International Waterlily and Water Gardening Society

July, 2006 Volume 21, Number 2

Page 2 The Water Garden Journal Vol. 21, No. 2

President’s Comments In This Issue

Page 2 President’s Comments by Tom Tilley

by Tom Tilley Page 3 IWGS Committee Chairs As I sit and write these comments it is hard to Page 4 Executive Director’s Comments believe that 2006 is half over and in only a few by Paula Biles short weeks it will have been a year since I became Extreme Pond Plants the President of the IWGS. The last year has been by Rowena Burns an interesting one to say the least. It has shown me that there are quite a few very dedicated individuals Page 5 Invasive Plants of the Frogbit throughout the world that take the well being of the Family in North America IWGS very seriously. I thank those people for their by C. Barre Hellquist and C. Eric efforts and dedication. Keep up the great work, I Hellquist applaud you. Page 9 Affiliate Societies by Tom Frost Speaking of efforts, what did all of you think of the Hybridizing booklet which was sent with the last Page 10 2007 Symposium Preview: journal? This was one of those dedicated efforts for Thailand which I am grateful. The efforts of Rich Sacher and Page 11 2006 Newsletter other contributors along with the editing by Charles Competition/Critique Results Thomas has produced a book which the society can by Tom Tilley be proud of. What other topics would be of interest Page 12 IWGS Approved Collections to our membership? I have a few in mind, but by Larry Nau would like to hear from some of you. Might there Page 13 Hybridizing Waterlilies: State of be someone out there who has an interest and the Art (excerpt) knowledge in a particular subject who would be willing to step forward to write about it? by Richard Sacher Page 15 2006 Symposium Auction There are currently numerous people working on by Tish Folsom the upcoming symposium in Florida, USA. At this Page 16 News & Notes time, many weeks before the symposium, it is my Page 18 2006 Research Grants Awarded understanding that the world is coming to Florida. It may well be that the statement the world is by Rolf Nelson getting smaller is actually true. At the current time Page 19 2006 Symposium Updates we have people from eight different countries by Paula Biles planning to attend. It would seem that they Page 20 Society Information recognize the fact that the IWGS symposiums are the best place to meet face to face with other aquatics enthusiasts. IWGS Memorial Fund Established Over the twenty years of my attending the

The Society has created a Memorial Fund so friends, symposiums a great deal of valuable information relatives, and admirers can honor the memory of has been absorbed by myself and all of the other individuals enthralled by aquatic plants. If you would people who attend, whether they are hobbyists, like to pay tribute and celebrate the life of someone who has directly or indirectly benefited water gardeners, academics, growers, or retailers. There has always please add your gift to the Fund. Your thoughtful gift been something of interest for everyone attending. will be combined with others and be used for projects to advance water gardening. (continued on page 3)

A thank you letter will be sent to the honoree’s family.

Vol. 21, No. 2 The Water Garden Journal Page 3

President’s Comments IWGS Committee/ Task Force Chairs (continued)

Aquatic Art New Waterlily I am looking forward to meeting many new Competition Competition people and saying Hi to everyone. If you happen Stuart Schuck th Suzan Phillips to be in Ft. Lauderdale on July 19 , you are invited to attend our board of directors meeting. Audit Nominating Input and dialog are always welcome, but most Wayne Davis Wayne Davis importantly are necessary for the IWGS to continue its mission. Constitution/ Public Relations Bylaws Larry Nau Asking for help from others has never been one of Rowena Burns my strong points. In my last column I did ask for Registration assistance. I would like to thank one of our Executive Advisory founding members, Philip Swindells, for some Tom Tilley Tom Tilley very insightful thoughts and comments. It is always beneficial to see and hear things from Fundraising Research & another perspective. I hope to be able to address Rolf Nelson Scholarships and utilize these ideas. Going forward, it is my Rolf Nelson hope that the input will be forthcoming from Honors & others as well. We are only as strong as the sum of Awards Special Projects/ our parts. Rolf Nelson Auction Tish Folsom Correct? Int’l Waterlily Preservation Symposium & I have put the revision of the strategic agenda on Ken Landon Programming temporary hold pending further input and TBA comments from the membership. The next few Invasive Species years are shaping up to be important ones for our TBA Trials and society. For this reason I feel it is critical to create Collections a well defined and workable strategic plan. As we Journal/ Bob Burns move forward into this symposium with an Editorial Board expanding international presence and look at who Fred McCorkle we are now and who we will be in the future the Conservancy details will fall into place. The 2007 symposium Library Nancy Styler Walter Pagels looks to put us back into an even more prominent international role in the aquatics and water Membership Website gardening arena with the 2007 IWGS Symposium Wayne Davis taking place in Thailand. Cathy Green

In the meantime, I hope to see many of you in Editor’s Note: We encourage you to become Florida. involved with IWGS activities. It’s a great way to learn, network, and help the Society. Regards to all, Thomas Tilley To join a committee/task force contact the Chairperson shown above using your 2003/2004 Membership Directory or contact the Executive Director, who is an ex-official member of all committees, as is the President. Page 4 The Water Garden Journal Vol. 21, No. 2

Executive Director’s Comments ExtremeThe Tiniest Pond of AllPlants

by Paula Biles Rowena Burns

Correcting errors is not an enjoyable activity. While the beauty of the large waterlilies However this is one correction I’m delighted to (Nymphaeaceae) captivate us, it is worth taking make. In the last issue I gave homage to the some time to examine closely the charming small different memorial donations the IWGS had ones of the genus Nymphaea. The tiniest of the received over the years. One name should not have hardy waterlilies are derived from N. tetragona been on that list and so it is with great pleasure I Georgi and are true miniatures, with flowers often report that Laurence Gedye is alive and still active as small as one inch (2.5 cm) in diameter. in . Nymphaea tetragona is a species, not a hybrid lily. It is Response to Rich Sacher’s Hybridizing Waterlilies the only very small hardy lily. However, there are has been remarkable, with several dozen already several tetragona variants in existence, originating in sold. Information about the booklet and an order different parts of the world. Tetragona Georgii is from form are available from our website. If you would the northern part of the world, with rare occurrences in like to purchase copies for resale to your affiliated several countries, while Tetragona var. angusta society members, to your customers, or in your Caspary is native to China and Japan. Most commonly botanical garden gift shop, please contact me for encountered is the angusta strain, a good bloomer in quantity pricing. warm climates, and widely available. The simple white flower is offset by pea green leaves. The IWGS has reached a major new milestone. The Water Garden Journal is indexed in the new There are several hybrids considered to have N. electronic database Garden, Landscape & tetragona parentage (most probably from the angusta Horticulture Index™ (GLI) by EBSCO. It indexes variant). Most well known is Nymphaea ‘Helvola’, and abstracts over 300 titles in horticulture, botany, which was hybridized by Latour Marliac in 1879. It is garden and landscape design/history, ecology, plant considered to be a cross between N. tetragona and N. and garden conservation, garden management, and mexicana. Often called Pygmy Yellow, or Pygmy horticultural therapy. The titles’ scopes are regional, Helvola, it is a great miniature lily for containers and national, and international, plus specialty gardens small areas, usually multiplies quickly and produces and plant groups. Many titles are in full text. frequent light yellow blooms.

GLI is designed for gardening enthusiasts, Both of these pygmy lilies are happiest in fairly shallow professionals, and students. It is a unique resource water of 6 to 12 inches and enjoy warm water, so that that brings together articles about plants and they are ideal for tub culture. They start blooming gardens into a single source, including titles not around midday or early afternoon, and stay open into available in any other index. the evening. Even when not in bloom, the distinctive mottled leaves of ‘Helvola’ make it easy to distinguish The service is currently available in some university from its parent. Since they are so small, however, they libraries, and hopefully will be added to online can easily be smothered by string algae, duckweed, or services offered by college and large public other floaters, and even mislaid in the pond! libraries. Library Journal gave it a 9.9 and writes that it “is the only game in e-town to find popular, It is interesting that ‘Helvola’ when given ideal practical, scholarly, and R&D literature on conditions, can grow large enough to have flowers 2-3 gardening and horticulture in one place. How inches in diameter, and leaves accordingly larger. I am pleasant and convenient that it’s a very well-done always astounded to see an example of this at and unique product. Highly recommended for all Longwood Gardens in Pennsylvania – the plant is large public, academic, and special libraries.” enough to be mistaken for a separate variety. However, put into less ideal conditions, it will quickly revert to the tiny unique ‘Helvola.’

Vol. 21, No. 2 The Water Garden Journal Page 5

Invasive Plants of the Frogbit Family in North America

by C. Barre Hellquist and C. Eric Hellquist

Many introduced species of aquatic and wetland species that can vegetatively propagate themselves. plants are becoming established in lakes, ponds, and The frogbit family (Hydrocharitaceae) contains a streams throughout North America. Once established number of invasive or potentially invasive species in many spread rapidly and choke water bodies, North America that meet these criteria. This family is replacing and interfering with native plants, and worldwide in distribution. In North America, hydrilla altering the natural ecosystem. This can lead to the (Hydrilla verticillata), a federally listed species, has destruction of animal life and lead to costly economic been of greatest concern. It has now been reported impacts.

While birds are often blamed for the movement of plants, people are also important dispersers of plant material. Most plants have been introduced accidentally, some deliberately. Plants have become established along major water routes by ships dumping their ballast, while boaters and fisherman move plants from one water body to another on motor propellers and trailers. We as water gardeners also have been guilty of deliberately introducing new plants into new geographical ranges. These plants may be native North American species or plants from other parts of the world. We must be careful when adding plants to our water gardens, especially if they are near a natural water body where dispersal is possible. These plants are tenacious and when established are difficult to control and almost impossible to eradicate.

The United States Department of Agriculture has released a list of plants that are forbidden for import and cultivation within the United States. Some of these plants are already established or found in the United States such as Azolla pinnata, Eichhornia azurea, Hydrilla verticillata, and the giant salvinia from 19 states and is listed by 17 states. This species (Salvinia auriculata/Salvinia molesta) complex. Most was originally introduced in the southern states and states including New Hampshire, South Carolina, California. It has now spread up the east coast as far Florida, Texas, California, and Washington have north as southern Maine. Hydrilla is found worldwide official state lists of plants that may not be possessed, from the tropics to central Siberia. Cold weather does collected, transported, cultivated, or imported without not seem to slow its growth in North America. Once a permit. It is important as water gardeners that we established, hydrilla is extremely difficult to eradicate. know the laws of the state where we live. Most states It often requires multiple herbicide applications with an official list also have fines for violations. Even costing thousands of dollars. The attempt to remove if your state does not have an official list, there may be plants often upsets the natural ecology of the water a watch list that recommends what not to have in body by destroying the native plants. cultivation, sale, or transport. Hydrilla is easily confused with the South American When considering what plants may become waterweed (Egeria densa), the native anacharis or aggressive invaders, we should be particularly elodea (Elodea canadensis), and the African elodea concerned with species from plant groups with known (Lagarosiphon major). The four species can be invaders, species from similar climatic regions, and distinguished by the leaf pattern. Hydrilla and the

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Vol. 21, No. 2 The Water Garden Journal Page 7

South American waterweed have leaves generally in illustrating that a native United States species may whorls of four or more, while elodea is mainly in become an invasive weed in areas where not naturally whorls of three. The African elodea has recurved found. leaves in a spiral arrangement along the stem. Most species have minutely-toothed margins, but hydrilla The African elodea (Lagarosiphon) is a federally has teeth that are visible to the naked eye. Hydrilla listed species that to date has been kept out of water also produces a small tuber while the others species do bodies in the United States. Every effort must be not. Egeria has leaves that are generally five or more conducted to maintain this situation. In Europe this per node and the flowers are much showier than the species has been observed completely choking other two species. waterways. It has recently been observed in Australia. It has the potential to be as aggressive as hydrilla Water garden nurseries must do everything they can to when in a new habitat. eradicate hydrilla if they have it at their place of business. Once established in a natural water body it is The European frogbit (Hydrocharis morsus-ranae) almost impossible to eradicate. Millions of dollars are has become well established in upstate New York, being spent annually to control this species in the southern Ontario, and the Lake Champlain region. It is United States.

The South America waterweed (Egeria densa) is one of the most important oxygenator plants found in the water garden and aquarium trade. The problem is, this is a hardy plant that has become established in 33 states from New Hampshire to Hawaii and is listed as invasive in eight. Egeria has been sold incorrectly for years as elodea or anacharis. This plant is easy to propagate and is widely distributed. Many states have outlawed its sale. Egeria is often marketed by biological supply houses for use in classroom biology laboratories for photosynthesis and cell demonstrations. A substitute for this plant must be utilized and it must be marketed using the correct name to avoid accidental introductions into new regions. Egeria najas, another South American waterweed is now available in the aquarium trade. It is separated from E. densa by its recurved leaves with denticulate margins and tiny denticulate apices, both easily seen by the unaided eye. The problem is E. najas superficially looks like Hydrilla but when in flower can be easily separated from Hydrilla by the production of the larger flowers. Egeria najas presently has not become weedy, but should be monitored.

One possible substitute is the native Canadian elodea

(Elodea canadensis) or Nuttall's elodea (Elodea nuttallii). It is interesting to note that Elodea canadensis is outlawed in parts of Canada even presently found in two states and two provinces and is though it is native throughout southern Canada. Even listed in four states. This species was introduced in the as native species, both Canadian and Nuttall's elodea 1930's into Ontario and has spread throughout the can become aggressive in natural waters, especially if region. It is very similar to the native American introduced to waters where not previously present. frogbit (Limnobium spongia). These species are Georgia lists Elodea canadensis as an invasive plant

Page 8 The Water Garden Journal Vol. 21, No. 2 distinguished in a number of different ways. The know the native ranges of aquatic plants being European frogbit has oval anthers in the flower and a considered for local water gardens. Care must be small amount of aerenchyma in the leaf, while the exercised not to introduce native North America American frogbit has elongate anthers and leaves with species, just because they are native, to areas outside abundant aerenchyma. Both of these species are of their normal ranges. The rush to introduce species just minor importance in water gardening since they float to be the first to have it, or market it, must be on the surface, have relatively non-showy flowers, and discouraged. Instead, the water garden trade needs to can shade out submersed plants. The Asian frogbit become informed of the potential deleterious (Hydrocharis dubia) has not become established in environmental (and legal) consequences that can North America and should not be imported into the result from possessing and distributing non-native country and introduced into the water garden trade. aquatic species.

Duck-lettuce (Ottelia alismoides), a federally listed Further information on invasive plants may be found species has become established in Louisiana and at the many web sites on the internet. A few suggested California. This Asian and Australian species is a sites are given here. plant with attractive submersed foliage that would be very desirable in water gardens and aquariums. Suggested sites:

Swamp lily (Ottelia ovalifolia), another Asian- http://aquat1.ifas.ufl.edu/ (Center for Aquatic and Australian species has showier flowers and also would Invasive Plants) make an attractive water garden plant. The growth form of the two species is similar and could cause http://sqnis.org/National (Sea Grant nonindigenous problems if established in southern United States. species)

Blyxa aubertii and water-soldiers although not well http://invader.dbs.umt.edu/noxious_weeds/ (Noxious known in the water garden trade should also not be weeds in the US and Canada) introduced into the United States. Blyxa aubertii, a species similar to wild-celery (Vallisneria), is presently only known from Louisiana. This and other species of Blyxa should not be introduced into the About the Authors country. The native wild-celery (Vallisneria americana) is a more desirable plant. The water- C. Barre Hellquist is a Professor, Emeritus, of Biology celery is listed in Idaho and Washington where it is at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (North not native, so moving of plants into the western Adams, Massachusetts). Barre received his Ph.D. in portion of the United States should be discouraged. botany at the University of New Hampshire. He has Vallisneria would be a good alternative oxygenating conducted research on aquatic species especially the species in the eastern half of the country where it is a Potamogeton of North America and the hardy common native. Water-soldiers a species from Eurasia Nymphaea of North America and Australian is completely cold-water tolerant and could easily Nymphaea. His hobby is raising waterlily species. He become established throughout North America. is also an IWGS Hall of Fame Member.

The family Hydrocharitaceae contains a very diverse C. Eric Hellquist received his Ph.D. in botany from group of aquatic plants that have a great potential to Washington State University, Pullman Washington reproduce vegetatively by fragmentation. This allows where he conducted ecological research on Spartina for an easy method of propagation and dispersal. ×anglica, an invasive plant of Puget Sound, Every effort must be exercised by the government, Washington. Eric presently holds a Postdoctoral hobbyists, and commercial nurseries to prevent the position in the Department of Biology at Syracuse introduction of the many tropical species of Elodea, University. Egeria, and Lagarosiphon not present in North America. We, as water gardeners, and nurseries in the industry, must do our part in making sure no invasive plants are distributed around the county. We also must

Vol. 21, No. 2 The Water Garden Journal Page 9

Affiliate Societies

by Tom Frost

Royal Botanic Gardens

Attracting two million visitors annually, the Royal Lake. He consolidated the nursery, and built the Botanic Gardens Melbourne is a treasured part of Temple of the Winds as a memorial to Charles Melbourne's cultural life and a valuable asset to the Latrobe, founder of the Gardens. heritage-rich city. With its stunning vistas, tranquil lakes and diverse plant collections, the Gardens are Over thirty years he created a paradise of lush a place of continual discovery and delight. foliage, wrapped around a series of glittering lakes and sweeping lawns. His exquisite design leads the While the Royal Botanic Gardens are identified by visitor through twists and turns, presenting new many as a picturesque haven for recreation, the vistas around every corner. collection of over 12,000 species of plants from around the world also provides an important The Royal Botanic Gardens are now renowned as resource for education, conservation, science and one of the world’s finest landscaped gardens. horticulture. Attractions

History The picturesque setting of the Royal Botanic On 16th March 1846, at the initiative of Charles Gardens Melbourne extends over 36 hectares and LaTrobe (then Superintendent of the Port Philip displays more than 52,000 individual plants, District), an area on the south bank of the Yarra representing over 12,000 different species from River was set aside for Melbourne's Botanic every part of the globe.

Garden. It was an inspired choice of site, with The Gardens also provide a natural sanctuary for changes of terrain, rocky outcrops and watercourses native wildlife such as the black swans, eels, bell that provided the basis for the world-famous birds, cockatoos and kookaburras. landscape we enjoy today.

The Royal Botanic Gardens owe its unique Plants are displayed in major groupings, or blending of profound beauty and botanic function to "collections." The Botanic Gardens’ major plant its first two Directors, Baron collections include the Australian Rainforest Walk, and . Cacti & Succulents, Californian Collection, Camellia Collection, Cycads, Eucalypts, Fern Mueller, acclaimed as one of the greatest botanists Gully, Grey Garden, Herb Garden, Long Island, of the 19th century, brought to the Gardens his Oaks, New Zealand Collection, Perennial Border, obsession with the study of plant science, and a Species rose, Tropical Display Glasshouse, desire to explore the largely unknown flora of this Viburnum Collection and the Water Conservation continent. He established the National Herbarium Garden. of Victoria and introduced a vast array of plants to the young Gardens. Activities

Guilfoyle, succeeding Mueller in 1873, viewed the The Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne holds a Gardens through the eyes of an artist, relocating number of walks and tours, which introduce visitors mature trees and taking advantage of the Yarra to the history, cultural significance and horticultural River’s diversion to completely redesign the diversity of Melbourne’s finest gardens.

Gardens. Guilfoyle created wide paths and Visitors can enjoy the magnificent Gardens setting sweeping lawns, transplanted trees, designed views, whilst feasting on delicious meals at the Terrace improved the water supply and drainage, created the Tearooms and the Observatory Café. lakes and converted the lagoon into the Ornamental

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Located at Observatory Gate and Lakeside, the 2007 Symposium Preview: Gardens’ two retail outlets have many surprises and treasures to help customers remember their visit to Thailand the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne. The Gardens Shop is the place to shop for botanical- inspired souvenirs and gifts including stationery, Editor’s Note: Thai Symposium Task Force chair skincare, books and greeting cards. The Gardens Cathy Green received a letter from Dr. Santhad Shop has won the Tourism Retailing category in the Rojanasoonthon, Chairman, Agricultural Science Melbourne Airport 2005 and 2004 Victorian Foundation of Thailand with preliminary details on Tourism Awards. our 2007 Symposium in Thailand.

During the warmer months, the Royal Botanic The following are a few interesting quotes from Gardens becomes a vibrant cultural venue with film this letter and another received by Paula Biles screenings, theatre performances and exhibitions from the same source: regularly scheduled, including the popular Moonlight Cinema. “The venue for the Meeting will be properly placed at the King Rama 9 Public Garden which is close to General information downtown Bangkok. It covers about 100 acres of

land and is itself a botanical garden. Facilities for a Address: Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne meeting include big and small meeting rooms, a South Yarra 3141 spacious hall for exhibitions and ample places for Hours: 7.30am - 8.30pm (November to March) water plants outside the hall. Details of specific 7.30am - 6pm (April) species currently on display will be available 7.30am - 5.30pm (May to August) shortly. We would be happy to show you the site should anyone in your committee happens to pass Children’s Garden opening hours: 10am – 4pm by Bangkok. Please let us know in advance and of Wednesday to Sunday your visit.”

Admission: Free “We can confirm the date and a draft schedule of the 2007 Symposium. The date will be from July For more information 16-20, 2007. The tentative program is as follows: (03) 9252 2300 www.rbg.vic.gov.au July 16—Registration July 16-17—Pre-study tour at Chiangmai includes a visit to the Queen Sirikit Botanical Gardens. Melbourne City Tourist Shuttle July 18—IWGS Symposium 2007 July 19—Study tour You can ride the free Melbourne City Tourist July 20—Enjoy exhibition show, Symposium Shuttle to the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne. conclusion, Thank you banquet, Awards presentations” The Shuttle begins at the Melbourne Museum and runs every 15 minutes between 10-4pm daily. You “… the Foundation is eager to host this Meeting. can hop on and hop off at any of the 15 stops, Not only because we see the academic benefits including the Royal Botanic Gardens/ Shrine of behind it, but also our main interest is to take the Remembrance. opportunity to celebrate the auspicious occasion of our King’s 80th anniversary. All profits from our part will be donated to the King’s projects.”

Vol. 21, No. 2 The Water Garden Journal Page 11

Newsletter Competition/Critique Winners

by Tom Tilley

We were delighted to have nine Clubs participate in The third place newsletters are: our second Newsletter Competition/Critique this The Lily Pad from Topeka Area Water year. The competition was stiffer than last year, Garden Society with the standards higher than last. (The judges Editor: Diane Gruver were delighted to see the improvements in those submitted in 2005.) Once again the newsletters Ponderings from Central Iowa Water Garden were very different – their size (4 to 20 pages), their Association design, and how they handled content. Although Editor: Lisa Harmison this year more were in color, that didn’t necessarily Water Word from St. Louis Water Gardening indicate better design. In fact, the best design score Society was received by a B&W newsletter. Editor: Alice Gibson

The superior overall level and close competition Wetwork News from Niagara Frontier Koi & were reflected in the judging, with higher ratings Pond Club given as a whole. The first and second place winners Editor: Mary O’Connor were very close. What was even more surprising was the 4-way tie for third place. Both first and second place Clubs will receive one complimentary registration to the annual All nine Clubs will receive a breakdown of their Symposium in July. The registration can be own ranking to see where the judges felt they were awarded to a deserving member, raffled off, or strongest. They will also receive general comments handled any way the clubs see fit. As a member of from the judges written for all entrants and a the IWGS, the WGS of GKC will also receive an compilation of the comments about their newsletter, original waterlily oil painting. The editors of these all by mail. Since one of this competition’s goals is two newsletters will also have the opportunity to to help improve future issues, their comments serve as judges in next year’s Competition/Critique. include some suggestions about possible changes and tweaks, in addition to more general remarks. All the judges (see below) were delighted to participate. We will be having an informal We thank all those who entered for making this discussion session on newsletters at the Symposium Competition/Critique a success. It’s one way the in July—how to make them less work and more IWGS can help support our Affiliate Societies, readable. while working to improve the delivery of information to water gardeners around the world. (If Judges: James Allison, past IWGS Journal editor you know of a club that is not currently a member, and owner of Aquapic Solutions, which provides please encourage them to join.) graphics and articles for water gardening publications; Fred McCorkle, current IWGS And now for the envelope please … Journal editor, freelance writer, and long-time club The top ranked newsletter is: newsletter editor; Anita Nelson, water gardening Reflections from the Water Garden Society of speaker, writer, and producer of Nelson Water Greater Kansas City (WGS of GKC) Gardens’ newsletter; Jan Phillips, water gardening Editor: Mary Jo Tschirhart author with graphic arts background and producer of Shady Lakes Water Lily Gardens’ newsletter; The second place newsletter is: Michael Thomas, former newspaper publisher, Clear Water Times from the Koi & Water editor of Colorado Water Garden Society’s Garden Club of North Texas (KWGCNT) newsletter and winner of last year’s Newsletter Editor: Laura Adams Competition/Critique.

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IWGS APPROVED NYMPHAEA AND NELUMBO COLLECTIONS AROUND THE WORLD Material submitted by Larry Nau IWGS Thai Certified Collection Task Force

For most of the existence of the IWGS, members of The number of varieties needed to achieve the Society have maintained International Certified Collection status will vary depending upon the type Collections of waterlilies and lotuses. The Society of collection (hybridizer, color, size, etc.). has a strict procedure for approving Collections. These collections are valuable in allowing the Preference over the general public is to be given to general public to view the wide range of beautiful other Certified IWGS Collections wishing to purchase or trade rare or unusual cultivars. plants available, and also for identification and preservation of rare cultivars. From time to time, the Society has conducted trials at some of the IWGS Certified Collections Collection sites. Bennett’s Lily Farm, Weymouth, Dorset, U.K. Brooklyn Botanic Garden, New York, N.Y., U.S.A. Collection Regulations: Collections must be well Burnby Hall Gardens, Pocklington, York, U.K. maintained, diverse, well labeled, and open to visitation. Collection must be open to public Denver Botanic Gardens, Denver, Colorado, U.S.A viewing at reasonable hours. The collections will IWLS Civic League Park, San Antonio, Texas, enable IWGS members to cross reference their own U.S.A. varieties and will help to spread the word on Deutscher Arbeitskreis Wasserpfanzen, Walderbach, Nymphaea and Nelumbo to the gardening public. GER ***

The IWGS Collections Committee is to be notified Ganna Walska Lotusland, Santa Barbara, of times open to the public and any fee charged for California, U.S.A. entry, as well as directions to reach the site. If any Meresbrook Farm, Hanley, Worcester, U.K. factors change, prompt notification to the Odiham Water Lily Collection, Basingstoke, U.K. committee is requested. (Closed)

Royal Horticultural Soc. Garden at Wisley, Woking, Collection holders must be current members in Surrey, U.K. good standing of the IWGS, and must maintain continuous membership to maintain Certified Crystal Palace Collection, Chicago, U.S.A. *** Collection status. Wright Collection, Pukekohe, New Zealand *** Latour Marliac Nursery, Temple Sur Lot, France Varieties are to be labeled clearly, including source, *** and every effort is to be made to ensure the accuracy of the identification. Reference materials Interim Certified Collections are: the monograph Identification of Hardy Vivai Bambu, Italy – Collection of over 100 Lotuses Nymphaea, Encyclopedia of the Waterlily by Charles O. Masters, and Water Gardening, Water *** Status under review Lilies & Lotus by Perry D. Slocum & Peter Robinson, in that order. In cases of uncertainty or Editor’s Note: Larry Nau is currently working on dispute, the variety in question must be labeled as compiling a Thai Certified Collection for debut at “tentatively identified as”. The IWGS International the 2007 IWGS Symposium in Bangkok, Thailand. Registration Authority is compiling the description Contact Larry at [email protected] if you can of the newest varieties. donate waterlilies for this collection. This is a part of the IWGS’ present to honor the King of Thailand, King Rama 9, on his 80th birthday, and the Thai people for hosting our event.

Vol. 21, No. 2 The Water Garden Journal Page 13

Hybridizing Waterlilies: State of the Art

by Richard Sacher

Editor’s Note: If you haven’t found time to read multicolored flowers; flowers that last longer than this great booklet yet, you are missing something. three days; day blooming lilies whose flowers This booklet was compiled and written by Richard open early in the morning and stay open until dark; Sacher with the help of many accomplished flowers with more fragrance; better-lasting cut waterlily hybridizers. flowers; new varieties of viviparous lilies, in a full range of colors. While we are at it, why not seek a Each member should have received a copy in the dwarf night blooming lily, too? Night bloomers mail. Extra copies for resale in stores or botanical are pretty, but they surely are greedy when it garden gift shops, are available from the IWGS comes to taking up space in the pond. office.

The following are excerpts from this booklet to give you an idea of its contents.

Introduction

When the International Waterlily and Water Gardening Society asked me to write a waterlily hybridizing treatise honoring Perry D. Slocum, I decided to survey other hybridizers actively engaged in the pursuit of creating new Nymphaea varieties. Soon ten prominent hybridizers located around the world delighted me with their positive responses. They include serious hobbyists and operators of their own aquatic plant nurseries. I would describe them as avid lovers and growers of plants of diverse kinds.

With this brief Hybridizing Waterlilies treatise, I’m sharing with you the experiences, discoveries, and practical advice of these outstanding hybridizers . . . and my own. Our combined work adds up to more than one hundred years of trial and error, success and failure, and most importantly, accumulated wisdom. I am presenting this information in straightforward language so that anyone interested in hybridizing waterlilies can use it, regardless of having or not having a formal background in botany or horticulture.

Why We Hybridize

Hybridizers relentlessly strive to create something new in our waterlily hybrid introductions. Some of the characteristics that we seek include: more dwarf forms; bigger flowers; flowers with more petals; flowers with unusual shapes or colors;

Page 14 The Water Garden Journal Vol. 21, No. 2

As an example of unexpected progeny, I used Some Pollen Facts pollen from N. 'Mahogany Rose' (light pink

As a general rule, waterlily flowers open and close flower, dark maroon leaves) and put it into N. for three consecutive days. Customarily and 'Midnight Star' (medium blue flower and spotted historically, it is the first day flower that's used as leaves). Both plants grow to fairly large the pod parent for pollination. proportions. From the very same seed pod, I got a completely dwarf blue lily with speckled leaves, The first day flower produces stigmatic fluid and a very large lily with spotted leaves and a deep covering the stigma in the center of the flower, but pink flower. My theory is that the dwarf lily was does not usually have pollen on its stamens. In from recessive genes which just happened to be nature, pollen from a nearby second or third day expressed among this seed pod's offspring. This flower may be deposited into this fluid, either by a dwarf lily broke our rule as to what might be visiting insect or by the wind. The pollen sinks expected from the above cross . . . while the deep through the fluid and settles on the stigma; if the pink lily followed our rule exactly. For me, it is pollen is viable, it germinates within an hour or this unpredictable result that makes hybridizing so two in warm temperatures. Pollen tubes emerge much fun . . . we may know where we are aiming, from the grains of pollen and grow down into the but we never know what to expect! stigma, where the genetic material of the pollen is transferred to the eggs in the ovary, thus producing We usually designate the pod parent first in fertile seeds. referring to a cross, e.g. N. ampla x N. colorata meaning that N. ampla was the pod parent and N. The seed pod develops under water, and when colorata the pollen donor. Seedlings from the ripe, it often rises to the water surface where it above cross should produce many plants that look bursts and releases its floating seeds along with its like N. 'Wood's Blue Goddess,' the purported preserved petals, stamens, sepals and carpels. This offspring of those two species. makes quite a mess floating on the water surface. If you want to save the seeds from a cross, bag the This would be a good place to mention that you seed pod before it bursts so that the seeds are cannot accurately judge the parentage of a new contained in the bag or pouch. Traditionally, hybrid by its physical appearance . . . although it is cheesecloth was tied around the seed pod; today, lots of fun to make a guess. For example, I grew many of us use plastic sandwich bags with zip- out my cross of N. ampla x N. 'Purple Zanzibar', lock tops. Bag the pods under water, with the and it was identical in every way to N. 'Wood's plastic bag being completely filled with water. Blue Goddess'. I grew the two plants side by side for several months, and could see no difference These seeds should now contain genes from both between them...but supposedly, they had different parents, in various combinations, which give rise pollen donors, and therefore they are not to the possibility of new hybrid plants that may be genetically identical, no matter how closely they remarkably different in appearance from either resemble each other. parent. (Or, not!) We call the pollinated flower that produces seeds the pod or seed parent. The Pollen from Tropical Waterlilies plant that contributes pollen we call the pollen or donor parent. Please note carefully! Most of the following information has been gathered while working with We hybridizers agree in general that the pod TROPICAL lilies, not hardies! Although many of parent often gives its leaf size and plant habit to these observations may turn out to be accurate for the offspring, while the pollen donor contributes hardy lilies as well, this has not yet been verified. its color to the offspring's flower . . . and Several contributors to this paper work mainly sometimes, to the color of its leaves. This is only with HARDY lilies and their work is identified as our consensus "rule," however, and when lots of such as it appears in the text. different genes are in play, almost anything can happen.

Vol. 21, No. 2 The Water Garden Journal Page 15

Not all waterlily pollen is created equal. If you 2006 Symposium examine tropical waterlily pollen under 400x magnification, normal pollen grains look perfectly Auction Items round, like tennis balls. Abnormal or sterile pollen by Tish Folsom shows very few round pollen grains, but instead, squashed and irregular shapes, some of which look like hamburgers in a bun. So, just because you see Please remember to bring items for the Special lots of yellow dust on a waterlily's stamens, this Projects Auction. We already have books, old does not necessarily mean that you have good waterlily post cards, antique porcelain waterlily pollen. N. 'Wood's Blue Goddess' is an example of sugar and creamer, frog and lotus netsuke, clothing, a plant that makes lots of "pollen" on its stamens, posters, original botanical artwork, hand but it produces no viable pollen at all. This seems embroidered waterlily doily and table runner set, to be a common trait for all the hybrids of N. homemade items (Kelly Billing's mom has been ampla . . . they seem to be sterile, both in their busy) and much, much more. pollen, and in their inability to set seed. But we never say "never" (and we try not to say "always") The auction proceeds will be used for Applied in reporting our observations, since further Research and other IWGS special projects over the experimentation may reveal some exceptions to next year. our usual findings. Bring something fun and interesting and let the

bidding begin! Timing Pollination

All of the contributors to this paper agree that late morning is best for pollinating a first day flower of day blooming waterlilies. Do it before the heat of the day dries out the stigmatic fluid in the chosen pod parent's flower. However, if you collect pollen from a second day flower too early in the morning, the pollen may not be ripe enough in some hybrids to produce successful fertilization, especially in cool weather. This could be another reason to use stamens from a third day flower.

Although we all prefer to pollinate before noon, I have experienced good seed set in the summer when pollinating first day flowers as late as 5:00 pm. Even so, I prefer to pollinate just before noon when possible. In my case, I want pollination to be accomplished before our late afternoon rains that occur frequently in New Orleans' summers. I observe that if the pollen has been on the stigma for at least ninety minutes before a drenching rain, fertilization has already taken place. Although we as a group prefer to pollinate first day flowers before noon, it seems that timing the pollination of a first day flower is not critical in order to obtain successful seed set.

Page 16 The Water Garden Journal Vol. 21, No. 2

News & Notes

USDA Permitting of Snails It was noted that a permit will be issued for three years. There is no cost for the permit. A copy must Telephone Conference Meeting accompany each shipment or the permit number Held at the Tropical Aquaculture Laboratory, included on shipping related paperwork. USDA- Ruskin, FL APHIS strongly encouraged shippers to obtain an e- April 26, 2006 permit online, which requires a Level 2 accreditation – a photo ID of yourself must be In attendance were Florida Tropical Fish Farmers presented to a local FSA office for completion. Assn members, representatives from the Tropical Aquaculture Laboratory and the FL Division of A permit will be needed for each state. Aquaculture, and 2 representatives from the IWGS. Shippers/permit holders will be given a separate Marshall Myers from PIJAC was on the conference permit number for each state that snails will be call, which was hosted by the USDA-APHIS with shipped into. Bob Flanders and Dr. Carmen Soileau. The turn-around period for issuance of an e-permit Editor’s Note: For links to obtain e-permits and the online is approximately 30-45 days; by mail, 60-90 entire Federal Notice check under What’s New at days. Before a permit can be issued, they will need iwgs.org. the receiving State’s permission. There is the possibility of getting permit issuance quicker once a It was noted that on April 5th the USDA-APHIS State has approved receiving a particular species of published in the Federal Register a notice to start snail. requiring a permit for all interstate and imported shipments of all snails, both freshwater and marine. There is no grace period for getting the newly The summary of the notice states: required permits. Enforcement will increase. … we intend to begin consistently and routinely Snails unintentionally shipped with aquatic plants requiring that a permit must accompany all aquatic would not need a permit. To help aquatic plant snails that are imported into the United States or growers keep their plants snail free, the IWGS will that are moving interstate. We also intend to be disseminating information on control of snails consistently require that shipments of aquatic snails, and eggs in various growing situations. as with all other plant pests imported under permit, Contact information: be subject to inspection and to begin routinely and L. Carmen Solieau, Ph.D., Senior Entomologist consistently inspecting shipments of aquatic USDA/APHIS/PPQ supplies or plants that may contain aquatic snails. 4700 River Rd, Riverdale, MD 20737 This action is necessary in order to prevent the 301-734-5302 importation or interstate movement of certain 301-734-8700 f species of aquatic snails which, if released into the [email protected] environment, can become destructive agricultural pests. Botanic Gardens of Adelaide Expedition Permits will not be issued for the genus Pomacea to Guyana—Patrick Nutt except for P. bridgesii, spike-topped apple snail, that are a minimum of 1.4” or 3.5cm long. (The Hall of Fame member Patrick Nutt reports that he USDA welcomed forthcoming input from FL joined a commemorative expedition in late 2005 to aquaculture experts for better identification of snail celebrate The Botanic Gardens of Adelaide’s 150th varieties, especially at smaller sizes.) anniversary. This expedition to Guyana was to It was noted that importation of snails will be much study the Giant Amazon Waterlily, Victoria more stringent, in that they must be labeled, amazonica. The Victoria is the national flower of packaged for no escapees, and may require a permit Guyana, and found in seasonal ponds there. The fee.

Vol. 21, No. 2 The Water Garden Journal Page 17

News & Notes group collected 2,000 seeds which went to Pondmessenger Australia, with some seeds to be shared with Longwood Gardens. Lifetime member Philip Swindells reports on the global water gardening community in his e- This expedition followed in the footsteps of Richard newsletter, the PondMessenger, and his website Schomburgk, the Garden’s second director (who www.pondmessenger.com. In his latest issue Philip had four expeditions to Guyana from 1841 – 1844). reports the following: A key focus of the expedition was celebrating Wetland Iris Trials Results plants associated with Schomburgk, including the Victorias. The Royal Horticultural Society has published the results of the 2003-2005 Trial of Wetland Iris at Wisley in the United Kingdom. There were 65 entries which were assessed by the Joint Iris Committee over the three year period. The following entries received an Award of Garden Merit Iris ensata ‘Frilled Enchantment’ I. ensata ‘Alpine Majesty’ I. laevigata ‘Regal Surprise’ I. sibo ‘Tango Music’. I. x robusta ‘Dark Aura’ I. sibo SdgSV4 (subject to naming) I. sibo ‘Mainestream Tempest’ I. sibo ‘Mainestream Spring’.

Barley Straw Study Brings Unexpected Results

A study by scientists from Hood College the University of Maryland and the Morgan State University Estuarine Research Center has concluded that the use of barley straw in water bodies does not always inhibit growth of all algae as universally believed. Surprisingly the presence of barley straw extracts appeared to cause some species of algae to grow faster.

For more information please go to the website www.pondmessenger.com.

Fiesta de las Flores

Fiesta de las Flores at Civic League Park in San Angelo, Texas, will be held on September 16, 2006 at the home of the International Waterlily Collection and the International Waterlily Preservation (IWPR) Repository. The Park has one of the world's most extensive displays Patrick Nutt (foreground) holding one of the many Victoria of waterlilies, thanks to the ongoing work of IWGS Hall waterlilies collected on the expedition. of Fame member, Kenneth Landon. The IWPR is composed of rare and endangered members of the Patrick also reports that Longwood Gardens has botanical genus Nymphaea and other members of the recently published two new books, 100 Years of family Nymphaeaceae. Hybrid Nymphaea both old and Longwood, and 150 years of Plant Exploration. contemporary are included with emphasis being placed on the species as they occur throughout the world. For more information on these books, contact Longwood Gardens at www.longwoodgardens.org/ For more information please e-mail Mr. Landon at [email protected].

Page 18 The Water Garden Journal Vol. 21, No. 2

2006 Research Grant Recipients

by Rolf Nelson

The International Waterlily and Water Gardening “Investigation of the Possible Effects of Society is pleased to announce its 2006 winners of Warming Trends in Relation to Climatic Zones the Aquatic Research Grants Awards: Designated to Waterlilies, Lotus, and Companion Plants” - Steve Webber “The Biological Basis for the Conservation of Genetic Diversity of Lotus” - Grant Mitchell Award Amount: $99.50

Award Amount: $5000.00 Steve will investigate the following two questions:

Grant Mitchell is part of a team lead by Associate 1) Are warming climate trends enabling Professor Zhou Shiliang from the Chinese Academy popular waterlily and lotus varieties to of Sciences in Beijing. Prof. Zhou and his team are survive in ranges further north than very experienced and dedicated. Grant’s duties previously held possible? include collecting specimens in the field which will 2) Is the advice offered in water gardening be used for a project called “The Biological Basis catalogs still reliable or might it be for the Conservation of Genetic Diversity of Lotus.” discouraging strides into wider aquatic He will also to help in the translation of the results plant possibilities? of the study. Grant has already sent many specimens to Prof. Zhou from his extensive A Student Scholarship will also be awarded to collection of lotus derived from various countries attend the IWGS Education Day at its Annual but there is a need for a far larger and diverse Symposium in Orlando, Florida in July 2006. amount of material. Award Amount: $150 This summer Grant plans to make a journey to Central Asia and several other countries. Here he To date, the IWGS has funded over a dozen Aquatic will collect the lotus leaves which are the raw Research Grant Awards. The 2005 winners material for the genetic sampling. As well as included a study of the release rates of controlled collecting samples, he intends to document the release fertilizers in submerged environments and quantity and status of any areas of lotus that he can the dormancy of waterlily seeds. The results of access and ascertain any threats to their survival. these studies may be found in the Spring 2006 e.g. edition of Water Garden Journal.

Grant has personally seen the gross destruction of Editor’s Note: A portion of the proceeds from the lotus wetlands around Kuala Lumpur which are Auction at the 2006 Symposium in Florida will be being “reclaimed” for “development.”. The same used to fund research grants, plus 25% of all thing is happening in many parts of China and more Symposium Sponsorships will be dedicated towards than likely elsewhere as well, especially in third funding future Research Grants. world countries. The lotus in the Anzalli marshes in Iran are also said to be under dire threat from pollution. It is of vital importance for us to collect samples of as many wild and cultivated lotus as possible in order to get a clear picture of the origin and distribution of lotus and to bring attention to the plight of any threatened colonies.

Vol. 21, No. 2 The Water Garden Journal Page 19

2006 Symposium Update: Education, Excursions, Fellowship, and Fun

by Paula Biles

In-Pond Poster Sessions fairly predictable, with a repetitive forecast throughout the summer months. “Today will be sunny, with Attendees are in for an extra special treat at the first afternoon highs in the upper 80s to low 90s (deg F) (31- stop of our tour. Florida Aquatic Nurseries (FAN) will 34o C) and a good chance of late afternoon showers.” In be hosting our first “in-pond poster sessions.” These are the center of the State, away from any modifying water a way to clearly demonstrate something about aquatics bodies, it gets a few degrees warmer. So the average by using the actual plants -- in their own environment. day is sunny and warm from when you get up in the Both will be set up with signage so that attendees can morning until large magnificent clouds start to build in view them at their own pace during the entire time the late afternoon, often followed by a short but intense we’ll be at FAN. One will show propagation techniques rain shower, sometimes a thunderstorm. for viviparous waterlilies. The other has taken on a life of its own. It has blossomed from a tropical waterlily What this forecast doesn’t prepare you for is Florida’s lesson into a full-blown production – affectionately notoriously high humidity and bright sunshine. This dubbed the “Blues Project.” makes our 88/31o F/C feel much different than in drier climates at higher elevations. (We’ll spend most of our Brad McLane, FAN president, has dedicated two time at an “altitude” of 2-12 feet.) It makes the air 10x100 foot tanks to grow out the three dozen blue and “thick” and perceptibly hotter. The nice terms are sultry purple tropical varieties in FAN’s collection. He also and tropical. The more commonly used are muggy and recruited additional sticky. So, wear varieties from other comfortable lightweight hybridizers. As Brad clothing and bring a hat says, “This is a truly and sunglasses. Casual unique opportunity to attire is acceptable see as many blue almost everywhere in tropical lilies as Florida. The only place possible in one spot you will need a light and at one time.” jacket or sweater is Symposium attendees indoors, where the air will benefit from a conditioning is set to the well-labeled side-by- lowest temperature side comparison. They possible. Also be sure to will also enter a bring your bathing suit, photographer’s since there will be paradise since FAN opportunities to swim in tanks are aboveground pools, the ocean, and and easy to view from clear water springs. all angles. So if you are using roll film, be sure to use high quality film and bring filters to accurately Express Checkout reproduce the blues, violets, and purples. Digital photographers should bring plenty of spare storage We’ll be staying at three different hotels, allowing us cards and extra batteries. freedom to tour a good part of our very elongated State with minimum travel time. To make this work correctly Heat and Humidity we need your help when you check out of the hotels in preparation for the day’s bus trip. Please, please, please, Although I’m not a native Floridian (a “Florida use the express checkout or check out early so that we Cracker”) I’ve been here several decades and can get everyone loaded on the bus and ready to roll at understand our summer weather. Along the coasts it’s the appointed time.

THE WATER GARDEN JOURNAL Volume 21 Number 2

EDITOR FRED MCCORKLE EDITORIAL BOARD JAMES ALLISON PAULA BILES BARRE HELLQUIST WALTER PAGELS DISTRIBUTION PAULA BILES Cover Photo:

The Official Publication of the Cover Artwork is an excerpt of a large INTERNATIONAL WATERLILY AND watercolor painting of the Nelumbo ‘Baby Doll’ by WATER GARDENING SOCIETY OM Braida ©2006. Olivia Marie Braida is a recognized, award-winning botanical artist/author and OFFICERS OF THE SOCIETY the founder of the Academy of Botanical Art, an OM PRESIDENT TOM TILLEY Art Designs company. She and her OM Art Design VICE PRESIDENT ROLF NELSON team created artwork for the 2006 IWGS Symposium TREASURER TISH FOLSOM and have people talking….Join us at this year’s Florida SECRETARY ROBERT BURNS symposium to get the full picture. EXEC. DIRECTOR PAULA BILES

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Rowena Burns, Wayne Davis Mission Statement—The International Waterlily & Cathy Green, Brad McLane, Larry Nau Water Gardening Society (IWGS), is a non-profit Rolf Nelson, Suzan Phillips, Jim Purcell organization of multinational membership dedicated to Stuart Schuck, Charles Thomas the furtherance of all aspects of water gardens and their associated plants. As an organization we support and www.iwgs.org promote education, research, and conservation in these REGISTRARS areas. Nymphaea Registration Andrew Doran - [email protected] Nelumbo Registration Volume 21, Number 2. The IWGS Water Garden Virginia Hayes - [email protected] Journal (ISSN 1069-5982) is published quarterly by The International Waterlily and Water Gardening Society (The Society), 6828 26th St W, Bradenton, FL ADMINISTRATIVE ADDRESS and 34027, USA Voice & Fax 941-756-0880, Email SUBSCRIPTION ENQUIRIES [email protected] All rights reserved. © 2006. The Water International Waterlily Garden Journal is indexed in EBSCO’s Garden, and Water Gardening Society Landscape & Horticulture Literature Index. 6828 26th St W., Bradenton, FL 34027, USA

Voice & Fax 941-756-0880 Bulk rate postage paid at Bradenton FL, USA and M-F 9am-1pm EST additional mailing offices. Basic subscription/ [email protected] membership rate for one full year is $30. Further EDITORIAL ADDRESS details and back issues are available from the administrative office in FL. All changes of address and Fred McCorkle incidents of non-arrival of journals should be notified IWGS Water Garden Journal to the office in FL. Opinions expressed by authors and P. O. Box 7554, North Port, FL 34287 USA any products reviewed are not specifically endorsed by

941/423-1836 The Society, nor does The Society accept any liability [email protected] arising from the contents of this journal.