TheThe AmericanAmerican

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GARDENERGARDENERThe Magazine of the American Horticultural Society March / April 2009

Native for Water Colorful A Breeder’s Passion for Shade-Loving Natives Unusual Perennial Vegetables

-fresh Artichokes

contents Volume 88, Number 2 . March / April 2009

FEATURES DEPARTMENTS

5 NOTES FROM RIVER FARM 6 MEMBERS’ FORUM 8 NEWS FROM AHS AHS joins Sustainable Sites Initiative, members-only webinars for 2009, new corporate members contribute to AHS’s success, Garden School in June to focus on sustainability, National Children & Youth Garden Symposium keynote speaker, first annual Community Green, Spring Garden Market at River Farm.

14 AHS NEWS SPECIAL 2009 Great American National page 30 Award Winners. 42 ONE ON ONE WITH… NATIVE PLANTS FOR Rob Johnston, Jr., 18 independent seedsman. WATER GARDENS BY LISA ALBERT 44 HOMEGROWN HARVEST Many intriguing aquatic Artichokes. page 42 plants are North American natives. 46 ’S NOTEBOOK Bees as bodyguards, new Mid- Atlantic plant promotion group, old- 24 SHADE-LOVING NATIVES growth forests imperiled by climate change, BY GRAHAM RICE National Public Gardens Day announced, Learn about the breeder who New Egolf viburnum introduced, economy is creating exciting selections causes several garden of shade-loving natives. magazines to fold. Gardener’s Notebook COREOPSIS News Special: 30 University trial gardens. RECONSIDERED BY ALLAN M. ARMITAGE pagepage 2424 50 GREEN GARAGE® One plant expert shares his Potting soils and mixes. love-hate relationship with page 46 this perennial . 54 BOOK REVIEWS Planthropology, Between Earth and Sky, the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Illustrated 36 PERENNIAL VEGETABLES Dictionary of Orchid Genera, and the New BY ERIC TOENSMEIER Encyclopedia of Orchids. Expand your edible garden options to include ornamental 56 REGIONAL HAPPENINGS and tasty perennials. page 36 60 AND HEAT ZONES AND PRONUNCIATIONS

62 PLANT IN THE SPOTLIGHT ON THE COVER: The purplish buds of ‘Violetto’ globe artichoke are attractive in the garden and de- Paperbush ( chrysantha).

LEFT, TOP TO BOTTOM: ALLAN ARMITAGE; COURTESY OF CHARLES AND MARTHA OLIVER; STEVEN CHRISTMAN / WWW.FLORIDATA.COM. RIGHT, TOP TO BOTTOM: COURTESY OF JOHNNY’S SELECTED SEEDS; COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY licious on the dinner plate. Photograph by Rick Wetherbee

March / April 2009 3 AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY 7931 East Boulevard Drive Alexandria, VA 22308-1300 (800) 777-7931 fax (703) 768-8700 www.ahs.org Making America a Nation of Gardeners, a Land of Gardens

American Horticultural Society President’s Council

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Tom Underwood CHAMPION’S CIRCLE Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Kulp, Jr. ■ Mr. and Mrs. Harry A. Board of Directors Rissetto, Esq. ■ Mr. and Mrs. W. Bruce Usrey CHAIR Susie Usrey Dayton, Oregon CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE Mr. and Mrs. Kurt Bluemel ■ Mr. and Mrs. Robert L. FIRST VICE CHAIRMAN Don E. Riddle, Jr. Davidsonville, Bogle ■ Mr. Arnold Steiner SECOND VICE CHAIRMAN Leslie Ariail Alexandria, SECRETARY Albin MacDonough Plant Baltimore, Maryland LIBERTY HYDE BAILEY CIRCLE Anderson Family Charitable Foundation ■ Mr. and TREASURER Arnold Steiner Birmingham, Mrs. John H. Ariail, Jr. ■ Mr. and Mrs. Carter Bales ■ Mrs. Susan M. Cargill ■

Mr. Gerald T. Halpin ■ Ms. JoAnn Luecke ■ Dr. and Mrs. David E. Morrison

■ Mr. and Mrs. Klaus Zech Allan M. Armitage Athens, ■ Suzanne Bales Oyster Bay, New York ■ William E. Barrick, Ph.D. Theodore, Alabama Kurt Bluemel Baldwin, Maryland ■ Henrietta Burke Alexandria, Virginia ■ Tom Cooper Watertown, Massachusetts HAUPT CIRCLE Ms. Lynda A. Bachman ■ Ms. Judy Daniel ■ Mr. and Mrs. Gay Estes Houston, ■ Anne Garland Farrell Richmond, Virginia ■ Carole Hofley Wilson, Wyoming Thomas Farrell ■ Mrs. Richard W. Hamming ■ Mr. and Mrs. Richard W. Margaret Kulp Louisville, ■ Caroline Lewis Coral Gables, ■ Jack Lowry Phoenix, Maryland Hanselman ■ Mrs. Carole S. Hofley Melissa R. Marshall Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania ■ Mary Pat Matheson Atlanta, Georgia Shirley Nicolai Ft. Washington, Maryland ■ J. Landon Reeve, IV Woodbine, Maryland COUNCIL MEMBER’S CIRCLE Nancy J. Becker, M.D. ■ Mrs. Katherine Belk ■ Mr. Harry A. Rissetto, Esq. Falls Church, Virginia ■ Michel Sallin Groveland, Florida ■ Steven Still Hilliard, Ohio and Mrs. Anthony Bigos ■ Mrs. George P. Bissell, Jr. ■ Mr. and Mrs. C. William

Black ■ Mr. Richard C. and Mrs. Katherine Stark Bull ■ Mr. and Mrs. Michael PRESIDENT EMERITUS Katy Moss Warner T. Bradshaw ■ Mr. and Mrs. Edward N. Dane ■ Mr. and Mrs. Carl Estes ■ Dr. and Mrs. John A. Floyd, Jr. ■ Mrs. Carolyn V. Foil ■ Ms. Marguerite Peet Foster

■ Ms. Amy Goldman ■ Mr. and Mrs. Joel Goldsmith ■ Ms. Ingrid A. Graham 2009 Advisory Council ■ Ms. Barbara Grant ■ Dr. and Mrs. William O. Hargrove ■ Mr. and Mrs. Allan L. Holmstrom ■ Mr. Philip Huey ■ Deane H. Hundley ■ Mrs. Marta Lawrence

■ Mrs. Carolyn M. Lindsay ■ Mrs. Dorothy Marston ■ Mrs. Rosalyn Milbrandt Clarissa Bonde, Washington, D.C. Barbara McClendon, Alexandria, Virginia ■ Mr. and Mrs. Egon Molbak ■ Mrs. Shirley Ann Nicolai ■ Mr. and Mrs. James Walter Bull, Columbia, Stu McMichael, Falls Church, Virginia T. Norman ■ Ms. Patricia Painter ■ Mr. David D. Parrish ■ Mr. and Mrs. Albin Anne Bucher, Silver Spring, Maryland G. Ray Miller, Brandon, Florida MacDonough Plant ■ Dr. Julia Rappaport ■ Mr. and Mrs. J. Landon Reeve, IV Elaine Burden, Middleburg, Virginia Egon Molbak, Bellevue, Washington ■ Mrs. Deen Day Sanders ■ Mr. and Mrs. Emanuel Shemin ■ Jeanne Shields ■ Patty Bush, St. Louis, Missouri Dean Norton, Mt. Vernon, Virginia Mr. R. P. Simmons ■ Mr. and Mrs. Charles H. Smith, Jr. ■ Mrs. P.M. Spreuer Skipp Calvert, Alexandria, Virginia Nancy Keen Palmer, Nashville, ■ Dr. and Mrs. George E. Staehle ■ Mr. Harold Stahly ■ Dr. and Mrs. Steven Russell Clark, Boston, Massachusetts Bob Patterson, Washington, D.C. M. Still ■ Mr. Donald B. Stott ■ Mr. and Mrs. John B. Strasenburgh ■ Mr. and Bartie Cole, Owings Mills, Maryland Dr. Julia W. Rappaport, Santa Ana, Mrs. Russell Terry ■ Dr. Sarah K. Thomson ■ Mr. Howard McK. Tucker and Jim Corfield, Geneva, Illinois Deen Day Sanders, Norcross, Georgia Ms. Megan Evans ■ Mr. and Mrs. Tom Underwood ■ Mr. Joe Viar ■ Ms. Lucinda Crabtree, Falls Church, Virginia Josephine Shanks, Houston, Texas Angela M. Vikesland ■ Mr. and Mrs. Robert D. Volk ■ Mrs. Pauline E. Vollmer Ginny Hill Daisey, Dedham, Massachusetts Barbara Shea, Owings Mills, Maryland ■ Ms. Katy Moss Warner ■ Mrs. Enid N. Warner ■ Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Edward N. Dane, Center Harbor, New Hampshire Holly Shimizu, Glen Echo, Maryland White ■ Mr. and Mrs. Harvey C. White ■ Mr. and Mrs. John W.White, Sr. Ben Griswold, Glyndon, Maryland Charles Henry Smith, Jr, Middleburg, Virginia Beverly Hanselman, Nashville, Tennessee Nancy Thomas, Houston, Texas Henry Jameson, Kula, Bryan Thomlison, Haddonfield, New Jersey HONORARY PRESIDENT’S COUNCIL Ms. Louise Fruehling* ■ Mrs. Enid Haupt* Richard W. Lighty, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania Pauline Vollmer, Baltimore, Maryland ■ Mrs. John A. Lutz* ■ Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Miller* Carolyn Marsh Lindsay, Ponte Vedra, Florida Joyce and Harvey White, Nashville, Tennessee Bob Malesardi, Easton, Maryland Joannah Williams, Sebring, Florida *In memoriam Robert and Joanna Martin, Menlo Park, California Sheryl Wood, Middleburg, Virginia

Education Sponsor OXO International

Corporate Members Brent and Becky’s Bulbs ■ The Care of Trees ■ Chapel Valley Landscape Company Furbish Company ■ Homestead Gardens ■ Kurt Bluemel, Inc. ■ Monrovia To access the members-only MTR Landscape Architects, LLC. ■ Osmocote ■ Renee’s Garden portion of the AHS website at www.ahs.org, the username is Horticultural Partners America in Bloom Symposium & Awards Program ■ Bellingrath Gardens and Home ahs. The password is seeds. Colonial Williamsburg Foundation Garden Symposium ■ Cox MetroPark Epcot International & Garden Festival The Gardeners of America/Men’s Garden Clubs of America The Homestead in the Garden Symposium ■ Inniswood Garden Society ■ Morris Arboretum & Arboretum ■ Oklahoma Horticultural Society

4 the American Gardener The American NOTESC FROM RIVER FARM GARDENER EDITOR David J. Ellis MANAGING EDITOR AND ART DIRECTOR Mary Yee ASSOCIATE EDITOR Viveka Neveln HE ARRIVAL of March and the first day of spring signal the beginning of EDITORIAL ASSISTANT the season. Our gardens come alive with spring blooms and new Caroline Bentley T growth, local garden centers swell to bursting with new plants and fresh EDITORIAL INTERN stocks of garden supplies, and trays of seedlings begin to show up in windowsills, on Talia Goldman porches, and in backyard . And, what would spring be without the ea- CONTRIBUTING EDITOR gerly anticipated parade of wonderful horticultural events sponsored by public gar- Rita Pelczar dens, plant societies, garden clubs, and community groups across the country? Even CONTRIBUTING WRITER year-round gardeners have a hard time not Carole Ottesen getting caught up in the heady promise of EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD a new gardening season.

CHAIR Richard E. Bir Whether you are seeking out new in- Brevard, troductions, hard-to-find native plants, or Allan M. Armitage tried-and-true successes for your garden, Athens, Georgia spring plant sales and garden shows are not Nina L. Bassuk to be missed. In addition to some great Ithaca, New York finds, these events offer the chance to talk Steve Bender with growers and other experts who share your interests. As a bonus, your purchases Birmingham, Alabama will probably be supporting a worthy cause! This spring, we encourage you to show John E. Bryan , California support for your local gardening organizations and let them know that their work is John L. Creech important. Check your AHS Member Guide or the “Regional Happenings” section of Columbus, North Carolina this issue for gardens and events in your region. Panayoti Kelaidis With Earth Day on April 22 and National Arbor Day on April 24, spring is also a Denver, Colorado great time to get involved. Many horticultural organizations—including the AHS— Richard W. Lighty could not exist without the volunteers who help with special events, maintain gardens Kennett Square, Pennsylvania and greenhouses, staff in- Elvin McDonald formation desks, conduct West Des Moines, Iowa tours, and teach classes. Volunteering offers a re- CONTACT US The American Gardener 7931 East Boulevard Drive warding and meaningful Alexandria, VA 22308 way to give back to your (703) 768-5700 community. It can also be EDITORIAL E-MAIL: [email protected] a great way to learn, meet other gardeners, green up ADVERTISING & E-MAIL: [email protected] CORPORATE your community, and PARTNERSHIPS maybe even take a few The American Gardener (ISSN 1087-9978) is published bimonth- ly (January/February, March/April, May/June, July/August, Septem- Dedicated volunteers help maintain River Farm year round. extra cuttings home. ber/October, November/December) by the American Horticultural Spend a morning or after- Society, 7931 East Boulevard Drive, Alexandria, VA 22308-1300, (703) 768-5700. Membership in the Society includes a subscrip- noon volunteering this season and help us make America a nation of gardens! tion to The American Gardener. Annual dues are $35; two years, $60. International dues are $50. $10 of annual dues goes toward One thing you will definitely want to do this spring is make time for this issue of magazine subscription. Periodicals postage paid at Alexandria, Vir- ginia, and at additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Please send The American Gardener. You will learn about the genus Coreopsis from noted plants- Form 3579 to The American Gardener, 7931 East Boulevard Drive, man Allan Armitage, and discover the wealth of shade-loving native perennials de- Alexandria, VA 22308-1300. Botanical nomenclature is based on The American Horticultural veloped by plant breeder Charles Oliver. For something out of the ordinary in your Society A–Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants, on A Synonymized Check- , see our feature on perennial vegetables. Finally, don’t miss the first in- list of the Vascular Flora of the , Canada and Greenland and on the Royal Horticultural Society Index of Garden Plants. Opinions stallment of our new department on growing edibles, “Homegrown Harvest.” expressed in the articles are those of the authors and are not necessar- ily those of the Society. Manuscripts, artwork, and photographs sent for Happy gardening! possible publication will be returned if accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope. We cannot guarantee the safe return of unsolicited material. Back issues are available at $8 per copy. Susie Usrey, Chair, AHS Board of Directors Copyright ©2009 by the American Horticultural Society. Tom Underwood, Executive Director

Printed in the U.S.A.

March / April 2009 5 6 have manythatfillmygarden. guess alotofRudbeckia hirta issue, you list On page17oftheJanuary/February 2009 RUDBECKIA HARDINESS Editor’s note: scholarships. benefiting incentives and horticultural den lover’s standpoint,withproceeds produce this non-profit show from agar- nization. We are allavidgardeners and many ofthestaffourall-volunteer orga- top-notch magazineisfamiliartomeand to becomefamiliarwiththeAHS. Your itors from the New York metropolitan area sion toourshow and allows our8,000vis- show. addsagreatThis partnership dimen- one ofourGarden Exhibitors atthisyear’s presenting itsEnvironmental Award to you know we are excited tohave theAHS Garden Show Committee,Iwantedtolet As amemberoftheSpringfest Flower & FLOWER SHOWCOLLABORATION Editor’s response: on theirown—after oneseason. most peoplepullthemout—ortheydie technically hardy toUSDAZone 3,but conditions. Brandy’Thus ‘Cherry is but theymayoverwinter undercertain tendtobegrownmost part asannuals, ia hirta grounds inAugusta, New Jersey. March 12to15 at theSussex CountyFair- for free admissiontotheshow, held Show, AHSmembers were alsoeligible with theSpringfest Flower &Garden the American Gardener are andforthe usuallyshort-lived Through ourpartnership Rudbeckia hirta Andover, New Hampshire Branchville, New Jersey Cultivars ofRudbeck- is anannual?I Does thismeanit USDA Zone 3. it ishardy to nial,” yet indicate al/tender peren- “annual/bienni- Brandy’ asan Diane Beaudoin, Barbara Abita reseed, asI ‘Cherry cessible tobotanists generally.” to botanicalinstitutions withlibrariesac- ed materialtothegeneralpublic oratleast genus toanother)“by distributionofprint- ample, transferringaspecies from one combination(forex- speciesoranew new fectively publishabotanicalnamefor Nomenclature (ICBN).Abotanistmayef- as theInternational CodeforBotanical tional BotanicalCongresses andpublished tion meetingsofthesuccessive Interna- names) are revised atNomenclature Sec- Society forHorticultural Science(ISHS).” under theumbrella oftheInternational posals “are reviewed by specialist groups According name changepro- tothearticle, for plantnamechangesismisidentified. governing bodythatoversees theprocess lished intheJanuary/February issue,the plant nomenclature by John Friel, pub- In thelively about andinformative article CORRECTION NOMENCLATURE PROCESS sue of fits aswellthecontentsofeachis- venient accesstomembershipbene- website, The members-onlysectionoftheAHS New Website Password at [email protected]. (800) 777-7931ext.119ore-mailus mail addresswiththeAHS,pleasecall bership, orupdateyourmailinge- your membership,giveagiftofmem- would liketobecomeamember,renew can HorticulturalSocietymembership, you havequestionsaboutyourAmeri- We lovetohearfromourmembers!If Member Services tered inlowercaseletters.) user nameandpasswordmustbeen- in eachmagazineissue.(Boththe The passwordisalsolistedonpage4 name isahs.Thepassword 2001. Toaccessthesection,user In forbotanicalnames(Latin fact,rules MEMBERS The American Gardener Gardener American The C www.ahs.org, ’ FORUM provides con- seeds. since http://ibot.sav.sk/icbn/main.htm. more informationabouttheICBN,visit and otherusersofplantnames.”For by authors,editors, acceptance ofitsrules status andisdependentonthevoluntary nomenclature, theICBNhasnolegal “Like otherinternationalcodesof to theCongress fordisposition. specialist committeeandrecommendation mists General Committeeforstudyby a ternational AssociationofPlant Taxono- orrejection totheIn-for itsconservation with aname,theymaysubmitproposal ISHS, however. If othershave problems There isnopriorreview orapproval by tain adescriptionordiagnosisinLatin. oftheICBNandcon- ply withtherules been (304)466-3154. Enchanter’s Garden should have nursery sedge onpage62,thephonenumberfor source aboutFraser’s box withthearticle Also intheJanuary/February issue,in the The correct price is$39.95. Ella May T. Wulff waslistedincorrectly. with Hardy Heathers 2009issue,thepriceforGardeningruary In thebookssectionofJanuary/Feb- CORRECTIONS tually native tothesouthwestern U.S. southeastern United States, butitisac- itsaysthatOcotillo article, forthe“Striking28, inthechart Stems” vember/December 2008 issue.On page found aplantoriginmistakeintheNo- Gardener I justgotmyfirstissueof OCOTILLO MISDIRECTION PLEASE WRITEUS! Letters weprintmay beeditedforlengthandclarity. [email protected] (note LettertoEditorinsubjectline). Alexandria, VA22308.Send e-mails to American Gardener, American The 2006editionoftheICBNstates: The new namemust,ofcourse,com- The new and love it.However, Ithink Mt. Pleasant, SouthCarolina Address letterstoEditor, 7931 EastBoulevardDrive, by David Small and Alexandra J.Flynn Vienna, Virginia Donald H. Voss The American is from the  The

COURTESY OF THOMPSON & MORGAN Learn gardening techniques that will help you live more harmoniously with nature and the environment in this exclusive AHS Garden School offering. ahs garden school June 27, 2009

Green Garage®: Sustainable and Earth-Friendly Solutions for the Landscape presented in partnership with the City of Alexandria Lee Center, Alexandria, Virginia

In our everyday choices, opportunities abound for making our gardens, landscapes—and even the earth—healthier and more beautiful places. From water conservation to creating wildlife habitats, this Garden School will explore a range of environmentally conscious practices through lectures and hands-on workshops. There also will be an exhibit hall featuring companies and organizations that offer green products, services, and tools.

Featured speakers will include: Paul Tukey, author of The Organic Care Manual, Douglas Tallamy, author of Bringing Nature Home: How Native Plants Sustain Wildlife in Our Gardens and Jeff Lowenfels, soil health expert and author of Teaming with Microbes: A Gardener’s Guide to the Soil Food Web.

Visit www.ahs.org or call (703) 768-5700 ext. 121 for more information.

REGISTRATION OPENS APRIL 15 Paul Tukey Douglas Tallamy Jeff Lowenfels

March / April 2009 7 8 children excitedaboutplants. Norm Lowndsgetsagroupof applies to design, construction, andmaintenancepractices.”Toapplies todesign,construction, learn more, visit guidelines thisfall.Theinitiative alsoplanstoissueacallforpilotprojects thisyear, inorder toevaluate “how well th marks in2008.Thecoordinators will usefeedbackcollectedduringapubliccommentperiodlastwintertocreate anupdatedset the soiltoeffectsonhumanhealth,SSIisworking towards benefitingbothnaturalandmanmadesites. prehensive guidelinesandcriteriaforcreating sustainablelandscapes.With afocusonimproving alltheaspectsofalandscap (LEED) program—provide guidanceandmotivation toreduce theenvironmental impactofbuildings,theSSIisdeveloping com- AHS JoinsSustainableSitesInitiative NOW INITS Members-Only Webinars for2009 Wildlife” onSeptember 9with Douglas Tallamy den designerScottCalhoun signing aWater-Thrifty Garden,” presented by authorandgar- On March 11,authorandgarden designer withouthavingtoleave home. experts with leadinghorticultural clusively formembers,isagreat waytolearnfrom andinteract ing experienceduring theseonlineseminars. net connection isstrongly recommended for anoptimumview- so registration priortotheevent isrequired. Ahigh-speedInter- viaachatbox.take questionsfrom Space participants islimited After thepresentation, whichlastsaboutanhour, thespeakerwill streamed through acomputer’s speakersordelivered by telephone. time andconsistsofanonlineslide show withthepresenter’s voice highly acclaimed News PROGRAMS •EVENTSANNOUNCEMENTS After twoyears ofinputandresearch benc SSIissuedadraftreport fromofitsguidelines andperformance arange ofexperts, Other upcoming webinars are Beauty: “Dry Strategies forDe- Each oftheseonlineseminarswilltakeplaceat1p.m. Eastern the American Gardener third year, the AHSwebinar program, offered ex- Bringing Nature Home. from actively involved inthisprogram,” saysAHS Executive Director component oftheAmericanHorticultural Society’s mission,whichiswhywe feelitisimperative tobe agement practicesthatcanapplytositeswithandwithoutbuildings.“Sustainability isanimportant organizations,thisinitiative wascreatedpartnering topromote sustainablelanddevelopment andman- Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center,andtheUnited States Garden Botanic , inconjunctionwith Initiative between (SSI).Acollaborative the effort TO HELP on July 9,and“Gardening for the 4-HChildren’s Garden at ed by Norm Lownds, curatorof necting KidstoPlants” present- “A LittleGarden Magic: Con- next webinar, onMay 5,willbe the LandscapeYou Love.” The 2009, “Home Outside: Creating presented thefirstwebinar for AHS website atwww.ahs.org. the members-onlyarea ofthe istration willopenonApril 8in Michigan State University. Reg- Just asgreen building standards—such astheLeadershipinEnergy andEnvironmental Design AHS promote sustainable landscapes, the AHS has become a participant intheSustainablepromote sustainablelandscapes,theAHShasbecomeaparticipant Sites Julie Moir Messervy , authorofthe er Farm promises tobeespeciallyspectacular. tulips, daffodils,andotherbulbs,thisyear’s springdisplayatRiv- tants. Thankstothecompany’s generous donationof15,000 nationally renowned daffodilhybridizers, lecturers, andconsul- bulbs andotherplants.OwnersBrent andBecky Heath alsoare land; andRenee’s Garden Gloucester, Virginia; Furbish Company several corporatemembers: new theSociety’ssupport mission.TheSociety recently welcomed on contributionsfrom otherorganizationsandbusinessesthat IN ADDITIONTO New AHSCorporateMembers Bulbs donatedby BrentandBecky’sBulbswillmake springcolorful. rn n ek’ ub isamail-order andretail of purveyor Brent andBecky’s Bulbs www.sustainablesites.org. American Society ofLandscapeArchitects individual memberships,theAHSrelies Tom Underwood. based inFelton, California. March /April2009 Brent andBecky’s Bulbs of Baltimore, Mary- e ratingsystem e, from , the of h- of

TOP TO BOTTOM: JAMES GAGLIARDI; COURTESY OF NORM LOWNDS; DAVID ELLIS. Known nationally for its innovative sus- SYMPOSIUM KEYNOTE SPEAKER tainable building prac- Will Allen, co-founder and chief executive officer of Growing tices, Furbish Com- Power, will be the opening keynote speaker at the 17th an- pany created a custom nual AHS National Children & green roof for the Youth Garden Symposium, AHS’s Green Garage® “Common Ground: Gardens display at the U.S. for a Greener Tomorrow.” Botanic Garden last Growing Power is a national summer. This green nonprofit organization that roof is now part of the helps communities “grow, permanent Green Crew members from Furbish install a green process, market, and distrib- Garage® display at roof on the well house at River Farm. ute food in a sustainable man- River Farm. Furbish ner” by providing training and also installed a green roof on a well house in the newly renovated Will Allen of Growing Power other assistance. Allen will Garden Calm at River Farm, allowing visitors to view the plants share his experiences bringing up-close and learn about the sustainability of green roof projects. young people with diverse backgrounds together to learn how As the sponsor of this year’s 50th anniversary members-only to garden and produce healthy foods for their communities. Seed Exchange, Renee’s Garden donated thousands of dollars Hosted by the Cleveland Botanical Garden, the sympo- worth of flower, vegetable, and herb seeds and cookbooks. The sium will take place July 23 to 25 in Cleveland, Ohio. Par- company’s seed offerings include both heirloom varieties as well ticipants will have the opportunity to explore ways to create as new and unusual selections from around the world. Renee’s al- inspirational and educational gardening experiences for chil- so supports sustainable growing practices for its seeds. dren and youth. Registration will open on April 15. Visit the All three new corporate members will be participating in this AHS website (www.ahs.org) and click on “Youth Programs” year’s first annual Community Green on June 14 at River Farm by for more information, or call (703) 768-5700 ext. 121. offering lectures and workshops. For more details, see the ad di-

LEFT: JAMES GAGLIARDI. RIGHT: COURTESY OF GROWING POWER rectly below or visit the AHS website at www.ahs.org.

June 14, 2009 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Alexandria, Virginia

Join us for the first annual AHS Community Green at River Farm

Bring a picnic blanket and come spend the day relaxing, learning, and playing. • Festive and fun green activities for all ages • Entertainment, food, lectures, and demonstrations • Learn how to be more earth-friendly in your garden and in your community

For more information about Community Green or to participate as a sponsor, exhibitor, vendor, or speaker, contact Sharon Grant at (703) 768-5700 ext. 114 or [email protected].

March / April 2009 9 10 “River Farm” orcall(703)768-5700ext.114. Farm. For more information, visit national educationalprograms andthe stewardship ofRiver label from thecurrent issueof non-members) by showing theirmembershipcard oramailing parkingAHS membersreceive (parking is$3for complimentary lecture willbegin at10a.m.intheestatehouse. ginia, presented by theFairfax County Tree Commission.The signing by Jeff,co-authorofRemarkable Trees Kirwan ofVir- ping thesale,onApril 18visitorsmayattendalecture andbook to 6p.m andApril 18from 9a.m.to3p.m. In additiontoshop- garden goods. editor of ments; atalkby David J.Ellis , director ofcommunications and plants andgarden products onsale,memberswillenjoy refresh- evening.view In the addition tohavingfirstchanceperuse with memberships,books,andgarden accessories. anticipated annualplantsaleatitsRiver Farm in headquarters THE AMERICANHORTICULTURALSOCIETY’S at RiverFarm Spring GardenMarketinApril THE AHS’S Green GardenSchoolinJune e-mail [email protected](703)768-5700ext.121. Gardener’s Guide totheSoilFood Web. For more information, den radioshow hostandauthorof ganic LawnCare Manual; and Solutionsable andEarth-friendly fortheLandscape—willtake Flower Carpet Jeff Lowenfels Proceeds from theSpring Garden Market theAHS’s support Admission totheSpring Garden Market isfree toeveryone. The event willbeopentothepubliconApril 17from 9a.m. April 16from 4p.m. to8p.m. isthespecialmembers-onlypre- the American Gardener The American Gardener newest Garden School—Green Garage ® Amber Gardens; How Native Plants Sustain Wildlife inour lamy, authorofBringing Nature Home: andtools. green products, services, hibit hallfeaturingcompaniesthatoffer lectures, hands-onworkshops, andanex- intensive one-dayprogram willinclude nership withtheCityofAlexandria,this Alexandra, Virginia. Presented inpart- place onJune 27attheLeeCenterin Speakers willinclude and otherrelated products. The selling garden supplies,garden art, als, androses, vendors alsowillbe perennials, herbs,vegetables, annu- offeringsofnative plants, customary den Market. In additiontothe panded thisyear astheSpring Gar- Alexandria, Virginia, isbeingex- sistant groundcover variety, along pet AHS willbeofferingFlower Car- The American Gardener magazine. Jeff Lowenfels , anAlaskangar- ® Paul Tukey, authorofTheOr- ; andasilentauctionofunique Amber ,disease-re- anew Teaming With Microbes: A www.ahs.org Douglas Tal- and clickon ® : Sustain- eagerly www.ahs.org M • Virginia. • Banquet. • • Webinar presentedbyNormLownds. • burg, Virginia. • day, April16from4p.m.to8p.m.) dria, Virginia.(Note:AHSmembers-onlypreviewsaleisThurs- • Festival. Alexandria, Virginia. Cathey Day. • shey, Pennsylvania. Awards Ceremony. Bloom Symposiumand • dria, Virginia. Gala. • by DouglasTallamy. • With theExperts”Symposium. • Hosted byClevelandBotanicalGarden.Cleveland,Ohio. • • dens.” • Alexandria, Virginia. Solutions fortheLandscape. JULY 9.“DryBeauty:StrategiesforDesigningWater-ThriftyGar- JUNE 27. JUNE 14. JUNE 4. MAY 17. MAY 5.“ALittleGardenMagic:ConnectingKidstoPlants.” MAY 1. APRIL 17&18. OCT. 23. OCT. 1–3.AmericaIn SEPT. 19. SEPT. 9.“GardeningforWildlife.” AUG. 21–23. JULY 23–25. MARCH 18–MAY31. River Farm,Alexan- sponsored orco-sponsored by theAHS.Visit ark your calendarforthesenationalevents thatare Webinar presentedbyScottCalhoun. Lake BuenaVista,Florida. River Farm,Alexandria,Virginia. Colonial WilliamsburgGardenSymposium. Great AmericanGardenersAwardsCeremonyand Family Picnic. Dr. H.Marc Green Garage Community Green. River Farm, AHS Annual or call(703)768-5700formore information. 2009 CALENDAR AHS NATIONALEVENTSANDPROGRAMS National Children&YouthGardenSymposium. The Homestead’s11thAnnual“IntheGarden Spring GardenMarket. Her- Epcot InternationalFlower&Garden ®: River Farm,Alexandria,Virginia. Sustainable andEarth-friendly H GardenSchool.LeeCenter, AHS Hot Springs,Virginia. River Farm,Alexandria, Webinar presented River Farm,Alexan- Williams-

TOP LEFT: COURTESY OF JEFF LOWENFELS. CENTER LEFT: COURTESY OF ANTHONY TESSELAAR PLANTS. BOTTOM RIGHT: VIVEKA NEVELN. THE AMERICAN HORTICULTURALHORTICULTURAL SOCIETY TRAVEL STUDY PROGRAM 2009 DOMESTIC TOURS

Fascinating Gardens of Baltimore MAKE YOUR RESERVATIONS TODAY! with AHS host Harry Rissetto Tour escorted by Diana Biras June 9–14, 2009 ■ With summer in full glory, this tour will take you to some of Maryland’s finest private and public gardens, including Ladew Topiary Gardens and gardens designed by Wolfgang Oehme of Oehme, van Sweden & Associates. We will also visit Kurt Bluemel, one of America’s greatest plantsmen who has been instrumental in broadening the palette of perennials and ornamental grasses. Kurt will give us a private tour of both his nursery and private garden.

The Great Bowl, Ladew Topiary Gardens, Monkton, Maryland

Gardens and Art of the Historic Hudson Highlands with AHS host Katy Moss Warner Tour escorted by Stephanie Jutila October 14–18, 2009 ■ Amid fiery autumn color, come discover the rich horticultural treasures of New York’s Hudson River Valley and the art that complements the landscape. Highlights of this tour include Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s Springwood estate; Olana, the estate of famed Hudson River School artist Frederic Edwin Church; Lisburne Grange, an estate designed by renowned landscape architect Fletcher Steele; and Manitoga, the modernist home and woodland quarry garden of industrial designer, Russel Wright.

       Portland, Oregon with AHS host Tom Underwood August 12–16, 2009 For AHS President’s Council members only! Explore the Portland area’s lush public gardens including: The Oregon Garden, the International Rose Test Garden, and the Portland Classical , along with exquisite private gardens—including AHS Board Chair Susie Usrey’s personal garden. Tara Wing / Courtesy of Manitoga/The Russel Wright Design Center For more information about the President’s Council, contact Stephanie Perez Manitoga, Garrison, New York at (703) 768-5700 ext. 127.

For more information about the AHS Travel Study Program, visit www.hiddentreasuresbotanicaltours.com or call (573) 881-6316. AHS Annual Report Online AHS Gala to Feature Top Chef IN AN EFFORT to save resources, the AHS’s annual report, THE 2009 ANNUAL AHS fundraising gala, “Celebrating the which previously has been delivered with the March/April issue Elegance of Simplicity,” will be held on September 19 at the of The American Gardener, will be available online only this AHS’s River Farm headquarters in year, beginning April 1. The report will cover the 2008 fiscal Alexandria, Virginia. This elegant year, spanning July 1, 2007 to June 30, 2008. Visit www.ahs.org evening will include a menu creat- and click on “Organization Information” to view it as well as ed especially for the occasion by past annual reports. AHS members who do not have conve- Cathal Armstrong, co-owner and nient access to the Internet may request a printed copy of the Executive Chef of Restaurant Eve annual report by calling (703) 768-5700 ext. 119. and The Majestic in Old Town Alexandria. Armstrong was named one of the “best new chefs” by Food First Annual Community Green & Wine magazine in 2006 and se- ON JUNE 14, the AHS will hold its first annual Community lected to the magazine’s “Hall of Green at River Farm. This new tradition will be a fun-filled Fame” in 2008. event focused on , the Proceeds from the gala support environment, and how nature the AHS’s national educational pro- plays a part in our daily lives. Busi- Chef Cathal Armstrong grams and the stewardship of River nesses and organizations involved Farm. For more information about with “green,” eco-friendly products and services will offer in- the gala and to purchase tickets, e-mail [email protected] or call teractive activities for all ages, and visitors are encouraged to (703) 768-5700 ext. 114.  participate and ask questions. Look for more details in up- coming issues of The American Gardener and on the AHS web- News written by Associate Editor Viveka Neveln and Editorial site (www.ahs.org). Intern Talia Goldman. COURTESY OF RALPH ALSWANF Gifts of Note

In addition to vital support through membership dues, the American Horticultural Society relies on grants, bequests, and other gifts to support its programs. We would like to thank the following donors for gifts received between December 1, 2008 and January 31, 2009.

Mrs. Elaine T. Baillie Stanley Smith Horticultural Trust Mrs. Suzanne F. Bales Terra Design Studios, LLC Mr. and Mrs. Michael T. Bradshaw Mr. and Mrs. Tom Underwood Brent and Becky’s Bulbs Mr. and Mrs. W. Bruce Usrey Mr. and Mrs. Taylor Burke, III Ms. Angela M. Vikesland Mrs. Susan M. Cargill Mr. and Mrs. Robert D. Volk Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Farrell Ms. Katy Moss Warner Ms. Carolyn V. E. Foil Ms. Amy Goldman In Memory of Mr. David Margolis Mr. and Mrs. Richard W. Hanselman Kentshire Galleries, LTD Dr. and Mrs. William O. Hargrove Ms. Marta J. Lawrence In Memory of Dr. H. Marc Cathey Mr. and Mrs. Frank Nicolai Mr. and Mrs. Richard W. Hanselman Osmocote Mr. and Mrs. Charles Lewis Mr. and Mrs. Albin M. Plant Dr. and Mrs. Jesse N. McNiel Mr. and Mrs. Harry A. Rissetto Dr. and Mrs. Robert M. Peele, Jr. Mrs. Jeanne Otis Shields Mr. P. A. Smith Mr. Harold Stahly Ms. Julie Zeringue

If you would like to support the American Horticultural Society as part of your estate planning, as a tribute to a loved one, or as part of your annual commitment to charitable giving, please contact: Stephanie Perez, (703) 768-5700 ext. 127 or [email protected].

12 the American Gardener The American Horticultural Society’s 17th Annual National Children & Youth Garden Symposium

July 23–25, 2009 • Cleveland, Ohio Hosted by Cleveland Botanical Garden

For more information, visit www.ahs.org or call (703) 768-5700 ext. 137. 14 AHS 2009Great AmericanGardeners NationalAward Winners T 768-5700 ext.121. www.ahs.org/awards For more information,visit inAlexandria, quarters Virginia. at River Farm, theAHS’s head- Awards Ceremony andBanquet Great AmericanGardeners sented onJune 4duringthe in theirfields. outstanding achievements with- American gardening andtheir their passionatecommitmentto and conservation. We applaud sign, youth gardening, teaching, communication, landscapede- such asplantresearch, garden contributed significantlytofields American gardening. Eachhas these awards represent thebestin tions, andbusinesseswhoreceive Awards. Individuals, organiza- 2009 Great AmericanGardeners guished recipients oftheSociety’s proud toannouncethedistin- The 2009awards willbepre- the American Gardener CULTURAL SOCIETY HE AMERICANHORTI- or call(703) is T and leadership. exploration, administration, business, art, teaching, research, communications,plant three ofthefollowing horticultural fields: nificant lifetimecontributionstoatleast Given toanindividualwhohasmadesig- LIBERTY HYDEBAILEYAWARD North AmericanRock Garden Society (1994). Medal from theScottArboretum (2000)andtheMarcel LePiniec Award from the books. Amongthenumerous awards hehasreceived are Hoyt theArthur Scott tions andpopulargardening magazinesandcontributedchapterstoseveral garden plantssuitedtotheRockymotes new Mountain region. ning anddevelopment ofthePlant Select in Colorado,where hehasworked for29years inmanycapacities.At DBGhehas Kelaidis haswrittenmore publishedinplantsocietypublica- than100articles H ESSPECIAL NEWS AHS HIS YEAR’S is theseniorcuratoranddirector ofoutreach atDenver BotanicGardens (DBG) C Denver Botanic Gardens Denver Botanic Gardens recipient oftheAHS’s mostprestigious award, America, andEurope. Kelaidis wasinvolved intheplan- ditions withintheUnited States andinAfrica,South He discovered plantsonplanthuntingexpe- manynew African plants,especiallyiceplants phlox—he hasalsopromoted awareness ofhardy South buckwheats of Americannative plantstogeneralcultivation—from and shrubs. While Kelaidis hasintroduced aspectrum range from growing vegetables andcactitounusualtrees adjunct facultymemberofColoradoState University. a plantcollectionofmore than15,000taxa.He is alsoan inmajorgardenparticipated expansionsandhelpedamass His specialtyishighalpineplants,buthisinterests (Eriogonum ® program, whichintroduces andpro- spp.) topenstemonsand (Delosperma Panayoti Kelaidis spp.).

PHOTO OF PANAYOTI KELAIDIS COURTESY OF ROCKY MOUNTAIN NEWS. BOTTOM: COURTESY OF DENVER BOTANIC GARDENS LUTHER BURBANK AWARD G. B. GUNLOGSON AWARD LANDSCAPE DESIGN AWARD Recognizes extraordinary achievement in the Recognizes the innovative use of technology Given to an individual whose work has field of . to make home gardening more productive demonstrated and promoted the value of and successful. sound horticultural practices in the field of James R. Ault is the director of environ- . mental horticulture at the Chicago Botan- Soil Food Web, Inc., in Corvallis, Ore- ic Garden, located in gon, analyzes soil samples to determine Paul Comstock is the head of Comstock Glencoe, Illinois. His the presence of a Studio, a landscape architecture and research includes range of beneficial planning practice conventional plant soil organisms that that is part of the breeding, propaga- are key to sustainable ValleyCrest Design tion, evaluation, and landscapes. Led by Group in Malibu, exploration with an Elaine Ingham, the California. Formerly emphasis on North president and director of research, Soil the director of land- American native Food Web is a small business that grew scape design for Walt . His focus on interspecific hy- out of Ingham’s university research pro- Disney Imagineering, bridization has produced plants with grams. Working with collaborators Comstock is known unique traits, such as the first orange cone- around the world, Soil Food Web has for the natural artistry and cross-cultural flower, Echinacea Orange Meadowbrite®, drawn attention to the importance of liv- creativity of his designs. Among his most and the first three-species Echinacea hy- ing organisms in healthy soil and fostered significant projects is his design of Disney’s brid, Pixie Meadowbrite®. Prior to the the use of , , and Animal Kingdom, a botanically rich theme Chicago Botanic Garden, Ault was the compost tea as sustainable solutions to park in Orlando, Florida. In his work, he plant propagator-physiologist at Long- soil problems encountered by individual often draws inspiration from his years as a wood Gardens in Kennett Square, Penn- gardeners as well as larger public and pri- classically-trained, professional musician. sylvania, where he developed new for vate landscapes. Just as he would consider individual notes conservatory displays. and rhythms when writing a song, Com- stock says he considers the habit and eco- HORTICULTURAL THERAPY AWARD logical needs of each plant in order to PAUL ECKE JR. COMMERCIAL AWARD Recognizes significant contributions to the compose landscapes that are both evoca- Given to an individual or company whose field of horticultural therapy. tive and horticulturally sound. commitment to the highest standards of ex- cellence in the field of commercial horticul- Karen L. Kennedy has spent 23 years ture contributes to the betterment of using horticultural therapy to improve MERITORIOUS SERVICE AWARD gardening practices everywhere. the lives of peo- Recognizes a past Board member or friend of ple with disabil- the American Horticultural Society for out- Ronald E. Gass is president of Mountain ities and chronic standing service in support of the Society’s States Wholesale Nursery in Litchfield illnesses. Cur- goals, mission, and activities. Park, , rently, she is the which specializes manager of Carol F. Carter Morrison of Barrington, in desert-adapt- wellness pro- Illinois, served on the AHS Board of Di- ed native and ex- grams at the rectors from 1999 to otic plants. Since Holden Arbore- 2008. During that time, co-founding the tum in Kirtland, she was active in several nursery in 1969, Ohio. She also AHS committees, in- Gass has col- teaches introduction and programming cluding serving as chair laborated with courses in horticultural therapy for the of the membership botanists and Horticultural Therapy Institute in Den- committee. A business other nursery ver, Colorado. She serves as a mentor for consultant who works owners to collect professionals and interns training in the with executives and managers of large in- and propagate field and speaks about horticultural ther- ternational corporations and government water-thrifty plants throughout the apy topics regionally and nationally. She entities, her group facilitation skills allowed Southwest and Mexico in an effort to pro- has served on the American Horticultur- her to make exceptional contributions to mote their use in American gardens and al Therapy Association’s (AHTA) board the Society’s strategic planning processes, landscapes. His work has resulted in the in- of directors and on various committees to the increased effectiveness of the AHS’s troduction of more than 150 new varieties for the organization. Kennedy received governing Board, and fostering construc- of plants over the years, many of which the AHTA’s Rhea McCandliss Profes- tive dialogue when the Board was faced have become popular landscape plants. sional Services Award in 1994. with difficult decisions.

March / April 2009 15 B. Y. MORRISON JANE L. TAYLOR AWARD URBAN BEAUTIFICATION AWARD COMMUNICATION AWARD Given to an individual, organization, or Given to an individual, institution, or com- Recognizes effective and inspirational program that has inspired and nurtured fu- pany for significant contributions to urban communication—through print, radio, ture horticulturists through efforts in chil- horticulture and the beautification of Amer- television, and/or online media—that ad- dren’s and youth gardening. ican cities. vances public interest and participation in horticulture. Shawn Akard is the outdoor education America in Bloom (AIB) is an indepen- coordinator for Hollin Meadows Science dent, non-profit organization based in Since 1972, William C. Welch has and Math Focus Columbus, Ohio, dedi- taught horticulture at Texas A&M Uni- School in Alexan- cated to promoting na- versity and he cur- dria, Virginia. The tionwide beautification rently works for the school’s Outdoor programs and personal Texas AgriLife Ex- Education Program and community involve- tension Service in started out in 2005 ment through the use of College Station. as a volunteer effort , plants, trees, and He has written to beautify school other environmental and lifestyle en- several garden books, grounds with native Virginia species. hancements. AIB provides educational including Perennial Under Akard’s leadership, it has grown to programs, resources, and the challenge of Garden Color (Taylor include numerous working gardens that a friendly competition between partici- Trade Publishing, serve as active outdoor classrooms for 1988), and Antique Roses for the South (Tay- 600 students and a resource for the com- lor, 1990). Welch is also the editor of the munity at large. This program is serving Southern Garden website and he con- as a successful model and Akard is work- tributes regularly to Southern Living mag- ing with other local schools to establish azine and numerous other publications. their own children’s gardening programs. Welch makes frequent presentations to garden clubs and nursery industry groups, and in 2008 he received the Garden Club TEACHING AWARD of America Distinguished Service Medal. Given to an individual whose ability to share his or her horticultural knowledge with others has contributed to a better pub- PROFESSIONAL AWARD lic understanding of the plant world and its Given to a public garden administrator important influence on society. whose achievements during the course of his 20072007AIB AIB award-winningaward-winning or her career have cultivated widespread in- Michael N. Dana teaches horticulture in community Kirkwood, Missouri terest in horticulture. the department of horticulture and land- scape architecture at pating communities across the country. Since 1990, Claire Sawyers has been direc- Purdue University in In the first eight years of the program, tor of the Scott Arboretum of Swarthmore West Lafayette, Indi- more than 160 communities have partic- College in Swarth- ana. With colleagues ipated in AIB, touching the lives of an es- more, Pennsylvania. in landscape archi- timated 21 million people across the Prior to joining the tecture and history, country. Scott Arboretum, she Dana developed a worked at Mt. Cuba multidisciplinary Center, in Greenville, study-abroad course Delaware, for seven in English landscape years. She is the au- and garden history that has been taught Nominations for 2010 thor of The Authentic bi-annually for nearly a decade. A simi- If you would like to nominate someone Garden: Five Principles for Cultivating a lar travel-study course for Master Gar- for one of the 2010 Great American Gar- Sense of Place (Timber Press, 2007) which deners grew out of that program and has deners Awards, please visit our website draws from her varied garden experiences. recently expanded to include French gar- (www.ahs.org) and click on “Awards” She has been recognized with distin- den history. Dana received the Purdue for more information. The deadline for guished alumni awards from Purdue Uni- University Outstanding Academic submissions is September 25, 2009. versity (2008, 1999) and the University of Counselor Award in 2001 for his under- Delaware (2001), and received the Garden graduate teaching and advising and the Club of America Zone V Horticulture Silver Seal from the National Association

Commendation Award (2008). of State Garden Clubs in 1992. PHOTO OF KIRKWOOD, MISSOURI, COURTESY BILL RUPPERT

16 the American Gardener 2009 AHS Book Award Winners

Each year, the American Horticultural Society recognizes outstanding gardening books published in North America with its annual Book Award. Nominated books are judged by the AHS Book Award Committee on qualities such as writing style, au- thority, accuracy, and physical quality. This year’s four recipients, selected from books published in 2008, are listed below. The 2009 Book Award Committee was chaired by Marty Ross, a regional contributor for Better Homes & Gardens and writer for Universal Press Syndicate who lives in Kansas City, Missouri, and in Hayes, Virginia. Other committee members were Scott Calhoun, a and author based in Tucson, Arizona; Thomas Cooper of Watertown, Massachusetts, former editor of Horticulture and The Gardener magazine; Jane Glasby, associate librarian for the Helen Crocker Russell Li- brary of Horticulture in San Francisco, California; Doug Green, a garden writer and online media entrepreneur based in Stel- la, Ontario; Doreen Howard of Roscoe, Illinois, a former garden editor for Woman’s Day who writes for various garden publications; and Irene Virag, a Pulitzer Prize-winning writer for Newsday who lives in Fort Salonga, New York.

Hardy Succulents by Gwen Moore Kelaidis. Storey Publish- Native Ferns, Moss & Grasses by William Cullina. Houghton ing, North Adams, Massachusetts. Mifflin, Boston, Massachusetts.

“Hardy succulents finally get the close-ups they’ve long de- “This timely contribution to works on native plants gathers in- served,” says Irene Virag. “Saxon Holt’s photographs are a stun- formation on important but neglected groups of plants not read- ning complement to Gwen Moore ily found elsewhere,” says Jane Glasby. She Kelaidis’s words—together they inform also found the book’s appendices useful, and inspire,” Virag adds. “This book “particularly the descriptions and tables pushes the boundaries beyond what has about cultivation and propagation.” “Culli- been done before on this subject,” says na’s plant portraits are fun to read as well Doug Green. “There was a real effort to as informative, which makes this more than pay attention to gardeners in colder cli- just a reference book,” says Irene Virag. mates where succulents are a challenge,” notes Tom Cooper. Doreen Howard adds, “It’s a gorgeous book “I was also struck by the effective use of boxes and captions, with first-class photography.” which have lots of useful information in them,” he adds. Plant-Driven Design by Scott Ogden and Lauren Springer Heirloom Tomato by Amy Goldman. Bloomsbury USA, New Ogden. Timber Press, Portland, Oregon. York, New York. “This book bucks a big trend in that empha- “Much like Amy Goldman’s previous award-winning books sizes hardscaping over plants,” says Scott Calhoun. “I was on melons and squash, this book is pretty enough to be a cof- particularly impressed by the extensive fee-table book, but it is also a first-rate plant lists and the authoritative, com- gardening book,” says Marty Ross. “It is pelling tone of the book,” Calhoun authoritative without being academic, adds. “The authors constantly bring up and its photography and layout are ex- the idea of drawing influence from na- ceptional,” says Scott Calhoun. Jane ture, reminding us we are all part of Glasby notes that this book is “a celebra- something larger,” notes Marty Ross. tion of biodiversity, with notes on origins Tom Cooper notes, “It’s a useful and and physical details, and best uses with adventurous book, with terrific photo- appropriate recipes included.” graphy to illustrate its ideas.”

Citation of Special Merit The AHS Book Award is given to publishers for a single book published in a specific year. However, the AHS Book Award Committee is also recognizing two reference books, whose various editions have made sig- nificant contributions to horticultural literature over time, with a Citation of Special Merit.

The Garden Primer by Barbara Damrosch. Workman Publish- Herbaceous Perennial Plants by Allan M. Armitage. Stipes ing, New York, New York. First published in 1988, this book Publishing, Champaign, Illinois. Like the two previous edi- has become a gardening classic, presenting a wealth of gar- tions released in 1989 and 1997, the 2008 edition of this dening knowledge in a clear and concise manner. The new treasured reference on perennial plants is a definitive guide edition, published in 2008, builds upon the original’s strong to the hundreds of herbaceous perennial species and culti- foundation while incorporating the latest organic practices. vars known and grown in North America. 

March / April 2009 17 18 these NorthAmericannativesfortheirbeauty andwildlifebenefits. If you’recreatingawaterfeature—orredesigninganexistingone—considerincluding some of A plants soldthroughout theworldare ment sincethemid-1990s. ofthe watergardenintegral part move- the continentalUnited States have beenan with native plants,aquaticplantsnative to thanks toanincreasing desire togarden ter ahealthyaquaticecosystem.And toenhanceitsbeautyandfos- on itssurface The eye-catching, yellow-and-whitespikelikeflowers ofgoldenclubemergelike tentaclesalongtheshallowedges ofpondsinspring. Serendipitously, mostoftheaquatic the American Gardener POND WITHOUT and greenery alongitsedgesand and greenery a poolofwater. It needsflowers Native Plants Water Gardens plants isjust become thugsinnaturalareas. tential toescapefrom ourgardens and beauty, wildlifehabitat, andreduced po- aquatic plantsliesinwhat they offer: in thiscase.Theappealof our native yards—or streams, ponds,andwetlands discovering whatexistsinourback- to lookelsewhere forbeautyinsteadof habitofgardenersa perverse everywhere the attentionofAmericangardeners. It’s won accoladesinEurope before gaining North Americannatives. Some ofthese much biggertheyare.” amazed athow muchprettier andhow take themoutandcultivate them,you’re Bloomington, Indiana. “But when you Hilltop Garden andNature Centerin of Plants Greg Speichert, co-authorof them aren’t pretty inthewild,”explains ance intheirnaturalhabitat.“Some of aesthetic potentialbasedontheirappear- plants, it’s nottoprejudge important their When consideringnative watergarden for BY LISAALBERT and director of Encyclopedia

ROB CARDILLO DONNA KRISCHAN vasives, seethebox onthispage.) their presence isknown. (For more on in- gressive plantstogainaroothold before heit deepbelow allowing thesurface, ag- temperatures couldbe45degrees Fahren- plants. Even inbitterlycoldwinters, pond ed by climateinthesamewayasterrestrial come invasive. Aquatic plants aren’t affect- lect amore appropriate native iris. however, southshouldse- anyone further cent shotatgrowing thisiriswith success; of 15hourssummersun,soIhave ade- Tualatin, Oregon, garden getsanaverage quires 16ormore hoursofsunlight.My Maine, New Hampshire, and Alaska,re- instance, Arctic iris cases, thedaysjustaren’t longenough.For or thelocalwater’s pHisallwrong. In some nights are toocool,thesummerswarm, native range.Some mayfailtothrive: the suitable forgrowing outsidetheirlocalized continental United States andCanadaare continent, andnotallplantsnative tothe reinforce caveat: Thisisabig animportant Before moving ontotheplants,Iwant THINK REGIONAL Pickerel weed’sspikesofdeeppurpleflowersmakeitonethemostpopularaquaticplants. Other plants grow sowell thattheybe- (Iris setosa), native to is toodirty, however, photosynthesisisin- foliage iscompletely covered. If thewater untiltheir tracting soilandotherparticles cally chargedduringphotosynthesis, at- dust busters:theirfoliagebecomes stati- peting undesired algae.Theyare effective through theirroots andleaves, out-com- ity. Theyefficientlyabsorbnutrients but theyare keyto waterqualityandclar- are oftenoverlooked forshowier aquatics, derwater, thesebehind-the-scenesworkers Because they live almostcompletelyun- SUBMERGED PLANTS tures towhichthey are bestadapted. nized by thedifferent areas ofwaterfea- arrived on the scenemore recently. ing native plantstatus—orwhetherit ca—the standard definitionfordetermin- European settlerscametoNorth Ameri- tion inremote areas wasinexistence before discoveredwhether anewly plantpopula- some casesitisalsodifficulttodetermine as theyare forterrestrial native plants.In tive waterplantsaren’t aswell documented Now ontotheplantsthemselves, orga- Additionally, thenaturalrangesforna- thor of ments,” saysEamonnHughes,co-au- could beproblematicinwildenviron- fort topurgeourcatalogofspeciesthat nationwide. Wemadeadeterminedef- a lotofinvasivespecieswerebeingsold escape anddamagelocalecosystems. of whichischoosingplantsthatwon’t come withsomeresponsibilities,one and joytohomeowners,buttheydo Water gardensbringlifeto AVOIDING INVASIVES jellyfish Streams features. Hediscoveredjellyfish—yes, hitchhiker canfinditswayintowater surprising exampleofhoweasilya brought fromoverseas.” piggybacked inonotherplantmaterial brought inasornamentalplantsor invasive speciesthathaveeitherbeen land plants—becauseofthedanger there arealotofNorthwestnativewet- to increasetheuseofnativematerial— Gardens inTualatin,Oregon.“Wetried hitching aride. trash. Youneverknowwhatcould be where butthecompostheap orthe plants—native orotherwise—any- vasive intheirarea.” they shouldn’tbuymaterialthatisin- sponsible stewardsofthewaterways, Hughes. “Iftheyaregoingtobere- ly, andbringingintotheirponds,”says they arebuying,eitheronlineorlocal- state andFederalweedlaws. there arevendorsthatneglecttofollow lists periodically.And,unfortunately, eral weedcontrolagenciesupdate regulations aren’tstatic;stateandFed- your state’snoxiousweedlist,too.These ic states.However,it’swisetocheck plants areprohibitedforsaletospecif- alogs andontheirwebsitesifparticular the UnitedStates. structing waterfeaturesinEuropeand spite 36yearsofdesigningandcon- never seen,norexpectedtosee,de- “In themid-1990s,wenoticedthat Hughes experiencedarecent,very And never,everdumpwater “People needtobecarefulofwhat Many nurserieswillnoteintheircat- Waterfalls, Fountains, Pools & Pools Fountains, Waterfalls, —in hispond,somethinghe’d and ownerofHughesWater March / April 2009 —L.A. 19 20 the waterwillpickupoxygen.” water circulate, letitsplash.That’s how duction. Thebestthingtodoisletthe should notberelied onforoxygen pro- are beneficialbut Thomas. “They er, theyconsumeoxygen atnight,”notes duce aniceamountofoxygen…howev- presence ofsunlight,theseplantsdopro- Garden Society. “It’s thaninthe true the International Waterlily andWater Adamstown, andfounderof Maryland, of LilyponsWater Gardens in Gardeners International, chief forthe ing, saysCharlesB.Thomas,editor-in- called oxygenators, butthisismislead- andtheplantseventually die. terrupted www.tricker.com. OH. (800)524-3492. William Tricker,Inc., www.waterlilyfarm.com. NY. (631)261-7432. Scherer, S.,&Sons,Inc., www.paradisewatergardens.com. MA. (800)955-0161. Paradise WaterGardens, 999-5450. Lilypons, 245-5814. Aqua Mart,Inc., Sources www.watergardenersinternational.org. Water GardenersInternational, York, New1999. Hughes. SterlingPublishing,New Streams Waterfalls, Fountains,Pools& Gardening Society, International WaterlilyandWater Oregon, 2004. Speichert. TimberPress,Portland, by GregSpeichertandSue Encyclopedia ofWaterGardenPlants Resources Submerged plantsare sometimes the American Gardener by HelenNashandEamonn Adamstown, MD.(800) www.lilypons.com. www.lilypons.com. www.aqua-mart.com. Online Journal ofWater Orlando, FL.(800) www.iwgs.org. Independence, past president Whitman, Northport, attractive marginalplant.Awesternnative,itgrowsbestwhere summernightsarecool. Spreading slowlytoformmoundedclumps,umbrellaplant( mersum, (Ceratophyllum12–6) andhornwort de- ana, issufficient. feet ofwatersurface twosquare ponds, onebunchforevery are 100square feetandsmaller. For larger square forpondsthat footofwatersurface bunch ofsubmergedplantsforevery form large mats with no true roots in form largemats withnotrue es ofthick,dark green, bristlyfoliage America andmuchoftheworld. Branch- side itsnative range. plants. It’s bannedinseveral statesout- Even smallfragmentswillproduce new built,cleanponds. especially innewly come weedy even withinitsnative range, merged aquatic” butwarnsthat itcanbe- calls ita“versatile andattractive sub- shade inoneto10feetofwater. Speichert insummer.surface It grows insun or with yellow centersappearon ornearthe undersides. Abundant tinywhiteflowers deep green withdark red orpurple eastern United States, hasfan-shaped, ing themtodotheirjoballover again. pond, thenrinsethemoffbefore return- a buckettoscooptheplantsfrom the and pondinonequick,slickaction,use best watercleaners.To cleantheplants Carolina fanwort (CabombaCarolina carolini- fanwort Thomas recommends atleastone Hornwort isnative throughout North nativeCarolina tothesouth- fanwort, USDA Zones 6–11,AHSZones Zones 6–9,9–6)are twoofthe terlilies, lotuses, andwaterlilylikeplants— states from Florida toCalifornia. major waterpest,bannedinwarm winter point: thenon-native waterhyacinthis a and alsoareason forcaution.Casein adaptation uniquetothisplant category— depth isnotalimitingfactorforthem,an bloom andkeepingthepondclear. Water limitingalgae filter suspendedparticles, Their danglingroots drawinnutrientsand in thepondandletthemfloataround. grow. Potting isunnecessary, justtossthem Floating plantsare amongtheeasiestto ANDDEEPWATERFLOATING PLANTS slowly moving water. easy grower thrives infullsunandtolerates summer justabove thewater’s This surface. inch diameter, whiteflowers willappearin planted attherightdepth,showy, half- that are fourinchestosixfeetdeep. If latifolia), cousin ofthemore familiararrowhead Zones 5–11,12–5),aNorth American Pacific tree frogs. for my pondandafavorite eggrepository ic life.It’s beenanexcellent in performer valuable habitatforfishandotheraquat- it sinkstothepondbottom,providing flowers appearinmidsummer. In winter, to 10feetdeep. Tiny whitetocreamy shadedpondsfrom one sunny topartly Deep-water plants—which includewa- Dwarf sagittaria(Sagittaria subulata, Dwarf carpets thebottomsofponds Darmera peltata), peltata), Darmera center, isan (S.

JERRY PAVIA are sometimes incorrectly called float- ing plants because their foliage floats on the pond surface; however, their roots are anchored in soil. Water depth requirements vary, but in gen- eral they prefer still water. Whether their roots dangle below the water surface or grow in soil, these plants serve similar purposes. They shade the pond, block ultraviolet light, and shelter pond life from predators. Reducing ultraviolet light, along with reducing the nutrient level, helps control the growth of algae. Shaded water is cooler, and cooler water holds more oxygen than American lotus, above, has been used warm water. Although it might seem, to develop many attractive hybrids then, that completely covering a such as ‘Louise Slocum’, left. pond’s surface would be best for pond denizens, too many plants deplete grows best in a couple of feet of water oxygen from the water, potentially re- in sun or part shade. ducing it to insufficient levels for fish American lotus (Nelumbo lutea, and other aquatic animals. As a gen- Zones 4–11, 12–1) is an enchantress eral rule, cover about one-third of the red in sunlight and in fall. It’s a delicate- with large, wavy-edged round foliage, pale water surface with floating and deep-water looking plant that can be invasive; high to medium yellow flowers in summer, and plants. Container water gardens without water turbidity and low nitrogen levels intriguing seedheads. The flowers appear aquatic life are an exception; you can fill may limit its growth. Remove excess above the foliage and play a game of peek- every inch of water surface. plants by net or pond skimmer and add a-boo during their three- to four-day life Fairy moss (Azolla caroliniana, Zones them to garden beds—they dry out and span, their color fading as they age. After 4–11, 12–1) is a floating fern native to the break down almost instantly, like grass the drop away, the lotus seedpods are eastern half of the United States from clippings—or to the compost heap. decorative in their own right, gradually Texas to New England and as far north as Little floating heart (Nymphoides corda- changing from yellow to green to brown. Wisconsin and Michigan. Tiny bright ta, Zones 6–10, 10–4), is native to much of Native to the eastern United States, Amer- green leaves that look like a cross between eastern North America. Its dainty two-inch ican lotus is a heat lover, growing best miniaturized arborvitae branches and leaves look like miniature lily pads and it where summers are hot and humid. Plant

ESSLER; BETSY STRAUCH; JOSEPH G. STRAUCH, JR. spikemoss (Selaginella kraussiana) turn bears starlike white flowers in summer. It it in a container to control its root spread

Covering some water surface with plants is important for keeping water gardens healthy. Above left: Fairy moss, a floating fern, appears

TOP (2): PERRY D. SLOCUM / COURTESY OF TIMBER PRESS. BOTTOM, LEFT TO RIGHT: COURTESY OF ALAN CR TOP (2): PERRY D. SLOCUM / COURTESY OF TIMBER PRESS. BOTTOM, LEFT TO RIGHT: ALAN kaleidoscopic. Above center: Cow lily is also known as spatterdock and pond lily. Above right: Little floating heart has dainty pads and flowers.

March / April 2009 21 before placing it in your pond. hot weather, their growth gener- Start young plants in shallow ally diminishing each year until water—an inch or two over the they completely fade away. Hot soil surface—then gradually weather-loving natives include move them to deeper water as the mallows (Hibiscus coccineus and stems lengthen. Thomas finds H. moscheutos), and irises such that once established, they per- as copper iris (I. fulva), the form well in six to 12 inches of iris hybrids, and Vir- water. Crosses between American ginia iris (Iris virginica). lotus and other hybrids have A grassy shoreline filled with yielded several popular selections, open, reedlike plants, such as including those developed by the sweet flag (Acorus calamus, A. late water lily and lotus hybridiz- americanus), rush (Juncus effusus, er Perry D. Slocum. J. patens) and water willow (Jus- North American native cow- ticia americana), provides im- lily (Nuphar lutea, Zones 3–9, portant habitat for frogs and 9–1) has waterlilylike leaves (it is a other amphibians. member of the waterlily family) Lizard tail (Saururus cernu- that either float or are held an us, Zones 2–11, 12–1), native to inch or two above the water. the eastern U.S., has heart- Sphere-shaped, bright yellow shaped leaves and nodding flowers appear in summer two to spikes of sweetly scented, white four inches above the water. It can spread Monkey flowers such as ‘Lothian Fire’ thrive flowers that bloom for about a month in up to six feet wide with pond depths of one in shallow, moving water in part shade. summer. Lizard tail spreads by under- to two feet. ground runners, growing 12 to 36 inches ions, but they are great for growing in con- tall. Plant it in moist soil or water up to MARGINAL PLANTS tainers and bogs (to learn how to grow six inches deep in sun to part shade, The margins of water features are suited to pitcher plants, click on “The Potted Bog,” though it will flower even in deep shade. the broadest selection of native water gar- a web special linked to this article on the Native to northern and western re- den plants. This grouping of plants goes by AHS website at www.ahs.org). gions of the United States, bog bean several different labels: shallow water Umbrella plant (Darmera peltata and (Menyanthes trifoliata, Zones 4–8, 8–1) is plants, bog plants, and marginals; the last its cultivar ‘Nana’), floating marsh a low-growing, clump-forming aquatic term is the one I have chosen to use. marigold (Caltha natans), cowslip (Caltha Speichert describes these plants as the palustris), and skunk cabbage (Lysichiton “most misunderstood and underrated americanus) are good bets in regions with components of the aquatic landscape.” cool summer nights, but they will pout in He points out that “they are good for soil stabilization and water filtration, they add habi- tat diversity for animals and insects…they are the border perennials for the pond, they come into flower early, late, and add textural interest.” Marginals grow in moist soils or in varying depths of water over their crowns. Most are fairly easy to grow in ponds with roughly neutral pH but there are exceptions—such as pitcher plants (Sarracenia spp.) and northern calla lily (Calla palustris)—that demand acidic conditions. Pitcher plants, as well as other carnivorous plants, also grow Above: Marsh marigold signals spring in best in fertile soil. These requirements can temperate regions. Right: Drooping flower

make them fairly tricky pond compan- spikes distinguish lizard tail. TOP AND BOTTOM RIGHT: COURTESY OF GREG SPEICHERT. LEFT: JERRY PAVIA

22 the American Gardener MORE NATIVE PLANT CHOICES FOR WATER GARDENS These plants are suited to the margins of ponds or in bog gardens or moist containers; all tolerate wet feet and some (marked with an asterisk) will grow in shallow standing water. They all prefer full sun, except where noted.

Name Height Features Origin USDA Zones/ (feet) AHS Zones *Acorus calamus ‘Variegatus’ 2–3 clump-forming; irislike foliage selection of broadly 3–10, 10–2 (sweet rush) is variegated cream and green native species Bacopa caroliniana 1-11/2 groundcover with lemon-scented southeastern U.S. 9–11, 11–7 (lemon bacopa) foliage and purple flowers *Crinum americanum 1–3 clump-forming with upright leaves; 4-inch southeastern U.S. 8–11, 12–7 (Southern swamp lily) white flowers bloom in late summer *Darmera peltata ‘Nana’ 2–3 pinkish white flower clusters in early California, Oregon, 7–9, 9–7 (umbrella plant, summer; rounded, toothed leaves open and Utah Indian rhubarb) after bloom *Decodon verticillatus 3–4 shrubby perennial with willowlike eastern and central 3–10, 10–3 (water willow, leaves; tufted dark pink flowers U.S. swamp loosestrife) bloom in late summer Hibiscus coccineus 6–8 large deep red flowers bloom in late southeastern U.S. 6–11, 11–5 (Swamp hibiscus, summer on semi-woody stems scarlet rose mallow) *Iris fulva 1–2 clump-forming with linear leaves; southeastern and 5–10, 10–4 (copper iris) pinkish red flowers bloom in early summer central U.S. Mimulus guttatus 1–3 annual or perennial with yellow flowers; western North America 7–9, 9–7 (yellow monkey flower, needs full to part shade seep monkey flower) *Peltandra virginica 2–3 clump-forming plant with arrowhead- eastern and central 4–10, 10–3 (bog arum, shaped leaves; hooded flower often North America green arrow arum) hidden by foliage *Thalia dealbata 2–5 clump-forming with gray-green leaves southern and 5–10, 10–5 (purple thalia, powdery and purple flowers; sun to part shade central U.S. alligator flag)

that will grow two to three feet out into GOING BEYOND THE ORDINARY the water with its roots dangling below, With such a wonderful selection of na- giving small fish a great place to hide. tive water garden plants to grace our gar- Pink flower buds open to fragrant, white dens, gardeners should look beyond the blooms in early summer just above the familiar pickerel weed (Pontederia corda- foliage. Plant in one to three inches of ta) and cattails (Typha latifolia) to dis- water in sun to part shade. cover other aquatics that merit greater Golden club (Orontium aquaticum, use. Some are widely available but you Zones 6–10, 10–4) is a tightly growing, may need to seek out less common choic- clumping marginal species with velvety, es at native plant nurseries or mail-order lance-shaped foliage up to 18 inches companies. With careful selection and tall.This arum family member is native artful blending of shapes, textures, and from Massachusetts south to the Gulf colors of foliage and flowers, your pond Coast and Texas, but is listed as endan- will become a water garden that appeals gered in several states. Its intriguing to the senses, sustains wildlife, and treads white flower spikes, which terminate in lightly on the natural world.  a golden yellow spadix, appear in sum- mer. Plant this easy grower in water up A freelance writer based in Tualatin, Ore- to 12 inches deep. It will grow best in gon, Lisa Albert is a contributing writer for Bog bean bears fragrant, curious-looking sun to part shade, although it can sur- Sunset magazine and the Sunset Western

COURTESY OF GREG SPEICHERT white flowers in summer. vive in deep shade. Garden Book.

March / April 2009 23 24 breeders CharlesandMarthaOliver, above. Primrose Path,thehomeandnursery ofplant western Pennsylvaniatestgardens at A tapestryofheucheras,top,grows inthe Shade-loving Natives mining thepotentialof Shade-loving Natives mining thepotentialof BY GRAHAMRICE BY GRAHAMRICE the American Gardener involvement withlikemindedplant buffsingroups suchastheNorth American Rock business,their sights andinspiration withthosetheyencountered through theirnursery mote locationsthroughout North America.Alongthewaytheyhave shared theirin- plants andplantcommunities bothintheirbackyard and onplanthuntingtripstore- gardeners colorsandtextures toaddnew totemperategardens around theworld. er have quietlylaunchedanexciting rangeoffoliageandflowering plantsthathasinspired marily onAmericannative plants.From thisisolatedlocation,CharlesandMartha Oliv- now liesthePrimrose Path, andplantbreeding operationfocusingpri- a small nursery shops, fuelledby localcoke,were all significantlocalindustriesfordecades. less businessmethods.Brass andsilver works, steelandiron factories,andmachine by HenryClayFrick,tury onceknown as“America’s mosthatedman” forhisruth- ofthecoalindustry,one timetheheartland inthelate19thandearly20thcen- run I palette ofAmerica’s shade-lovingnativewildflowers. Without fanfare,Charlesand MarthaOliverhaveexpandedthe For more than20years, theOlivers have dedicatedthemselves tothestudyofnative At theend ofthegravel track,nestledinwoodsgrowing onthespoilfrom themines, N AQUIET prosperous oftheKeystone state.Thisarea part southeastofPittsburgh wasat road inwhatusedtobeahighlyindustrializedmarked and track offacountry corner ofWestmoreland County, Pennsylvania, there isanun-

PHOTOS ON THIS PAGE AND OPPOSITE: JUDYWHITE 1914 and the woods have since re-assert- Olivers discontinued the retail mail-order ed themselves. The fundamental soil is side of their business to concentrate on derived from a mix of shale, coal, sand- breeding and supplying young plants to stone, and limestone—with a pH that wholesale growers. varies from neutral to acidic—but the Most of the plants raised at Primrose residue of mining operations has left an Path are propagated by tissue culture. Tiny unusual balance of metals that causes pieces are cut from the growing point of some new plantings to grow well at first the plant and placed under lights in ster- before root growth stops. ile conditions on a nutrient medium. Because of the demanding nature of They can then be repeatedly split in the their breeding program, the Olivers have same sterile conditions, allowing a large created raised beds filled with their own number of plants to be propagated quick- soil mix for their trial gardens. This en- ly. Each plantlet is then transferred into sures that any observed variation in indi- compost and grown on in the . vidual plants derives from the plants The Olivers have their own tissue cul- themselves and not from the mixed lega- ture laboratory, housed rather incongru- cy of coal mining. ously, in an old barn. Here they maintain stocks of their varieties so that virus-free, THE PRIMROSE PATH true-to-name material can be supplied to When Charles and Martha Oliver moved other laboratories and wholesale growers. to the property in 1972, they initially ran a laboratory for testing drinking water. PLANT BREEDING They launched the Primrose Path nurs- In all, the Olivers have now introduced ery in 1985. more than 80 new plants, including 39 Charles majored in biology at Harvard, heucheras (six became available to garden- then, anticipating a career in college teach- ers for the first time this year), 19 foam- ing, he earned a doctorate from Yale spe- flowers (Tiarella spp.), nine heucherellas cializing in the evolutionary genetics of (✕Heucherella spp.)—intergeneric crosses butterflies and moths. But he had started between heucheras and foamflowers—12 growing native plants at an early age and phlox, and a variety of other plants. joined the American Fern Society while The success of their breeding program still in high school. Martha earned a mas- is evident from the growing list of whole- ter’s degree in English at the University of sale growers that have signed on to sell their Pennsylvania, taught English, and has writ- plants, including Blooms of Bressingham, ten for many publications. Through study Walters Gardens, Skagit Gardens, and Garden Society (NARGS), and their lec- of native plants in the wild, she developed North Creek Nurseries. In 2008, Mon- tures to garden groups and college stu- a rich understanding of their communities. rovia, one of the largest wholesale plant dents. But they have influenced a much Martha also named the nursery, inspired broader audience—gardeners around the by a passage in Shakespeare’s Hamlet. world who grow any of their numerous At first the Olivers grew and sold a wide plant introductions—through their plant range of perennials, but it became clear breeding work. that a more specialized focus was needed. So they drew on their love of native plants IN THE AFTERMATH OF MINING and their location in extensive woodlands At the Primrose Path, the house, nursery, to concentrate on native shade plants. garden, and nature intermingle seamless- Perhaps unsurprisingly, Charles’s back- ly. In spring, the woods are carpeted with ground in genetics influenced him to phlox that spread almost up to the door. look for ways of improving native plants. In early fall, the wingstem (Verbesina al- His first introductions came in 1988. ternifolia) is like headhigh streaks of but- These included a dwarf form of blue lo- ter spread across the tree foliage; it stands belia (Lobelia siphilitica), still growing in alongside the tomatoes in the vegetable the garden at Primrose Path, and selec- garden and sneaks up to the big shade tions of native phlox: Phlox ✕procumbens house where potential new introductions ‘Rosamund’ and P. subulata ‘Allegheny are being assessed. Smoke’ and ‘Green Ridge’. This was also A century ago, this 107-acre tract was the year Charles and Martha introduced In the tissue-culture laboratory, Charles Oliver deep-mined for coal. Mining ended in their first hybrid heucheras. In 2001, the examines flasks filled with plant cuttings.

March / April 2009 25 26 Heuchera selections released byMonrovialastyear. of adaptationtotherigorswild. take advantage oftheirthousandsyears have created garden new plantsthatcan valuable ornamentalfeatures, theOlivers ly nothybridize—and usingformswith ly grow together—andsowouldnormal- different regions thatwouldnot normal- tures orgrown from wild-collectedseed. of plantsselectedinthewildforspecialfea- their property. Most, however, are hybrids species, have beendiscovered growing on that hasashorter, bushierhabitthanthe exceptional selection of ductions, suchas‘October Skies’, an tive oftheOlivers’ species.Afew intro- breeding atPrimrose Path is basedonna- interesters isofparticular tous.” says Staddon, “butCharles’s focusonflow- been donewithfoliagecolorinheucheras,” er andmore attractive flowers. “A lothas ducing—a vigorous growth habitandlarg- Oliver-bred heucherasMonrovia isintro- Staddon, twoattributesdistinguishthe plantintroductions.new According to Nicholas Staddon, Monrovia’s director of brids thatare already inthebusiness,”says plant speciesratherthanjustcrossing hy- which focusesonincludingindigenous the Olivers wastheirbreeding program, tic’—in plantintroductions. itslineofnew ‘Caroline’, ‘Moonlight’, and‘Rose Majes- of theOlivers’ Spires’, heucheras—‘Crystal suppliers inNorth America,includedfour of as native tothe easternUnited States, such in thegarden. By usingasparents species velop plants thatare toughandreliable of thebreeding program hasbeentode- aims the beginning,oneofprimary have always beentheirpriority, andfrom Heucheras, sometimescalledcoralbells, HEUCHERAS ered formofH. the bestsilvered foliagewithapinkflow- early introductions, “and grew thosewith West Virginia,” saysCharles,recalling his from Larenim Park intheshalebarrens of are naturallyhardy. H. pubescensandhigh-altitudeforms H. alba Bringing togethernative speciesfrom Almost alltheselectionandplant initiallypiquedmyinterest in “What “I’d collectedseedsof the American Gardener ‘Moonlight’ was oneoffour and H. villosa, ✕ brizoides. oblongifolius Aster the selections H. pubescens From that pink orwhiteflowers. foliage lightlymarbledinsilver andwith came the‘Larenim Hybrids’, withgreen attractive silvered green foliageandun- Marble’,‘White introduced in1995,with marbled ✕ from aplantgrowingontheirproperty. The Oliversselected‘OctoberSkies’aster brizoides “At aboutthesametime,Ialsogrew H. H. pubescens ‘White Cloud’ alongsidethe ‘White and thisgave us introduced in1997,theymingledthe scendent ‘Harmonic Convergence’ were ers. By thetime‘Quilter’s Joy’ anditsde- and Ruby’—a vigorous hybridofH.americana notes Charles.Crossing ‘Montrose usually largewhiteflowers agingtopink,” and parent species,including has alwaysbeenatoppriority, butother green leaves, begattheexcellent ‘Regina’. patterned blooms are setagainstsilvery large-flowered ‘Chatterbox’, whosepink proved hardy avery plant. tough wildancestors,‘Quilter’s Joy’ has ers. Being onlytwogenerationsfrom its complemented by contrastingwhiteflow- tone formanylaterintroductions andis with itsbronze andsilver mottling,setthe ular Primrose Path plants.Thefoliage, Joy’, whichremains oneofthemostpop- created theexceptional hybrid‘Quilter’s Nancy Marble’ Goodwin—with ‘White oped by North Carolina plantswoman Of course, the very bestfoliagecolor Of course,thevery Crossing ‘Quilter’s Joy’ withthevery H. villosa H. sanguinea, with silver-red leaves devel- also bringlargeflow- H. pubescens

TOP: ALLAN ARMITAGE. BOTTOM: COURTESY OF CHARLES AND MARTHA OLIVER Resources The Primrose Path, www.primrosepath.com.

Heuchera, Tiarella and Heucherella: A Gardener’s Guide by Charles and Martha Oliver. B.T. Batsford Ltd., London, England, 2006. Sources Doyle Farm Nursery, Delta, PA. (717) 862-3134. www.doylefarm.com.

Lee’s Gardens, Tremont, IL. (309) 925-5262. www.leesgardens.com.

Rare Find Nursery, Jackson, NJ. (732) 833-0613. www.rarefindnursery.com.

Attractive flowers and foliage make Heuchera ‘Raspberry Ice’ a striking garden plant. Sunlight Gardens, Andersonville, TN. (800) 272-7396. blood of four species: H. americana for wild species began the work. H. pulchella, www.sunlightgardens.com. silver patterns; H. pubescens for silver from New Mexico and H. hallii from Col- leaf patterns and large flowers; H san- orado are both dwarf, sun-loving, high-al- guinea for large and colorful flowers; and titude species, and crossing the two ‘Shenandoah Mountain’ as well as ‘Purple H. villosa for purple leaf color. resulted in the six-inch-tall ‘SanPico Rosi- Mountain Majesty’ and the newly released Charles also created the Petite Series, a ta’ with dark pink buds opening to pale ‘Moonlight’, all with unusually large flow- range of neat and compact varieties best pink flowers above green leaves. Crossing ers blooming above the familiar high stan- suited to raised beds and containers and this with ‘Regina’ produced the six named dard of patterned leaves. very popular with rock gardeners. Again, forms that make up the Petite Series. They brought the coloring of ‘Bronze The crossing of ‘Petite Bronze Pearl’ Wave’, their selection of H. villosa with and ‘Harmonic Convergence’ resulted in bronze-purple foliage which keeps its plants with highly silvered leaves and up- color well, into the mix by crossing it with right stems of white or pink flowers. Four a number of silver foliage types. However, were named, including ‘Silver Scrolls’, the out of many hundreds of seedlings, only most popular of the group, and ‘Raspber- ‘Frosted Violet’ stood out. ry Ice’, which the Olivers feel best com- Relying again on wild populations, bines excellence of both flower and foliage they crossed a very large-flowered form of with bright silvery leaves. The large pink H. cylindrica with ‘Chatterbox’ to create flowers also sit attractively close to the ‘Coral Bouquet’, which has showy pink mound of leaves. flowers over lightly silvered leaves. This is Heuchera alba, sometimes lumped by now being crossed with the highly silvered botanists with H. pubescens, came into forms to combine the largest, most color- the mix relatively recently as a result of ful flowers with fine foliage. breeding stock found high in the moun- When I visited Primrose Path last Sep- tains of West Virginia. Using these tember, I was impressed by the heuchera plants, with their unusually large creamy trial bed. During a long drought, the flowers, the Olivers began to increase plants had not been watered at all. The re- their focus on improving the flower sult, of course, was that many had simply power of their plants while maintaining died—but those that remained had excellent foliage color and pattern. proved they could cope with such harsh ‘Petite Marbled Burgundy’ is one of six Using H. alba as a parent resulted in conditions. Combining drought tolerance

TOP: COURTESY OF BLOOMS BRESSINGHAM. BOTTOM: JUDYWHITE heucheras in the Petite Series. the unusually large, leafy, and colorful with cold-hardy parentage ensures that the

March / April 2009 27 Olivers will continue to create unusually robust plants capable of thriving in a wide range of conditions. FOAMFLOWERS AND HEUCHERELLAS Alongside the popular heucheras, the Oliv- ers have worked to develop foamflowers (Tiarella spp.) that combine colorful flow- ers with attractive foliage. Starting with local wild-collected forms, selected plants of the eastern T. cordifolia were crossed to- gether to create ‘Tiger Stripe’, with pale pink flowers and often boldly maroon- marked foliage. This was in turn crossed with a deeply dissected form of the west- ern T. trifoliata forma laciniata leading to ‘Martha Oliver’, which has densely packed flower heads and deeply dissected foliage Foamflowers such as Tiarella ‘Pink Blushes’ create striking spring flower displays.

White’ and ‘Pink Frost’, both with silvered influential book, Heuchera, Tiarella and green foliage shading to maroon at the Heucherella: A Gardener’s Guide, pub- base. Later crosses produced the unusual- lished in 2006 by B.T. Batsford, Ltd. ly vigorous ‘Quicksilver’. Primrose Path has also selected and in- The necessity to pamper the heucherel- troduced other fine plants and continues las brings us back to the Olivers’ enthusi- to develop others. There have been a num- asm for creating tough, gardenworthy ber of woodland phlox, a sedum, an plants. “Too many plants are out on the evening primrose (Oenothera spp.) called market,” Charles says, “just because they ‘Sunrise’, and a lovely yellow primrose look different, but an awful lot are not very called ‘Spring Sunshine’ that resembles a good plants. I want to breed plants that large-flowered form of Primula elatior. will still be around in 20 or 30 years. I wish we could all think more about what sort of EXPANDING NATIVE OPTIONS plants we really want, and test them more.” When time allows in their schedule, the The Olivers’ work on these heucheras, Olivers continue to explore natural areas tiarellas, and heucherellas has inspired looking for potential breeding stock. And other breeders in North America and Eu- there are other projects underway closer to rope to focus on these plants, which have home. For instance, Charles has been now become far more valuable in the gar- working with a number of well-marked den—and immensely valued by garden- forms of native Jack-in-the-pulpit (Arisae- A popular selection, Tiarella ‘Elizabeth ers. And they collaborated on an ma triphyllum) he has selected from the Oliver’ is named for the Olivers’ daughter. Olivers’ woodlands. “He thinks it might be interesting to cross them with some of the striped in maroon. ‘Elizabeth Oliver’, with Japanese arisaemas,” notes Martha. noticeably scented pink flowers and de- For nearly a quarter century, the Oliv- lightfully patterned daintily cut foliage, fol- ers have drawn on their passion for native lowed. The later ‘Pink Brushes’ is plants and their understanding of how to exceptionally prolific and has a longer grow them. Combining this with their flowering season, from spring into sum- scientific background and artistic sensi- mer, a trait which they have succeeded in bilities, they have expanded the palette of building in to later introductions. native plants available to gardeners. In so It was perhaps only natural to start doing, they’ve also helped heucheras be- crossing the two genera to create come among the most popular perenni- heucherellas (✕Heucherella spp.) which, als in the country.  while combining the best of both parent genera, have proven overall less robust in Graham Rice is the author of numerous the garden. Charles started making cross- books and is editor-in-chief of the AHS En-

es in the late 1980s that led to ‘Snow ‘Spring Sunshine’, one of the Olivers’ primroses cyclopedia of Perennials (DK, 2006). COURTESY OF CHARLES AND MARTHA OLIVER (3)

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Available at fine garden centers nationwide. 2006 ©Monrovia ©Monrovia this overviewofthegenus become gardenmainstays.In selling perennials. likes anddislikesofthesetop- doesn’t mincewordsabouthis horticulturist AllanArmitage diverse genus number ofperennialsinthe common nametickseed,a Although saddledwiththe 30 Coreopsis gardeners inthespring. fore are alwaysavailable tounsuspecting the easiestplantstoproduce andthere- vorites, asyou’ll seelateron—are among grandiflora), ly thefamiliarcommontickseed staple, becausesomeofthem—especial- ginning landscaper, coreopsis isoftena forarookie gardenercertainly orabe- ing—all native toNorth America.And 120 species,dependingonwho’s count- from which tochoose—between 80and some time.For there starters, are lots American perennial plantpalettefor ofthe part name, have beenanimportant you heropinionofthoseitchythings. ticks, well, mydog,Hannah, cangive toexterminatebugs.And asfor trying you cherish?Most ofusspendourlives tickseed. How manybugs(orticks)do based onthesize andcolorofitsseeds,is that isnotenough,itscommonname, T These plants,however unpleasantthe the American Gardener you somethingrightthere. If to “likeabug”—that shouldtell HE NAME reconsidered which isnot Coreopsis Coreopsis one ofmyfa- translates have (C. , tickseed withfringed petals.Above,right:‘Pinwheel’ featuresdistinctive,narrowlyfluted petals. soft yellowflowers withcontrastingredmarkings. Above,left:‘Sunfire’isavariety ofcommon Coreopsis flowerscomeinavariety ofshapesandcolors.Top:Thehybrid‘AutumnBlush’bears BY ALLANM.ARMITAGE

TOP: COURTESY OF TERRA NOVA. BOTTOM (2): ALLAN ARMITAGE Most of the species are described as asts, especially those in the Midwest, who bloom after planting. I recommend perennials, but in reality many of them have been extolling the virtues of some of grouping at least a half-dozen plants in perform in the garden more like annuals our lesser-known native Coreopsis species. the front of the garden or two to three in or biennials. In talking about coreopsis I should mention that, in preparing a container so the flowers and foliage can with a number of gardeners, I find that this article, I consulted Nick Lomas, a be appreciated. But I know you’re think- sentiments differ, but the comment of student at the fabulous Niagara Parks ing, if this plant is so good, why am I one Judy Laushman, who is director of the School of Horticulture in Niagara Falls, of its biggest critics? Association of Specialty Cut Flower Ontario. Lomas, whom I met last year The answer is that this is a great annu- Growers and a gardener in northern during a sabbatical from the University of al, or a biennial at best, and if sold as such Ohio, struck a chord. “When I thought Georgia, is a terrific horticulturist with I would be its biggest supporter. It tolerates about it, I realized coreopsis is one of the potential to be one of Canada’s finest. cold temperatures, but suffers badly in the heat of the summer, often contracting dis- eases such as leaf spot and botrytis. It does not tolerate wet soils, so excellent drainage is essential. One of its greatest assets is also one of the gardener’s greatest challenges— Flowers are produced constantly but only if the spent flowers are deadheaded. If not removed, they become blackened and dis- eased and, by midsummer, the plant stops flowering, resulting in a wet dog look that over time becomes a dead dog look. Make no mistake, I recommend this species to my daughters because of its ease of culture, but I tell them to put it some- where accessible so flowers can be easily re- moved. They nod their heads, accept Dad’s free flowers, and hope he doesn’t visit in the middle of the summer. Improved cultivars have been devel- oped, and although I don’t feel many are a great deal better than the species, here are a few that are worth a try. ‘Early Sunrise’ was an All-America Se- lections winner in 1989. Plants are easily raised from seed and bear bright yellow, semi-double, two-inch-wide flowers. It was a breakthrough plant for producers that allowed coreopsis to be in flower for ‘Jethro Tull’, a mouse-ear coreopsis selection, bears fluted golden ray flowers. spring sales. Although not persistent, it’s excellent for a couple of years. those plants that I buy one spring, tend So, between the young lad and the old Flying Saucers (‘Walcoreop’) offers lovingly throughout the season, then a man, here are a few coreopsis to consider. good flower productivity and a compact couple years later think, ‘Hey, didn’t habit. Its flowers are yellow to gold. I…wasn’t there…? I could’ve sworn I GETTING STARTED WITH TICKSEEDS ‘Rising Sun’ has earned some accolades planted some coreopsis there’.” Native from Georgia south to Florida and from the Europeans, being named a In my travels around the country I west to Kansas and New Mexico, com- FleuroSelect Gold Medal winner in 2005. have closely scrutinized these plants mon tickseed (C. grandiflora, Zones 4–9, Its large double flowers are yellow with a growing in many different regions; I have 12–1), is a great beginner’s plant. It is so mahogany base. also grown many of the newer cultivars easy to grow in the nursery that most ‘Sundancer’ is an exceptionally good in the University of Georgia’s trial gar- plants are in full flower in their contain- plant from Dupont Nursery in Plaquem- dens in Athens. So before I start to sound ers as we push our carts through the aisles. ine, Louisiana. Plants, which were select- like a coreopsis scrooge, let me make it Plants grow 12 to 15 inches tall and may ed from ‘Sunray’ in 1992, exhibit a dwarf clear that I applaud the work of plant bear single, double, or semi-double yel- habit, semi-double flowers, and a long breeders who are providing some out- low flowers most of the season. The yel- bloom period. They have looked very standing hybrids. I also want to tip my low flowers glow above the dull green good in our trial gardens.

ALLAN ARMITAGE hat to some of the native plant enthusi- leaves in the spring and continue to ‘Sunfire’ has fringed yellow ray flowers

March / April 2009 31 32 of theAmericanSoutheast isanearly been muchmore positive, butthisnative opsis ably thebestofcultivars. flowers thathave anorangeeye, isprob- 10 inchestallwithhandsomeyellow ‘Goldfink’, selectiongrowing adwarf to wildflower plantingsandmeadows. to reseed, itisoftenusedinroadside spring toearlysummer. Because ittends en yellow flowers onslenderstemsfrom grows onetotwofeettallandbearsgold- much thesamewayingarden. It to commontickseedandbehaves in Zones 3–8,9–1)hasasimilarnative range than twoyears. vigor andwilllikelynotpersistformore to beinaminority. It doesnothave great have alwaysenjoyed theplant,butIseem pink, toppedby goldensingleflowers. I liage isgreen andwhitewithahintof plant you have ever seen.Its variegated fo- hybrid, iseithertheugliestorprettiest two-foot plantsforeightto12weeks. two-inch-diameter doubleflowers on that hasstoodthetestoftime.Plants bear and wine-red markings inthecenter. composites thathavedaisylike,usuallyyellow,flowers.Onedistinguishingchar- Members oftheasterfamily(),tickseedsresemblemanyother COREOPSIS BASICS well suitedtothe frontofasunnyborder. Low-growing ‘AutumnBlush’coreopsis is My experiencewithmouse-earcore- Lanceleaf coreopsis ‘Tequila Sunrise’, sometimeslistedasa ‘Sunray’ isanold-fashionedselection the American Gardener (C. auriculata, Zones 4–9,9–1)has (C. lanceolata, tion allseasonifmoisture isprovided. If over foliagethatremains ingoodcondi- produces dozens of bright yellow flowers the garden. tall—to twofeet—andnotasusefulfor below, becausethespeciesitselfisquite ‘Nana’ oroneoftheothercultivars listed from thisplantifthelabeldoesnotsay spring-flowering plantonly. Stay away Growing toeightincheshigh, to earlyspring. seed sownat70degreesinlate winter perennials arefairlyeasytogrow from sion inspring.Bothannuals and , canbepropagated bydivi- slowly viaundergroundstems called meadow orcottagegarden. more naturalisticsettingsuchasa while thetallervarietieslookbestina in wellatthefrontofasunnyborder, drained soil.Thelower-growingonesfit grow bestinsunnysiteswithwell- ones arebroaderandoftenyellowish. bracts aregenerallygreenandtheinner around eachflowerhead;theouter circles ofbracts,ormodifiedleaves, acteristic isthattheyhavetwodistinct ‘Nana’ grows toabout eightinchesand Perennial species,whichspread Generally droughttolerant,tickseeds Coreopsis auriculata Coreopsis —A.M.A. tickseed ing periodandquitespecialflowers. trial gardens becauseithasalongflower- joyed this12-to15-inch-tallselection inthe consistently flutedrayflowers. We have en- ‘Zamphir’ butiseven better. It hasmore from ItSaul Plants in Georgia, resembles cultivars. ‘Jethro Tull’, whichoriginated like wineflutes,quitedifferent from other ray flowers are “open” attheends,andlook low, butwhatismostunusualthatthe to 15inches.Theflowers are agoldenyel- Plants are alsodwarf, usuallyreaching 10 ‘Nana’, buthasproven tobeawinner. ‘Zamphir’ as isnotasgoodaperformer seems tobesomehybridvigorinvolved. tivars ofmouse-earcoreopsis, butthere ‘Zamphir’. Theseare usuallylistedascul- selections Iquiteenjoy are ‘Jethro Tull’ and it isprobably not‘Nana’. not sterile.If plantsare grown from seed, not asstoloniferous, andtheflowers are hybrid istallerthan‘Nana’, shorter-lived, cultivars ofC.grandiflora. natural hybridizationhasoccurred with inch long.It seemsthatover time,some are sterileandtheleaves are lessthanan June intheNorth, lateMay intheSouth. Don’tdestructs. expectflowers afterlate out,however,plants dry thefoliageself- in parts ofCanada,butelsewhere havein parts lovelyserved Ohio standsinnorthern and me asaJekyll-and-Hyde plant.Ihave ob- ‘Nana’ isanearly-springbloomer. In mytravels, pinkcoreopsis orrose In additionto‘Nana’, acoupleofnewer By theway, flowers ‘Nana’ ofthetrue (C. rosea, Zones 4–7,8–1)strikes The resultant

TOP: COURTESY OF MONROVIA. BOTTOM: COURTESY OF TERRA NOVA seen way too many spotty plantings to get really excited about it. But if you can grow it, enjoy it. The plants are characterized by thin foliage and rose flowers with yellow centers. They generally grow only about eight to 10 inches tall and, at their best, form lovely colonies through a rhizoma- tous root system. At their worst, they send up a few spindly stems and flowers, which should be ripped up and put out of their misery. Full sun and excellent drainage are necessary. Consider placing them on a sloping bank to enhance the drainage and provide a better view of the flowers. Plants do far better in cooler climates and should be avoided south of USDA Zone 6. A selection called ‘Sweet Dreams’ seems to have a good bit of C. rosea blood, but is more heat tolerant and vigorous. We grew these in our trial gardens for many years and they always stopped people in their tracks. They grow 12 to 15 inches tall, but need to be cut back hard in late spring or early summer, especially in warm climates. Doing so stimulates growth of many thin stems that carry white daisy flowers with a wonderfully contrasting red center. THREADLEAF COREOPSIS Probably the most forgiving and revered tickseed is threadleaf coreopsis (C. verti- cillata, Zones 4–9, 9–1). Actually the The soft-toned flowers and fine-textured foliage of threadleaf coreopsis ‘Moonbeam’ create species toiled in abject anonymity until a pleasing contrast with the magenta blooms of bloody cranesbill (Geranium sanguineum). cultivars such as ‘Zagreb’ and ‘Moon- beam’ put better plants with interesting very little moisture during the season. The toughest and best performing cul- flower colors in front of gardeners. This The bright yellow flowers are lovely and tivar is ‘Zagreb’, which has deeper yellow species is the most heat tolerant of all the continue for many months. They still flowers than ‘Moonbeam’. The compact, common coreopsis mainly because the benefit from deadheading, but not to the upright plants grow only eight to 12 inch- whorled leaves are so thin that they lose extent of common tickseed. The follow- es tall in the North but can reach 18 inch- ing selections are all excellent choices. es in southern gardens. ‘Golden Gain’ is one of my favorites, forming two-foot-tall mounds covered UNDERSUNG NATIVES with golden flowers most of the season. All tickseeds are native to North Ameri- Nothing fancy, just good performance. ca, but only a half dozen or so are in ‘Golden Shower’ grows 18 to 24 inches mainstream gardening, which tells me tall and produces two-and-a-half-inch-di- that there is still a great deal of room for ameter bright yellow flowers. It stands out improvement. Plant conservation, land even in a crowded border. reclamation, meadow gardening, and Selected as Perennial of the Year in simple love of native plants have resulted 1992 by the Perennial Plant Association, in some of our lesser-known natives be- ‘Moonbeam’ was the most popular culti- coming more popular. Here are a few var for years and performs well through- species worth seeking out. out the country. Plants grow 18 to 24 Chipola River coreopsis (C. integrifolia, inches tall and bear many soft-yellow Zones 6b–9, 9–6) is native to northwest Cut back Coreopsis rosea ‘Sweet Dreams’ in flowers. These open continuously from Florida, Georgia, and Alabama and pro- late spring or early summer to stimulate a late June to October, combining well duces dark-eyed daisies in August and Sep-

TOP: DONNA KRISCHAN. BOTTOM: ALLAN ARMITAGE second flush of blooms. with purple-foliaged plants. tember. They spread by rhizomes, but are

March / April 2009 33 Resources The AHS Encyclopedia of Perennials, editor-in-chief, Graham Rice. DK Pub- lishing, New York, New York, 2006.

Herbaceous Perennial Plants (3rd ed.) by Allan M. Armitage. Stipes Pub- lishing, Champaign, Illinois, 2008.

The New England Wild Flower Society Guide to Growing and Propagating Wild- flowers of the United States and Canada by William Cullina. Houghton Mifflin, Boston, Massachusetts, 2000.

Because of its height, tall coreopsis (C. tripteris) is best used in large gardens. Sources ‘Lightning Flash’, left and above, is a new Bluestone Perennials, variety with bright chartreuse leaves. Madison, OH. (800) 852-5243. www.bluestoneperennials.com. lieves that with a little more vigor, these plants could be extraordinary. Goodwin Creek Gardens, Williams, OR. (541) 846-7359. EVALUATING THE HYBRIDS www.goodwincreekgardens.com. If anything in the horticulture industry has changed in the last 10 years, it is the Jelitto Perennial Seeds, modernization of native plants, includ- Louisville, KY. (502) 895-0807. ing tickseeds. Some people hate the idea www.jelitto.com. that our native plants have been used in not rapid colonizers. Plants are indigenous commerce as parents for hybrids, but Well-Sweep , to moist areas, but do fine under normal without a doubt, if it were not for selec- Part Murray, NJ. (908) 852-1649. garden conditions. tion and breeding, many of our native www.wellsweep.com. Stiff coreopsis (C. palmata, Zones 4–8, plants would not be nearly as popular. 8–1) is native to the American prairies and Some hybrids are spectacular, some bears distinctively pale yellow ray flowers are not, and the introductions have been there are many more out there, and on with flat yellow centers in late spring to fall. coming so fast and furious that little per- most of these, you take your chances, but The stiff and upright two- to three-foot formance data have been collected—and what fun that is! stems seldom need staking. in many cases parentage is uncertain. ‘Autumn Blush’ (Zones 5–7b, 8–5) is be- Tall coreopsis (C. tripteris, Zones 3–8, Here are a few that seem to have merit; coming more popular as more people try 9–1) is one of my favorites even though it it. In Athens’ harsh summer conditions, can be quite a monster, reaching anywhere many of the low-growing forms tend to from four to 10 feet tall. Plants are native melt out but we have had good success from southern Ontario to Wisconsin, with this hybrid. It grows about a foot tall south to Florida, Louisiana, and west to and at least as wide, and at its best is cov- Kansas. Both the leaves and the flower ered with light yellow daisy flowers with a heads have a faint smell of anise when copper-colored center. I noticed that the crushed. Plants flower in mid- to late sum- flowers changed color over the season, but mer and are excellent for areas with poor, I was not nearly as impressed as Lomas, dry soils. It tends to reseed freely, however. who says, “As the seasons change and days ‘Lighting Flash’, a new selection, grows lengthen, the flowers change from French- four to five feet tall with chartreuse leaves. vanilla and subtle strawberry to a full My colleague Lomas, however, was disap- blown decadent strawberry-vanilla swirl.” pointed because of this cultivar’s apparent Ah, the romance of youth! lack of vigor in his garden on the shore of Vigorous ‘Full Moon’ has a long flowering ‘Créme Brûlée’ ( Zones 5–7b, 8–5) has

Lake Erie (USDA zone 5b/6). Yet he be- period and withstands heat and humidity. proven to be tougher than I thought. It TOP (2): COURTESY OF TERRA NOVA. BOTTOM: ALLAN ARMITAGE

34 the American Gardener with an obvious red eye. In locations where summer nights are cool, plants should remain in bloom for months. ‘Heaven’s Gate’ (Zones 5–8, 9–5) is an- other one of the many colorful dwarf cul- tivars that have arisen lately. This one has thin stems topped with rose-pink flowers, each with a darker center. Plants grow about a foot tall and equally wide. The Limerock series brings gardeners either frustration or pleasure. When ‘Lime- rock Ruby’ (Zones 7–9, 9–6) was intro- duced, it was touted as being quite hardy. Beautiful it is, with ruby flowers and a short, compact habit, but you are better off treating it as an annual. However, ‘Lime- rock Passion’, with pink-lavender flowers, has proven to be more vigorous and hardier (probably to USDA Zone 5), par- ticularly in a site with excellent drainage. ‘Moonlight’ (Zones 6–8, 9–6) was also new in 2008, and produces soft yellow flowers on two-foot-tall mounding plants. ‘Pinwheel’ (Zones 5–8, 9–5), from Terra Nova in Oregon, bears handsome, creamy yellow, fluted ray flowers with darker centers. Plants are about two feet tall. These look good so far. ‘Sienna Sunset’ (Zones 5–8, 9–5) is a sport of ‘Créme Brûlée’ and shows the ob- vious parentage of threadleaf coreopsis. I Above: ‘Limerock Ruby’, shown here with have not yet trialed the plant, but the Heuchera 'Stormy Seas' performs best when burnt sienna flowers are interesting. treated like an annual. Right: The pink ‘Snowberry’ (Zones 6–9, 9–6) may flowers of ‘Heaven’s Gate’ bear some have some C. auriculata in its parentage. resemblance to cosmos. Creamy white flowers with wine-red eyes bloom in late spring and summer. The fo- likely includes C. verticillata ‘Moonbeam’ liage is a good dark green. and C. grandiflora in its parentage, and its flowers are characterized by the lovely BEAUTY IS IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER color of the former. Plants are about 18 Like the dozens of flavors of ice cream, inches tall in our trial gardens. Despite the some coreopsis are better than others, but, hardiness rating, we have had some trou- to be sure, all taste good somewhere. I have ble overwintering plants, although I admit learned that a plant lover is simply the our beds are not particularly well drained. other side of a plant critic. What both sides I love the color but its vigor is still a little badly, yet he says they not only survived have to realize is that although gardening suspect in challenging climes. Lomas re- but produced “some of the largest flowers is national, plant selection is local. Climate, ports that plants reliably bloom from June I’ve ever seen on a tickseed. Large flowers, soils, water, and other factors influence through October in his Ontario garden. great vigor, great performer—what else is plant performance, and regardless of the ‘Full Moon’ (Zones 5–9, 9–5) really there to ask for!” This selection arose from extensive travels of this writer, all edicts of caught my eye this past season. The plants the breeding program of Darrell Probst of ecstasy and mutterings of gloom have to be grew well, flowered for a long period, and Garden Vision Nursery and is the first of taken with a grain of salt.  showed few signs of decline even in our his “Big Bang” series. miserable summer. Plants bear two-inch- ‘Gold Nugget’ (Zones 6–8, 8–5) was A horticulture professor at the University of wide, creamy yellow flowers on two-foot- new for 2008, so little information is avail- Georgia, Allan M. Armitage is the author of tall plants. Lomas was even more able. However, where I have seen it, I have the award-winning Herbaceous Perennial

TOP: SUSAN R. ROTH. CENTER: ALLAN ARMITAGE impressed. He treated his young plants been impressed with the gold flowers, each Plants, now in its third edition (Stipes, 2008).

March / April 2009 35 36 The culinaryuses ofseakale chokes, thesecrops canofferyears ofhar- cates orgourmetwildedibles. productive butobscure semi-domesti- teemed intheirhomelands; othersare cellent vegetables thatare highlyes- cultivated formillenniaandare ex- truly in theUnited States. Some have been and well over onehundred canbegrown of perennial vegetables around theworld, the list.Yet there are manymore species to fornians mightaddglobeartichokes F beyond asparagus Perennial Vegetables edibles, manyofwhichalsohaveornamentalappeal. For somethingoutoftheordinaryinyourgardenandcuisine,trysometheseintriguing Like asparagus,rhubarb, andarti- the American Gardener mind asparagusorrhubarb. Cali- perennial vegetables bringto OR MOST American gardeners, (Crambe maritima), (Crambe low-maintenance foodgardening hasled are achallengetofillproductively. ing thosedry, wet, andshadypatchesthat where noothervegetable will—includ- Many cangrow innichesofyour garden sistance topests,disease,anddrought. vent erosion, alsocontributetotheirre- Their deeproot systems,whichhelppre- of beneficialsoil-buildingorganisms. creased levels ofhumusandpopulations do notrequire tillage,whichfostersin- covers inbetween. Most andeverything in formandsize from trees toground- vests from asingleplanting.Theyrange top left,andramps An interest inediblelandscapingand (Allium tricoccum), (Allium top right,arebecoming morewidelyappreciated. BY ERICTOENSMEIER deners are incorporatingresilient and vegetables offerus.More andmore gar- illustrate whatperennialand artichokes attention from gardeners. overlooked. But mostreceive littleorno namentals whoseedibilityhasbeenlargely areed plantcollectors.Afew commonor- stewarded by smallnurseries anddedicat- dens. Some ofthesecrops have been dard categoriesincatalogs, books,andgar- perhaps becausetheydonotfitintostan- seem tohave fallenbetween thecracks, vestigating perennial vegetables. They me tospendmuchofthepastdecadein- Yet theexamplesofasparagus,rhubarb,

LEFT: KAREN BUSSOLINI. RIGHT: DONNA KRISCHAN long-lived edible perennials in their land- can be eaten like asparagus. This planted almost any time, fall planting of scapes. And although they will never re- grows in sun or part shade and tolerates dormant bulbs is recommended. They place tomatoes or carrots, these crops can wet and poor soils, although it prefers a thrive in a humus-rich soil and at least part provide a reliable and nutritious supple- rich garden soil. Achira grows in the same shade, and benefit from spring moisture. ment to annual vegetables and fill in early range as most other cannas. In colder re- and late-season harvests to complement gions, it can be grown as a tender peren- AQUATIC OPTIONS more familiar foods. nial; tubers should be dug and stored A water garden can be an elegant addi- indoors over winter in a dark, cool place. tion to your yard, attracting wildlife and HERBACEOUS PERENNIAL VEGETABLES In short-season climates, it may take two creating a sense of serenity. Although Herbaceous perennial vegetables require growing seasons to obtain full-sized roots. widely appreciated for their ornamental different management than annual veg- Some perennial vegetables are popular qualities, many popular water garden etables. They should be placed out of the wild edibles that are only beginning their plants are actually cultivated as vegetables tiller’s way and given a rich soil and plen- journey toward domestication. An exam- in their native lands. Edible water garden ty of mulch. Although it may take a few plants are generally best grown in sub- seasons, once established they can be har- merged pots with plenty of fertilizer. vested for years. Make sure to completely Avoid planting non-native aquatic plants remove perennial weeds such as quack- in natural bodies of water because they grass (Elymus repens) and field bindweed are prone to naturalize aggressively. Arti- (Convolvulus arvensis) as you prepare your ficial ponds are surprisingly easy to cre- site, because options are lim- ate—and you can grow many species of ited once your crops are planted. Practic- productive aquatic vegetables in a simple ing good garden sanitation—thorough fall plastic kiddie pool. cleanup and removal of diseased plant parts—is essential, because you may not get the chance to practice crop rotation for a decade or more! Resources Sea kale (Crambe maritima, USDA Perennial Vegetables by Eric Toens- Hardiness Zones 6–9, AHS Heat Zones meier. Chelsea Green, White River 9–6) is a hardy perennial member of the Junction, Vermont, 2007. mustard family () grown throughout much of North America as an Uncommon Fruits and Vegetables by ornamental. Its cream-col- Elizabeth Schneider. William Morrow ored flowers are indeed Cookbooks, New York, New York, beautiful and smell like 1998. honey. But at the turn of the 19th century, sea kale was a very popular veg- An important vegetable in Sources etable; its blanched shoots, Australia, achira, above, is a Educational Concerns for Hunger Or- which have a sweet, nutty, type of canna that produces ganization, Fort Meyers, FL. (239) cabbage flavor, were readi- large, starchy tubers, left. Its 543-3246. www.echobooks.org. ly found in the finest mar- shoots are also edible. kets and restaurants. I find Johnny’s Selected Seeds, the flower buds, which are similar to broc- ple is ramp (Allium tricoccum, Zones 4–8, Albion, ME. (877) 564-6697. coli, delicious and I enjoy the collardlike 8–1), a native woodland onion. Ramp fes- www.johnnyseeds. com. leaves in fall. Sea kale thrives in full sun and tivals are held every spring in Appalachia fertile, well-drained soil. to celebrate the plant’s sweet greens and Occidental Arts and Ecology Center, Gardeners throughout the country pungent garlic-flavored bulbs. Ramps, Occidental, CA. (707) 874-1557. grow cannas for their outstanding orna- sometimes called wild leeks, are ephemer- www.oaec.org. (On-site sales only.) mental leaves and flowers. Achira (Canna al bulbs; their leaves appear briefly in the indica, syn. C. edulis, Zones 8–11, 12–1), spring in moist deciduous eastern forests, Richters Herbs, Goodwood, Ontario, however, is a species grown for its edible disappearing by the time the tree canopy Canada. (905) 640-6677. tubers, which are large, starchy, and very provides full shade. Only a small flower re- www.richters.com. sweet when baked. (Tubers of ordinary veals the bulb’s location in late summer. cannas are also edible, although some va- Overharvesting is taking a toll on some Tripple Brook Farm, Southampton, rieties are rather fibrous.) Achira is an im- wild ramp populations, but the species is MA. (413) 527-4626. portant crop in Australia, where the plant well suited to cultivation in much of the www.tripplebrookfarm.com.

ERIC TOENSMEIER (2) is called Queensland arrowroot. Its shoots East and Midwest. Although ramps can be

March / April 2009 37 38 The multi-colored edibleleavesof‘Flamingo’water celeryarealsohighlyornamental. setts garden, water celery oftensproutssetts garden, watercelery Inquite farnorth. myown Massachu- ical, althoughitapparently overwinters to Hawaii, manysources rateitasatrop- which itisrelated. Cultivated from Korea foliageisusedlikecelery,ery-flavored to Zones 9–11,12–1).Its mildparsley-orcel- years iswatercelery come astapleinmygarden inthelastfew best flowering androot production. duce full-size roots. Plant infullsunfor gions, plantsneedtwosummerstopro- place untilspring.In re- short-season and store themindoorsinacool,dark cerned aboutfreezing, liftpottedplants its roots doesnotfreeze. If you are con- ed deeplyenoughthatthemudaround vives incoldregions aslongitisplant- spread aggressively ifuncontained.It sur- sacred lotusissurprisinglyhardy andwill pattern ofairtubes. sliced, reveal aninteresting honeycomb remain firmaftercooking,and,when Asian cuisine.Themild-flavored roots bers—which are considered adelicacyin turies foritsedibleroots—technically tu- gardens, butithasbeengrown forcen- 12–3) isacentralfeature inmanywater lotus One aquaticperennial thathasbe- Native toAustralia andeasternAsia, With itsoutstandingblooms,sacred the American Gardener (Nelumbo nucifera, (Oenanthe javanica, Zones 4–11, mowed pathwayhelpskeepitundercon- Planting itwithinarhizome barrieror a singleseason,onlandorinwater. warned—it canspread great distances in as adelightfulgroundcover. But be land aswell; iteven shade thrives inpart water. Thisversatile speciesgrows on ofthe across thesurface floating runners for uprightfoliage,butitwillalsosend cress—it isbestgrown inwaterapot snack duringmidwinterthaws. up underthesnow, offeringawelcome Water grows celery muchlike water- (Nelumbo nucifera), (Nelumbo Revered foritsbeautifulflowers,sacredlotus and usedinmanyformsofcooking. knobby underwaterroots,above,aresliced food sourceinAsiancountries,whereits (Colocasia esculenta). arrowhead clude watercress (Nasturtium officinale), with purplefoliage. trol. ‘Flamingo’ isavariegated variety Kingdom. Of course,lima andrunner live oftheUnited upto20years inparts are alsoperennial inmildclimates;some (Phaseolus coccineus, beans al. Climbingvarieties ofrunner warm regions, butallbushtypesare annu- ing limabeanvarieties are perennial in provide shadeaswell asfood.Many climb- Africa, where it is grown over housesto This variety originatedinaridregions of (Phaseolus lunatus, the ‘Seven Year’ variety oflimabean and arich,well-drained soil. to alandscape.Alltheyneedisfullsun ways, andoftenmakebeautifuladditions sturdy fences,pergolas, orcovered walk- perennial .But theycanbegrown on succumb beneaththeweight ofthese fence builttolastoneseasonwillquickly they grow mustbemore robust—the pea lived. Accordingly, onwhich thesupports larger, more vigorous, andmuchlonger- vegetable gardeners. ons, andcucumbers,are well known to mel- bitaceae) vines,includingsquashes, beans, andsprawlingcucurbit(Cucur- family (Fabaceae), suchaspeasandpole Climbing annualmembersofthebean VINES LONG-LIVED Other aquaticperennial vegetables in- Gardeners inwarmregions cangrow Several membersofthesefamiliesare (Sagittaria left, isalsoanimportant Zones 9–10,10–9). Zones 10–11,12–10) spp.), andtaro

TOP LEFT: SUSAN A. ROTH; TOP RIGHT: COURTESY OF VICTORIA TAKAHASHI. BOTTOM: LYNNE HARRISON MORE PERENNIAL VEGETABLES Name Height Form/Edible Sun/Shade Moisture Native Range USDA Hardiness/ (ft.) Parts Needs AHS Heat Zones Apios americana 5 herbaceous / sun to part wet to eastern U.S. 4–10/10–3 (groundnut) tubers shade moist oldhamii 60 clump-forming sun to moist Asia 8–11/12–8 (clumping ) evergreen/shoots part shade 4 herbaceous/ sun moist Europe 4–8/8–4 (Turkish rocket) leaves, stems Cnidoscolus chayamansa 12 shrub/leaves sun dry Mexico and 9–10/12–9 (chaya) Central America Colocasia esculenta 4 herbaceous/ sun aquatic to Asia 9–11/12–7 (taro) corm, leaves moist tuberosus 10 herbaceous/ sun moist southeastern U.S. 7–9/9–7 (sunchoke) tubers and Canada Musa spp. 20 herbaceous/fruit, sun moist Asia 11–11/12–10 (green banana, plantain) cooked as vegetable Petasites japonicus 3 running herb/leafstalk shade wet to moist Asia 5–9/9–5 (fuki, Japanese coltsfoot) Sagittaria latifolia 3 herbaceous/tubers, sun aquatic North America 5–11/12–5 (arrowhead) shoots Sium sisarum 3 herbaceous/tubers sun wet to moist Eurasia 4–8/8–4 (skirret)

beans can be grown as annuals throughout productive and reliable perennial veg- most of the country. etable can be grown in warm, long-sea- Chayote (Sechium edule, Zones 9–10, son regions of the United States. 12–9) is a wonderful vegetable from Mex- Perennial vegetable vines for cooler re- ico and Central America that has yet to gions include groundnut (Apios ameri- fully catch on in American cuisine. The cana), which features edible tubers, and vines yield pear-sized fruits that range in Caucasian (Hablitzia tamnoides), color from white to dark green; some a Scandinavian leaf crop, although seed have spines. Some varieties are reminis- sources are limited. (For additional peren- cent of crisp summer squash, others are nial vegetables, see the chart above.) similar to potatoes when cooked. If care is taken to avoid damaging the plant, the TASTY TREES AND SHRUBS sweet tubers can also be harvested. This Gardeners in warm climates can cultivate some truly world-class vegetables that lit- erally grow on trees. The tree and shrub vegetables profiled here have been culti- vated for centuries. While many of them are tropical, their range can be extended The tender leaves of drumstick tree (Moringa significantly if they are grown as perenni- stenopetala) are rich in vitamin C and calcium. als that die back to the ground in winter. As long as the roots do not freeze, stems relative, M. stenopetala (Zones 10–11, will re-sprout in spring. 12–9), is native to eastern Africa. Moringa, or horseradish tree (Moringa Moringa can be grown over a much oleifera, Zones 10–11, 12–9) is a remarkable broader range, however, as a resprouting tree vegetable native to tropical Asia. In perennial for the production of leaves, frost-free areas it produces edible pods that which are exceptionally nutritious. are eaten much like green beans. These Pound for pound, they contain seven beans have been an important cultivated times the vitamin C of oranges, four A warm-region vine, chayote produces fruits vegetable in India for centuries, and many times the calcium and twice the protein

LEFT: COURTESY OF STEVEN CHRISTMAN / WWW.FLORIDATA.COM; RIGHT: ERIC TOENSMEIER that are popular in Mexican cuisine. named varieties have been developed. A of milk, four times the vitamin A of car-

March / April 2009 39 rots, and three times the potassium of bananas. The leaves can be cooked like spinach or dried and added to soups. Not surprisingly, the tree is becoming an important crop in the developing world, including very arid areas. Even if you live in colder climates you can grow moringa as an annual—in my Massachusetts garden, it has reached six feet tall in a single season. In warm regions, moringa plants can send up multiple shoots 15 feet high following a frost. Moringa will grow in any sunny site with well-drained soil, but is more productive with plenty of nitrogen and organic matter. Nopale cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica, Zones 8–10, 12–7) is a prickly pear cactus with edible pads and fruit. The pads are a This lush landscape contains several attractive edible plants including taro, on the left side very popular vegetable in Mexico and the of the pond, variegated cassava (Manihot esculenta), which has edible roots, left center; and American Southwest, with a flavor and red-leafed cranberry hibiscus (Hibiscus acetosella), which bears edible leaves, center. texture between green beans and okra. As a bonus, this vegetable has been shown to Tree collard (Brassica oleracea, Zones of Chinese toon (Toona sinensis), which lower LDL cholesterol. But make sure to 8–10, 10–7) is a long-lived shrub kale for has a roasted-garlic flavor. remove the tiny hairlike spines that grow mild-winter regions that produces sweet, Tree vegetables are typically cut back on the glochids—pea-sized bumps—on ornamental blue and purple leaves. Shrub annually, or even more frequently, to cre- the pads. Spines can be removed with a kales may have been the first brassicas to ate flushes of tender growth and keep vegetable peeler or knife, or by scrubbing be domesticated, although they are rare in leaves in easy reach for harvest. For with leather gloves. cultivation today. Within their range, they moringa, linden, nopale, and Chinese Nopales can grow to 18 feet, but they are easy to grow as long as you provide full toon, you can either cut them back to are usually cut back to increase pad pro- sun and fertile, well-drained soil. major branches at a typical height of duction. The fruit, known as tunas in Cold climate gardeners can grow three to six feet, or cut them back to a few Mexico and sabras in Israel, is commer- tree vegetables too—notably the tender inches above the ground. cially produced. Nopales require full sun young leaves of linden (Tilia spp.), also and well-drained soil. called lime tree, and the spring foliage PART OF A NUTRITIOUS LANDSCAPE When matched with low-maintenance fruits and nuts like persimmons, chestnuts, and kiwifruit, perennial vegetables make exciting edible landscapes possible. You can easily incorporate a few of these crops in perennial beds, at the edges of your an- nual vegetable garden, or beneath fruit trees. Some can be encouraged to natural- ize in a far corner of your garden. And perennial vegetables, like other perennials, build healthy soil, prevent erosion, and cre- ate habitats for wildlife. A vibrant, managed ecosystem of use- ful perennial plants could be a pathway to a new relationship with nature, an ap- proach that provides a long-term local food source while having a positive influ- Left: Both the fruits and pads of prickly pear ence on the environment.  cacti are edible. Above: Tree collard is a shrub that can grow over nine feet tall, but Eric Toensmeier is the author of Perennial its purple and green leaves can be harvested Vegetables (Chelsea Green, 2007), which re-

as needed and eaten like kale. ceived an AHS Garden Book Award in 2008. TOP: ERIC TOENSMEIER. BOTTOM LEFT: JUDYWHITE; RIGHT: DAVID CAVAGNARO

40 the American Gardener

42 by MaryYee Rob JohnstonJr.,GrowinganIndependentSeedCompany Winslow, Maine, hasbeenquietlyespousingthemeritsoforganicvegetable gardening andbuildinganaward- V nology onhomegardening, projects andsomeofhisnew inbreeding vegetables. season togethisinsightsontherenewed interest invegetable gardening, thepotentialimpactofbiotech- one anotherby providing superiorseeds,tools,information,andservice.” inspiration forthecompany’s name—remains simple:“Helping family, friends,andcommunities to feed facility, anda100-acre organictrialandresearch farm,butitsmission—withanodtoJohnny Appleseed, the ating from afarmhouseattic,JSSisnow anemployee-owned companywithastaffof100,seedproduction American sources forthen-hard-to-find Asianproduce hadtogetseedsfrom (Johnston Japan). Once oper- after dropping outofcollegetopursuefarming,“organic” was farfrom mainstream. JSSwasoneofthefew to have toknow how todothissome day.” But the at home,driven by thefeelingthat“maybe I’m going movement andavocational appealtogrowing food During the1970s,there wasaback-to-the-earth dening over theyears? What changeshave you seeninvegetable gar- enthusiasm ofthepeopleinvolved. consolidation—perhaps becauseofthediminished to thecustomergenerallydiminisheswithcorporate equity investment. From whatI’ve service observed, through the goodgracesofourcustomers,withno a bigcorporation.We’ve grown thebusinessentirely I thinkwe’re stronger thiswaythanifwe were of part ny, Johnny’s isbeholdenonlytoourcustomers,and Rob Johnston Jr.: thebusiness? this offeranadvantage inrunning companies thatisstillindependentlyowned. Does Yee:Mary Managing Director Editor andArt Yee Mary talkedwithJohnston before ofthe2009growing thestart the American Gardener ston Jr., it’s For goodnews. more than35 years, thefounderofJohnny’s locatedin Selected Seeds (JSS), EGETABLE GARDENING JSS isoneofthefewAmericanseed As anemployee-owned compa- didn’t seeitcoming,”Johnston admits.“It wasa hugesurprise.” had longtakenabackseattoornamentalgardening, issuddenlyinfashionagain.“We a phenomenonalsonotedby manyotherseedcompanies.Gardening forfood,which weakening U.S.economy, JSSexperiencedadramaticsurgeinitshome gardening base, heirloom, somebred by Johnston himself. Lastyear, amidrisinggasolinepricesandthe gardeners alsolooktoJSSforavariety ofvegetable seeds,manyofthemorganic and winning company. Small commercial growers are JSS’s customers,buthome primary Johnston hasseenmanychangesintheseedbusiness. In 1973,whenhe foundedJSS is onanupswingamongAmericanhomegardeners, andforRob John- N NOEWITH ONE ON ONE C Johnny’s organic trialfarminAlbion,Maine,tests over4,000varietieseachyear. …

PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF JOHNNY’S SELECTED SEEDS 1980s saw a back-to-the-office movement, and found our open-mindedness so un- For more information about John- so interest in home vegetable gardening acceptable that some of them organized ny’s Selected Seeds and to see its online went into a decline for about 25 years. a boycott. Our signing of the SSI pledge catalog, visit www.johnnyseeds.com. Last year, there was a big increase in helped to reassure people that JSS was home vegetable gardening in the U.S., not abandoning its core values. but ‘Lipstick’ pepper comes to mind. It Canada, and the U.K., which we think was one of my first sweet peppers in the will continue in 2009. Along with an in- Does biotechnology have a legitimate mid-1980s. It’s still as popular as ever. I crease in garden size and number of gar- place in horticulture? selected this small, cone-shaped, very dens, we’ve also noted more gardeners I remain intrigued with the possibilities, sweet-flavored pepper from a cross be- growing high-caloric crops such as pota- but there haven’t been any engineered traits tween two early bell peppers. toes, winter squash, corn, and carrots— in vegetable crops that aren’t possible with I also like ‘Diva’ , which won not just salad greens as in previous years. conventional plant breeding techniques. a 2002 All-America Selections award. It’s Other than a few summer squash and a delicious, seedless, non-hybrid cucum- What types of people are ordering veg- sweet corn varieties, there aren’t any GMO ber bred by my wife, Janika Eckert. When etable seeds from JSS? vegetables on the market. Some compa- you taste it, you realize that simple plea- Many are gardeners who grew vegetables sures can make the world a better place. in the past and are coming back to it to save money, but there are also a lot of new- What goes into breeding a new variety? comers who are more interested in a better It typically takes eight to 10 plant genera- quality of life—eating the freshest food tions of breeding work to finish a new va- and knowing where it comes from. And riety, and only one or two percent are with rising gasoline prices, many people named and marketed. It can be nerve- are realizing that gardening is something wracking throwing out new plants, but fun and productive that they can do with- breeding is both an art and a science. A out driving someplace. good plant breeder makes the right choic- es in keeping the few winners. Most catalogs focus on selling prod- ucts, but the JSS catalog contains so So what do you consider when you’re much information that it’s almost a Rob Johnston and other evaluating potential new varieties? growing handbook. It must be time- plant breeders at Johnny’s A typical Johnny’s customer is a mixed consuming and expensive to produce Selected Seeds have market gardener with between five and 50 each year. Why do you do it? developed several varieties acres or an avid home gardener. Most aren’t A great seed is only a concentrated bit of that have received the All- in an ideal location to grow anything, so potential. We go to the trouble to supply America Selections award, we focus on wide adaptability—another good seeds, so we want to give gardeners including, above, ‘Sunshine’ way to say “easy to grow in diverse condi- the most detailed information—ideal sow- squash (2004), and, left, tions”—and flavor. ing temperature, pests to watch for, and ‘Diva’ cucumber (2002). how to tell optimum maturity for harvest- Could you tell us about some of your ing—to give them the best chance to get nies have developed varieties with GMO current breeding projects? optimal results. traits, such as -resistant lettuce, We’re working on lettuce that adapts to but they have yet to be marketed. The hot, humid summer weather, and early- JSS is among a list of seed suppliers who American public seems to accept GMO maturing with resistance to fo- participate in the Safe Seed Initiative crops when the plant is invisible, such as liar diseases, especially powdery mildew. (SSI). Could you tell us what that is? syrup from engineered corn in a packaged We’re also looking at peppers for early ma- The SSI is a joint project of concerned food product, but it is not yet willing to turity, tolerance to cool nights, and resis- seed growers, farmers, and scientists. As a buy a head of GMO lettuce for a salad. tance to fruit rot and tomatoes with participant in the SSI, Johnny’s pledges to One aspect of the business of genetic resistance to foliar diseases such as early not knowingly buy or sell genetically mod- engineering that I’m against is its con- blight, septoria leaf spot, and late blight. ified (GMO) seeds or plants. centration in large corporations, which In the 1999 catalog, I wrote that while could put the control of the plants we eat What’s been the most gratifying part Johnny’s didn’t carry any GMOs, we into the hands of a very few. of growing JSS the last 35 years? were “open minded about this new tech- Talking with a customer and learning that nology,” and that we would consider the You’ve been interested in plant breeding Johnny’s has been important in the success new biotech seed varieties one at a time. from the beginning and have developed of his or her farm or home garden.  I didn’t think it was a provocative state- many varieties for JSS. Of those, do you ment, but we received dozens of letters have some favorites? Mary Yee is managing editor and art director from people who were against GMOs It’s hard for me to settle on my favorites, for The American Gardener.

March / April 2009 43 44 by KrisWetherbee Tender-hearted Artichokes sweet, oh so tender heart. sweet, ohsotenderheart. creamy-textured interiorleaves anda cally bracts—itcontainslayers oftasty, with tough,pricklyouterleaves—techni- consumption. Shaped likeapinecone it’s theflower for budthatisharvested tain tofive feettallandsixacross. But leaves green spreading foun- intoasilvery ment inthegarden, withdeeplyserrated peal. Ornamentally, itmakesaboldstate- ap- this vegetable gobeyond itsculinary child’s play. draw offthetendermeatseemedlike ging thestemendthrough myteethto ping eachleafinmeltedbutterandtug- I on variety. 110 to160daysfromseed,depending DAYS TOMATURITY At leastthreetofourfeetapart. SPACING fully digoutandreplant. early spring,usingaserratedknife.Care- rooted offshootfromanexistingplantin To propagatefromsuckers,separatea PROPAGATION plants ordormantrootsinfallwinter. doors infall,orplantcontainer-grown For perennialproduction: danger ofhardfrost. harden off.Transplanttogardenafter frame fortwotosixweeksvernalizeand date. Placeyoungseedlingsinacold 10 weeksbeforeyourlastspringfrost For annualproduction: GETTING STARTED Planting Basics Although artichokes thrive whereAlthough artichokes Years laterIdiscovered the rewards of young girl,atafriend’s house.Dip- artichoke ENCOUNTERED the American Gardener (Cynara scolymus)asa Sow seedseightto my firstglobe Sow seedsout- successfully grow thisgourmetcrop. backyard gardeners inmostregions can variety selectionandalittleplanning, AHS Heat Zones 9–7),withtheproper are mild(USDAHardiness Zones 8–9, summers are coolandmoistwinters atures are between 34and 50degrees frame, fortwo to sixweeks whiletemper- outdoors inaprotected spot,suchasacold young seedlingswithtwoorthree leaves are growing asanannual,place artichokes for plantsthatwinteroutdoors, butifyou duce flowering. Thisisachieved naturally tion—exposure to acoldperiod—toin- grown asannuals.Plants require vernaliza- least 90frost-free are days,artichokes best and provided extrawinterprotection. er climateswhengrown inwell-drained soil about fiveincool- years. Theyoftensurvive grown asperennials, producing crops for In USDAZones are 8and9,artichokes GROWING GUIDELINES The heartoftheimmatureflowerbudatjunctionstemisediblepartanartichoke. OERW HARVEST HOMEGROWN In cold-winterclimatesthathave at C conserves moisture. conserves helps moderate soiltemperature and shredded leaves, orotherorganicmatter with atwo-tofour-inchlayer ofstraw, reduce thequalityofbud.Mulching spellcan of buddevelopment; ahot,dry plant torot atthecrown. in winter—poordrainagecancausethe Just besure thesoildrainswell, especially of watertoproduce big,succulentbuds. learned moisture iskey—plantsneedlots of compostoragedmanure. Follow upwithamid-season application intoeachhole. plete organicfertilizer post, agedmanure, orahalfcupofcom- to planting,work ashovelful ofrichcom- matter. Theyare heavyfeeders,soprior and slightlyacidicsoilrichinorganic ternoon shadewhere summersare hot— buy seedlingsfrom agarden center. Fahrenheit. Or tomakeiteasyonyourself, Soil temperature isanothervitalpart After years ofgrowing I artichokes, growArtichokes bestinfullsun—af-

THIS PAGE AND OPPOSITE: RICK WETHERBEE Sources D. Landreth Seed Company, New Freedom, PA. (800) 654- 2407. www.landrethseeds.com.

Peaceful Valley Farm and Garden Supply, Grass Valley, CA. (530) 272-4769. www.groworganic.com.

Swallowtail Garden Seeds, Santa Rosa, CA. (707) 538-3585. www.swallowtailgardenseeds.com. Resources The Garden Primer (2nd ed.) by Bar- bara Damrosch. Workman Publish- ing, New York, New York, 2008.

Burpee The Complete Vegetable & Herb Gardener: A Guide to Growing Your Garden Organically by Karan Davis Cutler. Macmillan, New York, New York,1997.

Growing Artichokes by Harwood Hall, Susan Wada, and Ronald E. Voss. Above: The large, deeply cut leaves of University of California Vegetable artichoke add a bold touch to a garden. Left: Research and Information Center. The cultivar ‘Violetto’ is aptly named. http://vric.ucdavis.edu/pdf/ artichoke_GrowingArtichokes.pdf. plants so they have good air circulation. Snails and slugs are a problem in some areas. Natural solutions include non- growing region. In warmer climates, seeds toxic slug baits such as Slug Stop or Slug- planted in fall yield a spring harvest. In go, and barriers, such as Safer’s Snail & my Oregon (Zone 7) garden, winter-pro- Slug Copper Barrier Tape. can be tected perennial plants produce two crops controlled with a few applications of in- a year: a generous crop in spring, and a secticidal soap or strong jets of water. second crop in midsummer to fall. After the spring harvest, I cut plants back to six RECOMMENDED VARIETIES to eight inches above the ground for an To overwinter artichokes that are ■ ‘Green Globe’: annual or perennial pro- earlier and more productive second crop. grown as perennials, cut plants back to duction; globe-shaped heads with spines. To harvest, select plump, tight buds, four to six inches above ground in fall or ■ ‘Emerald’: annual or perennial produc- cutting the stem two inches below the before a hard frost, then generously tion; tolerates frost and extreme heat, few bud’s base. Cut off the top inch and trim mulch with compost or straw. spines. the sharp tips of the remaining outer ■ ‘Imperial Star’: annual production; two- leaves. Steam or boil for 25 to 35 minutes or PEST AND DISEASE PREVENTION week vernalization, nearly spineless. until tender. To eat, dip each leaf base in Besides crown rot, artichokes are rarely ■ ‘Purple of Romagna’: perennial produc- melted butter, mayonnaise, or yogurt, and troubled by disease. Botrytis blight can tion; large, purple-headed heirloom. scrape off the flesh with your teeth. Once develop on leaves and actively growing ■ ‘Violetto’: perennial production; purple you get to the center, remove the fuzzy buds; left unchecked, it can progress into slightly elongated buds, late to mature. choke to reveal the ultimate delicacy—the the main stem. An organic such tender and tasty heart!  as neem oil will help remedy the situation. ENJOYING THE HARVEST To minimize occurrence of the disease, Grown as an annual, flower buds form in Kris Wetherbee grows artichokes and many avoid planting in heavy wet soil and space summer through fall, depending on your other vegetables in her western Oregon garden.

March / April 2009 45 46 sure fordeclininghoneybeenumbers. food sources andreduced pesticideexpo- forfarmers andmayoffermoregood news cultural crops intheUnited States, thisis Since honeybeespollinateabout130agri- biological pestcontrols.yields andnew vored by honeybeesmayleadtohigher planting agriculturalcrops withflowers fa- caterpillars toavoid buzzinginsects. caterpillars, sothere isgoodreason forthe emerge,theyparasitize andeatthe larvae by laying their eggsonthem.Whenthe types ofparasiticwaspsattackcaterpillars parasitic waspsandhoneybees.Several cannot distinguishbetween thebuzzof significantly reducing plantdamage. ing, someeven dropping from theplant— the caterpillarstemporarilystoppedfeed- tions ofapproaching bees.Once alerted, bodies, thecaterpillarssensedvibra- bees were absent.Using tinyhairsontheir on bellpepperplantsthanwhenthehoney worm caterpillarsfed60to70percent less when honeybeeswere present, beetarmy- inGermanyWürzburg discovered that nate by simplybuzzingabout. honey beesprotect theplantstheypolli- 2008 issueof study publishedintheDecember 23, respond tothewarningbuzz,too. A honey bees,itseemssomegarden pests While mostpeoplesteerclearofbusy BODYGUARDS BEES HAVE ROLEASPLANT Horticultural NewsandResearch ImportanttoAmericanGardeners Researchers now plantoseeifinter- This research suggeststhatcaterpillars Researchers from theUniversity of the American Gardener Current Biology reports that issue ontheAHS website special linkedto theonlineversion ofthis regional organizations,clickontheweb plants for2009selectedby nationaland www.beautifulgardens.com. of the2009Plants ofDistinction, visit newly creatednewly Beautiful Gardens orstates.Joiningregions theirranksisthe fortestingandse- exist across thecountry Numerous organizationsandprograms REGION MID-ATLANTIC GROUPFOR PROMOTION NEW PLANT redbud Chinese suchas‘Donand shrubs Egolf’ Distinction” for2009are flowering trees cellent ornamentaldisplay.” 6–8, AHSHeat Zones 7–2],andwithex- in[USDAHardinessperformance Zones plantswithstable andunderutilized new gram’s purposeisto“test andpromote Inc. fortheMid-Atlantic region. Thepro- ation Horticulture Research Foundation ated by theVirginia Nurserymen’s Associ- Knight Blue aswell asperennials suchasMid- ‘Brido’), oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia rose ‘Monmid’) andPine KnotStrains Lenten GARDENER Cercis chinensis Cercis Cercis chinensis Cercis To alistofotheraward-winning view Among theprogram’s nine“Plants of (Helleborus (Cercis chinensis) C ® lily oftheNile (Agapanthus ✕ hybridus). For afulllist ‘Don Egolf’ ‘Don Egolf’ ’ NOTEBOOK S mance inparticular outstanding perfor- lecting plantswith and Snowflake (www.ahs.org). ™ , initi- run extremelyrun important.” and difficulttoidentify, butinthelong ing here are changesthatare muchslower the study’s we’re co-authors.“What study- gy atOregon State University andoneof Mark Harmon, professor offorest ecolo- tend togetmostoftheheadlines,”says epidemics thatkillalotoftrees allatonce mate change.“Forest fires ormajor insect dioxide than theyabsorb, exacerbating cli- forests likethese give offmore carbon fires. stressed But perhapsmostworrying, there isdefinitely an increased riskofwild- affect wildlifethatrely onthetrees and ceptible topestsanddiseases. has stressed trees, makingthemmore sus- region. Theresulting increase indroughts blame risingtemperatures throughout the age, species,orelevation, theresearchers ring regardless ofotherfactorssuchastree by trees. new Because thistrend isoccur- at afasterratethantheyare beingreplaced They discovered thatthetrees are dyingoff ico, andsouthwestern British Columbia. California, Arizona, Colorado,New Mex- studied 76sitesinOregon, Washington, laborators from several western universities and environmental ramifications. which couldhave significantecological ica are sufferingwidespread die-offs, forests inwestern regions ofNorth Amer- Researchers have foundthatoldgrowth in temperateregions are justasworrying. issue ofthejournal a studypublishedintheJanuary 23,2009 are causingclimatechange.According to planet’s risingcarbondioxide levels that cially sincethetrees helptomitigatethe has longbeenacauseforconcern,espe- The reduction ofrainforests inthetropics TREESATRISK TEMPERATE to beNational Public Gardens Day, an tion (APGA)has declared May 8,2009 The AmericanPublic Gardens Associa- PUBLICGARDENS CELEBRATING The studywarnsthatthistrend could Led by theU.S.Geological Survey, col- Science, threats totrees

LEFT: COURTESY OF JACK WOLF (WWW.FLICKR.COM/PHOTOS/WOLFRAVEN). CENTER: COURTESY OF VIRGINIA NURSERY & LANDSCAPE ASSOCIATION. PEOPLE and PLACES in the NEWS WORLD’S #1 TOP PLANT SUPPLY Northwest and San Francisco Flower and Garden Shows Face Closure In a year that has seen the cancellation of the long-running New England Flower PLANT #1HEALTH EXTRA LIFE Show by the Massachusetts Horticultural Society and the postponement of Greatest Guarantee-Offer PROOF Ever SINCE 1940, $5,000. GUARANTEED to be Cleveland Botanical Garden’s May flower show until next year, gardeners are Worldunchallenged, CHAMPION anxiously awaiting a decision on the fate of two of the largest and most popu- #1 Activator, #1 Trans/ #1 Extra #1 REVIVER, PLANTER, GROWER, lar flower shows in the country—the Northwest Flower and Garden Show held WORLD’S FAIR SCIENCE-MEDAL-WINNING #1 Perfecter TM TM in Seattle, Washington, and the San Francisco Flower and Garden Show in Cal- VI ® 50 IN ifornia. Duane Kelly, the owner of Salmon Bay Events, which produced these ONE two shows, recently announced he will close the company and retire. Unless a VITAMINS-HORMONES USED BY U.S. –– FERTILIZER GUARANTEED Departments of –– –– POLLUTING BioUSABLES As Advertised in , ARMY, NON TM Better Homes & Gardens buyer who can maintain the quality of both shows is found, this year’s North- NAVY, AIR. Etc. TO ADD TO FERTILIZING for growing Landscape Architecture ALSO BY STATES, Horticulture CITIES, COUNTIES, DOUBLE MONEY-BACK UNIVERSITIES west Flower and Garden Show, held February 18 to 22, and the San Francisco RECOMMENDED TOP VALUE BY EXPERTS OF TV, RADIO, BOOKS, EXTREME Concentration MAGAZINES, Drop-A-CupTM or CONFERENCES Dozens Flower and Garden Show to be held March 18 to 22, will be the last. For more Drop-A-GalTM OF THE information about these shows, visit www.gardenshow.com. WORLD’S SCIENCE & INDUSTRY ONLY GOLD MEDAL WORLD’S FAIR 1940 science ADD to any fertilizingTM • 50 INSTANT BioUSABLES Raven is 2009 Scott Medal and Award Recipient NORMAL PURE COMPLEXES • From Carbon-Hydrogen-Oxygen MIRACLES natural organic crystals • Save plants from waiting while IN EACH trying to make them Peter H. Raven has been chosen as the recipient of the 2009 Scott Medal and • Unique. Nothing is “like” it. DROP! SEE TO BELIEVE–– HEALTHIER, FASTER plants Award, given by the Scott Arboretum of Swarthmore College in Swarthmore, BEAUTY and CROP yieldADDED TO 21 FERTILIZERS by 21 Growers

Pennsylvania, for his contributions to the world of horti- YOU CAN ORDER PINT, culture, both in the United States and internationally. Cur- QUART, GALLON, Billions–PROVEN rently professor of at Washington University in St. or DRUM B A L A N C E D ORIGINAL ADDED TO Louis and of biology at St. Louis University, Raven is also 18 FERTILIZERS, by 18 Growers president of the Missouri Botanical Garden, where he has played a key role in its development for 40 years. He serves as a member of the academies of sciences of many differ- ent countries, and has received numerous awards, includ- ing the International Prize for Biology from the government NEARLY 1000 BOOKS, CONFERENCES, RECOMMENDED BY MAGAZINES, NEWSPAPERS, TVs, RADIOS of Japan and the Liberty Hyde Bailey award from the AHS. USED BY FIVE U.S. DEPARTMENTS TO HELP WIN WORLD WAR II OF GOVERNMENTS, STATE UNIVERSITIES, LEADING Construction Accident at Atlanta Botanical Garden THOUSANDS , BOTANICAL GARDENS, PARKS SYSTEMS U.S. STATES and CITIES IN MULTIPLE-DRUMS LOTS Tragedy struck the Atlanta Botanical Garden when, in mid-December 2008, part FLOWERING PLANTS SHOW WINNERS – “everywhere” HEALTHY, TOXICS-FREE FOODS GROWERS of the new Canopy Walk under construction collapsed, injuring 18 and killing one UNIQUE. Far easier plant success of the workers who had been building it. Thanks to the swiftness and capability of the emergency response team, all of the injured victims were brought to the hospital in time for critical care. When the garden reopened three days later, ad- missions proceeds and donations were allocated to a fund set up to help the work- ers and their families. Mary Pat Matheson, executive director of the Atlanta Botanical Garden, has announced that the garden is still committed to building the Canopy Walk and the rest of its expansion, to be completed by 2010, despite the construction accident. In the interim, Matheson expressed her hope that the garden will continue to provide a place of healing and solace for the construction workers, their families, and the community at large. —T.G.

11 XMAS TREES 17 HYDROSEEDING 22 12 REFORESTATION 18 LANDSCAPING COMPETITIONS 13 19 PROPAGATION 23 INTERIORSCAPING 14 FIELD CROPS 20 ANTI-EROSION 24 CUT FLOWERS 15 BONSAI 21 ENVIRONMENTAL 25 WEATHER DAMAGE annual day of celebration of America’s “but will also showcase the achievements 16 TISSUE CULTURE IMPROVEMENT 26 WATER GARDENS gardens. In partnership with Rain Bird, and expertise provided by public gardens AT CONSCIENTIOUS PLANT DEALERS WORLDWIDE a leading manufacturer of irrigation as well as their commitment to education Used, tipped to, and supplied by thousands of conscientious plant-selling firms. On every continent, without salesmen. products, the APGA created this event to and outreach programs that are vital to promote awareness of the important role people’s appreciation and understanding REFUSE “just as good,” false, cheaply made, unbalancing substitutes – often 991/2% water. that public gardens play. of the irreplaceable value of plants.” NOTHING IS AT ALL “LIKE” “National Public Gardens Day will According to the APGA, many of its 50 VITAMINS-HORMONES not only be a time for families and en- 500 member gardens and other institu- V Made in U.S.A. by VITAMIN INSTITUTE I thusiasts to enjoy the gardens,” says Dan tions will hold special events and activities 12610 Saticoy Street South, North Hollywood, CA 91605 Website www.superthrive.com COURTESY OF SCOTT ARBORETUM SWARTHMORE COLLEGE Stark, executive director of the APGA, in celebration of this day. For example,

March / April 2009 47 48 W According toArmitage,these openhouseevents offervisitors the University ofGeorgia’s gardens, scheduledforJuly thisyear. example, Armitageleadstours duringannualopenhousesat house events forbothhomegardeners andprofessionals. For future breeding programs andmarketing campaigns. various environments. Evaluations from trialgardens help guide marketers, thegardens asatestingarea plantsin fornew serve garden managementpractices. For plantbreeders, growers, and gardens are outdoorclassrooms forlearningidentification and horticulture studentsandtheplantindustry. For students,the plants.Thesegardensing housesfornew provide a resource for to consumersandthehorticulture industry. program, plants all ofwhichhelptopromote top-performing Best ofthe Trials program, andMSUhastheSpartan Selects For example,UGAhastheAthens Select program, CSUhasthe of theyear, outstandingvarieties are given specialrecognition. ranging from bloomtimetoculturalrequirements. At theend ter Gardeners, anduniversity staffhelpgatherandanalyze data, etative samplestospecificuniversities fortesting.Students, Mas- (CSU) trialgardens. Colorado State University James Klett,director ofthe that are available,” says varietiesnew oftheplants “showcase thebeautyand well spent.”Theyalso you spendonplantswillbe make sure thatthemoney out thatthey“are awayto gardens, agrees, pointing University’s (MSU)trial director atMichigan State Athens. Norm Lownds, the (UGA) trialgardens in University ofGeorgia mitage, thedirector ofthe plants,’” saysAllanAr- better? By havingbetter plant buyingexperience tion, ‘How dowe makethe gardens answer theques- versity trialgardens. “Trial looked resource forfindingoutaboutgreat varieties new isuni- inyour gardenperform orregion. One usefulbutoftenover- BY ERINMELVILLE University Trial GardensPutPlantPerformancetotheTest GARDENER’S NOTEBOOKNEWSSPECIAL Many trialgardens are opento thepublic,andofferopen However, university trialgardens asmore thanjustclear- serve Each year, plantdevelopment companiesgive seedsorveg- the American Gardener year, itcanbeachallengetoknow exactlyhow theywill ITH SOMANY new plantscomingontothemarketnew each Collins cancomparehundredsofplantvarietiessidebyside. Visitors tothecolorfultrialgardensatColoradoStateUniversityinFort well astropicals, vines,specialtyannuals,andperennials. dens, whichincludemore than600taxaofbeddingplants,as toaskquestionsandratetheplantsingar- the opportunity Georgia inAthens. er, Erin Melville, specialcorrespondent toTheAmericanGarden- proven inyour region. performance sity trialgardens offersoyou canzero inontheplantswith garden thisspring,besure totapintotheresources your univer- of thisissueontheAHSwebsite, United States andlinkstotheirwebsites, visittheonlineversion their websites. (For alistofuniversity trialgardens across the regionalperformers, ratings,andphotosoftrialedplants—on trial gardens offerplenty ofhelpfulinformation—suchastop in oursunny, climate,” saysKlett. dry howpropagators andproven toobserve new varieties perform growers,sional horticulturists, seedcompanies,andvegetative house events insummer. gardens bringtogetherprofes- “The trial, andatwo-year perennial trial—alsooffersannualopen proximately 1,000cultivars ofannuals,acool-seasonpansycrop onanationallevel. top performers from gardens todeterminewhichplantsare across thecountry At MSU in East Lansing, visitors can participate intwosets At MSUinEastLansing,visitorscanparticipate Even ifyou are notableto visitinperson,manyuniversity Colorado State University’s trialgardens—comprising ap- is astudentinthehorticulture program attheUniversity of www.ahs.org.) throughout itsHorticul- 1,000 annualcultivars site, MSUevaluates about lections (AAS)trialgarden an officialAll-AmericaSe- unbiased evaluations.” As introductionsnew andget “great tosee opportunity which Lownds says isa Wednesday inAugust, Showcase onthefirst hosts theGarden Plant professionals, MSUalso public. For green industry August 7are opentothe 14 anda“garden day” on gardening” dayonMarch The firstset,a“spring into of annualopenhouses. tion thatcollectstrialdata acres. AASisanorganiza- dens, whichspannearly14 ture Demonstration Gar- As you plan your 

COURTESY OF COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe, Illi­ advertising sales have caused several pub­ nois, will offer special tours of gardens lishers to cease production of various titles bursting with color and fragrance, includ­ in an effort to cut their losses. ing its new Model Railroad Garden. Time Inc., the publisher of magazines To learn more about National Public such as Time and SouthernLiving, ended Gardens Day, visit www.publicgardens.org. the four-year run of Cottage Living with the November/December 2008 issue. It US NATIONAL ARBORETUM INTRODUCES will also close www.cottageliving.com. NEW EGOLF VIBURNUM The January/February 2009 issue is the After 20 years of research and evaluation, final one for Growing Edge, a trade mag­ the United States National Arboretum azine about hydroponics, after nearly 20 has released the newest Viburnumculti­ years of production. The publisher, Tom var from its shrub breeding program. De­ Alexander, plans to continue selling back veloped from a 1988 cross of v: 'Eskimo' issues online and will expand www. and V. macrocephalum forma keteleeri, growingedge.combeyond hydroponics in­ 'Nantucket' is the 20th viburnum culti­ and it even performs well as a container formation. And in January, Meredith var released by the arboretum's Floral and plant. Currently, it is in wholesale pro­ Corporation, which publishes Better Nursery Plants Research Unit. Each of duction and it should be readily available Homes & Gardens and numerous other these introductions was developed by the at garden centers in two years. It is rated titles, announced it would lay off 250 late Don Egolf, who bred woody plants for USDA Hardiness Zones 6 to 8, AHS people, about seven percent of its work­ at the arboretum for 30 years. Heat Zones 9 to 6. force. Additionally, it will cease pub­ 'Nantucket' is a semi-evergreen shrub lishing Country Home with its March that grows to 12 feet tall and half as wide ECONOMY SPELLS BAD NEWS FOR 2009 issue. with narrow, dark green leaves. Lightly fra­ GARDEN MAGAZINES grant, white flowers neatly adorn the In the last few months, publishers of gar­ News written by Associate Editor Viveka shrub in May. It is recommended for use den and shelter magazines have felt the Neveln, EditorialAssistant Caroline Bent­ as a hedge, mass planting, shrub border, pinch of the economic downturn. Lagging ley, and Editorial Intern Ttdia Goldman.

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MARCH/ApRIL2009 49 50 by RitaPelczar Potting SoilandMixes:Properties andPriorities if you plantolugthecontainerfrom placetoplace.How easilythemediumacceptswater, how muchit should have theplantwithoutitstopplingover, enoughweight tosupport butshouldnotbetooheavy quate water-holdingcapacityare characteristicstoconsider. important Weight isanother;your medium A the dairy industry calledRePeet industry the dairy the market. Aprocessed by-product of ternatives to peatmosshave emergedon sue ofPeat Moss,”page 51). Is-environmental sustainability(see“The and package,there are concernsaboutits though relatively inexpensive toharvest also acidicandhasnonutrientvalue. Al- slowly.ly stable—itdecomposesvery It is moss retains alot ofwaterandisextreme- high acidenvironment suchasbogs.Peat num moss—thathave ina beenpreserved plants—mostcommonlysphag- certain mixes. Peat isthelightweight remains of ofmostpotting up asignificantportion conut coir, compost,andtree bark make Organic ingredients suchaspeatmoss,co- COMPONENTS ORGANIC your pottingsoil? volved inproducing anddistributing How sustainableare thepracticesin- conscious gardeners toconsideristhis: ized (see“Pasteurizing Soil,” page53). of thepottingmix,itshouldbepasteur- contain soil,manydonot.If soilispart of themix.Althoughsomepottingmixes tors influencedby thespecificmakeup well itholdsupover timeare fac- further weed seeds,insects,anddisease,how shrinks whenitdries,itspH,lackof cluding waterretentiveness andporosity. shares manytraitswithpeatmoss, in- cow manure.dairy Whenprocessed, it componentis amendment, itsprimary operations.Sold asasoil large dairy gesters atregional facilitieslocatednear duced by Organix, Inc., inanaerobic di- In recent years, several renewable al- Another pointforenvironmentally the American Gardener GROWING MEDIUM tainer gardening, andforpropagating manyplantsfrom seedorcuttings. Good drainageandade- ™ is pro- that provides ahealthyenvironment forroots isessentialforsuccessfulcon- RePeet An alternative topeatmoss,Organix’s dent Russell V. Davis. “RePeet cannotbe Stephenville, Texas,” saysOrganix Presi- full-scale production facilitynear 4.0. “We are justnow moving toourfirst than peatmoss,whichhasapHaround With apHof6.5,itisclosertoneutral successful containergardening. A high-qualitypottingmixisessentialto ™ RE GARAGE GREEN is producedfrom dairycowmanure. C ® hulls insomeof ourblends.” we’ve begunreplacing perlitewith rice consumed inthemanufacturing process, region. “Tofur its peat-free products totheMid-Atlantic chanics Soil Company, whichdistributes Highland, president oftheOrganic Me- Mark compost toreplace peat,”says chanics major componentoftheOrganic Me- able nomatterwhere you live. It isa potting mixes, andlocalsources are avail- anced moisture is critical. seedswherefor starting maintainingbal- worm guanoasnutrientsources. It’s great enhanced withwormcastingsandmeal- Seed Starting Mix mentally, thanpeat. that coirisstillabetterchoice,environ- tances. Many manufacturers, however, feel material hastobeshipped,oftenlongdis- unless you live where coconutsgrow, the to beidealforapottingmixexcept that, conuts, coirisrenewable andwouldseem Ken Druse. based garden writerandphotographer longer thanpeatmoss,”saysBrooklyn- ever, butIwouldguessaboutthree times acidic. It doesnotlastinacontainerfor- remoisten thanpeat,andnotnearlyas to apottingmix.“Coirismucheasier to decay, anditaddssignificantporosity conut; itisfibrous, lightweight, resistant stores laterthisyear.” as ofnow, showing butshouldstart upin found inanyoff-the-shelfpottingmixes Compost isfrequently includedin Gardens Alive’s Natural Beginnings A naturalby-product ofprocessing co- Coir isthepiththatsurrounds aco- mixes. “We uselocallymade ther reduce theenergy is onecoir-basedmix

TOP: MARY YEE. BOTTOM: COURTESY OF ORGANIX, INC. THE ISSUE OF PEAT MOSS About 90 percent of the peat used in this country is harvested from bogs in Canada. According to the Canadian Sphagnum Peat Moss Association (CSPMA), of the 279 mil- lion acres of Canadian peatland, less than .02 percent (42,000 acres) is being used for harvesting approximately 1.4 million tons of sphagnum peat each year. According to CSPMA President Paul Short, this amount “is well within the sustainable allocation limits of natural resource availability.” Furthermore, CSPMA has adopted a preserva- tion and reclamation policy to help restore bogs to a functional wetland ecosystem. Yet many still question the sustainability of peat moss harvesting. The harvest- ing process involves draining the bogs by digging a network of ditches and basins. This may have long term effects on local water tables. Fafard's “3 B” Professional Formula mix Although the Canadian bogs are extensive, and peat moss often starts to re-grow contains sphagnum peat moss, processed within five years after it is harvested, it grows at an extremely slow rate, about one pine bark, perlite, vermiculite, nutrients, millimeter per year. And according to the North American Wetlands Conservation limestone, and a wetting agent. Council, it may simply be impractical to return some harvested bogs to peatlands. In these cases, they recommend converting the area to farmland, wetland, or plant- White Oak Farm Premium Organics ing trees. The result is a significant disruption of a highly specialized ecosystem also uses compost from local sources, in- and endangerment of the many organisms that inhabit it. —R.P. cluding food processing residuals such as Ocean Spray’s cranberry pulp, as the basis of their soil mixes. “We manufacture all of to return the organic resources as close to Sun-Gro in the West. Locally produced our own compost at two southeastern their origin as possible.” and distributed potting soils reduce Wisconsin compost facilities,” says owner Other companies that manufacture transportation costs, both monetarily Sandy Syburg. The company distributes and market their potting soils regionally and environmentally. their products in the Midwest. “The mis- include Coast of Maine in the Northeast, Some companies with a wider distri-

RITA PELCZAR sion of White Oak Farm,” says Syburg, “is Lady Bug Natural Brand in the South, and bution eliminate the need for long-

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March / April 2009 51 range shipping by maintaining multiple manufacturing facilities that serve spe- Resources cific regions. For example, Monrovia Canadian Sphagnum Peat Moss produces potting soils at eight different Association, www.peatmoss.com. facilities in the United States. Fafard has three U.S. production fa- “The Dirt on Potting Soil” by Craig cilities, in South Carolina, Florida, and Idlebrook. Maine Organic Farmer Texas, and three more in Canada. “Fa- and Gardener, Summer, 2006. fard’s premium retail potting soils are www.mofga.org/tabid/477/ sold only in independent garden centers. default.aspx. Because of our plant locations, retailers

“Is Peat P.C.?” by Chris Bright. Perlite is added to mixes to provide porosity. American Horticulturist, Vol. 72, No. 12, American Horticultural Society, fibers are inhaled, was found in vermi- December, 1993. culite mined in Libby, Montana; the mine was closed in 1990. According to Potting Mixes for Certified Organic Pro- the National Sustainable Agricultural In- duction by George Kuepper. National formation Service, all sources of natural Information vermiculite apparently contain some as- Service, 2004. http://attra.ncat.org/ bestos, although levels may be very low. attra-pub/potmix.html#making. No safety labeling is required on ver- miculite products, however, the U.S. En- vironmental Protection Agency suggests Sources that if vermiculite is used, it should be han- Coast of Maine, Portland, ME. dled outdoors or in a well-ventilated area www.coastofmaine.com. and moistened to reduce the potential re- Fafard sells several different potting mixes. lease of asbestos fibers. When vermiculite Fafard, Greensboro, NC. is included in a moist growing mix, the www.fafard.com. that carry Fafard soil tend to be up and likelihood of problems is lessened. down the East Coast,” says Ann Bryan, Gardener’s Supply, Burlington, VT. Fafard’s marketing services manager. PRE-MIXED OR HOMEMADE? www.gardeners.com. Bark is included in many of Fafard’s U.S. For occasional use, it’s probably easiest to mixes. “All bark is southern yellow pine purchase a good commercial mix. There are Gardens Alive, Lawrenceburg, IN. and comes from vendors within a 100- many available, but because little label in- www.gardensalive.com. mile radius of our plants,” says Bryan. formation is required, you take your chances with an unknown brand. Ask for Lady Bug Natural Blend, Austin, TX. INORGANIC INGREDIENTS recommendations at local garden centers or www.ladybugbrand.com. Inorganic components commonly in- from neighbors who have container gar- cluded in potting soils are sand, perlite, Monrovia, Azusa, CA. and vermiculite. Coarse sand, also called www.monrovia.com/learn/soil_story/ builder’s sand, adds both porosity and soils_and_amendments.php. weight to a mix. For top heavy plants its weight provides stability. Organic Mechanics, West Chester, Perlite is a volcanic rock and vermi- PA. www.organicmechanicsoil.com. culite is a micaceous mineral. Both are mined materials that are heated until Organix, Inc., Walla Walla, WA. they expand, adding significant porosity www.organix.us. to a mix. Much of the perlite and vermi- culite used in potting soil is imported. Sun Gro, Belleview, WA. For example, although Fafard obtains its www.sungro.com. perlite from several southeastern suppli- ers, it is originally mined in Greece. White Oak Farm Organics, Vermiculite is mined in many loca- Oconomowoc, WI. tions, including a few sites in North www.whiteoakfarmorganics.com. America. In the 1980s, asbestos, a mater- Pro-Mix is a popular soil-less media often

ial that has proven carcinogenic if the used by professional growers. LEFT: COURTESY OF FAFARD. TOP RIGHT: MARY YEE; BOTTOM CHARLOTTE ALBERS / AHS ARCHIVES

52 the American Gardener dens. Finding a good local—or at least re- If you do use a lot of potting soil, con- gional—source of high-quality potting soil sider making your own—it affords you PASTEURIZING SOIL will go a long way to help your container the option of tweaking the recipe for spe- If you want to use soil in your potting plants thrive and minimize the energy used cific plants—more or less acidic, more or mix, it should be pasteurized to kill dis- in its distribution. less water retentive, etc. Local sources of eases, weeds, Premixed potting soils often contain sand and municipal composting sites can and insects, par- fertilizer. While this may be desirable for provide those ingredients inexpensively. ticularly if you outdoor container plants that are in active You can also make high-quality compost are using it for growth, it may not be appropriate for in your own backyard—the ultimate indoor plants or many houseplants and seedlings. “In my local ingredient. starting seeds or experience, the fertilizers are released to “My general medium is coir and per- cuttings. The ob- house plants when they want to be dor- lite—only,” says Druse. “Sometimes I use ject is to heat

RITA PELCZAR mant and burn their roots,” says Druse. compost as well for outdoor containers. the soil to 180 degrees and maintain that temperature for 30 minutes. You can do this in your kitchen by following the steps below:

■ Spread slightly moistened soil in a pan, no more than four inches deep. ■ Cover the pan with aluminum foil. Place the pan of soil and an oven ther- mometer in the oven; set the temper- ature to 250 degrees. ■ When the thermometer indicates the temperature has reached 180 de- grees, reduce the oven temperature to 180 degrees and set your timer for 30 minutes. ■ After 30 minutes, remove the soil from the oven. Allow it to cool thor- oughly before using it for planting. —R.P.

Depending on the drainage requirements, I use a ratio of one to three to one to five perlite to coir—and I try to use finely chopped coir that is neither too stringy nor ‘coir dust’, which it is sometimes sold as.” (For additional potting mix recipes and recommendations from experts around the country, see a web special linked to this ar- ticle on the AHS website, www.ahs.org.) Another standard potting mix recipe that I like to use for outdoor containers is equal parts garden loam, coarse sand, and good quality compost. It’s a heavy mix, so it’s not for large pots that you plan to move around, but it retains mois- ture well, and the compost provides the nutrients my plants need. Furthermore, at least two-thirds of the ingredients only have to travel a few yards in my wheel- barrow to reach their destination. 

Rita Pelczar is a contributing editor for The American Gardener.

March / April 2009 53 BOOKC REVIEWS

Recommendations for Your Gardening Library

Planthropology: The Myths, Mysteries, and Miracles of My Between Earth and Sky: Garden Favorites Our Intimate Connections to Trees Ken Druse. Clarkson Potter, New York, 2008. 288 pages. Publisher’s Nalini M. Nadkarni. University of California Press, Berkeley, California, price, hardcover: $50. 2008. 322 pages. Publisher’s price, hardcover: $24.95.

I MUST BE ONE of the few plant lovers who hadn’t read any DO YOU RECALL reading recently that a famous forest ecolo- of Ken Druse’s 10 other highly acclaimed books before discov- gist had computed that there were only 61 trees for each person ering his most recent offering, on our planet? What about the experi- Planthropology. The advantage of ment where Inuit people who had never my ignorance was that I experi- seen trees in their polar homelands were enced this book as innocently as brought to the tropical rain forest? Have when, as a new gardener nearly you heard of the ecological organization two decades ago, I discovered International Canopy Network that plants like the marvelous seven began with treetop studies by a talented, son flower (Heptacodium mico- tree-climbing biologist? If not, then you nioides)—one of my first exotic have now been exposed to a tiny bit of purchases that is still thriving in Nalini Nadkarni’s work. my overgrown New Jersey garden. Between Earth and Sky’s title evolved Whether you, too, are new to Druse or an established fan, Plan- from Nadkarni’s childhood experience thropology is sure to engage you as it did me. of seeing the giant National Christmas Tree in Washington, In this ambitious and satisfying book (an excerpt of which D.C., and thinking of it as a connection between the earth and appeared in the November/December 2008 issue of The the sky, and from climbing high into the maples in her parents’ American Gardener), Druse takes readers deep into the mys- yard. In this book, she brings to life myriad examples of bio- teries of the plant kingdom, revealing little-known botanical logical events, such as the destruction of the oldest living tree, facts as well as esoteric tidbits that will amaze and educate a bristlecone pine dubbed Prometheus, by a researcher even the most experienced gardener or horticulturist. Who trying to establish its age. The tree’s name, from Greek mythol- knew that Pythagoras invented vegetarianism or that figs have ogy, means “forethought,” which is ironic, given that none was flowers inside their fruit? Additionally, Planthropology is ele- evident before the tree was cut down, but Nadkarni places such gantly designed not only to show to best advantage Druse’s events into sympathetic, meaningful historic context. bountiful knowledge and love of plants, but also to present Nadkarni’s well-researched book is packed with interesting in- his eye-popping photography. formation woven together from disparate sources in a well-orga- The word “planthropology” is Druse’s own creation, nized way. For example, she flows seamlessly through an coined to describe the study of plants and their histories. adaptation of Maslow’s Hierarchy to baby blocks, poikilohydric While the word may not ultimately make it into the perma- foliage, and Deuteronomy. She reviews the importance of the nent lexicon of gardening (though, personally, I hope it does), earth’s radioactive strontium layer, formed in 1954, to den- it is an apt reflection of the author’s genuine passion, knowl- drochronology (the science of using tree rings as a way to date his- edge, and respect for his subject. toric events) in a way that a lay person can comprehend. Each page With this book, Druse expands our understanding of how reinforces the importance of trees in our lives and to our planet. to take care of the plants we grow, and broadens our apprecia- If you open this book to a random chapter and read it, you will tion for the way our plants in turn take care of us. “When every come away more enlightened. I recommend, however, starting at person learns more about plants,” writes Druse, “they will dis- the beginning. The book is a multi-course banquet of informa- cover what we gardeners already know—there are miracles all tion, and it is best digested in the order it is presented. around us. But the precious living things in our care are not —Guy Sternberg only fascinating, they are necessary to all life on earth.” —Betsy Hays Founder of Starhill Forest Arboretum in Petersburg, Illinois, Guy Sternberg is also the award-winning co-author and photographer of Betsy Hays writes and gardens in northwestern New Jersey. Her blog Native Trees for North American Landscapes and Landscaping can be found at www.betsyhays.com. with Native Trees.

54 the American Gardener The Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Illustrated Dictionary of Orchid Genera Peggy Aldrich and Wesley Higgins. Cornell University Press, Ithaca, New York, 2008. 482 pages. Publisher’s price, hardcover: $49.95.

The New Encyclopedia of Orchids Isobyl la Croix. Timber Press, Portland, Oregon, 2008. 524 pages. Publisher’s price, hardcover: $59.95.

THE RELEASE OF these two enormously important works in the same year offers a unique snapshot of the “State of the Or- chid” at this point in time. The snap- shot aspect of the books is significant because, as noted in The Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Illustrated Dictio- nary of Orchid Genera (IDOG), orchid is “presently unstable.” In For 40 years, distinctive, award-winning landscapes have been the hallmark of Chapel Valley Landscape Companyʼs other words, five or 10 years from now, commitment to creativity, quality and service. We design, the names used for the plants in these install and maintain landscapes that make a positive first volumes may be rather different. impression. Call us today to discuss your plans using our IDOG is from America’s preeminent comprehensive landscape services. center of orchidology, the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in Sarasota, Florida, while the New Encyclopedia of Orchids (NEO) is a product of the British orchid Maryland 410.442.2310 Virginia 703.406.0802 Washington, D.C. 301.924.5400 establishment, which Isobyl la Croix www.chapelvalley.com represents admirably. Both books fea- ture wonderful illustrations and pho- tographs and superbly written text. However, there are differences in the two books that can help the casual or- chidist to decide which he or she needs, if acquiring both is not an option. IDOG is precisely as advertised: an illustrated dictionary of orchid genera. It lists all orchid generic names, past and present, with the most current status along with an illustration of a rep- resentative species and a brief description of the genus as a whole. No species, no hybrids, no cultural information. As a basic ref- erence—one that would enable the seeker to discover the most current genus name—it is certainly without modern peer. On the other hand, NEO is an encyclopedic treatment of 1,500 orchid species currently in cultivation. Its introductory section covers general orchidology (i.e., what is an orchid, how did they PHOTO BY ANNE C. ALLEN FROM 2008 GARDENER’S CALENDAR evolve, where do they grow) and has cultural information that is 2009 “Gardener’s” Calendar far more useful than is typical of most British orchid books, which There are 13 prize-winning color photos taken by tend to be parochial in approach. Illustrations are larger and show TGOA/MGCA members, including AHS members more of the flower habit than those in IDOG. who are also members of TGOA/MGCA If you are looking for the most exhaustive contemporary list- $6.95 ($59.00 for 10) Postpaid To order: call 515-278-0295 or e-mail ing of orchid genera, I recommend the dictionary. For informa- [email protected] tion about culture, habitat, and particular species, the encyclopedia is the better choice. However, both of these volumes The Gardeners of America/ deserve to be part of any serious horticultural library.  —Ned Nash Men’s Garden Clubs of America Box 241, Johnston, Iowa 50121-0241 Ned Nash has grown orchids most of his adult life, both professionally (515) 278-0295 and as a hobbyist. He has written about orchids and orchid-related www.tgoa-mgca.org subjects almost as long as he has grown them.

March / April 2009 55 56 E-mail: [email protected]. Weston, Massachusetts.(617)479-3680. Begonia Society.JosiahSmithBarn. Gesneriad SocietyandBostonBranch (802) 863-5251. Union SquarePark.NewYork,York. 869-9242. of Greenwich.CosCob,Connecticut.(203) Feldman. munity: GoingBeyondPesticideswithJay Massachusetts. (617)524-1718. Arboretum ofHarvardUniversity.Boston, An OrganicApproach. den. (718)817-8700. Brazilian Modern. RAP APR. 26. APR. 25. www.vtinvasiveplants.org. RAP APR. 14. MAR. 27–29. www.arboretum.harvard.edu. RAP RAP 1529. Flower Show. Workshop. BrooklynBotanicGarden. Vermont. (802)229-4425ext.120. the LincolnFamilyHome.Manchester, The NatureConservancy.Hildene, contact thehostsitefordetails orvisit benefits. Specialeventsmaynotbe included; discounted admissiontothegarden orother valid membershipcardareeligible for freeor Admissions Programareidentifiedwiththe arboreta thatparticipateinAHS’sReciprocal Events hostedbybotanicalgardensand www.ahs.org/events/reciprocal_events.htm. RAP are identifiedwiththe participation byAHSorstaffmembers Events sponsoredbyorincludingofficial the American Gardener APR. 23. THROUGH APR.12. APR. 29. symbol. CurrentAHSmembersshowing a MAR. 24. www.gardenandflowershow.com. Y RW GardenFestival. NYC GROWS Combined PlantSale. Moving TowardaToxic-FreeCom- Lecture. GardenEducationCenter CT, MA,ME,NH,NY,RI,VT Capital DistrictGardenand www.gecgreenwich.org. Troy, NewYork.(518)786- Creating aRainGarden. Wise onWeeds. NORTHEAST Landscape Maintenance: New YorkBotanicalGar- www.nycgrows.org. Horticultural EventsfromAroundtheCountry AHS Lecture. Arnold www.nybg.org. The OrchidShow: symbol. New England Workshop. (202) 225-8333. States BotanicGarden.Washington, D.C. dens: PlacesfortheSpirit. RAP www.mainegardens.org. RAP Looking ahead www.bbg.org. Wildflower Meadow. THROUGH APR.19. Boothbay, Maine.(207)633-4333. Gardens. Brooklyn, NewYork.(718)623-7200. count inthegiftshop. Program, soAHSmembersreceivefreeadmissiontothegardenanda10percentdis- or call(804)262-9887.LGBGisaparticipantintheAHS’sReciprocalAdmissions about thelifecycleofbutterflies. lowing visitorsanup-closeandpersonalopportunitytowalkamongthemlearn hundreds oftropicalbutterflies,al- May 22toOctober11,itwillfeature it willbereturningtoLGBG.From tions, the“ButterfliesLIVE!”exhib- theme oftheanniversarycelebra- childhood development.” rect exposuretonatureandhealthy “the criticalrelationshipbetweendi- cation, thissymposiumwillfocuson commitment tocommunityandedu- symposium seriesexploringLGBG’s of anon-going“Metamorphosis” ing NaturetoEarlyChildhood.”Part sium, “NoChildLeftInside:Restor- will hostananniversaryyearsympo- as winetasting,music,plantshows,andothereventsthroughoutthespringmonths. blooms—including daffodils,cherryblossoms,tulips,irises,roses,andpeonies—aswell spring celebration,“AMillionBlooms,”willfeatureaspectacularsuccessionof be infullbloomasitcelebratesits25thanniversary.BeginningonApril1,thegarden’s THIS SPRING, Lewis GinterCelebrates25thAnniversary EINLHAPPENINGS REGIONAL To finddetailsontheseandotheranniversaryevents,gotowww.lewisginter.org Also partofthemetamorphosis On April28and29,thegarden MAR. 18. MAY 9. Coastal MaineBotanicalGardens. PA, NJ,VA,MD,DE,WV,DC C Spring Symposiumatthe MID-ATLANTIC Making andMaintaining a African AmericanGar- www.usbg.gov. Lecture. Delaware Cen- Lewis GinterBotanicalGarden(LGBG)inRichmond,Virginia,will Exhibit. United for celebrationsatLewisGinterBotanicalGarden. Spring bloomswillprovideacolorfulbackdrop 8733. Arboretum. Washington,D.C.(202)544- sium andPlantSale. AHS APR. 4. RAP www.washingtonhomeandgardenshow.com. AHS (302) 658-6262. ter forHorticulture.Wilmington,Delaware. ter. Washington,D.C.(703)823-7960. Garden Show. 328-8025. College. Swarthmore,Pennsylvania. (610) shop. ScottArboretumofSwarthmore —Talia Goldman,EditorialIntern APR. 17&18. MAR. 19–22. MAR. 28. www.usna.usda.gov. How toDesignYourGarden. www.scottarboretum.org. Washington ConventionCen- Lahr NativePlantSympo- www.dehort.org. Washington Homeand Spring GardenMarket. United StatesNational Work-

COURTESY OF LEWIS GINTER BOTANICAL GARDEN Plant sale and lectures. American Horticul- tural Society. Alexandria, Virginia. Missouri Botanical Garden’s 150th Anniversary (703) 768-5700. www.ahs.org. THIS YEAR marks the 150th anniversary of the oldest botanical garden in the Unit- AHS APR. 18. 76th Historic Garden Week ed States still operating—the Missouri Botanical Garden (MBG), founded in 1859. in Virginia. Alexandria garden tours. Throughout the year, MBG will be celebrating its sesquicentennial anniversary with Alexandria, Virginia. (703) 370-5220. special events and displays to www.VAGardenweek.org. honor and remember its founder, Henry Shaw. Excerpts from RAP APR. 25. Arbor Day Plant Sale. Tyler Arboretum. Media, Pennsylvania. (610) Shaw’s travel journals will be reg- 566-9134. www.tylerarboretum.org. ularly posted on MBG’s website to provide a glimpse backwards in RAP APR. 25. Rare Plant Auction. time, and into the trips that in- Delaware Center for Horticulture. spired Shaw to give St. Louis a Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. (302) 658- garden that compared with the 6262. www.dehort.org. great formal botanical gardens of Europe. APR. 25–MAY 17. Maryland House and Garden The past echoes again through Pilgrimage. House and garden tours. one of the highlights of the an- Towson, Maryland. (410) 821-6933. www.mhgp.org. niversary commemoration—a custom-designed floral clock, 20 Looking ahead feet in diameter, intended to re- This floral clock at the Missouri Botanical Garden is RAP MAY 9. Spring Native Plant Sale. capture the grandeur of a floral inspired by one shown at the 1904 World’s Fair. Adkins Arboretum. Ridgely, Maryland. (410) clock displayed in St. Louis at the 634-2847. www.adkinsarboretum.org. 1904 World’s Fair. The floral clock will be open for viewing beginning after the plant- ing in April, and will be fully grown by the beginning of May. It will showcase “sea- JUNE 4–6. The Native Plants in the sonal flowers of varying colors and textures, moving clock hands, and a working Landscape Conference. Millersville, cuckoo bird chirping every quarter hour,” and will be on display until October. Pennsylvania. (717) 871-2189. Among the other anniversary events will be the Green Living Expo, from May 1 www.millersvillenativeplants.org. to October 31, where visitors can “peruse select booths showcasing goods, services, and information with an environmental edge.” SOUTHEAST For more information about the Missouri Botanical Garden and its 150th an- AL, FL, GA, KY, NC, SC, TN niversary celebration, visit www.mobot.org or call (800) 642-8842. MBG is a partici- RAP MAR. 21 & 22. Hidden Gardens Tour. pant in the AHS’s Reciprocal Admissions Program, so AHS members receive free Heathcote Botanical Gardens, Inc. Fort admission to the garden and a 10 percent discount in the gift shop. Pierce, Florida. (772) 464-4672. —Talia Goldman, Editorial Intern www.heathcotebotanicalgardens.org.

RAP MAR. 21 & 22. Spring Plant Sale. Harry P. Leu Gardens. Orlando, Florida. (407) AHS APR. 3–5. Bloom ‘n’ Garden Expo. NORTH CENTRAL 246-2620. www.leugardens.org. Williamson County Master Gardeners Associ- IA, IL, IN, MI, MN, ND, NE, OH, SD, WI ation. Ag Expo Center. Franklin, Tennessee. RAP MAR. 21 & 22. Spring Plant and (615) 973-2112. www.wcmga.net. RAP APR. 4 & 5. Michigan State African Garden Festival. Marie Selby Botanical Gar- Violet Show and Sale. University of Michi- dens. Sarasota, Florida. (941) 366-5731. RAP APR. 4. Spring Plant Sale. State Botan- gan Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols www.selby.org. ical Garden of Georgia. Athens, Georgia. Arboretum. Ann Arbor, Michigan. (706) 542-1244. www.uga.edu/botgarden. (734) 647-7600. www.mbgna.umich.edu. MAR. 26. Creating an Ornamental and Sus- tainable Kitchen Garden. Workshop. The APR. 8. Creating a Drought-Resistant Garden. RAP APR. 18. Plant Information Fair. South Carolina Botanical Garden. Clemson Workshop. The South Carolina Botanical Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. University. Clemson, South Carolina. (864) Garden. Clemson University. Clemson, Chaska, Minnesota. (952) 443-1400. 656-3311. www.clemson.edu/scbg. South Carolina. (864) 656-3311. www.arboretum.umn.edu. www.clemson.edu/scbg. MAR. 26–29. Plant Fair and Sale. Callaway AHS APR. 18–26. Cincinnati Flower Show. Gardens. Pine Mountain, Georgia. (800) APR. 17–19. Savannah Garden Exposition. Cincinnati Horticultural Society. 225-5292. www.callawayonline.com. Historic Savannah Foundation. Savannah, Cincinnati, Ohio. (800) 670-6808. Georgia. (912) 236-4795. www.savannah www.cincyflowershow.com. MAR. 26–29. Savannah Tour of Homes and gardenexpo.com. Gardens. Savannah, Georgia. (912) 234- APR. 24–26. Wildflower Foray. Hiking and 8054. www.savannahtourofhomes.org. Looking ahead workshops. T.C. Steele State Historic Site. RAP MAY 2 & 3. Show. Nashville, Indiana. (812) 988-2785. RAP MAR. 28. Butterfly Gardening. Work- American Rhododendron Society Southeast- www.tcsteele.org. shop. Heathcote Botanical Gardens, Inc. ern Chapter. North Carolina Arboretum. Fort Pierce, Florida. (772) 464-4672. Asheville, North Carolina. (828) 665-2492. RAP APR. 25 & 26. American Daffodil Soci- www.heathcotebotanicalgardens.org. www.ncarboretum.org. ety Annual Show and Conference. Chicago COURTESY OF MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN

March / April 2009 57 Botanic Garden. Glencoe, Illinois. (847) Nature as Everyday Inspiration. Lecture. RAP APR. 18 & 19. Green Scene Plant 835-5440. www.chicagobotanic.org. Denver Botanic Gardens. Denver, Colorado. and Garden Show. Fullerton Arboretum. (720) 865-3500. www.botanicgardens.org. Fullerton, California. (714) 278-3407. RAP APR. 25 & 26. Daffodil Show. Fellows www.fullertonarboretum.org. Riverside Gardens. Mill Creek Metro Parks. APR. 2 & 9. Garden Workshop. Utah Botanical Youngstown, Ohio. (330) 740-7116. Center. Kaysville, Utah. (801) 593-8969. APR. 19. Going Native Garden Tour. www.millcreekmetroparks.com. http://utahbotanicalcenter.org. Middlebrook Gardens. San Jose, California. (408) 292-9993. RAP APR. 25 & 26. In Celebration of Trees. APR. 18. Children’s Seed Festival. Rio www.goingnativegardentour.org. Festival. Whitnall Park, Wehr Nature Grande Botanic Garden, Albuquerque Center, and Boerner Botanical Gardens. Biological Park. Albuquerque, New Mexico. APR. 25. Spring Garden Festival. Cuyamaca Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (414) 525-8550. (505) 768-2000. www.cabq.gov/biopark/ College. El Cajon, California. (619) 660- www.countyparks.com. garden/index.html. 4262. www.cuyamaca.edu/ohweb.

Looking ahead RAP APR. 25. Arbor Day. Tours, demonstra- NORTHWEST AHS MAY 1–3. in Bloom. Flower tions, and tree planting. The Arboretum at AK, ID, MT, OR, WA, WY show. Indianapolis, Indiana. (317) 713- Flagstaff. Flagstaff, Arizona. (928) 774- 5720. www.orchardinbloom.org. 1442. www.thearb.org. AHS MAR. 27–29. Energy Trust Better Living Show. Portland Expo Center. Port- RAP MAY 8 & 9. Plant Sale with the Pros. Looking ahead land, Oregon. (503) 736-5200. Olbrich Botanical Gardens. Madison, Wis- AHS MAY 1–3. Maricopa County Home & www.betterlivingshow.org. consin. (608) 246-4550. www.olbrich.org. Landscape Show. Arizona State Fairgrounds. Phoenix, Arizona. (602) 485-1991. RAP APR. 3 & 4. Annual Meeting and RAP MAY 15–17. A Bloomin’ Sale. Plant sale. www.maricopacountyhomeshows.com. Spring Garden Conference. Alaska Botanical Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe, Illinois. Garden. Anchorage, Alaska. (907) 770- (847) 835-5440. www.chicagobotanic.org. RAP MAY 7–9. Spring Plant Sale. Denver 3692. www.alaskabg.org. Botanic Gardens. Denver, Colorado. (720) 865-3690. www.botanicgardens.org. RAP APR. 25 & 26. FlorAbundance Spring SOUTH CENTRAL Plant Sale. Washington Park Arboretum. AR, KS, LA, MO, MS, OK, TX Magnuson Park. Seattle, Washington. (206) WEST COAST RAP MAR. 28. Rainwater Harvesting. 325-4510. www.arboretumfoundation.org. CA, NV, HI Workshop. South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center. Corpus Christi, Texas. RAP MAR. 26–29. International Conference APR. 25 & 26. Glide Wildflower Show. Glide (361) 852-2100. www.stxbot.org. on Japanese Gardens Outside Japan. Earl Community Center. Glide, Oregon. (541) Burns Miller , CSULB. 496-3323. www.glidewildflowershow.org. RAP APR. 9 & 10. Plant and Garden Sale. Long Beach, California. (562) 985-5930. Myriad Botanical Gardens. Oklahoma City, www.csulb.edu/~jgarden. APR. 26–MAY 9. The Bug Zoo. Exhibit. Saw- Oklahoma. (405) 297-3995. www.myriad tooth Botanical Garden. Ketchum, Idaho. gardens.com. RAP MAR. 28 & 29. Growing Natives: Cele- (208) 726-9358. www.sbgarden.org. brating California’s Beauty in Dry Times. Sym- RAP APR. 20 & 21. Garden Symposium. posium. California Native Plant Society, Looking ahead Biedenharn Museum & Gardens. Friends of the Regional Parks Botanic Garden, MAY 13. Gardening and Sustainability. Monroe, Louisiana. (318) 387-5281. and Pacific Horticulture. Berkeley, California. Lecture. Northwest Horticultural Society. www.bmuseum.org. (510) 849-1627. www.nativeplants.org. Kenmore, Washington. (206) 780-8172. www.northwesthort.org. RAP APR. 24–26. Hot Springs Environmen- APR. 4 & 5. Cutting Sale. Southern California tal Film Festival. Garvan Woodland Gardens. Plumeria Society. Casa Del Prado, Balboa CANADA / INTERNATIONAL Hot Springs National Park, . (800) Park. San Diego, California. (619) 461- 366-4664. www.garvangardens.org. 5942. www.socalplumeriasociety.com. RAP MAR. 21. Heather Lecture and Sale. Glendale Gardens & Woodland. Victoria, APR. 25 & 26. Earth Day and Oleander Festi- APR. 5. Garden Tour. Rancho Los Cerritos British Columbia. (250) 479-6162. val. Moody Gardens. Galveston, Texas. Historic Site. Long Beach, California. (562) www.hcp.bc.ca. (800) 582-4673. www.moodygardens.org. 570-1755. www.rancholoscerritos.org. MAR. 27. An Ecological Vegetable Garden. Looking ahead RAP APR. 11. Designing Great Gardens. Class. Arboretum at the University of RAP MAY 9. Gardens on Tour. Lecture. Descanso Gardens. La Cañada Guelph. Guelph, Ontario. (519) 824-4120 Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Flintridge, California. (818) 949-4200. ext. 52113. www.uoguelph.ca/arboretum. Austin, Texas. (512) 292-4200. www.descansogardens.org. www.wildflower.org/gardentour. MAR. 28–APR. 24. Vancouver Cherry Blossom APR. 17. Practical : A Workshop for Ar- Festival. Vancouver, British Columbia. borists and Landscapers. University of Califor- (604) 257-8120. www.vcbf.ca. SOUTHWEST nia Davis. Davis, California. (800) 752-0881. AZ, NM, CO, UT http://extension.ucdavis.edu/agriculture. Looking ahead RAP MAR. 7–MAY 31. Spring Butterfly Ex- MAY 9. Perennial Plant Sale. University of hibit. Desert Botanical Garden. Phoenix, RAP APR. 18. Nature’s Table. New garden British Columbia Botanical Garden and Arizona. (480) 941-1225. www.dbg.org. opening. Descanso Gardens. La Cañada Centre for Plant Research. (604) 822- Flintridge, California. (818) 949-4200. 9666. Vancouver, British Columbia. RAP MAR. 26. Bringing Wildness Home: www.descansogardens.org. www.ubcbotanicalgarden.org. 

58 the American Gardener Legacies assume many forms

hether making estate W plans, considering year-end giving, honoring a loved one or planting a tree, the legacies of tomorrow are created today.

Please remember the American Horticultural Society when making your estate and charitable giving plans. Together we can leave a legacy of a greener, healthier, more beautiful America.

For more information on including the AHS in your estate planning and charitable giving, or to make a gift to honor or remember a loved one, please contact Stephanie Perez at (703) 768-5700 ext. 127.

Making America a Nation of Gardeners, a Land of Gardens PRONUNCIATIONSC AND PLANTING ZONES

Most of the cultivated plants described in this issue are listed here with their pronunciations, USDA Plant Hardiness Zones, and AHS Plant Heat Zones. These zones suggest a range of locations where temperatures are appropriate—both in winter and summer—for growing each plant. While the zones are a good place to start in determining plant adaptability in your region, factors such as exposure, moisture, snow cover, and humid- ity also play an important role in plant survival. The codes tend to be con- servative; plants may grow outside the ranges indicated. A USDA zone rat- ing of 0–0 means that the plant is a true annual and completes its life cycle in a year or less. To purchase a two-by-three-foot glossy AHS Plant Heat Zone Map for $9.95, call (800) 777-7931 or visit www.ahs.org.

A–C C. integrifolia C. in-teg-rih-FO-lee- H. moscheutos H. mos-KOO-tos P–Z uh (6–9, 9–6) (5–10, 12–1) Acorus americanus AK-or-us uh- Peltandra virginica pel-TAN-druh C. lanceolata C. lan-see-o-LAY-tuh Iris fulva EYE-ris FUL-vuh mair-ih-KAN-us (USDA Zones vir-JIN-ih-kuh (4–10, 10–3) (3–8, 9–1) (5–10, 10–4) 3–10, AHS Zones 10–3) Petasites japonicus pet-uh-SY-teez C. palmata C. pal-MAY-tuh I. setosa I. seh-TOH-suh (3–8, 8–1) A. calamus A. KAL-uh-mus jah-PON-ih-kus (5–9, 9–5) (4–8, 8–1) I. virginica I. vir-JIN-ih-kuh (3–10, 10–2) Phaseolus coccineus fas-see-O-luss C. rosea C. ro-ZAY-uh (4–7, 8–1) (4–9, 9–4) Allium tricoccum AL-ee-um tri-KOK- kok-SIN-ee-us (10–11, 12–10) C. tripteris C. trip-TAIR-iss um (4–8, 8–1) P. lunatus P. loo-NAY-tus (3–8, 9–1) J–O Apios americana AY-pee-oss (9–10, 10–9) C. verticillata C. vur-tih-sih-LAY-tuh uh-mair-ih-KAN-uh (4–10, 10–3) Juncus effusus JUNG-kus Phlox ✕procumbens FLOKS (4–9, 9–1) Arisaema triphyllum air-ih-SEE-muh eh-FEW-suss (6–9, 9–6) pro-KUM-benz (3–8, 8–1) Crambe maritima KRAM-bee try-FIL-lum (4–9, 9–1) J. patens J. PAY-tenz (7–9, 9–7) P. subulata P. sub-yew-LAY-tuh muh-WRIT-ih-muh (6–9, 9–6) Aster oblongifolius ASS-ter ob-lon- Justicia americana jus-TISH-yuh (3–8, 8–1) Crinum americanum KRY-num jih-FO-lee-us (3–8, 8–1) uh-mair-ih-KAN-uh (3–10, 10–3) Physostegia leptophylla fy-so-STEE- uh-mair-ih-KAN-um (8–11, 12–7) Azolla caroliniana ah-ZOL-luh kair-o- Lobelia siphilitica lo-BEEL-yuh juh lep-toh-FIL-uh (6–10, 10–6) Cynara scolymus SIN-uh-ruh lin-ee-AN-uh (4–11, 12–1) sih-fih-LIH-tih-kuh (4–7, 9–2) Pontederia cordata pon-tuh-DEER- SKOH-lih-mus (8–9, 9–7) Bacopa caroliniana buh-KO-puh Lysichiton americanus ee-uh kor-DAH-tuh (3–11, 12–1) kair-o-lin-ee-AN-uh (9–11, 11–7) ly-sih-KITE-on uh-mair-ih-KAN-us Primula elatior PRIM-yew-luh D–I Bambusa oldhamii bam-BOO-suh (5–8, 7–1) ee-LAY-tee-or (4–8, 8–1) old-HAM-ee-eye (8–11, 12–8) Darmera peltata DAR-mer-uh Menyanthes trifoliata men-ee-AN- Sagittaria latifolia saj-ih-TAY-ree-uh Brassica oleracea BRASS- ih-kuh pel-TAY-tuh (7–9, 9–7) theez tri-fo-lee-AY-tuh (4–8, 8–1) lat-ih-FO-lee-uh (5–11, 12–5) o-luh-RAY-see-uh (8–10, 10–7) Decodon verticillatus DEK-o-don Mimulus guttatus MIM-yew-lus S. subulata S. sub-yew-LAY-tuh Bunias orientalis BYEW-nee-us vur-tih-sih-LAY-tus (3–10, 10–3) gyew-TAY-tus (7–9, 9–7) (5–11, 12–5) aw-ree-en-TAL-iss (4–8, 8–4) Edgeworthia chrysantha edj-WORTH- Moringa oleifera mo-RIN-guh Saururus cernuus saw-RUR-us Cabomba caroliniana kuh-BOM-buh ee-uh krih-SAN-thuh (8–10, 10–8) o-lee-IF-ur-uh (10–11, 12–9) sur-NOO-us (2–11, 12–1) kair-o-lin-ee-AN-uh (6–11, 12–6) Hablitzia tamnoides huh-BLIT-zee- M. stenopetala M. sten-o-PET-uh- Sechium edule SEK-ee-um ed-YEW- Calla palustris KAL-uh pah-LUS- uh tam-NOY-deez (3–9, 8–1) luh (10–11, 12–9) lee (9–10, 12–9) triss (4–8, 8–1) Helianthus tuberosus hee-lee-AN- scorpioides my-o-SO-tis Selaginella kraussiana sel-ah-jih- Caltha natans KAL-thuh NAY-tanz thus too-bur-O-sus (7–9, 9–7) skor-pee-OY-deez (5–9, 9–5) NEL-luh krow-see-AN-uh (3–7,7–1) Heuchera alba HYEW-kur-uh Nasturtium officinale nas-TUR-shum (7–10, 12–1) C. palustris C. pah-LUS-triss AL-buh (4–8, 8–1) oh-fiss-ih-NAL-ee (5–11, 12–5) Sium sisarum SEE-um sih-SAY-rum (3–7, 7–1) H. americana H. uh-mair-ih-KAN-uh Nelumbo lutea neh-LUM-bo (4–8, 8–4) Canna indica KAN-nuh IN-dih-kuh (4–8, 8–1) LEW-tee-uh (4–11, 12–1) Thalia dealbata THAY-lee-uh ✕ (8–11, 12–1) H. brizoides H. bry-ZOY-deez N. nucifera N. new-SIH-fer-uh dee-al-BAY-tuh (5–10, 10–5) Ceratophyllum demersum (4–8, 8–1) (4–11, 12–3) Tiarella cordifolia tee-uh-REL-luh seh-rah-toh-FIL-um deh-MUR-sum H. cylindrica H. sih-LIN-drih-kuh Nuphar lutea NOO-far LEW-tee-uh kor-dih-FO-lee-uh (3–8, 7–1) (6–9, 9–6) (4–8, 8–1) (3–9, 9–1) T. trifoliata forma laciniata T. tri-fo- Cnidoscolus chayamansa H. hallii H. HAL-lee-eye (4–8, 8–1) Nymphoides cordata nim-FOY-deez lee-AY-tuh forma luh-syn-ee-AY-tuh nih-DOS-ko-lus chay-uh-MAN-suh H. pubescens H. pyew-BESS-enz kor-DAY-tuh (6–10, 10–4) (4–7, 7–1) (9–10, 12–9) (4–8, 8–1) Oenanthe javanica ee-NAN-thee Toona sinensis TOO-nuh sih-NEN- Colocasia esculenta kol-o-KAY-see- H. pulchella H. pul-KEL-uh juh-VAN-ih-kuh (9–11, 12–1) siss (5–8, 12–10) uh es-kyew-LEN-tuh (9–11, 12–7) (4–8, 8–1) Opuntia ficus-indica o-PUN-shuh Typha latifolia TY-fuh lat-ih-FO-lee- Coreopsis auriculata kor-ee-OP-sis H. sanguinea H. san-GWIN-ee-uh FIE-kus-IN-dih-kuh (8–10, 12–7) uh (2–11, 12–1) aw-rik-yew-LAY-tuh (4–9, 9–1) (3–8, 8–1) Orontium aquaticum o-RON-tee-um Verbesina alternifolia vur-beh-SY- C. grandiflora C. gran-dih-FLOR-uh H. villosa H. vih-LO-suh (4–9, 9–1) ah-KWAT-ih-kum (6–10, 10–4) nuh al-tur-nih-FO-lee-uh (4–9, 12–1) Hibiscus coccineus hy-BISS-kus (5–8, 8–1) kok-SIN-ee-us (6–11, 11–5)

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March / April 2009 61 62 by AndrewBunting Edgeworthia chrysantha: cause itwasinfullflower. quite animpression onmebe- perbush oredgeworthia—made knownshrub—commonly aspa- this broadly rounded, deciduous tions. It wasonlylateMarch and tour ofthegardens andcollec- North Carolina, in1993duringa State Fairgrounds inRaleigh, I during prolonged dry spells. during prolonged dry plemental wateringmaybe necessary drought tolerant, sup- not particularly sun todevelop itsbestform.Because itis in Pennsylvania, itrequires nearlyfull shadeherein part attheScottArboretum bloom slightlyafter. (Prunus floweringedgeworthia—and cherries (Corylopsis hazels The bloomsfillavoid between thewitch of sweetly fragrant, tubular, yellow flowers. early April, thebuds opentoreveal clusters white displayinwinter. In lateMarch to at thebranchtips,creating astriking,silky form forthefollowing spring.Thesehang inches long,providing atropical effect. spread. Thestraplikeleaves are sixtoeight it canreach sixfeettallwithanequal here, are sometimesavailable.) Over time, stemmed topiaries,liketheoneshown its base.(Specimens trainedassingle- velops multiplestoutstemsthatarisefrom (USDA Zones 8–10,AHS Zones 10–8)de- botanists regarding nomen- edgeworthia There issignificantconfusion among ONE SPECIESORTWO? Although Ihave grown edgeworthia Toward theendofsummer, flower buds A relative ofdaphnes,paperbush chrysantha FIRST SAW the American Gardener (Hamamelis spp.) andmagnolias,which spp.)—which flower aheadof spp.) andwinterhazels growing atthe Edgeworthia Fragrant FlowersforEarlySpring Edgeworthia’s fragrantyellowflowersappearinearlyspringwelladvanceofitsleaves. thia makesafineearly-flowering for shrub exposed totherigorsofwinter, edgewor- though flower budsare setinthefalland 6b/7a), we have found,however, thateven 8. At theScott Arboretum (USDAZone Zone ishardy ofUSDA north ther species diminutive. Many sources suggestthatnei- robust than E.chrysantha papyriferaspecies considerEdgeworthia less than onespeciesactuallyexists.” they haveseemtoknow andfew ifmore says, “No oneseemstoknow whatspecies standing, plantexplorer Dan Hinkley ants. Summing upthecurrent under- species, othersasinglespecieswithvari- clature: Some distinguishtwoormore LN NTESPOTLIGHT THE IN PLANT www.gosslerfarms.com. OR. (541)746-3922. Gossler FarmsNursery, 846-7269. Forestfarm, Sources References thatdistinguishbetween C Williams, OR.(541) www.forestfarm.com. Springfield, and more Swarthmore, Pennsylvania. Scott Arboretum ofSwarthmore Collegein Andrew Bunting iscurator ofplantsatthe plant themclosetoentryways. appreciate theirearlyspringfragrance, years. injustafew Toshrubs more easily small plantscanbecomewell-formed dens. Mass themtomaximize theireffect; areEdgeworthias appealinginsmallgar- SPACES SMALL SUITED TO Ticino, Switzerland. Like world-renowned Eisenhut Nursery near encountered thisselectiongrowing atthe on’, whichIhave coveted foryears. Ifirst selection of fornia, andthePacific Northwest. out thesoutheasternUnited States, Cali- the Philadelphia area, asitdoesthrough- tation withitiswarranted. plants attheScottArboretum, experimen- my experiencewithsupposedlytender to belesshardy thanthe species,butgiven brant reddish orange! ‘Red Dragon’ issaid has earlyspringflowers, butthese are avi- Some catalogsandreferences alsolista E. papyrifera called ‘Red Drag- E. chrysantha,  it

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