Conifer Quarterly

Vol. 20 No. 2 Spring 2003 Marjorie Lauer

The brightly colored scales (above) of resinous Abies pinsapo cones (right) at the Graver Arboretum. (See article on page 21.) Marjorie Lauer

Native Abies pinsapo in southern Spain are conical when young but begin to develop a broad crown with age. (See article on page 16.) Don Howse The Conifer Quarterly is the publication of the American Conifer Society Contents Featured conifer genus: Abies (Firs) 5 Fir Species for Temperate Gardens By Anthony S. Aiello 10 Dutch Abies Cultivars for Every Garden By Ronald Vermeulen 16 Lost and Found: Abies pinsapo in southern Spain By Don Howse 21 Abies pinsapo in Cultivation at the Graver Arboretum By Marjorie Lauer

More features 24 A Survey of the Prostrate Pines By Dirk Wright 26 Durable Plant Labels for Your Conifer Garden By Orlan Gaeddert 31 Iseli Grant Funds at Work... and School By Susan Radke

Conifer Society voices 2 President’s Message 4 Editor’s Memo 33 Plant Auctions: The Challenge and the Opportunity 35 News from the Regions

Also with this issue... • Board Meeting minutes: February 1, 2003 • Annual financial report

Cover photo: Abies koreana ‘Brevifolia’. Photo by Brita Johansson.

Vol. 20 No. 2 AMERICAN CONIFER SOCIETY 1 Conifer PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE All of your national officers, regional presidents, contractors and the Board of Quarterly Directors were able to attend the Board Spring 2003 of Directors meeting in St. Louis on Volume 20, No. 2 February 1st. The Board Meeting agen- The Conifer Quarterly (ISSN 8755-0490) is da was ambitious and covered a wide published quarterly by the American Conifer range of topics. The dedicated attendees Society. The Society is a non-profit or- put in a very full day, as this business ganization incorporated under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and is tax ex- meeting lasted from 8am to 7pm. Kath- empt under section 501(c)3 of the Internal Rev- leen Pottratz rose to the challenge of enue Service Code. both the meeting’s pace and duration in You are invited to join our Society. Please address membership and other inquires to the her first experience as the Conifer Soci- ACS National Office, P.O. Box 3422, Crofton, ety’s secretary. Thanks Kathleen! I want MD 21114-0422. Membership: US$25 (indi- to personally thank all the attendees for vidual), $35 (joint), $30 (institutional), $50 (sustaining), $100 (patron and corporate/busi- the consideration they showed me as I ness). If you are moving, please notify the ACS chaired my first Board Meeting. Office 4 weeks in advance. A summary of the meeting minutes Editorial and advertising matters should be sent to the Conifer Quarterly Editor, 1820 is included as in insert with this issue. In Bridgetown Pike, Feasterville, PA 19053. addition to the regular items of business, significant time was spent on legal, in- Editor surance and financial matters. Don Wild Anne Brennan may be learning more about insurance Technical Editors than he ever wanted to, but when the Ethan Johnson dust finally settles, I believe he will Susan Martin have helped us define the right coverage R. William Thomas to protect the society, directors, officers Advisory Committee Don Wild, Committee Chair and contractors. Jane Frampton The Board discussed the work prod- Charlene Harris ucts of the independent contractors, and Tom Schlereth ex officio: Marvin Snyder following this discussion, John Martin, ex officio: John Martin Anne Brennan and Charlene Harris were all thanked and complimented. Let me personally thank these three for your Copyright © 2003, American Conifer Soci- assistance and patience as I continue to ety. All rights reserved. No material contained herein may be reproduced in any form with- learn the job. out prior written permission of the publisher. In a surprise presentation (at least to Opinions expressed by authors and advertis- her), Charlene Harris was given the ers are not necessarily those of the Society. Central Region’s 2002 President’s Award Note: Hardiness Zone references in the Conifer Quarterly are USDA classifications for Volunteerism. Congratulations! As unless otherwise specified. members, you can be proud of all the dedicated and talented individuals who

2AMERICAN CONIFER SOCIETY Vol. 20 No. 2 BY DENNIS GROH are working hard on your behalf. Remember, without your active This issue contains an article (page support and cooperation, these neces- 23) that discusses necessary changes to sary changes cannot be accomplished. our plant auctions. I sincerely hope once Since the auctions are such important you understand the challenge and the fundraisers, it is the job of every Conifer opportunity, you will enthusiastically Society member to support this effort to join in this fresh approach to plant auc- keep the Society financially healthy, and tions – an approach that your Officers to make fun-filled plant auctions possi- and Board believe is timely, necessary ble for years to come. Thanks in ad- and prudent. I hope that, by publicizing vance for your understanding and these changes and raising awareness, we support. will begin to embrace the new changes as soon as is reasonable. What will YOU do in the next 90 days to Knowledgeable and responsible peo- make the Conifer Society better? ple have tried to develop processes and procedures to protect the very plants we all love. It is in our own individual best interests as well as that of the Conifer Society to understand and be supportive of their efforts. In fact, as a plant society we should be an exemplary role model of plant stewardship responsibility.

Publication Dates Deadline to Publication Date Issue Calendar Quarter submit articles (approx. mailing)

Winter Jan/Feb/Mar Oct 31 Jan 15 Spring Apr/May/Jun Jan 31 Apr 15 Summer Jul/Aug/Sept Apr 30 July 15 Fall Oct/Nov/Dec 31 July 31 Oct 15

Submit articles/photos to: Anne Brennan, Conifer Quarterly Editor 1820 Bridgetown Pike, Feasterville, PA 19053 • PH (215) 364-0566 FAX (215) 827-5926 • E-mail: [email protected]

Vol. 20 No. 2 AMERICAN CONIFER SOCIETY 3 EDITOR’S MEMO BY ANNE BRENNAN

Welcome, Spring! pinsapo (Spanish fir) both in its native After near-record snowfall and ab- setting and in cultivation. Check the normally chilly temperatures here in back covers for additional Abies photos the Northeast, some of us were a little submitted by readers. disoriented when the grass finally reap- Further, Orlan Gaeddert answers in peared (not to mention the driveway). print the many requests for details about Now I remember why our USDA Har- his plant labeling system. Next, we check diness zone 6b is said to have an average in with the 2002 Iseli Grant recipient to annual minimum temperature of 0° to learn how the funds were used to create a -5°F; this is something we haven’t seen conifer garden for the campus and sur- for several years. rounding community. Another article ex- However, my three Cedrus deodara amines nine prostrate pine cultivars, and and small Cathaya argyrophylla look national president Dennis Groh explains great without any significant needle important changes regarding Conifer drop. All of these belong in zone 7, but Society plant auctions. they were too adorable to pass up at the Finally, this issue spotlights events Conifer Society’s plant auctions! Since organized by our four Regions. I’ve learned that winter damage may not The Summer issue will focus on the appear until active Spring growth begins, genus Tsuga, the hemlocks. We will as- I’ll keep my fingers crossed until June. sess the continuing threat from hemlock This issue of the Conifer Quarterly wooly adelgid while also celebrating the brings you a group of articles about firs, beauty and grace of this plant group. I the featured plant group. We learn about look forward to including your hemlock desirable cultivars from Holland, recom- photos and other submissions. mended species based on observations See you in Denver! from the Morris Arboretum, and Abies

4AMERICAN CONIFER SOCIETY Vol. 20 No. 2 Fir Species for Temperate Gardens by Anthony S. Aiello Many firs can adapt to warm summers

When visitors come to the Morris Ar- wild-collected plants have been added boretum they are impressed by the di- over the past 20 years through Arbore- versity of our collections, including the tum staff participation in plant collecting young and vigorous plants growing expeditions to Korea and China. These among our statuesque mature speci- expeditions, along with seed and plant mens, all set within a historic landscape. exchanges, have resulted in 23 wild-col- One of our largest and most beautiful lected taxa of Abies in our collection, collections is the wide array of conifers and we anticipate continued participa- growing throughout our garden, includ- tion in these trips and exchanges. Many ing over 70 taxa of Pinus, 50 taxa of Picea, 40 taxa of Chamaecyparis, 29 taxa of Abies (see Table 1 on page 9) and Our collection represents numerous others. the breadth of distribution of Last year the American Association firs, with plants from North of Botanic Gardens and Arboreta (AABGA) recognized the Morris Ar- America, Europe, Asia Minor, boretum as holding a national collection and Asia. of Abies, as part of their North American Plant Collections Consortium (NAPPC) of the trees are planted in the Arboretum, program. Begun in the late 1980’s, the but many are still too small to be planted NAPCC is a growing network of botan- out and remain in our greenhouses. Our ical gardens and arboreta dedicated to collection represents the breadth of dis- increasing the awareness of the value of tribution of firs, with plants from North plant collections for germplasm preser- America, Europe, Asia Minor, and Asia. vation and to coordinating conservation Our goal is to display a diversity of fir efforts. Through a formal application species and evaluate them for their and field review process, institutions adaptability to our region. This collec- seek to gain recognition for their signif- tion will serve as a teaching, display, and icant collections and promote their value research resource for the public and pro- nationally. fessional visitors, and will demonstrate Our collection focuses on species the range of species available for gardens and not cultivated varieties of Abies. in the area. Several of our historic fir specimens are The conditions at the Morris Arbore- among the largest of their kind in eastern tum include acidic and well-drained North America, and are clearly well soils, a variety of topography and asso- adapted to the growing conditions of the ciated microclimates, hot and humid mid-Atlantic region. In addition, many summers, and moderately cold winters.

Vol. 20 No. 2 AMERICAN CONIFER SOCIETY 5 We are located at the southern edge of gions; rather they are limited by our USDA zone 6B, with an average annual summer temperatures, and especially minimum temperature of –5°F (-21°C). our hot summer evenings, which are es- Rainfall averages approximately 45 pecially stressful for this genus. inches (114 cm) yearly, and there is reg- The Morris Arboretum began as the ular snow cover. private estate of brother and sister John Our climate allows us to grow plants and Lydia Morris. John died in 1915, and adapted to warmer climates as well as when Lydia passed away in 1932, their some of the most cold-hardy members property became part of the University of the genus. Cold hardiness is general- of Pennsylvania as the Morris Arbore- ly not the limiting factor for many of the tum. Many of the largest mature speci- fir species from the north temperate re- mens, such as Abies cephalonica, A. holophylla and A. homolepis, date from the Morrises’ time and were certainly planted before 1920. The origin of these plants is unclear, although we do know that John Morris purchased plants from Veitch Nurseries in England as well as Andorra Nurseries in Philadelphia, and he received plants from the Arnold Ar- boretum’s early plant expeditions. Regardless of their origins, these mature specimens are a marvel, and no matter how often I stop to admire them, they never fail to awe me with their size and beauty. One of my favorite old trees is a towering specimen of A. cephaloni- ca, a species native to Greece but well- suited to our conditions. The beautiful tree has a 38.7-inch (98.2-cm) DBH and is over 100 feet (30m) tall. Its dark green needles show no signs of stress despite the severe droughts and high tempera- tures of the past several summers. The ultimate size of Greek fir makes it most suitable for large spaces.

Anthony Aiello Our collection of stately mature While the collection includes many specimens includes the needle fir (A. recent acquisitions, some mature holophylla), named for its sharply- specimens prove their species’ pointed needle tips. Needle firs are na- adaptability to regional conditions, tive to China, Korea, and southeast such as this Abies holophylla that Siberia, and one of our specimens from dates from 1937. 1937 has a DBH of 39.6 inches (100.7

6AMERICAN CONIFER SOCIETY Vol. 20 No. 2 cm) (see photo on page 6). In addition, fir from northern Virginia and West Vir- we have several young vigorous plants ginia that is considered to be more toler- collected on a 1981 expedition to South ant of heat and heavy soils than the Korea and a 1986 expedition to Jilin species. We have several 10-year-old province in northeast China. As these plants growing in a stressful site, and I are extremely tolerant of drought and am eager to observe their long-term per- heat, this species shows great promise as formance. a landscape fir for Philadelphia and Although native to the mountains of areas south of us. the western United States, A. concolor, the white or Colorado fir, with its long, graceful blue-green needles, is probably There are fir species that the best North American species for us. do lend themselves to Most of these full-sized firs would smaller gardens. be too large for the average home gar- Among these is my favorite fir, den, especially when competing for the Spanish fir (A. pinsapo), space with the other plants in the gar- a relatively slow-growing den, whether they are dwarf conifers or not. There are fir species that do lend species. themselves to smaller gardens. Among these is my favorite fir, the Spanish fir Another fir that is very tolerant of (A. pinsapo) a relatively slow-growing our summers is A. nordmanniana, the species native to both sides of the Strait Nordmann fir, one of the best species for of Gibraltar. our region and one of the most hand- Spanish firs have beautiful, short some firs with its deep black-green nee- blue-green needles that spread radially dles. Our collection consists of old from the branches at nearly right angles, specimens, a 40-year-old A. nordmanni- accentuated by upright purple cones in ana ssp. equi-trojani collected in spring. Although Spanish fir reaches 70 Turkey, and some very young plants still feet (20m) or more at maturity, our two growing in our hoophouses, also collect- plants are about 45 feet (14m) tall but ed in Turkey. This is an excellent exam- less than 20 feet (6m) wide after 40 ple of how we are managing older plants years. Being native to a region of hot in our collection while seeking out new summers, A. pinsapo is very well suited sources of germplasm to add throughout to growing in our area. My wife and I the Arboretum. We are targeting Nord- planted one in our modest-sized urban mann and other firs from Asia Minor to garden last summer, proving that I real- be added because these are probably the ly have faith in its slow growth rate! best-suited for growing in our climate. The Siberian fir, A. sibirica, is a The balsam fir (A. balsamea), our species that I know only from one plant lone native Pennsylvanian fir, is a com- we have in our collection (see photo on mon Christmas tree but is not well page 8), which appears to be a very slow- adapted to our summers. A. balsamea growing species. After 20 years, our var. phanerolepis is a variety of balsam plant is just over six feet tall (2m) and I

Vol. 20 No. 2 AMERICAN CONIFER SOCIETY 7 wonder if it is a case of the individual or In closing, as I sit and write this arti- the species being this slow growing. It cle on a snowy winter day, I can think of could be a very useful plant for smaller nothing better than visiting the Arbore- gardens. Its needles are extremely soft tum and wandering out in the snow to and fine-textured, giving it the most enjoy the beauty of our firs. This is just graceful appearance of any fir I know. a sampling of the diversity of our col- I like to think that our commitment lection, but I invite all readers and to our fir collection carries on the work conifer lovers to come and visit us. I that the Morrises began over one hun- would be happy to share our collections dred years ago. We are fortunate to have with you. a diversity of sites within the Arboretum that allow us to pursue the goals of sus- taining and building this collection. We Literature: plan to maintain the health of our state- Farjon, A. 1990. Pinaceae. Konigstein, ly old and middle-aged specimens, in- Germany: Koeltz Scientific Books. sure the future of our younger Farjon, A. 1999. World Checklist and specimens, and continue to grow and Bibliography of Conifers. London, evaluate species not commonly found England: The Royal Botanic Gar- grown in our region. dens, Kew. Krussman, G. 1985. Manual of Culti- vated Conifers. Portland, Oregon: Timber Press. Rehder, A. 1986 (reprint). Manual of Cultivated Trees and Shrubs. Port- land, Oregon: Dioscorides Press. Welch, H. and G. Haddow. 1993. The World Checklist of Conifers. Eng- land: World Conifer Data Pool. Wu, Z. and P. H. Raven, eds. 1994. Flora of China, Vol. 4. St. Louis: Missouri Botanical Garden Press.

About the author: Anthony S. Aiello has served as Director of Horticulture and Curator of the Living Collection at the Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania since July of 1999. His interests include trees and shrubs from

Anthony Aiello the northern temperate regions, and in Siberian fir’s (Abies sibirica) extremely particular conifers, magnolias, maples, soft needles create a graceful hollies, and witchhazels. appearance in the landscape.

8AMERICAN CONIFER SOCIETY Vol. 20 No. 2 Table 1. List of Abies taxa at the Morris Arboretum. Names are based on Farjon, 1990 and 1999.

Abies alba Abies lasiocarpa Abies amabilis Abies magnifica var. shastensis Abies balsamea var. phanerolepis Abies nephrolepis Abies borisii-regis Abies nordmanniana Abies cephalonica Abies nordmanniana ssp. equi-trojani Abies cilicica Abies pindrow Abies concolor Abies pinsapo Abies fabri Abies procera Abies fargesii Abies recurvata Abies firma Abies recurvata var. ernestii Abies forrestii var. georgei Abies sachalinensis Abies grandis Abies sachalinensis var. gracilis Abies holophylla Abies sibirica Abies homolepis Abies veitchii Abies koreana

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Vol. 20 No. 2 AMERICAN CONIFER SOCIETY 9 Dutch Abies Cultivars for Every Garden by Ronald Vermeulen A collector describes a dozen top plants

In this article I describe some of the plant this cultivar in partial shade to pre- most desirable Abies cultivars that are vent leaf scorch. In cooler, maritime cli- found and raised in Holland. Most Abies mates it will grow best in full sun for the grow well in the moderate, wet Dutch brightest color. climate, and there are many cultivars This plant is even suitable for the with high decorative value, including smallest garden, and once established it the early coning cultivars of Abies kore- looks very healthy. It originated as a ana and Abies procera. chance seedling in the nursery of S.N. Some cultivars are planted to create Schoots in Culemborg and was intro- color change in the garden, such as duced into the trade by L. Konijn and Abies koreana ‘Golden Dream,’ A. k. Son Nursery in Reeuwijk near Boskoop ‘Bonsai Blue’ and A. k. ‘Silberlocke.’ in 1961. Others are used for their compact growth habit, including many Abies ko- Abies concolor ‘Piggelmee’ reana cultivars arising from witches’ An attractive and very slow growing brooms and chance seedlings. miniature form, ‘Piggelmee’ originated Most Abies cultivars are propagated as a witches’ broom on an Abies concol- on rootstocks of Abies koreana and or ‘Candicans’ in a garden in Geneva, Abies alba because those have produced Switzerland. Mr. H. J. Drayer found the strong plants in the nursery and garden. broom, and his nursery in Heemstede propagated the plant and introduced it to Abies nordmanniana the trade in 1971. ‘Golden Spreader’ This witches’ broom retains the sil- A bright golden dwarf fir (see photo on very blue coloring of ‘Candicans’ but its back cover) whose leaves are 0.5-1 in. 0.6-in. (1.5 cm) leaves are much shorter, (12-25 mm) long and 1.8-2 mm wide, curved and pale powder blue. The annu- pale yellowish beneath and golden yel- al growth is only 0.8-1.2 in. (2-3 cm), low above. The winter color is brightest, and the shoots stick straight out from the but spring and summer color is also su- stubby branches. This desirable dwarf perb. With an annual growth rate of 1.5- and rare cultivar tends to spread. 2 in. (4-5 cm), ‘Golden Spreader’ is a flat-topped and spreading plant in the Abies koreana ‘Cis’ early years, though it can produce a This plant was described previously in leader with age and may become a con- American Conifer Society Bulletin Vol. ical small tree with a rounded top if the 10, No. 3 (Summer 1993). It was found leader is not pruned away. by nurseryman Mr. Roelvink in Zuid- In hot and dry summer climates, broek (near Groningen). In 1970, he

10 AMERICAN CONIFER SOCIETY Vol. 20 No. 2 garden, where it grew 0.8-1.2 in. (2-3 cm) annually to become a dense, flat- tened globe. In 1992 this original plant was 60 cm in diameter and only 40 cm high; a very compact plant, more or less globular and with a strong branching habit. The nee- dles are 0.3-0.5 in. (0.8-1.2 cm) long with a fresh green color and the buds are a distinct brown. It’s a nice slow grow- Ronald Vermeulen Abies concolor ‘Piggelmee,’ which ing dwarf form, most suitable for the originated as a broom on A. c. rock or heather garden. ‘Candicans,’ retains the silvery blue ‘Cis’ is a shortened name of Cisca, coloring of the mother plant. the name of Mr. Roelvink’s mother and derived from St. Francisca. Propagate this plant from cuttings; while grafted plants may grow stronger compared to cuttings and will eventual- ly develop into a tight ball, they don’t have the attractive, dense habit when young. Introduced in 1992, the first plants went to collectors but officially entered the trade in 1999 during the ‘Plantarium’ exhibition in Boskoop from Mr. W. Linssen and Libo Nursery in Baexem.

Abies koreana ‘Gait’ This is a globular but leader-forming, slow-growing dwarf with the shape of a miniature Abies koreana. It produces at- tractive small cones at an early age. The new foliage is a fresh green, and the needles are very short. It fits in every garden and attracts attention as a result of the cones.

Ronald Vermeulen Mr. Roelvink in Zuidbroek (near Abies koreana ‘Gait’ tends to set cones Groningen) found the original seedling heavily at an early age. in approximately 1975. ‘Gait’ was ini- tially distributed to some collectors in sowed seeds of Abies koreana, and in 1999, but it will be introduced to the 1975 he noticed one very compact plant. trade very shortly by Libo Nursery and He immediately took it to his private Mr. W. Linssen in Baexem.

Vol. 20 No. 2 AMERICAN CONIFER SOCIETY 11 Abies balsamea ‘Renswoude’ Abies nordmanniana ‘Pévé Hasselt’ This plant originated as a witches’ In the summer of 1997, Mr. and Mrs. broom on an Abies balsamea ‘Nana’ Vergeldt from Lottum, Holland, walked found by Mr. G.V. Brenk from Barn- through a park in Hasselt, Belgium, and eveld in 1995. He discovered the broom saw a wide, flat witches’ broom in a ma- while maintaining a garden in a place ture Abies nordmanniana. They couldn’t called Renswoude, hence the name. He reach it, and it wasn’t the right time for dug out the whole plant and he brought grafting, but they knew a conifer collec- it to nurseryman P. Vergeldt in Lottum, tor in Hasselt named Mr. V. Schoefs, who who planted it in his garden where it re- had connections with the gardner in the mains today. Of course, he started to park. So in autumn of that same year, Mr. propagate the broom, and the first plants Schoefs brought the whole broom to Mr. were sold in 1997 to some collectors to P. Vergeldt in Lottum for propagation. try. Now those plants look very healthy Now after 4 years, the plants are and are developing nicely. about 12 in. (30 cm) wide and 8 in. (20 After three years it forms a dwarf cm) high, forming a flat-topped dwarf. rounded ball with a diameter of 10-15 The tops of the shoots turn a little down- cm, and the annual growth is around 3-4 wards, so an open branch structure will cm. The needles are of a lighter green develop. The needles are of a lighter than the species. green than the species. The plant is not The name is not yet registered, but officially registered yet, but it will almost the intention is to show it very soon to certainly be judged by the examination an examination committee of the Royal committee next autumn for registration. Boskoop Horticultural Society (Hol- Pévé is a shortening of the name Piet land), which determines new cultivars to Vergeldt, whose introduced plants all be registered. begin with the word Pévé. Ronald Vermeulen A 15-year-old Abies koreana ‘Green Carpet’ spills out of the planting bed in the garden of Wiel Linssen, Baexem.

12 AMERICAN CONIFER SOCIETY Vol. 20 No. 2 Abies koreana ‘Green Carpet’ Aalshorst in Dalfsen. Found as a chance seedling at De The plant is somewhat spreading but Driesprong Nursery in Wekerom about mostly spherical in shape with an open 1980, ‘Green Carpet’ was introduced by branch structure, a real collectors item. L. Konijn nursery in Ederveen (near It’s a very dwarf plant with 1 cm dark Veenendaal) about 1985. It has a spread- green leaves, and after 20 years it’s only ing, cushion-shaped form growing to about 16 in. (40 cm) high and 28-32 in. about 5 ft. (160 cm) wide and 1.5 ft. (50 (70-80 cm wide). So the annual growth cm) high in 10 years. It is not a ground rate is about 0.8-1.2 in. (2-3 cm), though cover as the name suggests. The annual occasionally a few shoots can grow up growth rate is 4-6 in. (10-15 cm) with to 2-4 in. (5-10 cm) in one year. fresh, shiny green leaves. Abies koreana ‘Oberon’ Abies grandis ‘Van Dedem’s Dwarf’ (syn. Abies koreana ‘Stolwijk Nr. 2’) Seven similar, very dwarf plants were ‘Oberon’ was found in 1963 by found at Den Aalshorst in Dalfsen be- D. Guldemond and Son nursery in fore 1975 as chance seedlings in a Boskoop and introduced into the trade Christmas tree plantation of Abies by the same nursery in 1978. It’s a very grandis. Mr. T. de Lange from Nuenen slow-growing dwarf form with beautiful distributed four plants to other conifer short dark green needles and striking collectors and friends, and scions from white buds in autumn and winter. those plants were propagated. There In 20 years it will be about 48 in. are different plants in circulation with (120 cm) high and 24-28 in. (60-70 cm) the same name, but they are identical in wide if staked. Usually it does not form appearance. This cultivar was intro- a leader, but with a little help it will man- duced to the trade about 1990 by Den age to grow upright. Naturally it be- comes a small rounded dwarf with many shoots that try to stand up, and with the white winter buds it has an beautiful appearance. It is one of my fa- vorites. The name ‘Oberon’ means king of the dwarfs or elves.

Abies koreana ‘Piccolo’ Slow growing and seldom forming a leader, ‘Piccolo’ has pendulous branches and branchlets that grow approxi-

Ronald Vermeulen mately 2-2.5 in. (5-6 cm) per Abies koreana ‘Oberon’ in the garden of Wiel year. The needles are short and Linssen, Baexum. very dark green. Sometimes

Vol. 20 No. 2 AMERICAN CONIFER SOCIETY 13 young shoots will lose their needles, pro- exhibition in Boskoop by Mr. W. ducing an unattractive appearance. Linssen in Baexem, though it did not This cultivar originated at L. Konijn win any awards. nursery in Ederveen (near Veenendaal) and was introduced to the trade in 1979. Abies koreana ‘Wellenseind’ This new plant originated as a witches’ Abies koreana ‘Kristallkugel’ broom, found in 2001 by Mr. D. van Nurseryman Mr. W. Linssen from Baex- Hoey-Smith on the Wellenseind property em, Holland, encountered this plant in of Mr. Zeeman in Lage Mierde in the 1988 in the garden of Mr. K. Wittboldt- south of Holland. The broom was about Müller in Verden-Eitze, Germany. Mr. eye level and close to the trunk of a 20- Wittboldt-Müller told him the plant ft. (6 m) tall Abies koreana. It’s a little came from the U.S. but with no name. compact ball of 8-10 in. (20-25 cm) in He gave it to Mr. Linssen, who planted diameter with remarkable fresh, dark it in his own conifer collection and la- green needles. Mr. van Hoey-Smith took beled it “Abies koreana W.M. 006318 some scions of the original broom, Am.” When Mr. Wittboldt-Müller visit- which is still on the tree, and brought ed Mr. Linssen’s collection several years those scions to nurseryman Mr. N. Kools later, he said the plant looked like a in Deurne. He successfully propagated crystal globe (kristallkugel in German), some plants in January 2002, so we will so a new conifer name was born. watch its progress over the next several It developed into an extraordinary years. It looks promising as a novelty. plant with excellent qualities including nice white winter buds and fresh green Abies koreana ‘Luminetta’ needles. It grows a little faster than (syn. Abies koreana ‘Lutea’) Abies koreana ‘Silberperl’ as a round, A bushy plant with pale cream leaves, flat-topped dwarf that is especially at- this cultivar grows upright in the typical tractive grafted on a standard. The plant A. koreana form. It was found as a is becoming very popular and has a chance seedling and introduced by L. promising future. It was introduced into Konijn Nursery in 1977. Originally the trade in 1999 during the Plantarium known as Abies koreana ‘Lutea,’ the name was changed to Abies koreana ‘Luminetta’ in 1990. In a Rare Mood … try our • Japanese Maples • Dwarf Conifers About the author: Ronald Vermeulen • Bonsai and his wife Monique live in Deil, a • Bonsai Supplies small village in the middle of Holland. 1451 Pleasant Hill Road He is a fruit consultant by profession Harrisburg, PA 17112 and a hobbyist conifer collector. He (717) 545-4555 collects small forms of Abies, Cedrus, Pinus and Picea and does some grafting. Currently he is chairman of www.natureswaybonsai.com the Dutch Conifer Society (N.C.V.).

14 AMERICAN CONIFER SOCIETY Vol. 20 No. 2 Vol. 20 No. 2 AMERICAN CONIFER SOCIETY 15 Lost and Found by Don Howse With perseverance,group locates native Abies pinsapo stands in southern Spain

The Spanish firs (Abies pinsapo), as we communities of each of these mountain know them in cultivated situations, are ranges we would see Spanish firs used as narrow spire-like trees. The most com- landscape trees. We even saw planted mon selection grown is the blue form, forests of young trees on the slopes of known as ‘Glauca.’ This the Sierra Nevada. In the grayish-blue tree is often With the help of a Sierra Cazorla, we saw chosen in temperate Spanish botanical magnificent specimens of landscape situations as a Cupressus sempervirens, focal point with its dis- book ... we were Juniperus oxycedrus, and tinctive form and subtle able to pinpoint Pinus nigra, some with color. The erect, violet- the last three witches’ brooms. purple cones provide ad- remaining groves I had heard that there ditional ornamentation. of native trees. were only remnant forests A golden form (‘Aurea’) of the Spanish firs, and exists, as well as a dwarf that they were located form (‘Horstmann,’ see photo on back somewhere in this southern province. cover) and other variants. However, the With the help of a Spanish botanical book native trees in southern Spain exhibit a that we purchased at the National Park somewhat different form. bookstore on the way up to the alpine slopes of the Sierra Nevada, we were able Change of plans to pinpoint the last three remaining When my fellow travelers and I were groves of native trees. We were fortunate evacuated from Pakistan in September that our compatriot, Panayoti Kelaidis, is 2001, we decided to continue our adven- fluent in Spanish and could decipher the ture in a less dangerous setting. [Editor’s botanical jargon as well as the maps. Note: See Vol. 19, Nos. 3 and 4 for de- scriptions of the Pakistan expedition.] Climate and culture We purchased tickets from London to The three groves are in the Sierra Malaga, Spain. There we rented a seven- Bermeja, near the city of Rhonda. The passenger van, and without an itinerary, southern faces of these mountains rise we set out to investigate the mountains dramatically above the Mediterranean of Andulusia in southern Spain. We Sea to about 5,000 feet (1500 m). Mois- visited the alpine slopes of the Sierra ture-laden air rises up these slopes from Nevada, above Granada, climbing to the sea and drops its rain or snow on the 9,500 feet (2900 m). We also toured the mountain peaks. North of the mountains forested slopes of Sierra Cazorla, Sierra is a broad plain that is very dry and Magina, and Sierra Bermeja. In the small planted with grapes, olives and other

16 AMERICAN CONIFER SOCIETY Vol. 20 No. 2 temperate crops. The historic and ro- office would not open again until the mantic cities of Seville, Cordoba, Baeza next morning, we decided to get rooms and Grenada, with their Moorish influ- and enjoy the ambiance of the commu- ence, are located in this arid plain. Now nity. The gift shops offered souvenirs that I think of it…no, the rain in Spain emblazoned with schematic trees, and does not fall mainly on the plain as the the name “Pinsapo” was used often on well-known show tune claims! building fronts – even the pub was The small cities and villages of An- called “The Pinsapo.” A few representa- dulusia are very picturesque, and each tives of the species had been planted community has a magnificent cathedral around town. Since Grazalema was not or church near the city center, with a far from Seville, where the famous plaza and very narrow cobbled streets. Spanish Sherry wine is brewed and bot- Many of the communities have box-like tled, we decided to purchase a bottle of ancient castles, each situated on a crag- the local selection and spent a sunny af- gy promontory above the town. The old ternoon in peaceful reverie. architecture alone is a reason to visit this beautiful and historic area. The romance Reaching the grove expressed by the great Spanish writers Rising early the next morning, we were and artists could be felt while exploring first in line at the office window, where the towns and villages during our we hoped to procure our entrance tick- evenings. I almost expected to see Don ets to the guarded trails in the nearby Quixote tilting at windmills. mountains. Evidently the number of On the map we noticed that the city of hikers is limited each day so that the en- Grazalema seemed to be situated closest vironment is not overtaxed, and the to the remnant forests. As agency that maintains we approached Grazale- the forest is funded by ma, nestled against a Among the trendy the visitors. We met sev- steep craggy mountain, restaurants, hotels, eral European hikers, we passed through groves and shops was a and even visitors from of cork oak trees (Quer- place to buy tickets as far away as Australia. cus suber) with their de- for hiking the trails to Our Australian traveling barked trunks. The road is see “the Pinsapos.” companions, Robert and very winding and we Rochelle Watch, were could get glimpses of the delighted to meet fellow whitewashed buildings through the trees. countrymen here in this remote Spanish Its beauty seemed dream-like. community. As it turned out, Grazalema is a We had to wait until after 10 AM be- tourist mecca that draws European vaca- fore the attendant opened the office, and tioners to its mountain retreat. Among then she could not issue the permits, as its trendy restaurants, hotels, and shops she was having some problem contact- was a place to buy tickets for hiking the ing officials at some other location. trails to see “the Pinsapos.” Since we Since we had already checked out of our had arrived late in the afternoon, and the hotel, and planned to travel later that day

Vol. 20 No. 2 AMERICAN CONIFER SOCIETY 17 to the seaside city of Estapona on the Behind Estepona, a dark volcanic Costa del Sol. we gave up our place in peak rose dramatically. At the top we line. We decided that we would drive up could see a forest and a microwave radio the winding mountain highway to the station. Looking at our maps, we real- forest and see if we could park and enter ized that one of the other groves of on foot. Spanish firs was located on this peak, We did notice a few young “pin- and that there was a winding road lead- sapos” in the chaparral on the mountain ing up to the 4,500-ft. (1370 m) summit. slopes, but we decided that they must The name of the peak was Sierra Reales, have been recently planted. Near the top or Mountain of the Royals, and it was of a north-facing slope, far above the part of the greater range known as the highway, we could see the forest rising Sierra Bermeja. Most of the mountains

near the summit of the Don Howse mountain. At the trail- head a uniformed guard waited for the day’s allot- ment of hikers. We guessed that the forest was miles away, on a steep trail, from our posi- tion. So all we could do was gaze at the distant forest and wish we had the entrance vouchers. We descended the ser- pentine mountainous road to the seacoast and found ourselves in the beachside tourist resort of Estepona, with the waves of the blue Mediterranean Sea wash- ing the clean sand. Our hotel was across the boulevard from the beach, and we spent the next sev- eral days there enjoying the good food, wine, and ambiance of the warm Mediterranean beach. We also had time to clean and pack the seed we had col- lected in the mountains of An enormously broad and spreading Abies pinsapo southern Spain. growing in its native habitat.

18 AMERICAN CONIFER SOCIETY Vol. 20 No. 2 of southern Spain were composed of Along the road we found a young tree limestone and were much lighter in with yellow variegated foliage, about color. This peak, being volcanic, had a three feet in height. We also found a few darker color and sat apart from the peaks trees with witches’ brooms as we in the range. climbed toward the summit. A couple of On a beautiful early October morn- ibex, or European mountain goats, ap- ing, we set out to investigate the possi- peared briefly on a rocky ledge above us bility that we may yet and then disappeared see the trees in their nat- into the forest. They were ural habitat. We left be- They were not tall far too quick for me to hind the sub-tropical and narrow, like the focus the camera. comfort of the seaside trees in our gardens, community and drove and they were very Abies at last carefully up the winding dark green in color. As we approached the narrow road. Near the top of the mountain, the top of the peak, we forest changed from pine passed a parking area and trailhead that to fir, and we found ourselves among led onto the cool north slope of the magnificently gnarled, broad spreading mountain, and a sign that read “Paseo fir trees. We had located the “pinsapos”! Pinsapos.” We continued on and found They were not tall and narrow, like the another parking area, with a rest area, ta- trees in our gardens, and they were very bles and a concessionaire. From there dark green in color. Young trees were we had a view of the coastal plain and upright and conical, but the older ones the blue Mediterranean Sea. The Costa had been beaten and twisted by the del Sol, the Coast of the Sun, spread its harsh winter weather conditions. They white sandy beaches into the distant had broad crowns that developed on eastern horizon. We were near the sum- multiple trunks. At this altitude, heavy mit, but still perhaps 500 vertical feet wet snows would come with the cold below it. At the parking area the contin- fronts off the sea. The trees were very uation of the road was gated, so we took picturesque and beautiful to see. our cameras and lunch sacks and headed The top of the peak was very rocky, up the trail. with many outcroppings. The seedling At the trailhead there was a bust and trees would sink their roots into the duff plaque honoring a famous European and eventually find a crevasse or crack botanist, Edmund Boissier (1810-1835). in the rock. We jumped from rock to Evidently this young man had botanized rock trying to get the best angle to take these slopes long before our arrival. I photos of these magnificent specimens. wondered why his life had been so short. From this alpine crest we could view the I have grown a hen-‘n-chicks species in coastline to the west, and we looked my collection which bears his name, down to the Rock of Gibraltar, the Gates Sempervivum boissieri. From the park- of Hercules, and Africa in the distance. ing area, a rocky road wound upward We thought it peculiar that there through the pine (Pinus nigra) forest. were no cones to be seen. I had looked

Vol. 20 No. 2 AMERICAN CONIFER SOCIETY 19 forward to collecting seed of the species short distance along the trail. The trail trees, but without cones there is not was in the shadow of the mountain, on seed. I wondered if they had all been its north side, and considerably lower in collected by someone for re-forestation elevation than where we had previously purposes or for economic reasons. seen the Spanish firs. It was also much Whatever the reason, there were none cooler, being in the shade. We entered a available for us to gather. Despite that narrow chasm, and tall stately trees disappointment, our search for the trees standing to perhaps 80 feet (25 m) were had been rewarded with magnificent scattered along the trail and on the steep vistas and views of the wonderfully slopes. These again were Abies pinsapo. grotesque firs. Some of the trees were but these trees were more similar in quite stunted from the accumulation of form to the garden specimens I had winter snow and probably the harsh seen, except they were very dark in winter winds. We did find some plants at color, not like the bluish forms often the very apex of the peak that were al- grown horticulturally. most prostrate in habit, with their stiff We were awed by the beauty of these green needles held upright on broad grand trees. The Spanish forestry com- spreading branches. mission is attempting to replenish the We were alone when we first arrived, forests with these trees, which were close but soon the warming sunshine brought to extinction after the many years of cut- other day-hikers up to the mountaintop. ting and herding of sheep. We felt very We decided to descend the mountain fortunate to see the trees in their natural cross-country, not following the road. setting and see how they varied according An early fall bulb, Scilla autumnalis, to their situation. I have always appreci- was blooming with tiny lilac pink flow- ated the various forms of Abies pinsapo ers in the forest duff. We had seen au- in my collection, and more so now that I tumn crocus (Crocus sativus) and have seen them in person. Colchicum sp. blooming at other sites earlier during our Spanish adventure. There were several species of rock rose growing under the forest canopy, includ- About the author: Don Howse, ing Cistus albidus and Cistus crispus. long-time active member of ACS and Strawberry madrone (Arbutus unedo) frequent contributor to the Conifer was represented as large massive shrubs Quarterly, is owner of Porterhowse with an abundance of bright red fruit. Farms in Sandy, Oregon. He is a The heather (Erica sp.) was beginning charter member of the Conifer Society to offer lavender flowers for its winter and has served on the board as an offi- bloom. We also found the French laven- cer. He is currently national meeting der (Lavandula stoechas), growing in chair for the 2003 National Meeting in sunny sites. Denver. Descending the mountain, we decid- ed to stop at the trailhead where the sign pointed to “Paseo Pinsapos” and walk a

20 AMERICAN CONIFER SOCIETY Vol. 20 No. 2 Abies pinsapo in Cultivation at the Graver Arborteum by Marjorie Lauer Two gardeners’ slow introduction to the Spanish and Moroccan firs

When my husband Ken was Marjorie Lauer named Grounds Manager of Graver Arboretum in November 1994, Dr. Lee Graver had about 45 conifer seedlings sitting in black plastic pots near the work shed. At that time of year, Ken was swamped with the general fall clean-up of the 48-acre property. Springtime rolled around, and Dr. Graver stopped by frequently, checking on the work underway. The author believes that these pointed, sharp He had left a timetable of written needles to be those of the Moroccan fir, instructions for Ken, which in- Abies pinsapo var. marocana cluded “Spring is a good time for planting trees raised in pots until a suit- the conifer arboretum. The conifers in able size for setting out in the fields.” the black plastic pots sat unplanted (and Ken, however, was occupied with train- unwatered) until late summer, when Dr. ing new field help, cutting and dispos- Graver, out of patience, set a date with ing of winter-damaged shrubs and Ken to supervise the tree planting. mowing more than 20 acres of grass in At that time, there was no documen- tation of the existing conifer collection – more than 500 plants ranging from 10 to 45 years of age. Ken and I both felt it was more important to identify and care for what was al- ready in the ground and growing, without distrac- tions like digging holes, preparing soil mix, plant-

Marjorie Lauer ing and watering 45 Abies pinsapo (Spanish fir), whose blunt needles are seedlings. We were only not as prickly as they look. just beginning to learn to

Vol. 20 No. 2 AMERICAN CONIFER SOCIETY 21 distinguish a pine from a fir from a of our three trees are pointed, and sharp spruce, so we couldn’t yet appreciate the to the touch? more unusual species in the collection. We found the answer to this question So, although the 45 seedlings were in Conifers: The Illustrated Encyclopedia planted properly under Dr. Graver’s (D. M. van Gelderen, J. R. P. van Hoey- watchful eye, they were not well cared Smith, Timber Press, Inc., 1999). The for that first year, and about 10 of them photo on page 58 carries this caption: died before the next growing season. “Abies marocana, Moroccan Fir. A very close relative of A. pinsapo and often Information gathering considered to be a variety of it.” (Please Included in those that did survive, how- note that the World Checklist of Conifers, ever, were three small trees Dr. Graver the Conifer Society’s primary verifica- called “Spanish fir.” In our ignorance, we tion source, prefers Abies pinsapo var. didn’t accept this identification. We had learned, after all, that fir needles are flat and soft, so these little trees with bristles How, then, to explain that of short firm needles couldn’t possibly be the needles on two of our firs! The only reference we had at that three trees are pointed, time was Dr. Graver’s bible, the 1960 and sharp to the touch? printing of L. H. Bailey’s The Cultivated Conifers in North America (Macmillan), which doesn’t list “Spanish fir” in its marocana.) The little yellow plastic nurs- index. It does, of course, list “Abies pin- ery tags were no longer in place by the sapo,” so once we got to that point in our time Ken and I were involved in mapping learning, we found it described as an “at- and documenting the conifers in the tractive tree for mild climates or protect- Graver Arboretum, so it is likely, but not ed places … leaves spreading radially at certain, that our two pointy-needled nearly right angles, linear, thick and rigid, Spanish firs are in fact Moroccan firs. In acute or obtusish, 3/5-3/4 inch long…” the ground from gallon pots for seven It was at least another year before we years now, both these trees are about 5.5 began to build our reference library, and ft. (1.7 m) tall, while the A. pinsapo, The Manual of Cultivated Conifers by planted at the same time, is about 12 ft. Gerd Krussmann has been invaluable (3.6 m) in height. The photos on page 21 (Translation by Hans-Dieter Warda, show the needles of A. pinsapo at the bot- Timber Press, Inc., 1995.) This com- tom, and what we believe to be A. pin- ment about Abies pinsapo (p. 43) sapo var. marocana at the top. grabbed our attention: “Cannot be con- The two Moroccan firs have not yet fused with any other species because of produced cones, but the Spanish fir pro- its stiff, radially arranged needles.” duced a number of cones for the first Krussmann also says that the “base [of time in 2001, and three in 2002. A photo the needles is] expanded shield-like, not on the inside front cover of this issue twisted, apex seldom prickly.” How, shows the resin on a 4.5-in. (11-cm) then, to explain that the needles on two Pinsapo cone, which disintegrated only

22 AMERICAN CONIFER SOCIETY Vol. 20 No. 2 two days later. The photo next to it ish fir, completely recognizable to me by shows the bright color of the inside this time. Perhaps it had been planted in scales of a newly opened cone. the rest area’s garden as something unique to Spain—a tourist attraction in Cultivating Spanish fir itself, at least to conifer lovers. Keith Rushforth, in his book Conifers, I continue to have a special fondness published by Bath Press in England in for this tree because it reminds me of our 1987, says (p. 74) that, “Spanish fir is re- connection to extended family in Spain. stricted to three sites around Ronda in However, this species is quite worthy in southern Spain … the best silver fir for its own right. It is said to be slow-grow- sites on chalk. Despite its southerly ori- ing, reaching a maximum of 60 feet (20 gins, Spanish fir is fully hardy throughout m), with striking and unusual foliage that the British Isles, although slow-growing.” is somewhat grayish in color. Not beau- Bailey (p. 89) concurs: “Hardy in shel- tiful, perhaps, but extremely interesting. tered positions as far north as Massachu- Maybe it’s time to make your own con- setts. A handsome tree of striking nection with Abies pinsapo! appearance, thriving on limestone soil.” The Graver Arboretum of Muhlen- This characteristic of hardiness is un- berg College is open to visitors every doubtedly due to the fact that the Ronda day, from dawn to dusk. We are located area is located in high mountain ranges off Rt. 512 in rural Northampton Coun- around 6500 feet (2000 m) even though ty, about 10 miles north of Rt. 22, which its latitude is equivalent to Norfolk, VA. runs across the Lehigh Valley from Eas- There was a recent query about the ton to Allentown. Guided tours of the origin of the name “pinsapo” on an e- conifer collection are available, and mail listserv for educators connected group visits should be arranged in ad- with the American Association of vance by calling Laurie Rosenberg, Di- Botanical Gardens and Arboreta. One rector of Environmental Education response included a reference to “soap Outreach, at (610) 614-1352. pine” because the twigs crushed in water produce a soap-like substance. The Spanish-language website www.- About the author: Marjorie H. Lauer is arbolesornamentales.com says the Administrative Manager at The Graver name derives from pino (pine) and Arboretum of Muhlenberg College in sapino (fir). This explanation is plausi- Bath, Pennsylvania. ble, given the atypical characteristics of the needles.

In the summer of 1998, I drove from Geneva to Spain with our son and his wife for her sister’s wedding. When we stopped at the first rest area in the Pyre- nees in northern Spain, after crossing the border with France, there stood a Span-

Vol. 20 No. 2 AMERICAN CONIFER SOCIETY 23 A Survey of the Prostrate Pines by Dirk Wright Nine cultivars offer low, spreading form

For a tree that would normally grow ver- Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) appears tically at a rapid rate, a prostrate pine is to have the most prostrate varieties, with certainly an anomaly. While these plants at least four from which to choose. Scots are not nearly as numerous as prostrate pine has a large growing range, from junipers, the gardener wanting a pine that USDA zone 3a all the way down to grows flat on the ground still has about warm and muggy zone 7. A fast-growing nine cultivars from which to choose. prostrate pine is Pinus sylvestris ‘Hill- A prostrate plant is one in which no side Creeper,’ growing at least one foot leader is ever formed; that is, the plants (30 cm) per year. It was a 1970 seedling exhibit strong plagiotropic growth. They selection from the former Hillside Gar- look their best when trailing over a wall dens in Pennsylvania. ‘Hillside Creeper’ or on the bank of a hill. While some of forms a large mat of undulating branch- these plants will eventually form a es with medium green needles that turn mound in the center, they are for all in- lighter in the winter (see photo inside tents and purposes prostrate growers. back cover). A slower-growing cultivar Since pine cultivars are normally is ‘Repens,’ growing only a couple of grafted, it should be noted that prostrate inches per year. It was found on Skyland plants can be “created” by taking a cut- Farm in 1980. ‘Repens’ grows some- ting from a side shoot of the mother what irregularly and eventually forms a plant, rather than from a more upright central mound. The buds have a heavy shoot. The resulting plant lacks a hor- resin coating. mone for upright growth, so it grows A Scots pine that grows at an inter- prostrate on the ground. Cultivariants mediate rate is ‘Albyns.’ It was selected

created this way are not Dirk Wright truly prostrate and are intentionally not in- cluded in this article. Since the origin of many cultivars is not known, some of the pines sold as prostrate may have originally been created this way. Most of the true pros- trate pines appear to be from selections of Pinus resinosa ‘Don Smith’ at the U.S. National seedlings. Arboretum in Washington, D.C.

24 AMERICAN CONIFER SOCIETY Vol. 20 No. 2 at Albyn Nursery in Ohio around 1960. should be handled with care. Removing The needles are thick and shiny, retain- dead material regularly from this plant ing their color in winter. Finally, will help reveal the ornamental bark. The ‘Mitsch Weeping,’ found at Mitsch plant is hardy from zone 3 to zone 7. Nursery in 1985, is normally staked to Another Asian pine, Pinus thun- several feet then allowed to weep, but it bergii, also has only one prostrate selec- will grow prostrate without staking. The tion, ‘Mt. Hood Prostrate.’ Discovered plant grows rapidly. As with all Scots in 1990 at Iseli Nursery in Oregon, this pines, Pinus sylvestris is susceptible to one grows much more slowly than the Sphaeropsis (Diplodia) Tip Blight, a species. It has dark green needles simi- fungal disease afflicting two-needle lar to the species. Japanese black pine is pines in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast limited to zones 5 through 8. United States. Pinus banksiana ‘Schoodic,’ was There are a couple of prostrate culti- selected at the Arnold Arboretum in vars of Eastern white pine, neither of Massachusetts. This is another pine with which is readily available. There is one dark green needles, and it forms a dense called Pinus strobus ‘Prostrata’ (see mat. Jack pine is native to the zone 2 photo inside back cover) and another areas of the north central US and most called ‘Hillside Weeper.’ The first was of Canada. It appears to be able to grow discovered in the late 1800’s at the as far south as zone 7. Arnold Arboretum, and the second at Finally, we have a flat growing Hillside Gardens around 1970. Swiss mountain pine, Pinus mugo There is some evidence that Pinus ‘Prostrata.’ This one will grow only virginiana produced a prostrate form, about 6 in. (15 cm) tall when it is 2 ft. called ‘Creeping’ or ‘Weeping,’ but it (60 cm) wide. Iseli Nursery found this is not currently available in the trade. one around 1985. Mugo pines grow There is a prostrate limber pine with from zone 3 to zone 7. blue needles called Pinus flexilis As with most densely growing ‘Glauca Pendula.’ This is probably the conifers, it is important to manually only prostrate pine with blue needles. It clean out the dead needles and branches grows vigorously into an irregular mat from the interiors of these plants to deter with some branches ascending and oth- mice and other plant-damaging animals. ers descending. Native to the Rocky Such cleaning also improves air circula- Mountains, it can be grown from zone 4 tion, which helps prevent disease. to zone 7. Japanese red pine has only one nor- mally available prostrate cultivar. Pinus About the author: Dirk is a career densiflora ‘Pendula’ came from Japan patent examiner at the US Patent Office. and will grow flat on the ground unless In addition to collecting dwarf and un- staked or grafted high. It has been in cul- usual conifers, he is maximizing native tivation since about 1890. It has dark plant diversity on his wooded one-acre green needles and orange-red bark. The lot near Fredericksburg, Virginia. branches are somewhat brittle, so they

Vol. 20 No. 2 AMERICAN CONIFER SOCIETY 25 Durable Plant Labels for Your Conifer Garden by Orlan Gaeddert By popular demand, one collector shares his strategy and techniques

Speaking about plant labels, one of my you should be aware that nice labels are visitors last July said, “They’re all bad!” a costly project whether you choose the He spoke like a man of experience, commercial or the home spun route. You someone with firsthand knowledge of can save some money by spending more the compromises one makes with any la- time, and vice versa. The total real cost beling system. Nevertheless, about half of the people in that tour group – most Since I wanted my of whom are professionally involved in plant markers to have horticulture – gathered around to find better detailing and out how I made my plant signs. more information than Then in September 2002, 156 Conifer Society guests toured the garden as part what the commercial of the Northeast Region meeting. Once services offer, I chose again, dozens of people begged to learn to make my own signs. about my technique for producing plant labels. I was surprised because I thought might strike you as outrageous at first. the plants and the rocky setting were But think again; reflect on the value of much more interesting than my labels. your collection and the pleasure it gives Clearly there are lots of experienced gar- you. On this scale, even a deluxe plant deners who have been searching for a label has a modest price. better method for labeling their collec- I’ll give you my own “recipe” along tions. They want something that is both with several alternative suggestions. Se- attractive and affordable. lect any combination that will work for Fortunately, during the last decade you. The technique I use was adapted new equipment and new materials have from an article by Iza Goroff in the made it possible for the hobby gardener spring 1991 issue of the Bulletin of the to have quality signage, as good as any American Rock Garden Society, Vol. you might find in an arboretum. In a par- 49(2). Goroff points out that a finished allel development, new services have label has four interrelated elements: the sprung up to offer custom plant labels at label stock or marker, the text-bearing competitive prices. Since I wanted my medium, the printing method and the plant markers to have better detailing text itself. All four must work together. and more information than what the (How much text do you need? What is commercial services offer, I chose to the viewing distance? Do you want a make my own signs. highly visible sign, or is a transparent If you are starting from scratch or medium your ideal marker? How long contemplating a major re-labeling job, will you need this sign?)

26 AMERICAN CONIFER SOCIETY Vol. 20 No. 2 Behind the Scenes Choosing a Marker As a first step, if you need a hundred or Probably the thorniest question you more signs, the only practical approach must face is what kind of marker stock is to create a computerized database of to use. I am referring here to the combi- your plant names and any other data you nation of nameplate and stake that you wish to include on the labels. I have seen will ultimately stick into the ground next ads for specialized plant databases, but to your plant. For tiny rock garden any standard database program will gems, some gardeners like to make their work fine for this purpose. (I like the own markers using a clear plastic or Alpha Five database program, both for other media. But for marking trees and storing data and for creating labels. It is shrubs, the commercial products are powerful and relatively easy to use but more sensible. expensive.) Check the web for “hosta markers” The limited database capabilities in- to get information on several product cluded in several label-making pro- lines, including one manufacturer of grams I’ve seen are too restrictive for clear polycarbonate markers. Each prod- my taste, but the one called My Label uct has its good and bad features. Bal- Premium at $39.95 has many fans. A ancing one against the other, I have been spreadsheet like Excel will also work using two brands, each for a different nicely to store your plant information. purpose. If you are already familiar with Mi- For short-term use and very small crosoft Word, this program provides yet plants, Paw Paw markers are adequate. another way to do the job. You can store (Label stock from EON Industries is your data in a Word “table” and use the similar.) Their thin galvanized wire mailing label feature to generate hand- stakes are generally good for three some plant labels. years, but don’t count on getting more than five. Another drawback is that the largest nameplate size available measures 1 x 3 inches (2.5 x 7.6 cm), which sharply restricts the amount or size of text you can use. Yet another limita- tion of Paw Paw markers is that their zinc nameplate is so thin that it is easily

Spray painting a See-Fine marker beige before attaching the label increases the visibility of plant data at normal

Anne Brennan viewing distance.

Vol. 20 No. 2 AMERICAN CONIFER SOCIETY 27 damaged. Doubling up – putting two drochloric acid (also known as muriatic nameplates together – helps alleviate acid) followed by a thorough rinse with this problem. These are my “quick and fresh water. This process removes the dirty” signs. Affix the printed label on light oil film and “fixes” the galvanized the marker, trim as needed, and stick it finish so that it is no longer chemically in the ground. reactive. The acid bath should be just For long-term use and larger plants, strong enough (a 2 or 3% solution) that the See-Fine marker is a far superior bubbles arise when you put the markers product. The nameplate is a generous in. A three- minute bath is sufficient. 1.75 x 3.38 inches (4.5 x 8.6 cm), so I Next, I like to dress up the nameplate can use large type sizes for the plant with a coat of primer followed by one name and still have room for the extra coat of tan colored spray paint, since I documentation that I like to see. Both the use a clear printing medium and like the nameplate and the stake are heavy galva- contrast. If you don’t mind the metallic nized steel, which will look good even look, you can skip the primer and paint- after 10 years of service. And the name- ing step. Another alternative to painting plate is held at a 45° angle from the stake would be to print the text on an opaque which enhances viewing. In round num- medium and cover the entire nameplate bers, this product costs about three times with that. as much as the Paw Paw stock, roughly an extra 60¢ per marker. But relative to Printing the Labels other products I’ve considered, I think You will soon be ready to print, but first See-Fine markers are a bargain. you must select a medium to print on. I When they are new, See-Fine mark- use the Avery line of clear labels for this ers need a conditioning step before they step and apply them to my painted sur- are used. Give them a bath in hy- face. These labels are self-sticking and available in a range of sizes. Another possibility is the Avery #55XX series of “Weather Proof” plastic la- bels for laser printing. The latter provide an opaque white background for your text. They are very visible and easy to find in the fo- liage. For my taste, however,

Some plant names are too long to fit my standard format, so I make a few manual adjustments

Anne Brennan before printing.

28 AMERICAN CONIFER SOCIETY Vol. 20 No. 2 they are too intrusive. able area must, of course, be limited to a The next step brings us to a hard- rectangle that is a bit smaller than the ware question: how will you print the la- nameplate you will be using. bels? A laser printer is by far the best choice for printing plant labels. The text Customize is very legible and, because the pigment I employ several tricks to place the text is “burned” into the label medium at neatly on the marker. Cut the printed la- high temperature, it will last a long time. bels slightly larger than the nameplates to give yourself some wiggle room. With the protective film Hold the label in the waste area at left that I recommend, and right ends to reduce debris and fin- the print should still gerprints where you don’t want them. look good after ten years You trim off the excess later. I print a small mark in the waste area at the upper in almost any exposure. left corner which serves as a positioning guide. Edges are easier to align than Laser text on a clear Avery label should text. last five years without any protective One reason labels can be so labor in- coating. With the protective film that I tensive is that your formula may only recommend (see below), the print work for 80% of your plants. It’s that should still look good after ten years in last bunch that gives you fits. If a name almost any exposure. Labels from inkjet is too long, you’ll have to reduce the printers will have a much shorter life point size or create an extra name line under harsh outdoor conditions, since and give up something else, or compro- the ink is water soluble. If you don’t mise by using an abbreviation. Adding a own a laser printer, you can probably subspecies designation is another com- rent or borrow one. I called the nearest plication that forces a format change. Kinko’s and found that I could use their The wonderful thing about making your computer and printer for 20¢ per own labels is that you can make these minute. If you have set up your work judgments better than any commercial properly in advance, you can run off operator and end up with a truly superi- quite a pile of labels in 30 minutes. or product!

What to print? Long-lasting labels On a small nameplate, unless you use a To produce a label with a ten-year or small typeface, you probably cannot fit longer life expectancy, I add one more more than the plant name itself. Howev- step to the process immediately after er, I can fit four lines on the large See- printing. Since the labels come out of Fine marker: (1) Genus and species in the printer in 8 x 11-inch sheets, I put a 22-pt. bold italic type; (2) Cultivar in polyester laminating film over the entire 22-pt. bold; (3) Common name in 15 pt. sheet. The product I use is called Cleer- bold; and (4) Year acquired and source Adheer, manufactured by C–Line code in 14 pt. bold. The maximum print- Products. (Use their website, listed in

Vol. 20 No. 2 AMERICAN CONIFER SOCIETY 29 References, to locate dealers.) Cut out that the average useful life of a sign may the individual plant labels, affix each to be only four or five years. Animal dam- a plant marker and trim it back to the age and accidents happen. Plants grow, nameplate with a single edge razor or sometimes die, and taxonomists blade or razor knife. Then admire your change their names. Our tastes change, handiwork, and enjoy! etc. So easy recycling of a good marker would be a nice quality. I hope that in a Final considerations couple of years someone reading this – While the focus of this article has been maybe you – will bring us up to date. on plant signage that you can make your- My thanks to Justin C. “Chub” self, every good garden seems to have a Harper for sharing his experience and few plants so special that they deserve a knowledge of various markers and how distinctive touch. At the National Meet- they perform. ing last year, when we visited Tom Cox’s arboretum in Georgia, I spotted a couple References: of plants that Tom honored with en- C-Line Products, Inc., (800) 323–6084; graved brass markers. Equally outstand- www.c-lineproducts.com. ing are the signs made by Gregg Gulden EON Industries Inc., PO Box 11, of Suncrest Gardens. Suncrest is a regu- Liberty Center, OH 43532; (419) lar advertiser in our Conifer Quarterly. 533-4961. Plant signage, by the way, is an My Label Premium software is avail- evolving story. New materials and new able at office supply stores or from production methods will continue to www.elibrium.com. surface. One specific area where I hope Paw Paw Everlast Label Company, we will see improvement is in making PO Box 93, Paw Paw, MI 49079; markers more re-useable. Advanced ad- www.everlastlabel.com. hesives may be the key to this. See-Fine Marker Company, 1009 N For countless years, a 10-year mark- Street, Lewiston, ID 83501; er was the holy grail. While we have (208) 743–2137. now achieved that goal, the sad truth is

About the author: Orlan Gaeddert has been collecting dwarf and unusual WOLF-RUN conifers for more than 30 years. He NURSERY will be retiring from the board of LANDSCAPES directors of the Society later this year Rare and Unusual Plant Material after serving for the past five years. He Exotic Conifers invites your feedback and questions about this article; contact him by Karen & Mark Priebe calling (518) 781-4662 or sending 610-779-5717 Toll Free 877-779-5715 29 Klappenthal Road e-mail to [email protected]. Fax 610-779-0555 Reading, PA 19606 E-mail: [email protected] wolfrunnursery.com

30 AMERICAN CONIFER SOCIETY Vol. 20 No. 2 Iseli Grant Funds at Work... and School by Susan Radke Students and community benefit from the new Conifer Garden at Milwaukee Area Technical College, developed with Iseli Grant funds

I first caught “coniferitis” when I was on the east lawn of North Campus. With asked to help write a grant proposal for the support of MATC for signage, we the Jean Iseli Memorial Award on behalf were able to dedicate the entire grant to of Milwaukee Area Technical College- acquiring conifers. Then, with further North Campus in Mequon, Wisconsin. I generous donations from Rich and admit that at first, I was skeptical. Not Susan Eyre of Rich’s Foxwillow Pines about the merit of the award, nor the im- Nursery, our “wish list” expanded from portance of achieving it, but of my abil- 23 to 36 plants. ity to fulfill such a commitment. I had In keeping with the MATC Horticul- never written a grant proposal, and my ture Department’s mission to prepare knowledge of conifers was but a “drop students to enter, advance in and suc- in the bucket.” With little experience or ceed in landscape horticulture, this col- knowledge of the plant group, I accept- lection will be invaluable over the years. ed the challenge, and it turned out to be a delightful journey. Horticulture student Sherry Maul inspects the needles of Pinus The project banksiana 'Uncle Fogy' in the Our grant award was used to create the Milwaukee Area Technical College’s official MATC Conifer Garden, located new Conifer Garden. Michael Wendt

Vol. 20 No. 2 AMERICAN CONIFER SOCIETY 31 The grant increases our conifer collec- Public awareness tions on campus, providing vibrant plant We don’t intend to hold this collection specimens for students to observe. We captive, however. It is open to all stu- believe that students will, in turn, intro- dents, instructors and staff, of course. duce and promote the beauty and value But the collection is also conveniently of conifers to their future clients. located and available for viewing by the general public. The campus gardens, Student involvement which include the Hosta Collection as Many students joined in the adventure well as deciduous and coniferous plants on planting day. Despite a gray and in the Alice-In-Dairyland Garden, be- gloomy sky and unseasonably cool tem- come more popular each year. As the peratures, enthusiasm filled the air. After total garden area continues to grow, the the plants were unloaded, Rich Eyre pas- influence of the MATC collections and sionately promoted the values and aes- particularly the Conifer Garden will en- thetics of garden conifers and the people hance the awareness of all visitors over behind them. Once the students were the coming years. sufficiently infected with “coniferitis,” Mike had warned me that I would and armed with placement tips from become addicted to conifers during this Rich and MATC Horticulture Instructor project, and he was right. But the impact and Conifer Project Chairperson Mike of the Conifer Garden on our entire Wendt, they pitched in to place the plants campus community has already been in the area they had prepared in advance. greater than we imagined. The site includes some wind protec- tion for the more “finicky” specimens, shade for the conifers that require it, and About the author: Susan Radke is a re- a good-sized dollop of full sun. A patio cent graduate of the MATC Horticul- laid by the construction classes nestles ture Program, and is Owner of New in the center of the collection, providing S-Scapes Landscape Designers, LLC. a perfect spot to view and reflect on the plants’ beauty. The MATC Conifer garden can be viewed at 5555 W. Highland Road, Mequon, WI (north of Milwaukee). For more information, contact Mike Wendt at [email protected]. MATC wishes to publicly thank the Conifer Society; Rich and Susan Eyre, 16804 NE 102nd Ave., Battle Ground, WA 98604 owners of Rich’s Foxwillow Pines Nursery; Susan Radke of New S-Scapes catalog $2.00 Landscape Designers, and the MATC- Horticulture Department staff and 360-574-3832 fax 360-571-8540 e-mail [email protected] students who made this project http://www.collectorsnursery.com possible.

32 AMERICAN CONIFER SOCIETY Vol. 20 No. 2 Plant Auctions: The Challenge and the Opportunity by Dennis Groh, Conifer Society national president

People and plants move more quickly this meeting is the ideal opportunity to between regions on the globe today than try some new approaches to the auction. they have ever done before. This has A diversified auction could be a combi- good and bad aspects associated with it. nation of live plants, “virtual plants,” gift The good is our improved ability to rap- certificates and other items listed below. idly acquire new, rare, exciting and dif- Several individuals have already of- ferent plants. The downside is when fered imaginative suggestions that would these plants bring along pests which avoid the shipping and handling of plants have no natural enemies, or the plants at auctions. In addition to direct shipping themselves become invasive in their new of plants from grower to the successful environment. bidder, there may also be opportunities The Challenge: Maintain the auc- to accomplish cost-effective delivery of tions as fun-filled opportunities for plants via regional nurseries for pick-up members to acquire desirable plants and by the successful bidder. as sources of much-needed revenue for If details can be resolved, regional the Conifer Society, while being respon- consolidated shipping destinations could sive to new information and complying create the opportunity to offer larger with evolving plant regulations. sized specimens or one-of-a-kind plants The Opportunity: Develop diversi- via the auction. At this time, many issues fied and innovative auctions that provide remain open and their resolution will a larger percentage of attending members take the hard work of many cooperative with new creative opportunities to obtain individuals. plants, combined with the potential for Any of the following suggestions new sources of revenue for the Society. could be used at the preference and dis- We can all become part of the solution cretion of the donors: and not part of the problem, while we • Gift certificates and/or discount protect the plants we cherish, the Conifer coupons, accompanied by a nursery Society, and the ability to continue to catalog or plant list. conduct fun-filled plant auctions. • Conifer-related books (new, out-of- print, autographed, etc.). The Path Forward • Specialty items (e.g. personal con- The auction at the Denver Meeting poses sulting, expert visits to homeowners’ a particular challenge, since most of us gardens, grafting or pruning lessons, will be flying directly to and from the custom plant labels, private tours of meeting and many may be continuing our nurseries or gardens, etc.). travels (e.g. the Coach Post-Conference • Bringing one plant for the silent auc- Tour) before returning home. Therefore, tion (with duplicates retained at the

Vol. 20 No. 2 AMERICAN CONIFER SOCIETY 33 source); duplicates could be sent to hand lens prior to transport is prudent. winning bidders plus shipping. The National Plant Board (NPB) • Photographs, slides or PowerPoint website contains a great deal of useful presentations showing plants avail- information. Access their website at able for bid. www.aphis.usda.gov/npb/F&SQS/sqs.- Other innovative ideas are encour- html. This URL is also a hotlink from the aged, please contact Don Howse, Denver Conifer Society website (www.conifer- Meeting Co-Chair at phone/Fax (503) society.org); click on the “Links to Sites 668-5834 or [email protected]. of Interest” and go to “Reference Links.” Plant regulators have informed me Bidders that conifers have fewer pest problems Increase your awareness. Information than many other types of plants; there- will be available for members at the fore we ask that donors minimize the meetings to help you determine which amount of non-conifer plant material conifer species have problems or should brought to the auction. For logistics and not be transported to your state without insurance reasons, plants brought to the proper nursery certificates. auction should be limited in size to a maximum of a 3-gallon container (or an Donors equivalent ball and burlap in size and Innovative auction approaches are need- weight). However, plants which aren’t ed. Donors are asked to review applica- physically present at Conifer Society ble regulations for plant shipments auctions but are auctioned via photos or between the states. It is highly desirable descriptions are of course exempt from for each plant to have a point of origin these recommendations. (original or photocopy) nursery stock certificate or phytosanitary certificate as Every Member applicable. The plants should be labeled Your assistance and ideas will be need- with the correct botanical name and cul- ed to help our auction evolve, so that for tivar name (when applicable). The use years to come, we can continue to enjoy of common names is optional. A careful the plants we cherish and lust after! visual inspection of the plants using a Many of you have attended other organ- izations’ fund raising events and may know of other aspects we need to be considering. Please bring those ideas to the attention of our regional or national officers, board members or meeting or- ganizers. Come to Denver and be part of the excitement as many clever and dedicat- ed people work magic in ways we have 41370 SE Thomas Road • Sandy, OR 97055 never tried before. Thanks in advance 503 688.5834 phone/fax for your help and ideas! EMAIL: [email protected] www.porterhowse.com

34 AMERICAN CONIFER SOCIETY Vol. 20 No. 2 Western Region Hosts Conifer Education Day and Other Events by Randy Oster,Western Region president, and Rita Freeman Rita Freeman Yard Garden & Patio Show February 6-9, 2003 The Western Region manned a booth at the Portland Oregon Yard Garden and Patio Show in February. Attendance at the show was over 45,000 and provided the perfect opportunity for a member- ship drive and fundraising plant sale.

Conifer Education Day at The Oregon Above: The Conifer Society booth at the Garden – March 8, 2003 Portland Oregon Yard, Garden and Patio Show. The Western Region kicked off a new education program on March 8th at the Below: Hugh Ferrar leads a Clackamas Oregon Garden. The goal of our educa- High School Land Lab student group tion program is to provide assistance to through the Conifer Garden. the horticulture departments in our local schools by providing students the op- Rita Freeman portunity to gain practical experience in gardening and to expand their knowl- edge of conifers. To accomplish this, we invited 12 students and three instructors from high schools and colleges in the area to attend as our guests. Don Howse and Hugh Ferrar led the student tour groups through the garden, providing a wealth ments in the Conifer Garden. of knowledge about The Oregon Garden Talon Bucholtz treated us to a slide Conifer Garden. The students witnessed program on new plants he encountered first hand the cooperative efforts of our on his recent Europe trip, and Don members who turned out to work at our Howse presented a slide presentation annual Conifer Garden Clean Up Day. featuring the Colorado Windy Ridge The students joined us for lunch and our Bristlecone Pines and The Limber Pine education day lectures. Grove. During this event, The Western Re- The 2003 Western Region Fall Event gion presented The Oregon Garden with will be held the first week of October at $1000.00 to fund continued improve- Monrovia Nursery in Dayton, Oregon.

Vol. 20 No. 2 AMERICAN CONIFER SOCIETY 35 “A Coniferous Affair” years under master Makoto Hashimoto October 4, 2002 at the Kanuma Shizen Bonsai Koen in The Conifer Autumn Fest, dubbed “A Tochigi prefecture. His demonstration Coniferous Affair,” was hosted by Larry of pruning and wiring techniques on a and Marlene Stanley at Stanley and twenty-year-old Juniperus chinensis Sons Nursery. Despite the drizzly Ore- ‘Itowigawa Shimpaku’ provided an op- gon weather, attendance and spirits were portunity for learning new techniques high, and the excitement and anticipa- and honing bonsai skills. His presenta- tion of the tours, program, and Asian tion lasted most of the afternoon – Rim Cuisine dining pushed on right through dinner, through auctions and through the Plant Auctions. into the clean-up stage of the event. The The program began with a tour of generosity of his time offered all in at- the 10-acre Stanley and Sons Nursery, tendance the opportunity for one-on-one which includes a one-acre display gar- discussion with Joe on the progression den with over 3000 varieties of conifers of this bonsai project. and 400 varieties of maples. Larry Stan- After dinner, we were introduced to ley led the tour, sharing insight into the the new Western Region board members production and history of his nursery – president Randy Oster, vice-president and plant collection. Susan Schouten and secretary/treasurer Don Howse led the tour of the Jerry Darrell Massung. Also in attendance was Morris Collection at the nursery and was national president Dennis Groh, who in- joined by surprise guest, Jerry Morris. troduced a distinguished group of past This was truly a treat as we were able to national presidents – Marvin Snyder, hear first-hand Jerry’s stories about col- Bob Fincham, and Larry Stanley. lecting these specimens in the mountains Award announcements were made of the Western United States from witch- by Marvin Synder, Dennis Groh, and es brooms and sports. The Bonsai demon- Peter Conrad stration featured Joe Harris III, developer of Iseli Nursery's Matsuna- mi-en Bonsai Division, and his collection of amazing and beautiful coniferous bonsai trees. Mr. Harris is a highly re- spected teacher and lec- turer in the Bonsai world, having begun his career at age 11 with From left:Randy Oster,Western Region president; Marvin training at Brussel’s Snyder, national past president; Dennis Groh, national Nursery, then going to president; and Don Howse, recipient of the President’s Japan to study for four Award for Volunteerism in the Western Region.

36 AMERICAN CONIFER SOCIETY Vol. 20 No. 2 Don Howse. John Mitsch received the ley and Son’s Nursery, and R & R Nurs- 2002 ACS Award of Merit for Develop- ery. We signed a total of 16 new individ- ment in the Field of Conifers, and Larry ual and family memberships at the Stanley received the 2002 ACS Award of event. Thank you to the plant donors Merit for Dedicated Support. Then Don who supported our membership efforts. Howse was presented with a new re- Denim shirts and hats embroidered gional award, The President’s Award for with the Conifer Society logo were a big Volunteerism. hit and provided an additional avenue The Verbal and Silent Plant Auctions for fundraising. were a much anticipated success. Verl Attendance at the event totalled 133 Holden and Don Howse shared auction- people and included members Alice and eer duties, with Cindy Lou Pease presid- John Zawacki from Wellfleet, MA, as ing over the can raffles. Thanks to all well as Western Region members from our plant donors who supported us with Colorado, Idaho, Washington and Cali- plants for the auctions. fornia. Thank you to all of our volun- A successful new membership drive teers who worked so hard to make this a included offering a choice of two plants successful event. Volunteers are the from a pool of plants provided by lifeblood of the organization and noth- Porterhowse Farms, Evans Farms, Stan- ing would be possible without you.

1983-2001 Conifer Society Bulletin FOR SALE: GRACEFUL GRACE comprehensive index (Pseudotsuga menziesii ‘Graceful Grace’) now available • Author index This is probably the largest ‘Graceful • Subject index Grace’ in the world. It was one of the • Plant name index first grafts from the original plant, which was found in a christmas tree plantation. This spiral-bound, 160-page index That original tree was bought and moved includes every reference to the to the Masonic Home in Columbia, PA, conifer cultivars, gardens and but has since died. people mentioned within the first 18 volumes of the Bulletin. This tree was grafted and grown by the late Layne Ziegenfus of Lehighton PA. It You can purchase a copy of the is approx. 30-35' tall with an 8-inch index for $29, which includes caliper. It is a fast-growing weeping shipping and handling charges. Douglas Fir with very strong vertical growth but graceful weeping branches. Mail a check, money order or credit The needles are a darker green than most card information (number, expiration other weeping Douglas Fir cultivars. date and signature) to: For a picture and price please call ACS National Office • P.O. Box 3422 Frank Tubiello at 610-847-5787 Crofton, MD 21114-0422 or e-mail [email protected].

Vol. 20 No. 2 AMERICAN CONIFER SOCIETY 37 Central Region Plans Summer Meeting and Iowa Garden Rendezvous by Charlene Harris

Central Region Meeting and Conifer and the Soils They Live In; Joe Stupka, Symposium – June 13-15, 2003 Pennsylvania, Witches’ Brooms and We invite all society members to join us Other Wisdom; and Dennis Dodge, in June in Illinois. Connecticut, New Rare and Unusual Our keynote speaker Ed Lyons is the Dwarf Conifers. Rich’s Foxwillow Director of Education at Olbrich Botan- Pines will be open for member visits ical Gardens in Madison, WI, and co- Friday morning prior to the afternoon owner and horticulture consultant for Conifer Symposium. Stonewall Nursery in Oregon, WI, The Central Region Conifer Society which specializes in dwarf conifers and Member Meeting and Conifer Sympo- unusual deciduous trees and shrubs. sium agenda and registrations were Gary Whittenbaugh, Central Region mailed to all Central Region members in president will do a trough planting mid-March. The early registration dead- demonstration. Gary has been busy with line is May 10, 2003. over 20 conifer and associated presenta- Please see the Society’s website tions throughout the western half of the (www.conifersociety.org) for complete Central Region since early January. agenda and registration information, or Dennis Groh and Don Wild from Michi- you may contact Charlene Harris at gan (national president and vice-presi- (734) 433-9773 or [email protected] dent) will join forces with a presentation for additional information. on gardening with conifers. The Holiday Inn Crystal Lake is lo- Rich’s Foxwillow Pines Nursery Inc. cated 50 miles northwest of Chicago. has a special treat in store for us. In ad- For hotel reservations, call (815) 477- dition to our Saturday visit we are invit- 7000, fax (815) 477-7027, or visit ed to join Rich and Susan Eyre for a www.holidayinncrystallake.com. Sunday morning continental breakfast at Guest room rate is $92.00 plus tax their new farm and conifer garden in for single/double room. Woodstock. The Eyres now have two lo- cations, just three miles apart, both Iowa Garden Rendezvous – chock-full of conifers. And within a few June 29, 2003 minutes of Rich’s Foxwillow Pines are It’s time to make plans to attend the three great gardens for Saturday tours. fourth annual Iowa Garden Rendezvous Friday’s Conifer Symposium, spon- to be held at the garden of Craig and sored by Rich’s Foxwillow Pines, fea- Deb Jacobson on Sunday, June 29, tures Bill Hendricks of Klyn Nursery, 2003. This is a local event for all conifer Ohio, Chamaecyparis the Genus; Jerry and plant enthusiasts to meet each other, Morris, Colorado, Transplanting Trees talk about plants, visit gardens, take pic-

38 AMERICAN CONIFER SOCIETY Vol. 20 No. 2 tures, see new plants, get ideas and just arrive at Jacobson’s we will have the have a good time. souvenir Rendezvous handout folder The Jacobsons have a wonderful with garden descriptions, maps, direc- conifer garden and a beautiful collection tions, and the hours the gardens will be of hostas and daylilies. open to visit. Paula Flynn from the ISU Plant Dis- Craig has made arrangements to ease Clinic with assistance from Gary have lunch catered at their place from Whittenbaugh will be on hand from 12:00-1:00 PM for $5.00. 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM to answer questions Should you have any questions, con- regarding your conifer or other plant tact Gary Whittenbaugh at (319) 283- disease problems. 3050 or [email protected]. In addition to Craig and Deb’s gar- The event will run from 10:00 AM to den, there will be five other gardens to 4:00 PM. Craig & Deb Jacobson’s prop- visit – two in Marshalltown, two in erty is located at 2554 Dillon Rd., Grinnell, and one in Alleman. When you Marshalltown, Iowa 50158.

Dave’s Nursery Propagator of Rare, Dwarf and Miniature Plants

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Vol. 20 No. 2 AMERICAN CONIFER SOCIETY 39 Northeast Region to Visit Three Superb Gardens this Fall by Kevin Hasney

Morris Arboretum ready well-established dwarf conifer col- The first stop of the garden tour of the lection. The trains are able to run in any September 19-20 meeting of the North- weather, even snow. This is really quite east Region will be the Morris Arbore- an extensive and impressive display. tum, near Philadelphia. Founded in 1887 Of course, conifer enthusiasts will as the private estate of brother and sister not be disappointed. Along with awe- John and Lydia Morris, the Arboretum is some mature specimens, the Arboretum now owned by the University of Penn- continues to add to its collection by con- sylvania, and it is the official arboretum stantly planting new conifers. [Editor’s of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. note: See the article on page 5 of this John and Lydia traveled around the issue to read about the fir collection.] Of world seeking new plants and ideas for particular interest are an enormous blue their 92-acre estate. They were particu- Atlas cedar and a mature Korean pine larly interested in the flora of Asia, and with its bottom half growing normally they acquired plants collected in China and its top half growing as a fastigiate; by E. H. Wilson at the turn of the centu- from a distance it seems as if the top of ry. Therefore, there are numerous ex- the tree is a huge witches’ broom. amples of spectacular, mature specimen Conifer enthusiasts will likely be in- trees in the Arboretum today, including trigued by several mature long-leaf pines many of the Delaware Valley’s “trees of (Pinus palustris), native of the southeast record” (the largest of their kind). U.S. and rarely seen this far north. The The Morris Arboretum is said to be needles of these specimens measure up one of the best examples of a Victorian to 18 in. (46 cm) long. eclectic garden in the country and is list- ed on the National Register of Historic Martin Brooks’ Rare Plant Nursery Places. Eclectic elements include a de- When Martin Brooks set out to create lightful Victorian glass house fernery, a his arboretum, he wanted display gar- rustic log cabin, a swan pond with a love dens to which landscape architects could temple and Japanese rock gardens. bring their clients to show them unusual There is a beautiful, formal rose garden specimens. Now that the original plant- bordered on one side by a head-high re- ings have matured, he can display full- taining wall, densely planted with a va- sized examples of rare conifers, Japanese riety of rock garden plants. maples, beeches and much more in a One of the more recent additions to magical setting. the Arboretum is the “Garden Railway,” One of the best specimens is a weep- where G-scale model trains have been ing silver fir (Abies alba ‘Pendula’) that skillfully interwoven throughout the al- J.R.P. Van Hoey Smith told Marty was

40 AMERICAN CONIFER SOCIETY Vol. 20 No. 2 the best he’d ever seen. His lacebark Oriental spruces. His Picea orientalis pine (Pinus bungeana) is the best I’ve ‘Bergman’s Gem’ is five feet wide. ever seen, and he’s even got a fine ex- Adjacent to the arboretum and shad- ample of the rare compact form. ing the Brooks’ home is a beautiful Marty’s personal favorite is a gorgeous woodland garden of mature, native hard- weeping Alaskan cedar (Chamaecyparis woods with an understory of hollies, nootkatensis ‘Pendula’) that was shown bamboos and wonderful groundcovers. on page 184 of the Fall 2000 Bulletin Those of us with large deciduous trees (Vol. 17, No. 4) and is reprinted below. to garden under will get plenty of design Marty has always tested the limits of inspiration from this area. winter hardiness, so the arboretum in- The overall design of the garden is as cludes large trees of Cunninghamia notable as the individual specimens. It’s lanceolata, Sequoiadendron giganteum, easy to get caught up in the excitement Abies pinsapo ‘Glauca’ and other plants of seeing so many amazing plants and not considered reliably hardy in zone 6. forget to stand back and appreciate the Marty says he has every Oriental genius of this arboretum’s design. With spruce (Picea orientalis) except for one, or without a master plan, any garden of but that one is on its way. He continues this size and complexity must be con- to expand the garden, having recently stantly evolving. From a design point of added large beds to display his new col- view, the arboretum has evolved beauti- lections of Serbian (Picea omorika) and fully. The proportion of large mature trees to beds of lower plantings to open lawn is masterful. Arrangements of tall, dense plantings entice visitors to discov- er what’s around the corner. The ratio of conifers to deciduous trees including maples and beeches seems just right. While most of the plants are perfect specimens with plenty of room to grow, others are allowed to blend together and create beautiful tapestry effects. Marty’s extensive plant knowledge aided him in designing his arboretum. One example is the multiple plantings of the columnar form of blue Atlas cedar (Cedrus atlanti- ca ‘Fastigiata’). Normal blue Atlas cedars surely would have grown too large to grow in these areas, but Marty’s mature, columnar trees make a powerful

Marty Brooks poses in front of a weeping Alaskan cedar in his

Orlan Gaeddert arboretum.

Vol. 20 No. 2 AMERICAN CONIFER SOCIETY 41 design statement while co-existing hap- Fresh Eyes Recap pily with other trees. Any Conifer Society member who the Fall 2002 hasn’t been to see Martin Brooks’ Rare Plant Nursery should do whatever it NE Region Meeting takes to get to the Northeast Region fall Report by Karen and Phil Zimmerman meeting, showcasing one of the world’s greatest conifer collections. As first-time attendees to the ACS North- eastern Region 2002 Meeting held in Lenox, Massachusetts September 20-22, 2002, we knew we had arrived at the right place when we walked into the hotel lobby and overheard two people talking about witches’ brooms – and it wasn’t even the end of October. As members of several local and inter- national plant societies, we are no Martin Brooks’ Rare Plant Nursery strangers to plant study weekends. For in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, will be several years we had looked at the Conifer the third tour destination for the Sep- Society’s meeting announcements but did tember 19-20 Northeast Region meet- not take action, questioning whether we ing. The first two stops will be the knew enough about conifers and wonder- Morris Arboretum (also described in ing if we would feel welcome. But last this article) and Ridge Goodwin’s Half September we decided to take the plunge, Moon Nursery and gardens. While all register for the meeting and walk through three collections are superb, this really the doors of the Quality Inn that bright is an example of saving the best for last! and clear late September day in the heart While the acreage isn’t vast, Martin of the beautiful Berkshires. We were cer- Brook’s collection is so extensive and tainly not alone! Over 150 members came important for conifer enthusiasts that to the meeting, including a large number one could spend all day there. Its close of first-time attendees. proximity to Ridge Goodwin’s property People were warm and welcoming ensures plenty of time to enjoy our final and eager to share their growing experi- destination. ences. The high-quality presentations were fresh and informative. And the plants... well, the plants were just unbe- About the author: Kevin Hasney’s lievable. The silent auction, the verbal densely planted garden in New Hope, auction and the tailgate sale were worth PA, was featured on the 2001 North- the trip from anywhere! We brought east Region conference tour. home plants we hadn’t known existed until that weekend. During Friday evening’s light buffet supper, we all had a chance to peek at

42 AMERICAN CONIFER SOCIETY Vol. 20 No. 2 the abundance of auction plants that Mezitt, introducing the audience to the were placed around the perimeter of the newest of the new, not yet available room. Very exciting! The selection was conifers to be looking for in 2003. We sat grand in terms of both quantity and and listened with wide eyes and open quality. People began to eye such treas- mouths! We enjoyed every minute. ures as Chamaecyparis obtusa ‘Cream Saturday’s well-planned events in- Tart,’ a variegated bun of such deep volved three buses winding their way green and pure white scales as to make through the backroads of New York and one’s heart stop. Massachusetts. We were welcomed to the The evening program included a pres- garden of Doris and Bud Rosenberg, with entation by Phil Perrone, who took us to its memorable specimens of Picea con- Taiwan to view some great conifers he color ‘Piggelmee’ and two rare forms of found growing in the mountains as part of Abies pinsapo var. marocana, the Moroc- his participation in the Dendrological Sur- can fir. Next, owners Dennis and Judy vey of the island, which has one of the Mareb of Windy Hill Farm in Great Bar- most diverse concentrations of flora on rington graciously toured us through their the planet. M. Dolores Holland, Director well-stocked sales yard. Dennis intro- of the Northeast Chapter of the American duced us all to his restored antique apple Bamboo Society, proceeded to introduce press, now used to make fresh apple cider us to the wonderful world of hardy bam- to sell at the shop in season. boo. Her presentation was followed by a The home of LouAnn and Orlan unbelievable parade of slides presented Gaeddert in Canaan, New York boasts a by Dennis Dodge, Jay Angle and Wayne spectacular east-facing hillside with na- tive and rock garden plants and conifers combined with stone and well crafted paths, leading the visitor to some of the best-grown plants they are likely to find anywhere. At the top of this dramatic slope, we found a jewel of a conifer mound known as Picea abies ‘Cohassot.’ (We just had to have one, and after the meeting we headed straight away to Bethlehem Nursery in Connecticut!) We were in heaven and really enjoyed both Orlan and LouAnn’s warm hospitality. Saturday evening brought the verbal auction. Quite frankly, we have never seen better plant material brought before a more appreciative audience than we

Tour participants follow a trail through Orlan and LouAnn Gaeddert’s hillside garden during the Northeast Region’s Fall 2002 conference tour.

Vol. 20 No. 2 AMERICAN CONIFER SOCIETY 43 saw that night. We cannot do justice in special event. It’s invaluable to see ma- print to the items auctioned to the highest ture forms of conifer cultivars growing in bidders that evening. beautifully crafted gardens you might We were delighted to find the fun otherwise never see. continuing on Sunday morning with the We would certainly encourage, nay tailgate sale beginning at 8:00 AM. Of implore, everyone who loves conifers course, the hovering hordes of conifer and their companion plants to attend the growers were out early – forget about next meeting. You will come away with breakfast! – to check out the material. some plant treasures, long lasting memo- And what a selection it was. Expert ries and new friends. As we look out the growers had the best of the best on hand. sliding doors to our rooftop garden and Needless to say more, we totally en- dote on the plants we were privileged to joyed ourselves and can’t wait for the bring home, we feel extremely fortunate next event. Overall, this seemed a singu- to have participated. larly well-planned event with an appro- priate pace and excitement level. Meeting About the authors: Karen and Phil co-chairs Orlan Gaeddert and Peter Zimmerman grow their collection of Rumora and registrar Sandy Magyar are conifers on a rooftop in Manhattan, just three of the many people to whom alongside their collections of ericaceous, we owe thanks for making this such a alpine and woodland plants.

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44 AMERICAN CONIFER SOCIETY Vol. 20 No. 2 Southeast Meeting Draws Record Attendance by Jane Frampton

On Friday evening, September 27, 2002, ery, Washington Evergreen Nursery. meeting organizer Jordan Jack wel- ACS members strolled about prior to comed a record 60 Conifer Society lunch and afterward in the lower area members to Asheville, North Carolina, where most of the conifers were dis- for the Southeastern Region meeting. played. Jordan gave special recognition to mem- From there, the group traveled to the bers attending from other regions and home and garden of John and Tina presented conifers to those traveling the McGuire, who, in 1989, built the home farthest – Ed Hughes from Michigan on property that had been a vacant lot and Manuel Torres from Florida. between two existing homes. They de- Following a light buffet, short show- cided how to site the home, driveway and-tell programs were presented by and gardens. Michael Balogh, the Maud Henne, Southeastern Region sec- Southeastern Region president from retary/treasurer, Jordan Jack and Dennis Weaverville, NC, has been their land- Groh, national president. scape designer, and has artfully installed On Saturday morning, a well-orches- attractive displays of conifers and other trated car-pooling caravan snaked its way unusual plants to complement the lovely through hilly Asheville to Peter and Jas- tudor-style home. mine Gentling’s terraced hillside gar- Then, it was back to the hotel for the dens. Of the 20 or so acres, Peter banquet and plant auction. During the explained, three acres are carefully tend- opening presentations, Jordan Jack won ed, with the source of many plants being the raffle of the Pinus parviflora ‘Ocu- the Gotelli collection. After acquiring the lus-draconis.’ Teresa Ford was intro- property 31 years ago, the Gentlings un- duced as the new Southeast Region covered six of the original terraces that, vice-president. over years of neglect had been covered in Dennis Groh, in his new role as pres- natural vegetation. Little by little, they ident of the Conifer Society, made a have tamed the property, accenting the commitment to attend each region’s 100-plus year overstory with Japanese meeting this year. He spoke about the maples, boxwoods, conifers, perennials purpose of the Society, its position as a and a vegetable garden. non-profit plant society and about vol- With the weather cooperating fully, unteerism. He showed many slides of providing a perfect autumn day, a cook- active members and plants-people par- out at the home of Jordan and Bennett ticipating in Society events and ex- Jack was a welcome respite for lunch. In pressed his wishes for members to find a a woodland setting, the Jacks have way to help the organization and be- etched out a camellia, azalea and conifer come more involved. He finished by paradise on the side of a mountain, awarding Jordan Jack the President’s above the site of their now retired nurs- Award for Volunteerism, much deserved

Vol. 20 No. 2 AMERICAN CONIFER SOCIETY 45 for Jordan’s tireless efforts toward the turnout for a Southeastern Region meet- Society over the years. ing, many people went home with their Soon after the opening remarks, the own new additions to their gardens and auction began with Michael Balogh as a respect for a few of Asheville’s previ- auctioneer. Many fine plants were avail- ously undiscovered secret gardens. able and bidding throughout the evening diminished their numbers from the dis- play tables. While Michael tried in vain Author info: Jane Frampton lives and to auction a “prized” variegated kudzu gardens in Apex, North Carolina. She plant, the crowd instead preferred the was Editor of the Conifer Society’s pines, cryptomerias, hemlocks and other Bulletin/Conifer Quarterly from 1999- conifers. The auction brought in over 2002. $2,700 for the region. With the best

Southeast Region News by Michael Balogh, Southeast Region president

Flo Chaffin came back from the Feb. 1 conifers. I will let you know how this board meeting in St. Louis energized progresses. and inspired. She has persuaded Georgia Teresa Ford, our vice-president, is State Botanical Gardens to establish an sending out the Region’s first newsletter arboretum featuring dwarf conifers and this Spring. is looking for plant donations. Flo is Looking through the Conifer Society also offering a “Hypertufa 101” class, Membership Directory, I noticed how the cost of which will include member- few members we have in Alabama, ship dues for the Conifer Society. Florida, Kentucky, Mississippi, South Pam Loud has secured a booth for Carolina, and West Virginia. I would ap- the Society at the Southeastern Flower preciate hearing from anyone with infor- Show, where we hope to attract more mation on gardens, garden shows or new members. I will be manning a booth other places of conifer intrest in these at the Blue Ridge Horticultural Associa- states. tion plant show, promoting the use of Spring should bring many opportu- dwarf conifers. nities to increase Conifer Society expo- I have met with some folks from sure and membership. The daffodils and East Tennesse University who are mov- forsythia are blooming, so it looks like ing forward with development plans for Spring is loosening Winter’s grip. Now an arboretum that will include dwarf things start to get busy!

46 AMERICAN CONIFER SOCIETY Vol. 20 No. 2 www.bethlehemnursery.com

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The Conifer Society welcomes advertising from companies and individuals selling conifers, companion plants, gardening supplies and other plant-related products and services.

Vol. 20 No. 2 AMERICAN CONIFER SOCIETY 47 Directorate Officers President Dennis Groh, 160 S. Evangeline, Dearborn Heights, MI 48125 PH (313) 561-2315 E-mail: [email protected] Vice President/ Don Wild, 3058 Cross Creek Ct., Ann Arbor, MI 48108 Treasurer PH (734) 662-6461 E-mail: [email protected] Secretary Kathleen Pottratz, 10978 SW Durham Rd. #65, Tigard OR 97224 PH (503) 620-1617 E-mail: [email protected] Past President Marvin Snyder, 9107 Outlook Dr., Overland Park, KS 66207 PH (913) 648-4009 FAX (913) 648-1024 E-mail: [email protected] Directors Term expires 2003 Orlan Gaeddert, P.O. Box 25, Canaan, NY 12029 PH/FAX (518) 781-4662 E-mail: [email protected] Dennis Groh, (see President above) Bill Wells, 290 Woodcrest Rd., West Grove, PA 19390 PH (610) 869-3883 FAX (610) 869-4288 E-mail: [email protected] Term expires 2004 Bill Barger, 3200 Rohrer Rd., Wadsworth, OH 44281 PH (330) 336-9695 E-mail: [email protected] Ridge Goodwin, P.O. Box 310, Holicong, PA 18928 PH (215) 794-3216 FAX (215) 794-7104 E-mail: [email protected] Sam Jones, 1971 Whippoorwill Rd., Bishop, GA 30621 PH (706) 769-6516 Term expires 2005 Flo Chaffin, 3650 Colham Ferry Rd., Watkinsville, GA 30677 PH (706) 310-0143 FAX (706) 310-0562 E-mail: [email protected] Don Wild, (see Vice President/Treasurer above) Lester Wyman, 86 Tavern Waye, Hanson, MA 02341 PH (781) 447-3579 FAX (781) 447-3758 E-mail: [email protected] Regional Presidents Northeastern Region Ridge Goodwin, PO Box 310, Holicong, PA 18928 PH (215) 794-3216 FAX (215) 794-7104 E-mail: [email protected] Central Region Gary Whittenbaugh, 625 3rd Ave. SW, Oelwein, IA 50662 PH (319) 283-3050 FAX (319) 283-4773 E-mail: [email protected] Western Region Randy Oster, 29600 Kowall Rd., Estacada, OR 97023 PH (503) 630-7975 FAX (503) 630-7955 E-mail: [email protected] Southeastern Region Mike Balogh, 40 Elkins Branch Rd., Weaverville, NC 28787 PH (828) 626-2695 E-mail: [email protected] American Conifer Society Staff ACS Office John Martin, P.O. Box 3422, Crofton, MD 21114-0422 PH (410) 721-6611 FAX (410) 721-9636 E-mail: [email protected] Editor, Anne Brennan, 1820 Bridgetown Pike, Feasterville, PA 19053 Conifer Quarterly PH (215) 364-0566 FAX (215) 827-5926 E-mail: [email protected] National Meeting Charlene Harris, P.O. Box 519, Chelsea, MI 48118-0519 Coordinator PH (734) 433-9773 FAX (734) 433-5442 E-mail: [email protected]

www.conifersociety.org

48 AMERICAN CONIFER SOCIETY Vol. 20 No. 2 Dennis Dodge

Above: Abies procera ‘Silver’

Dennis Dodge Left: Abies koreana ‘Eisregen’ Dirk Wright

Pinus strobus ‘Prostrata’ (above) and Pinus sylvestris ‘Hillside Creeper’ (right) are two of nine prostrate pine cultivars described in the article on page 24. Dirk Wright Brita Johansson Dennis Dodge Below: Above: Abies concolor Abies concolor ‘Archer’s Dwarf’ ‘Creamy’

Ronald Vermeulen (See article onpage10.) article (See Ronald Holland.Vermeulen’s garden inDeil, Abies nordmanniana

Brita Johansson Brita Johansson Abies koreana Abies pinsapo Gle pedr in ‘Golden Spreader’ ‘Horstmann’ ‘Aurea’