-

STAYING WELL IN THE GARDEN PLUS YEAR-END BOOK CATALOG w~ a:.. C!) a: ..::; L--_____----..b., American Horticultural Society

The American Horticultural Society seeks to promote and recognize American ex cellence in horticulture across America.

OFFICERS 1993-1994 II()fticllltllrist Mrs. Sarah S. Boasberg Volume 73 , Number 11 Chairman November 1994 Washington, D.C. Dr. William E. Barrick First Vice Chairman ARTICLES Pine Mountain, Georgia Mrs. W. R. J. Dunn Wishing You Well Second Vice Chairman Birmingham, Ala hama This month you won't see our regular "Plants and Your Health" Mr. William A. Pusey department because our entire feature section is about health. In addi­ Secretary tion to what gardening can do for you as exercise, we also report what Washington, D.C. Mr. Gerald T. Halpin doctors say about a number of gardening health hazards: poison ivy Treasurer and its relatives, Lyme disease, and allergic reactions to insects. And Alexandria, Virginia although trees can make our surroundings healthier-cooling the air, helping us relax, pumping out oxygen- a Tucson allergist found there's BOARD OF DIRECTORS another side to the story when he studied the impact of non-native Dr. Thomas Amason Birmingham, Alabama plants on the pollen count in that city. Mrs. Suzanne Frutig Bales Also in this issue you'll find an expanded, end-of-year book catalog Bronxville, New York and a report on this year's youth gardening symposium, co-sponsored Dr. Sherran Blair Columbus, Ohio with the Montessori Foundation. Mr. William F. Brinton Mount Vernon, Maine Mrs. Nancy H. Callaway Pine Mountain, Georgia Feel the Berm ...... 8 Mr. Paul Ecke Jr. Encinitas, Cali fornia Tips for Tiller Elbow ...... 8 Dr. John Alex Floyd Jr. Birmingham, Al abama Nasal Nuisances ...... 9 Mrs. Julia D. Hobart Troy, Ohio The Latest on Lyme ...... 10 Dr. Richard L. Lower Madison, Wisconsin Insect Allergies ...... 11 Mrs. Martyn L. Miller Ashton, Maryland Don't Blame Peat ...... 11 Mrs. Walter M. Morgan Jr. Nashville, Tennessee Mr. William G. Pannill The Dread Rhus Rash ...... 12 Martinsville, Virginia Dr. Julia W. Rappaport Santa Ana, C"liforn ia Mr. Geoffrey L. Rausch Pittsburgh, Pennsylva ni a Mrs. Jane N. Scarff DEPARTMENTS New Carlisle, Ohio Mrs. Josephine M. Shanks Houston, Texas Members' Forum ...... 3 Mr. Emanuel Shernin Greenwich, Connecticut Gardeners' Information Service ...... 4 Mr. Andre Viette Fishersville, Virginia Mail-Order Explorer ...... 5 Ms. Katy Moss Warner Lake Buena Vista, Florida Conservationist's Notebook ...... 6 Mr. Monroe Whitton Alexandria, Virginia Book Catalog ...... 13 AHS Bulletin Board ...... 18 PRESIDENT Dr. H. Marc Cathey Regional Happenings ...... 20 EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT Mrs. Helen Fulcher Walutes Classifieds ...... 22 News Briefs ...... 24

2 NOVEMBER 1994 American Horticulturist

Editor MEMBERS' FORUM Kathleen Fisher Assistant Editor Terri J. Huck Assistant Editor David J. Ellis Editorial Assistant Dear Members: and the Southwest seem to feel particular- Nikole Williamson Normall y we fret a bit about whether we Iy left out when our articles focu s on Membership Director will have any words to fill this space. As plants. Those who retire to USDA Zones Darlene Oliver a group, you tend to be a bit ... uncom- 8 and 9 need to learn to garden all over municative . So we wonder: Are they quiet again, they te ll us; and gardeners in the Editorial Advisory Board with contentment, or somnolent with mountain states and the desert want to John Bryan boredom ? When John Floyd, a member read more recommendations for drought- Sausalito, California of our Board of Directors, proposed the tolerant plants. (Some members in parts John Creech two-page survey printed in our Se ptember of the Northwest reminded us that while Hendersonville, North Carolina iss ue, we were a tad skepti cal about how their winters are rain y, they need plants Keith Crotz many responses we were li ke ly to receive. that wil l make it through their dry sum- Chillicothe, Illinois "John," we whined, "we're even asking mers.) We've put out a call for more arti- Panayoti Kelaidis them to use their own stamps!" cles from those states. Denver, Colorado The res ults have surprised, cheered, Other suggested topics may result in and fascinated us beyond measure. the deve lopment of new bulletins from Richard Lighty About 400 of you had returned yo ur sur- our Gardeners' Information Service Greenville, Delaware veys as of this writing. Many took the (GIS ). T hese bu letins-for which we Peter Loewer time and trouble to add something in the charge only enour h to cover our repro- Asheville, North Carolina "comments" secti on at the end , suggest- duction costs- one mea ns th ro ugh Elvin McDonald ing very specific ideas fo r articles. which we currentl y try to address bas ic Houston, Texas Although it will be some weeks before gardening information needed by less ex- we have all the results, some trends seem perienced gardeners. A li st of all topics Advertising very clear. By far, the majority of you covered in GIS bull etins can be obtained AHS Advertising Department who prefer one publication's fo rmat over by sending a self-addressed stamped en- 2300 South Ninth Street, Suite 501 the other like the color magazine best, al- ve lope to our Educati on Department. Arlington, VA 22204-2320 though news edition fans fee l very A number of your comments re lated to (703) 892-0733 strongly about it. "There are lots of AHS programs other than publica tions. Printer glossy-paged design magazines with arti- Many of yo u commented on how valu- William Byrd Press, Inc. cles about 'Kn ow Your Hostas,' but very able you find our Annual Free Seed Ex-

few publications that gather current in- change and our discount Book Program. Back iss ues of AM ERICAN HORTICULTURIST formation as efficiently as the AHS news We will try to answer more specific ques- News Editi on are available at a cOSt of $2.50 per copy. The opinions expressed in the articles that appea r in edition," one respondent wrote. ti ons in our January "Members' Forum." AMERICAN HORTICULTURIST are rh ose of rhe In terms of subjects that you would (S ince the survey pro mi sed ano nymity, authors and are not necessarily those of the Society. Botanical nomenclature in AMERICAN HORTICUL· like to read about, two requests have writers wi ll not be identi fied.) TURIST is based on HORTUS THIRD. M a nuscriptS. come in so loud and clear that we are al- In the mea ntime please remember: We artwork. and photographs sent for possible publica· rion will be recurned if they are accompanied by a self· ready as king writers around the country are always glad to hea r from you. We addressed, stamped envelo pe. We cannm guarantee the to get busy on them. hope that the survey will be just the be- safe return of unsolicited ma teri al. While most readers seem to appreciate ginning of our dialog! AMERI CAN HORTICULTURIST, ISSN 0096-441 7, is our current emphasis on plants, ,-----=-:----,--, rhe offi ci.. I publica rion of the American Horrkulrural So· -Kathleen Fisher c icty, 793 I East Boulcvard Dri ve, Alexandria, VA a large number would also like Editor 22308· 1300, (703) 768-5 700, and is issued 12 times a to read about landscaping. In year. The American Hornl,;ulrura l .s o~i c t }, is a nonprofit o rga ni zation dedicated to eX l:ellcm:e in honi l.:': uirurc. the next two issues of our mag­ Memhcrship in the Society indudes a suhscriptio n to azine, they can expect to see Correction AMERICA H O RTI CULTURIST. N ationa l mcmhcr­ ship dues are $45. £\'vo yea rs are $80. f oreign dU(.:'$ are some articles on landscaping In our September issue, Violet $60. $ 15 of dues a rc designated fo r AMERICAN HOR­ principles and prejudices. Fur­ Dawson was incorrectly identi­ TICULTURIST. Copyright I[l 1994 h)' the Amcri"an Hm· ticuhura l S(h.: ier}'. Second·dass posrage pa id fa ther in the future, we would like to try to fied in an article regarding an AHS award Alexandn<'l, Virgi nia, and at additional mailing offi.. :l'S. help members with specific landscape presented at the "Show of Summer" Posrma. s(er: Please send f o rm 3579 to AMERICAN HORTI C ULTURIST, 793 1 East Boul evard Dn ve, problems. Let us hear about them; send sponsored by the Garden Club of Alexandria , VA 22308· 1300. photographs! America at the Chicago Botanic Garden. We heard from members all over the She is a past president of the National Produced in U.S.A. United States, but those of you in Florida Council of State Garden Clubs.

AMERICAN HORTICULTURIST 3 GARDENERS' INFORMATION SERVICE

Q: Should I fertilize bulbs when I al nurseries that specialize in mums: plant them this fall or should I wait until Mums by Paschke, 12286 East Main the spring when they start to grow? And Road, North East, PA 16428, (814) 725- USE YOUR GIS what kind of fertilizer should I add? 9860. Catalog free. The American Horticultural So­ -M.G., Charlotte, North Carolina Huff's Garden Mums, P.O. Box 187, ciety's Gardeners' Information Burlington, KS 66839-0187, (800) 279- Service has developed information­ Yes, you can add some fertilizer, 4675. Catalog free. A: al materials that explore more than especially phosphorous and potassium, King's Mums, P.O. Box 368, Clements, 30 gardening subjects, including when planting bulbs in the fall. Muriate CA 95227, (209) 759-3571. Catalog $2. butterfly gardening, xeriscaping, of potash and a superphosphate are good Sunnyslope Gardens, 8638 Huntington moss gardening, organic fertilizers, choices to provide these nutrients, or you Drive, San Gabriel, CA 91775, (818) soil preparation, children's garden­ can choose a commercial fertilizer such 287-4071. Catalog free. ing resources, lists of public gardens as a 0-10-10, which contains phospho­ by state, and plant sources. Prices rous and potassium but no nitrogen. How hardy are freesia bulbs and Q: for the bulletins range from 50 High levels of nitrogen will feed your when is the best time to plant them? Do cents to $6. foliage rather than encourage flowers. If they need any special conditions for in the spring you notice that the bulb growing? -D.S., Mobile, Alabama foliage is becoming yellow, this is when To receive a complete list of GIS you might add some extra nitrogen by A: While most freesias are suitable only publications, send a self-addressed, using a more balanced fertilizer such as for greenhouses, you live far enough south stamped envelope to: GIS Catalog, 10-10-10. to grow them outdoors. The best time for 7931 East Boulevard Drive, Alex­ Fall fertilizer is best added into the planting freesias outdoors is early fall for andria, VA 22308-1300. planting hole rather than on top of the flowering the following spring. If you soil. Make sure that the fertilizer is well want a succession of these fragrant flow- mixed with soil from the planting hole so ers, next year plant their corms at two it can't burn the bulb's basal plate. week intervals from September through before frosts are expected. They should Some organic fertilizers that are useful November. then be brought indoors to a cool, well- for providing phosphorous to bulbs in They need a sheltered site in full sun or lighted area. They need nighttime tem- fall include bone meal, colloidal phos­ very light filtered shade with a well-aer- peratures of 45 to 50 degrees while their phate, and rock phosphate. Potassium ated soil, preferably a sandy loam. foliage and flowers are developing. High sources include granite meal, greensand, The corm tips should be about an inch temperatures or low light can cause the kelp meal, and unleached wood ashes. below the soil surface, about one and a plants to become weak and leggy. No matter when you apply your fertil­ half to two inches apart. They can be The corms should be planted close to- izer, always follow package directions or covered over winter with a light mulch gether in a soilless potting mix. Don't use the amounts recommended by profes­ such as pine needles. allow the soil to dry out, but don't over- sionals as the result of a soil fertility test. You could also plant a ground cover water, which will cause the leaves to yel- that would help insulate the freesias and low. It usually takes at least three months Q: I love chrysanthemums and would provide an attractive back- ,------::-1 from the time you plant the like to know about different species and ground for their flowers. Can- corms in the fall until flowering. cultivars that I might try in my garden. dytuft (Iberis sempervirens), Sources for freesia corms in- Can you suggest nurseries that offer var­ creeping phlox (Phlox subulata), clude: Wayside Gardens, 1 Gar- ious kinds of chrysanthemums? or bugleweed (Ajuga rep tans) den Lane, Hodges, SC 29695, -T.P., GrandJunction, Michigan would do well as companions to (800) 845-1124; Messelaar Bulb freesias. Freesias respond well to Company, P.O. Box 269, Ips- A: There is incredible variety in the a light complete fertilizer feeding about wich, MA 01938, (508) 356-3737; and color, height, flower form, and habit of once a month during the active growing McClme & Zimmerman, 108 West Win- chrysanthemums. Their flowers come in season. nebago, Friesland, WI 53935, (414) 326- tassel, spider, threadlike, and pompon Gardeners north of USDA Zone 8 can 4220. All of these catalogs are free. forms. Some are best for flower arrang­ pot corms in late summer or early fall, -Maureen Heffernan ing and others for bonsai. Here are sever- keeping them outdoors in full sun until just Education Coordinator

4 NOVEMBER 1994 MAIL-ORDER EXPLORER

Sensuous Selections woods' plant Campbell has not had suc­ formation." He also likes Northwoods' cess with. His Northwoods' favorites in- Asian pears (Pyrus pyrifolia), including ome mail-order nurseries tantali ze elude medlars (Mespilus germanica the 'Shinko', 'Hosui ', and 'Chojuro' cul­ potential customers with catalogs so 'Macrocarpa'), regent serviceberry (Ame- tivars, wh ich he finds crunchier and tasti­ Scolorful they are nearly hypnotizing. lanchier alnifolia), and several varieties of er than their European counterparts. Northwoods Retail Nursery in Canby, kiwi (Actinidia spp.), of which North- 'Shinko' is also resistant to fire blight, Oregon, puts out a simple black-and- woods has 20 cultivars. Campbell has also which Magee says is common in white catalog that plays instead on senses planted li ngonberries (Vaccinum vitis- Nashvi lle. like taste and smell-offering a veritable idaea) and wintergreen (Gaultheria pro- As ian pears, along with other dwarf cornucopia of exotic and unusual fru iting cumbens) around an 18-by-24-foot pond. fruit trees, are also popular with and fragrant ornamental species selected Fives first became involved in horticul- Michaela Roessner-Herman, a writer liv­ for easy care and disease resistance. ture in 1981, when she started a cut flower ing in Tehachapi, California , at an eleva­ Owner Kathy Fives is the driving force business ca ll ed Fives Flowers that she sti ll tion of about 4,300 feet in the southern behind Northwoods' customer-oriented, runs as a sideline. In 1984 she developed a Sierras. "I especiall y like the unusual environment-friendly approach to grow- retail and mail-order service at North- trees like medlars, and a Japanese raisin ing and selling plants, a philosophy stat- woods, then primarily a wholesale nurs- tree (Hovenia dulcis) I have received ed in the front of every catalog and, more ery. In 1992 the nursery split into separate from Northwoods," says Roessner-Her­ important, borne out by the experiences retail and wholesa le businesses, and Fives man. Fruit trees "are a little bit of a of customers. Although Northwoods and her staff spent most of last year estab- stretch for us because summers are so concentrates on plants suitable to the eli- lishing the retail nursery at its new site. much hotter and drier" th an is recom­ mate of Canby, a bedroom community Along with kiwis, Northwoods' most mended for the trees, she says, but hers for Portland nestled in the foothills of the popular offerings are American persim- have done well there. Cascades, Fives says much of her stock mons (Diospyros virginiana); a low-chill Fives' commitment to the welfare of thrives elsewhere. "A lot of the fr uit trees raspberry ca ll ed 'Bababerry' (Rubus sp.); her customers extends to offering a wide are on hardy rootstocks and will grow in pawpaws (Asimina triloba); and figs se lecti on of natural pest and disease con­ other parts of the United States," she (Ficus carica) . Fives' personal favorites trols, organic soil amendments, and says. Among these are apples 'Sweet Six- include fragrant ornamentals like harle- books on pest control. "I really feel teen', a cold-hardy, scab-resistant culti- quin glory-bower (Clerodendrum tri- strongly about not using strong chemical va r, and 'Anna', adapted for the chotomum) and Carolina all spice pesticides, and I think a lot of other peo­ Southwest and Florida. With more and (Calycanthus floridus), and various jas- ple feel that way too," she says. more orders coming in from across the mines and honeys uckles. With the nursery established at the United States, Fives is adjusting her offer- Dwarf fruit trees and multi-fruiting new site, Fives has been able to plan new ings "to make our mi x more appropriate trees are also among Northwoods' best offerings fo r 1995, which she says may for all regions." sellers, she says, because "people want include plants with medicinal value, Customers say Fives is quick to tell them more types of fruit, but don't want the conifers, and some unusual new orna­ which plants won't make it where they extra work of a big tree. The big draw is mental grasses. Meanwhile, her cus­ live. Says John Campbell, a defense con- that you still get a nice size crop off these tomers are eagerly looking forward to the tractor living in Annapolis, Maryland, trees, and with dwarf trees you can pack new Northwoods' catalog. Campbell who has been relandscaping a two-acre a lot of fruit into even a small garden." says he has purchased from a numher of plot: "If you want to get a plant rnftiiiiiiiiii;;;;;~(;Zilil Mike Magee, an oncologist in nurseries, but hasn't found anything to from Kathy that is not hardy in Nashville, Tennessee, likes match Northwoods' quality and service. your area, she will stop yo u. " He Northwoods' dwarf trees be- "In four seasons I haven't got one plant laughingly recounts that Fives "is cause, he says, "I don't have a from Kathy without elaborate instruc­ obsessed with whether I can get plantation, just a one-acre lot." tions, and if something does go wrong it evergreen huckleberries to grow According to Magee, Nashville gets taken care of." -David J. Ellis here. A couple have died, but is not ideal for apple growing, Assistant Editor she sends more and refuses to charge me but he has done well with 'Liberty' for them." The evergreen huckleberry grown on dwarf rootstock. "One of the To make your landscape more edible, re­ (Vaccinum ovatum) is listed hardy to things I like about Northwoods is you al- quest a free catalog fr om: Northwoods minus 10 degrees, but seems troubled by ways know what rootstocks you are get- Retail Nursery, 27635 South Oglesby the summer heat in Annapolis. ting-some of the other companies seem Road, Canby, OR 97013; telephone Huckleberries are about the only North- to think you don't need that kind of in- (503) 266-5432; or fax (503) 266-5431.

AMERICAN HORTICULTURIST 5 CONSERVATIONIST'S NOTEBOOK

The Cressy Creek Clue it wasn't found there in the 1950s and 1960s it was presumed to be extinct. n the campus of Virginia Poly- The round-leaf was resurrected through technic Institute and State Uni- some botanical detective work by Peter O versity (Virginia Tech) in Roanoke Mazzeo, a botanist with the U.S. National is a memorial to Peter Feret, a tree ge- Arboretum in Washington, D.C. In the neticist at the university who died in early 1970s, Mazzeo became curious March 1993 at 48. The memorial is sur- about the tree's fate and sought out all the rounded by saplings of Virginia round- existing dried herbarium specimens. He leaf birch (Betula uher), an endangered noticed that the notes accompanying an species native to southwest Virginia that undated specimen collected by Horace B. Feret and other conservationists brought Ayres, another forester and occasional back from the brink of oblivion. Ashe associate, listed Cressy Creek as the The story of the round-leaf birch reads source. Mazzeo hypothesized that Ashe like a mystery novel, loaded with sub- could have confused Cressy and Dickey plots. Its currently hopeful prospects are creeks, two small watersheds a little over a The distinctive foliage of the round­ a testament to successful cooperation be- mile apart that flow parallel before drain- leaf birch. tween government organizations, re- ing into the Holsten River near Sugar search institutes, private conservation Grove. In 1974, Mazzeo published his groups, and dedicated individuals. findings in the hope, he says, that someone for the birch. Distinguished by its singular round to would follow up on the information. On April 26, 1978, the round-leaf slightly oblong leaves, the round-leaf And, says Mazzeo, "Lo and behold, at birch became the first tree species listed birch has dark, aromatic bark and grows least one person took me seriously, and as endangered under the federal Endan­ to a maximum of 45 feet. With an aver- he found it." On August 22, 1975, Dou- gered Species Act of 1973. A year later it age life span of 50 years, the round-leaf, glas Ogle, a biology professor at High- was also protected under the Virginia En­ like other birches, is a pioneer species lands Community College in Abingdon, dangered Plant and Insect Species Act. At that invades recently disturbed areas but Virginia, found a small cluster of the the behest of the FWS, Virginia Tech in is eventually overshadowed by taller and trees on his second search of the Cressy 1982 drafted a recovery plan for the longer-lived trees. It is closely related to Creek area. Ogle used abandoned railroad round-leaf birch. According to Richard sweet birch (B. lenta) and yellow birch and cart tracks as a guide to areas that Kreh, senior research associate at the uni­ (B. alleghaniensis), with which it is often Ashe and Ayres were likely to have passed versity's Reynolds Homestead Forest Re­ associated. Its known range is extremely through. Mazzeo and other botanists sources Research Center, Critz, Virginia, narrow-a half-mile stretch within the went to Smyth County to confirm Ogle's and a colleague of Feret's, the plan gave floodplain of a creek at an elevation of findings, bringing three seedlings back to highest priority to maintenance and ex­ 2,700 feet in Smyth County, Virginia. the arboretum. pansion of the natural population, fol­ A forester, William W. Ashe, identified There were only 41 remaining birches, lowed by establishment of additional the tree in 1914 and published a brief de- 18 of which were reproductively mature populations in the wild, research to de­ scription in 1918. Believing it to r------,-----,-----,-~----,---,--,-, at the time. Two of the mature termine why the species was endangered, be a new variety of sweet birch, trees were in the Mount Rogers and preservation of germplasm. "One of Ashe named it B. lenta var. uher. National Recreation Area in the the major components was for us to do In 1948, Merritt L. Fernald, di- Jefferson National Forest, but some breeding and propagating work, rector of Harvard University's most were on two private land both vegetatively and sexually," says Kreh. Gray Herbarium, reclassified it holdings. Not only is round-leaf pollen viability as a separate species. Representatives of the Forest low (Kreh calls it "dismal"), but flowers Botanists now believe Ashe may inad- Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service of the existing trees were being inundated vertently have headed the round-leaf to- (FWS), Virginia Tech, the National Ar- by sweet birch pollen during the short ward extinction by misidentifying the boretum, and the Virginia Department of breeding season. When cross-pollination creek along which he found it. Ashe cited Agriculture and Consumer Services, occurred, sweet birch genetic characteris­ its location as being along Dickey Creek, along with the two landowners, met in tics, including leaf shape, were dominant. near the town of Sugar Grove, but when May 1977 to develop a management plan For that reason, researchers initially kept

6 NOVEMBER 1994 round-leaf birches away from sweet classify the round-leaf birch as threat­ birches to encourage development of ened rather than endangered at the feder­ pure round-leaf seeds. allevel. Although the reclassification will Despite the efforts of all involved, the not significantly alter the protections in recovery plan's top priority of preserving place for. the tree, according to Debbie C5~~~ the original trees proved difficult. "The Mignogno, assistant chief of the FWS's natural population is still in decline for a Endangered Species Office in Hadley, number of reasons," says Kreh, citing Massachusetts, it is symbolic of the tree's va ndalism and the birch's poor reproduc­ progress toward recovery. ~~ tive abilities. Only 11 of the original Meanwhile, the trees growing on the SEED birches remain. Virginia Tech campus are a testament not CATALOG Feret's legacy to the round-leaf is the onl y to the invaluable genetic research of propagation program he, Kreh, and Terry Peter Feret, but to the cooperative efforts Sharik, now at Utah State University, de­ of a di verse team who made the recovery ve loped at the Reynolds research center. process for the round-leaf birch a success. It yielded enough seedlings to plant 20 -D.E. stands of 100 birch seedlings on national forest land near the original si te between Because the round-leaf birch is still an en­ 1984 and 1987. Kreh says the seedlings, dangered species, its sale and propaga­ produced by inoculating round-leaf fl ow­ tion are controlled, and it is illegal to ers with pure round-leaf pollen, are doing possess the tree without a permit from well. "We are evaluating those popula­ the Virginia Department of Agriculture tions and they are growing and preparing and Consumer Services. A limited num­ to reproduce." In addition, more than ber of surplus trees from the propagation 1,000 specimens produced from the prop­ program are sometimes made available agation program have been distributed to for scientific, biological, or educational 150 arboreta and research facilities purposes. Written requests may be sent to around North America and the world. the Reynolds Homestead Forest Re­ The success of the recovery program sources Research Center, P.O. Box 70, Featuring 112 full color pages, led to the proposal last December to re- Critz, VA 24082. Stokes seed c atalog is a com­ plete guide to gardening for the beginner and the profes­ sional. The catalog lists over 2,500 varieties of vegetables, flowers and herbs, including After Last Year's Severe Wmter ... Use Wdt·Pruf more than 250 Stokes Exclu­ sives. Stokes also carries a full to Guard Against Moisture line of helpful garden accesso­ Loss and Wmter Kill. ries for around the home. Get high quality Stokes seed at grower prices, send for your Use on Rhododendrons, Evergreens, Boxwood, free Stokes Seed Catalog to­ Azaleas, Hollies, Laurel and Other Ornamentals. day!

Stokes Seeds 1715 Stokes Bldg., Box 548 Most gardeners know what Wilt-Pruf does. But Buffalo, NY 14240-0548 for those who may not be familiar with this organic and biodegradable product, Wilt-Pruf o YES! Please send my FREE acts as a protective coating on plant foliage. Stokes Seed Catalog to: Wilt-Pruf substantially reduces water loss Name: ______during periods of plant stress that many plants experienced during last winter's Address: ______severe weather. Wilt-Prufhas helped plants survive year around for nearly 50 years. Let it help your plants through the winter ahead. Call or write today for additional information.

Stokes Seeds WllT6® P.O. Box 469, Essex, CT 06426 1715 Stokes Bldg . Box 548 203R67-7033 Buffalo, N.Y. PRUf 14240-0548

AMERICAN HORTICULTURIST 7 Feel the Berm

ure, there are hazards associated also tackles the superiority of fresh fruits with gardening: poison ivy, and vegetables, visualization exercises for insect bites, muscle strain, sun­ stress reduction, integrated pest manage­ burn. And of course, you might ment, and gardening with children. He always step on a rake or prune has three youngsters, ages three months, Syour thumb instead of your shrubs. seven and 10 years. "So many of their But as we all know, gardening is really friends are overweight," he says, "and one of the healthiest hobbies there is. It the schools either emphasize athletics or gets us out into fresh, if sometimes pollut­ exercises like jumping jacks. Wouldn't it ed, air, and studies show that exposure to be great if we could have Dynamic Gar­ nature has measurable psychological ben- 6 dening clubs in all of the schools?" efits. Hospital patients heal faster if they ~ can see a landscape; people looking at ~ Fitness the Dynamic Gardening Way is trees and grass tend to feel carefree and ~ available from the AHS Book Program friendly, while people looking at buildings ~ for $10. To order, please see the book ser­ and cement tend to feel sad, angry, and vice order form on page 16. aggressive. If we grow edibles, gardening slow activity to cool down. Rather than also tends to encourage better nutrition. spend a marathon weekend relandscap­ Gardening can even be a top-notch ing, break the activities into shorter Tips for Tiller Elbow physical work-out. Barbara Ainsworth, chunks of 30 minutes to two hours. an exercise physiologist at the University For those who seek maximum muscle epetitive motion injuries are almost of North Carolina, led a group of re­ toning, he adds circuit training to the inevitable for most gardeners due searchers in devising a system to quantify routine: a combination grape arborlpull­ Rto the types of chores we have to the amount of energy used in various up bar or a sit-up board amid the orna­ do. Overdoing tasks can stress muscles, physical activities, from rugby and roofing mental grasses. This means you can save tendons, bones, or nerves. Some often­ to making the bed. They found that gar­ money otherwise destined for a health injured areas are: dening activities use as much energy as club fee or Stairmaster to buy a couple of • Fingers: Continuous pushing with low-impact aerobics, playing volleyball, rare conifers or a chipperlshredder. one finger can cause inflammation of its or walking briskly (see sidebar, page 9). Even if you don't go the circuit-training tendons. Avoid repeatedly pressing your The Ainsworth study looked at meta­ route, his book raises one's consciousness fingers or thumb against spray bottle trig­ bolic rates, but gardening activities can of gardening's potential for weight reduc­ gers and tool handles, or slow the rate of also work out most of our muscle groups. tion, body building, and cardiovascular the pressing repetitions. Wrap your thumb Jeffrey P. Restuccio, a computer salesman fitness. He offers charts of calories ex­ around tool handles rather than along the and gardener (he evaluates new plants for pended-you can burn 200 calories with handles. Use tools and gloves with anti­ Rodale) living in Cordova, Tennessee, 40 minutes of planting, weeding, mulch­ slip surfaces, and grasp, rather than pinch, has formalized this observation in what ing, cultivating, and harvesting, he says­ objects. If you do chores requiring your he calls the Dynamic Gardening ap­ and an analysis of what major muscle arms to be above your shoulders, such as proach to fitness. In 1992 he self-pub­ groups benefit from various gardening ac­ tree pruning, you may have some swelling lished a book on the topic, illustrated tivities. Turning compost is a dandy, work­ or numbness in your ring and little fin­ with cartoons by his mother. So far, he ing wrists, forearms, biceps, deltoids, gers. Tackle overhead jobs in small doses, has sold about a fifth of his 5,000 copies shoulders, back, legs, and that woman's allowing your muscles to relax so they and is still waiting for the call to appear bane, a drooping gluteus maxim us. don't press against the nerves. on a major talk show. "And I can't get "You will have to make a concentrated • HandslWrists: Repeated gripping bookstores to put a gardening book in effort to bend from the legs instead of the activities, such as hand pruning, or carry­ the fitness section," he laments. back," Restuccio says, and you'll need to ing heavy objects between your thumb To follow Restuccio's advice, he ob­ learn to weed and rake with both right and fingers, can cause tendinitis in your serves, "requires you to unlearn your and left hands. You'll probably also want thumbs and wrists or the increasingly di­ usual approach to gardening." He rec­ to re-examine your tools. "The standard agnosed carpal tunnel syndrome. Use ommends a regimen that closely follows hoe is very hard on the back," he says. non-pinching hand positions when carry­ the rhythm of an aerobic exercise pro­ "A scuffle hoe lets you move your feet ing heavy objects. When doing a chore gram: begin by stretching, then do some and make a gliding motion with your leg requiring repeated squeezing, keep your light weeding, spend 10 to 15 minutes at muscles." wrist unbent and rest every half hour to a more strenuous exercise like turning the Restuccio says his book has been criti­ stretch your muscles. Again, anti-slip sur­ compost or tilling, and then go back to a cized for trying to do too much, since he faces may help.

8 NOVEMBER 1994 • Elbows: Repeated grasping and · If any of these symptoms appear the Nasal Nuisances twisting, such as when stabilizing a heavy next time yo u are pruning, raking, weed­ wheelbarrow or power tool, can ca use an ing, or doing other repeti tive- movement rizona is still widely perceived as inflammation of the tendons on the out­ chores, you might want to see your fami­ the Great Escape State for those side of the elbow (also known as tennis ly phys ician. Sometimes exercise will help A who suffe r from pollen all ergies. elbow) . Avoid using tools requiring sharp strengthen muscles so you ca n perform But landsca ping with non-native plants, twisting motions, and res t often or stop repetitive movements without injury. In as we ll as their unintentional introduc­ completely if the chore becomes painful. other cases, you may need to adapt your ti on, has Tucson resi dents sneezing and • Shoulders: Reaching overhead for working position or try a more " user­ wheezing along with the rest of us. long periods at a time ca n ca use inflam­ fr iendly" tool. Be tween 1930 and 1980, the popula­ mation of the shoulder tendons and bur­ ti on of that southeastern Ari zona city in ­ sae (fluid -filled sacs between the tend ons Reprinted with permission from The Vir­ creased tenfo ld , and a ll ergy-ca usin g and the bone) . The bursae become in­ ginia Gardener newsletter, August 1994. pl ants kept pace. Dr. Jacob Pinnas, a flamed and swollen with fluid (bursitis), To subscribe, send $5 payable to Treasur­ practiti oner at the All ergy Center of Ari­ causing pain when the shoulder is moved. er, Virginia Tech, to The Virgini a Garden­ zona, says most of the region's nati ve Lower your work area so that your hands er, Department of Horticulture, Virginia fl ora rely on in sects and other animals for are below your shoulders. If tree pruning, Polytechnic Institute and State Universi­ poll inati on. Most of the offending pl ants rest often or have someone assist you. ty, Blacksburg, VA 24061-0349. have lightweight poll en that is sprea d by wind and eas il y inhaled. According to a study Pinnas co-au­ EFFORT EXPENDED IN GARDENING AND OTHER ACTIVITIES thored wi th Mark Sneller and Harry Hayes in the Annals of Allergy last year, Energy Expended Tucson res idents were tryi ng to establish (Sitting Quietly = 1.0) lawns of ali en Bermuda grass as ea rl y as the 1920s. Ornamental planting began in 5.0 ea rn est in the 1950s, when pi ne and priv­ 5.0 et were popul ar choices. As land was dis­ 6.0 turbed by development, members of the 2.5 goosefoot famil y, like Russian thistl e; the ------~------.-- 6.0 amaranth clan, incl ud ing pigweed; and 4.5 various composites, including non-native 4.0 ragweeds, proliferated. Juniper and elm made th eir appearance in the 1960s, 4.5 when the pollen count from mulberry, 4.0 oli ve, and cottonwood also increased sig­ 4.0 nificantly. A 1975 study showed the inci­ ----m-anual cutter----~----~-47."'::5 ---.oP-...... ~~~~~~~~~~~~ dence of hay fever at 41 percent among nati ve Tucson residents and 56 percent among migrants, compared with 15 to 20 1.5 percent in the rest of the country. 4.5 In 1984 Pima County, where Tucson is located, passed an ordinance making it il­ legal to pl ant or sell mulberry or olive 5.0 trees, and declaring Bermuda grass a nui­ sance. Pinnas is encouraging other juris­ 7.0 dictions to pass similar ordinances. 10.0 It now appea rs that Tucson's pollen 5.0 count is on the decline, say Pinnas and 5.B;;.. ______.... his colleagues, partly as a result of "social 3.5 swings to 'natural environments' and ac­ ceptance of a desert lifestyle." Volleyball, competitive 4.0 However, they conclude by suggesting that a recent local movement to plant 500,000 new trees in the Tucson basin, Q "as part of a national movement 'to im­ prove air quality,''' may instead create 6.0 new health hazards. "Deliberate planting of known all ergenic trees," they write, For more information, write to Dr. Barbara Ainsworth, Department of Physical " raises ethical questions related to re­ Education, Exercise and Sport Science, CB #8700, Fetzer Gym, University of sponsibility on the part of civ ic leaders North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-8700. and developers."

AMERICAN HORTI CULTURIST 9 The Latest on Lyme

ince Lyme disease first grabbed headquartered in Philadelphia, began national attention a decade ago, field trials this year. Results are expected it has remained relatively isolat­ within a year, but even if the vaccines ed geographically. Although the prove to be safe and effective, their ap­ tick-borne ailment has been proval by the federal Food and Drug Ad­ Srecorded in every state except Alaska and ministration is unlikely before 1997. Montana since 1984, it is most prevalent In 1993, New York State had the most in Northeast coastal states from Massa­ reported cases-2,761 out of a nation­ chusetts to Maryland, in north central wide total of 8,185-but Connecticut states such as Wisconsin, Michigan, and had the highest per capita incidence, with Minnesota, and on the West Coast. 41 cases for each 100,000 people. Even In those regions it remains a public within states the disease is highly local­ health concern, since a vaccine is at least ized. In 1988,44 percent of all confirmed three years away. Of a number of diseases U.S. cases were acquired in Westchester that ticks can carry, Lyme disease is the and Suffolk counties of New York. most common. It is also hard to diagnose Lyme disease is caused by the spiro­ and can be crippling if left untreated. State Department of Health. "The chete Borrelia burgdorferi, a corkscrew­ But its incidence is not high enough to chances of disease transmittal from any shaped bacterium transmitted principally warrant curtailing outdoor activities. one tick bite is rather small." by the deer, or black-legged, tick (Ixodes "Nationwide there are a lot of tick Two major pharmaceutical companies scapularis, formerly I. dammini) in the species, but only a few of them are asso­ are testing Lyme disease vaccines. Con­ northeast and north central United ciated with disease," says Dennis White, naught Laboratories, Swiftwater, Penn­ States, and by the western black-legged an epidemiologist with the New York sylvania, and SmithKline Beecham, tick (l. pacificus) in the west. A tell-tale sign of this multistage inflammatory dis­ ease is a two- to eight-inch rash or blotch THE RISK TO ROVER early, it is treatable," he says. appearing one to six weeks after expo­ E T. Satalowich, past president of sure. Roughly circular, it may have a Although humans must wait for the National Association of State Pub­ clear center, giving it a "bull's eye" ap­ approval of a vaccine against Lyme lic Health Veterinarians, says the main pearance. But this diagnostic clue ap­ disease, a vaccine for dogs has been symptom of canine Lyme disease is pears in only 60 to 80 percent of cases. available since 1990. Created by Fort several days of a characteristic lame­ Flu-like symptoms such as fatigue, Dodge Laboratories, Fort Dodge, ness-"the dogs look like they're headaches, and fever sometimes occur in Iowa, the vaccine is called the Borrelia walking on eggs." But even in areas of the early stages. Left untreated, the dis­ Burgdorferi Bacterin. Although the high incidence, he says, only five to ease may result in chronic symptoms vaccine is recommended by many vet­ seven percent of dogs are infected. such as joint swelling, severe headaches, erinarians, some researchers say vacci­ "The risk really isn't there." Sat­ arthritis, and nervous system and heart nations are warranted only for dogs alowich says veterinarians should take disorders months or years later. that spend a lot of time outdoors in into account the risk of Lyme disease In endemic areas, health officials recom­ Lyme-disease endemic areas. Their in their particular area and the likeli­ mend a multifaceted preventive approach. studies show that dogs have a lower hood of tick exposure in individual Ticks prefer shaded, moist, sheltered infection rate and suffer less severe dogs before prescribing the vaccine. areas frequented by host animals like and more temporary reactions to the "Unless you're talking about a field or deer and mice, so they tend to inhabit disease than do humans. hunting dog in an endemic area, the wooded areas between yards, woodland Richard Weitzman, a veterinarian chances of dogs coming into contact edges, and unmaint~ined borders. Piles of in Potomac, Maryland, says the vac­ with infected ticks is very small." untended stone, wood, or brush are also cine "has shown in tests to be quite ef­ Cats apparently are little affected high-risk areas. fective in preventing the disease." In by Lyme disease. Some researchers David Weld, executive director of the the past six years Weitzman has seen feel this finding may be linked to cats' American Lyme Disease Foundation, ad­ an increased number of dogs with near obsession with their personal hy­ vises gardeners to minimize potential Lyme disease, but adds that they re­ giene. "Cats are unique animals-they habitat for host animals by clear-cutting spond well to treatment with antibi­ rarely get ticks," says Weitzman. "I wild or naturalized areas in late fall. "We otics. "The fortunate thing about have yet to read anything about Lyme recommend that people with perennial Lyme disease is if you can catch it disease in cats." gardens do a thorough clean-up in fall to reduce places where the mice that can

10 NOVEMBER 1994 carry the ticks hide," he says. If garden­ clothes make them easier to spot), and Lyme disease cases are spread by the al­ ers can't bear to crop their natura lized keep outdoor clothes ti ed in a plastic bag most invisible nymphs. areas, Weld recommends keeping a wide until they are washed. Adult deer ticks are about the size of a path clear for walking. Studies have shown that ticks must be sesame seed, with oval, flattened bodies. In wooded or naturalized areas, gar­ attached for at least 24 hours before they They are most active in October and No­ deners should dress appropriately and use can transmit Lyme disease. An attached vember, but can be found in winter when insect repellent. "Wear light-colored long tick should be removed carefu ll y with a temperatures are above 35 degrees. Their pants and long-sleeve shirts and tuck pair of tweezers, grasping it as close to preferred host is white-tailed deer, but everything in," says Kathy Orloski-Snider, the mouthparts as possible, and saved for they also attach to dogs, humans, and an epidemiologist with the Fort Collins, possible identification by a state or coun­ li vestock, feeding for seven to 10 days. Colorado, fi eld office of the U.S. Centers ty health department or local Extension While adult ticks more commonly are in­ for Disease Control and Prevention. agent. T he wound should be cleaned with fected with the Lyme disease spirochete Recommended repellents are those an antiseptic and a physician consulted if than the nymphs, humans are less likely containing DEET (N-diethyl-meta-tolu­ any Lyme disease symptoms appear with­ to get the disease from them because the amide), which in concentrations of less in a few weeks. adult ticks are more easily detected. than 30 percent can be sprayed on either There are two periods in the tick's two­ skin or clothes, and permethrin products, year life cycle when humans are most at which should only be sprayed on clothes. risk-at the nymph stage in spring and Weld stresses the importance of following summer, and at the adult stage in fa ll. product directions, especiall y when Eggs are laid in fa ll and hatch into larvae SOURCES spraying children. The repellent should the next summer, attaching to small cover shoes, socks, pant legs, and mammals and taking a blood meal in The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and sleeves-any clothes likely to touch the which they may pick up the Borrelia Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia. Lyme ground or low vegetati on. "If you don't burgdorferi. disease hotline, (404) 332-2573. To re­ put on repellent, ticks will crawl up to the In fall, the larvae molt into nymphs, ceive faxed information, telephone back of your neck or head," says Weld, which emerge the following May through (404) 332-4565. noting that 17 percent of Lyme disease July. About the size of a poppy seed, they The non-profit American Lyme Disease researchers who wore protective clothing attach to horses, dogs, cattle, rodents, Foundation, Inc., Somers, New York. but did not spray were infected. and humans, feeding for three to five Physician network, (800) 876-LYME. Gardeners in high-risk areas should days. If they pass the disease along to that The non-profit Lyme Disease Founda­ keep long hair tied up, frequently inspect mammal, it can infect other feeding ticks. tion, Inc., Hartford, Connecticut. Dis­ pets and clothing for ticks (light-colored Researchers estimate that 80 percent of ease information, (800) 886-LYME.

Insect Allergies actions to Hymenoptera family members. The disease, cutaneous sporotrichosis, About 10 percent of the population has is caused by the fungus Sporotrichum Pproximately one-half to one per­ what Graft calls "large local reactions," schenck ii, found on soil, plants, and cent of the population is genetical­ in which a bite will cause swellings of wood. It is also commonly found on A ly predisposed to develop severe more than two inches that last longer sphagnum moss, the living form of peat allergic reactions to insect stings, accord­ than 24 hours. These are not related to sold in long strands and used primarily to ing to Dr. David F. Graft, chair of the in­ the more systemic reactions and should line hanging wire baskets. sect allergy committee of the American be treated with ice, over-the-counter anti­ The fungus usually enters the body Academy of Allergy and Immunology. histamines, and perhaps a short course of through some kind of abrasion-it's An initial sting causes these people to a corticosteroid. "Some people put meat sometimes called rose growers' disease­ develop excess antibodies that work tenderizer on bites," he says. "But it's forming a bump that can become ulcer­ against them when stung again. They possible to become sensitized to it" so ous. More lesions may form along the break out in hives, feel dizzy from a drop that it will cause an allergic reaction. lymph system, and in rare cases, pul­ in blood pressure, and have trouble monary disease can develop. breathing. "Some people have a mild re­ Gerry Hood, president of the Canadi­ action the first time and hope it won't Don't Blame Peat an Peat Moss Association, says there happen again, but it will," Graft says. have been no reported cases of the dis­ A sensitive person can be given a five­ he peat moss industry has .been be­ ease being linked to peat moss, the dead year course of injections that is "almost leaguered of late by charges that layer of sphagnum mined from peat bogs 100 percent effective," he says, or they T their product is not environmental­ and used to amend garden soil. can carry an epinephrine injection kit to ly responsible (see "Is Peat r.C?," Amer­ The disease can be avoided by simply use when stung by bees, wasps, or ants. ican Horticulturist, December 1993). wearing gloves, washing hands and arms Graft says there are about 50 deaths in Now rumors are connecting peat moss to after gardening, and watching cuts and the United States annually from allergic re- a rare disease-causing fungus. scratches to make sure they heal promptly.

AMERICAN HORTICULTURIST 11 The Dread Rhus Rash

ccording to dermatologists, the oil off with plantain or jewelweed, there is one garden-related the jury is still out. "Where I come from agony that 85 percent of us in New York, the farmers swear by jew­ can expect to suffer sooner elweed," says Beltrani. "I've asked them or later: the itching rash and to bring some in so we can test it, but Aoozing blisters caused by urushiol, the oil they never have. So the evidence is still found in members of the Rhus genus­ anecdotal. " poison ivy, oak, and sumac. Once your body tells you it's too late Yet misperceptions about this allergic for preventive measures, you may want reaction continue, even among doctors. to run to the doctor for an oral course of The most dangerous of these myths is prednisone-a steroid hormone with ef­ that there is currently a shot or pill that fects similar to cortisone-if you have a will prevent the reaction. "None of the history of severe reactions; Beltrani says products that have been on the market he usually won't prescribe it once the re­ have been proven effective," says Dr. Vin­ action has run a few days of its course. cent Beltrani, head of the contact der­ Beltrani warns against a prescription matitis committee of the American IS spread by direct contact with the called the Medrol Dose Pack, which Academy of Allergy and Immunology urushiol; the blisters contain the body's treats poison ivy with prednisone taken (AAAI), "and they can have some serious own serum. "In people who are especial­ orally for 10 days. The problem is that side effects. We've had reports of four ly sensitive, the dermatitis may spread the allergic reaction normally continues deaths caused by renal shutdown." five centimeters instead of one, but that for 14 to 21 days. "The hormone doesn't Researchers at the University of Missis­ doesn't mean the spread is systemic," he treat the allergic reaction," he explains. sippi have been working on a vaccine that, says. We're sometimes fooled because we "It virtually paralyzes the body so that it like earlier efforts, works through hypo­ contact the oil on something other than doesn't respond." Once the paralysis sensitization-introducing a tiny amount the plant: our gardening tools, our mate's wears off, the itch is back, usually feeling of ester-enhanced urushiol into a sensitive hands, our children's clothes, our pets' worse than when it was first treated. individual. It showed promise with guinea fur. And many of the blisters won't show A tepid oatmeal or baking soda bath pigs, and two years ago was released for up for four days or so after initial con­ will dry the blisters, and a cold shower or clinical trials. But after a year, the firm tact. The reaction is stronger where our compress will bring some relief. "Cold is that bought the rights to it pulled out, ac­ skin is thin, like the face and genitals, an anesthetic and anti-inflammatory," cording to Thomas Sharpe, associate di­ which is why it's so easy for us to spread Beltrani says. "Heat is a vasodilator that rector for research services and technology the oil with our hands; palms and soles will bring red blood cells into the rash transfer of the university's research insti­ rarely react. area and possibly even perpetuate it." tute of pharmaceutical sciences. Even on dead plants, the oil can remain Old-fashioned calamine lotion is more "We're working to license it to anoth­ for several years. Be careful about what effective than over-the-counter hydrocor­ er company and continuing to do addi­ you snatch up to feed into the tisone creams, according to the AAAI tional development," Sharpe says. "We chipper/shredder, and by all means, don't committee, which calls the latter too believe from our animal data that it could add poison ivy to the compost. weak to have any effect. be effective for as long as a season, but The best treatment is to wash with cold If there's any good news on the poison it's difficult to extrapolate since humans water- soap may actually help spread ivy front, it's not a medical break­ have a different life span." the oil- within 15 minutes of contact. through but an observation: according to Beltrani says it would be "revolution­ Products sold for use after contact with the AAAI committee, those of us who ary" if an effective hyposensitization vac­ the oil are no more effective, according to reach adulthood without becoming sensi­ cine is found. Unlike allergies for which Beltrani. tized to Rhus plants have only a 50 per­ there are vaccines, the reaction to poison As for so-called shields to be applied cent chance of developing the allergy. ivy involves a T-cell response. "There has when a gardener or hiker expects to come There is even a slim chance that we can never been any T-cell mediated disease in contact with the weeds, he says, "We lose the allergy later in life. The question helped by hyposensitization. It would un­ are still looking for the ideal barrier is: How do we dare to find out? cover a whole new wave of medical treat­ cream." The most effective, according to ment," he says. the AAAI contact dermatitis committee, is For information on obtaining Stokogard Probably the most persistent myth Stokogard, distributed by a company in pre-exposure cream, which sells for a about poison ivy is that scratching the South Dakota (see below). suggested retail price of $5.99 for two blisters will "spread" the sores. The rash In regard to the folk remedy of rubbing ounces, call (800) 328-2935.

12 NOVEMBER 1994 AHS brings you the best in gardening books with the convenience of mail-order and the added benefit of significant discounts from retail prices. Order today from our list of favorites.

Title Book Code AHS Price

550 Perennial Garden Ideas, Fell and Heath SIM 994 $27.00 The American Garden Guides: Herb Gardening, Berkeley and Matthaei Botanical Gardens, Cornell Plantations GAR 994 $22.50 0 Perennial Gardening, The New York Botanical Garden GAR 994 $22.50 Shrubs and Vines, Holden Arboretum, Royal and Chicago Botanical Gardens GAR 994 $22.50 Vegetable Gardening, Callaway Gardens GAR 994 $22.50 AGS Water Gardening, Druse PRE 103 $8.25 AHS Encyclopedia of Garden Plants, Brickell MAC 993 $42.50 0 AHS Encyclopedia of Gardening, Brickell and McDonald GAR 194 $49.95 AHS Flower Finder, Heriteau and Viette SIM 393 $32.50 Alliums: The Ornamental Onions, Davies TIM 394 $26.95 The American Mixed Border, Lovejoy MAC 993 $29.75 American Wildflower F1orilegium, Andrews TUP 693 $45.00 The Art of Botanicallllustration, Blunt and Stearn ANT 103 $51.00 Backyard Composting, Roulac HAR 000 $6.95 Bamboos, Recht and Wetterwald TIM 394 $29.50 Beautiful Easy Gardens, Sombke GLO 793 $13.50 The Bernard E. Harkness Seedlist Handbook, Harkness TIM 194 $26.95 c.:) Best Bulbs for Temperate Climates, Hobbs and Hatch TIM 994 $26.50 The Book of Container Gardening, Hiller GAR 993 $23 .50 The Book of Forest and Thicket, Eastman STA 000 $13.45 Book of Garden Design, Brookes MAC 393 $33.95 The Border Book, Pavord HOU 594 $26.75 Botany for Gardeners, Capon TIM 993 $24.95 Breed Your Own Vegetable Varieties, Deppe LIT 103 $17.00 Bulbs (2 Volumes), Bryan TIM 393 $102.00 A Celebration of Gardens, Strong TIM 103 $30.00 Collecting, Processing and Germinating Seeds of Wildland Plants, Young and Young TIM 194 $22.50 Color Encyclopedia of Garden Plants and Habitats, Kohlein and Menzel TIM 994 $44.95 Complete Book of Cacti and Succulents, Hewitt HOU 294 $26.95 Complete Book of Companion Gardening, Flowerdew TRA 994 $31.45 Complete Guide to Pruning and Training Plants, Joyce and Brickell SIM 000 $25.50 Conifers (2nd Edition), Van Gelderen and Smith TIM 394 $62.95 A Country Garden in Your Backyard, Smith and DuBrule ROD 593 $22.95 1.1.1 Courtyards to Country Gardens, Steadman SL 594 $30.00 Crazy About Gardening, Kennedy ANB 894 $13.85 Creating a Garden for the Senses, Cox ABB 894 $31.50 The Cut Flower Garden, James MAC 593 $24.95 Daylilies, Stout TIM 000 $34.00 Down to Earth Natural Lawn Care, Raymond GAR 593 $13.99 Drip Irrigation, Kourik DRI 993 $10.25 Easy Care Shade Flowers, Taylor SIM 593 $11.90 Efficient Vegetable Gardening, Doscher, Fisher, and Kolb GLO 593 $12.25 The Encyclopedia of Cacti, Cullmann, Gotz, and Groner TIM 394 $49.50 The Encyclopedia of Ornamental Grasses, Greenlee GAR 593 $23.95 English Garden Design: History and Style Since 1650, Turner ANT 994 $53.50 Environmental Gardening, Arms HAF 993 $20.35 The Evening Garden, Loewer MAC 493 $21.25 Evening Gardens: Planning a Landscape to Dazzle the Senses After Sundown, Barash GAR 994 $17.95 -=:c The Exuberant Garden, Frederick LIT 000 $42.50 Faith in a Seed, Thoreau ISL 793 $21.25 Ferns, Dunk HAR 994 $27.00 c.:) Ferns for American Gardens, Mickel PRE 994 $54.00 Ferns to Know and Grow, Foster TIM 993 $19.50 Flora of North America (Volumes 1 and 2), Morin OXF 000 $125.00 Flowering Plants of the World, Heywood OXF 594 $40.00 Folklore of Trees and Shrubs, Martin GLO 000 $21.20 ~ NOVEMBER 1994 AHS BOOK CATALOG • .1 Title Book Code AHS Price

The Four Season Landscape, Roth ROD 594 $24.25 Fruit, Berry and Nut Inventory, Wheatly and Demuth TSP 194 $19.75 The Garden and Farm Books of Thomas Jefferson, Baron FUL 103 $17.00 Garden Design with Foliage, Glattstein GAR 393 $15.25 Garden Shrubs and Their Histories, Coats SIM 493 $36.00 The Garden Sourcebook, Boisset and Greene CRO 594 $34.00 The Garden Tourist, Rosenfeld GTP 594 $10.50 The Gardener's Bug Book: Earth Safe Insect Control, Pleasant GAR 994 $8.95 A Gardener's Dictionary of Horticultural Terms, Bagust STE 593 $24.95 The Gardener's Guide to Britain, Taylor TIM 994 $17.75 o The Gardener's Guide to Growing Hardy Geraniums, Bath and Jones TIM 594 $24.25 Gardener's Guide to Growing Hellebores, Rice and Strangman TIM 394 $26.50 Gardener's Guide to Plant Conservation, Marshall WOR 103 $11.65 Gardener's Latin, Neal GAR 000 $12.75 Gardener's Reading Guide, Dean FAC 993 $20.50 o Gardening by Mail, Barton HOU 594 $17.00 Gardening through the Ages, Hobhouse SIM 693 $45.00 Gardening with Color, Keen RAN 593 $24.95 Gardening with Groundcovers and Vines, Lacy HAR 993 $29.75 Gardening with Perennials Month By Month, Hudak TIM 993 $50.95 Gardens in Central Europe, Bowe and Sapieha ANT 994 $49.50 The Garden in Flower Month by Month, Kelley TRA 994 $22.45 Gardens of Portugal, Bowe and Sapieha ANT 994 $49.50 Gentians, Kohlein TIM 394 $26.50 Gentle Conquest, Reveal FUL 123 $35.95 The Genus Hosta, Schmid TIM 993 $50.95 Gifts From the Garden, Bales PRE 000 $18.00 The Grafter's Handbook, Garner STE 993 $14.95 Grasses: An Identification Guide, Brown HOD 494 $9.75 Great Gardens From Everyday plants, Halpin SIM 793 $14.50 Green Byways, Lumsden LIM 494 $17.95 Greenhouse Gardener's Companion, Smith GAR 000 $17.95 Growing and Propagating Showy Native Woody Plants, Bir UNC 493 $26.95 Hardy Geraniums, Yeo TIM 394 $35.95 Hardy Herbaceous Perennials (2 volumes), Je/itto, Schacht, and Fessler TIM 992 $105.95 Hedgemaids and Fairy Candles, Sanders RMP 123 $19.75 The Heirloom Garden, Gardener GAR 393 $14.50 Hemerocallis: Daylilies, Erhardt TIM 593 $24.95 The Herb Garden Month by Month, Segall TRA 594 $22.25 Herbaceous Perennial Plants, Armitage TIM 593 $32.25 Herbs for the Holidays, Gilbertie GAR 993 $18.75 The Hillier Colour Dictionary of Trees and Shrubs, Hillier Nurseries TRA 594 $35.95 The Hillier Manual of Trees and Shrubs, compiled by Hillier Nurseries TRA 994 $35.95 The History and Folklore of North American Wildflowers, Coffey FAC 993 $29.75 Hortica, Graf ROE 393 $210.00 Hortus Third, Staff of L. H. Bailey Hortorium MAC 393 $135.00 Illustrated Encyclopedia of Roses, Moody TIM 393 $33.95 lllustrated Encyclopedia of Orchids, Pridgeon TIM 393 $33.95 Index of Garden Plants: New RHS Dictionary, Griffiths TIM 194 $53.50 The Indoor Garden Book, Brookes HOD 594 $13.45 The Indoor Potted Bulb, Proctor SIM 194 $18.00 Iris, Kohlein TIM 000 $37.95 Iris of China, Waddick and Yu- Tang TIM 394 $25.00 Jane Parker's New Flower Arranging, Parker TRA 594 $22.25 Japanese Maples, Vertrees TIN 000 $36.00 A Journal in Thyme, Grissell TIM 594 $22.25 Just the Facts, Editors of Gardenway Publishing GAR 594 $15.25 Keeping Eden, Punch LIT 293 $45.00 Landscaping With Container Plants, Wilson HOU 594 $19.75 Landscaping With Herbs, Wilson HOU 594 $31.50 The Lawn: A History of an American Obsession, Jenkins SIP 894 $13.85 Let It Rot, Campbell GAR 000 $7.95 Life Processes of Plants, Galston SCI 494 $29.50 Lilacs: The Genus Syringa, Fiala TIM 394 $53.50 The Living Art of Bonsai, Liang STE 593 $29.75 Manual of Herbaceous Ornamental Plants, Still STI594 $43.50

NOVEMBER 1994 AHS BOOK CATALOG Title Book Code AHS Price

Manual of Woody Landscape Plants, Dirr STI993 $38.95 Maples of the World, Van Gelderen, De Jong, and Oterdoom TIM 194 $53.95 Martha Stewart's Gardening: Month by Month, Stewart RAN 593 $41.95 Miniature Orchids, McQueen TIM 593 $20.95 '" Narcissus, J efferson-Brown TIM 394 $31.50 National Arboretum Book of Outstanding Garden Plants, Heriteau and Cathey SIM 393 $33.95 Natural Affairs, Bernhardt RAN 893 $21 .25 The Natural Garden, Druse RAN 103 $30.00 The Natural Habitat Garden, Druse RAN 694 $36.00 The Natural Shade Garden, Druse RAN 103 $35.00 The Naturalist's Garden (2nd Edition), Ernst GLO 593 $13.25 0 The New Houseplant, McDonald MAC 103 $36.00 The New Small Garden, Loewer STE 594 $17.95 Noah's Garden, Stein HOU 693 $18.65 North American Horticulture: A Reference Guide, Barrett MAC 993 $65.00 The Old Rose Advisor, Dickerson TIM 393 $55.25 0 One Man's Garden, Mitchell HOU 293 $16.95 The Organic Garden Book, Hamilton HOU 594 $13.25 The Organic Gardener's Handbook of Natural Insect and Disease Control, Ellis and Bradley ROD 393 $22.50 The Organic Gardener's Home Reference, Denka GAR 994 $26.95 Ornamental Shrubs, Climbers and Bamboos, Thomas TIM 394 $41.95 The Ortho Home Gardener's Problem Solver ORT 194 $31.50 The Outdoor Potted Bulb, Proctor SIM 194 $18.00 Passalong Plants, Bender and Rushing UNC 103 $25.50 The Peony, Harding TIM 993 $25.50 Perennials and Their Garden Habitats, Hansen and Stahl TIM 993 $42.50 c:> Pests of Landscape Trees and Shrubs: An IPM Guide, Dreistadt ANR 994 $28.50 Peterson's Field Guide to Medicinal Plants, Foster and Duke HOU 000 $13.50 The Photographic Manual of Woody Landscape Plants, Dirr STI393 $24.95 The Plant Care Manual, Buczacki GAR 194 $23.25 Plant Marriages, Cox HAR 993 $29.75 Plants for Ground Cover, Thomas TIM 394 $24.25 Poppies, Gray- Wilson TIM 394 $29.75 Portuguese Gardens, Carita and Cardoso ANT 994 $70.00 Primula, Richards TIM 394 $45.00 Pro teas of the World, Matthews TIM 394 $40.50 Purpleleaf Plums, Jacobson TIM 394 $25.25 Random House Book of Perennials (Volumes 1 and 2), Phillips GAR 594 $45.00 Redesigning the American Lawn, Bormann, Balmori, and Geballe YAL 993 $16.95 The Reference Manual of Woody Plant Propagation, Dirr and Heuser TIM 993 $26.95 Rhododendron Hybrids, Salley and Greer TIM 394 $53.50 w.I Rhododendron Portraits, Van Gelderen and Smith TIM 394 $67.50 The Rock Garden and Its Plants, Thomas TIM 000 $34.95 Rodale's All New Encyclopedia of Organic Gardening, Bradley and Ellis ROD 993 $25.50 The Rodale Book of Composting, Gershuny and Martin ROD 993 $18.65 Rodale's Chemical-Free Yard and Garden, Bradley ROD 793 $22.95 Rodale's Illustrated Encyclopedia of Perennials, Burrell and Phillips GAR 594 $25.00 Royal Gardens, Armstrong SIM 994 $36.00 Saving Graces, Swain LIT 393 $15.25 Saving Seeds, Rogers GAR 194 $8.75 Scent in Your Garden, Lacy LIT 993 $34.00 The Seed Finder, Jeavons and Leier TSP 194 $4.50 Seeds of Change: The Living Treasure, Ausubel HAR 694 $16.25 Seeds of Woody Plants in North America, Young and Young TIM 194 $44.95 Shade and Color with Water-Conserving Plants, Walters and Blackhaus TIM 993 $33.95 Shortcuts for Accenting Your Garden, Binetti GAR 993 $8.50 -=c Shortcuts to Great Gardens, Colborn LIT 993 $16.95 Source Book of Rare and Unusual Plants, Mulligan SIM 893 $36.00 Specialty Cut Flowers, Armitage TIM 000 $3.s.95 Stearn's Dictionary of Plant Names for Gardeners, Stearn STE 593 $24.95 Stonescapingy Whitner GAR 593 $14.95 c:> Success with Rhododendrons and Azaleas, Reiley TIM 593 $24.95 Successful Small Food Gardens, Riotte GAR 593 $18.50 Succulents: The Illustrated Dictionary, Sajeva and Costanzo TIM 994 $35.95 ~ Tales of a Shaman's Apprentice, Plotkin $19.80 PEN 294 .~ NOVEMBER 1994 AHS BOOK CATALOG Title Book Code AHS Price

Taylor's Guides to Gardening: Annuals GAR 593 $15.95 Bulbs GAR 593 $15.95 Garden Design GAR 593 $15.95 Ground Covers, Vines and Grasses GAR 593 $15.95 Houseplants GAR 593 $15.95 Natural Gardening GAR 593 $15.95 Perennials GAR 593 $15.95 Roses GAR 593 $15.95 Shade Gardening HOU 594 $17.00 o Shrubs GAR 593 $15.95 Specialty Nurseries GAR 593 $14.95 Trees GAR 593 $15.95 Vegetables and Herbs GAR 593 $15.95 Water Saving Gardening GAR 593 $14.50 o Gardening Techniques GAR 593 $15.95 The Thunder Tree, Pyle HOU 894 $17.95 Thyme On My Hands, Grissell TIM 103 $12.75 Treasures of the RHS: 350 Years of Botanical Illustrations, Elliott TIM 994 $35.50 Trees, Coombes HOU 893 $16.15 The Trees of North America, Mitchell FAC 993 $29.75 Tropicals, Courtright TIM 000 $36.00 Tropica, Graf ROE 000 $148.50 The Undaunted Garden, Springer FUL 594 $26.75 Washington Star Garden Book, Fiakla WBC 194 $14.50 The Water Gardener, Archer-Willlis BAR 494 $40.50 Water Gardens, Heriteau and Thomas HOU 594 $31.50 Water Thrifty Garden, Defreitas TAY 993 $16.95 Waterscaping: Plants and Ideas for Natural and Created Water Gardens, Glattstein GAR 994 $17.00 Weed Seeds of the Great Plains, Davis UPK 194 $22.50 The Wild Garden, Robinson TIM 994 $22.45 Wildflower Folklore, Martin GLO 393 $13.25 Wildflowers in Your Garden, Ferreniea RAN 123 $29.90 Willows: The Genus Salix, Newsholme TIM 394 $31.50 The Wise Garden Encyclopedia, Seymour HAR 994 $40.00 The Woody Iridaceae, Goldblatt TIM 394 $26.50 The World of Magnolias, Callaway TIM 594 $40.45 Worm Classroom Activities, Applehof FLO 594 $19.95 Worms Eat My Garbage, Applehof FLO 594 $7.95 Wyman's Gardening Encyclopedia, Wyman MAC 993 $46.75 Xeriscape Gardening, Ellefson, Stephens, and Welsh MAC 993 $25.50 Yardening, Ball' MAC 993 $21.25 Your Backyard Wildlife Garden, Schneck ROD 593 $19.95

AHS HORTICULTURAL BOOK SERVICE ORDER FORM Book Code QuantilY Book TItle Price Each Total o Check enclosed Amount $ _____

o Charge to: o Visa 0 MasterCard Exp. Date: __ Virginia residents, odd 4112% sales tax Account #: Postage & Handling (see chart below) Signature: Total Ship to: Order Instructions Name: Mail completed order form to: AHS Horticultural Book Service, Postage & Handling 5 1.00 - S 20.00 odd S2.75 Address: 7931 East Boulevard Drive, Alexandria, VA 22308-1300. S 20.01 - S 40.00 odd S3.7S S 40.01 - 5 60.00 odd 54.75 City: Or call toll-free (800) 777-7931. S 60.01 - S 80.00 odd S5.75 S 80.01 - 5100.00 odd S6.75 Prices in effect until January 31, 1995. 5100.01 + - odd 58.00 per 5100.00 State/lip: After expiration dote, orders may be phoned in and filled pending availability. Please allow Maximum: S24 per order Daytime phone: ______four to six weeks for delivery. Prices are subject to chonge without notice.

NOVEMBER 1994 AHS BOOK CATALOG CONDENSED VERSION OF THE ORTHO PROBLEM SOLVER NOW AVAILABLE!

-672 specific problems -Color photo of problem with analysis and solution -400 pages - Over 1,000 color photographs -Contents: Houseplants, lawns, ground covers, annuals, perennials, bulbs, trees, shrubs, vines, fruit and nut trees, vegetables, berries, grapes, household pests, and animal pests

ISBN 0-89721 -255-X Price:~ Holiday Offer: $29.95 (offer good through Jan 31,1995) ~------HOliDAY SPECIAL OFFER BILL TO: SHIP TO: Name ______Name ------Address ______Address ______City ______City ______State.______Zi P ______State ______Zip ____ Phone Number ( Phone Number ( Visa/Mastercard ______---,----- ______#______Exp . date _____

I am enclosing: $ ($29.95 per copy) + Postage/Handling $ ($2.00 for first book, 50ct for each additional book) + Sales tax (where applicable) $ __ Total amount enclosed: $ ---:-----:- (Al low 10-14 days for delivery)

~: Send check or money order to : ~ Or ca ll toll free 1-800-733-3000 to order Random House Distribution Center by phone and use your Visa or Mastercard Order Department TO EXPED ITE YOUR ORDER, 400 Hahn Road MENTION #045-01 Westminster, MD 21157 Pr ices and avai labi lity subject to change without notice Val id in the u.S. only

AMERICAN HORTICULTURIST 17 AHS BULLETIN BOARD

YOUTH SYMPOSIUM ATTENDED BY 450

"Out of the Classroom and Into the Gar­ den," the August 5 to 7 youth gardening symposium co-sponsored by the Ameri­ can Horticultural Society and the Montessori Foundation, drew some 450 educators, horticulturists, and others from around the country. The three-day event consisted of two days of seven keynote presentations, 40 workshops, exhibits, and social events at the Doubletree Conference Center in Ar­ lington, Virginia, and a final day at River Farm, the AHS headquarters site. Most participants agreed that a high­ light was a keynote presentation by Bill Lucas, director of England's Learning Through Landscapes Program. In the vast majority of schools, Lucas began, there is no "out of the classroom and into the garden." Said Lucas: "In fact, it is much more like 'out of the class­ An Herbal Discovery Cart was one of 15 exhibits at River Farm on the final day room and into a prison yard surrounded of the youth gardening symposium. by a chain-link fence.'" The murmurs of agreement grew loud as he juxtaposed flower meadow, or a windmill. Many Children then reaped many developmen­ slides of prisons with frighteningly simi­ have several of these features. tal benefits from having gardening more lar schoolyards and playgrounds. Lucas cautioned against the "con­ central to their lives, he said, and he It was in response to such impover­ sumerism" approach to landscaping­ urged the audience to create similar op­ ished landscapes that he founded Learn­ i.e., wanting a trendy final product portunities for today's youth. ing Through Landscapes (LTL). In just without consideration for how well it Margaret Cozzens, director of elemen­ four years, LTL has worked with more will fit an existing site or who will be tary, secondary, and informal education than 10,000 schools in the United King­ using and caring for it. for the National Science Foundation dom and has developed curriculum mate­ He received a standing ovation as he (NSF), delivered a keynote address on rials for using the schoolyard as an concluded: "If we as educators provide funding opportunities available through interdisciplinary outdoor classroom. Ac­ inaccessible educational environments in the foundation. She said the NSF is ag­ cording to Lucas, "LTL has become syn­ our schools and community sites, then gressively looking for high-quality educa­ onymous with a movement that has wittingly or not, we demonstrate an un­ tional plant and gardening programs to reasserted the value of experiential learn­ caring attitude toward the very children support, and offered grant guidelines and ing outdoors, the power of landscape, on whom the survival of the planet de­ tips for writing successful applications. and the need to reconnect young people pends. It is LTL's fervent hope that, by In addition to four other keynote to the soil, to share with them the value stopping the rot in schools, we can help speakers, there were over 40 workshop of growing things." ensure that we learn to value each other and "New Idea" presenters. Workshops Schools that have adopted LTL's phi­ and care for the wider environment." included: losophy may have an arboretum, a but­ In another keynote presentation David • "A Quiet Revolution on Swedish terfly garden, a cornfield, a formal Kahn, president of the North American Schoolgrounds." Gareth Lewis and Max garden, a hen house, a group of attractive Montessori Foundation, reviewed the Kern Hansen, directors of Sweden's seats, a math trail, an orchard, a pond history of community and school garden­ Skolans Uterum (The Outdoor Class­ garden, a recycling center, sculpture, a ing programs in the United States and Eu­ room), described the transformation of sensory garden, a weather station, a wild- rope beginning in the early 20th century. Swedish schoolgrounds into beautiful

18 NOVEMBER 1994 and creative outdoor classrooms. Their jects, and using a CD-ROM horticultural efforts have resulted in similar programs program in the classroom. '95 SYMPOSIUM IN PASADENA in neighboring countries. Symposium coordinator Maureen Hef­ .. "Creating Wild School Sites." Suzy fernan call ed the weather on the meeting's The third annual youth gardening Gi lley, who directs a Project Wild pro­ last day "a miracle." Said Heffernan: symposium sponsored by the Amer­ gram in Richmond, Virginia, gave sug­ "This has been the ultimate fiery, sweaty ican Horticultural Society is sched­ gesti ons for transforming school and Washington summer. But we had unbe­ uled for June 27 to 30, 1995, at the community sites into landscapes that at­ li evably glorious weather. After two days Pasadena Conference Center in tract and sustain wildlife. in a seemingly hermetically sealed hotel, it Pasadena, California. It is being .. "Across the Curriculum-Growing felt like paradise." planned in conjunction with the Hope in Times of Despair." Suzanne Participants spent the morning touring California Arboretum Foundation Wright and Gail Lobenthal described the Child ren's Garden Project. "We can't for the Arboretum of the County of how Sprout Scouts, based in San Anto­ believe how wonderful these gardens Los Angeles. nio, Texas, has started gardening pro­ are" and "I wish I'd brought more fi lm " There will be two days of speak­ grams for in ner-city youth. were frequent comments. ers and workshops at the confer­ Topics in the 10-minute New Idea pre­ The 15 hands-on workshops and ex­ ence center and one day of special sentations included composting with hibits set up on the grounds included two events at the Los Angeles county worms, topiary, plant propagation pro- "Discovery Carts," on herbs and inte­ arboretum and tours of outstand­ grated pest management, by Kristin Dill ing area gardens. and Ellen Rhoades, graduate students A call for papers will be pub­ from the U.S. National Arboretum. Oth­ lished in the January 1995 Ameri­ ers included seed starting, composting, can Horticulturist news edition, tree planting, flower arranging, perennial and full registration information gardening, soil preparation, organic gar­ will be published in the March dening, and plant dyeing. The most pop­ news edition. ular workshops centered on animals: worm composting, raising butterflies for gardens, and how to attract and keep Bat Cave Garden, was on hand to answer bats in gardens. questions. Mary Appelhof, author of Worms Eat The symposium ended with a truly cli ­ My Garbage, was one of several "pied mactic butterfly release. The group gath­ pipers" at the symposium who always ered in a large circle around Judith seemed to have a group trailing after Levicoff of Magical Migrating Monarchs them asking questions. She dispensed in­ in Jenkintown, Pennsylvania, who was formation and insights on the importance hold ing several plain white envelopes. of worms, worm bins, and worm com­ She explained that the offspring of the posting. Pearl Fryer, who gave a demon­ monarchs the)' contained would migrate stration on topiary, also developed quite to overwinter in Mexico. These interna· a fan club. Heidi Hughes, education co­ tional ambassadors show us, she suggest­ ordinator wi th the American Bat Conser­ ed, that where nature is concerned, there vation Society, draped bats from her are no political borders. shoulders as she explained how a garden O ne of the butterflies flew straight for can be made to attract these beneficial the nose of a tall gentleman, contentedly "1 wish I'd brought more film" was fre­ fl ying mammals. Many participants came remaining there until several participants quently heard as participants toured in for a closer look or to touch the bats. took adva ntage of the photo opportunity. River Farm's children's gardens. Ken Duffy, designer of River Farm's new The others fluttered up and out of sight, seeming to embody the sense of hope for the future that ran like a thread through­ SWEDEN HOSTS SCHOOL GARDEN CONFERENCE out the symposium. The first AHS-sponsored symposium Maureen Heffernan, AHS education co­ as how to develop schoolgrounds more on youth gardening held in the Washing­ ordinator, will represent the American creatively for interdisciplinary activities. ton, D. C., area a year ago drew some 500 Horticultural Society at an international Heffernan will describe what AHS is people. conference on developing school gardens doing to promote horticultural education May 8 to 10 in Malmo, Sweden. for youth in the United States. To receive a printed copy of the full 1994 The conference, "Unlimited School­ Malmo is in the south of Sweden one youth symposium program, send a self-ad­ grounds," is being planned by the hour by ferry from Copenhagen Interna­ dressed, legal-sized envelope with 29 cents Swedish group Skolans Ute rum (Out­ tional Airport. The conference will be postage to the Education Department at door Classroom) and England's Learning reasonably priced and include opportuni­ the AHS address. All indoor presentations Through Landscapes, together with the ties for garden tours. For more informa­ were tape-recorded, and cassettes are City of Malmo. Over 1,000 delegates tion, write Skolans Uterum, Box 22106, available for sale. If after reviewing the from throughout the world are expected S-104 22 Stockholm, Sweden; call program guide you would like to order to attend. The theme will be how to make, 08 .650.94.91; or use E-Mail, max­ one or more tapes, call the Education De­ use, and maintain school gardens, as well [email protected]. partment for price information.

AMERI CAN HORTICULTURIST 19 REGIONAL HAPPENINGS

Mid-Atlantic Information: (718) 622-4433 . Southwest .. Nov. 12. Four 18th-Century Virginia .. Nov. 16. The Natural Habitat Gar­ .. Nov. 11-12. Las Aranas Weaver's Gardeners. Lecture. Monticello, Char­ den. Lecture by authOr/photographer Guild: Fibers Fantastic. Albuquerque lottesville, Virginia. Information: (804) Ken Druse. Delaware Center for Horti­ Garden Center, Albuquerque, New Mex­ 984-9822. culture, Wilmington, Delaware. Informa­ ico. Information: (505) 296-6020. .. Nov. 13-14. Southern Christmas. tion: (302) 658-6262. Lecture. The State Arboretum of Vir­ .. Nov. 19. Wildflowers in Winter. West Coast ginia, Blandy, Virginia. Information: Workshop. The Bartlett Arboretum, .. Nov. 3-6. Fall Plant Festival. Hunt­ (703) 837-1758 . Stamford, Connecticut. Information: ington Botanical Gardens, San Marino, .. Nov. 13. Fall Camellia Show. U.S. (203) 322-6971. California. Information: (818) 405-2100. National Arboretum, Washington, D.C. .. Dec. 3. Holiday Magic with Michael Information: (202) 245-2726. Skaff. New England Wild Flower Society, Garden in the Woods, Framingham, Mass­ North Central achusetts. Information: (508) 877-7630 . SINO-ST. lOUIS .. Nov. 12. A Gardener's Eye For De­ .. Dec. 10. Garden Walk: Needling sign. Lecture/discussion by Viki Ferre­ Questions About Conifers. Wave Hill, he newest additions to the niea. Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe, Bronx, New York. Information: (212) Missouri Botanical Garden Illinois. Information: (708) 835-5440. 549-3200. T won't be seen in the regular .. Nov. 14. Terrarium Treasures. garden tour, but the 62,500 Workshop. Cleveland Botanical Garden, Northwest mounted, pressed specimens of Cleveland, Ohio. Information: (216) .. Nov. 19. Women in Horticulture Chinese plants received in May 721-1600. Conference: Profiting from Integrity. The make the garden's collection of .. Nov. 16. Seasoned Advice for Association for Women in Landscaping, Chinese specimens the largest out­ Achieving Spectacular Results in the Seattle, Washington. Information: (206) side China. Midwest. Lecture by Marylyn Satchjen, 525-7844 or (206) 937-2815. The acquisition was made possi­ author of Marylyn's Garden. Olbrich ble by the Flora of China project, a Botanical Gardens, Madison, Wisconsin. South Central joint Sino-American effort to revise, Information: (608) 246-4716. .. Nov. 5. Garden Winterizing. Tour condense, and translate into English .. Dec. 9-Jan. 8. Holiday Floral Show. with Warren McCoskey. Botanica, The China's catalog of plants, which Krohn Conservatory, Cincinnati, Ohio. Wichita Gardens, Wichita, Kansas. Infor­ began in 1959. This is no small Information: (513) 352-4080. mation: (316) 264-0448. task, considering that China cur­ rently has around 30,000 species of Northeast Southeast vascular plants, 7,000 of which .. Oct. 29-Nov. 20. Chrysanthemum .. Nov. 5. The Steeple Chase at Call­ have horticultural importance and Festival: Under the Big Top. Longwood away Gardens. Pine Mountain, Georgia. 5,000 with medicinal uses. One Cardens, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. Information: (800) 282-8181. such plant, Trichosanthes kirilowii, Information: (800) 737-5500. .. Dec. 4-31. Poinsettia Display: From a member of the gourd family .. Nov. 3. Personal Space and ~;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;::~~ Lowly Weed to Lofty Adorn­ found only in China, is being stud­ the Garden. Garden Trends Lec­ ment. Atlanta Botanical Garden, ied for its strong activity against the ture. The Horticultural Society Atlanta, Georgia. Information: KJV virus. of New York, New York. Infor­ (404) 876-5859. This is the first significant collec­ mation: (212) 757-0915. .. Dec. 3-4. Christmas at the tion of Chinese specimens made .. Nov. 5. Landscaping with Manigault House. Sponsored by available to the West since the Herbs. Lecture by Jim Wilson. the Garden Club of Charleston, 1930s. The St. Louis garden, one The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard Uni­ Charleston, Somh Carolina. Information: of the world's major centers for the versity, Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts. In­ (803) 723-2926. study of Chinese plants, will use formation: (617) 524-1718, ext. 162. .. Dec. 5-21. Christmas Insider and the plants in research related to the .. Nov. 5-27. Francesca Anderson Art Winter Garden Tours. Tryon Palace His­ Flora of China project and other Exhibit and Fall Flower Show. Brooklyn toric Sites and Gardens, New Bern, North studies of East Asian plants. Botanic Garden, Brooklyn, New York. Carolina. Information: (919) 638-1560.

20 NOVEMBER 1994 URBANA-CHAMPAIGN DEDICATES TEST GARDEN Waterscaping he University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign recently dedicated its new Miles C. Hartley Selections Garden, the first step in the development of forthe T the university's 160-acre arboretum project. The Hartley Selections Gar­ den Was named in honor of the late University of Illinois graduate and former Home Garden faculty member and was funded by his family. The arboretum, which will be solely funded by donations, is to be a setting for research in plant sciences as well as fine and applied arts. It will be divided into with three main sections-the core, the collections, and the habitats. The Hartley Se­ Anthony lections Garden will be the focal point of the core area, which will include a for­ mally organized group of display gardens. The collections area will consist of Archer-Wills primarily woody plants in an informal parklike setting with trails weaving through them. The habitats represented at the arboretum will include woodland, Judy Glattstein savanna, and wet prairie. The University of Illinois has been a test site for the All-America Selections James Lawrie (AAS) since 1966. The Hartley Selections Garden is an expanded version of the original AAS test site, designed to be more aesthetically pleasing for visitors who William Niering wish to learn more about the latest experimental varieties of bedding plants and vegeta bles. moderated by Patrick Chasse NEW BUTTERFLY CENTER FOR HOUSTON November 7 early 2,000 butterflies recently took center stage at the Cockrell Butterfly Virginia Center, the newest attraction at the Houston Museum of Natural The National Wildlife Science. Unlike many zoo exhibits that separate people and animals with N Federation. Vienna. VA glass or bars, the butterfly center provides an interactive experience between the visitors and the butterflies. Allowed to roam free in the center, the butterflies form a swirling mass of color as they investigate the plant life and any visitor November 8 wearing a brightly colored shirt. New York The butterflies' new home, a cone-shaped glass tower 70 feet tall and 105 feet The New York in diameter, comes equipped with attributes of a tropical rainforest, where some Botanical Garden of the butterflies might be found in nature. Visitors enter the center through an Bronx. NY underground, cavelike opening and emerge behind a curtain of water created by a waterfall that drops 40 feet from an overhanging cliff. The tower's hot and humid air is necessary for both the tropical plants and the butterflies. November 10 According to Claire Hagen Dole, publisher of Butterfly Gardeners' Quarter­ Massachusetts ly, butterflies are cold-blooded insects that use sunlight to warm themselves. Pine Manor College Their delicate bodies are particularly at risk in rain or hail, which can easily Chestnut Hill. MA knock them to the ground. For this reason butterflies will take cover on cloudy days, sensing a possible rain storm. November 12 Over 150 species of plants were chosen for the rainforest, either because they Georgia are important components of a Central American rainforest, because they are sources of important tropical products for humans, or because they are good Atlanta Botanical Garden sources of nectar for the butterflies. Atlanta. GA Butterflies in the center will include many tropical species as well as some that are native to Texas and other parts of the United $tate-s. With a life span of only For more information. call about two weeks, the butterflies have to be constantly replaced. In order to Continuing Education at maintain up to 75 different species in the center, the museum staff will raise 30 718-817-8747, dept. 184 percent of ~he butterflies locally and import the rest from butterfly farms in Cen­ or 1-800-322-6924, tral and South America and tropicaL Asia. In addition to the live butterflies, the center houses the ~rown Hall of Ento­ dept. 185 mology, which showcases a collection of dried insects that includes several thou­ sand tropical butterflies, moths, and beetles. Botanical For more information about the Cc!)ckreil Butterfly Center, contact the Houston Garden Museum of Natural Science at (713) 639-4600. For information on the Butter­ fly Gardeners' Quarterly, write P.O. Box 30931, Seattle, WA 913103.

AMERICAN HORTICULTURIST 21 CLASSIFIEDS

Classified Ad Rates: All classified adver­ CARNIVOROUS PLANTS tising must be prepaid. $1.25 per word; CARNIVOROUS (Insectivorous) PLANTS, minimum $25 per insertion. 10 percent seeds, suppli~s, and books. Color brochure 1995 NATURAL GARDEN discount for three consecutive ads using free. PETER PAULS NURSERIES, Canandai­ CALENDAR BY KEN DRUSE the same copy, provided each insertion gua, NY 14424. meets the $25 minimum after discount. EMPLOYMENT The American Horticultural Sociely is pleased to Copy and prepayment must be received We at the American Horticultural Society are offer "The Natural Garden" by Ken Druse as its on the 20th dayofthemonth three months prior to publication date. Send orders to: often asked to refer individuals to significant 1995 calendar selection. Druse's influential horticultural positions around the country. We AHS Advertising Department, 2300 book, The Natural Garden, in its fifth printing, is are not in a position to offer full placement South Ninth Street, Suite 501, Arlington, services to candidates or employers. However, the winner of both writing and photography VA 22204-2320, or call (703) 892-0733. as a service to our members-jobseekers and awards from the Garden Writers Association of employers alike-we wdcome the resumes America . Druse also received the American and cover letters of individuals seeking job THE AVANT GARDENER changes and employers seeking candidates. All Horticultural Sociely's Horticultural Writing responsibility for checking references and de­ Award in 1993. FOR THE GARDENER WHO WANTS MORE termining the appropriateness of both position FROM GARDENING! Subscribe to THE AVANT and candidate rests with the individuals. Druse advocates creating gardens that mimic GARDENER, the liveliest, most useful of all gar­ AHS's participation in this activity is only to dening publications. Every month this unique what is best in nature's designs. The Natural serve as a connecting point for members of the news service brings you the newest, most prac­ Society. Inquiries and informational materials Garden wall calendar is asplendid adaptation of tical information on new plants, pmducts, tech­ should be sent to HORTICULTURAL EM­ Druse's gardening philosophy. niques, with sources, feature articles, special PLOYMENT-AHS, Dept. 1194,7931 East issues. 26th year. Awarded Garden Club of Boulevard Dr., Alexandria, VA 22308-1300. The calendar is 12" x 12" and includes full-color America and Massachusetts Horticultural Soci­ ety medals. Curious? Sample copy $1. Serious? photographs throughout. AHS members pay iust $12 full year (reg. $18). THE AVANT GAR­ FERTILIZER $7.75 for one calendar (retail price, $8.95), DENER, Box 489M, New York, NY 10028. GENESIS: (1-1-1) COMPOSTED POULTRY plus $1. 50 for shipping and handling. Each MANURE for indoor and outdoor gardening. additional calendar is only $7 postage paid. BOOKS Send $5 check or money order for a 2 lb. starter bag to: GENESIS, 85 C Mill St., Suite Virginia residents, please add 41/2 %sales tax. HORTICA-All Color Cyclopedia of Gar­ denlFlora, with Hardiness Zones, also IN­ 101, Roswell, GA 30075. To order "The Natural Garden: A 1995 Cal­ DOOR PLANTS, 8,100 photos, by Dr. A. B. Graf, $238. TROPICA 4 (1992), 7,000 color GAMES endar," fill in the coupon below and moil to photos of plants and trees for warm environ­ GARDEN PLOTS-A beautifully watercolor­ AHS Calendars, 7931 East Boulevard Drive, ments $165. EXOTIC HOUSE PLANTS, 1,200 ed, entertaining, challenging floral card game for photos, 150 in color, with keys to care, $8.95. Alexandria, VA 22308-1300. Or call toll-free, adults and children. Played by 2, 3 or 4 "gar­ Circulars gladly sent. Shipping additional. deners" who build gardens by collecting Garden (800) 777-7931 . ROEHRS CO., Box 125, East Rutherford, NJ Requirement Cards and informational Flower 07073. (201) 939-0090. FAX (201) 939-0091. Matching Cards to score points. Once game is I would like to order calendars. mastered, three bonus garden quiz games can be BULBS played. Beautiful gift. $24 ppd. Checks: SUD­ Amount due: $, ______"OUR ROOTS ARE BULBS"-Dazzling se­ DEN ELEGANCE, LTD, 3724 Cedar Drive, o Check enclosed lections of flower bulbs. Tulip "Colorblends." Baltimore, MD 21207. Shipped promptly. Free brochur~ . Call SCHIPPER & COMPA­ o Charge my: NY at (800) 877-8637. GARDEN TOOLS o MasterCard 0 Visa Exp. Dote: __ DUTCH BULBS for fall planting, 12cm Tulips, NEW PATENTED garden shears! Tend flow­ DN1 Daffodils, Hyacinths and Miscellaneous. AC(Qunt#: ______ers fruits and vegetables this new, easier way. Catalog Free. Paula Parker DBA, Mary Matti­ Yo~ ' ll ne~er go back to old-fashioned garden Signature: ______son Van Schaik, IMPORTED DUTCH BULBS, shears! $14.99 Postpaid. BEACO, INC., Dept. P.O. Box 32AH, Cavendish, VT 05142. (802) A, P.O. Box 1168, Glenside, PA 19038. Nome: ______226-7653. HOUSE PLANTS Address: CACTI AND SUCCULENTS ORCHIDS, GESNERIADS, BEGONIAS, City/ State/ Zip: RARE AND EXOTIC PLANTS from around CACTI AND SUCCULENTS. Visitors wel­ Daytime Phone: ______the world. Catalog, $2, refundable. ABBEY come. 1994-1995 catalog, $2. LAURAY OF GARDEN CACTUS, PO Box 2249, La Habra, SALISBURY, 432 Undermountain Rd., Salis­ CA 90632-2249. (805) 684-5112. bury, CT 06068. (203) 435-2263.

22 NOVEMBER 1994 LOTIONS TREES, SHRUBS, PERENNIALS. Extensive col­ TOURS lection of species, varieties and cultivars. Quanti­ BEE BALM BEESWAX LOTION for working HAWAII'S GARDENS AND ORCHIDS, Jan. ry discount. Catalog $2. OWEN FARMS, Route hands, troubled hands. No artificial additives. 19-31; Chelsea Flower Show and English Gar­ 3, Box 158-A-AH, Ripley, TN 38063-9420. Beeswax heals and protects. Free catalog. Box dens, May 14-27; Through the Eyes of Monet 71H, Arlee, MT 59821. (Paris, Giverny, Loire, London), June 17-29; ROSES Northwest Gardens and Inside Passage Cruise, Aug. 9-19; England's Great Stately Homes, PALMS HARDY ROSES, OWN ROOT ROSES. We propagate Canadian Explorer and Parkland Sept. 8-22. Escorted. Guest lecturers, fine ho­ RARE AND EXOTIC HAWAIIAN-GROWN Roses, Rugosa hybrids, OGR's, David Austin tels, unique visits, special meals. PALLADIAN PALM AND CYCAD SEEDLINGS from English Roses and Miniatures, all on their own TOURS, (800) 322-5506; (410) 741-5506; around the world-Carefull y shipped to any­ (301) 855-5506. roots. Color catalog $2 (credited). No import where in the USA. Please send $1 for price list permit required. HARDY ROSES FOR THE to: KAPOHO PALMS, P.O. Box 3, Dept. A, NORTH, Box 2048AH, Grand Forks, BC Pahoa, HI 96778. (808) 936-2580. TROPICALS VOH 1HO Canada, or Box 273AH, Danville, TROPICAL SEEDS AND BULBS-Thousands WA 99121-0273. FAX (800) 442-3122. of types including chocolate, cashew,cinnamon, PERENNIALS HORTICO'S LARGE CROP of heavy roses tea, coffee, banana, heliconia,gingers, annonas, NATIVE PLANTS, Herbs, Grasses, Hostas, available from mid-November on. Over 700 chicle, plus palms and much more for your Iris (cleanshaven), water-loving plants and varieties, including: new show roses and tropical greenhouse or indoor sunroom. Send other perennials. Catalog $1, deductible with ground covers; English garden roses by David $3 for catalog. THE BANANA TREE, 715 N. order. PINE RIDGE GARDENS, 832-AH Austin; Pioneer roses; antique and classic roses Hampton St., Easton, PA 18042. Sycamore Rd., London, AR 72847. by Peter Beales; miniatures by Rennie; 6 thorn­ less HT varieties; hardy rypes-Ottawa Ex­ plorers, Manitoba Parkland roses, and the VIDEO PLANTS (UNUSUAL) fabulous Pavement roses. A superb collection OUR 30-MJNUTE VIDEO teaches you how OVER 2,000 KINDS of choice and affordable from our fields that are known to be virus­ to garden organically in plastic bags using our plants. Outstanding ornamentals, American free. Orders shipped by our temperature-con­ living soil mixture. This new technique has natives, perennials, rare conifers, pre-bonsai, trolled truck to UPS depots in the USA for spread to a1l 50 states and 17 other countries. wildlife plants, much more. Descriptive cata­ local distribution. Catalog $3. Separate cata­ $14.95 plus $3 shipping and handling. AZ res­ log, $3. FORESTFARM, 990 Tetherow Rd., logs for roses, shrubs (and liners), and peren­ idents add 7% sales tax. GARBAGE BAG Wi1liams, OR 97544-9599. nials. New: Video on roses by English rose GARDENS, 1711 Stockton Hi1l Rd., #310, hybridizer Peter Beales, $25. HORTICO INC., Kingman, AZ 86401. TILLANDSIAS (AIR PLANTS)- Easily grown 723 Robson Rd., Waterdown, Ontario without soil. Great plants for indoors, patios CANADA LOR 2H1. (905) 689-6984. FAX and craft making. Send for free brochure. (905) 689-6566. POLLIWOG PRODUCTS, P.O. Box 21134, European Garden Tours Dept. I-AH, Castro Valley, CA 94546. SEEDS Our unique tours offer the vacation of a lifetime. Memorable visits to fine gardens balanced with SEED SAVERS, HERB GROWERS, CRAFT­ RARELY OFFERED SOUTHEASTERN NA­ full Sightseeing. Experience the magic of Europe at ERS. lmprinted seed packets, information, glas­ a gentle pace with a small select group. TIVES, woody, herbaceous, nursery grown. sine envelopes, 4-mil zip-polybags. Sample and Many hardy northward. Also newly introduced list, SASE. V. L. PRICE HORTICULTURAL, The Villas and Gardens of Italy exotics selected for southern gardens. Send $2 506 Grove Avenue, Catawissa, PA 17820-1000. The serene beauty of the Italian Lakes and T ustany for extensive mail-order list. WOODLANDERS and the treasures of Venice, Florence and Rome. AH, 1128 Colleton Ave., Aiken, SC 29801. The Chateaux and Gardens of France I'iEARN FLORAL DESIGNil The countryside and the castles of JOY CREEK NURSERY perennials and native Home study teaches you floraJ arrangementlor I the Loire Valley and Normandy I decoration, weddings, occasions, retailing, and and the enchantment of Paris. plants. Catalog $2, refundable. JOY CREEK more. Free literature: call 800-223-4542. I I Name Age_ NURSERY, Bi n 2, 20300 N.W. Watson Rd., TOC (800) 505-2505 ~d~ I Scappoose, OR 97056. I CIty State_Zip __ 4208 N. Freeway Blvd. #12 1 Tbe School of Floral Design, Dept. FLK543 Sacramento, CA 95834 •.... PCDI ______, 6065 Roswell Road, Atianta, Georgia 30328 ._
•

AHS CHILDREN'S GARDEN POSTER

For all young and young-at-heart gardeners-a beautiful and whimsical full -color, museum-qualify poster of "The Froggy Pond Garden ." Remini scent of the beloved children 's cla ss ic, The Wind in the Willows, the garden is on e of 12 children 's gardensdeveloped at River Farm. This 18" x 24 " poster isa great gift idea for children or adults. All proceeds help fund the 1995 AH S National Youth Gardening Symposium. AH Smemb er price: $7 (retail price $10) plus $2.50 shipping and handling. Two or more posters: $5 each plus $2.50 shipping and handling.

I would li ke to order __ posters. Amount due: $ _____ o Check enclosed o Charge my: 0 MasterCard 0 Visa Exp. Date: ___ Account #: ______Signature:

Na me: Address: City/State/Zip: Daytime Phone: (__ ) ______Fill out this co upon and mail to: AHS, Poster, 793 1 East Boul evard Drive, Alexandria, VA 22308·1300, or order to ll·free by ca lli ng (800) 777-793 1. Cred it card orders must total more than $10.

AMERICAN HORTICULTURIST 23 THE PHONY BURLAP MENACE with small plants and hanging baskets. Results are less dra­ matic for larger plants. Gardeners pl anting balled-and-burlapped trees are often told They write: "An especially rewarding test has been the use that it's safe to leave the burlap on if it's the real thing, but to of carpet pad in a program at the San Antonio Botanical Gar­ remove it if it's plastic-usually green or white and hard and dens," where they are trying to re-establish Spiranthes park­ shiny. Larry Kuhns, a professor of ornamental horticulture at sii, Texas' most endangered orchid species. "Two of our 10 the Pennsylva ni a State University, is warning consumers plants were placed on carpet pad, and they have shown great about a synthetic burlap that's almost impossible to distin­ improvement in growth and appear to be holding leaves guish from the real thing. "It's brown and soft, and especial­ longer than is normal for this species. We hope the extra leaf ly if it's been held in wood chips a while, it looks completely time will produce sufficient food for a great blooming and natural," says Kuhns. heavy seed set next autumn." Even experienced professionals can be fooled, he says. "Where I hear about it most, as a state Extension specialist, 1995 AAS WINNERS is from developments where all the trees have died after five or six years because the developers put in a lot of cheap trees It was an all-ornamental year for All-America Selections from nurseries that weren't too reputable, just to meet code." (AAS). Each year since 1932, the non-profit group has been If you have any doubt about the authenticity of your choosing the best seed-grown flowers and vegetables for the burlap, burn a small piece of it, Kuhns suggests. If it's plastic, home market, and for 1995, the winners are two petunias and it will bead up rather than burn up. Real burlap, even when a gloriosa daisy. treated with copper compounds to retard decomposition, will The petunias are 'Celebrity Chiffon Morn', a soft pastel disintegrate in two to eight months, and roots will grow pink with a cream-colored center, growing 18 inches tall with through it even sooner, he adds. 2V2-inch blooms, and 'Purple Wave', described as the first petunia suitable for a ground cover. It grows to six inches tall A PAD EXPERIENCE or less but spreads up to four feet, and has reddish-purple, two-inch flowers. Both are said to be drought-tolerant. In the September American Orchid Society Bulletin, two Rudbeckia hirta 'Indian Summer' is a cultivar of an annual Texas members report a serendipitous growing method that black-eyed Susan, a native of the eastern United States. Its other gardeners might like to try. outstanding characteristic, says AAS, is growth to three or Ed Wright and Bill Tippitt write that when someone gave four feet with a basal branching habit so that it doesn't need them some four-inch plants intended for an orchid society raf­ staking. The golden flowers are six to nine inches across and fle, they set them on a bench and temporarily forgot about may be either single or semi-double. them. For reasons no one seems to remember, the bench was partly covered with urethane-foam carpet padding. NOMINATE A NATIVE When the plants were rediscovered, plants that had been set on the padding had grown much faster than those on the If you hurry, you can still get in your 29-cents' worth on the bare bench beside them. Wright and Tippitt then tried a larg­ newest award of the Garden Club of America (GCA). The er piece of padding with more plants and again got spectacu­ Montine McDaniel Freeman Horticultural Medal will also be lar results. the GCA's first to honor a plant rather than a person. Next, some fellow gardeners persuaded them to add lights The nominated plant should be an unusual North Ameri­ to the set-up. Plants ,are set on top of a pad cut to fit inside a can native plant or its cultivar that enhances the landscape cookie sheet. The pad is soaked to wick water to the plant, and attracts wildlife and/or is effective for environmental uses and a small fan blows across the surface to create an ideal en­ such as erosion control. For further information or nomina­ vironment for plants that like low temperatures. tion forms, contact Mary Ann Streeter, 598 Madison Avenue, Wright and Tippitt say the padding seems to work best New York, NY 10022, (212) 753-8287.

2ND CLASS POSTAGE PAID AT ALEXANDRIA, VA, AND AT ADDITIONAL American Horticultural Society MAILING OFFICES 7931 East Boulevard Drive, Alexandria, VA 22308-1300