A Publication of the American Horticultural Society Volume 69, Number 9 • September 1990 $1.50 News Edition Rot Is Hot, Bins Are In

omposting is in. Extension offices, public works departments, and environmental groups are spear­ heading composting programs; CongressC addressed the need for research on the topic in its 1990 Farm Bill; even trash collection agencies are publishing compost­ ing guidelines. Who would have thought that this ancient method of recycling organic material would be so trendy in the last decade of the 20th century? Several factors have converged to encourage homeowners, gardeners, and farmers to take a fresh look at composting: • A new environmental awareness coupled with mounting solid waste disposal problems has made composting an essential part of municipal waste management. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that yard waste composes 18 percent of municipal solid waste and as much as 50 percent in the summer and fall. IncineratJ.on and landfilling are expensive and environmen­ tally harmful; composting is cheap, easy, and good for the environment. • Compost is free. As peat and fertilizer become more costly, compost seems a more attractive material with which to improve soil structure and fertility. It lacks the drawbacks of chemical fertilizers and is not mined from sensitive wetlands as is peat. • A new generation of chippers and attractive compost bins has made urban composting simpler, less space-consuming, and easier on the eyes and nose. In This Issue • Professional and nonprofessional compo sting experts are spreading the Incredible Compost 1 Meet George C. Ball Jr. 16 word and helping people learn how to create successful backyard composts. Making a Difference 6 AHS Bulletin Board 17 In this issue we have pulled together some compost research, reminders, and Members' Forum 8 Gardener's Bookshelf 18 rationale. Soon we will launch a compost Gardener's Q&A .10 Gardener's Dateline 20 demonstration site at the Society head­ quarters at River Farm, and through the Regional Notes .12 Classifieas . . . . . 22 News Edition we'll keep you posted on what we learn from that experience and Annual Meeting .14 Lyme Disease Data 24 the experts who help us. American Fungus Cure for Nurseries Horticultural Society According to research by Dr. Harry are in compost that has begun to break Hoitink, professor of plant pathology at down but has not decomposed completely The American Horticultural Society seeks the Ohio Research and Development -they can get to the nutrients first, This to promote and recognize excellence Center of Ohio State University in prevents the pathogens from germinating in horticulture across America. Wooster, compost can prevent some and thus keeps them inactive. Hoitink types of root diseases. As reported in says the Pythium-suppressing power is OFFICERS 1990-1991 BioCycle, a recycling trade publication, present in all bark composts and in Mr. George C. Ball Jr., West Chicago, IL composted pine bark has the ability to composted sludge. President suppress Pythium fungal organisms However, plants grown in compost Mrs. Helen Fulcher Walutes, Mount Vernon, VA that cause damping-off disease and low in microflora activity can be very First Vice President Mr. Richard C. Angino, Harrisburg , PA root rots, which are major problems in quickly infected with the Pythium Second Vice President the container plant industry. disease. Therefore, it is critical to know Mr. Elvin McDonald, Brooklyn, NY This is how it works: When a plant root when microbial activity is at its peak Secretary grows, it leaks sugars and nutrients into and how to maintain it. Hoitink Mrs. Jane N. Scarff, New Carlisle, OH the growing medium. This is the stuff believes that in the near future, Treasurer that the disease-causing pathogens feed growers will be able to send compost to Mrs. Carolyn Marsh Lindsay, Rochester, NY on. The microflora that are present in commercial laboratories to be analyzed Immediate Past President compost have the same diet as the fungi, for microflora content and disease­ and ifthey are active enough-as they suppressing potential. BOARD OF DIRECTORS Mrs. Suzanne Bales, Oyster Bay, NY Dr. William E. Barrick, Pine Mountain, GA Dr. Sherran Blair, Columbus, OH Catskill Hot Spot Mrs. Mary Katherine Blount, Black Gold Montgomery, AL There is a compo sting mecca in the Mrs. Sarah Boasberg, Washington, DC middle of the Catskill Mountains. Tons in a Bucket Dr. Henry Marc Cathey, Washington, DC of the stuff are being produced and Mr. Russell B. Clark, Boston, MA The San Francisco League of Mrs. Ann Lyon Crammond, Atlanta, GA used for horticultural education at the Frost Valley YMCA Environmental Urban Gardeners (SLUG) Mrs. Beverley White Dunn, recommends bucket composting Birmingham, AL Education Center in Claryville, New Mr. K. Albert Ebinger, Boxford, MA York, the largest-resident environmental for apartment dwellers who do not Mr. Gerald T. Halpin, Alexandria, VA field center in the country. have the space to put a bin in their Mrs. Julia Hobart, Troy, OH This innovative teaching facility back yards. It's as simple as this: Or. Joseph E. Howland, Reno, NV recently began an ambitious composting use a five-gallon container, chop Mr. David M. Lilly, Saint Paul, MN program where all food waste (one ton a up the kitchen waste before adding, Mr. EveriH Miller, Kennett Square, PA day in the summer) is collected, shredded, layer with dry matter like sawdust Mrs. Flavia Redelmeier, or soil, and keep the mixture as Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada composted, and used as a potting medium in a new educational greenhouse. wet as a moist sponge. Mix in soil Mr. Andre VieHe, Fishersville, VA at least once a week. To aerate it, Mrs. Jean Verity Woodhull, Dayton, OH The program ·will provide many ways in which students can learn about stir the compost once or twice a EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR waste management, composting, and week, or put small holes in the lid. Mr. Frank L. Robinson horticulture. All staff, students, and visitors are instructed to separate their AMERICAN HORTICULTURIST food wastes into special containers. EDITOR : Kathleen Fisher Wastes are then shredded, mixed with Compost No-Nos ASSISTANT EDITORS : wood chips and water, aerated, Thomas M. BarreH, Mary Beth Wiesner screened to remove large particles, and Most organic material may be added to EDITORIAL ASSISTANT: Martha Palermo composted, all under the inquisitive your compost pile. Several items, MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR: gaze of students in the adjacent though, should be avoided: Kathleen B. Amberger classroom and laboratory. The final -+- Coal ashes- they have enough ADVERTISING: American Horticultural compost is used to teach students sulfur and iron to be toxic to plants. Society Advertising Department, 80 South Early Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22304. about horticulture in the greenhouse, -+- Charcoal-it resists decay. Phone (703)823-6966. where they will grow herbs, vegetables, -+- Meat, grease, oil, and bones-they Address all editorial correspondence to : The Editor, ornamentals, and tree seedlings for decay slowly and attract pests. American Horticulturist, American Horticultural Frost Valley's forestry program. Beginners may want to avoid SOCiety, 7931 East Boulevard Drive, Alexandria, -+- Virginia 22308. AMERICAN HORTICULTURIST, ISSN The composting project is a part of an citrus rinds; corncobs, stalks, and 0096-4417, is published by the American Horticultural environmental education curriculum at husks; palm fronds; and walnut, pecan, Society, 7931 East Boulevard Drive, Alexandria, Virginia 22308, (703) 768-5700, and is issued six times a year as Frost Valley that includes acid rain studies, and almond shells. They break down a magazine and six times a year as a news edition. The tree identification, and forest ecology. Some slowly, especially if they have not been American Horticultural Society is a nonprofit organization devoted to excellence in horticulture. Botanical nomen­ 35,000 peopl~summer camp students shredded. clature in AMERICAN HORTICULTURIST is eased on from second grade through college, Elder­ -+- Diseased plants-such as cabbage HORTUS THIRD. National membership dues are $35; two years are $60. Foreign dues are $45. $12 of dues are hostel students, and participants in on-site with club root, onions with onion mil­ designated for AMERICAN HORTICULTURIST. conferences-visit the environmental dew, or root crops with dry rot-should Copyright © 1990 by the American Horticultural Society. education center each year. They will now be burned and their ashes added to the Second-class postage paid at Alexandria, Virginia and at additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Please send Form take home seedlings planted in compost as compost, especially if you do not have a 3579 to AMERICAN HORTICULTURIST, 7931 East living testaments to sensible, and rapidly decomposing compost pile with Boulevard Drive, Alexandria, Virginia 22308. horticultural, waste management. a temperature over 90· F.

2 • American Horticulturist· September 1990 A Thousand Points of Compost

Purred on by bulging landfills to school children, community groups, and pollution-belching garden clubs, and anyone else that is incinerators, various groups­ interested. The first Master Composter environmentalists, extension program began in 1986 after Seattle Tilth agents,S city administrators, activists, won a city contract to develop the program. politicians-are trying to get North Master Composters, after completing 36 Americans to compost their yard and hours offormal instruction and practical kitchen wastes. There are two fronts in ~ training at a bin-building workshop, this war on waste: the municipal lot o fulfill their volunteer obligation by and the back yard-really a catch ~ participating in on-site demonstrations, phrase for anyplace individuals e slide shows, fair exhibits, and other educa­ compost. The former are central E tional projects. Seattle Master Composters facilities where workers compost yard § have built six compost demonstration sites waste that is collected separately from . ~ that display up to 16 different types of other garbage by the city or contracted ~ compo sting systems, including holding haulers. In Omaha, Nebraska, for ~ bins, turning units, worm bins, and other example, residents rent from the city ~ basic and specialized composting methods. 90-gallon plastic yard waste bins. A ~ Since the program began, Seattle Tilth special truck picks up the yard waste ::: has been swamped for requests for and transports it to a composting site ~ information, from Washington county where it is mixed in a grinder, wet .~~'~"'~" _ :. ~ governments, at least 46 states, Canadian down, piled into windrows, and then ~ provinces, and other countries. ''It caught turned once a year. The finished . ~ people's imagination," says Madelon compost is used by the county as a soil 8 Bolling, the program's public information amendment at county parks and as a specialist. 'The idea that people can do substitute for landfill topsoil. Steve Horvath, a member of Cornell Coopera­ something for the earth on their own, in a At the other end of the scale are the tive Extension of Broome County's Master small way, appeals to a lot of people." small, back yard composting educational Gardener program, turns compost in one of Gardeners, she feels, have been especially programs. These programs seek to make thirteen composting units at Extension's back important in the success of their program. individuals responsible for their own yard composting demonstration site in ''I'm quite sure that the gardening leaves and grass clippings and to teach Binghamton, New York. community is the backbone." them how to compost. Back yard Seattle Tilth is only one of many composting is much more efficient than such examples. Down the coast in municipal composting- the only cost is California, the San Francisco League of for the compost bin; if you build it from Resources Urban Gardeners (SLUG) has initiated scraps or just make a compost pile, it's a compo sting education program at its free. No trucks, no hauling, no municipal The following resources provide newly created "Garden for the works supervisors or composting more detailed information on Environment," a demonstration site with various composting systems, a overseers, no grinders, no wetters, and various aspects of composting: water conservation garden, a children's no fancy mechanized compost turners. Let It Rot. By Stu Campbell. It's as simple as chicken wire. Publisher's price: softcover, $5.95. garden, and a learning garden. SLUG com posters conduct workshops twice a The main drawback of do-it-yourself AHS member price: $4.95. composting is that it is difficult to inspire The BioCycle Guide to Yard Waste month. They are also putting together to a series of composting fact sheets that large numbers of people make a Composting. Articles on community to It will be distributed throughout the city. commitment compost. seems much composting from BioCycle magazine. easier to sweep leaves in the street, burn Publisher's price: hardcover, In New York, Cornell Cooperative Extension has helped build 22 them, or set them out for the city to deal $59.95; softcover, $49.95. AHS with. But a whole slew of composting member price: hardcover, $51.00; composting demonstration sites, and education programs are cropping up that started numerous educational softcover, $42.45. programs throughout the state. aim to teach people differently. The Art of Recycling: A Community Although community composting Recycling Handbook. Send $1.25 to Broome County began its composting education is nothing new, Seattle Tilth, METRO Recycling Information Center, program in 1989. It includes several a nonprofit organic gardening compo sting classes a year, lectures to Metropolitan Service District, 2000 organization in Seattle, Washington, S.W. 1st Ave., Portland, OR 97201. garden clubs and other community groups, compo sting exhibits at fairs, has come up with a novel and very "Composting: Waste to Resources." influential twist-the Master Composter wide distribution of composting Materials from Cornell Cooperative program. Modeled after the Master Extension including an educator's brochures, and a demonstration site Gardener program of the Department guide, posters, and compost designs. showing 13 different compo sting of Agriculture's Cooperative Extension methods. Master Gardeners have been Send $7.70 to the Distribution Service, the Master Composter Center,7 Business and Technology instrumental in establishing and program gives participants detailed Park, Ithaca, NY 14850. maintaining the program. "The community is enthusiastic, interested, instruction on composting and then EPA Solid Waste Hotline requires them to volunteer a number of telephone number (800) 424-9346. and coming to us for information in hours teaching composting techniques Continued on page 4

American Horticulturist · September 1990 + 3 Don't Bag It, Don't Dump It ...

Bob Whitney describes himself as a bit mow and were rated 30 percent And perhaps best of all, now the of an evangelist when it comes to improved in appearance. Before they grass is not going to the dump. Accord­ wasteful American lawn care habits. enrolled in the program, 80 percent of ing to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Prophet might be a better word. The the participants regularly bagged their 18 percent ofthe solid refuse dumped Tarrant County Texas agricultural grass. After their experience with the in the city landfill in 1988 was grass extension agent was tired of seeing "Don't Bag It" system, 98 percent clippings, entombed in plastic bags people squander time, money, and stopped collecting their clippings. that don't decompose. landfill space by bagging their grass clippings, so he and turfgrass specialist Bill Koop developed "Don't Bag It," a low-maintenance lawn care plan. Their Grasscycling U.S.A program has spread like a prairie fire­ first through the county, then through The Professional Lawn care Association Texas, to Saint Louis and Phoenix; now of America recently began a the Professional Lawn Care Association "Grasscycling" campaign to encourage of America has adopted it as the basis for ,...~I.J.-,-~~~_",,;;u"'aI""_ Americans to leave grass clippings on their "Grasscycling" campaign. "There their lawns when mowing. The program was just no reason for people to be includes the development of a bagging those clippings," says Whitney. community action program for The plan is simple: make scheduled governments, professionals, and others applications oflow-release nitrogen dealing with landfill problems. For more fertilizer to slow the growth of the information, write the Professional lawn, water less frequently and more Lawn Care Association of America, efficiently, remove no more than 1000 Johnson Ferry Rd., N.E., Suite one-third of the leaf surface when C-135, Marietta, GA 30068-2112. mowing, and don't bag it-let the grass clippings return to the earth. The plan is also seductive: it promises the same 4) Do not over-fertilize your lawn. A quality lawn or better with less work dense lawn makes it more difficult for and less money. ... Let It Fly the clippings to reach the soil. If you let The pilot program began in 1989 your clippings fly, they will reduce the with 184 Fort Worth demonstration How is it that leisure-loving Americans need for nitrogen fertilizer anyway. lawns. Participants received free spend so much time and energy raking fertilizer, the use of a Toro lawn mower cut grass, bagging it, and then lugging for a year, technical assistance from the ugly lumps to the trash can? Not Master Gardeners, and a demonstration only is this a cumbersome process, it is What You Can Do yard sign to promote the program. The also unnecessary. results were overwhelming. Demonstra­ Cut grass clippings are good for the With Your Leaves tion lawns took 38 percent less time to lawn and they should be left where they fall. A myth persists that they In addition to composting, there are Continued from page 3 contribute to thatch buildup, but in many things gardeners can do with large numbers," says Broome County fact, thatch is made up of roots, dead their leaves besides sending them to Cooperative Extension Environment leaf sheaths, and rhizomes. Clippings the dump. Team Leader Claudia E . Stallman. decompose rapidly and recycle nitrogen, .. In summer, chop them up and use The Cooperative Extension Services potassium, and phosphorous back into them to mulch perennials, annuals, or of Washington, D.C., and Arlington the soil. They also reduce water vegetables. Thick layers will protect and Alexandria, Virginia, have taken evaporation and stimulate growth by roses and tender perennials from the the Master Composter concept one step keeping the soil temperature cooler. cold and wind of winter. further. In September, they began a Several guidelines should be followed .. Pulverize dry leaves and store Master Natural Resource Managers to facilitate no-bag lawn care: them in the garden over winter in program that includes instruction not 1) Make sure the mower blade is tomato cages. Cover them with piastic only in composting, but also in other sharp, or use a mulching mower or to slow decay, and then use them as conservation measures such as low manual rotary mower. Finely chopped mulch in the spring. input gardening, integrated pest grass will decompose more rapidly .. Chop up small amounts ofleaves management, urban forestry, water than coarse clippings. on your lawn with the lawn mower. management, air pollution, and 2) Mow when the grass is dry. Wet Larger amounts may be shredded with recycling. "We feel that in an urban clumps of grass take a long time to the new mulching lawn mowers. setting the whole environment needs to biodegrade. .. Apply leaves to an empty garden be taken into account," says Pamela 3) Mow when the grass is three to four bed (or a field) and turn them under. Marshall, extension agent at the inches tall, and cut only an inch or an They will add humus and increase the University of the District of Columbia. inch and a half. Again, the finer the clip­ fertility of the soil. "The idea behind this program is to pings, the more quickly they will decom­ .. Dry leaves may be used for outside train citizens to make informed choices pose. This height also allows the lawn to animal bedding. as to how to change undesirable build a larger and deeper root system and .. Use them as mulch in woodland. environmental practices." strengthens it against weeds and drought. This is what trees do with their leaves.

4 • American Horticulturist • September 1990 The Pros and Cons of Activators

Many garden supply companies offer (and sometimes free) may be used piles with a low ratio. He also dismisses bacterial compost activators that are instead. These include finished commercial activators as useless: "It is supposed to simplifY and expedite the compost, bone meal, well-rotted animal my opinion that the primary value of composting process. They sound as easy manure, and loamy soil. Says Richard, such activators is the instructions that as Shake 'N Bake: get a bag, add "The best activator for compost is old come with them." organic material, throw in the activator compost." George B. Wilson, president and, poof! quickie compost. Composting of George B. Wilson Associates, purists tend to tum their noses up at composting consultants in Laurel, We were not able to find controlled, such stuff, but they forget that beginning Maryland, recommends manure for unbiased studies on this subject. We composters may not be able to build the piles with a high carbon-to-nitrogen would love to hear from members who ideal pile. So what is the real scoop on ratio, and sawdust or wood chips for have experimented with activators. the usefulness of activators? Activators are made up of various substances that add bacteria and fungi to the compost. If you can't get the proper carbon-to-nitrogen ratio in your compost-that is, if you have an abundance of either nitrogenous green matter (such as grass or vegetable scraps) or more carbonous material (like leaves, pine needles, or straw)-you need to add something. But Tom Richard, biological engineer at Cornell University, says activators won't help. "All studies indicate that they are of no use. Nobody has been able to demonstrate any advantage to adding microorganisms to a compost pile." Activators may help balance carbon, nitrogen, and other nutrients, but a ~ number of materials that are cheaper J'~- Lilypons Water Gardens

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American Horticulturist· September 1990 .. 5 Making a Difference

Healing After Hugo

One year ago this month Hurricane Hugo left a path of broken buildings and crumbled homes across the low country of South Carolina. Of the 12 million acres of commercial timber in South Carolina, over one-third was lost to Hugo and 23 counties suffered significant tree damage. More trees were lost to Hugo's wrath than to the eruption of Mount Saint Helens, Hurricane Camille, and the Yellowstone fire combined. Twenty-five percent of South Carolina's urban trees were lost and 36 percent of the state's forests were damaged or destroyed. New tree seedlings are beginning to appear in Hugo's wake, due largely to Lowcountry ReLEAF, an organization formed to fund replanting of South Above: Drayton Hall, a property of the Carolina's Charleston, Berkeley, and National Trust for Historic Preservation in Dorchester counties. Thirteen Charleston, after Hugo. Left: The crew of organizations have combined to form the Navy fast frigate Elrod has helped plant Lowcountry ReLEAF, which is working almost every new tree in Berkeley, with the American Forestry Association's Charleston, and Dorchester counties. Global ReLeafin its efforts. Participating organizations include Berkeley, plant Just about every tree and seedling Charleston, and Dorchester counties, the we've received," Evans says. "That American Society of Landscape includes a half million tree seedlings and Architects, Charleston Beautification about 900 large trees." Fund, City of Charleston, Clemson The 200-member crew of the Elrod had Extension Service, Junior League of spent the summer before Hugo in the Charleston, Lowcountry Open Land Persian Gulf, where the temperatures Trust, LS3P Architects, South Carolina routinely exceeded 120 degrees and the Coastal Conservation League, South view from the ship was a barren, dusty Carolina Forestry Commission, and landscape. When they arrived home five Trident Community Foundation. days after the storm they were greeted by Lowcountry ReLEAF accepts donations education committee teaches groups another empty landscape. This disheart­ of trees, dollars, and physical help; since how to take care of the trees while the ening arrival led to their alliance with last October the organization has resource committee orders appropriate Lowcountry ReLEAF. received 60 full-size trees, thousands of trees, arranges for planting, and follows • On the recommendation of seedlings, and over $140,000. The money up on maintenance. A fourth organizes landscape architect Rudy J. Favretti, is used to purchase trees that are then public relations and fund raising. the Garden Club of Virginia sponsored distributed to government and nonprofit Outstanding contributions have ceremonial tree plantings in 35 agencies to plant in public areas left bare arrived from a variety of sources: communities to begin reforestation by the storm. The first tree planting • The South Carolina Forestry efforts. Each community received a efforts-aided by the Junior League, 4-H Commission has donated 439,000 seed­ 12- to 15-foot tree; they were given a Clubs, and the Boy Scout&-were held on lings to schools in Charleston County. choice of magnolia, live oak, red maple, South Carolina's Arbor Day, December 1. Ten seedlings were available to each or white or pink flowering crape Since then the organization has distributed school child. Students from kindergarten myrtle. The garden club donated all red maples, white and pink crape myrtles, to high school were encouraged to the trees and planting expenses. live oaks, magnolias, tulip poplars, leland plant the seedlings at their schools, ''Lowcountry ReLEAF is an organization cypress, and river birch throughout many homes, parks, and recreation centers with a lot of heart," Evans says. ''We're lowcountry communities. while learning about tree species, plant­ really trying to make a difference." Lydia Evans, Lowcountry ReLEAF ing techniques, and the environmental executive director, says the organization significance of trees . is run by four major committees. The • Crew members from the Navy fast Donations may be sent to Lowcountry technical review committee receives and frigate Elrod volunteered to distribute ReLEAF, P.O. Box 1812, Charleston, reviews requests for trees from local seedlings and help plant trees. They SC 29402. For more information call groups. After sites are chosen the have delivered, unloaded, and helped (803) 723·9470.

6 • American Horticulturist • September 1990 The garden also creates an opportunity Good Neighbors for creative self-expression and sensory awareness; containers may include Participants in the first residential fragrant plants like heliotrope and horticultural therapy program ofthe textured ones like dusty-miller. Chicago Botanic Garden receive the But benefits have gone beyond the same physical and mental benefits as confines of the homes, say program those in other horticultural therapy leaders. The plants enhance the programs. But there has been an added residential neighborhoods where they bonus: it has eased the traditional are located, and provide a common struggle for acceptance by neighbors ground for neighbors and residents to that group homes often face. "It's been ~ share their gardening experiences. a wonderful experience for the ] The program was so successful in 1989 residents," says Sally Hoover, a staff ~ that when the first contract ran out the horticultural therapist at the Chicago 3 Neumann Association started the Botanic Garden. "And the garden has ~ therapy program in two more of its group really beautified the house and helped ehomes. Residents of two more are forge a closer link. with the neighbors." t5 expected to start gardening next year. "I The Chicago Botanic Garden has the ~ haven't heard any negative feedback oldest horticultural therapy program in ~ from the residents or staff," says Larry the United States. In 1976, the o Hollie of the Neumann Association. Learning Garden for the Disabled was U "Everyone seems to enjoy the gardens." created on the garden's grounds, and A Neumann group home resident tends the This year's program has had another gardening classes for people with container garden. effect on the local neighborhood. After disabilities were held in this barrier-free seeing the residents work to make area. In 1980 the program branched out For some residents the garden is a their back yard gardens beautiful, the to off-site locations such as hospitals and new adventure; others are already next-door neighbors began fixing up other health care facilities. skilled participants. The program gives and planting their own yard. In 1989, the Victor C. Neumann them physical exercise, through the Association contacted the botanic bending and stretching required to garden about starting a horticultural plant and care for ground-level beds; For more information on establishing therapy program at two of its enhances their vocabulary skills as horticultural therapy programs at sites residential group homes for adults with they learn the names of plants; and serving people with developmental developmental disabilities. To get them teaches responsibility-one of the disabilities write the Chicago Botanic under way, the garden's horticultural primary goals of the group home Garden, Horticultural Therapy therapists helped Neumann staff setting-by requiring them to water, Services, P.O. Box 400, Glencoe, IL members establish goals and plan care for, and harvest the garden plots. 60022-0400 or call (708) 835-8250. programs; provided horticultural training through hands-on workshops and phone advice; and designed and Please! Pick Some More! built barrier-free garden areas. The intent was to prepare the Neumann marigolds, and sunflowers are theirs staff and the residents to garden on for the picking. their own after the first year. Keating calls himself a "compulsive mega-gardener. I just can't stop myself from planting outrageously too many plants. There are only two of us here, my wife and I, and I've got 42 tomato plants Help for Charleston and 18 eggplants." His cutting garden began when Keating's wife asked him to The Virginia Garden Club has plant a dozen zinnia plants; over 300 donated two trees to Charleston, plants later, Keating was begging the South Carolina's Confederate . ~ neighbors to start picking. Home and College, originally a J Flowers from the 2,600-square-foot home for confederate widows and ~ garden grace the altars of every church now a low-rent apartment complex ~ in town-no matter what denomina- for elderly persons. The home's ~ tion-throughout the summer. Neigh­ courtyard garden-which is open Bern Keating bors have picked flowers for weddings, to the public and annually receives showers, christenings, and parties. over 12,000 visitors-was almost Imagine a garden that requires no "I simply can't think. of a more completely destroyed by Hurricane effort on your part-no planting, peace-loving enterprise on my part," Hugo last September. The club weeding, or mulching-but provides Keating told New Choices magazine. replaced a huge elm and deodar you with brilliant blooms all summer. "Seeing people come from all around to cedar with sizeable trees and Impossible? Such a garden exists for gather my flowers reminds me of 'going smaller plants. Donations may be residents of Greenville, Mississippi. to the well' in the biblical sense. When sent to Confederate Home and When they need lush homegrown I think about the violence rampant in College, 62 Broad Street, P.O. Box blossoms for flower arrangements they the world, watching people freely come 1609, Charleston, SC 29402. make a pilgrimage to Bern Keating's to pick my flowers has a healing effect garden where bright zinnias, tithonia, on my spirit."

American Horticulturist· September 1990 + 7 I Members' Forum I Thigmomorphogenesis Another problem was the advice to the donors to our annual Seed Program, choose balled and burlapped trees. and to remind members to start sending The July article "Shake It! Shorten It!" Besides the inherent drawbacks of seed for the 1991 program. The deadline implies that controlling a plant's weight, messiness, and vulnerability to for contributions is November 1. growth by shaking it is a newly drying out, there are many varieties of discovered phenomenon, and that woody plants that simply are unavail­ Moon Nights and Roses nothing is known about the mechanism able in balled and burlapped form. involved. Both are untrue. The advice about dealing with root I am writing to let you know of a The responses of plants to mechanical problems when they are encountered gardening research project that may be stress have been documented since 1881 was generally sound, except that it of interest to your members. when Charles Darwin noted the lacked a caution to use common sense Last year, in the course of preparing phenomenon with regard to pea root when attempting to alter the root form: an entry in a nationwide competition to growth. In 1973, Jaffe coined the term too much slicing and dicing will reduce design an advanced moon base capable ''thigmomorphogenesis'' to describe the a plant's vigor and indeed, can kill it. of supporting one to three thousand response of plants to mechanical Chad McGrath pioneers, our Milwaukee Space Studies perturbation ("thigmo" is from the Greek Schofield, Wisconsin Team (MiSST) realized that one of the for "touch"). Since that time, more than most critical bits of information was 100 papers have appeared in the Thanks for the Columbine missing. How much electricity will be scientific literature describing various needed during the two-week-Iong lunar aspects of the phenomenon. I would like to thank the person or nights to provide enough light to keep It is now widely known that this is a company who contributed the Aquilegia crops alive and able to produce an common plant response to mechanical vulgaris to the seed program in 1989. eventual harvest in the alternating stress (wind, touch, vibration), that it The columbine performed beautifully in two-week periods of uninterrupted occurs very rapidly, and that it appears my wild garden and in the perennial bed. sunshine? Survival of such a settlement to be a plant's method of strengthening They were very hardy and to my may well depend on keeping nighttime itself to withstand further stresses. The amazement, stayed green all winter. It agricultural lighting to a minimum. effect can also be seen in woody plants, was not a cold winter but we did have a Will six hours of light every 24 hours of in which the wood of stems and branches few 20-degree days. The blooms this the night-span do the trick? Or will 12 often becomes reoriented in a way that spring were plentiful and beautiful and I hours every second or third day do braces the plant against prevailing will be sharing the plants with friends better? Or some other pattern? winds. It is also known that these effects and neighbors. We need to know the degree of are a hormonal response mediated by Lucy Fuchs "moon-hardiness" of a wide range of ethylene. More recently, progress Ambler, Pennsylvania crops and plants. MiSST has drawn up reportedly has been made toward some experiment guidelines that would learning the molecular biology involved. We regret that we no longer have the allow interested hobby gardeners to I have studied thigmomorphogenesis records relating to the donor of those help zero in on the needed data by and believe it should be more widely particular seeds. But thank you for running modest experiments in their known by the horticultural community, giving us the opportunity to thank all garages or basements-wherever the as it has many influences on the lighting can be fully controlled to growth and development of plants. mimic lunar settlement conditions. Kenneth A. Bridle As this is one very important area of Walnut Cove, North Carolina California research that has been totally neglected by NASA and .its contractors, Defending Containers Cliffhanger it is one of the few areas where the average person can still make a As a nurseryman, I need to respond to Through a last-minute poke at the yeoman contribution towards the the July article "The Root of the wrong button on our desktop dream of establishing not only Problem," about the root problems of publishing system, we managed to humanity but earthlife in general in some container-grown trees and shrubs. lose the last three lines of the last various oases off-planet. Most consumers do not distinguish story in our July News Edition. We Peter Kokh, Director between container-grown and field­ apologize to the readers we left up Milwaukee Space Studies Team grown or bare-root potted, and the in the air for two months. The story, article never makes this critical distinc­ about two alternative environmen­ The Milwaukee Space Studies Team tion. If customers at my nursery took tal proposals that Californians will supports the goals of the Space Studies the author's advice to "pull the plant vote on in November, should have Institute of Princeton, New Jersey, a net­ from the container and examine the ended by saying: "If both measures work of individuals interested in space root ball," they would most often end pass in the November election but exploration. MiSST members conduct, up yanking the plant from its soil and CAREFUL willS more votes, the as hobbyists, studies related to human possibly causing it harm. In short, not pesticide provisions under Big survival in space. To receive guidelines all containerized plants are container Green would be void." Of course, for the project write Milwaukee Space grown, and it is difficult to distinguish we won't have the real end of the Studies Team, P.O. Box 2102, between them without inquiring. story until after November. Milwaukee, WI 53201-2102.

8 .. American Horticulturist • September 1990 Delight a Friend t · Holiday Season!

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Give your green­ i ------. S , thumbed gardening AHS Gift Membership friends a membership in Order Form the American Horticultural Society Gift Member Name(s) (and receive a little something for yourself). Address The world of gardening : City opens through member­ ship in the American : State Zip Horticultural Society. : 0 One Gift $35 : 0 Two Gifts $65---Save $5! As a member, your : 0 Three Gifts $90-Save$15! fortunate friend will : 0 Payment Enclosed receive a full year of : D Bill Me Later : 0 Visa 0 MasterCard :, American Horticulturist , Magazine and News Program along with card with the names and : Account #

many other member addresses of your gift ~~-=------Edition, 12 issues in all, :, Expiration Date each one packed with benefits. recipients. valuable insights and Signature beautiful images. Plus a Free Gift for You. To announce your gifts, Please send my free copy of we'll send you beautiful Perennials/or Shade to: However, American n the same spirit of holiday greeting cards to Donor Name Horticulturist is just one giving, with your personalize and present part of AHS member­ I order of AHS Gift to the lucky recipients. Address ship. Your Society Membership(s), we'll City provides a Free send you a free copy of Send no money with the Gardening Hot Line, the Taylor Pocket Guide reply card. We'll bill State Zip Free Seed Program, Perennials/or Shade. A you later. Or include Daytime Phone Discount Garden Book $5 retail value! This gift Visa/MasterCard Mail to: AHS, P.O. Box 0105, Buyer Service, is yours as soon as we information and we'll Mount Vernon, VA 2212l. Symposia, and Travel receive the postage paid charge your account. L ______.J

American Horticulturist • September 1990 • 9 Gardener's Q&A

. A friend who left this area the fall. Wetwood contributes to the winter maIjoram, pot maIjoram, and Q • gave me two rhododendrons general decline oftrees. Greek oregano. This perennial is a that had been growing in her yard. Keep the tree in good health by watering native of Greece and Turkey and is They are both overgrown and and fertilizing regularly. Fertilization will reliably hardy to Zone 6 and probably leggy. Will they fill out if I prune stimulate growth and may help overcome farther north. The leaves have a them? They have a bit of healthy the adverse effects of the infection. If the strong, earthy aroma. It should be growth low down on the shrub, but ooze is unacceptable to you, you may risk planted in full sun in a near neutral to I hesitate to take the loppers to them. boring a drain hole into the tree to relieve slightly alkaline soil that drains well. D. H., Coupeville, Washington the pressure and reduce or stop sap flow. Unfortunately, quite a bit of Drill a one-half inch diameter hole, six to confusion over nomenclature exists in 14 inches below the point of ooze. The hole the trade, and you may not get what .. You may prune your rhododendrons, should go through the heartwood to within you think you are getting when you but wait until early spring. Prune A two to four inches of the bark on the purchase oregano from a garden back to just above the growth buds opposite side. Slant the hole downward so center. The plant identified as oregano (small bumps on the stem) so that there the sap can drain out. Insert a piece of in many herb books-Origanum vulgare will be no dead wood when the plant tubing wide enough to fit snugly, and long subsp. vulgare- has little flavor. breaks into growth. If you can't find any enough so the sap will drip on the ground According to Tucker, plants listed as dormant buds, cut the branch to shape and not the bark. The winter after the Italian oregano may be o. vulgare the plant, and then once new growth oozing stops, replace the tubing with a plug subsp. hirtum (even though it is not starts, remove all stubs above it. You to seal the hole. native to Italy), or O. x marjoricum may also prune back to a side branch as Dr. Alex L. Shigo of Shigo & Trees, (which is also called sweet maIjoram, you would with other ornamental Associates warns against the bore hole as is O. majorana). Confused? Thomas shrubs. Cut out old weak stems entirely. method. Wetwood, he says, is a DeBaggio ofT. DeBaggio Herbs in Although some species and cultivars symptom of a wounded tree (often the Arlington, Virginia, says that customers may stand a radical pruning, even back result of improper pruning, insect should go by their sense of smell and to a stump, you wiUlose aU of the borer holes, animal wounds, or even purchase oregano that has aroma. "It's flowers for a couple of years and risk self-inflicted wounds); boring a hole not like wine, it won't get better with age." losing the plant entirely. Instead, cut will only injure the tree further and - Thomas M. Barrett back about one-third of the overgrowth invite a spread of the infection. Shigo each year. With the new growth from recommends that we learn to live with the bottom and the dormant buds, you the slime, and more importantly, learn should have a nicely shaped shrub at to prune trees correctly. Wrong Remedy the end of three years. Once the pruned plants produce new Gardeners eager to reduce the use growth in the spring, you may need to Some oregano that I have . of pesticides may fall victim to some pinch out some of the terminal buds to • grown for years has gotten Q untested theories of pest and weed further check particular branches from out of hand and I would like to start control. Using a solution of equal becoming leggy. Incidentally, this is over next spring. But I suspect that parts of vinegar and water to kill good preventive maintenance-if your what I have been growing is not the dandelions is one example, says friend had done this you wouldn't need culinary oregano. Can you give me Deborah Brown, horticulturist with this advice. the correct botanical name for the most flavorful kind, and is it widely the Minnesota Extension Service. "If available? that solution were strong enough to I am very concerned about a . B. R., Bloomington, Indiana kill the dandelion leaves, it would Q • pin oak that is leaking a great also kill any grass blades it fell on. deal of sap from a wound where it But then, the thick dandelion taproot was pruned years ago. The tree is .. There is no single culinary would send up some new leaves fairly healthy otherwise. Is this A oregano. The oregano that is sold anyway," Brown says. something I can take care of myself? in stores is a blend of dried leaves of Organic gardeners plagued with W. W., Charleston, West Virginia several species of Origanum with other the pesky weeds may have to resort genera such as Thymus, Salvia, Coleus, to old-fashioned methods. A long­ Satureja, and Monarda. According to Dr. Your tree has wetwood (also handled dandelion digger should do . Arthur O. Tucker of Delaware State • known as slime flux). This the trick; try to get most of the root A College, "Oregano refers to a flavor bacterial disease is common in elm, but out each time you dig. Brown also also affects oak and many other trees. rather than a particular plant." suggests watering regularly and Tucker has identified 16 named species The bacteria infects the spring wood of fertilizing lawn grasses at least two trunks and large branches causing of Origanum and two interspecific garden times a year to keep them growing fermentation. This builds up pressure hybrids that are currently cultivated in vigorously. "There's no point in and the infected material begins oozing the United States. One of the most widely removing weeds unless grass will out of wounds, cracks, or crotches. Oozing available, and an excellent garden replace them; bare soil just invites commonly occurs from the spring through oregano, is Origanum vulgare subsp. invasion by more weeds." hirtum. It is also called O. heracleoticum,

10 + American Horticulturist • September 1990 Landscaping for the Allergy-Prone Does pollen keep you from enjoying included were chosen using data GARDENING your garden? Allergies affect one out of counts of airborne pollens, clinical l:ty Hazell%ihe every five persons and many of those observations, and allergy skin testing. allergies are plant related. It's true Some "sneezeless" plants include tulip that pollens can travel many miles, but trees, dogwoods, redbuds, azaleas, Casualty Insurance the olive tree in your yard exposes you viburnums, cinquefoils, poppies, to 10 times more pollen than the olive begonias, and daffodils. Severe winter winds ... not that's planted only a block away. To order your copy of "Sneezeless enough rainfall ... no snow. What's a A brochure listing the plants least Landscaping," call your local affiliate plant to do? . likely to cause allergies has been of the American Lung Association or There is one way to give your published by the American Lung the American Lung Association of plants some help. Spray azaleas, Association of California. The plants California at (415) 638-5864. rhododendrons, mountain laurel and other evergreens with an anti-transpirant named Wilt-Prof. Protect Trees During Construction Think of the plant as inhaling and exhaling. When a plant inhales, Property owners are becoming increas­ damage construction can cause, it takes water in through its roots. ingly aware of construction-related tree describes ways to prevent this damage, When it exhales, it gives off moisture injury and death. Homeowners seeking and offers advice on who should bear through its leaves. There are tiny ways to prevent tree injuries by construc­ any added cost. pores in the leaves that give off tion workers or looking for restitution For a free copy of the brochure, write moisture. If the supply of water to from careless builders will be interested to Jack Siebenthaler, Executive the roots is too low, leaves become limp because they continue to emit in a new brochure issued by the Director, American Society of moisture. In the process, leaves American Society of Consulting Arborists. Consulting Arborists, 700 Canterbury curl, become brown and desiccated. "Protecting Trees During Construction" Road, Clearwater, FL 34624 or call This is because they're giving off answers questions builders and property (813) 446-3356. Please request the more moisture than the plant is owners most frequently ask about the brochure by name. absorbing. Brown leaves on a rhododendron in the spring may be a sign of desiccation, but folks call it "winter-kill:' Greatest transpiration happens in full sunshine. That is why I keep writing about watering your shrubs heavily before frost sets in, to get them through the winter. Surviving a dry, windy winter is very stressful for trees and shrubs. An anti-trans­ pirant such as Wilt-Pruf can be your protection. What an anti-transpirant does is hold a balance between water taken in and moisture given off. It can sometimes make the difference between saving a tree or shrub and losing it. Another time an anti-transpirant is helpful is when transplanting a small tree or shrub. No matter how careful a person is, some part of the roots are lost. My plants have indicated by their behavior (they haven't died!) that Wilt-Prufhas been a definite help PORTABLE ELECTRIC to them in surviving their trauma. Wilt -Pruf is a clear organic POWER SPRA YER liquid that in no way in­ hibits growth or harms a plant and it's available at nurseries, garden cen­ ters and hardware stores. Hazel J#ihe oj Samers, New lVrk, is an award-winning writer whose garden column is syndicated by The North County News.

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American Horticulturist · September 1990 • 11 Regional Notes . . will ensure long-term protection of its ground each spring. Plant society Trilliums Protected natural communities. The game member Gary Fleming estimates that department has agreed to a two-year there are over 14,000 trillium plants A spectacular patch of large-flowered moratorium on timbering and the per acre here--over 18 million plants trilliums (Trilliumgrandiflorum) has off-road use of heavy equipment in the in all. Dr. Richard Lighty, a trillium been guaranteed long-term protection portion of the wildlife area covered by expert and director ofthe Mount Cuba by the Virginia Native Plant Society the agreement. Center for the Study of Piedmont and the Virginia Department of Game The protection agreement includes a Flora, has described the Thompson and Inland Fisheries. The agreement two-mile-square tract where millions of area as "the most dense and extensive protects 533 acres of the state-owned white and pink trilliums carpet the trillium stand I have ever walked in 4,007-acre G. Richard Thompson and also one which shows the most Wildlife Management Area. The game variation" in flower color. department manages the area for deer, As an added bonus, the area also wild turkey, ruffed grouse, and other features a smaller population of game and nongame species. nodding trilliums (T. cernuum), which The Thompson wildlife area is located are rare in Virginia, and a seepage along the crest of the Blue Ridge swamp community dominated by black Mountains north of Linden, Virginia, an ash trees (Fraxinus nigra). area famous for its spring wildflower displays. Intensive development and a t' recent gypsy moth outbreak that forced .~ For more information on the Virginia timber harvesting prompted members of ~ Native Plant Society write P.O. Box the Virginia Native Plant Society to .§ 844, Annandale, VA 22003. 0.. approach the game department about " future management of the area. According to the agreement, representatives of both organizations i Seeking New Trees will form a task group to develop ~ for Old Mines mutually acceptable management Clear-cutting and machinery threatened techniques for the Thompson area that valuable flora of the Thompson area. The compacted soil and poor drainage of surface-mined lands provide a poor environment for root growth. Roger K. UC-Santa Cruz to the Rescue Kjelgren, assistant professor of plant and soil science at the Southern Illinois As a part of his national tree planting of eucalyptus tree in New South Wales University-Carbondale College of campaign, President Bush often invites in late 1983. The unnamed subspecies, Agriculture (SIUC), is heading a team visiting foreign dignitaries to Lring commonly known as Eucalyptus of researchers who have begun a long­ trees from their homelands for pauciflora 'Pendula', is among a group term study to find out what types of ceremonial plantings in Washington, of eucalyptus trees called snow gums. trees are most suitable for planting on D.C. However, when the premier of In its native habitat, the stunted tree reclaimed surface-mined soils. New South Wales, Australia, recently grows at high altitudes, near the tree Working on a plot of reclaimed land tried to import several frost-hardy line. Its slender, pendulous branches near Pinckneyville, Illinois, the SIUC species of eucalyptus trees for such a hang low to the ground, hence its team this spring planted sweet gum, ceremony, he was stopped by tough nickname as the "weeping" eucalyptus river birch, and pin oak trees. "These U.S. Department of Agriculture tree. In the warmer environment at trees are native to bottomland habitats quarantine regulations. The head of UCSC, the seeds have grown into and generally grow reasonably well USDA's permit unit, Gary Brothers, upright trees with hard, chalky white under compacted soil conditions," then went searching for replacements bark, maroon branches, grayish green Kjelgren said. Researchers may also in the United States-not an easy task leavbs, and white blossoms. "Of the try deep tilling prior to planting, which for trees so exotic. To the relief of trees native to Australia, these are should provide a deeper rooting zone officials in both countries, he found the among the most likely to survive the for tree development. Arboretum at the University of extremes of the climate in Washington, Illinois state guidelines require that California-Santa Cruz, which has been D.C.," according to Hall. land used for coal extraction be restored growing eucalyptus from seeds New South Wales Premier Nick to its pre-mining condition. The trees collected more than six years ago from Greiner and Vice President Dan Quayle will provide better surroundings for the mountains of New South Wales. originally were scheduled to plant the wildlife and improve the land's value. The arboretum was happy to donate trees during Greiner's visit in May. New homeowners may also benefit from three eucalyptus saplings. Schedule conflicts arose, and the the research since surface mine Arboretum Manager Brett Hall, Australian embassy decided to give the reclamation land is similar to land on Director Ray Collett, and Australian trees to the National Zoo in Washington, which new homes are built. There the horticulturist Rodger Elliot collected D.C., for planting in their new soil is often damaged by heavy the seeds from a cold-resistant species Australian pavilion. equipment and foot traffic.

12 • American Horticulturist • September 1990 60 Years of Service to Cleveland

The Garden Center of Greater Cleveland celebrated its 60th anniversary recently with a $250-$500 a plate dinner-quite a change for an institution that got its start in the sometimes water-logged confines of an abandoned boathouse. It all started in the 1920s when Eleanor Squire donated her collection of gardening books to the Garden Club of Cleveland. To house the collection the club was given a boathouse at the edge of Wade Park Lagoon and on December 4, 1930, it opened its doors to the public as the nation's first civic garden center. The only problem was the recurring flooding. From this modest beginning, the Garden Center of Greater Cleveland has grown into an important horticultural institution and a vital resource for Cleveland area gardeners. The garden center has moved to higher ground now (they were forced out of the boathouse by the flood of 1959), A formal herb garden in back of the Garden Center of Greater Cleveland. where they offer a variety of services to Clevelanders. For one, they work recent tree education project involved a thriving horticultural therapy closely with the Cleveland public classroom discussions of conservation, program that serves hospitals, senior school system to teach children about deforestation, and recycling, and centers, retirement communities, and plants and gardening, with grow boxes, culminated with an Arbor Day other institutions. on-site plantings, lectures, and more. A celebration. The garden center also has The groups that use its facilities are a veritable potpourri of local horticulture-plant societies, garden clubs, a bonsai club, an ikebana group, Southern Texan other flower arrangers, indoor 1l gardeners, and many other types of Adapted for North E plant people. Some come to hold i ~ meetings, some come for horticultural The popular Texas periwinkle ~~~;,: , . ~ and gardening classes, and some come (Catharanthus roseus ) may be ~ simply to enjoy the grounds, a green receiving some stiff competition from ~ oasis in the heart of Cleveland. The an American native in the bedding ] garden center boasts a wide variety of plant arena. Firebush (Hamelia ~ gardens, including one of the largest patens), introduced by a limited ~ herb gardens in the country (it is number of north Texas nurseries last ~ tended by the Western Reserve Herb May, is an evergreen shrub or small ~ Society). Visitors may also stroll tree native to tropical and subtropical ~ through the Japanese garden, the America. Horticulturists at the Tex:as ~ wildflower garden, and the rose and Agricultural Extension Service 8 perennial gardens. A favorite spot is the adapted the plant from a perennial in reading garden, a shady nook outside far south Texas areas to an annual Firebush the library, where readers relax with that will grow 18 to 30 inches high in their books. And by the way, the north Texas. The plant resists heat, in well-drained soil and is equally at library, which is now called the Eleanor drought, insects, and disease while home in beds or containers. According Squire Library, has grown into an blooming non-stop from June to to Steve George, horticulturist with the impressive collection of over 14,000 titles. November. Periwinkles, the current Texas Agricultural Extension Service, hot weather favorite, have in recent the plant is particularly striking when years been plagued by a fungal disease planted as background for low-growing For more information about the Garden that causes them to wilt and die.· annuals with white blossoms, such as Center of Greater Cleveland write The scarlet tubular blossoms with carpet petunias. 11030 East Boulevard, Cleveland, OH their deeper red throats will make a Firebush is now available in the Dallas- 44106 or call (216) 721-1600. The dramatic addition to the Texas Fort Worth and San Antonio areas. Garden Center is open Monday through landscape. As an added bonus the Extension service horticulturists are Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p .m. and on Sunday foliage turns deep red in the fall. conducting tests to detennine the plant's fr.om 1 to 5 p.m. Firebush should be planted in full sun adaptability to other areas of the state.

American Horticulturist · September 1990 + 13 Getting Charged Up in Seattle

SEATILE , Wash.- The American Horticultural Society's 45th Annual Meeting opened and closed with calls to members to participate with a passion in protecting the earth and in using horticulture to better others' lives. Steven R. Lorton, Northwest editor for Sunset magazine, who served as master of ceremonies for the meeting lectures, began those talks by describing his encounter with a tiny, energetic gardener of around 90, who marked the occasion of his visit by ceremoniously planting an alpine. As he was wondering why anyone so old would bother to plant anything new, he glanced behind her and saw a sign carved in cedar: "Do what you can, with what you have, where you are." If all of us heed this advice, he said, we can do plenty. His own neighborhood garden club, in seven one-day-a-year tours, has raised $50,000 for such projects as a garden at Seattle's Children's Hospital, the University of Washington Medicinal Herb Garden, and the local public broadcasting station's horticulturally related programming. He compared the revival of concern about the environment to preparing for war. "But the enemy is ourselves and the foolish gluttony that we-as a nation and as a planet-have slipped into." In this war, he suggested three major campaigns for the horticultural community: reducing pollution and waste; acquiring and protecting undeveloped lands; and educating children. These things could be accomplished if every member of AHS spent just 15 minutes a day and circulated two pieces of communication each week, he urged. Some things we can do as individuals, other things will require action on a local or state level. "What are we doing here?" he asked meeting attendees. "We're going to get charged up. We're going to get focused. We're going to get connected. We're going A day at the Rhododendron Species to get turned on. And then we're going to Foundation: Clockwise from top left: Barbara roar out of here and we're going to Lamb of Stanwood, Washington, and team up with whomever we can in this Elizabeth lamb of San FranCisco, admire a big, wonderful, obstreperous world of ours specimen in the Weyerhaeuser Pacific Rim and we're going to do all that we can, Bonsai Exhibit; Louise Smith of Birmingham, with all that we have, wherever we are." Alabama, Genevieve du Pont of Wilmington, Much the same note was struck by Delaware, and Jean Woodhull of Dayton, J. Judson Brooks, longtime AHS Board Ohio, in the foundation's alpine garden; John Member who received the Society's Whitworth of New Vori< City considers a Meritorious Service Award, in his rhododendron in the plant sales area; Susan acceptance speech at the awards banquet Bole Hattery, assi.stant director at the garden, on the final night of the meeting. visits with her grandmother, Nancy Bole of Brooks, a banker, was able to devote a Cleveland, Ohio, and Jane Kammerer of good deal more time to gardening-his Guilford, Connecticut; some mountain laurel passion is hybridizing rhododendrons-­ catches the eye of Marie Wright of Norfolk, after he retired in 1965. But this Virginia.

14. American Horticulturist • September 1990 avocation surprised a son, who exclaimed: Flower Arranger's "Dad, I always remember you as a man of steel. What is all this about flowers?" Symposium "Son," Brooks told him, "I believe that now I have just started to live." Co-sponsored by the Whereas at that time this passion American Horticultural Society seemed a bit eccentric, there has been and the a renaissance in love of the earth and Garden Center of Greater Cleveland the things that grow upon it, he noted. None of us must miss our opportunity Tuesday, October 9, 1990 to participate in this renaissance, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Brooks said, and to make certain that Garden Center of Greater Cleveland that sense of caring never fades. 11030 East Boulevard Seattle was definitely a place to get Cleveland, Ohio charged up, in Lorton's words, although non-Northwesterners had to continually Topics and Speakers remind themselves that many of the Perennials and Annuals wonders they were seeing could not Ideal for Cutting realistically be expected to grow in home Allen Armitage gardens that are hotter, colder, or both. Professor of Horticulture The variety and lushness of plants were Eulalie Wagner, owner of Lakewold University of Georgia almost exhausting. Gardens, greets visitors in her gazebo. At the Bloedel Reserve on Bainbridge Grasses: The Under Utilized Element Island, nearly every turn in the path John Greenlee revealed a scene radically different from Lakewold, whose uniquely shaped pool Nurseryman the last. An undulating moss garden gave has been featured in numerous books Pomona, California way to a long reflecting pool in a garden and magazines. ''I've seen it so many room by itself Nurse logs-the gigantic times; I can't believe I'm really here!" one Variegated and Colored Foliage stumps oflong-dead conifers-fed the member exclaimed as she stepped back Janet Oberliesen roots of living trees. Multihued for just one more phow ofthe pool. Director of Development candelabra primroses grew along a shady Outstanding features include a knot Chadwick Arboretum, stream; then suddenly, we were in a garden surrounded by standards of white Ohio State University sunny daisy-filled meadow. "I'm out of 'Iceberg' roses-which reappear in the adjectives!" exclaimed one viewer. pool area- and a rhododendron walk Inspiration and Technique: Betty Miller's garden was described leading to the house. A Demonstration in great detail in the April American An experience of a different kind was Pauline Runkle Horticulturist magazine, but words the Center for Urban Horticulture, Owner, Floral Artistry invariably fall short of any experience. where research is being conducted on Manchester-by-the-Sea, Although members would see more plants' reaction to city conditions, such Massachusetts rhododendron species at the Rhododendron as air pollution and limited room for Species Foundation, it was remarkable w roots to spread out. Among their see so many sizes and habits and foliage findings is that some plants react to Fee: $88 per person; $78 for members colors-relatively few were in bloom­ insects by releasing a chemical, much of the American Horticultural Society intermingled with other types of plants. as a human immune system reacts to or the Garden Center of Greater The scope of the Miller garden really hits an attack, so that subsequently Cleveland. Fee includes a boxed lunch. home while kneeling under a gigantic attacking insects don't destroy it. It Registration checks should be made redwood w eyeball an alpine with blooms may be possible, said Dr. Barbara Smith payable to and sent to the Garden no bigger than a pinhead. of the center's staff, to manipulate Center of Greater Cleveland, 11030 East Those who adore a formal garden other plants genetically to make them Boulevard, Cleveland, OH 44106, Attn: were smitten with Eulalie Wagner's more immune to insects. Flower Arranging Symposium. For more information call Marilyn Peggy Campbell, Sommer at (216) 721-1600. of Woodinville, Washington, and Mrs. Evan McCord Name and Martha Address Isaacson, both of Seattle, eye the City many exquisite State _____ Zip trough gardens created for Phone (day) display and sale Phone (evening) at the meeting by members of the I have enclosed a check for: Northwest D $78 AHS or Garden Center member Horticultural D $88 non-member Society. Registrations must be received by October 1, 1990.

American Horticulturist • September 1990 • 15 An Interview With George C. Ball Jr.

At the conclusion of this year's A: I'm speaking about adaptation, in Annual Meeting, George C. Ball Jr. the same sense as when one says that human society evolves. The AHS must succeeded Carolyn Marsh Lindsay as remain flexible to respond to changes in both the social and horticultural AHS President. He is president of the environments. For example, conservation is a major challenge to most of humanity. Flowerseed Group in West Chicago, Many of the changes in attitude and behavior necessary to stop rapid Illinois, a division of Geo. J. Ball, Inc. deterioration of the natural world will need to occur in North America. Our youth are especially in tune with these issues. They are the future of AHS. They will learn to appreciate the Q: You are a third generation member aesthetics of gardening only after we ofa family gardening business. Tell us a have helped them save endangered little more about those aspects ofthe plants. The AHS has to be receptive to business you handle. the idealism of these new members, and to any other segments of the A: Day to day I manage the unit membership that emerge in the future. that breeds new varieties of flowers, produces the seed of both the new and George Ball addresses members as he Q: You have said that you will be . existing varieties in the catalog, and takes over the AHS presidency at the end shaping a strategic plan for the future distributes the product to seed of this year's Annual Meeting. ofAHS . How will you go about this? companies worldwide. We develop mostly Fl hybrids in the bedding plant, A: We'll be using the pro bono services pot plant, and cut flower markets. Our demand better quality, and then be of McKinsey & Co, Inc., a well-known major products include Impatiens, willing to pay more when they get it. management consulting firm, to coach us. Petunias, Antirrhinum, Anemone, My advice is, "Keep yourself informed We must do the work ourselves. We will Tagetes, Pelargonium, and and be a tough customer." conduct surveys and analyze the Catharanthus or Vinca rosea, as it's successes of similar organizations in often called. We also produce a wide Q: How would you define the role or other fields. How do the athletic societies range of open-pollinated crops such as mission ofAHS? Our stated mission is work? Music associations? Horse clubs? Delphinium, Matthiola, and Lathyrus "Promoting excellence in horticulture," There is much to learn from the work of odoratus. Our most popular products but exactly what does that encompass? other groups. The process will take about include Fl Impatiens 'Super Elfin', a year. The plan will then serve as both a Fl Petunia 'Sugar Daddy', and Fl A: The AHS is the only organization map and a scorecard. Members can help Anemone 'Mona Lisa'. with the ability to address national, by letting us know what's on their minds Our two biggest challenges are to even continent-wide, issues. Most and what they want from us. keep up with the rapid technological horticultural societies, garden or plant advancements in the horticulture clubs focus on a particular region, Q: One idea that has been proposed industry, and to predict what people genus, or group of plants. This is over the years, and by a number of will buy in the future. necessary in order to reach a thorough members at this year's Annual Meeting, understanding of such special subjects. is the idea of regional AHS chapters. Do Q: The majority ofAHS members are In contrast, promoting all aspects of you see this as feasible? amateur gardeners, rather than horticulture is our main concern. This professionals like yourself. Are there means that we must communicate A: It's a great idea. Well consider all aspects of the business that more frequently and effectively about both such suggestions very seriously during our amateurs should know that would specific and general developments in planning sessions. We should probably also make them better gardeners and more North American horticulture. These organize college and university chapters. informed-or more sympathetic­ include both activities within horticulture The trick will be in the organization and consumers? as well as the role horticulture plays in follow-through. We don't want to compete society and on our continent. with existing societies and clubs or A: The ornamental horticulture Horticulture should relate to all people, duplicate their work, but to support them industry is very fragmented. Supply, not just gardeners, and to the whole through our activities. quality, and service can be highly person, not just the "gardening" side. I variable. And when it is consistent, it want the AHS to claim for horticulture Q: Do you have some specific ideas that is often mediocre. Yet the market a greater place in our society. No other you intend to implement immediately? grows steadily. Indeed, most gardeners group can do that. spend a lot of money on their supplies. A: The only thing I have in mind is If better served, they would spend even Q: You said in your "Commentary" how to increase our membership. At more. But they are too soft on the in our August magazine that your view the moment, we are improving the supermarkets, nurseries, garden centers, ofAmerican horticulture and AHS is services and benefits we offer and seed companies. Consumers should evolving. Can you elaborate? members. That's the starting point.

16 • American Horticulturist • September 1990 AHS Bulletin Board Fall Festivities Design Classes

Fall brings a flurry of activity to River At the end of this month, International Farm. Whether you enjoy lectures or Design Symposium, Ltd. will begin a festivals, you're sure to find something series of two-day courses on the art of of in terest. flower arranging. The sessions, which + On September 8 we celebrate Dahlia will be held every month at River Farm, Day. The River Farm dahlias will be in will include demonstrations and full bloom and members of the National practical hands-on workshops. Capital Dahlia Society will be present to The 1990 programs are: answer all your dahlia questions. 11 a.m . ~ + September 25 & 26. Everything to 4 p.m. Admission: free. ~ Old-New Again will focus on tall + Also on September 8, Gordon :: arrangements and new ways to use flowers Chappell of Colonial Williamsburg will ~ and baskets. Instructor: Kenn Stephens, present a lecture on the "Williamsburg -5 International Design Symposium. Gardens." 2 p.m. Admission: $5. The ~ + October 23 & 24. Autumn ARS Lecture Series is co-sponsored by ~ Abundance features traditional and District II of the National Capital Area '0 contemporary French flower bouquets. Federation of Garden Clubs, Inc. gj' Instructor: Hannelore Billet-Reinhard, Please call (703) 768-5700 or (800) ~ Societe National d'Horticulture de 777 -7931 for reservations. U France. + Ornamental grasses will be the + November 13 & 14. Feast of Mutsuo Tomita, director of the Ohara Center subject of a lecture by nurseryman Flowers will present flowers for a of New York, will be the featured guest at the Kurt Bluemel on October 6. Bluemel is festive board and seasonal plants. Ikebana Exhibition of the Ohara School of owner of a perennial nursery in Instructor: Sally Nash, International Japanese Flower Arranging at River Farm Baldwin, Maryland, that specializes in Design Symposium. October 13 and 14. ornamental grasses. 2 p.m. Admission: + December 11 & 12. Prelude to $5. Call for reservations. Christmas features American and + A spectacular flower show by plant expert from Fishersville, Continental designs. Instructor: members of the Ohara School of Virginia, to River Farm for a lecture on Kenn Stephens. Japanese Flower Arranging will fill the perennials in the garden. 2 p.m. Workshops run from 10 a.m. to 4 main house at River Farm October 13 Admission $5. Please call ahead for p.m. each day and include lunch. The and 14. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. reservations. cost for each workshop is $75 per Admission: free. For more information on events at person, per day. To register send a + This year the annual ARS Fall River Farm write ARS, 7931 East check or money order to: ARS, Flower Festival will focus on Japan. The Boulevard Drive, Alexandria, VA Arranging Workshop, 7931 East October 14 event will feature Japanese 22308 or call (703) 768-5700 or (800) Boulevard Drive, Alexandria, VA gardens and plants along with 777-7931. 22308. For more information call Japanese food and entertainment. (703) 768-5700 or (800) 777-7931. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission: free. + October 27 will bring Andre Viette, Nominees Sought well-known nurseryman and perennial Mrs. John M. Maury, 1912-1990 ARS invites members to nominate individuals who would be willing to serve ARS experienced a painful loss on its Board of Directors. Board Members July 17 with the death from Hotline Hours serve for three years. New Board Members leukemia of Stuart (Mrs. John M.) will take office at the Annual Meeting in Maury of Washington, D.C. Mrs. In order to offer better service to Birmingham, Alabama, April 16-21. A Maury was first elected to the AHS members, the hours of the proxy ballot for those not attending the ARS Board in 1973, and served as Gardener's Information Service meeting will appear in the March News Secretary and Second Vice have been restricted to 11 a.m. to 3 Edition. Send your candidate's name, President. She was Co-chair of p.m., Eastern Standard Time, address, and horticultural achievement or Friends of River Farm, a group Monday through Friday. Members interest-Board Members include both that supports improvement of the may call our toll-free number ([800] professionals and amateur gardeners-to: Society headquarters and its 777-7931) during those hours, or Board Nominations, American Horticul­ grounds. "It was hallowed land to write to us (AHS, Gardener's tural Society, 7931 East Boulevard Drive, Stuart-she nurtured it, protected Information Service, 7931 East Alexandria, VA 22308. Please include your it, and dreamed about its future," Boulevard Drive, Alexandria, VA own address and phone number so that we said ARS President George Ball. 22308), for help with gardening can contact you for more information if "Stuart can never be replaced on problems and information on needed. Nominations must be received by . our Board." horticultural resources. October 1.

American Horticulturist· September 1990 • 17 Gardener's Bookshelf

Taylor's Guide to Water-Saving Designing Your Own Gardening Lancfscape Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston, Gordon Hayward. Whetstone Publish­ 1990. 447 pages. Color photographs and ing, Brattleboro, Vermont, 1989.229 line drawings. Publishers price: softcover, pages. Line drawings. Publisher's price: $16.95. AHS member price: $14.50. softcover, $14.95. AHS member price: $12.70. Water-saving gardening is Collections of essays often remind me boring, you of a poorly tended landscape; they tend say? Do im­ to be dissonant, disheveled, and in ages of cacti, need of a good weed. But these articles raked gravel, on plants, gardening, and landscape and dusty design are woven together by Gordon cistemspop Hayward's philosophy of gardening and into your the result is much more than the sum mind? Water­ of its parts. saving garden­ Hayward's landscape is expansive: ing, you say, is woodland paths, creeping vines, scorched earth old-fashioned roses, wildflowers, and gardening, the heirloom vegetables all have their opposite of place, as do perennials, bulbs, trees, of a landscape, and as enriching as any green and and shrubs. He prefers organic flower or foliage. Hayward often plants lush, and ap­ techniques and leans towards natives a particular vegetable for the personal plicable only and disease- and pest-tolerant plants. histories associated with it and values to aridre­ He even allows children in the garden the stories and common names behind gions?Leaf (despite the fact that they bulldoze his all of his plants. Did you know, for through the lettuce with Tonka toys) and includes a example, that Amelanchier canadensis pages of this chapter on how to enchant young ones was given the name downy serviceberry Taylor's Guide and you'll see otherwise. with the magic of plants. by Colonial Americans because by the Water-saving gardening, as this book The one element that transforms this time the shrub had bloomed, the ground makes clear, is not waterless gardening. from an enjoyable to an engaging book is had thawed enough for them to hold Rather, it is gardening that seeks to use Hayward's interest in plant lore. The burial services for those who had died in water wisely, and is as rich, colorful, and folklore of plants can be an integral part the winter? - T. M. B. challenging as any horticultural pursuit. As it is also, for the most part, less For Every House a Garden expensive and less work than other forms of gardening, it should become, and eventually A Flower Grows Rudy and Joy Favretti. University must become, a part of every landscape. Press of New England, Himover, New Taylors GuUk to Water-Saving Gardening Ken Robbins. Dial Books, New York, Hampshire, 1990. 137 pages. Black-and­ will help gardeners learn how. 1990. 26 pages. Hand-tinted color white photographs and line drawings. As with all Taylor's Guides, this book is photographs. Publisher's price: Publisher's price: softcover, $10.95. attractive, easy to use, and packed full of hardcover, $12.95. AHS member AHS member price: $9.30. information. There are color plates of 320 price: $10.95. water-thrifty plants (each plant is rated for Despite its subtitle, "A Guide for Repro­ drought tolerance on a five-point scale), an Ken Robbins has created a unique ducing Period Gardens," this book is not a encyclopedia with their descriptions and book for children ages six and up. guide. If you are interested in instructions growing requirements, essayl;> on the Hand-tinted photographs beautifully on recreating historic gardens-what to principles of water-saving gardening, and illustrate the life of an amaryllis from do, how to do it, and where to get it-then appendices that include a rainfall map, its beginnings as an ugly bulb this is not the book for you. Rather, For plant sources, and a list of organizationS through the unfolding of its dramatic Every House a Garden is a worthy with landscape water conservation lavender and pink blooms to the introduction to American landscape programs. There is also a very useful case dying of its graceful leaves; the text history from the 17th century to 1900. study on a suburban landscape that was describes the beauty that may come Although the Favrettis include a few redesigned for water conservation. "from the most unexpected places." pages on gardens of craftsmen, laborers, Whether you want to become more An author's note at the end of the and farmers, the bulk of the book focuses environmentally sensitive with your book provides detailed and easy-to­ on the sumptuous landscapes of country gardening, mount a new horticultural follow instructions for planting and gentlemen and city merchants. With challenge, or simply save some money, growing an amaryllis bulb. many illustrations and photographs, the this guide is highly recommended. -Mary 8eth Wiesner authors lead us through the lawns, the -Thomas M. Barrett flower beds, and vegetable gardens of the

18 + American Horticulturist • September 1990 past, pausing along the way to point The Potpourri Gardener out paths, summerhouses, sundials, fountains, and statuary. They also Theodore James Jr. Photographs by PO l PO . RI provide a handy list of period plants Harry Haralambou. Macmillan (flowers, shrubs, trees, vines, Publishing Company, New York, 1990. GARDENER vegetables, field crops, fruits, nuts, and 148 pages. Color photographs. herbs) for four periods (1600-1699, Publisher's price: hardcover, $22.95. 1700-1776, 1776-1850, and 1850-1900). AHS member price: $19.50. There is not much species information here (especially for the earlier years), no Potpourris can bring the fresh smell of geographical differentiation, and the the garden into any room of the house, book has a Northeastern bias. But for but commercial potpourri (what author anyone toying with the notion of redoing Theodore James Jr. calls "dead leaves ... their landscape in a historical style, or in a cellophane bag") often lacks "spark­ simply curious about our horticultural ling color and interesting ingredients" heritage, For Every House a Garden is a and can be expensive. James' how-to good place to start. - T. M. B. guide can easily start gardeners on the way to potpourri heaven. The book opens with a chapter covering gardening basics, then moves ahead to chapters on specific plants. In addition to the cultural requirements of each, James includes information on its use in potpourri, type of scent, and harvest time. A "Making Potpourri" chapter includes directions on different Book Order drying methods, helpful hints, and easy-to-understand explanations of Form. essential oils and fixatives. James includes recipes for such Please send me the following tantalizing scents as "Scarlett's Revenge" books at the special AHS (a magnolia-scented concoction featuring member prices. pink camellias and rhododendron o TAYLOR'S GUIDE ...... $14.50 flowers); "April in Paris" (a collection of UNC412 artemisia, pussy willows, and pansies D DESIGNING YOUR OWN LANDSCAPE ••...... $12.70 with a whiff ofWy-of-the-valley); and WHSOOl "Ming Chee's Lotsa Lotus." Appendices D FOR EVERY HOUSE •... $9.30 list sources for plants and for potpourri NEPOOl materials. -M. B. W. o POTPOURRI GARDENER • $19.50 MAC033 D BEDS I HAVE KNOWN .•. $15.25 Beds I Have Known ATHOOl [J A FLOWER GROWS .•... $10.95 DlAOOl Martha Smith. Atheneum, New York, 1990. 144 pages. Publisher's price: hardcover: $17.95. AHS member price: $15.25. I would like to order books.

Subtitled "Confessions of a Passionate Amateur Gardener," Beds I Have Known is the Please add $2.50 per book for mirthful ''tale of one woman's descent into gardening madness." It begins innocently postage and handling. Virginia enough. "... One day you open a box of oat bran cereal and find it contains a bonus--a free residents add 41i2% sales tax. Please package of seeds. In a desultory sort of way, you poke allow six weeks for delivery. Prices some holes in the ground beneath your kitchen are subject to change without notice. window and toss in the seeds and promptly D Enclosed is my check for $ ___ forget them. And then something awful D Charge to: happens: They come up. Normal life is over." o Visa 0 MasterCard Exp. Date ___ From that beginning Smith leads us down the garden path, laughing all the way. We share her Acct. # ______compulsion for catalogs, her attempts to build Signature ______the perfect tool shed, and her escapades at a flower show. ("It took but a single show to determine that I make an excellent spectator Shipto ______but a pathetic contestant.") We encounter the Street ______whimsical "Guide to Garden Saints," a quirky City ______match-up list of "Personality Types and Their State ______Zip __ Favorite Plants and Pets," and "The Compleat Daytime phone number ______Gardening Quiz," which clearly shows "what happens to the average mind when it is subjected to the stresses of life in the green MAIL TO:'AHS Books, 7931 East lane." Beds I Have Known is for anyone who Boulevard Drive, Alexandria, VA has ever asked the burning question, "Canna 22308. Lily Kill Ya?" -M. B. W.

American Horticulturist • September 1990 + 19 Gardener's Dateline

Mid-Atlantic .. Sept. 20·23. National Dahlia Show and 75th Anniversary of the American Dahlia Society. Fairview, Virginia. Hosted by the National Capital Dahlia Society. Information: Susan Finch (301) 933-7800 or 933-1365 .

.. Sept. 28·30. Oatlands Annual Garden Fair. Oatlands Plantation, Route 15, six miles south of Leesburg, Virginia. Information: (703) 777-3174 .

.. Oct. 9. Eighth Annual Perennials Symposium. National Wildlife Federa­ tion, Vienna, Virginia. Information: Education Department, New York Botanical Garden, Bronx, NY 10458- 5126, (212) 220-8720 .

.. Oct. 13·14. The 37th Annual Chrysanthemum Show of the New Jersey State Chrysanthemum Society. Frelinghuysen Arboretum, San Francisco's Strybing Arboretum and Botanical Garden will hold a garden festival on Morristown, New Jersey. Information: Sunday, September 16 from 12 to 4 p.m. to celebrate its 50th anniversary. Festivities will John A. Bednarz (201) 345-0343. include plant saleS, gardening demonstrations, music, food, story1elling and games for children, an art exhibit, strolling entertainers, door prizes, and mini-tours of three of .. Oct. 20·21. Potomac Chrysan· Strybing's collections: the Garden of Fragrance, the California Native Plant Garden, and the themum Society's 35th Annual New World Cloud Forest. The event is free. Encompassing 70 acres in Golden Gate Park, Chrysanthemum Show. Wheaton, Strybing features over 6,000 plant species from around the world including many Maryland. Information: Robert K. endangered species. For more information call (415) 661·1316. Howell, 11214 Emack Rd., Beltsville, MD 20705, (301) 937-3720. .. Sept. 22. Annual Ball-Fete des .. Oct. 16. DessertlIllustrated Fleurs. Old Westbury Gardens, Old Lecture: Gardening with Nature. North Central Westbury, New York. Information: Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. Informa­ Mrs. Douglas 1. Paul (516) 333-0048. tion: Continuing Education, Longwood .. Sept. 13·15. Ohio Florists' Gardens, Kennett Square, PA 19348- Association Garden Center Tour of .. Oct. 6·7. Eighth Annual 0501, (215) 388-6741, Ext. 516. Michigan. Detroit and southern Cranberry Harvest Tours. Cranberry Michigan. Information: Ohio Florists' World Visitors Center, Plymouth, .. Oct. 22·24. The 1990 New Association, 700 Ackerman Rd., Suite 230, Massachusetts. Information: Julia England Greenhouse Conference. Columbus, OH 43202-1584, (614) 267-1117. Jensen (617) 437-7722. Sheraton Sturbridge Inn, Route 20 opposite Old Sturbridge Village, .. Sept. 29-Nov. 11. Fall Mum Show. .. Oct. 11. Eighth Annual Perennials Sturbridge, Massachusetts. Informa­ Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Symposium. New York Botanical Garden, tion: Richard J . Shaw, Dept. of Plant Conservatory, Fort Wayne, Indiana. Bronx, New York. Information: Education Sciences, 202 Greenhouses, University Information: (219) 427-1267. Department, New York Botanical Garden, of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881- Bronx, NY 10458-5126, (212) 220-8720. 0804, (401) 792-5996. .. Oct. 4·6. Annual Systematics Symposium. Biological Relationships .. Oct. 11·13. Northeast Regional .. Oct. 22·25. Conference­ between Africa and South America. Master Gardener Conference. ''Biodiversity and Landscapes: St. Louis, Missouri. Information: Sys­ Newark, Delaware. Information: Sue Human Challenges for Conservation tematics Symposium, Missouri Botanical Barton, Townsend Hall, University of in the Changing World." Penn State Garden, P.O. Box 299, St. Louis, MO 63166. Delaware, Newark, DE 19717-1303. University, University Park, Pennsyl­ vania. Information: Dr. Kim, 117 Land Northeast .. Oct. 13. Eighth Annual Perenni~ and Water, Center for BioDiversity Symposium. Arnold Arboretum, Research, Penn State, University Park, .. Sept. 15. Harvest Festival. City Cambridge, Massachusetts. Information: PA 16802, (814) 863-0159. County Building, 800 French St., Education Department, New York Wilmington, Delaware. Information: Botanical Garden, Bronx, NY 10458- .. Oct. 23. Perennials for the Kathy Mills (302) 658-1913. 5126, (212) 220-8720. Landscape and Garden Center

20 .. American Horticulturist· September 1990 Industries Symposium. Swarthmore National Bark and Soil Producers The Huntington, San Marino, College, Swarthmore, Pennsylvania. Association, 13542 Union Village Circle, California. Information: Catherine Information: The Pennsylvania Clifton, VA 22024, (703) 830-5367. Babcock, (818) 405-2147. Horticultural Society, 325 Walnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19106, (215) 625·8299. • Oct. 13-14. Annual Bromeliad • Sept. 7-30. Flower and Garden Show and Sale. Marie Selby Showpark at the 1990 Los Angeles • Oct. 24. DessertJIllustrated Botanical Gardens, 811 South Palm County Fair. Pomona, California. Lecture: Cut Flowers from the Ave., Sarasota, Florida. Information: Information: Kelly De Wit, Sid Garden-Cutting is Not Murder! Spencer Ketchum (813) 366-5730. Robinson (714) 623-3111, Ext. 238. Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. Informa­ tion: Continuing Education, Longwood • Oct. 26-28. Gesneriad Research • Sept. 19. Annual Tree Manage­ Gardens, Kennett Square, PA 19348- Foundation Seminar. GRF ment Seminar. Urban Trees: Their 0501, (215) 388-6741, Ext. 516. Headquarters, Sarasota, Florida. Costs and Contributions. University Information: Hans Wiehler, 1873 Oak of California, Riverside. Information: • Nov. 12. Dessert/llustrated Lec­ St., Sarasota, FL 34236. Cheryl Johnson (714) 787-4430. ture: Birds, Plants, and Conservation. Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. Informa­ • Nov. 4-8. A New Tree Biology • Oct. 13-14. The 10th Annual tion: Continuing Education, Longwood Seminar. Appalachian State University, South Bay Orchid Society Show. Gardens, Kennett Square, PA 19348- Boone, North Carolina. Dr. Alex L. Shigo, South Coast Botanic Garden, Palos 0501, (215) 388-6741, Ext. 516. Seminar Leader. Information: Office of Verdes Peninsula, California. Conferences and Institutes, University Information: (213) 772-5813. Northwest Hall, Appalachian State University, Boone, NC 28608. • Oct. 20. Annual Fund Raising • Oct. 7,14,21,28. Fall Foliage Fall Plant Sale. Santa Barbara Festival. The Rhododendron Species Botanic Garden, Santa Barbara, Foundation, Federal Way, Washington. California. Information: (805) 682-4726. Information: (206) 838-4646 (Seattle) More Events or (206) 927-6960 (Tacoma). • Oct. 20-21. Fall Festival of the For an extensive listing of Los Angeles Rose Society. Descanso South Central horticultural and gardening events, Gardens, La Canada Flintridge, send for the AHS National Calendar California. Information: (818) 790-5571. • Sept. 28-30. Sixth Annual of Gardening Events, a 56-page, Symposium and Plant Sale. Armand 18-month directory covering events • Oct. 20-21. Bonsai Show. Bayou Nature Center, 8600 Bay Area and activities through December Sponsored by the Santa Anita Bonsai Blvd., Houston, Texas. Information: 1991. Send your name and address Society. Los Angeles State and County Gary Freeborg (713) 474-2551. plus $3 to: AHS, Calendar of Arboretum, Arcadia, California. Events, 7931 East Boulevard Drive, Information: (818) 446-8251. • Sept. 29. Seminar: Growing Alexandria, VA 22308. Quantity Herbs Organically. Fort Worth discounts are available. • Oct. 25-26. Fourth Annual Botanic Garden. Sponsored by the Xeriscape Conference. San Diego North and Central Texas Unit of the • Nov. 15. Eighth Annual New Convention Center, San Diego, Herb Society of America. Information: Orleans Horticultural Symposium: California. Information: Jan Tubiolo Fort Worth Botanic Garden, Box 7593, Annual and Perennial Color in the (619) 443-1756. Dallas, TX 75209, (817) 469-9020. Landscape. Information: Dan Gill, Louisiana Cooperative Extension • Oct. 27-30. American Society of Southeast Service, P.O. Box 24006, New Orleans, Landscape Architects Annual LA 70184-4006, (504) 482-9081. Meeting and Educational Exhibit. • Sept. 29-30. Symposium ''Refining San Diego Convention Center, San the Garden: The Trowels and Southwest Diego, California. Information: (202) Pleasures of Gardening." Atlanta, 686-ASLA. Georgia. Co-sponsored by the Atlanta • Oct. 27-28. The 20th Annual Historical Society and the Georgia Chrysanthemum Show. Garden International Perennial Plant Association. Center, 10120 Lomas NE, Albuquerque, Information: Refining the Garden, New Mexico. Sponsored by the • Sept. 5-17. The 13th World Atlanta History Center, 3101 Andrews Albuquerque Chrysanthemum Society. Orchid Conference. Auckland, New Dr., Atlanta, GA 30305, (404) 261-1837. Information: Lynda R. McBride (505) Zealand. Information: The Conference 296-6020. Secretariat, 13th World Orchid • Oct. 7-11. The 10th Annual Conference, P.O. Box 12-442, Auckland Conference of the Association of • Nov. 4-8. The 87th Annual 3, New Zealand or contact your local Zoological Horticulture. Riverbanks Meeting of the American Society orchid society. Zoological Park, Columbia, South for Horticultural Science. Tucson, Carolina. Information: Jim Martin, River­ Arizona. Information: ASHS-90, 113 • Oct. 19-20. The 12th Annual banks Zoological Park, P.O. Box 1060, South West St., Suite 400, Alexandria, Canadian Greenhouse Conference. Columbia, SC 29209-1060, (803) 779-8717. VA 22314-2824, (703) 836-4606. University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario. Information: Canadian Greenhouse • Oct. 10-13. The 19th Annual West Coast Conference, c/o Donna Cobble dick, 324 Meeting of the National Bark and Lake St., Grimsby, ON L3M 1Z4, (416) Soil Producers Association. Sarasota, • Sept. 1. Seventh Annual 945-9057. Florida. Information: Robert C. LaGasse, Succulent Plant Symposium.

American Horticulturist • September 1990 + 21 TraveVStudy Trips for the Classifieds . AHS Gardener Classified Ad Rates: $1 per word; GARDEN FAIR minimum $20 per insertion. 10 percent discount for three consecutive ads using Oatlands Garden Fair, September 28-30. Leesburg, Virginia. Tours of mansion/formal same copy, provided each insertion November 10-17, 1990 garden, experts answer gardening questions, Gardens of the Colonial South meets the $20 minimum after taking vendors, auction, food . Friday "Garden Club discount. Copy must be received on the Board the Nantucket Clipper in Florida and Day." RSVP by 9/20. (703) 777-3174. 20th day of the month three months prior travel north to old Southern gardens on GARDENING SUPPLIES Sea Island, private gardens in Savannah to publication date. Send orders to: and Hilton Head, and the significant and American Horticultural Society GOATSKIN GLOVES. Tough, lightweight, historic gardens of Charleston. You'll view Advertising Department, 7931 East napa goatskin stretches and becomes form-fit­ splendid marshlands while cruising the Boulevard Drive, Alexandria, VA 22308, ting, giving wearer ultimate in fit, grip, dex­ terity. Natural lanolin in leatheF keeps hands Intracoastal Waterway. Join AHS Past or call (703) 768-5700 or (800) 777-7931. President Carolyn Marsh lindsay and Bob soft. Sizes 7-10 or send outline of hand. $11.50 lindsay on board this yacht cruise. postpaid. PUTNAM'S, Box 295-AH Wilton NH 03086. ' , Leonard Haertter Travel Company, 7922 Bonhomme AFRICAN VIOLETS Avenue, Saint Louis, MO 63105, (800) 942-6666 ORGANIC"HUMA GRO" INDOOR PLANT (in Missouri (314)721-6200) America's Finest-l77 best violets and ges­ FOOD SAFEINONTOXIC GOOD FOR ALL neriads. Color Catalog and Growing "Tips" 50 PLANTS*ORCHIDS*SPATHS*VIOLETS* January 23-February 5,1991 cents. FISCHER GREENHOUSES, Box H, FICUS*CONCENTRATED LIQUID 4oz. BOT­ ~inwood, NJ 08221. TLE* $4.50 ppd *INTERSCAPE, BOX 254, Egypt and Nile Cruise WESTHAMPTON, NY 11977, (516) 325-2076. Explore the earliest of the Western THE AVANT GARDENER GREENHOUSE ACCESSORIES civilizations and the life-giving influence FOR THE GARDENER WHO WANTS TO of the Nile River. The itinerary includes GET MORE OUT OF GARDENING! Sub­ COMPLETE MlST PROPAGATION SYSTEMS. Cairo, Luxor, and Abu Simbel as well as a scribe to THE AVANT GARDENER, Get phenomenal propagation results, indoors-Qut­ five-day cruise on the Upper Nile from America's most useful gardening publication. doors. Environment sensitive controlled. FREE Luxor to Aswan on board the Nile Goddess. Every month this unique news service brings BROCHURES. AQUAMONITOR, Dept. 4, Box Visit numerous historic gardens, including you the most pr.actical information on new 327, Huntington, NY 11743. (516) 427-5664. the Manial Palace Gardens in Cairo and plants, products, techniques, with sources, HEATHS & HEATHERS the botanical garden on Lord Horatio features, special issues. 22nd year. Awarded Herbert Kitchener Island at Aswan. Garden Club of America and Massachusetts HARDY HEATHERS FOR ALL-YEAR GAR­ Program leaders are Carolyn Marsh Horticultural Society medals. Curious? DEN COLOR! Send SASE for descriptive mail­ lindsay and Bob lindsay. Mrs. lindsay is Sample copy $1. Serious? $12 full year (reg. order list. Fast Service!HEATHER GROWERS, the Inunediate Past President of AHS. $18). THE AVANT GARDENER, Box 489M, Box 850, Ehna, WA 98541. Leonard Haertter Travel Company New York, NY 10028. HELP WANTED BOOKS ATTENTION: POSTAL JOBS! Start April 16-21, 1991 1985 Edition EXOTICA 4, with 16,300 photos, $l1.41/hour! For application info call (602) AHS Annual Meeting 405 in color, 2,600 pages in 2 volumes, with 838-8885, Ext. M-17714, 6am-Wpm, 7 days. in Birmingham Addenda of 1,000 updates by Dr. A.B. Graf, We at the American Horticultural Society are $187. TROPICA 3, revised 1986, 7,000 color often asked to refer individuals for significant Enjoy the beauty of Birmingham, Alabama photos, now 1,156 pages, $125. Exotic House horticultural positions around the country. during the AHS 1991 Annual Meeting. Plants, 1,200 photos, $8.95. Shipping addi­ We are not in a position to offer full placement Gardening classes and clinics will be held tional. Circulars gladly sent. ROEHRS COM­ services to candidates or employers. However, at the Birmingham Botanic Garden; tours PANY, Box 125, E. Rutherford, NJ 07073. as a service to our members, both individuals will highlight public and private gardens. CAROL DIDRICK'S LITTLE RED BOOK ON and employers alike, we would be very glad to OLD GARDEN ROSES. Where to get them and receive resumes and cover letters of in­ April 21-28, 1991 where to plant them. An introduction to OLD dividuals seeking job changes and employers Gardens of the Mississippi GARDEN ROSES. Each book signed and num­ seeking candidates. All responsibility for checking references and determining the ap­ Experience the grandeur of the bered. Send $14.95 postpaid. CAROL DIDRICK, propriateness of both position and candidate Mississippi from New Orleans to 1535 Willard Dr., Orrville, OH 44667. *Please rests with the individuals. AHS's participa­ Memphis on board the Mississippi add $2 for out-of-country mailing. tion in this activity is only to serve as a con­ Queen. Ports of call along the river BULBS necting point for members of the Society. include Houmas House, Saint Inquiries and informational material should Francisville, Natchez, Vicksburg, and DUTCH BULBS FOR FALL PLANTING. 12 be sent to: Horticultural Employment, Greenville. Experience true Southern cm. Tulips, DNI Daffodils, Hyacinths and American Horticultural Society, 7931 East hospitality as AHS members and friends Miscellaneous. Catalog Free. Paula M. Parker Boulevard Dr. , Alexandria, VA 22308. along the river open their homes and DBA, Mary Mattison van Schaik. IMPORTED gardens for this horticultural adventure. DUTCH BULBS, P.O. Box 32AH, Cavendish, HOUSE PLANTS VT 05142. Leonard Haertter Travel Company ORCHIDS, GESNERIADS, BEGONIAS, CARNIVOROUS PLANTS CACTI & SUCCULENTS. Visitors welcome. Carnivorous (Insectivorous) Plants, woodland 1990-91 catalog $2. LAURAY OF SALIS­ WILDFLOWERS ~ terrarium plants, supplies, and books. Color BURY, 432 Undermountain Rd., Salisbury, hardy, easy, reliable, showy CT 06068. (203) 435-2263. from our nursery to your garden. brochure free. PETER PAULS NURSERIES, Send $2_00 for 4G f>age descrip'tive ~ Canandaigua, NY 14424. catalogue or SASE for list of Wlldflower~ hardy ferns, perennials_ SUNLIGHT GARDENS Rt. 1 Box 600-AH9 Andersonville, TN 37705

22 • American Horticulturist· September 1990 OPPORTUNITY Trees, shrubs, perennials. Container grown, outdoors. Catalog $2. OWEN FARMS, Rt. 3, University of Delaware's Longwood Graduate Box 158-AAH, Ripley, TN 38063-9420. Program is accepting applications through 29 December 1990 for the 1991-93 class. Graduate ROSES Record Exam must be taken no later than Oc­ HORTICO ROSES: Come and see our ROSE tober for December Application. The two-year FIELDS. We have a large crop of healthy plants program yields the M.s. degree in Public Hor­ this year, virus-free. There are over 500,000 in ticulture Administration with emphaSIS In bloom, many old and new varieties. Ask for our leadership, and in management of public gar­ catalog. $2 each. HORTICO INC., 723 Robson dens. The Program offers students academic Rd., Waterdown, ON LOR 2H1. TEL: (416) 689- study at the University of Delaware and practical 6984 or 689-3002. FAX: 689-6566. experience working with business, education, horticulture and maintenance staff of Longwood SEEDS Gardens in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. The Exotic TROPICAL and TEMPERATE PLANT Longwood Graduate Program is appropriate for SEED-Rare and common species from trees individuals interested in leadership and profes­ to annuals, FREE catalog. JUNGLE FEVER, sional careers in arboreta, botanical gardens, hor­ P.O. Box 130315, Birmingham, AL 35213. ticultural societies, park systems, civic garden centers and related institutions. Further infor­ SYMPOSIA mation and applications may be requested by Landscaping with Perennials: Vision to contacting Dr. James E. Swasey, Coordinator, Reality, a symposium sponsored by the New Longwood Graduate Program, Box H, 153 York Botanical Garden at three locations: Oc­ Townsend Hall, University of Delaware, Newark, tober 9, National Wildlife Federation, Vienna, DE 19717-1303. (302) 451-2517. Virginia; October 11, New York Botanical PEONIES Garden, Bronx, New York; and October 13, Arnold Arboretum, Cambridge, Mas­ ALSO TREE PEONIES, JAPANESE AND sachusetts. Ideas and practical information SIBERIAN IRIS, DAYLILIES, HOSTA. for advanced amateur gardeners, landscape Catalog $1 (Deductible). CAPRICE FARM designers, and nursery and garden center NURSERY AH, 15425 S.w. Pleasant Hill, managers. Topics: A Designers Guide to Na­ Sherwood, OR 97140. (503) 625-7241. tive Plants; The Asian Connection: Trees and PLANTERS Shrubs for American Gardens; Discovering Unusual Perennials; Reflecting on Color; and CONCRETE PLANTERS beautifully hand The Garden in Autumn. For a brochure or to cast & finished-various colors, styles, sizes­ register, contact Ed. Dept., THE NEW YORK FREE BROCHURE. YANZUM, P .O. Box BOTANICAL GARDEN, Bronx, NY 10458- 8573-H7, Atlanta, GA 30306. (404) 874-8063. 5126, (212) 220-8720. PLANTS (UNUSUAL) TETRAPLOID DA YLiLIES OVER 1,000 KlNDS OF CHOICE & AFFORD­ Over 700 hybrids, exotic new Tetraploid Intro­ ABLE PLANTS. Outstanding Ornamentals, ductions. Catalog $1, deductible with order of American Natives, Perennials, Rare Conifers, plants. R. SEAWRIGHT, 134 Indian Hill, Car­ Pre-Bonsai, Wildlife Plants, much more. lisle, MA 01741. (617) 369-2172. Descriptive catalog $2. FORESTFARM, 990 Tetherow, Williams, OR 97544.

AHS Membership Services Your satisfaction with our member service is very important to us. If you have a question or problem concerning your membership, please contact the Membership o Please send me a free catalog. Department for assistance. . . o Please send me 100 Mammoth You can help by giving complete information when you call o~ wnte. Please r.e~er to Darwin Hybrid Tulips for $19.95. the five-digit number that is on the mailing label on your.magazme or News .Edlhon. o Payment enclosed: ____ The number helps us to quickly identify your membership record for correchons. o Charge to: 0 Master Card 0 VISA Changing Your Address? Acct. No.: ______Please allow 6-8 weeks advance notice. Attach a current mailing label in the space Exp. Date: ______provided (or write in your old address) then fill in your new address on the lines below. Name: Mailing Address: ______Old Address: Member # Name Address Shipping Address: ______City State Zip City: ______New Address: Name State: _ ____ Zip: _____ Address Phone Number: ______City State Zip VaJ1 €J1sdeJ1 lJ1c. Stillbrook Farm Mail to: Membership Services, AHS, 7931 East Boulevard Drive, Alexandria, VA 22308. 313 Maple Street, Litchfield, CT 06759 (203) 567-8734

American Horticulturist · September 1990 + 23 Lyme Disease in Perspective Lyme Data

If terror of Lyme Disease propelled you to in just two counties, Westchester and These statistics on Lyme Disease are hack down your ornamental grasses and Suffolk. New Jersey, the state with the from the U.S. Center for Disease wildflower meadow and douse yourself next highest incidence, has had only Control in Colorado. 1989 data are with bug repellent this summer, here are nine percent of the reported cases. still being analyzed. some statistics that may restore some Thus, if you live anywhere except the Mid­ 1987 1988 1989 calm to your outdoor activities. Atlantic, the chances of your coming into True, the number of reported cases is contact with an infected tick is fairly slim. East North Central 385 311 603 increasing. Approximately 22,000 cases You can protect yotlI'Selfby spraying bug East South Central 5 25 83 have been reported since 1980; over 4,500 repellent on eXf>Osed skin and clQthing. Mid-Atlantic 1,199 3,443 4,558 of those cases were reported in 1988, and However, the most effective repellents Mountain 0 5 64 over 8,000 in 1989. contain deet (N,N-

2ND CLASS POSTAGE I f~ 1 PAID AT ALEXANDRIA, VA AND AT ADDITIONAL American Horticultural Society MAILING OFFICES 7931 East Boulevard Drive, Alexandria, VA 22308