthAmericanforesttrees,however, native toAsia,whereitseffectontheChinese (Castanea dentata), (Castanea and Japanesechestnut —Mary Yee, Managing Editor and Art Director Art and Editor Managing Yee, —Mary (Cryphonectria parasitica, (Cryphonectria with Chinesechestnut,above. hybridized bycrossingAmericanchestnut blight-resistant chestnutthathehas of theAmericanChestnutFoundationwitha Left: ChestnutresearcherFrederickHebard eastern United States. forests andcityparks throughout the them are beingplantedinnational chestnut trees ofthefuture: thousands of cent Americanchestnut.Theseare the bridizing later, isatree thatis93.75per- back toAmericanchestnuts. chestnuts andthencrossing theprogeny with pairingsofAmericanandChinese technique calledbackcrossing, starting The result, sixgenerationsofhy- European chestnut( (Castanea crenata) (Castanea formerly Cas- telltale signsof chestnut blight. The trunkofthisAmericanchestnut bearsthe sent almost40years ofwork, saysLucille These all-Americanintercrosses repre- American chestnuts. only withsurviving blight-resistant chestnuttrees, working dation (ACCF) has produced promising American ChestnutCooperators’ Foun- also working tosave thechestnut.The In additiontoTACF, othergroups are BREEDINGEFFORTS OTHER test,” saysHebard. bulk ofthecanopy. “That’s theultimate above theforest floorandmakingupthe they are onceagaintowering 100feet the heightoftrees themselves—when comeback willeventually bemeasured in it theabilitytorestore itself.” Weout humanintervention. wanttogive the tree alegup, toperpetuateitselfwith- TACF. todoisgive we are trying “What Burhans,time,” saysBryan president of ecology work, organismschangeallthe “restoration chestnuts.” the blightresistance ofAsianspecies, characteristic ofAmericanchestnutsbut which have thearrow-straight growth Virginia. TACF hybrids, callsthenew search farmintheShenandoah Valley of in Pennsylvania andVermont, andare- Asheville, North Carolina, regional offices TACF, in whichhasitsheadquarters dan, director ofcommunicationsfor not fortheimpatient,”saysMeghan Jor- The successofthemightychestnut’s you lookatthewaynature and “When “It’s alongprocess—tree breeding is

TOP LEFT: COURTESY OF TACF. TOP RIGHT: COURTESY OF CONNECTICUT AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION. BOTTOM: COURTESY OF JOE SCHIBIG Sources The American Chestnut Cooperators’ Foundation, www.accf-online.org. The American Chestnut Foundation, www.acf.org. American Chestnut Restoration Project, www.fs.fed.us/r8/chestnut. Burnt Ridge Nursery & Orchards, Inc., Onalaska, WA. (360) 985-2873. www.burntridgenursery.com. Chestnut Growers of America, www.wcga.net. Oikos Tree Crops, Kalamazoo, MI. (616) 624-6233. www.oikostreecrops.com. Resources American Chestnut: The Life, Death, and Rebirth of a Perfect Tree by Susan Freinkel. University of California Press, Berkeley, California, 2007.

“Most of the trees I’m carrying forward are with original blight resistance from Japanese chestnuts,” Anagnostakis says, “but I also have a bunch with Chinese, and what I’m doing now is combining them.” Every cross, every generation con- tributes to the body of research. American chestnut trees will never be totally resistant to blight, she says, “but we hope trees will be able to cope with it.”

Gary Griffin of the American Chestnut Cooperators’ Foundation (ACCF) collects a crop of nuts A MULTI-PRONGED APPROACH from a 10-year-old American chestnut that is being grown and evaluated for blight resistance. Chestnut scientists are also working The nuts are distributed to ACCF members to plant and further evaluate. with biological controls. A viral disease of the blight fungus has proven effective Griffin, executive director of the ACCF, Naturally, setbacks occur. “It appears at slowing down the blight. Fungal which is headquartered near Blacksburg, that there may be several types of blight re- strains containing the virus (which can’t Virginia. Her husband, Gary, president sistance,” Griffin says, “and improvement exist outside the fungus), are grown in of the ACCF, conducts chestnut research in the next generation depends upon com- the lab and ground up in a blender to and teaches forest pathology at Virginia bining two chestnuts with the same kind create an inoculant. Anagnostakis uses Tech. Their organization has been dis- of blight resistance.” the inoculant as part of her research, ap- tributing seeds grown in orchards of Many scientists and researchers have plying it to trees with blight cankers or blight-resistant mother trees since 1985. dedicated their entire careers to the leg- to the stumps of afflicted trees from “The chestnut is not yet saved, be- endary forest tree. Sandra Anagnostakis whose roots new shoots are sprouting. cause the inheritance of blight resistance has been working on chestnut breeding The treatment is complicated. The idea among the progeny of two blight-resis- and blight resistance at the Connecticut is to spread the virus through the fun- tant parents cannot yet be guaranteed,” Agricultural Experiment Station in New gus population and stop it cold, but Griffin says. But, in the same way that Haven since the 1960s. Japanese chestnuts chestnut blight spreads faster than the careful breeding can improve disease re- (Castanea crenata) seem to be more vig- virus, and some strains of blight can re- sistance in roses, selecting chestnuts for orous in Connecticut’s climate than Chi- sist it altogether. blight resistance increases the chances nese species, she says, but, as a cautious In addition to the blight, there are sev- that new generations will be able to sur- scientist, she has not limited her research eral other threats to the population of

COURTESY OF ACCF vive the blight. to one species. American chestnuts. Anagnostakis is

May / June 2011 29 Above: Fred Hebard and a ognize the cultural, horticultural, and ge- volunteer examine the flowers netic importance of heirloom vegetables. of an inoculated chestnut at New family farms and urban agriculture TACF’s Meadowview Research movements are also bringing plants back Farm in Virginia’s Shenandoah into perspective, and the growth of inter- Valley. Right: TACF volunteers est in heirloom livestock farming plays a plant chestnut seedlings at the part in promoting the connections be- farm, protecting them from tween people and place, culture and geog- wildlife with yellow tubing. raphy, environment and identity. working with colleagues to de- THE POWER OF THE PAST velop chestnuts that resist ink Although chestnuts—being forest disease, a root blight persistent trees—never figured as prominently in in the southern part of the the lives and experience of modern gar- chestnut’s range. Trees are also deners as the American elm trees that vulnerable to extreme weather, once formed stately canopies over our browsing deer, or competition from other garden, some roses show more resistance city streets before Dutch elm disease trees or weeds. Gall wasps, introduced in than others; in the woods or in the rows of wiped them out, they still have a place in the 1970s on imported chestnuts, can also a chestnut farm, some trees stand out for our collective consciousness. Chestnuts weaken or kill American chestnut trees. their ability to resist the blight. were harvested for city markets, where Scientists working on restoring chest- The new chestnuts have an advantage they were roasted and sold on the streets nuts hope the trees they are planting will over their ancestors in that they are grow- in the fall. They were an important part be tough enough to survive the challenges ing up in a world in which ecological of the diet of farm families, especially in of living in nature. It’s like black spot on awareness has sharpened sensitivity to the lean times. Rot-resistant chestnut lumber roses: getting rid of the fungus that causes role of single species within communities. was used for beams, fences, telephone black spot is not going to be possible, but Scientists are collaborating to preserve the poles, and railroad ties. a healthy rose can resist or tolerate it, and genetic diversity of the planet by creating In literature, Henry Wadsworth

grow and bloom in spite of it. In any rose gene banks and seed banks. Gardeners rec- Longfellow’s poem “The Village Black- COURTESY OF TACF (2)

30 the American Gardener tree embraced a frontier American chestnuts outside the native community that had grown range grows on 60 acres in LaCrosse, up around it. Wisconsin. These trees are the progeny In 1946, when Mel of seeds said to have been planted by a Torme and Robert Wells settler late in the 1800s. Blight was found wrote The Christmas Song here in the 1980s, however, and the trees (better known by its opening have since been treated with the blight- line, “Chestnuts roasting on attacking virus. an open fire”), American chestnuts were almost gone, HOW GARDENERS CAN HELP but the song has given chest- You don’t have to be a scientist to grow nuts almost mythical senti- an American chestnut tree. The Ameri- mental value, even for can Chestnut Foundation sells pure people who have never seen, American chestnut seedlings, along with let alone roasted, a chestnut. lots of advice on how to grow them. In “That’s what drives it,” time, these trees can be expected to die of Large American chestnuts were still being says arborist and native tree expert Guy blight, Jordan says, but planting them harvested for timber in the Great Smoky Sternberg of the dedicated efforts to preserves the genetic stock of American Mountains of Tennessee in the 1920s. This bring back the American chestnut. “If chestnuts, gives growers an opportunity way of life would disappear soon after. what we lost were mosquitoes or chig- to learn about chestnuts, and—if you gers, well, there would be less interest.” plant more than one tree—to harvest a smith” makes reference to a “spreading Sternberg, founder of Starhill Forest crop of nuts. Hardy in USDA Zones 5–8 chestnut tree”—although some experts Arboretum in Illinois and author of Na- and heat tolerant in AHS Zones 8–5, the suggest that tree was actually a horse tive Trees for North American Landscapes, trees grow quickly, and bear nuts within chestnut (Aesculus sp.), not an American feels that the future of American chest- three to five years. chestnut. Regardless, the famous lines nuts may lie outside their original native TACF also makes backcross restora- from this poem evoke the comforting range, in areas where the blight has not tion chestnut seeds available to con- shade of long ago and a time when a great yet penetrated. The largest stand of tributing supporters. Growing these chestnuts “gives people a chance to be a part of a national science experiment,” COUNTING ON NUTS Jordan says. It will take time to build Most people have never tasted a nut from an American chestnut tree. The nut crop confidence in the new trees, but, at the can be prodigious, but the nuts are small—about 100 nuts to the pound. Chest- moment, Jordan adds, “we have a very nuts sold in American markets are considerably larger and are likely to be from good product to start testing.” These hybrids of European trees represent “the end of the beginning” and Japanese chestnut of the return of the chestnut tree. trees. These nuts need Japanese TACF has established a system of state to cure for a couple of chestnut chapters and cooperates with the U.S. For- weeks after harvest be- est Service, the National Park Service, uni- fore they are ready to versities, arboreta, and other organizations. eat. Fall is their season. “The power of volunteers will be critical” “To many people American to the future of American chestnuts, chestnut there is nothing better Burhans says. than an American American chestnuts are not expected to chestnut,” says Dennis Fulbright, a professor of plant pathology at Michigan State become a cash crop for orchard growers, University who has worked to save the American chestnut trees in Wisconsin. “You and no one is harvesting American chest- can eat an American chestnut right off the tree, and it is almost like a Lifesaver, nut hybrids for timber, Anagnostakis says. it is so sweet.” The true harvest of these efforts to restore Even as scientists have struggled to reintroduce blight-resistant American chestnut chestnuts, Burhans says, is in the awareness trees, demand for chestnuts has grown. Fulbright is one of the champions of Asian of the ecological importance of the species. chestnuts as an American orchard crop. American-grown Asian chestnut hybrids are “More trees is better,” Jordan adds. “From coming along, he says, and chestnuts are grown commercially in Michigan, Pennsyl- the environmental perspective, that’s the vania, Oregon, Florida, California, and , among other states. bottom line.” m Chestnuts are fast-growing trees and produce nuts after three to five years; it takes seven years to harvest a pecan crop, and five years for walnuts. A 10-year-old chest- Marty Ross is a freelance garden journalist nut tree, says Fulbright, may produce 80 pounds of nuts. —M.R. and blogger who gardens in Missouri and in

TOP: GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK LIBRARY / COURTESY OF TACF. BOTTOM: CONNECTICUT AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION Virginia.

May / June 2011 31 32 Blazing Stars Blazing Stars Flowers,” page 36). usefulness ascut flowers (see“Great Cut sistance todrought anddeer, and andbees,re-linators suchasbutterflies late summertofall,attractiveness topol- during thatmuch-neededperiod from deners, thebenefitsinclude flowers preciate themerits ofthisgenus.For gar- state orhave aprairie-stylegarden toap- ican prairienatives. the moststrikingandbeautifulofAmer- and restoring prairies sincethe1970s,and Diboll shouldknow. He’s beencreating Prairie Nursery inWestfield, Wisconsin. “A But you don’t have tolive inaprairie the American Gardener species andcultivars are among founder andpresident of !” saysNeil Diboll, H, LIATRIS, what alovely pollen-seeking insects inthisgarden. ‘Alba’ serveas abeaconfornectar-and Candlelike spikesofmassed drought, resistdeer, andlook variety ofpollinators,tolerate late-summer color, attracta These adaptableAmerican perennial wildflowersoffer BY BARBARAPERRYLAWTON great inavase. Liatris up thestem. near thebase,decreasing insize astheygo closely spacedlinearleaves thatare largest Great Plains habitats.Erect stemsbear droughts initsprairieand genus survive underground storageorgansthathelpthe nials thatgrow from —thickened referring tothegenus asawhole. going tousethenameblazingstarswhen For Iam thepurposesofthisarticle, er, purplepoker, and buttonsnakeroot. Among theseare blazingstars,gayfeath- by several evocative commonnames. known collectively—and individually— tris thirds ofNorth America,thegenusLia- Native primarilytotheeasterntwo- ROOTS PRAIRIE All blazingstarsare herbaceousperen- and itsthree dozen orsospeciesare

ROB CARDILLO group of creatures known as flower . Several species of flower ( spp.) feed exclusively on Liatris species. “The flowers of all species are at- tractive to butterflies, their primary pol- linators, and—to a lesser extent—to bumblebees,” says Trager. The genus also has an interesting his- tory of medicinal use by Native American tribes (for more on this, see the web spe- cial, “Liatris as Medicinals,” linked to this article on the AHS website, www.ahs.org). OUTSTANDING SPECIES The dense blazing star or prairie gayfeath- er (Liatris spicata, USDA Hardiness Zones 4–9, AHS Heat Zones 9–1) is native to moist prairies throughout much of eastern North America. Arguably the most popu- lar species, it is the one most commonly available at plant nurseries. Plants thrive in ordinary garden soil, typically growing two to four feet tall. They provide a strong ver- tical accent in the summer border when their long-lasting, 18- to 28-inch spikes of pink-purple flowers open. Mary Walters, president and co- founder of Great Garden Plants, an online plant company (www.GreatGardenPlants. com), grew up and worked in a family- owned perennial nursery where she often watched butterflies gathering on field- grown blazing stars. “I’m especially fond of Liatris spicata ‘Kobold Original’, which at 15 inches tall provides a good uniform look in the landscape,” she says. Other outstanding selections of dense Prairie blazing star will thrive in a moist garden site and is well suited to a meadow planting. blazing star include the elegant ‘Floristan White’ and ‘Floristan Violet’, both strong Blazing stars flower from July through starting at the top of the spike and pro- bloomers that grow three to four feet tall. October, depending upon the species, gressing downward, which is the opposite Among Neil Diboll’s favorites for a growing region, and weather conditions. of what occurs in most linear flowers. combination of beauty, adaptability, and The individual flowers—which come in value to birds and butterflies is prairie blaz- shades of purple, rosy pink, and white— WILDLIFE ATTRACTORS ing star (, Zones 3–9, are tubular with five lobes and two thread- In addition to their ornamental value, 9–2). “This clay-loving denizen of medi- like styles that protrude from the . blazing stars serve as a valuable food um to moist prairie puts on a midsummer Each is composed of 12 to 40 source for a wide variety of birds and in- display that upstages other prairie flowers,” individual flowers crowded together on sects, including bees, butterflies, and says Diboll. An inhabitant of prairies from long terminal spikes. moths. “Liatris, with their spikes of ma- Wisconsin to Texas, it has 18-inch long, Blazing star come in two genta-tinged pink flowers, are a striking bright purple flowerheads that combine distinct forms. The most common garden component of any wild habitat and a well with wild quinine (Parthenium inte- types have columnar spikes that are solid- welcome addition in the garden,” says grifolium), nodding pink onion ( ly filled with flowers; other species have James Trager, a biologist at the Missouri cernuum), queen of the prairie (Filipendu- flowers arranged in buttonlike clusters Botanical Garden’s Shaw Nature Reserve la rubra), and showy grasses such as prairie that are more widely spaced along the near St. Louis. Well known for attracting dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis). It can stem. In both forms, the individual flow- monarchs and other butterflies, blazing grow to five feet tall, and may need stak-

COURTESY OF JAMES TRAGER ers have the unusual habit of opening stars also are food for the larvae of a ing. Selections include ‘Eureka’, which is

May / June 2011 33 34 says. In additiontoattractingavariety of sandysoil,”Dibollstar thrives insuperdry the steminlatesummer. “Rough blazing ing smallrounded clustersofbloomsalong It hasabuttonlikeinflorescence, produc- Rocky Mountains totheAtlantic Ocean. statefrom theeasternfoothillsof every pera, blazing starorbuttonsnakeroot stalks, andwhite-flowered ‘Alba’. noted foritsdensereddish-purple flower Another ofDiboll’s favorites isrough the American Gardener Zones 3–9,9–1).It isnative innearly (Liatris as- ing taproot that helps it survive droughts.ing taproot thathelpsitsurvive about 18inchestall,andhasadeep-reach- better known Texas. It thanthe isconsiderablyshorter swathe ofthecentralUnited States to dian provinces souththrough awide species, stretching from thecentralCana- broadest native rangeofany punctata, goldfinches in the fall. itproduces seedsthatdraw butterflies, Snakeroot ordottedgayfeather Zones 3–9,9–1)hasamongthe L. spicata, only reaching (Liatris Liatris butterflies, includingmonarchs. blazing star,above,attractsmanykindsof swath of centralNorth America. Meadow Dotted gayfeather,left,isnativetoabroad duces buttonlike inflorescences. It grows (, Like LESSER-KNOWN SPECIES plant for wildlife.” wonderful years—it putsonagreat displayandisa relatively short-lived—three tofive tember seeds.Diboll notesthat“although the flowers andfinchesfeedon theSep- tall. Monarch swarmaround butterflies late summer;plantsgrow oneto three feet ple flowers pedicelsin displayed onshort slightly moistsoilandproduces rose-pur- Mexico. It grows bestinrich,mediumto southern New tonorthern 8–3), aperennial thatgrows wildfrom blazing star(, of several garden books. Plant Stuff inNew York Cityandauthor net,” saysEllen Zachos, owner ofAcme like all clay,soils, includingmybackyard dry and, ant, deerresistant, doeswell inarangeof plantistough,drought toler- long. “This columnar spikesgrowing to12inches needlelike leaves, are borneondense, Its purpleflowers, interspersedwith Diboll alsohasasoft spotformeadow , Liatris, is a butterfly andbeemag- is abutterfly Zones 3–8,8–3)pro- northern blazing star northern Zones 3–8,

LEFT: MARK TURNER. RIGHT: DONNA KRISCHAN Sources Great Garden Plants, www.GreatGardenPlants.com. Missouri Wildflowers Nursery, Jeffer- son City, MO. (573) 496-3492. www.mowildflowers.net. Niche Gardens, Chapel Hill, NC. (919) 967-0078. www.nichegdn.com. Prairie Moon Nursery, Winona, MN. (507) 452-1362. www.prairiemoonnursery.com. Prairie Nursery, Westfield, WI. (800) 476-9453. www.prairienursery.com. We-Du Nurseries, Marion, NC. (828) 738-8300. www.we-du.com. Resources Field Guide to Indiana Wildflowers by Kay Yatskievych. Indiana University Press, Bloomington, Indiana, 2000. Gardening with Prairie Plants by Sally Wasowski. University of Min- nesota Press, Minneapolis, MN, 2002. Herbaceous Perennial Plants (third edition) by Allan M. Armitage. Stipes Publishing, Champaign, Illinois, 2009. Wildflowers by Doug Ladd. Falcon Publishing, Helena, , 1995. Wild Ones – Natural Landscapers, P.O. Box 1274, Appleton, WI 54912. (920) 730-3986. Although relatively short in the wild—where it is now rare—New England blazing star can www.for-wild.org. grow up to two feet tall in favorable garden settings.

two to four feet tall, bearing clusters of only about 12 inches tall. But under favor- The cusp, narrow-leaf, or Texas blazing purple-pink flowers in late summer. able conditions in the garden it can grow star (Liatris mucronata, Zones 6–9, 10–6) “These showy and beautiful flowers lend to two feet, bearing branched stalks of occurs in limestone glades and dry prairies still another tint to the many hued salt fluffy, reddish purple flowers from late of the mid-southern United States. It marshes and glowing inland meadows of summer to fall. It thrives in dry, sandy soils. forms wide, spreading clumps two to three the ailing year,” wrote Mrs. William Starr The small-headed blazing star (Liatris feet tall that produce purple blooms from Dana in How to Know the Wild Flowers microcephala, Zones 5–8, 8–5) is a multi- mid- to late summer. With its tolerance (Charles Scribner’s & Sons, 1893). A se- stemmed native of the southeastern Unit- for dry soils it is another good choice for lection named ‘September Glory’ has ed States. It has a far more delicate habit rock gardens. deep purple flowers. than most previously mentioned selec- Another plant of dry, rocky prairies, New England blazing star (L. scariosa tions, growing only one-and-a-half to two scaly blazing star (, Zones var. novae-angliae, Zones 3–7, 7–3) is a feet tall, and producing wispy tassels of 5–9, 9–5) can be found growing through- botanical variety of this species native to rose-purple to lavender blooms in late out the southern half of the tallgrass the sand barrens and coastal plains of the summer and early fall. It tolerates drought, prairie region. It produces fuzzy, button- northeastern United States. In the wild, performing best in sandy, dry soils or in a like clusters of red-violet blooms, openly

SUSAN A. ROTH where it is now considered rare, it grows well-drained rock garden. spaced along the stem. It is one of the ear-

May / June 2011 35 GREAT CUT FLOWERS liest Liatris species to bloom, and its ceous perennials, such as black-eyed Susans flower display continues throughout (Rudbeckia spp.) and coneflowers (Echi- In a vase, either alone or with a selection summer. Its multiple, unbranched stems nacea spp). Blazing stars also pair well with of other fresh flowers, flower spikes of grow one to three feet tall. native grasses such as little bluestem Liatris spicata, the species most com- Grass-leaved blazing star (Liatris pi- (Schizachyrium scoparium) and prairie monly grown as a cut flower, make a dra- losa, syn. L. graminifolia, Zones 5–9, dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis), a com- matic statement. Blazing star flower 9–5) is a native of the coastal plains from pact, one-foot-tall, clumping grass that stalks also are excellent subjects for dry- to Alabama. This summer bears ornamental seed heads. ing. Air dry them by hanging them up- bloomer only grows about 12 inches tall, Because of their erect, vertical habit, side down in a ventilated area at room producing thin spikes of purple-pink most blazing stars take up very little space temperature for a couple of weeks. They flowers. and thus are suitable for even small gar- are then ready to include in long-lasting arrangements. Fresh blazing star flower spikes should last up to two weeks if properly

‘Floristan Violet’ is a popular cut flower.

cared for. Check water level daily. Re- cut the stems every three to four days. The flower spikes of blazing star In a sunny garden site, blazing stars mingle well with other tough, drought-tolerant native grow on stems that can be as long as perennials, including purple coneflowers (Echinacea purpurea) and beebalm (Monarda didyma). 30 inches or more. They are unusual in that the flower spikes open from the LIATRIS IN THE LANDSCAPE dens. Smaller species and selections can be top down, unlike most linear flowers, In his classic Jewels of the Plains (1983), grown in large containers, where they pro- where the bottom florets open first. Claude Barr wrote that blazing stars “lav- vide a handsome vertical accent for short Since the florets form all around the ishly contribute strong purple or rose-pur- and medium-tall annuals, perennials, and stems, they will make arrangements ple to late summer landscapes and the foliage favorites. that are equally attractive from any garden. The color, clear and beautiful, is side. Popular blazing star varieties for accentuated by transmitted and reflected GROWING BLAZING STARS cut flowers include ‘Floristan Violet’, light.” All of the taller Liatris species, par- The major requirement for successfully ‘Floristan White’, ‘Gloriosa’ (purple), ticularly those with dense, columnar flower growing any blazing star is a site in full sun. ‘September Glory’ (purple), and ‘White spikes, serve as strong vertical accents in or- Most thrive in poor to average soils. If over- Spires’. Harvest blazing star stems in namental beds and borders. They are as fertilized, they are inclined to grow too tall the morning when three to four florets beautiful and useful in native gardens as and flop over. During the first year of have opened. —B.P.L. they are in more formal plantings. Com- growth, water blazing stars regularly so

bine them with other American herba- they can develop strong, deep-spreading LEFT: MARK TURNER. RIGHT: JERRY PAVIA

36 the American Gardener In this informal Pacific Northwest landscape designed by Cassie Picha, spiky blazing stars offer a pleasant counterpoint to the pale, immature, rounded flowerheads of sedums and the daisylike yellow flowers of black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia sp.).

roots. Once established, they should only them in flats. Seeds require cold condi- when watering in order to reduce the po- need supplemental water during unusual- tioning, or stratification—you can sim- tential for this disease. ly extended droughts. ply leave the flats outdoors over the If voles or other root-chewing rodents Buying established plants—these can winter, covered with wire mesh to pre- are a problem in your garden, James be planted in early summer or fall—is the vent squirrel damage—and they will ger- Trager suggests adding sharp-edged grav- fastest way to get blazing stars up and minate once soil temperatures begin to el to the soil when planting blazing stars running in your garden. At garden cen- rise in spring. It usually takes two years to discourage the animals from burrow- ters, your choice may be limited to spike or more for plants to bloom from seed. ing around the plants. blazing star, but a broader selection of Established plants can be successfully species and is available at native divided during the spring. If you want YEARS OF ENJOYMENT plant sales or through specialty nurseries plants to colonize, allow the seedheads to Grow these tough prairie perennials (see “Sources,” page 35). remain on the plant into winter so they under the right conditions and you will You can also purchase blazing stars as can self-sow. be rewarded with many years of spectac- dormant corms. Plant these about four When planted in an ideal site, blazing ular summer flowers that will brighten inches deep—with no more than two stars will rarely have any disease prob- your garden and fill your vases. Even inches of soil and mulch over the top of lems. They are occasionally infected by more rewarding will be the sight of the the —in well-drained soil in early the fungal disease verticillium wilt, which butterflies, bees, and birds that will flock spring to summer. Choose corms that are can be avoided by spacing the plants so to your garden to enjoy the summer and three to five inches in circumference, and that they have good air circulation and fall bounty that blazing stars offer. m be sure to plant the corms right side up— not overwatering. Powdery mildew, an- the stringy side is the bottom. other fungal disease, may appear on blaz- Barbara Perry Lawton is an award-winning To grow blazing stars from seed, col- ing star leaves as a powdery white author of more than 10 gardening books. She

LYNNE HARRISON lect seeds in late summer to fall and sow substance. Avoid wetting the foliage lives in Valley Park, Missouri.

May / June 2011 37 38 Science digging intothe 2011 momentum nearlytwodecadesago. This year’s SymposiumtakesplaceinMichigan,wheretheyouthgardeningmovementfirstgained N numerous examplesofhow garden-based ries from theyouth themselves, Chasesaw heard and like-minded cohorts successsto- pay off.” Assheshared experienceswith alize that“our collective hard work does sium inCalifornia,theevent helpedherre- Chase, whoattendedthe2010Sympo- people withthenaturalworld.For ment tothoseworking to connectyoung signed toofferinspiration andencourage- wish allteacherscouldexperience.” and love is somethingthatI oftheearth maraderie, theenthusiasmforlearning, be presenting atthis year’s ca- event. “The forseveral yearsparticipant and willalso thor whohasbeenaregular Symposium Flemington, New Jersey, andau- anartist being withmore,” says to oriented peoplethatIlookforward who works withkidsinthegarden. teachers, parents, designers—anyone presentations, theevent isdesignedfor a broad arrayofworkshops, tours, and and Grand Rapids,Michigan. Featuring taking placeJuly 21to23inEastLansing Children &Youth Garden Symposium, miss thisyear’s 19thannualNational their skillsinthisarena won’t wantto involvement. Those lookingtohone awareness, andencouragingcommunity buildingenvironmental opportunities, powerful toolforenhancingeducational you getitjustright,gardening can bea plant worldcomealive forkids.When Everything abouttheSymposium isde- is nogroup of“There educationally the American Gardener art andasciencetomakingthe art science togardening, there’s an OT ONLY AHS NATIONAL CHILDREN&YOUTHGARDEN is there anda anart Dar Hosta Emily of young studentstogetupcloseandpersonalwithplants. StateIn MichiganUniversity’s4-HChildren’sGarden,Curator NormLowndsencourages ment oftheSymposium’s theme,“Dig- This year’s hostgardens are theembodi- SCIENCE MEETS WHERE ART and ourworld.” overall become good stewards of theland derstanding oftheiracademiclessons, and tion andlifestylechoices, gainabetter un- positive character traitsandhealthynutri- programs help children andyouth “learn of Gardening Art SYMPOSIUM and just aboutturned teaching its young visi- gan State University inEastLansing has novative 4-HChildren’s Garden atMichi- its 132-acre grounds. Asforscience,thein- sculpture collectionsituatedthroughout form astheimpressivemuch ofanart Grand Rapids, where horticulture isas Meijer Gardens &Sculpture Park in side,thereing.” On the art istheFrederik andScienceofGarden-ging intotheArt BY CHARLOTTEALBERS

COURTESY OF 4-H CHILDREN’S GARDEN TOP LEFT: COURTESY OF FREDERIK MEIJER GARDENS HILDREN’S GARDEN Take avirtualtourat room, andthePete&SallySmithSchoolyardDemonstrationGarden. ed toincludea1,500-square-footindoorgarden,CuriosityClass- stories, andscience.Throughhisleadership,thegardenhasexpand- version ofthegardenaspartaninteractivewebsitefullgames, truly educationalexperience.” ter servealltheirvisitors,increasegardenvisitation,andmakeita “This ledtoeffortstryandchangehowpublicgardenscouldbet- taught themtheimportanceofplantsintheirdailylives,”shesays. tle thatappealedtovisitingfamiliesandkids—nodisplays its topublicgardensintheU.S.andEurope,wheretherewas“lit- 4-H Children’sGardenfoundingcurator,sprungfromhermanyvis- many otherchildren’sgardensandprograms. Yet thisgardenissogoodatwhatitdoes,hasbecomeamodelfor ing forkids—notalwaysaneasyfeatinthisplugged-indayandage! trance andwelcomingAmphitheater,thegardenmakesplantsexcit- designed inahalf-acrespace.StartingwithitscolorfulSunburstEn- Opened in1993,the4-HChildren’sGardenatMichiganStateUniversityfeaturesmorethan100individualthemeareascreatively 4-H CHILDREN’SGARDEN Here’s alittletasteofwhatthereistosee. One oftheSymposiumhighlightswillbechancetovisitsomeMichigan’sbestgardensatpeaktheirsummerbloom. GREAT GARDENSOFTHEGREAT LAKESTATE Norm Lownds,thegarden’scurrentcurator,developedavirtual “The ideaforaspecialgardenkids,”recallsJaneTaylor,the www.4hgarden.msu.edu/kidstour/tour.html. more at ganic vegetabledisplaysandan activesummergardenplotprogram.Learn state tree.TheChildren’sGarden isdesignedaroundedibleplantswithor- leas, andarareold-growthstand ofwhitepine clude over450varietiesofroses, largedisplaysofrhododendronandaza- Dow ChemicalCompany.The grounds nowcomprise110acresandin- ipants, theprogramhasgrowntoinclude84plotsand270participants. a communitysetting.Begunin2003with10gardenplotsand 34partic- tion.This award-winningprogramgivesfamiliesanopportunity togardenin Midland willallowparticipantstoseeitsGrowin’Gardenersprogram inac- An optionalpost-SymposiumtourtotheDowGardensChildren’s Gardenin DOW GARDENS are located.Formoreinformation,visit through outdoorareaswherecartscontainingmaterialsformore activities a wetland,wherethere’sanoversizedbeaverlodgetoexplore, andloop unteers engagevisitorsinplayandeducationalactivities.Trailsconnectto ca ofMichigan’sGreatLakes,downsizedtochild-height,wheregardenvol- displays, andadiversecollectionofplants.Onethehighlightsisrepli- in 2004.Themedareascontainsculptures,playstructures,interpretive Hobhouse, greetvisitorsastheyenterthemainbuilding. Herbaceous plantsintheEnglishPerennialGarden,designedbyPenelope Garden, whichmixesgrassesandperennialsintrademarksweepsofcolor. James vanSweden,aGrandRapidsnative,designedtheNewAmerican ural wetlands,atropicalconservatory,andexhibitsbycontemporaryartists. The FrederikMeijerGardens&SculptureParkinGrandRapidsfeaturesnat- FREDERIK MEIJERGARDENS&SCULPTUREPARK The DowGardenswerestartedin1899byHerbertDow,founder ofthe Of particularinterestistheLenaMeijerChildren’sGarden,whichopened www.dowgardens.org/kids.html. www.meijergardens.org. (Pinus strobus) (Pinus May /June , Michigan’s 2011 —C.A. 39 40 and parentsenjoy ascaled-downreplicaofMichigan’s GreatLakes. At theLenaMeijer Children’sGardenatFrederik MeijerGardens&SculpturePark, children In additiontobehind-the-scenes tours ANDEDUCATION INSPIRATION more details.) of theGreat LakeState” on page 39 for dens intoascience.(See “Great Gardens tors aboutthewondersofplantsandgar- this SeedsofScienceclass.Thegoalisalwaystoinspirecuriosityandwonder. The 4-HChildren’sGardenoffersavarietyofprogramsthatteachkidsaboutplants,suchas the American Gardener it dedicatedtounderstanding,facilitat- Innovation, non-prof- aMaryland-based is adirector oftheInstitute forLearning Fraser inspirational keynotespeakers. gardens, theSymposium willfeature two and in-depthexplorationsofthehost will give theopeningaddress. He John signer basedinBurlington, Vermont. Charlotte Albers isafreelance writerand de- schedule, visit something foreveryone.” sion topicstothetourlocations, we offer andoutreach. “Fromber services theses- Stephanie Jutila, AHSdirector of mem- needs andexperiencelevels,” says our Symposium attendeeshave varying many different sessions reflect thefactthat signing outdoorplayenvironments. “The writing, biodynamiccomposting,andde- on wide-rangingtopicsincludinggrant lectures andworkshops tochoosefrom— willalsohave moreparticipants than50 nual award namedafterhertoleadersin can Horticultural Society presents anan- Taylor’s enduringinfluence,theAmeri- taught inagarden.” In recognition of conviction that“everything canbe build acasefortheinfinitevalue ofout- children andnature experiences,hewill search onAmericanattitudesabout choice learning. Armedwiththe latestre- ing, andcommunicatingaboutfree- John Fraser Jane Taylor For acomplete2011Symposium events www.ahs.org/ncygs. holds. what thefuture last 20years and evolved over the expanded and movement has youth gardening tive onhow the offer herperspec- tion, Taylor will ing herpresenta- gardening. Dur- dren’s andyouth the fieldofchil- substantiate her ative waysto ucators findcre- days, helpinged- since itsearly the Symposium been afixture of marks. Taylor has the closingre- Garden, willgive 4-H Children’s of theMichigan curator founding Jane Taylor , door learning. Symposium m

TOP LEFT: COURTESY OF 4-H CHILDREN’S GARDEN. BOTTOM LEFT: COURTESY OF FREDERIK MEIJER GARDENS TESY OF JOHN FRASER. BOTTOM RIGHT: COURTESY OF JANE TAYLOR

42 by RandyStockbridge Cowbirds andWrens: AGardener’s View ofNestParasitism N ers. It wasbiggerandlouder andopened chicks inthenest stoodoutfrom theoth- times itsbodyweight ininsectseachday. chickscancapture uptofour of hungry sions inmygarden. Awren feeding anest proved ofthebirds’ tireless huntingexcur- ap- AndIcertainly song. and abeautiful little brown birds, whichhave charisma hatchlings. Ienjoyed playinghost tothese clutch offoureggs,andthenatthetiny peeked through theglass,firstatlittle Every day, and Ipulledbackthecurtain window outsidemybedroom window. in thegapcreated open bystorm apartially flower potorahangingplant. lightfully quirky placessuchasanold up notonlyintheshrubbery, butinde- wren inthesouthwest. Theirneststurn tudes from coast-to-coast,andthecactus wren lati- between middleandnorthern mid-Atlantic andsoutheast,thehouse with humans:theCarolina wren inthe species are livingsideby side comfortable But from thebeginning,oneof yearsA few ago,somewrens builtanest the American Gardener nesting inyour garden. Several you’ve wrens probably observed O MATTER where you live, Carolina wren Carolina wren an egg abandoned by itsmother forthe wren atall,butacowbird, hatchedfrom peepedfutilely.beneath itsgirth, more foodasitsnestmates,barely visible er thanthenestitself, demandingstill its gapingmouthwider. It was soonlarg- In additiontowrens, cowbirdslaytheireggsin the nestsofmanybirds,including warblers. AUA CONNECTIONS NATURAL I soonlearnedthischickwasnota TURALCONNECTIONS C C House wren House wren rearing duties.Hoover documented cow- target more than200bird speciesforchild- cally pickonwrens; research indicatesthey versity ofIllinois. Cowbirds don’t specifi- Natural Research Sustainability attheUni- Natural theInstitute Historywithin for gist Jeffrey Hoover oftheIllinois Survey of opposite page)spearheadedby avianecolo- cording tofieldresearch (see“Resources,” more itmightseem,ac- prudent—than cowbirds are lessneglectful—andthewrens from mywindow.observe It turnsoutthat There’s thanIcould muchmore tothestory CUNNING COWBIRDS I hadnoticeditearlier? Should Ihave removed the cowbird eggif Should Iscare thecowbird chickaway? anything Icoulddotohelpthewrens? Other questionscametomind:Was there abandons herbaby inanotherbird’s nest? poster. And,whatkindoflousymother so obliviousthatthebigbaby wasanim- chick, Iwondered whythewrens seemed their own offspringtofeedtheinsatiable wrens toraise.Asthewrens neglected

TOP LEFT: COURTESY OF JOHNNY N. DELL / BUGWOOD.ORG. TOP RIGHT: SUE MCNALLY / COURTESY OF CORNELL LAB OF ORNITHOLOGY. BOTTOM: COURTESY OF JEFF HOOVER PREVENTING PARASITISM OF SONGBIRD NESTS

While removal of cowbird eggs is not recommended, here are some tips homeowners can use to reduce the in- cidence of cowbird parasitism. ■ Cowbirds prefer open lawns or pas- tures. To discourage them from taking up residence in your yard, plant lots of trees, shrubs, and groundcovers, es- pecially those providing berries, seeds, and shelter for songbirds year round. ■ Feed birds only in the winter, and avoid seed mixes that include millet or corn, which attract cowbirds (sun- flower seeds are ideal). ■ Most songbirds feed their chicks in- sects. Providing insect habitat—in- cluding shrubs, perennial plants, and Adult brown-headed cowbirds congregating at a bird feeder. leaf litter mulch—and avoiding use of insecticides will make it easier for birds engaging in what ecologists evocative- pastures, the cowbirds extended their range songbirds to provide for their offspring. ly call “mafia retaliation” to coerce other over the entire North American continent. ■ Provide nest boxes with an entry birds to raise cowbird chicks. The female So, from an evolutionary perspective, cow- smaller than one-and-a-half inches cowbird furtively follows a nesting pair of birds and woodland songbirds are now en- across, through which a cowbird can’t birds and lays her eggs in the nest shortly gaged in the earliest skirmishes of an evolu- fit. Songbirds like to choose among sev- after the host lays her own. But the cowbird tionary battle in our gardens. eral nest sites, so the more boxes, the does not simply abandon her egg. She lurks Presumably, wrens and other hosts will better for the birds. —R.S. in the bushes, watching the nest as the eggs develop the size and skill to fight back hatch and the chicks grow. If the host ejects against the cowbirds over generations, and the imposter, the mother cowbird takes re- the cowbirds will retaliate in an attempt to venge by destroying the nest and any eggs or extinguish the bloodlines of birds that can INACTION THE BEST ACTION hatchlings, forcing the parents to start anew. outwit them. Hoover thinks that the ex- In retrospect, I decided that not removing Even then, the cowbird stalks the bereaved ample of the American robin, which has the cowbird egg from the nest outside my parents to a new nesting site and adds an- shared a range with the cowbirds for thou- window was probably the best course of ac- other egg to the new nest. sands of years, may prove informative. tion. Even if the wrens didn’t abandon the So how does the threat of mafia retalia- “Whether robins eject every cowbird egg, nest, the female cowbird might have de- tion by a cowbird induce a wren to coop- or whether the cowbirds have just moved stroyed the other eggs. And most host erate? “That’s a good question, and we on, it’s very uncommon to find a cowbird chicks survive until the cowbird fledges. don’t know the answer,” says Hoover, but in a robin’s nest,” he says. In cases where cowbirds do threaten he offered a few possibilities. Perhaps wrens rare species, such as the Kirtland’s warbler learn not to cross the cowbirds by past ex- in Michigan and Wisconsin, or the south- perience or by observing other wrens. Or Resources western willow flycatcher, conservation perhaps it’s in the genes: Chicks whose par- Cornell Lab of Ornithology, groups are taking action to decrease the ents can’t count eggs, don’t notice mis- www.allaboutbirds.org. cowbird population. But the most com- matched eggs, or simply aren’t strong Proceedings of the National Academy mon yard birds—finches, wrens, and car- enough to push a mysterious egg over the of Sciences of the U.S.A. by J.P. dinals, for instance—are what Hoover calls edge of the nest, are more likely to survive Hoover and S.K. Robinson. Vol. “urban winners,” and their populations are than those who jettison imposter eggs and 104, No. 11: 4479-4483. Washing- robust enough that cowbird nest para- incur the cowbird’s wrath. ton, D.C., 2007. (Link to article at sitism won’t prevent these birds from re- http://tinyurl.com/3nq529u.) turning each spring to sing, build nests, TAKING THE LONG VIEW To view a YouTube video of a cowbird and raise their chicks. m According to Hoover, until 200 to 300 years fledgling being fed by a chickadee, ago, cowbirds followed the bison herds click on a link with this article on Randy Stockbridge is a biologist and across the Great Plains. As the bison disap- the AHS website (www.ahs.org). freelance science writer based in Canton,

VICKY CARWILE / COURTESY OF CORNELL LAB ORNITHOLOGY peared and settlers cleared forests for cow Massachusetts.

May / June 2011 43 by ScottAker 44 Beating theHeat that onlythrive incooler regions—such as deepbluedelphini- sweet potatoesare reliably productive where summers are hot. suchas squash,melons,figs,Malabarand fruits spinach,okra,and morning glories,andcannasalso thrive in hotweather. Vegetables when nighttemperatures remain caladiums, warm.Crape myrtles, and cockscombs hot conditions.Annualssuchasmecardonias, angelonias,cupheas, If heatseems towitheryour garden,that thrive choose plants in PLANTS HEAT-TOLERANT cause significantdifferences intemperature withinasmallarea. vation, proximity tobodiesof water, andlevels ofshadecan might besurprisedhow different they are. Differences inele- you getto thoseofyour nearest official weather station,you garden. If you compare thereadings that ly records dailyhighsandlows inyour chasing athermometerthatautomatical- record-keeping, Ihighlyrecommend pur- tures forindividualplants. coincide withseasonallyoptimaltempera- your yard, andtimeplantingscarefully to mostofmicroclimatesgion, makethe in peratures typicallyexperiencedinyour re- are torely onplantsthatthrive inthetem- to bolt.Thebesttacticsforcopingwithheat vigor andlettucebecomesbitterstarts nights are toohot,pansies stretch and lose long asnightsareday as But cool. when ally copewithhightemperatures duringthe are considered intolerantof heat cangener- Plants that cant effectonplantperformance. appearstoproducehours themostsignifi- summer’s theirregion. in heat ifsubjectedto whether plantswillsurvive helpsgardeners that 60), atool determine Heatbasis fortheAHS Zone Map (seepage daily temperature ismuchabove 86degrees Fahrenheit. Thisisthe heat.Manyplants copewith plantsare stressed whentheaverage temperatures how plantsisthekeytolearning affect tohelpyour the difference between lifeanddeath.Understanding how high degreesA few difference intemperature atthe righttimemaymean W If heathasstymiedyour attemptsto grow coveted plantsthat ofanoverallAs part process ofgarden Surprisingly, heatduringtheovernight the American Gardener plants are also very finely tuned whenitcomestoheat. plants are very also to fixateonhardiness asaguideforwhatwillgrow, but HEN SELECTING (Celosia sp.) well inhottemperatures, dovery even new plants,gardenersnew seem often planting forcoolerspringorfallisessential. heat, suchaslettuceandspinach,timingtheir summer thatdon’ttolerate To growplants G ARDEN ARDEN C C S OLUTIONS OLUTIONS at their best harvested before theyencounter anyhotweather.at theirbestharvested those thatmature intheautumn, andlettucespinachare vegetables. Midsummer tomatoesmaybeinsipidcompared to yielding abumpercrop inOctober andNovember. turity coincideswithcoolernight temperatures inSeptember, a torridregion, plantthesecrops neartheend of July sotheir ma- setonvegetables such as tomatoesandfruit peppers. If you live in veals thathot weather (temperatures over 90degrees) shutsdown much heatisthelimitingfactorforsamecrops. Research re- be besttowaituntilearlyJune toplantthem.Further south, too before warmnights stimulatetheirgrowth. In itmay thenorth, toes, andeggplantsetouttoosoon might just sit there or even rot thatneed coolweatherthese andotherplants tothrive. thrives inheat,whileothervarieties succumb. Wave cess inhotregions. For instance,Snow Princess tolerance. Seek outselectionsthatare specificallybred forsuc- ers andhave alooksimilartodelphinium. anise hyssop case, you mightwanttogrow wildindigo ( australis) ums, forinstance—substitutionmaybeyour bestbet.In this Timing caneven influenceflavor and development infruits Timing forheat-loving isimportant plants,too. Melons, toma- Within agiven species,there maybegreat differences inheat (Agastache foeniculum), want togrow sweet pansies, peas,andsnap- ifyou inlatewinterismandatory ly start exception. If your summersare hot,anear- den problems, andcopingwithheatisno Timing isoftencriticaltodealingwithgar- PAY TIMING ATTENTIONTO cooler inhotweather. tokeepnearbycreek, plants itmayserve sensitive toheat.If you have apondor a microclimate togrow plantsthatare weather mayprovideto staymoistindry through afternoonandareas late thattend that are lightlyshadedfrom midday tently above 70degrees. ing whennighttemperatures are consis- many otherpetuniacultivars stopbloom- were bred but heat, the tosucceedin warmest regions oftheUnited States for ofthumbinthe fact, fallplantingistherule ter arrives andbloomlavishlyinMay. In ber sotheseedlingswillestablishbefore win- dragons. Sow larkspur inearlyOcto- seeds Every garden hasitscoolspots.Areas plants thatbearblueflow- ™ ™ petunias alyssum or

COURTESY OF BONNIE PLANTS Because weather is variable from year to year, hedge your bets by staggering plantings of vegetables. STAYING SMART IN THE HEAT Speaking of heat, remember to take care of yourself as you venture into the garden during the dog days of summer. Apply sunscreen and wear a hat, stay hydrated, and save the strenuous tasks for the coolest hours of the day. This will not only keep you safe, but en- sure that gardening continues to be fun and not a chore. m

Scott Aker is a Washington, D.C.-based horticulturist. For 10 years he wrote the “Digging In” column for The Washington Post.

Gardening Q&A with Scott Aker DEALING WITH AN OVERLY LARGE CRAPE MYRTLE A crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia sp.) I planted in front of my picture window is now so large it blocks the view. Can I cut it to the ground and shear it to keep it low, or will that kind of pruning cause it to stop blooming?

You can prune crape myrtles severely because they bloom on new growth, but I don’t recommend it because the resulting branch- es will be weak and the flower clusters will tend to flop. You might want to consider one of two options. One is to train your crape myrtle to a single trunk to improve visibility through your window. Many have ornamental bark that is best highlighted this way. The second is to replace it with a dwarf crape myrtle—such as ‘Pocomoke’, ‘Chickasaw’, or any of the Razzle Dazzle™ series— which will grow much more slowly.

THE GRASS DOESN’T GROW For years, I’ve struggled to grow grass in one section of my front yard. I’ve tried both premium bluegrass and tall fes- cue blends. I think something may be wrong with the soil. Should I bring in new topsoil?

Unless you are prepared to add at least six inches of new top- soil—a costly endeavor—this may not solve the problem. Instead, I would recommend you have the soil tested to find out why it’s not supporting lawn grass. Send a soil sample to a soil testing lab so you can get a precise reading of its pH and nutrient content. [To locate soil testing labs, click the link with this article on www.ahs.org.] Then apply lime or iron sulfate as recommended by the test results to achieve the ideal pH range of 6.5 to 7. At the same time, dig organic matter such as compost or leaf mold into the top six inches of the soil to loosen and aerate it. Then seed the area in the fall, using a grass blend recommended for your region. If the area is heavily shaded by trees or structures, or if it is chronically waterlogged, your best option is to abandon the idea of growing turf and instead create a moss garden or rain garden. [Also see page 14 for lawn alternatives.] —S.A. E-mail your gardening questions to Scott Aker at [email protected].

May / June 2011 45 46 by KrisWetherbee Paste Tomatoes Perfected sicum, toes. Paste tomatoes is thetexture—especially withpastetoma- when itcomestogrowing anytomato,so 200 types.Andwhileflavor isabigfactor A Enrich thesoilbefore plantingby applying andwell-drained soil. 6.2 to6.8),fertile, areasurface exposedtolight. caging your plantswillalsoincrease the Staking,and heattofruit. trellising, or supply stores) willhelpbringmore light plastic mulch(available atmanygarden sun aday. Mulching withareflecting red will getaminimumofsixhoursdirect For bestflavor, planttomatoeswhere they GROWING GUIDELINES least, near perfect—every time. least, nearperfect—every paste tomatoescomeoutperfect—or, at used. So here’s how to make sure your grown asitdoeswiththetype oftomato has asmuchtodowithhow atomatowas pizzas, andmakingsauces. forfreshthem perfect cooking,topping seeds.That’scontent, andfew whatmakes noted fortheirmeatytexture, low moisture Tomatoes thrive inaslightlyacidic(pH The besthomemadespaghettisauce ‘Viva Italia’ ‘Viva Italia’ the American Gardener syn. S ASELF-PROFESSED varieties andtastedmore than gourmand, Ihave grown over 100 Lycopersicon lycopersicum) (Solanum lycoper- tomato are marbles. Thishelpsairandwatertobetter are whenthefirstfruits fertilizer thesize of well-rotted manure, compost,ororganic feet before planting.Side-dress plantswith rate oftwotothree poundsper100square appliedatthe (5-10-10) organicfertilizer vor. For usealow-nitrogen primefruits, production andweakenedduced fruit fla- because toomuchnitrogen canresult inre- seaweed andkelp-basedfoliarsprays. cellent source forminerals,asare liquid years. few Thisisanex- square feetevery rock dustattherateof10poundsper100 of seedlings,and growingconditions. DAYS TOMATURITY andfaster-growingplant. buriedstem,encouragingahealthier the will formalong thesurface.Newroots leavesandplantthebulkofstembelow of the lowestsets plants.Snipoff trellised and15to24inchesforstaked,caged,or staked varieties; un- varieties;24to36inchesforindeterminate, fordeterminate to 24inchesapart SPACING seedlings lightlywithyourhandswill resultinlargerandstockiertransplants. es tall.Researchhasshownthatperiodicallybrushingthe topsofdeveloping yields, transplantoncemoreintogallon-sizepotswhenseedlings areaboutsix inch- seedlings intofour-inchpotswhenthefirst set of trueleavesemerge. For earlier Seeds germinatebestattemperaturesbetween75to80degrees Fahrenheit.Potup GETTING STARTED Planting Basics OERW HARVEST HOMEGROWNHARVESTHOMEGROWN ‘Green Sausage’ The type of fertilizer youThe typeoffertilizer use is critical, ‘Green Sausage’ Set out transplants into the ground after frost danger has passed, about 12 groundafterfrostdanger haspassed,about Set outtransplantsintothe C C Sow seedsindoorssixtoeightweeksbeforeyourlastspring frost. 55 to110daysfromtransplant, dependingonthevariety,age aphids are themost commontomatopests. Cornworms, whiteflies,fleabeetles,and ANDDISEASEPREVENTION PEST reach fullsize andbegin tochange color. som-end rot. Reduce wateringonce fruits crackingandblos- problems suchasfruit help maintainmoisture levels andreduce inhibit flavor production. Mulch plantsto lutes theflavor oftomatoes; too little will moisture stayseven. Too muchwaterdi- cess toflavor-enhancing minerals. penetrate thesoilandgives roots easierac- ‘Italian Gold’ ‘Italian Gold’ Water deeplyandconsistently sosoil

DAVID CAVAGNARO (3) Control aphids with an insecticidal soap, are also very prolific and meaty—great blasting them with water, or by introduc- Sources for canning or making spaghetti sauce. ing lacewings and/or lady beetles. Prevent Johnny’s Selected Seeds, Winslow, ‘Granadero’, ‘Viva Italia’, ‘Margherita’, flea beetles from feeding on foliage by ME. (877) 564-6697. ‘Kada’, and ’Saucey’ all offer great toma- growing young plants beneath row covers, www.johnnyseeds.com. to flavor on disease-resistant vines. For dusting plants with diatomaceous earth, or Territorial Seed Company, Cottage uniquely colored or striped fruits, try ‘El introducing beneficial nematodes into Grove, OR. (800) 626-0866. Dorado’, ‘Roman Candle’, ‘Green your soil to feed on the larvae and pupae of www.territorialseed.com. Sausage’, or ‘Speckled Roman’. these pests. Wipe out whiteflies with in- Tomato Growers Supply Company, secticidal soap or horticultural oil. Hosing Ft. Myers, FL. (888) 478-7333. ENJOYING THE HARVEST down plants and introducing natural www.tomatogrowers.com. Harvest fruits only when they are semi- predators such as lady beetles, lacewings, Totally Tomatoes, Randolph, WI. (800) firm and the color has almost fully de- or whitefly parasites (tiny parasitic wasps) 345-5977. www.totallytomato.com. veloped. Tomatoes picked a few days is also effective. Hornworms are easily con- before they are fully ripe and allowed to trolled by hand picking or dusting plants sit on the kitchen counter a day or two with Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis), a biologi- Ultimately, the best strategies for ward- are typically more flavorful than really cal control that is toxic to caterpillars. ing off tomato pests and diseases are to se- ripe tomatoes plucked from the vine Blossom-end rot is a common problem lect pest- and disease-resistant varieties, when soft. characterized by sunken brown areas of de- provide the right conditions to grow a It’s best to store your tomatoes in a cayed tissue forming around the bottom of healthy plant, and grow flowering plants single layer in a cool location in your fruits. Caused by a calcium deficiency, this nearby that encourage beneficial insects. kitchen. Never store tomatoes in the re- condition is exacerbated by moisture fluc- frigerator, because chilling will reduce tuations, which can interfere with calcium RECOMMENDED VARIETIES sweetness and overall flavor and lead to a uptake. Incorporate crushed eggshells or ‘Super Marzano’ and ‘Italian Gold’ are mushy texture. m oyster shells into the soil to prevent calci- both prolific and high in pectin, lending um imbalance and mulch to ensure more a natural creaminess to sauces and pastes. Kris Wetherbee is a freelance writer based in consistent soil moisture. ‘San Marzano’, ‘Opalka’, and ‘Sausage’ Oakland, Oregon.

AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY INTERNSHIPS at River Farm

Offering hands-on, practical experience, internships are one of the Society’s most important educational programs. Internship opportunities available include positions in publications, horticulture, and education. Chapel Valley Landscape Company designs, installs and maintains wonderfully crafted landscapes that make a positive For more information first impression. For over four decades our award winning and application forms, projects have been the hallmark of Chapel Valley Landscape visit the River Farm area Companyʼs commitment to creativity, quality and service. of www.ahs.org or e-mail Call today to discuss your landscaping needs. [email protected].

Maryland 410.442.2310 Virginia 703.406.0802 Washington, D.C. 301.924.5400 www.chapelvalley.com

May / June 2011 47 48 breeding similartreesforcultivation. in Washington,D.C.,mayholdthekeyto resistant AmericanelmneartheNationalMall The geneticstructureofthisnaturallydisease- somes. Whatmakes thisexciting isthat the tetraploids, having foursetsofchromo- thought thatAmericanelms were only somes. Prior tothis discovery, itwas meaning theyhave setsofchromo- two number of elmsinthewildare diploids, of Agriculture have foundthatasmall of disease-resistant cultivars. promising optionsforcreating lines new ican elmmayprovide breeders with about thegeneticstructure oftheAmer- of thespecies.Now, arecent discovery have many ofthedesirablecharacteristics have developed hybridselectionsthat tant cultivars are available, andbreeders inthe1930s.Anumberofresis-starting which killedoffmillionsofthetrees ceptibility toDutch elmdisease(DED), despitetheirsus- ers inthetree industry (Ulmus americana) tolerance ofairpollution,Americanelms Prized fortheirtall,arching habitand ELMDISEASE DUTCH GENES PROVIDE NEWHOPEFORFIGHTING Horticultural NewsandResearch ImportanttoAmericanGardeners Researchers withtheU.S.Department the American Gardener are stillintegralplay- pollutants or explosive particles willcom- pollutants orexplosive particles experiments that exposetheplantsto the systemhasbeenproven successful, hours toproduce avisiblechange.After ing uptheprocess, whichcurrently takes white. Now theyare working onspeed- more, theplantfrom turning green to phyll andprevent theplantfrom creating plant systemsthatbreak down chloro- Medford andherteamhave engineered and cheaper—formsofdefense.So far, they wouldbemuchmore accessible— cate chemicalsignalingsystems,although plants are akinto traineddogsorintri- biological orchemicalagents.” provide analmostimmediatewarning of nisms toproduce plantsentinelsthatcan thesemecha- can geneticallyengineer biotechnology methods,we believe we June Medford. “By usingadvanced vironment,” saysUCbiologyprofessor anisms tosenseandrespond totheiren- chemical agentssuchasanthrax. presence ofdangerous biologicaland ing plantsthatcanchangecolorinthe Colorado (UC)researchers are develop- ticultural hazard-detectors. University of ly besharingtheirpostswithsomehor- securityofficerscouldeventual- Airport BOMB-SNIFFING PLANTS enough toresist theDEDfungus. populations mayhave geneticallydiverged diploids. Thisindicatesthatsomeelm elm’s naturalrangeturnedouttobe percent ofthetrees testedthroughout the the siteoforiginal‘Jefferson’, but21 diploid. No diploidelmswere found near tetraploids andapreviously unheard-of ferson’ isacross between theusual trees. Genetic testingdeterminedthat‘Jef- D.C., sparked thesearch forthediploid near theNational Mall inWashington, cloned from aDED-resistant tree found to beespeciallyDED-resistant. progeny ofdiploid/tetraploidcrosses seem GARDENER GARDENER The detectioncapabilitiesofthese “Plants have evolved elaboratemech- An elmcultivar called‘Jefferson’, C ’ SNOTEBOOK NOTEBOOK species forthefirst timeineightyears. coming theseventh most numerous devastation causedby West Nile be- virus, ican crows seemtoberebounding from the banization, ordisease.For example, Amer- they maybeaffectedby climatechange,ur- long-term record ofbird speciesand how cations. Thisprovides anationwide, shot oftheyear’s bird populations andlo- where theyare combinedtoofferasnap- in February. Tallies are reported online, counting andidentifyingbirds intheirarea nual event where by anyone canparticipate lion birds observed. topped90,000,with 11.4mil- the country in arow, countingthebirds surveys across Forof humanparticipants. year thefourth record highflocksofbirds, aswell asflocks ciety, andBird Studies Canada,reported of Ornithology, theNational Audubon So- (GBBC), ajointproject oftheCornellLab This year’s Great Backyard Bird Count GREAT BACKYARD BIRDCOUNT FROM RESULTS ENCOURAGING on alargerscale. satellites couldmonitorharmfulagents ganisms suchastrees that so andalgae is toincorporatethismechanismintoor- mence. Anultimategoaloftheresearch this red-belliedwoodpeckerinTexas. including information onalltypesofbirds, record birdwatchers everywhere help Count, Each yearduringtheGreatBackyardBird Since 1998,theGBBC hasbeen anan-

LEFT: TERRA-NOVA SADOWSKI. RIGHT: SIMON TAN / COURTESY OF GBBC This year’s list of previously un- dryer sheets on fungus gnats, whose larvae dentally stuck to the back of your shirt, recorded birds includes an Asian brown are common pests of greenhouse-grown you can say you put it there intentionally shrike in McKinleyville, California, and crops and house plants. to repel bugs. a common chaffinch, far from its normal Several experiments showed that a con- range in Eurasia, observed in New- sistently higher proportion of gnats moved THE GOLDEN AGE OF GARDENING foundland and Labrador. In Alaska, a away from dryer sheets than toward them, Elderly people who garden generally have Eurasian brambling was observed, as well a higher perceived quality of life and are as an invasive collared dove, introduced more physically active, according to the in Florida in the 1980s. results of a survey administered by re- The 2012 GBBC will be held Febru- searchers at Texas A&M and Texas State ary 17 to 20. For more information, visit universities. The survey measured five www.birdsource.org/gbbc. components regarding the quality of life, ranging from degrees of optimism to so- DRYER SHEETS REPEL FUNGUS GNATS cial self-concepts. The simple question, The list of uses attributed to Bounce® fab- “Do you garden?” differentiated between ric softener dryer sheets is seemingly end- gardeners and non-gardeners. less. In case you haven’t yet received the list Among adults over age 50, those who by way of a forwarded e-mail from a friend Tests show that fungus gnat larvae, above, gardened scored significantly higher in or relative, they have been purported to do are repelled by fabric softener dryer sheets. terms of healthier lifestyles, both physi- practically everything except solve world cally and mentally. For example, almost hunger and keep telemarketers from call- which seems to bear out the repellent qual- twice as many gardeners considered them- ing at dinner time. Among the qualities ities of the sheets. The compounds re- selves to be “very active” compared to that might be of most interest to gardeners sponsible for this were determined to be non-gardeners. Gardeners also disagreed is their reputed ability to repel mosquitoes, linalool—found in lavender, marjoram, with the statement “I feel old and some- bees, gnats, and ants, among other things. and basil—and beta-citronellol—found in what tired” at a rate of 70.9 percent, com- But how true are these claims? To find out, roses, geraniums, citronella, and lemon pared to 57.3 percent of non-gardeners. researchers from State University balm. So next time you walk out of the On average, gardeners rated their overall

COURTESY OF DAVID CAPPAERT, MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY / WWW.BUGWOOD.ORG and the University of Illinois tested the house with one of those dryer sheets acci- health higher than non-gardeners, and re-

It took 12 days for Michelle’s pot to burst into bloom. { Plus 82 years of organic expertise. }

Plants have been thriving on our organic plant foods ever since we originated them for gardeners in 1929. Now you can treat all of your indoor and outdoor potted plants to our Organic Potting Mix. It’s a rich blend of the finest natural ingredients to help grow larger plants and more abundant blooms. And because it’s approved for organic gardening, our soils are safe for kids and pets. Espoma. A natural in the garden since 1929.

Join our gardening community at facebook.com/espomaorganic

May / June 2011 49 50 grama grass(Boutelouagracilis derside. Thechartreuse flowers ofblue evening to reveal analmostmetallic un- simple whiteflowers thatclose inthe inApril,out thesummerstarting offering teospermum tohorticulture. Whitesundaisy new and showy over anextendedseason. noninvasive, easytopropagate,terwise, Plant Select winner, aplantmustbewa- Intermountain region landscapes.To bea plants thatthrive intheHigh Plains and ing professionals topromote underutilized orado State University, andothergarden- between theDenver BotanicGarden, Col- gram isPlant Select ofmore attention.One suchpro-serving plants tospotlightspeciesandvarieties de- award programs pickouttop-performing Each year, nationalandregional plant FOR2011 PLANTS OUTSTANDING their riskofchronic diseases. wayforolderadults todecrease a primary adults over age65afterwalking,couldbe second mostcommonleisure activityfor The studyconcludesthatgardening, the eatingmore andvegetables.ported fruits blooms fadeand thesnow falls. heads aplacein thegarden even afterthe proaches. Thisallows thefoliageandseed stems refuse toflopover asthewinterap- July through October, andthe upright Ambition’) turnblondeas theyagefrom Two ofthisyear’s winnersare entirely the American Gardener ‘Avalanche’) blooms through- ® , acollaborative effort ‘Blonde (Os- the and Dilcherare two ofthefourco-authors evolutionary timelineofflowering plants.Sun University inBloomington,rewriting the China, andDavidDilcher,abiologist atIndiana professor atShenyangNormal University, right, hasGeSun,aboveapaleontology The discoveryofthe ly revised scientist’s understandingofhow a buttercup familyrelative hassignificant- The discovery ofthefossilized remains of INCHINA FOSSIL DISCOVERED PLANT FLOWERING RECORDED OLDEST ticle ontheAHSwebsite (www.ahs.org). award winners,clickthelinkwiththisar- other2011regionalview andnationalplant lect To learnmore aboutallseven Plant Se- Nature ® winners, visitwww.plantselect.org. article. Leefructus mirus Leefructus fossil, To and gracilis Bouteloua stand uptotheweatherofHighPlains. journal As reported intheMarch 2011issue ofthe flowering plants,orangiosperms,evolved. plant kingdomcamefrom pollenthat branchofthe dence forthisparticular estimated tobe125millionyears old. The rock formationcontainingthefossilis mirus. have namedtheplantLeefructus China.Scientists lake bedinnortheastern five-petaled flower wasfoundinanancient plant withdeeplylobedleaves andatiny, Previously, theearliestknown evi- Osteospermum Nature, the intriguingfossilized ‘Avalanche’, above,both ‘Blonde Ambition’,left,

TOP (2): COURTESY OF PLANT SELECT. BOTTOM (2): COURTESY OF GE SUN COURTESY OF FOREST AND KIM STARR cipula) two species,Venus flytrap raised concernsover theprotection of Plant inNorth poaching Carolina has FROMPESKYPOACHERS PROTECTED PLANTS little oftheirearlyhistory.” the furniture we siton—butwe know very the foodwe eat,thecrops we have, even “Flowering plantsare whatwe live on— and oneoftheco-authorsstudy. Museum ofNatural HistoryinGainesville otany collectionsmanagerattheFlorida plants,” saysHongshan Wang, paleob- andearlyevolution offloweringhistory previously thought. 10to15millionyears earlierthan earth timate thatangiospermsappeared on Based find,scientistsnow onthisnew es- twomillionyearswas almost younger. as five millionexistincultivation. estimated tolive inthewild, whileasmany House bill,only35,800 Venus flytrapsare ofthe lectors, andaccording toasummary offenders. Flytraps are by sought often col- “vulnerable” species.It alsoraisesfines for which hasalready listedVenus flytrap asa North Carolina Board, Plant Conservation time tohave adealerpermitfrom the traps orfive poundsofwandflower atone buying orsellingmore than 50Venus fly- plant harvests. a billthataimstostemunauthorized House Agriculture Committeeapproved syn. their naturalhabitatinNorthCarolina. but aredisappearingfromcertainareasof Venus flytrapsarepopularatgardencenters, “It’s forustounderstandthe important House Bill 476wouldrequire anyone G. aphylla). and wandflower Recently, thestate’s (Galax urceolata, (Dionaea mus- Nova Sadowski. News by written Editorial Intern Terra- Software, $9.99). tions are justaclickaway. (iPhone, Moorit disease problems, explanationsandsolu- leaving theapp, andifyou have insector let you without purchase seedsorstarts vesting tips. Linkstoonlinegardening sites mination temperatures, soilpH,andhar- extensive growing informationsuchasger- than 50vegetables and500varieties with iVeggieGarden: Press Inc., $14.99). growth characteristics.(iPhone, Timber zones, water andlightrequirements, and companied by plantphotos,hardiness seed, orflower descriptions.Entries are ac- also usetheapptoidentifyplantsby leaf, by You commonandscientificname. can of1,670species searchable holds alibrary al ofWoody Landscape Plants, Michael Dirr’s reference book, Dirr’s Tree andShrub Finder: tables. (Android, Sidetop Software, $7.99). diggingby usingthefrostor whentostart spacing plants touseinagridgiven certain project. You canalsofigure outhow many of pavers neededinyourlandscaping new needed foryour lawn, tothe number new projects from theamount ofgrassseed ferent calculatorsthatcover avariety of bers canthenbeusedasinputs for 18dif- measure areas anddistances.These num- This appusesyour smartphone’s GPSto Landscape andGarden Calculators: just mightconvinceyou otherwise. dening, plant,andlandscapingappsthat now there are anumberofinnovative gar- expect a4Gnetwork tobehelpful,but A garden mightbethelastplaceyou would GARDENING SMARTPHONE Finance Committeeforconsideration. effect inOctober, nextgoestotheHouse they inhabit.Thebill,designedtogointo stewardship of theplants,andareas islation willencourageresponsible tive Mitch Gillespie, sayshehopestheleg- plants confiscatedinoneinstance. lands,with50,000wandflowerService ers were recently arrested onU.S.Forest of western North Carolina, several poach- florist industry. In theplant’s native range decorative leaves, whichare usedinthe The bill’s sponsor, primary Representa- Wandflower mainlyforits isharvested This appfeatures more The Manu- Based on this app m WORLD’S #1TOP USED PLANT SUPPLY RECOMMENDED BY 12610 Saticoy Street South, North Hollywood, CA91605 12610 Saticoy StreetSouth,North U.S. STATES andCITIESINMULTIPLE-DRUMS LOTS THOUSANDS NOTHING ISAT ALL“LIKE” unbalancing substitutes–often99 REFUSE withoutsalesmen. continent, On every firms. plant-selling Used, tippedto,andsuppliedbythousandsofconscientious AT PLANTDEALERSWORLDWIDE CONSCIENTIOUS HELPWINWORLDII WAR DEPARTMENTS TO U.S. FIVE UNIQUE. HEALTHY, TOXICS-FREE FOODSGROWERS FLOWERING PLANTSSHOW WINNERS – “everywhere” ADDED TO aei ...by Made inU.S.A. V 16 TISSUECULTURE 15 BONSAI 14 FIELDCROPS 13 12 REFORESTATION 11 I # SINCE 1940, #1 Activator, #1 Trans/ #1Extra WORLD’S Greatest Guarantee-OfferPROOFEver AGRICULTURE, ARMY, TM SCIENCE & INDUSTRY SCIENCE & #1 EXTRALIFE 1 WORLD’S FAIR1940 TV, RADIO,BOOKS, CITIES, COUNTIES, ONLY GOLDMEDAL VITAMINS-HORMONES World CHAMPION HY XMAS RECOMMENDED ALSO BYSTATES, USED BYU.S. BY EXPERTSOF CONFERENCES NAVY, AIR.Etc. Departments of UNIVERSITIES MAGAZINES, EIE, PLANTER, REVIVER, DROPONICS HEALTH PLANT TREES FAIR BY

ADD SCIENCE-MEDAL-WINNING

SEE TO BELIEVE–– • “just asgood,”false,cheaplymade, Website www.superthrive.com

• unchallenged, • •

50 INSTANT BioUSABLES HEALTHIER, FASTER plants From Carbon-Hydrogen-Oxygen ARBORETUMS, BOTANICALPARKSSYSTEMS GARDENS, OF GOVERNMENTS,STATE UNIVERSITIES,LEADING Save plants from waiting while Unique. Nothing is “like” it. NORMAL PURE COMPLEXES natural organic crystals 18 FERTILIZERS, by 18Growers trying to make them

BEAUTY and CROP yield NON TO Far

to any fertilizing YOU CAN GALLON, or DRUM QUART, ORDER D OFERTILIZING ADD TO PINT, 21 ENVIRONMENTAL 20 19 PROPAGATION 18 LANDSCAPING 17 HYDROSEEDING –– POLLUTING –– PESTICIDE –– FERTILIZER VITAMIN INSTITUTE ANTI-EROSI 50 VITAMINS-HORMONES IMPROVEMENT easier MAGAZINES, NEWSPAPERS,TVs,RADIOS NEARLY 1000BOOKS,CONFERENCES, $5,000.

TM BioUSABLES ADDED TO21FERTILIZERS B ALNCED Billions May /June ON WORLD’S Dozens for growing OF THE plant success GUARANTEED 26 25 WEATHER DAMAGE 24 23 INTERIORSCAPING 22 –PROVEN TM MIRACLES WATER CUT FLOWERING 1 science / COMPETITIONS IN EACH 2 B Landscape Architecture DROP! etter Homes&Gardens % water. DOUBLE MONEY-BACK GROWER, GUARANTEED #1 Perfecter As Advertisedin FLOWERS ORIGINAL Horticulture GARDENS TOP VALUE XRM Concentration EXTREME ® Drop-A-Cup 2011 by 21Growers Drop-A-Gal to be PLANT 50 ONE IN TM V TM or TM I 51 52 I watermyvegetablegardenusingrainwatercollectedinbar- WATER CLEANER RAINBARREL Charley’s Greenhouse, work wellforstartingcuttings. also for easyremoval.Thesecontainers,whicharereusable, hinged atthebottom andopens downwardto exposethe roots variety ofvegetablesandflowers.Each four-celled unit is cells arefiveinchesdeep—agoodsizeforproducingawide fit snuglyintoaplastictray.Theone-and-a-half-inchsquare root formation. each cellhelpstorootprunetheseedlings,stimulatingmore of bottom the at ventional pots.Therelativelylargeopening often occurswithcon- spiraling fashionthat ward ratherthaninthe roots to growdown- fectively encourages ly grooved,whichef- containers arevertical- roots disturbed. that don’tliketheir transplant species ful whentryingto are particularlyuse- bust seedlingsand great forgrowingro- when itcomes to seed-startingcontainers, of myfavoritespringrituals.Whiletherearelotsoptions Starting vegetable,herb,andflowerseedsindoorsisone TRANSPLANTING LESS-SHOCK GARAGE GREEN pack issufficient totreatup150gallons ofwater;itis reduce theorganicdebristhat canfoulcollectedwater.Each reports on products she has found useful or innovative in her garden, with an emphasis on earth-friendly products and sup- and products earth-friendly on emphasis an with garden, her in innovative or useful found has she products on reports chores easier, safer, and more efficient? How about getting the scoop from another gardener? Contributing editor Rita Pelczar Rita editor Contributing gardener? another from scoop the getting about How efficient? more and safer, easier, chores plies. Here are a few products you may want to stock in your own “green garage” or garden shed. garden or garage” “green own your in stock to want may you products few a are Here plies. With so many tools and products to choose from, what’s a gardener to do to select those that will make indoor and outdoor and indoor make will that those select to do to gardener a what’s from, choose to products and tools many so With Each 32-cellpackconsistsofeightfour-celledunitsthat These patented the American Gardener prevent sludgeandalgaebuildup and naturally occurringbacteriathat helpto tic dispenserwithreplaceable packs of er Healthy Ponds gutters canbuildupincollectedwater; debris thatentersabarrelfromroof water bill.However,algaeandorganic reduces runoffandsavesmoneyonmy rels placedundermyroofgutters.This www.charleysgreenhouse.com. provides agoodsolution.It’s aplas- ® by RitaPelczar ® Rain BarrelWaterClean- Rootrainers are Fiskars, that themowermissesalong sidewalksandbeds. from thebest angle. Itisalsohandyfortrimmingthegrass uses andtheheadrotatessoyoucanapproachyourplants liriope. Thestainlesssteelbladesstaysharpthroughmany blade-type leaves.Theyworkgreatonmy Siberian irisesand designed forornamentalgrassesandotherperennialswith Homegrown Harvest lives inNorth Carolina. She istheeditor-in-chiefofAHS’s sleeve toprotecttheblades. notch forlightrope,plusasharpenerthatalsoservesas equipped withabottleopener,wirecutter,andpower entirely, justabitoftidyingup.Formultitasking,theyare berries, andotherperennialsthatdon’tneedcuttingback ticularly helpfulfordianthus, lady’smantle,alpinestraw- ease. Youcanmakeprecisioncutseasily,sotheyarepar- coated bladescutthroughmostherbaceousstemswith Fiskars offersacoupleoftoolsthatcanhelpwiththischore. Cutting backplantsinthegardencanbeanarduousjob. CUTTING WITHEASE A contributingeditorfor Bioverse, product issafeforbothanimalsandplants. recommended toreplacepacksevery30days.Thisnatural The The Cuts+More Smooth ActionShearEase www.fiskars.com. www.bioverse.com. ™ Multi-Purpose Scissors (Mitchell Beazley/Octopus USA, 2010). The AmericanGardener, RitaPelczar ® Grass Shears,above,are with theirtitanium- m

RIGHT: RITA PELCZAR BOOKREVIEWSBOOKC REVIEWS

Recommendations for Your Gardening Library

The Artful Garden: Bizarre Botanicals Creative Inspiration for Landscape Design Larry Mellichamp and Paula Gross. Timber Press, Portland, Oregon, James van Sweden and Tom Christopher. Random House, New York, 2010. 283 pages. Publisher’s price, hardcover: $24.95. New York, 2011. 188 pages. Publisher’s price, hardcover: $40. I KNOW OF no better way to turn someone into a budding TO ME, there’s always something very striking about a gar- botanist than to introduce them to the kookiest representatives den by James van Sweden and Wolfgang Oehme. It has less of the plant world, which is rife with to do with the New American Gar- sex, manipulation, death, destruc- den style they developed, with its tion, and bleeding hearts. These signature sweeping drifts of peren- weird and unusual plants capture the nials and ornamental grasses, and imaginations of casual gardeners and more to do with the fact that what die-hard plant geeks alike.

you’re really seeing is an interpreta- How to Grow String-of-Hearts, Jack-in-the-Pulpit, Panda Ginger, That being the case, Larry Mel- and Other Weird and Wonderful Plants

Polka-Dot Begonia tion of art. In his latest book, The Fox Face lichamp and Paula Gross will create Artful Garden, van Sweden makes many converts with their book,

Gloriosa Lily Venus Flytrap the case that the key to successful Larry Mellichamp and Paula Gross Bizarre Botanicals. Nearly 80 plants Foreword by Tony Avent landscape design is an informed ap- are profiled in 10 well-organized preciation of music, dance, writing, chapters with compelling and grin-worthy subtitles. “Blades of sculpture, and painting, as well as color and form. Glory,” “The Protection Racket,” “The Flies’ Demise,” and “Nat- Using case studies from his own gardens and those of other ural Sexual Enhancement” are great teasers leading into fun, con- designers, van Sweden demonstrates how your trip to a muse- cise descriptions of unusual plant species. Reading through the um, your evening at the ballet, or your day on the beach with book is like crawling alongside the authors on hands and knees a well-written book can awaken your senses as a designer. Like discovering the magic of panda ginger (Asarum maximum), the a good crime novel, he says, “mystery is an essential element of flair and drama—not to mention stink—of titan arum (Amor- any really pleasurable garden. It’s what lures you in through the phophallus titanum), the steaminess of pitcher plants (Sarracenia gate, keeps you moving from spot to spot through the land- and Nepenthes), and many other bizarre plants. scape, and fills you with excitement along the way. The sense In case you want to try growing these plants at home, most are of mystery is what turns a mere display of plants, paths, and or- relatively easy to obtain. The authors give each plant a difficulty naments into an adventure.” rating of 1 to 3, and provide specific cultural information, light re- To illustrate these concepts, van Sweden takes you to Toron- quirements, hardiness, moisture, and preferred growing medium. to, where a virtuoso collaboration between cellist Yo-Yo Ma and Cautions are included for plants “with issues,” say, poisonous sap, landscape designer Julie Moir Messervy lets you experience tendencies to proliferate, and unpleasant odors. Bach’s Suite No. 1 in a walk through the Music Garden. Then I’ve grown and cared for almost two-thirds of these oddballs it’s off to Brazil, where the late artist and designer Roberto Burle myself. Devil’s thorn (Solanum pyracanthum) and the flying drag- Marx used visual rhythms—the repetition of colors and on variant of trifolate orange (Poncirus trifoliata) both drew blood. forms—to maximum effect in the garden. Sadly, I managed to kill the dragon before I could reap the fruits. I particularly liked the inclusion in the book of van Sweden’s Thanks to this book, I may try to tame that plant again. And I’ve conversations with other artists and how they work: with ta- always lusted for a mini bog garden of pitcher plants, so maybe pestry designer Jack Lenor Larsen, sculptors Grace Knowlton now I’ll give that a go. and Robert Adzema, painter Robert Dash, landscape architects This would be a great book to spark the curiosity of any Lawrence Halprin and Martha Schwartz, and Dutch designer young people in your life, but also an entertaining read for Piet Oudolf. Beautiful photographs of gardens and art works someone who thinks they’ve seen it all when it comes to plants. throughout the book, as well as drawings, help to illustrate van —Mary Ann Newcomer Sweden’s main ideas and how to put them into practical use. —Jane Berger Mary Ann Newcomer appears regularly as the Dirt Diva on the River Radio, 94.9 FM in Boise, Idaho. She is the author of the Rocky Jane Berger is a landscape designer in Woods Hole, Massachusetts. She Mountain Gardener’s Resource Guide, to be published later this year. blogs at www.gardendesignonline.com. For more about her, turn to page 12.

May / June 2011 53 Founding Gardeners native plants. They reveled in the irony that these gardens were, Andrea Wulf. Knopf, New York, New York, 2011. 352 pages. Pub- in fact, “American.” lisher’s price, hardcover: $30. Perhaps most intriguing is Wulf’s conviction that a particular garden changed the tide of American history. Weary of the con- POLITICS AND HORTICULTURE may seem unlikely bed- tentious debate over state representation at the Constitutional fellows, but in Founding Gardeners, Andrea Wulf makes a con- Convention in 1787, James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, vincing argument that America’s George Mason, and five other delegates broke for a field trip to founding fathers’ passion for agri- botanist John Bartram’s renowned nursery and garden just out- culture and gardening played a sig- side Philadelphia. Wulf writes, “In Bartram’s garden, the delegates nificant role in founding the could see how the manifold flora of each state thrived together, country. Throughout the text she in- their branches intertwined in a flourishing horticultural union.” terweaves highlights of the political Two days later, the Connecticut Plan, a compromise proposal for events of the time with the horticul- state representation, passed by a narrow margin. The deciding tural and agricultural issues also on votes were cast by three delegates who changed sides after their the minds of the key players. “three-hour walk on a cool summer morning among the United For example, on the eve of the States of America’s most glorious trees and shrubs.” British invasion of New York City, Through these and other anecdotes, Founding Gardeners of- when the British forces outnum- fers an original, insightful look at the characters and passions bered the entire population of the of the men who shaped our country. Wulf’s colorful prose, su- city by one and a half, George Washington took time off from perb research, and driving narrative make for an engrossing read battle preparations to write a long letter to his estate manager that will give you new appreciation for horticulture’s influence describing the trees he wanted to have planted at Mount Ver- on history. m non, his plantation in Virginia. —Catriona Tudor Erler Similarly, frustrated with stymied trade negotiations in Lon- don after the Revolutionary War, Thomas Jefferson and John Catriona Tudor Erler is the author of nine garden books, including Adams set off for a whirlwind tour of British gardens. What Landscaping for Your Home. Her articles and photographs have delighted them most was their realization that the world-fa- appeared in magazines and books in both the United States and Great mous “English gardens” were heavily populated with American Britain.

54 the American Gardener GARDENERC’SBOOKS BOOKS

Regional Gardening Guides

E ARE ALL AWARE that gardening in Maine is quite different than gardening in California, and W that the plant palette in the desert Southwest looks unlike what grows in the Pacific Northwest. Ergo, gardening books tailored to particular geographic regions, states, or even cities often get much more specific than those designed for general reference. This greater level of detail almost guarantees you’ll learn something new—plants, techniques, insights, ideas—about gardening in your area that will help you wield your trowel and pruners with more success. Here are a few recent examples to consider.

Designing Gardens with Flora of From the funky to the fabulous, Hot the American East (Rutgers Uni- Pots by Scott Calhoun and Lynn versity Press, 2010, $23.95) by Car- Hassler (Rio Nuevo, 2009, $19.95) olyn Summers provides East Coast is packed with creative container gardeners with design ideas for both gardening ideas for the Southwest. conventional landscapes and those Chapters cover container selection, based on natural plant communities, the plants and soil to fill them with, as well as extensive native plant how to arrange everything, and how lists—particularly for alternatives to to keep your hot pots looking good. common invasive plants. A spectacular garden tour in book Best Native Plants for Southern form, Gardens of Santa Fe (Gibbs Gardens (University Press of Flori- Smith, 2010, $30) by Anne Hiller- da, 2010, $29.95) by Gil Nelson is man offers a tantalizing glimpse of aimed at gardeners from Virginia to the city’s most lovely private and northern Florida and west to Alaba- public gardens. This book showcas- ma and . It describes es plants, designs, and other ideas popular groups such as magnolias, you can use in your own garden— vines, and azaleas, as well as 100 top- especially if you live in the Desert performing natives for southern gar- Southwest. dens, particularly those with “broad natural ranges, wide adaptability, A Californian’s Guide to the Trees and successful garden performance.” Among Us (Heyday Books, 2011, $18.95) by Matt Ritter includes 150 For Western gardeners at altitudes of trees commonly found in the Golden 5,000 feet and above, there’s Native State’s urban and suburban areas. Cal- Plants for High-Elevation Western ifornia gardeners would do well to Gardens (Fulcrum, 2010, $29.95) consult it when looking for trees to by Jan Busco & Nancy R. Morin. add to their property. The brief, in- Similar to the original book pub- formation-packed profiles could help lished in 2003, this second edition you decide which trees would work profiles more than 150 native plants best for your property, as well as steer that can take the region’s harsh cli- you away from some of the more mate in stride. This edition includes weedy species. m new information gathered from on- going trials and lots of additional —Viveka Neveln, Associate Editor color photographs.

May / June 2011 55 56 2239. Nature Center.Camden,Maine.(207)236- RAP 4333. Gardens. Boothbay,Maine.(207)633- Chestnut. RAP York. (718)817-8700. New YorkBotanicalGarden.Bronx, tion. AmericanSocietyofBotanicalArtists. Plants intheEconomy. RAP ed tourwillbeavailable onlinethefirst week ofJuly. for thetours,”saysCharlier. the area. Thiswouldn’t have happenedifnotforpeopleshowing offtheirgardens there are 16.“Home values have goneup, andsohasthewalkabilitysafety of Charlier’s own street intheWest garden. side wastheonlyparticipating Now, are somestreets thathaven’t seenlove inalotofyears,” saysCharlier. At onepoint, more than$30,000 hasbeendonatedtovarious urbangardening projects andgroups. gives back to thecommunitythrough beautification grants.In the lastseven years, and theymeshwiththeintimatespacesofarea.” den iscustomized andpersonal, Garden Walks Buffalo. “Eachgar- says Jim Charlier, president of creative gardening community,” tance ofeachother. all locatedwithinwalkingdis- manicured mansionlandscapes, tiny townhouse frontyards and from plantedtrafficmediansto many different kindsofgardens, set forJuly 30and31,willinclude vate andpublic.Thisyear’s event, gardens,participating bothpri- has blossomedintooneofthenation’s largestgarden tourscomprisinghundreds of FROM HUMBLE Garden Walk Buffalo the American Gardener For more information,visit thingI’m“The mostproudour reach ofis intoBuffalo’s West side,where there In additiontospotlightingurbangardening atitsbest,Garden Walk Buffalo also “Buffalo hasatremendously MAY 21. MAY 19. THROUGH JULY31. www.merryspring.org. www.mainegardens.org. Lecture. CoastalMaineBotanical CT, MA,ME,NH,NY,RI,VT Plant Sale. The StoryoftheAmerican NORTHEAST Horticultural EventsfromAroundtheCountry beginnings in1995,Garden Walk Buffalo inBuffalo, New York, Botanical artexhibi- www.nybg.org. Green Currency: Merryspring www.gardenwalkbuffalo.com. —Terra-Nova Sadowski,Editorial Intern www.franconianotch.org. Franconia, NewHampshire.(603)823-5661. Franconia NotchChamberofCommerce. JUNE 3–19. www.ahs.org/events/reciprocal_events.htm. contact thehostsitefordetailsorvisit benefits. Specialeventsmaynotbeincluded; discounted admissiontothegardenorother valid membershipcardareeligibleforfreeor RAP areidentifiedwiththe Admissions Program arboreta thatparticipateinAHS’sReciprocal Events hostedbybotanicalgardensand EINLHAPPENINGS REGIONAL REGIONALHAPPENINGS symbol. Current AHS members showing a AHSmembersshowing symbol. Current Fields ofLupineFestival. C C Maps oftheself-guid- o o k in g a h e a d 7630. Framingham, Massachusetts. (508) 877- Exhibit. NewEnglandWildFlowerSociety. ative ContainerGardeningforPollinators. New York.(718)623-7200. festival. BrooklynBotanicGarden.Brooklyn, www.historicnewengland.org. stock, Connecticut.(860)928-4074. Day. JUNE 26&27. www.wafausa.org. Boston, Massachusetts. (508)295-9079. al flowershow.SeaportWorldTradeCenter. JUNE 15–19. RAP RAP den. JUNE 18. www.usna.usda.gov. Washington, D.C.(202) 245-2726. in Bloom. MAY 29–JUNE12. www.lewisginter.org. Richmond, Virginia.(804)262-9887. Show. MAY 28&29. www.usbg.gov. Washington, D.C.(202) 225-8333. Plant World. MAY 28–OCT.10. www.montgomeryparks.org/brookside. Fulton, Maryland.(301)962-1400. den tour.SponsoredbyBrooksideGardens. MAY 21. www.earthlydelightsnj.com. sey.E-mail: [email protected]. servancy ofNewJersey.Pottersville,Jer- Friends ofEarthlyDelightsandtheLandCon- MAY 21. www.historicnewengland.org. Massachusetts. (781) 891-1985. Sale. JULY 17–19. L Garden tour.RoselandCottage.Wood- Workshop. Tudor PlaceHistoricHouse Lyman EstateGreenhouses.Waltham, Lewis GinterBotanicalGarden. JUNE 15–AUG.31. JUNE 11. www.newenglandwild.org. Party withthePeonies. Earthly Delights. Edible Flowering PlantsfortheGar- Exhibit. U.S.NationalArboretum. PA, NJ,VA,MD,DE,WV,DC Historic NewEnglandHosta This GloriousEarth. Richmond RoseSociety Exhibit. U.S.BotanicGarden. Connecticut HistoricGardens MID-ATLANTIC Homegrown. Green Genes:Mappingthe Bonsai Bling:Azalea Native Buzz:Cre- Plant sale,lectures. Food andflora www.bbg.org. Private gar- Internation-

COURTESY OF GARDEN WALK BUFFALO NORTH CENTRAL and Garden. Washington, D.C. (202) 965- Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. Coral IA, IL, IN, MI, MN, ND, NE, OH, SD, WI 0400. www.tudorplace.org. Gables, Florida. (305) 667-1651. www.fairchildgarden.org. RAP MAY 22. Art in the Garden Fair. Taltree JUNE 21. Pollinator Conservation Planning. Arboretum & Gardens. Valparaiso, Indiana. Short course. Xerces Society for Invertebrate JUNE 4. Crescent Hill Garden Club Tour. (219) 462-0025. www.taltree.org. Conservation. National Plant Materials Cen- Louisville, Kentucky. (502) 899-1899. ter. Beltsville, Maryland. (855) 232-6639. www.crescenthillgardentour.org. RAP JUNE 3. Piet Oudolf’s Landscapes www.xerces.org. in Landscapes. Lecture. Fernwood RAP JUNE 5, 12, & 19. Orchids in the Botanical Garden & Nature Preserve. JULY 2. Tour of Back Mountain Gardens. Windowsill. Class. Memphis Botanical Niles, Michigan. (269) 695-6491. Garden tour and flower show. The Back Garden. Memphis, Tennessee. www.fernwoodbotanical.org. Mountain Bloomers Garden Club. Dallas, (901) 636-4128. www.dixon.org. Pennsylvania. (570) 696-5082. RAP JUNE 3–5. Garden Fair. Outdoor living www.backmountainbloomers.org. RAP JUNE 11. Using Hypertufa in the marketplace. Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden. Workshop. Cape Fear Botanical Garden. Rockford, Illinois. (815) 965-8146. Garden. Fayetteville, North Carolina. www.klehm.org. SOUTHEAST (910) 486-0221. www.capefearbg.org. AL, FL, GA, KY, NC, SC, TN RAP JUNE 4. Coleus Sale. Polk County R MAY 21 & 22. Bonsai Society Show. RAP JUNE 15. Birmingham Fern Society’s Master Gardeners. Des Moines Botanical and Atlanta Botanical Garden. Atlanta, Show & Sale. Birmingham Botanical Gar- Environmental Center. Des Moines, Iowa. Georgia. (404) 876-5859. dens. Birmingham, Alabama. (205) 414- (515) 323-6290. www.botanicalcenter.org. www.atlantabotanicalgarden.org. 3950. www.bbgardens.org. JUNE 11. Summerfest. Herb-themed RAP MAY 24. Kitchen Cabinet Remedies. RAP JUNE 25. Tropical Fruit Festival. Rare program. Illinois Herb Association. Class. The State Botanical Garden of Geor- Fruit Council. Mounts Botanical Garden. Washington Park Botanical Garden. gia. Athens, Georgia. (706) 542-1244. West Palm Beach, Florida. (561) 233- Springfield, Illinois. (217) 762-7983. www.uga.edu/botgarden. 1757. www.mounts.org. www.specialtygrowers.org/whats_new.htm.

MAY 27–29. Iris Festival. Sumter, South Car- Looking ahead RAP JUNE 11 & 12. Show of Summer: olina. (803) 436-2640. www.irisfestival.org. JULY 1–OCT. 23. Tiffany at Biltmore. Art and Botanica. Flower show and exhibits. garden display. Biltmore House & Gardens. Garden Club of America. Chicago Botanic RAP MAY 27–29. South Florida Cactus and Asheville, North Carolina. (800) 411-3812. Garden. Glencoe, Illinois. (847) 835-5440. Succulent Society Plant Show and Sale. www.biltmore.com. www.showofsummer.com.

May / June 2011 57 JUNE 13–17. Creativity Rocks: International Design Conference. Association of Profes- Lavender Festival Debuts in Colorado sional Landscape Designers. Cleveland, Ohio. (717) 238-9780. www.apld.org.

RAP JUNE 19–SEPT. 25. Gnome and Garden. Garden art display. Holden Arboretum. Kirtland, Ohio. (405) 946-4400. www.holdenarb.org.

JUNE 24–26. Peace Festival 2011. Internation- al Peace Garden. Dunseith, . (204) 534-2303. www.peacegarden.com.

SOUTH CENTRAL AR, KS, LA, MO, MS, OK, TX

RAP JUNE 4. Hot Bloomers for Summer Landscapes & Patio. Seminar. South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center. Corpus Christi, Texas. (361) 852-2100. www.stxbot.org.

RAP JUNE 6–10. Earth Partnership for Schools Summer Institute. Youth gardening training program. Dyck Arboretum of the Plains. Hesston, Kansas. (620) 327-8127. www.dyckarboretum.org. FROM JULY 15 to 17, the Lavender Association of Western Colorado (LAWC) will hold its first annual Lavender Festival in Palisade, Colorado. The event will high- JUNE 11. Festival in the Park. Will Rogers Gardens. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. light the many uses of the plant, from perfume and bouquets to cooking and crafts. (405) 943-0927. www.okc.gov/parks/ “There are so many things you can do with lavender,” says LAWC President will_rogers/index.html. Kathy Kimbrough, “it’s not just a pretty face in the garden.” She is hopeful that the festival will help promote the herb as a local alternative cash crop, because it RAP JUNE 11. Through the Garden Gate is well suited for the area’s dry weather and high altitude. Tour. Flower, Garden and Nature Society of Northwest . The Botanical Garden Festival participants can attend workshops, demonstrations, and seminars re- of the Ozarks. Fayetteville, Arkansas. volving around the herb. There will be activities for kids, and vendors will be sell- (479) 442-4640. www.bgozarks.org. ing lavender spa items, confections, fresh and dried bundles, and much more. The Colorado State University Extension and local growers will be there to offer ad- RAP JUNE 12. St. Louis Garden Tour. Mis- vice for cultivating lavender as well. souri Botanical Garden. St. Louis, Missouri. (314) 577-5180. www.mobot.org. “The farm tour is going to be the big event,” says Kimbrough. “We’re going to visit four lavender farms, watch an essential oil distillation, eat lunch with a laven- JUNE 16–18. A Little Bit of Heaven in 2011. der-inspired menu, and end with a wine and cheese reception at a local winery.” Convention. The Gardeners of The festival is set to coincide with the peak of the bloom season, featuring 15 America/Men’s Garden Clubs of America. different varieties of lavender. Tickets and more information are available at Overland Park, Kansas. (913) 722-5562. www.tgoa-mgca.org. www.coloradolavender.org. —Terra-Nova Sadowski, Editorial Intern RAP JUNE 18. Burden Center Garden Festival. Burden Horticulture Society. Baton Rouge, . (225) 763-3990. www.burdenhorticulturesociety.com. sium. Denver Botanic Gardens. Denver, Col- hummingbird merchandise sale. The Arbore- orado. (720) 865-3500. www.growwest.org. tum at Flagstaff. Flagstaff, Arizona. (928) RAP JULY 3. Daylily Show. Botanica, 774-1442. www.thearb.org. the Wichita Gardens. Wichita, Kansas. RAP JUNE 17. A Night of Wine and Roses. (316) 264-0448. www.botanica.org. Flower arranging and hors d’oeuvres. JUNE 25. Pollinator Celebration. BioPark Desert Botanical Garden. Phoenix, Arizona. Botanic Garden. Albuquerque, . (480) 941-1225. www.dbg.org. (505) 768-5300. www.cabq.gov/biopark. SOUTHWEST AZ, NM, CO, UT JUNE 17. Weird Plant Sale. Tucson Botanical Looking ahead RAP JUNE 5. Annual Garden Tours. Gardens. Tucson, Arizona. (520) 326-9686. JULY 11–17. Crested Butte Wildflower Santa Fe Botanical Garden. Santa Fe, www.tucsonbotanical.org. Festival. Garden tours, gardening work- New Mexico. (505) 471-9103. shops, and cooking and photography www.santafebotanicalgarden.org. RAP JUNE 25. Hummingbird Festival. Co- classes. Crested Butte Nordic Center. sponsored by Arizona Game and Fish De- Crested Butte, Colorado. (970) 349-2571. JUNE 16. Green Roofs for the West Sympo- partment. Speakers, crafts, and plant and www.crestedbuttewildflowerfestival.com. COURTESY OF LAWC

58 the American Gardener JUNE 12. Graywater System Design. Work- ka. (907) 770-3692. www.alaskabg.org. WEST COAST shop. Occidental Arts and Ecology Center. CA, NV, HI Occidental, California. (707) 874-1557 RAP JUNE 12. Savor Idaho. Garden tour, RAP MAY 21. Ladybug Day. Ladybug ext. 201. www.oaec.org. wine and food tasting. Idaho Botanical population estimate project. San Diego Garden. Boise, Idaho. (208) 343-8649. Botanic Garden. Encinitas, California. JUNE 15. Native Plant Tour. May Arboretum www.savoridaho.org. (760) 436-3036. www.sdbgarden.org. Nursery & Burke Garden. Rancho San Rafael Regional Park. Reno, Nevada. (775) JUNE 24–26. Gardening in 3D: Dichotomy, RAP JUNE 4. Drip Irrigation. Class. 785-5961. www.washoecounty.us/parks. Diversity & Desire. Study weekend. Portland The Gardens at the Springs Preserve. Las State University. Portland, Oregon. (503) Vegas, Nevada. (702) 822-7700. JUNE 18. Aromatic First Aid with Garden 224-5718. www.hardyplantsociety.org. www.springspreserve.org. Plants. Garden walk and class. San Francisco Botanical Garden. San Francisco, California. Looking ahead JUNE 4. San Clemente Garden Club (415) 661-1316. www.sfbotanicalgarden.org. JULY 15–17. Sequim Lavender Festival. Garden Tour. San Clemente, Sequim Lavender Growers Association. California. (949) 498-2818. JUNE 22–26. Lompoc Valley Flower Show. Sequim, Washington. (360) 670-8150. www.sanclementegardenclub.com. Ryon Park. Lompoc, California. www.lavenderfestival.com. (805) 735-8511. www.flowerfestival.org. JUNE 8. California Grown Show. California JULY 17. West Seattle Garden Tour. Association of Nurseries and Garden Cen- Seattle, Washington. (206) 324-2061. NORTHWEST ters. Long Beach Convention Center. Long www.westseattlegardentour.com. AK, ID, MT, OR, WA, WY Beach, California. (916) 928-3900. www.cangc.org. MAY 27–JUNE 12. Portland Rose Festival. CANADA Portland, Oregon. (503) 227-2681. JUNE 10–JULY 4. Paul Ecke Jr. Flower & www.rosefestival.org. RAP MAY 28 & 29. Toronto Bonsai Society Garden Show. San Diego County Fair. Annual Show. Toronto Botanical Garden. Del Mar Fairgrounds. Del Mar, California. MAY 28 & 29. American Peony Society Con- Toronto, . (416) 397-1341. (858) 792-4207. www.sdfair.com. vention. Wilsonville, Oregon. (816) 459- www.torontobotanicalgarden.ca. 9386. www.americanpeonysociety.org. RAP JUNE 12. Around the World in 80 MAY 29–JUNE 3. American Iris Society Oaks. Musical garden tour. U.C. Davis Ar- RAP JUNE 9. A Midsummer Gala in the National Convention. Fairmont Empress boretum. Davis, California. (530) 752- Garden. Music, food, tours, and art show. Hotel. Victoria, British Colombia. 4880. www.arboretum.ucdavis.edu. Alaska Botanical Garden. Anchorage, Alas- (800) 441-1414. www.bc-iris.org. m

Let the American Horticultural Society help you promote your green industry business or organization!

If you are looking for ways to promote your nursery, landscape design firm, or other garden-related business, consider an AHS Affiliate Membership. Among the benefits is an official certificate affirming your affiliation with one of the most respected names in American gardening. Through the AHS Affiliate Member Program, garden-related organizations have a special opportunity to reach gardeners seeking high-quality horticultural products and services. To learn how an affiliate membership can enhance your outreach and marketing efforts, contact Maren Seubert at (703) 768-5700 ext. 132 or [email protected].

Market your business to America’s most passionate gardeners!

May / June 2011 59 PRONUNCIATIONSTIONS CAND PLANTING ZONES

Most of the cultivated plants described in this issue are listed here with their pronunciations, USDA Plant Hardiness Zones, and AHS Plant Heat Zones. These zones suggest a range of locations where temperatures are appropriate—both in winter and summer—for growing each plant. While the zones are a good place to start in determining plant adaptability in your region, factors such as exposure, mois- ture, 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–D E–R S–Z Achillea tomentosa ah-kih-LEE-uh Echinacea purpurea ek-ih-NAY-see-uh suh-JY-nuh sub-yew-LAY- toh-men-TOH-suh (USDA Zones 3–8, pur-PUR-ee-uh (3–9, 9–1) tuh (4–7, 7–1) AHS Zones 8–1) Filipendula rubra fih-lih-PEN-dyew-luh Sarcoccoca hookeriana var. humilis Agastache foeniculum ah-GAH-stah-she ROO-bruh (3–9, 9–1) sar-kuh-KOKE-uh hook-ur-ee-AN-uh var. fee-NICK-yoo-lum (4–11, 12–5) Galax urceolata GAY-laks er-see-o-LAY-tuh HEW-mih-lis (6–9, 9–6) Allium cernuum AL-ee-um SAIR-new-um (5–8, 8–5) Schizachyrium scoparium skits-ah-KEER- (3–9, 9–5) Galium odoratum GAY-lee-um o-doh-RAY- ee-um sko-PAR-ee-um (3–9, 9–1) Amorphophallus titanum uh-mor-fo-PHAL- tum (5–8, 8–5) Sedum acre SEE-dum AY-kur (3–8, 8–1) lus ty-TAN-um (11, 12–10) Geranium ✕cantabrigiense juh-RAY-nee- tectorum sem-pur-VEE-vum Arctostaphylos uva-ursi ark-toh-STAFF-ih- um kan-tuh-brij-ee-EN-see (5–8, 8–5) tek-TOR-um (3–8, 8–1) loss YOO-vuh-UR-sy (2–6, 6–1) Humulus lupulus HEW-mew-lus Solanum lycopersicum so-LAH-num Asarum maximum uh-SAR-um LEW-pew-lus (4–8, 8–1) ly-ko-PER-sih-kum (11, 12–1) MAKS-ih-mum (5–8, 8–4) Isotoma fluviatilis eye-so-TOH-muh S. pyracanthum S. py-ruh-KAN-thum Baptisia australis bap-TIZ-yuh flu-vee-AT-ih-liss (5–9, 9–4) (9–11, 12–5) aw-STRAY-liss (3–9, 9–1) Liatris aspera ly-AY-triss ASS-pur-uh Sporobolus heterolepis spor-OB-o-lus Bouteloua gracilis boo-teh-LOO-uh (3–9, 9–1) het-ur-o-LEP-iss (3–8, 10–2) GRASS-ih-liss (5–9, 12–4) L. punctata L. punk-TAY-tuh (4–9, 9–1) Stachys byzantina STAY-kiss bih-zan-TY- Castanea crenata kas-TAY-nee-uh L. pycnostachya L. pik-no-STAKE-ee-uh nuh (4–8, 8–1) kreh-NAY-tuh (5–9, 9–5) (3–9, 9–2) Symplocarpus foetidus sym-plo-KAR-pus C. dentata C. den-TAY-tuh (4–8, 8–1) L. scariosa L. skar-ee-O-suh (3–8, 8–3) FEE-tih-dus (3–7, 8–2) C. mollissima C. mol-LISS-ih-muh L. scariosa var. novae-angliae L. skar-ee-O- Thymus serpyllum TY-muss sur-PIL-lum (4–8, 8–1) suh var. NO-vee-ANG-lee-ay (3–7, 7–3) (4–9, 9–1) C. sativa C. sah-TEE-vuh (5–7, 7–5) L. spicata L. spy-KAY-tuh (4–9, 9–1) T. ✕citriodorus T. sih-tree-o-DOR-us Carex praegracilis KAIR-eks pre-GRASS- L. squarrosa L. skwa-RO-suh (5–9, 9–5) (5–9, 9–1) ih-lis (4–8, 8–1) Lamium galeobdolon LAM-ee-um Trachelospermum asiaticum tray-kell-o- Cephalotaxus harringtonia sef-uh-lo-TAK- gal-ee-OB-doh-lon (4–8, 8–1) SPUR-mum ay-zee-AT-ih-kum suss hair-ring-TOH-nee-uh (6–9, 9–3) Leptinella squalida lep-tih-NEL-uh (7–11, 12–7) Cerastium tomentosum seh-RASS-tee-um SKWA-lih-duh (4–7, 7–1) Tricyrtis hirta try-SUR-tiss HUR-tuh toh-men-TOH-sum (3–7, 7–1) Liriope muscari lih-RY-o-pee mus-KAR-eye (4–9, 9–1) Cymbalaria muralis sym-buh-LAIR-ee-uh (6–10, 12–1) Veronica repens ver-ON-ih-kuh REP-enz myoo-RAY-liss (7–9, 9–1) Lysimachia nummularia liss-ih-MAHK- (3–8, 8–1) Delosperma ashtonii del-o-SPER-muh ee-uh noom-yew-LAIR-ee-uh (4–8, 8–1) Waldsteinia ternata wald-STY-nee-uh ash-TOH-nee-eye (5–9, 9–5) MEN-thuh rek-wee-EN- ter-NAY-tuh (3–8, 8–1) Deschampsia cespitosa deh-SHAMP-see- ee-eye (6–9, 9–6) uh sez-pih-TOH-suh (5–9, 9–1) Monarda didyma moh-NAR-duh Dionaea muscipula dy-o-NEE-uh DID-ih-muh (4–10, 10–1) mus-KIP-yew-luh (8–11, 12–1) Pachysandra terminalis pak-ih-SAN-druh ter-mih-NAL-iss (4–8, 8–1) Parthenium integrifolium par-THEE- nee-um in-teg-rih-FO-lee-um (4–8, 8–3) Poncirus trifoliata pon-SEER-us try-fo-lee-AY-tuh (5–9, 9–5) Rhus aromatica RUS ah-ro-MAT-ih-kuh (2–8, 8–1)

60 the American Gardener GARDENGARDENMARKET C MARKET

CLASSIFIED AD RATES: All classified advertising must be prepaid. $2.75 per word; mini- mum $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].

GARDENING SUPPLIES

HORTICULTURAL PERLITE–Extra Large for Or- chid Growers. Available in 4 CuFt Bags. Con- tact: Pennsylvania Perlite Corp. Ph: (610) 868-0992. E-mail: [email protected].

PLANT LABELS

ENGRAVED BOTANICAL PLANT LABELS PLANT IDENTIFICATION FOR EVERY GARDEN FAMILY - GENUS - SPECIES - COMMON NAME Order @ www.gardenmarkers.com FAX: 434-975-1627 PLANT LABELS – STAKES – TREE TACKS

PLANTS

LILY NOOK—Lilium specialists, Asiatic, Marta- gon, Trumpet, Oriental, Species and Orienpet lilies. Bulbs available spring and fall. Color cat- alogue $3. Box 846, Neepawa, MB R0J-1H0 Canada. Phone: (204) 476-3225. Fax: (204) 476-5482. E-mail: [email protected]. Web: www.thelilynook.com. Photo Credit: Alexander Armster-Wikoff Please contact 1-800-367-0003 or Tony Richard at 301-883-8834 To place your ad here, please call A copy of our annual financial report may be obtained from (703) 768-5700 ext. 120 or e-mail The Fresh Air Fund, 633 Third Avenue, 14th Floor, New York, NY 10017 (212-897-8900) or from the Office of the Secretary of [email protected]. State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (for the cost of copies and postage) or by calling 1-888-874-0013 within Maryland. Registration does not imply endorsement. 2009 The Fresh Air Fund.

COLLECTOR’S ITEM! 1911 Original U.S. Flower Map Celebrate 100 Years for $100! To celebrate its centennial, the Canby Historical Society of Canby, Oregon, is offering limited quantities of a 1911 original U.S. Flower Map. A rare collector's item, only 10,000 were printed. Each full-color, 27-by-37- inch map is backed with muslin and includes a legend identifying each 1911 state flower.

To purchase, call (503) 266-6712 or e-mail [email protected].

May / June 2011 61 62 by PatriciaA.Taylor Redhead ColeusSailsThroughSummerHeat obligated—if we wanttoreceive more samples—togrow like. plantsthatwe maynotparticularly introductions new before theyarehand, itcanbefuntotry readily available. On theotherhand,we are L downy mildew, grow inawiderangeof late toflower orare flowerless, thatresist breeders istocreate plantsthatare either plains thatwithcoleus,thegoaloftoday’s more thanbeautiful color. O’Connorex- however, theplanthadtodemonstrate quired itsname. thought—and that’s how theplantac- al fields.“It’s likeabeautifulredhead,” she growing inoneofthefirm’s tri- the samewaywhenshesawit veloped theplant,saysshefelt ticultural Company, whichde- product managerforBall Hor- O’Connor,usual. Mary global ently, myreaction wasnotun- have ever comeacross. Appar- beguiling red foliageplantsI ten withasix-packofthemost ever, Iwasimmediatelysmit- When Iopenedthebox, how- COLOR STUNNING mixed borders. cult toharmoniouslyplacein annuals are sometimesdiffi- ly multi-colored, often frilly my experience,thesegeneral- I wasn’t thrilledbecause,in Redhead amongthe offerings. I received listedacoleuscalled slip onabox ofsampleplants www.whiteflowerfarm.com. (800) 503-9624. White FlowerFarm, Source Last spring,thepacking In order tobeintroduced tothetrade, the American Gardener IKE MANY or marketing companiestotestoutinmygarden. Thisperk hasitsplusesand minuses.On theone garden communicators,Ioftenreceive varieties samplesofnew from plantdevelopment Litchfield, CT. Redhead coleusshinesinasummergarden. its large,narrowly serratedleaves wasfab- from May through October. Thecolor of and perennials succumbedasaresult. trees, A variety of shrubs, quality alerts. breaking temperatures, drought, andair season inthemid-Atlantic, withrecord- den. Whatfollowed wasahorrid growing ny sitesinmyPrinceton, New Jersey, gar- six Redhead coleusplantsinmostlysun- I wasunaware of thiswhenIplantedall BEATING THEHEAT through hot, humidweather. light conditions,andelegantlysail LN IN PLANT Despite this,Redhead coleusthrived C C IN THE SPOTLIGHT so you can try itandjudgeforyourself.so you cantry It’s now widely available in garden centers, Lane Research CenterinIthaca, New York. Ohio, andatCornellUniversity’s Bluegrass conducted atFranklin Park in Columbus, coleus hasreceived highmarks intrials the onlyonesingingitspraises;Redhead unbiased observer. Well, ifithelps,I’m not for free, you mightwonderwhetherI’m an ward growth. create abushiereffect, thusreducing up- containers wouldhave to beenpinched been pinchedback.Largeronessoldin based inPrinceton, New Jersey. Patricia Taylor isafreelance garden writer Given thatI’ve disclosedIgottheplants pack cellsandthushadnot plants were sentinsmallsix- may have beenbecausemy nor aboutthis,shethoughtit inches. WhenIaskedO’Con- reached amagnificent40 slightly broader spread, mine out at18to24incheswitha describes theplanttopping Ball’s marketing information er—they grew tall.Though tall—no stakingwhatsoev- occur, theplantsstoodtall. sional torrential downpour did heat spells.Whentheocca- only duringtheworstof andwerenot fertilized watered ease andflowerless. They were the plantsremained free ofdis- red inlateafternoonsun.All noon toadark, luscious, wine- ing pink-tingedred athigh ulous—ranging from an allur- And theynotonlystood m

COURTESY OF BALL HORTICULTURAL COMPANY

Top View