A Publication of the American Horticultural Society Volume 70, Number 3 • March 1991 $1.50 News Edition Kudos! Kudos!

A high point of the year for the American Horticultural Society is paying tribute to individuals and organizations who have shown exceptional dedication as amateurs or professionals. Our 1991 awards will be presented April 20, during our Annual Meeting in Birmingham, .

The Liberty Hyde Bailey Award From her base in Brooklyn, New York, Alice Recknagel Ireys has been a pioneer in the world of . In her 56-year career Ireys has completed designs for housing projects, botanical , parks departments, colleges and schools, churches, private homes and estates, libraries, and museums. Her most recent projects have included two demonstration gardens at the New York Botanical Gar­ den in the Bronx, a perennial at Planting Fields in Oyster Bay, New York, and tree planting plans for the University of Charleston in West Virginia. For this long-term and wide-ranging commitment, Ireys will be presented AHS's Liberty Hyde Bailey Award, the highest honor the Society can bestow on an individual. Recipients must show significant achievement in at least three areas: teaching, research, writing, exploration, administration, art, business, and leadership. The 1991 Awards Committee cited Ireys's leadership as a landscape architect, her teaching and writing, and her application of the art oflandscape design. Ireys attended Packer Collegiate Institute in Brooklyn, and the Cambridge School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture, now part of Harvard Alice Recknagel Ireys University. Her career began in 1935 when she was In This Issue

Award Winners 1 ' Q&A . . 15 Gardeners'Dateline .20 Ethnobotany . . 8 AHS Bulletin Board 16 Classifieds . . . . .22 Regional Notes 12 Members' Forum . . 17 Rutgers Zone Map . 24 Making a Difference 14 Gardeners' Bookshelf 18 1991, Garden Designs for the Burpee American American Series. Horticultural Society The G. B. Gunlogson Award

The American Horticultural Society seeks Don Lovness's "pioneering research to promote and recognize excellence into the life of the soil" has earned him in across America. this year's G. B. Gunlogson Award, which recognizes the creative use of OFFICERS 1990-1991 new technology to make home garden­ Mr. George C. Ball Jr., West Chicago, IL ing more productive and enjoyable and President to benefit people/plant relationships. Mrs. Helen Fulcher Walutes, Mount Vernon, VA Lovness spent 20 years with the 3M First Vice President Mr. Richard C. Angino, Harrisburg, PA Company conducting new product Second Vice President research before joining the Ringer Mr. Elvin McDonald, Brooklyn, NY Corporation as a senior scientist. He Secretary Don Lovness helped Judd Ringer organize the com­ Mr. Gerald T. Halpin, Alexandria, VA pany in 1961 and became a member of Treasurer hired as an assistant to Ridgefield, New the board of directors in 1965. Ringer Mrs. Carolyn Marsh Undsay, Rochester, NY Jersey, landscape architect MaIjorie specializes in research, development, and Immediate Past President Sewall Cautley to prepare planting plans sales of natural gardening products. for the Hillside housing project in Bronx, Lovness developed Ringer's BOARD OF DIRECTORS New York. The next year she joined the proprietary technology and Mrs. Suzanne Bales, Oyster Bay, NY New York office of Charles N. Lowrie as Dr. William E. Bar-rick, Pine Mountain, GA holds nearly a dozen patents relating Dr. Sherran Blair, Columbus, OH head draftsman, and designed and to soil biotechnology. Mrs. Mary Katherine Blount, drafted landscape plans for the Red Mentgomery, AL Hook housing project, the Brooklyn The Catherine H. Sweeney Award Mrs. Sarah Boasberg, Washingt0n, DC Boulevard Gardens, and the World's Fair Dr. Henry Marc Cathey, WashiRgton, DC in Queens. When Lowrie died in 1939 The Sweeney award, which recognizes Mr. Russell B. Clark, Boston, MA Ireys took over his practice, completing extraordinary and dedicated efforts in Mrs. Ann Lyon Crammond, Atlal'lta, GA plans for existing projects and supervising the field of horticulture, this year goes Mrs. Beverley White Dunn, landscape work. to Thomas H. Dodd Jr. for his work Birmingham, AL Not content just to design landscapes, "in collecting, growing, and popularizing Mr. K. Albert Ebinger, Boxford, MA Mrs. Julia Hobart, Troy, OH Ireys was also a landscape gardening native of the South." Dr. Joseph E. Howland, Reno, NV instructor at Connecticut College for Dodd is owner of Tom Dodd Nurseries, Mr. David M. Lilly, Saint Paul, MN Women in New London between 1942 Inc. , in Semmes, Alabama. Between 1940 Mr. Everitt Miller, Kenl'lett Square, PA and 1945. She has lectured at the and 1987 he made numerous field trips Mrs. Flavia Redelmeier, Williamsburg Garden Symposium, to the Southeastern and Southwestern Richmond Hill, ON, Canada Longwood Gardens, Old Westbury states in search of unusual native flora Mrs. Jane N. Scarff, New Carlisle, OH Gardens, and at many garden clubs and that could be adapted to commercial Mr. Andre Viette, Fishersville, VA federated groups on the East Coast. production. Dodd has also traveled to Mrs. Jean Verity Woodhull, Dayton, OH Ireys has written articles for the New Mexico, Canada, Japan, England, York Sun, New York Times, Holland, Gennany, France, and Italy in EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Mr. Frank L. Robinson Horticulture, and and Gardens, search of plants. Now he is involved in a and has produced tree sketches for seed exchange program with a Japanese Architectural Graphic Standards. Her botanist who is interested in bog plants AMERICAN HORTICULTURIST books include How To Plan and Plant and native azaleas. !ZDITOR: Kathleen Fisher Your Own Property, Small Gardens for Dodd is responsible for a number of ASSISTANT ItDITORS: Thomas M. Barrett, Mary Beth Wiesner City and Country, and, published in ivy, azalea, and camellia introductions, EDITORIAL ASSISTANT: Martha Palermo including !lex crenata 'Buxifolia', MEMBERSHIP DIRE1CTOR: 'William Jackson', and 'Hoogendorn'; 1. Kathleen B. Amberger corn uta 'Lottie Moon'; 1. opaca 'William ADVERTISING: American Horticultural Hawkins'; 1. cornuta x latifolia 'Mary Society AdVertising Department, 2700 Nell'; azaleas 'Kate Arendall', 'Amy', Prosperity Avenue, Fairfax, VA 22031 . Phone 'Jennifer', 'Betsy', and 'Rebekah'; and (703) 204-4636. Camellia sasanqua 'Bonanza', winner Address all editorial correspondence to: The Editor, American HorticuUurlst American Horticultural of the Ralph S. Peer Memorial Sasanqua Soclely, 7931 East Boulevard Drive, Alexandria, VA Trophy of the American Camellia 22308. AMERICAN HORTICULTURIST, ISSN 00964417, is published by the American Horticultural Society, 7931 Society in 1965. Interspecific hybrids of East Boulevard Drive, Alexandria, VA 22308, (703) 768- native azaleas are his current interest. 5700, and is issued six limes a year as a magazine and six times a year as a News Edition. The American Dodd received the 1969 AHS Commer­ Hort i cu~ural Society is a nonprofit organization devoted to cial Award for his development of an excellence in horticu~ure . Botanical nomenclature in outstanding nursery. Since then he has AMERICAN HORTICULTURIST is based on HORTUS THIRD. National membership dues are $35; two years received the award for Outstanding are $60. Foreign dues are $45. $12 of dues are Forestry Achievement for advancement designated for AMERICAN HORTICULTURIST. Copyright © 1991 by the American Horticu~ural Society. Second­ of forestry in Alabama; a medal of honor class postage paid at Alexandria, Virginia, and at add~ion­ from the Garden Club of America; and al mailing offices. Postmaster: Please send Form 3579 to AMERICAN HORTICULTURIST, 7931 East Boulevard the North American Native Plants man Drive, Alexandria, VA 22308. first annual award of excellence. Thomas H. Dodd Jr.

2 + American Horticulturist • March 1991 Beverley White Dunn o. L. Weeks c. Beaty Hanna

The Frances Jones Poetker Award Since selling his business, Weeks Commercial Award (Institution). In continues to hybridize roses."1 have 1956 Marquis M. Hunt and C. Beaty Beverley White Dunn will receive the been accused of being a man with a Hanna joined forces to become Landscape Frances Jones Poetker Award, given to a passion, and one ofthe few who were Services, Inc. Hanna became president of person who has made significant con­ able to follow and develop that passion the company in 1972 when Hunt retired. tributions to the appreciation of creative into a lifetime of activity," Weeks Landscape Services has developed floral designs. Dunn, a member of the wrote. ''Mrs. Weeks often says that she commercial, civic, and residential AHS Board of Directors, has conducted was never better than No. 2 ... she was projects throughout Alabama, Georgia, flower arranging seminars at Colonial always upstaged by a girl whose name Tennessee, Florida, and Mississippi. A Williamsburg and for the benefit of the is 'rose.' Apparently she adjusted well recent endeavor was the Southern Birmingham Botanical Gardens. She is a enough to being No.2 as we celebrated Progress corporate headquarters, former president of the Little Garden our 50th wedding anniversary in 1988." designed to complement the forest of Club and a flower show chairman of hardwoods and pines that surround it. Zone VII of the Garden Club of America. Commercial Award (Institution) (Annual Meeting participants will see She attended Randolph-Macon Woman's Landscape Services's work during a College in Lynchburg, Virginia, and the "Landscape Services has played a reception at Southern Progress.) University of Alabama. Dunn is a mem­ stellar role in the 'greening of Birming­ Other projects of the fIrm include the ber of the visitors board of Darlington ham,' " the Awards Committee observed Auburn University Arboretum, a Preparatory School, and the boards of when announcing their selection for the treetop bird walk at Oak Mountain Holy Innocents Ministry (for abused State Park, and many projects at the children), Brownell Travel Agency, and Birmingham Botanical Gardens, includ­ the Dunn Construction Company. ing the rhododendron garden and the area showcasing the Yukimi lanterns, Commercial Award (Individual) two stone lanterns presented to the city by Birmingham's sister city, Hitachi, o. L. Weeks of Chino, California, who Japan. Hanna's design for the area has given America many of its most received local honors and high praise popular roses, will receive this year's from the visiting Japanese delegation. Commercial Award (Individual). Weeks began hybridizing new rose cultivars in Horticultural Communication 1955, and many of them have become Award All-America Rose Selections, including 'Royal Highness', 'Mister Lincoln', Marjorie S. Arundel of Warrenton, 'Angel Face', 'Arizona Gypsy', 'Paradise', VIrginia, is passionate about preserving 'Perfume Delight', and 'Bing Crosby'. wild-collected bulbs, and encouraging For nearly 50 years Weeks and his other American gardeners to follow her wife operated a wholesale rose nursery; example. AHS will honor her with its at the time of his retirement in 1985 1991 Horticultural Communication the nursery occupied about 300 acres. Award, given for effective communication "As a youngster I worked in the rose using media and research to expand department of a major nursery and I horticultural awareness. guess that is where I caught the Three years ago Arundel became a disease, which ultimately consumed part of the Alert Team on Endangered me and I never recovered," Weeks Wild Bulbs. The team is composed of wrote in his acceptance letter. "If only members ofthe Garden Club of all diseases were as delightful to have." Marjorie S. Arundel Continued on page 4

American Horticulturist· March 1991 .3 Pamela Harper Frances Dean Blount John H. Whitworth Jr.

Continued from page 3 embarked on the making of a garden Botanical Society. As chair of the America, the World Wildlife Federation, on an acre of waterlogged clay and flint capital fund drive for the Birmingham and the Natural Resources Defense in England. By 1967 it contained Botanical Society, Blount raised $5 Council. ''Wild bulbs are the parents of hundreds of different plants, including million for the city's botanical gardens. some of our most beautiful spring flowers, 200 kinds of hardy heather. I was then These funds were used to construct a such as daffodils and tulips," Arundel told editor for the Heather Society and new building and create or renovate National Geographic in an article published owner of a specialist heather nursery." 13 gardens. last July. ''The hybridized flowers, produced Her husband's work brought them to Currently, Blount is Alabama chiefly in the Netherlands, lose some of the in 1968. In 1972 she director of Stratford Hall in Stratford, their genetic strength. If we lose their published her first book, The Story of a Virginia, and a member of the board of parents in the wild, we could eventually Garden, which related her English gar­ trustees of the Southern Research lose the flowers altogether." Arundel has dening experiences. In 1985 she wrote Institute, a Birmingham-based facility done much to publicize the efforts of the Perennials-How to Select, Grow and focusing on science and technology committee and spread the word that Enjoy with Frederick McGourty and research. gardeners should avoid purchasing bulbs her third book, Designing with Peren­ collected in the wild. nials, will be published this spring. Meritorious Service Award She is also advisor to the Garden The Harper Horticultural Slide Club of America's (GCA) conservation Library consists of 150,000 slides of ''What a good surprise!" past AHS committee and has been a member of plants and gardens photographed by Board Member John H. Whitworth GCA's national affairs and legislation Harper. Her slides have been published Jr. wrote in his letter accepting the committee since 1982. As a member of in over 100 books and magazines. Meritorious Service Award. "And what that committee she served four years timing: four days before your letter as toxics chair for reform, Local Horticulture Award about the award arrived I received one sending letters and telegrams to of those 'good luck' chain letters. Maybe congressional committees and testify­ Frances Dean Blount's many out­ they really work?" ing in congressional hearings. standing contributions to horticultural The Meritorious Service Award projects in the Birmingham area have honors a member or friend of the Horticultural Writing Award given meaning to the expression Society who has given outstanding and "Think Globally, Act Locally," said the exemplary service in support of the "My life revolves around plants," says Awards Committee. Blount will receive Society's goals, services, and activities. Pamela Harper, owner of the Harper the Local Horticulture Award, given to Whitworth, a partner in the Wall Horticultural Slide Library in Seaford, an individual or organization who has Street law firm, Dewey Ballantine, was Virginia, and winner of the writing contributed to the improvement or a member of the Board for six years. award. The committee selected Harper excellence of horticulture in the host During that time he frequently for her "beautiful images in photos and city for the Society's Annual Meeting. provided valuable pro bono legal words." She has written more than 25 Blount is past president of the Red services to the Society. articles for American Horticulturist Mountain Garden Club and was Whitworth grew up in Mississippi and hundreds of her slides have national director of the Garden Club and attended college and law school at illustrated these and other articles. of America for two years. She has the University of Mississippi. "After Harper has also written for many received two Garden Club of America that I lived in Germany (with the U.S. other horticultural publications awards-the medal of merit award Army), India (on a traveling fellow­ including Flower & Garden, Flora, from the Red Mountain club and the ship), and Brussels and Paris (for my , Horticulture, Organic Zone VIII award. Blount has served as law firm). I visited and photographed Gardening, and Pacific Horticulture. president of the Birmingham Botanical gardens wherever I went." He has Harper's gardening experiences Gardens and as president of the practiced in the Dewey Ballantine firm began in 1955. ''With my husband, I Women's Auxiliary of the Birmingham for 30 years.

4 .. American Horticulturist • March 1991 the University of North Carolina Press Publication Award for her booklet, Growing with Gardening.

Professional Award "For interpreting the science of garden­ ing so that everyone can understand," Howard S. Irwin will receive the Professional Award, given to the director of an arboretum or . Irwin is deputy commissioner of the Department of Parks and Recreation of North Hempstead, New York, and the director of Clark Botanic Garden in Albertson, New York. "My decade of experience as a professional horticulturist-director at Clark Botanic Garden was preceded not by years of horticultural training and apprenticeship, though I certainly Bibby Moore could have benefited from some of Howard S. Irwin each, but by a 30-year career in plant In addition to his position on the research, university teaching, and and a visiting professor of field at AHS Board, Whitworth served for two institutional management," writes the Universidade de Brasilia in Brazil. years as a member ofthe Secretary of Irwin. "By coming to Clark Botanic 's advisory committee to the Garden, I actually made my hobby my Teaching Award U.S. National Arboretum. work, and where possible I tried to bring other skills to this new challenge. Rosalind Creasy is being recognized Horticultural Therapy Award Overall, it has been a most satisfying in particular "for teaching us that experience. " vegetables are beautiful." She will Since 1980, Bibby Moore has developed Irwin began his career as a Fulbright receive the Teaching Award, which goes horticultural education programs in Instructor in biology at Queens College to an individual whose ability to share cooperation with community colleges, in Georgetown, Guyana. From there he his or her knowledge of horticulture local schools, and state agencies serving went to the New York Botanical Garden with others has contributed to a better special populations. Her "inspiring and in Bronx, New York, as curator and public understanding of the plant pioneering work in using horticulture as coordinator of tropical exploration, world and its impact on people. applied therapy" led to her winning the becoming president of that garden in Since 1973 Creasy has been a Horticultural Therapy Award. 1973. In 1980 he was named vice landscape designer and consultant Director of the horticultural therapy chancellor of Long Island University and emphasizing edible . She program at the North Carolina adjunct professor of environmental shares her passions for gardening and Botanical Garden in Chapel Hill, she science at the C. W. Post Center. Irwin cooking by writing, lecturing nation­ received master's degrees in environ­ has been a landscape consultant to wide, appearing on television and radio mental management from Duke municipalities, private corporations, and shows, and working as a consultant to University and in social work from the individual landowners on Long Island restaurants and seed companies. University of Hawaii. She has been a Creasy has published four books: The horticulture instructor for nursing Complete Book ofEdible Landscaping; homes, prisons, and technical colleges Earthly Delights, chosen by the Garden and developed horticultural therapy Writer's Association of America (GWAA) programs for the North Carolina as the best garden book in 1985; The Department of Corrections. She served 's Handbook ofEdible Plants; as horticulture project director in a and Cooking from the Garden, which program serving developmentally won a 1989 award of excellence from disabled residents of group homes, GWAA. She is working on a children's which was jointly funded by the North garden book to be published this year. Carolina Council on Developmental Creasy has been a teacher and Disabilities and the Mary Reynolds lecturer at the New Alchemy Institute Babcock Foundation, and directed in Woods Hole, Massachusetts; the "Seniors' Gardening for Health," a Maritime Institute in research study funded by the Seattle, Washington; Foothill College University of North Carolina School of in Los Altos, California; the University Medicine Program on Aging. In 1989 of California-Santa Cruz and -Berkeley Moore trained 75 teachers to extension services; the California participate in the National Gardening Academy of Sciences; Canada College; Association's Life Lab and Gro Lab and the Palo Alto Adult Education programs. Program. She lectures on "," She has received the Rhea McCandliss Xeriscaping, and the culinary Service Award from the American properties of roses. Horticultural Therapy Association and Rosalind Creasy ·Continued on page 6

American Horticulturist • March 1991 + 5 Continued from page 5 45th Williamsburg Landscape DeSign Award This year's recipient of the Landscape Design Award is Robert E. Marvin, Garden Symposium owner of a firm specializing in land­ scape architecture and site planning in Walterboro, South Carolina. Marvin's love of the land began when he was growing up in the South Carolina April 7-10, 1991 low country. There he developed a love of nature and "a passion to design a world in which man can live in complete Colonial Williamsburg and the American harmony with nature." Horticultural Society invite you to spend After undergraduate work at Clemson four spring days in Williamsburg attend­ University and graduate work at the ing the 45th Garden Symposium. Come University of Georgia, Marvin began and talk flowers amid the special colors his landscape design career with this and bouquets of dogwood, redbud, philosophy: "The dominant reason for the tulips, and other favorites of the season. existence of Robert E. Marvin and The theme of the symposium, "Garden Associates shall be to create and design Earth," will remind us of the very fragile an environment in which each individual environment that we all share. As gar­ deners we have special opportunities­ and obligations-to make certain we utilize the soundest methods for protect­ ing plant species, conserving water, and beautifying the earth by planting our own gardens while supporting high quality public landscaping in our many com­ munities. Speakers in order of appearance are: The Honorable Charles Hess , U.s. assis­ Douglas F. Welsh, president, National tant secretary of agriculture: "Enhancing Xeriscape Council: "Xeriscaping: Earth Through Science and Conservation Through Creative Land­ Education." scaping." Neil Diboll, plant ecologist and nur­ Warren Schultz, editor-in-chief, National seryman, Westfield, Wisconsin: "Prairies Gardening magazine: "Glasnost in the and Meadows: The Ecological Gardens of Garden: An American Visit to Soviet Gar­ Yesterday and Tomorrow." dens." (Closing luncheon) Patricia Gibbs, Colonial Williamsburg Plan to come to Williamsburg on April historian, and Vanessa Patrick, Colonial 7. Feast your eyes on a cornucopia of Williamsburg architectural historian: horticultural delights and take home a "The Plantation Gardens of Masters and satchel of new ideas. For a registration Slaves at Carter's Grove." folder, please mail coupon below to Sym­ Joan Hockaday, journalist and lecturer, posium Registrar, Box C, Williamsburg, Robert E. Marvin San Francisco, California: "Garden­ VA 23187, or call (804) 220-7255. making by the Sea: The Gardens of San can grow and develop to be a full human Francisco from Gold Rush to Thomas ,r------~ being as God intended him to be." Church." : 45th Williamsburg He has been honored with alumni Jane Campbell Symmes, Cedar Lane awards from both Clemson and the Farm, Madison, Georgia: "Using Native Garden Symposium University of Georgia and received Plants in Your Garden." Please send me a registration folder honors from the American Association of Roger B. Swain, science editor of Hor­ for the 45th Williamsburg Garden Nurserymen for his work on the Cecil B. ticulture magazine and a host of PBS's Symposium. Day Butterfly Center and the John A. "The ": "Bugs, Birds, and Sibley Horticultural Center at Callaway Beasties: Getting a New Grip on Wildlife Name Gardens, in Pine Mountain, Georgia; the in the Garden." Governor's Mansion of South Carolina in Kenn Stephens, president, International Address Columbia; and Monarch at Sea Pines Design Symposium, Ltd., Westwood, and Harbour Town at Sea Pines Massachusetts: "Flower Parade: The Plantation in Hilton Head Island, South Color and Style of Flower Arranging Art­ City ______Carolina. He has also received awards istry in the Americas." from the American Society of Landscape Wesley A. Greene, landscape supervisor, State/ Zip Architects, the American Resort and Colonial Williamsburg: "Fronds and MAIL TO: Symposium Registrar, Residential Development Association, Neighbors: Native Ferns for the Home , Box C, Williamsburg, VA 23187. the Illuminating Engineering Society of Landscape." L ______J America, and the Associated Landscape Contractors of America.

6 .. American Horticulturist· March 1991 AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY 46TH ANNUAL MEETING APRIL 17-20, 1991 Don't miss some of the nation's best-kept horticultural secrets I Our 1991 Annual Meeting in Bir­ mingham' Alabama , will be centered at the Birmingham ~ Botanical Gardens, wijh lectures and classes taking place in the gardens themselves, led by the many talented gardeners, design­ ers, and horticu~urists from Bir­ mingham and across the state. EXPLORE One of the finest native plant collections in the country A magnificent formal Flower arranging in the Birming­ ham style The Sipsey Preserve The spectacular new Southern Progress building, where the na­ tive flora of its woodland site are preserved within 10 feet of this massive structure ALL IN THE UNIQUE BEAUTY AND CHARM OF THE SOUTHEAST IN THE SPRING This Annual Meeting will have a "hands-on" focus-an oppor­ tunity for you to work directly, in small groups, with fellow members of AHS and some of the great gardeners in the United States, with many options to allow you to pursue your own unique interests in gardening. PRIVATE AND PUBLIC GARDEN TOURS WILL BE INCLUDED And as always, a highlight will be honoring our annual award winners-another opportunity for you to meet and share your experiences with the horticultural leaders in America. Our Birmingham meeting is a rare opportunity that will challenge and stimulate you-whether you are a fledgling amateur or a professional hortiCUlturist. We look forward to your joining us and sharing a wonderful few days in Birmingham. See you there!

American Horticulturist • March 1991 • 7 Ethnobotany: How People Use Plants

using birdlime, a sticky substance pawpaw (As imina triloba) was thought You won't find plants applied to branches and twigs. Porcher to develop tender meat. recommended using the "middle bark" Pawpaws were also believed to in most history of American holly (!lex opaca) to make tenderize meat placed over their leaves birdlime, although the berries of immediately after slaughter. Wax museums. But they mistletoe (Phoradendron serotinum) myrtle leaves were placed over and growing on oaks could also be used. under beef during slaughter to keep were as crucial to Fish could be caught easily with fish flies away. If the meat was to be kept poisons. The seeds of red buckeye for only a few days, it could be early Americans as (Aesculus pavia) were macerated, preserved with rubbed-in cornmeal. mixed with flour, and thrown upon the Sage (Salvia officinalis) also was "said any tools. water. Momentarily stunned by the to have great power in resisting the potion, the fish could be gathered putrefaction of animal substances." By Liz Dolinar easily and then revived in . Meats were either cured, or cured and The bark of chinaberry (Melia then smoked. Cures were salt-based, e have become so azedarach) and seed of wooly mullein but salt could be scarce and expensive, accustomed to modern (Verbascum thapsus) could be used as and cooks economized by mixing conveniences that it is well. Alternatively, fish could be caught one-third hickory ash (Carya spp.) with hard for us to imagine in the traditional way using nets made two-thirds salt to cure and flavor pork. havingW to live off the land-not just for of the long, flexible fibers in the Smoking meats provided extra flavor food, but for clothing, medicines, and phloem, or food-conducting tissue, of and created a hard crust that gave tools. Yet Native Americans, African extra protection from flies and molds. slaves, and European settlers did just But it could take up to six weeks. that for decades. The system of Meats could be preserved rapidly with distributing goods and services that we longleaf pine (Pinus palustris). take for granted today was nonexistent. However the meat was preserved, Communication was slow, making it pyroligneous acid and creosote, both impossible to summon doctors quickly. products of that tree, were added for Without refrigeration, food spoiled preservation and flavoring, and the rapidly unless some way of preserving meat then hung in thongs made of it could be found. Dark rooms had to be yucca fibers (Yucca filamentosa). illuminated, and fabrics had to be dyed Agronomic and horticultural and cleaned. had to be protected too. Bundles of The Union blockade of the South dried wooly mullein were placed in during the War Between the States stored grain to repel mice. Peach trees forced residents to look to native and were protected from insects by exotic plants for their needs. In 1863, chinaberry trees interplanted in the the Confederate surgeon general . If aphids attacked the peach commissioned Francis Peyre Porcher, Wooly mullein helped low country trees, the insects could be destroyed by a Charleston physician, to gather residents catch fish, feed livestock, repel fumigating with the smoke oftobacco information on the medicinal use of mice, light their homes, and ease cold (Nicotiana tabacum), syringing with plants for army surgeons. Dr. Porcher's symptoms. tobacco water, and washing the trees book, Resources of the Southern Fields with strong lime water. Apples affected and Forests, lists hundreds of plants amyroot (Apocynum cannabinum) or by the "plant louse" also could be and their uses. Subsequent works have milkweed (Asclepias syriaca). treated with tobacco water, then added to our knowledge. Domesticated animals were fed and brushed with turpentine. Tobacco­ While all settled regions had their medicated with the plants at hand. historically one of the most commonly own resources and plant lore, South Toadflax or corn spurry (Spergula used -and chinaberry are Carolina's low country is a particularly arensis) was believed to increase egg considered even today among the best rich area for ethnobotany, the study of production in chickens; the bark.6fred ofthe thousands of plants having pest the uses of plants by people. oak (Quercus rubra) was put into their control properties. water to expel worms. Another Drinking water was not an established Food Production veterinary pest, fleas, could be repelled custom, and recipes abounded for by scattering leaves of wax myrtle alcoholic drinks. Serviceberry In addition to cultivating crops, low (Myrica cerifera) on the floor of chicken CAmelanchier canadensis) made a "good country residents hunted, fished, and houses and barns. Silage normally fed drink" when 18 pounds of berries were raised animals for food. All these to farm animals could be supplied with dried, placed in 261i2 gallons of water, activities incorporated plants in some local plants. Catalpa seeds (Catalpa and fermented four to five days. Elder­ way. Native Americans, for example, bignonioides) or powdered wooly mullein berries (Sambucus canadensis) could be used the hollow stems of American cow root, mixed with malt, was used to fatten distilled into a brandy that was 70 parsnip (Heracleum sphondylium poultry. Cattle received nourishment percent alcohol. Even carrots could be subsp. montanum) to imitate the sound from the leaves of American hop used for spirits. Many plants were used of male deer and to draw does into range. hornbeam (Ostrya virginiana). And any to make beer. Fermenting fresh honey Small game birds could be ensnared animal fed the leaves or fruit of locust pods (Gleditsia triacanthos)

8. American Horticulturist • March 1991 Studying Once and Future Plants

Historical and contemporary interactions between plants and people are getting increased attention these days as indigenous cultures disappear, taking with them a storehouse of information on a great diversity of plants. Economic botany and ethnobotany are two academic disciplines that study this fascil'lating area. Ethnobotany is concemed with the direct relationship of a group of people and their plants anrd leans towards anthropology in asking who uses the plants, where, and how. Economic botany focuses on how the plants can be used outside of the indigel'lous culture, delving into the genetic origil'ls of crops, their evolution, and the preservation of genetic diversity. For example, ethnobotanists are currently working with indigenous peoples of the tropical rain forest, learning what plants they use, how they use them, and how the plants fit into their culture. Economic botanists will use this information with the hope of "liberating" the plal'lts from their indigenous context and introducing them to a broader market for more general use. To confuse the matter further, ethnobotany is part of the larger Okra served as a coffee substitute and discipline of ethnobiology, which also encompasses ethnozoology and otller paper source. fields. To learn more about these subjects, contact: .. SOCiety of Ethnobiology, Katherine S. Fowler, Secretary, Department of yielded beer, as did persimmon fruit, Anthropology, University of Nevada at Reno, Reno, NV 89557. Annual dues which had to be both fermented and are $35 for individuals ($25 for students) and cover a subscription to the distilled. A pint of com, boiled until biannual Journal of Ethnobiology. soft, then mixed with a pint of .. Society of Economic Botany, Economic Botany Business Office, P.O. Box molasses and a gallon of water, 368, Lawrence, KS 66044. $30 annual dues ($15 for students) cover subscrip­ produced excellent beer in 24 hours. tions to the quarterly journal Economic Botany and a biannual newsletter. The same com could be used repeatedly, and this way "making a gallon of beer will not cost over six cents, and it is 1700s. But the native false indigos of sweet pepperbush (Clethra alnifolia) better and more wholesome than (Baptisia tinctoria and B. australis) would make suds when agitated in cider," wrote Porcher. Coffee and also yielded the dye. Other plants used water, as would evening primrose inexpensive coffee substitutes were for blue coloring included larkspur (Oenothera biennis). Woolens, dyed popular as well. During the war, toasted flowers (Consolida regalis), fig skins cottons, and satin fabrics could be and ground cottonseeds stood in for (Ficus carica), boiled myrtle berries, washed and whitened using the roots of coffee (cottonseed contains the toxins and for silk, privet berries (Ligustrum the red buckeye. Balls of brake leaves dihydroxyphenol and gossypol, but vulgare). Sometimes the same plant (Pteridium aquilinum) cleansed linens. they are insoluble in water). Parched produced different hues. Quercus Silk required different treatment, okra seeds (Abelmoschus esculentus) velutina, the black oak, mixed with using potatoes (Solanum tuberosum) or also were used, as were rice, alumina, made a bright yellow dye. But sweet potatoes (Ipomoea batatas). A dandelions, potatoes, and wheat. mixed with tin oxide, the oak bark half pint of boiling water and a half Lest we forget dessert, white mulberry yielded pale lemon. Other shades of pint of alcohol were poured over peeled juice (Morus alba) was used to color yellow available included saffron from and sliced potatoes. The liquid was candies, and when chocolate was not yellowwood (Cladrastis lutea) and sponged onto the right side of the silk, available, an excellent substitute could canary from American crabapple and the silk was ironed on its wrong be ground out of the lowly peanut. (Malus coronaria). Continued on page 10 Purple, green, brown, orange, and Domestic Life many other colors also were available. Solferino pink called for one of the Tree leaves, bark, and roots were used more interesting recipes, according to as dyes, but could be used successfully Porcher: Cut a piece out of the end of a only at certain times of the year. Bark pumpkin large enough to admit the was taken in spring or summer; leaves, hand. Take out all the seeds and leave in fall; and roots, in winter. the strings in. Mash pokeberries Drab coloring was produced from (Phytolacca americana) into pulp and fill sassafras root (Sassafras albidum) or, the cavity of the pumpkin with them. for wool, from yellow root (Xanthorhiza Stir them up well with the strings and simplicissima). Native Americans put the worsted yarn into the mixture, extracted a scarlet dye from dogwood then cover it up close with the piece of roots (Comus florida), and from the pumpkin that was cut out. The next day shoots of red-twig dogwood (C. sericea). take out the yarn and dry it in the day; Dove coloring came from the bark of when dry, put the yam back into the beech (Fagus sylvatica) or sweet gum pUmpkin as before, and cover it up (Liquidambar styraciflua). again till the next day. It will take a Blue dyes are the most commonly week to dye the deepest shade of pink. thought of in the low country because Once fabrics were dyed, a number of of the cultivation there of indigo plants were used for lathers and soaps (Indigofera anil and 1. tinctoria) in the to keep them clean. The flower racemes Cotton tea was thought to be a contraceptive.

American Horticulturist· March 1991 .. 9 Crafts and Manufacturing and leather flower (Clematis viorna). Paper and envelopes could be sealed The use of some plants, such as building with gum made from plum, peach, and furniture out of native tree wood, is apricot trees. Chinese tallow tree, pear, obvious. Less so are others, such as and apple wood were used for printing using the wood oftupelo (Nyssa sylvatica) blocks and type. to manufacture artificial limbs. Thpelo Hickory was one of the plants had many uses. The roots were used for suitable for gunstocks and gunpowder. floats for fishing nets, since they could Others were maple (Acer rubrum), bob like cork. This "root wood," cut one alder (Alnus rugosa), black walnut, and inch thick, was used for shoe soles, with persimmon. Excellent gunpowder was cowskin nailed over the top to form the made from the charcoal of burned uppers. The wood could also be carved alder, white cedar, dogwood, and willow. into cart sideboards, trays, bowls, A crucial step in the tanning of cartridge boxes, mortars, and wheel hubs. animal hides was the ''bark,'' in which Wood for wheels and cogs had to be hard, the hides were layered with tree bark and not all trees were suitable. Both and left to soak for several weeks. American hop hornbeam and the winged Depending on the type of hide involved, elm (Ulmus alata) were considered hard the bark was repeated three to six The down of cattails made a soft bed. enough for this purpose. Hickory could times. The plants used in the process be used for carriage axles, millwheel contained tannins, which are compounds Continued from page 9 cogs, and ox yokes. capable of precipitating the gelatin of side when it had half-dried. Velvet and Furniture craftsmen were very animal hides as insoluble compounds crepe could be cleaned in the same way. specific in their choice of woods. resistant to putrefaction. Tannins are Water from grated sweet potatoes Bedsteads were made with sassafras or found in the bark of smooth sumac, black would clean worsted curtains, carpets, red buckeye, because it was believed oak, white ash (Fraxinus americana), tapestries, and oil paintings. that these woods would not become and witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana); Soaps could be made hard or soft, infested with insects. The backs of sweet pepperbush, sweet gum, myrtle, fancy or plain by varying the plants Windsor chairs were made of hickory, peach, and sweetbay magnolia all have used as ingredients. Chinaberries and but the seats were often of American tannins in their leaves. Other mashed cottonseed, mixed with lye and linden (Tilia americana). For woven possibilities were the root ofthe boiled, made inexpensive soap cakes. seats, white oak (Quercus alba) or palmetto, any part of the sweet flag Fresh wax myrtle berries, when boiled, canebrake (Arundinaria gigantea) (Acorus calamus), unripe persimmon released a greenish wax, which could could be used in place of cane. Sweet fruit, or the flowers of Saint-John's­ be boiled again with ashes, lime, and birch (Betula lenta) was used for sofas wort (Hypericum perforatum). salt to make soap. and armchairs. For stuffing upholstery, To make boats, builders used Eastern While the Chinese tallow tree Spanish moss (Tillandsia usneoides) red cedar (Juniperus virginiana), live (Sapium sebiferum) also was used to was a popular material. When the oak (Quercus virginiana), red mulberry make soap, it is better known for its automobile age arrived, Spanish moss (Morus rubra), and willow. Each type of use in making candles. The oil from its was used to stuff the seats of the Model plant had a specific use-for the mast, berries was used alone, or mixed with T. Beech leaves collected in autumn floors, timbers, frame, or spars. Canoes other plant products, such as boiled made a pleasant-smelling, insect-free were made from cypress (Taxodium prickly pear leaves (Opuntia vulgaris), bed; cotton, the silky seed of milkweed, distichum). then poured into molds. Wax myrtle and the down of cattails ('!Ypha latifolia) Craftsmen also made items intended oil-either in its natural green or in a made soft beds, and saw palmetto for relaxation. Sugarberry (Celtis white obtained by drying it in the (Serenoa repens) could also be used, occidentalis) was used to make flutes; shade for a month-was mixed with once the leaves were shredded, boiled, boxwood (Buxus sempervirens) was grease to make candles. and dried in the sun for a day or two. used for other musical instruments. The pith of bog rush (Juncus Printers also found plants useful. Smoking pipes were fashioned from effusus) was used for wicks, and the Paper made from canebrake, okra, hollow-stemmed plants such as black down of wooly mullein leaves was used walnut, titi (Cyrilla racemiflora), as tinder. The long, flowering stalks of American bladdernut (Staphylea the wooly mullein were dipped in suet trifolia), and fig. or pitch and lit as torches. Other oil-bearing plants used for light Folk Remedies included cotton, castor bean, black walnut (Juglans nigra), and palmetto Of all the uses of plants, their (Sabal palmetto). application for medical purposes has The spongy stems of the palmetto been explored and written about the were used to make scrubbing brushes. most. Hundreds of plants are listed as Brooms were fashioned from the twigs remedies, and since trial-and-error was and branches of river birch (Betula the only way to determine efficacy, nigra) or the branches of gallberry thousands more must have been tried. (Ilex glabra) or the groundsel tree It is difficult to understand today how (Baccharis halimifolia). Ashes offig some illnesses-such as uterine leaves were used to polish metal. cancer-could have been diagnosed, let Smooth sumac (Rhus glabra) was so Various parts of the persimmon provided alone treated successfully. widely used for shoe wax that in some beer, wood for gunstocks, tannin for For example, mayapple (Podophyllum areas it became known as "shoemac." cowhide, and relief for teething pain. peltatum) was recommended for certain

10 .. American Horticulturist • March 1991 uterine disorders. We now know that children suck on the unripe fruit of the plant contains podophyllotoxin, winged sumac. which is still useful for treating uterine High blood pressure could be lowered GARDENING problems, and is being investigated for by placing Spanish moss inside the shoes by Hazel J#ihe anticancer properties. Native and bathing the head with a pokeberry Americans chewed on willow bark mixture. An alternative treatment was (Salix spp.) to relieve pain, and the mixing wild leek (Allium ampeloprasum) Insurance compound in that tree's bark, salicylic with vinegar, lemon juice, and Epsom acid, is chemically related to the active salts and taking a teaspoonful every ... severe winds ... not ingredient in aspirin. morning for nine days. enough rainfall ... what's a plant to do? At first, folk remedies were based on Although some low country residents Our pets found spots in the the Doctrine of Signatures. Plants tried to avoid snake bites by stuffmg shade during last sunnner's heat. shaped like human organs were believed white ash leaves in their shoes, snake Plants can't lie in the shade unless effective in treating disorders of those bites were common. Eryngium they're planted there and they can't parts. Heart-leaved plants treated yuccifolium and Liatris spicata-the go in for a cool shower unless you cardiac problems; plants with kidney­ latter known today as blazing-star-were give it to them with a hose. But you shaped leaves were effective for urinary both called rattlesnake-master because can help them get through a long hot disorders. In the low country of South they were believed to repel poisonous sunnner by using an anti-transpirant Carolina, the root ofthe hooded pitcher snakes. Agave (Manfreda virginica) called Wilt -Pruf. plant (Sarracenia minor) was used for drew out snake venom. Indian tobacco Think of the plant as inhaling skin problems, since the pitchers had (Lobelia inflata), steeped in spirits, was and exhaling. When a plant inhales, blotches that resembled blemishes. given to victims. it takes water in through its roots. Bitter plants were especially prized When it exhales, it gives off moisture Oddly enough, smoking the leaves of through its leaves. There are tiny in this region. This harks back to the fig or wooly mullein was often pores in the leaves that give off this days of malaria, when quinine was the recommended as a cure for asthma. moisture. If the supply of water to preferred treatment. The need for White cedar cones were soaked in the roots is too low, leaves become quinine substitutes was made clear whiskey and the liquor drunk by limp because they continue to emit during the Revolutionary War, when asthma sufferers. moisture. In the process, leaves curl, drugs from Europe were difficult to Cold and cough remedies were as become brown and desiccated. This obtain. The same thing happened in numerous as over-the-counter drugs are is because they're giving off more subsequent wars. Among the drugs today. Creosote derived from the longleaf moisture than the plant is absorbing. used for malaria, or "intermittent pine relieved chest congestion. American What an anti-transpirant does fever" as it was known, were amyroot, holly twigs, soaked in lemon, quieted a is hold a balance between water willow, and a decoction from boiling a cough; its roots relieved colds. Other cold taken in and moisture given off. handful of bark from the Georgia fever remedies included teas of wooly mullein Wilt-Pruf can sometimes make tree'(Pinckneya pubens) in water. leaves or horsemint; a decoction of red the difference between saving a Plants were used for all aspects of cedar (Juniperus silicicola), devil's­ growing tree or and losing it. reproduction. Cotton tea was used as a walking stick, and blackroot (Pterocaulon An anti-transpirant is especially contraceptive, while devil's-walking pycnostachyum); and amyroot steeped in helpful when transplanting a small stick (Aralia spinosa) and smilax whiskey. tree or shrub. No matter how careful (Smilax spp.) roots were used as There were also folk remedies for a person is, the plant's root system aphrodisiacs. Sexually transmitted cosmetic purposes, most sounding as is disturbed and some roots are lost. diseases were treated with plants such dubious as claims made today. Juice Wilt-Pruf has helped my transplants as Spanish moss, water lilies from the insectivorous plant, sundew retain additional moisture after trans­ (Nymphaea odorata), and winged (Drosera spp.), was mixed with milk to planting. Transplants need to be sumac (Rhus copallina). Women in remove freckles. Bruises were watered heavily to get them over the labor were given teas of Saint-John's­ dispatched with a poultice of lily-of-the­ shock of having been dug. My plants wort or horsemint (Monarda punctata) valley root (Convallaria majalis). Hair have indicated by their behavior to hasten labor. After giving birth, could be made to grow by frying (they haven't died!) that Wilt-Pruf mothers were given tea of Spanish heartleaf (Asarum arifolium) aNd has been a definite help to them moss to increase milk flow and help applying it to the hair; hair could be in surviving their trauma. expel the afterbirth. Wilt -Pruf is a clear organic thickened with the flowers of wood liquid that in no way inhibits growth Feverish babies could be wrapped in anemone (Anemone nemorosa), which or harms a plant. Available at nurs­ canna leaves (Canna flaccida); larger was also good for removing corns. eries, garden centers and hard­ children might have wooly mullein Weight gains could be battled with diet ware stores. leaves wrapped around their heads. drinks made of dandelions or smilax; Teething pain and thrush could be obesity could be avoided altogether by relieved by rubbing unripe persimmon drinking broth that had been boiled fruit inside a baby's mouth. Measles with dill. Wine infused with sage Hazel Weihe of Somers, New York, could be drawn out with sassafras tea. lessened perspiration, and the young, is an award·winning wriw- whose Whooping cough was treated with Jack­ dried stems of dogwood were used to garden column is syndicated by ip-the-pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum). whiten teeth. The North County News. Ringworm could be treated with tree sap from figs, a tea made from peach IIll6 leaves, or walnut hulls rubbed on the Liz Dolinar is former horticulturist at PRUr soles of the feet. Intestinal parasites Brookgreen Gardens in Murrells Inlet, .t.,t(T' ·l~ PO. Box 469. Esux, CT 06426-0469 could be expelled with a tea made from South Carolina. This article was 2031767-7033 Indian pinkroot (Spigelia marilandica). adapted with permission from the Bedwetting was cured by having Brookgreen Journal.

American Horticulturist • March 1991 • 11 Regional Notes

The man in maze symbol is the logo of the Sonoran Exhibit Papago (Tohono O'odham) people, symbolizing their entry into the world. in Fourth Year They, along with the Pima and Lower Pima, Io a: developed some of the most drought­ The Desert Botanical Garden in U'i resistant, heat-tolerant, and alkali-adapted Phoenix, Arizona, recently celebrated fil~ crops in the world, including 60-day corn, the third anniversary of its popular ~ tepary beans, and striped cushaw squash. exhibit trail, "Plants and People ofthe ~ Their homeland extends from Phoenix, Sonoran Desert," with a volunteer ~ Arizona, to central Sonora, Mexico, and in­ work day to clean and patch up the ~ cludes perhaps the hoHest, driest areas of much-visited attraction. ~ North America with summer temperatures The exhibit demonstrates the use of 5 regularly over 100 degrees. plants-both wild and cultivated-by ~ the natives of the Sonoran Desert. A @ self-guided trail meanders through five different natural habitats-desert, Dahl says public plantings such as this and by acquainting us with people who desert oasis, mesquite thicket, semi­ help his organization spread the word may want to grow the crops." desert grassland, upland chaparral; about the importance and value of native The plants on display only hint at the and two cultivated areas-a native varieties of crops. "They help us by fecundity of the Sonoran Desert, which nur­ garden and a "future resources acquainting people with the whole tures over 400 edible plants and hundreds garden." The ethnobotanical exhibit concept [of traditional seed conservation] more with medicinal and other uses. was 18 months in the making. It involved Native American groups such as the Papago, the Pima, and the Purple Pitcher Rescue Effort Apache, and Native SeedS/SEARCH, a nonprofit seed conservation organiza- The Atlanta Botanical Garden is tion that specializes in the traditional attempting to repopulate the native crops ofthe Southwest United state with purple pitcher plants, States and northwest Mexico. whose numbers in Georgia had Kevin Dahl, assistant director of dwindled to fewer than 50 before Native Seeds/SEARCH, calls the a rescue operation last summer. Sonoran trail "an exceedingly accurate A decade ago, there were about exhibit. The interconnection between 250 of the Saracenia p urp urea in people and plants is an important part two remote mountain locations; all of it. This exhibit is unique in that it of those once growing on the shows human plant interactions in state's coastal plain had disap­ different ecosystems." peared. The bog plant can still be Within the three acres of the trail, found farther north, said Ron ~ visitors can see demonstrations of Determann, superintendent of the ~ saguaro fruit harvesting, ancient garden's Fuqua Conservatory, but =; native crop varieties of tepary beans these two populations now repre­ Purple pitcher plants flourish in an ABG . (extremely drought tolerant), sent its southernmost range and aboriginal pima cotton (Gossypium thus, may result from some genetic Determann took a cutting from each hirsutum var. punctatum), and variation. The Fuqua Conservatory has of 10 plants to grow at the conservatory. amaranth (Amaranth us cruentus, a a particular interest in preserving He estimates that it will take them small grain crop), plus mesquite (used carnivorous plants and orchids. about two years to flower and set seed. for fuel, building materials, and dyes), Last July, garden staff, accompanied In the meantime, the agencies involved a variety of grasses, the terrace by others from the Chattahoochee will establish a more hospitable site cultivation of agave, Spanish crops like Nature Center in Fulton County, the adjacent to the current population, pomegranate, figs, and wheat, and state's Department of Natural Resources, with a higher water table and no other contemporary plants like guayule and the U.s. Forest Service, found 24 plants to compete with the pitchers for (Parthenium argentatum, a rubber ofthe plants in one of the mountain water. After they flower, the green­ substitute), jojoba, and the fiery hot locations, four miles off the road on house seedlings will be nurtured for pepper, chiltepines ( Capsicum national forest property. The plants another year and a half before being annuum var. aviculare). The trail were not healthy; they had neither transplanted to this new site. There provides a good deal of practical bloomed nor reproduced, and their they will be mixed with more divisions information on how to use the plants­ leaves, normally suffused with purple, of the original population, to ensure how to prepare saguaro fruit; how to were green. To bring the plants some that the genetic material is from the make a gourd canteen, mesquite-pitch much-needed sunlight, the group same population. This is important pottery paint, and a yucca brush; and cleared brush and low branches from when trying to preserve a disappearing how to roast agave hearts. an area of about 900 square feet. species, because adaptations to a

12 • American Horticulturist • March 1991 particular environment will best be expressed in the material growing on site, observes Detennann. Determann said the other purple pitcher plant site is on private Choose from over 1500 useful plant varieties in our mail property, but efforts are underway to persuade the owners to participate in catalog. Extensive collections of Rhododendrons, Azaleas, conservation efforts. Conifers, Perennials, hardy Camellias, Kalmias, ,.....'W"l~IJU'1 rare shrubs and trees and much, much more. Send $2.00 for our descriptive mail order catalog to: Conservation Roslyn Nursery Center Moves 211 Burrs Lane, Dept. L Dix Hills, NY 11746 The seven-year-<>ld Center for Plant (516)-643-9347 Conservation, a network of20 botanical gardens dedicated to saving rare and endangered plants of the United States, has moved its headquarters from Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts, to the Missouri Botanical Garden in Saint Louis. The national office provides coordina­ tion and support services to its TRAVEUSTUDV TRIPS participating institutions in managing the National Collection of Endangered FOR THE AHS GARDENER Plants. The collection consists of living plants collected from the wild in a manner intended to represent as closely APRIL 21-28,1991 as possible the genetic diversity found in GARDENS OF THE MISSISSIPPI the natural populations. This serves as a Experience the grandeur of the Mississippi from New Orleans to Memphis on board failsafe against extinction and makes the the Mississippi Queen. Ports of call along the river include Houmas House, Saint plants available for research. Francisville, Natchez, Vicksburg, and Greenville. Experience trwe Southern hospitality Because the Missouri Botanical as AHS members and friends along the river open their homes and gardens for this Garden will now provide such support horticultural adventure. <= services as accounting, personnel L.eona'd Haertter Travel Company. 7922 Bonoomme Avenue. Saint Lruis. MO 63105, (800) 942·6666, administration, development, and (314) 721-62JO On MssoU'i) communications, the move should let the MAY 12-23, 1991 center streamline its operations and free ENGLISH COUNTRYSIDE GARDENS more resources for its conservation AND THE CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW programs, according to Donald Falk, AHS members will have the unique opportunity to meet noted horticultural author, ~ center director. The center will remain a Verey, and visij her home and garden-Barnsley House--

American Horticulturist · March 1991 • 13 Making a Difference

like landscapes on the moon"-into Doing Thyme greener and healthier oases. 'Nyberg hopes the horticultural As coordinator of horticultural therapy therapy program, besides teaching for the North Carolina Department of practical skills and providing greenery Corrections, Jonathan Nyberg faces a and fresh fruit and vegetables, will touch not-so-typical array of gardening inmates at a deeper level. "Gardening challenges. Not the sort outsiders might connects you not only with plants, but imagine, like lack of light or land, also with rain and insects and soil and vandalism, or apathy, but bureaucratic life and death and the cycle of the earth. prison rules and administrators. No I think one of the best things it does is to plants taller than 18 inches, no trees or provide a medium to talk with these shrubs (they're easy to hide behind), guys about these things that they may control tools tightly, and watch for have never talked about before." plants that can be converted into But he warns against a naive feel-good weapons (like hot chili peppers). attitude concerning the benefits of Despite all this, horticultural therapy prison horticulture. The rapid turnover for mentally ill and retarded inmates is of the prison population makes it flourishing in North Carolina prisons. difficult to work with inmates for long Sixty inmates in five prisons grow periods and the atmosphere does not vegetables, herbs, bulbs, perennials, exactly lend itself to creative self­ annuals, and indoor plants. "Most Inmates at Umstead Correctional Center, development. "It's questionable to me things we grow," says Nyberg, '"we grow Butner, North Carolina, work on a Photina that any sort of therapy can take place for a purpose-to eat it, press it, or dry 'Red Tip' hedge. in a coercive situation." it." Vegetables are the most popular Therapeutic or not, the horticultural (and tomatoes the favorite) because of The graduate horticultural honor therapy program will be expanded this the brief respite they provide from the society at North Carolina State Univer­ year to two more prisons. standard institutional mush. sity, Pi Alpha Xi, recently began collecting The program began in 1982 when horticultural posters, magazines, and horticultural therapists from the North books to give to the inmates. Send new or old horticultural posters, Carolina Botanical Garden began Nyberg says the horticultural program magazines, and books to Jonathan gardening with inmates, and has since increases interaction between the staff Nyberg, Division of Prisons, Mental become state administered. It is funded and the inmates. And the plants transform Health Services, 831 West Morgan by profits from prison canteens as well the bleak prison grounds-''bare ground, Street, Raleigh, NC 27603. as donated materials from nurseries (300 ornamental kale plants recently from one), clubs, and others. Branch Bank The plants, like the gardeners, must be tough to survive the rigors of prison Saving Florida trees has been a concern private property. Program participants culture, which include irregular watering oflandscape architect L. Thomas are charged only for labor costs, and in and other types of neglect. Hence, the Chancey for 25 years. And where better some cases Chancey's company has selections are a lineup of old reliables­ to save trees than a Tree Bank? After donated its services. vinca, red salvia, marigold, petunias, seeing development swallow up trees The Fort Lauderdale News and Sun black-eyed Susan, coreopsis, yarrow. in south Florida, Chancey organized a Sentinel donated mature trees from Nyberg leads inmates in a variety of donation plan for Fort Lauderdale. their property to "Riverwalk," a local plant-related activities--d.rying and The program works much like your renovation project, which planted them pressing flowers, composting (they local savings bank. Property owners at a museum in a historic district. The recently added an earthworm box), donate trees that would be lost during Florida Department of Transportation conducting plant sales, and playing construction and d€velopment; the gave a homeowners' association trees horticultural Pictionary. "bank" puts them in "reserve" until it that would have been lost during the One offshoot of the program has been gets a request from properties in need widening of a boulevard. an awakening of intellectual curiosity of available specimens. The transfer Chancey's advocacy efforts led Fort that goes beyond gardening, into read­ may take anywhere from one month to Lauderdale to pass city laws to protect ing about gardening and reading in one year. Donated trees usually remain historic and specimen trees and add general. Inmates, most of whom read on the original property while Chancey's provisions to stop hatracking, a harm­ at a grade school level if at all, "start team prepares them for moving-trees ful practice similar to topping. with posters, catalogs, or magazines are root and crown pruned and fertil­ and the next thing they know they are ized-and fmds them a new home. looking up in a book to fmd out what Most trees stay in the same neighbor­ For rrwre information contact Tree Bank, this weird looking bug is that is eating hoods. Trees removed from public c/o L. Thomas Chancey & Associates, their favorite tomato plant-and then property are moved to public property; Inc., 1512 East Broward Boulevard, actually reading about it," says Nyberg. privately owned trees are moved to Suite 105, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301.

14 . American Horticulturist • March 1991 Gardeners' Q&A .

say they greatly reduce root injury and ~: I purchased a plant labeled growth delay caused by transplant We value your support. French tarragon from a local shock. The blocks eliminate the need to Every gift is important. nursery and it has done very well in buy, sterilize, and store containers, and Help AIlS reach its goal. my garden, but it does not have the reduce the use of nonrecyclable ones. Send your donation today taste ofculinary tarragon. Actually, Two sizes of soil molds are available: to the 1991 it does not have any taste at all. a smaller one is used for germination AIlS ANNUAL APPEAL. Could I be doing something wrong? and seedling development; a larger A. B., Springfield, Missouri mold can be used to make a transplant soil block into which the smaller A: It sounds as if you have purchased seedling block is set. As the seedling a plant known as Russian tarragon grows, the root system helps to hold (Artemisia dracunculus ). Russian and the block together. French tarragon are very similar in The secret to success in making the appearance yet taste very different. blocks is to arrive at the right soil Russian tarragon has little or no taste, mixture recipe. Experienced soil block but grows more vigorously than the makers suggest a mixture of peat moss, French. French tarragon (Artemesia aged , sand, good garden soil, 1991 Award of dracunculus 'Sativa') is a sterile plant; it perlite, and a light addition of organic Excellence winner does not flower and therefore produces fertilizer. Add water until you get a for best miniature no seed. It must be propagated from firm consistency. The block should , rose named for TV's stem cuttings or root division. Russian adhere well and be free standing, but ~ top-rated morning tarragon does set seed, so if you see not be so compacted as to interfere program. Send tarragon seed for sale it is the Russian with root growth. $ 7.45 to start your variety, not the French. Extra care should be taken to make collection with this How do you tell the difference when sure that the soil blocks don't dry out. spectacular new sun­ you go to your local nursery? Dr. Water as needed with a fine mist. A shine yellow Arthur Tucker of Delaware State plastic cover can be placed over the miniature rose. blocks to keep humidity levels high for College says that mix-ups of the two ~ different tarragons are quite common, seed germination. especially in nurseries that do not When ready to plant outside, the specialize in herbs. Maureen Collins, entire soil block is placed directly into assistant horticulturist at the National the garden bed. Plants that are prone Cathedral in Washington, D.C., to root injury, such as cucurbits, do or choose from over recommends that you ask the nursery very well in soil blocks. 75 exciting varieties in our manager if the tarragon is from - Maureen Heffernan FREE color catalog. nursery propagated rootstock or from Horticultural Intern seed. If it's from seed it is not French tarragon, but Russian. If the nursery manager doesn't know, you should try Need advice? Call the AHS Gardeners' ~rYEaft to find a nursery that has some Information Service toll free at (800) Miniature Roses, Inc. knowledge of herb plants. You can also 777-7931 from 11 a.m to 3 p.m. EST Box 307 AH - Rowley, MA 01969 tell the difference just by taking a tiny Monday through Friday. Phone: 508-948-7964 piece of the leaf and tasting it. Ifit doesn't have a strong anise flavor it's Russian tarragon. - Carol Dowling Horticultural Intern Q: I would like to know more about the soil block makers I have The Highest Quality tt seen advertised in several gardening Liquid Plant Food catalogs. How do they work and are I there advantages in using them? For Over 40 Years. P. H., Grass Valley, California ~t~ 'II~RRANTY TO CONs These tools are actually molds '>~\ * II",... ." A: :'Good Housekeeping": used to compress a potting soil mixture ~ PROMISE S ;,,~... into individual cubes that function as a ,fCE~ENT OR RefUND II ~t\ \~ ~ PER QUART WATER container for starting seeds and GROWS ALL PLANTS growing seedlings to transplant size. Gardeners who have used these blocks Available at leading Garden Centers and Plant Departments Mfg by Schultz Company. SI. LOUIS. MO 63043

American Horticulturist • March 1991 • 15 AHS Bulletin Board Nine Nominated to AHS Board

Nine individuals have been nominated Williamsburg and for the benefit of the Garden Restoration Committee. She is or renominated to the American Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Dunn garden chairman ofthe Lee-Fendall Horticultural Seciety Board of Directors. will be given this year's Frances Jones House, a historic property in The three-year terms begin with the Poetker Award at the AHS Annual Alexandria, and a board member of the Society's Annual Meeting in April. Meeting (see page 3). Virginia Trust for Historic Preservation. Beverley White Dunn has been a John Alex Floyd Jr. is editor of Current Board Member Andre member of the AHS Board of Directors Southern Living magazine. Floyd Viette has been nominated for another since 1988. Dunn has given flower received a bachelor's degree in term. Viette has developed Andre arranging seminars at Colonial ornamental horticulture from Auburn Viette Farm and Nursery in University, and a master's degree in Fishersville, Virginia, which grows horticulture and a doctoral degree in over 3,000 varieties of perennials and AHSBoardof plant physiology from Clemson Univer­ has its own tissue culture laboratory. sity. He joined Southern Living as a Viette teaches horticultural courses at Directors Proxy senior horticulturist in 1977 and was Blue Ridge Community College and named editor last December. hosts a radio gardening program for Notice of Election in conjunction with Public relations counselor Lawrence WSVA in Harrisonburg, Virginia. the 46th Annual Meeting of the V. Power is an inveterate gardener. As Katy Moss Warner is general American Horticultural Society. Cut president of McGrathIPower Associates, manager of parks horticulture at the out proK}' and return by April 1, to Inc., in New York City he has represented Walt Disney World Resort, encompass­ President, AH$, 7931 East Boulevard numerous corporations, including ing the Walt Disney World nursery, Drive, Alexandria, VA 22308. Reebok International, Waldenbooks, and horticulture services, pest control, and I will not be able to attend the Nikon, Inc. Power has also written books the landscape operations of the Magic Annual Meeting of the American on landscaping and gardening and Kingdom, EPCOT Center, and Horticl:llturnl Society on April 18, frequently contributes gardening Disney-MGM Studios. She promotes 1991. Please assign my proxy to features to House & Garden, American horticultural education programs for AHS President George C. Ball Jr., or Home, and House Beautiful. both employees and guests. Former AHS Board Member Julia Rappaport of Santa Ana, California, has been nominated for another term. to cast my ballot in the annual election Rappaport served three terms as a of the SOciety's Board of Directors, Board Member and was chairman of and to cast my ballot in other matters the Education Committee for six years. that may properly be brought before She has developed horticulture and the Annual Meeting with the same science curricula and garden programs effect as though I were personally for teachers and students and has present. taught "Gardening Science in the Class­ room," a graduate course for teachers Vote for nine. at the University of California-Fullerton. Josephine Shanks of Houston, D Beverley White Dunn (/) Texas, specializes in growing, a: John Alex floyd Jr. UJ o photographing, and lecturing about !;( Lawrence V. Power ;: o Louisiana irises. Two Louisiana irises UJ Julia Rappaport ~ o o have been named for her-'Josephine UJ o Josephine Shanks Shanks' and 'Empress Josephine'. Mrs. Donald B. Straus " o Shanks is a board member of the The garden of II Brolino in Santa Barbara, Billie Trump o Society for Louisiana Irises and the California, was one of many West Coast Andre Viette o Garden Club of Houston. landscapes designed by Florence Yoch Katy Moss Warner o New York City resident Mrs. Donald early this century. She will be one of five B. Straus serves as vice president of Wrlte-in·Candldate designers whose art will be described in the board of the New York Botanical "Masters of American Garden Design II: Wrlte-in-Candldate Garden in Bronx, New York, and is a The Country Place Era," a symposium to trustee ofthe Metropolitan Museum of be sponsored by AHS from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Name Modern Art in New York City. She is March 15 at PaineWebber, 1285 Avenue of also a member of the board of the the Americas in New York City. For more in­ Address Americas Society. formation about the event, which will also Clty/StatelZlp Billie Trump is vice president of the feature the work of Charles PiaU, AnneUe Alexandria (Virginia) Council of Garden Hoyt Flanders, Marian Coffin, and Florence Signature Date Clubs and a member of the River Farm Bell Robinson, call AHS at (800) 777-7931.

16 • American Horticulturist· March 1991 Members' Forum

Bonnie's Apple Seed Fluoride and chloride are similar salts. They inhibit plant growth if their Like the 'Ginger Gold' apple in your concentrations are too high. They don't November News Edition, the J . W. Jung disappear on standing. Salt must be Seed Company's new baking apple, removed from water to reduce its 'Bonni-Best', seems to be a chance seed­ concentration to acceptable levels. The ling discovered by happy circumstance. fancy term for this is desalination. Years ago, when Earl and Bonnie Usually, this is done by distilling the Keehn moved to their farm near water or passing it through a deionizing Cooksville, Wisconsin, Earl cleared out cartridge. Perhaps there are other an abandoned orchard to make a absorbents for fluoride ion, but I don't pasture for his dairy cows. One tree know of them. survived on a fenceline despite being Alan N. Syverud, Ph.D. grazed down each year by the cows. Midland, Michigan After Earl quit the dairy business, he noticed the tree as he took down the Bonnie Keehn and her namesake. There seems to be little if any solid fence to expand his corn field, and was evidence that letting water stand reduces intrigued by the large size of its apples. The exact origin of the tree may always the effect offluoride in tap water, so we fall He carefully pruned the branches each be a mystery. According to Klingbeil, the back on the alternate suggestions in that year until it became a full-sized tree, Wisconsin State Horticultural Society column, to use distilled or deionized water. and Bonnie Keehn began to use the had a number of test in the apples for baking, partly, she admits, southern part of the state in the 1890s or Back Issues because their large size meant she had so. But he and I agree that this may well to peel so few of them to make a pie. have been an accident of nature, with a I have a number of old issues of your Bonnie is not a casual baker: she's seed brought from somewhere by a bird, magazine that I would like to offer to been known to make 100 pies in a week. or perhaps some cross-pollination your members or collectors. Would you She noticed that compliments increased courtesy of a wayward bee. please mail to me a list of collectors or when she started using this new, wild Your January issue listed many interested members? apple, and that people would sometimes interesting ornamentals and vegetables Rod Barrette stop by to get some apples for themselves. being offered through catalogs this San Diego, California One day about three years ago, the winter. While our own lists other new Keehns decided that since the old tree fruit trees and other plants, the From time to time we hear from members wasn't going to last forever, it would be 'Bonni-Best'is special in representing who have back issues to share. We have no a good idea to preserve these apples two "ordinary" people who delighted in room to store them here at River Farm, both for themselves and other apple having found a treasure and who had but we would be willing to keep records of aficionados. On their next visit to our the kindness to share it with fellow what members have and what other mem­ garden center here, they told me about gardeners everywhere. bers are seeking and put them in touch the tree. Now and then, people come in DickZondag with each other. Mr. Barrette has single asking for help in saving a special tree, Randolph, Wisconsin issues dating back to 1932 and multiple for sentimental reasons, or simply issues from many years from 1959 to because they like the variety and don't Fluoride Advice 1982. If you need to fill out a collection, know if it can be replaced, and we offer write to us and we'll forward the request. to save the tree from extinction by The advice in your November "Gardeners' dQing a graft onto one of our trees. Q&A," that the damage to plants from Bonnie mentioned that it made a fluoridated water can be reduced by letting good apple pie, so I jokingly said she the water stand a few days, conflicts with Corrections should bring me one. That fall she did, what I know as a professional chemist. along with some ofthe apples. The pie This works for chlorine in tap water, The 'Honeybunch' squash mentioned was great. So I called George Klingbeil, because elemental chlorine can disappear in our January issue as a new offering a professor emeritus from the University by reacting with water and its organic from Shepherd's Garden Seeds did of Wisconsin Horticulture Department, content, or by evaporation if water has not appear in their catalog, a spokes­ to get his opinion. After tracking it for free contact with a large amount of air. woman said, because variety trials, a year, Klingbeil determined that the The assumption that fluoride which were not finalized when their tree was everything the Keehns claimed. degrades into a more passive form in news release was sent out, revealed The apple is good to eat, but not like time is faulty reasoning, apparently that the squash was not up to their most of the newer dessert-type apples confusing fluoride with fluorine. standards in either seed or flavor. introduced in recent years. It has a Fluoride ion is the passive form of In our contributions report in the fairly coarse flesh and tough skin, and fluorine, just as chloride ion is the November issue, the name of Robert really makes an excellent cooking passive form of chlorine. Elemental Lindsay should have appeared under apple. It seems relatively resistant to chlorine degrades to chloride ion in tap "General Gifts," and that of Ann disease and insects, and it keeps very water. But it is fluoride ion, not elemen­ Cramrnond under ''Tour Participants." well through the winter. tal fluorine, that is added to tap water.

American Horticulturist • March 1991 • 17 Gardeners' Bookshelf

Schneck also includes brief but The Experience of Place illuminating text on butterfly biology, basic butterfly garden principles, and Tony Hiss. Alfred A. Knopf, Inc., New a list of 74 commonly available York, 1990.233 pages. Black-and-white "plants for Butterflies." photographs and drawings. Publisher's is a wonderful price: hardcover, $19.95. AHS member collection of essays and stunning price: $16.95. photography. Conservationists and lepidopterists such as Dave Winter This is not a gardening book nor even a and Miriam Rothschild provide book about landscaping in the usual insights into butterfly behavior, sense. It will speak to those who came physiology, and life cycles. Other chap­ to gardening through a love of the out­ ters cover photographing butterflies, doors and the lifting of the spirit that design and main.tenance of a butterfly only an expanse of green can provide. garden, and incorporation of native Tony Hiss attempts to explain that wildflowers. The garden design euphoria, and proposes some means of diagrams should be especially useful. preserving the spaces where it occurs. Plant lists accompany the designs and Hiss is at his best when he takes the are also found in the appendices, along reader to these special places. Not all with a butterfly list (including larval are green: in Grand Central Terminal, food plants), and source information. we gain an appreciation of how its Both books serve as excellent design can create a sense of confidence introductions to the world of and cooperation among travelers. We ~~~"'--""-'-""-"--~"""'--'-"~"""'-'-~-'-"--'-" Lepidoptera, with Schneck's work of stroll Frederick Law Olmsted and most importance as a handy butterfly Calvert Vaux's Prospect Park in New Butterflies: How to Identify and "finder," and the XerceslSmithsonian book York City, gasping as we first glimpse Attract Them to Your Garden providing an in-depth look into the lives of its Long Meadow through the Endale butterflies and butterfly gardens. Arch. In Times Square, we see how Marcus Schneck. Rodale Press, Emmaus, -Joseph M. Keyser proposed skyscrapers will diminish its Pennsylvania, 1990. 160 pages. Color sun, sky, and spaciousness. photographs and illustrations. Publisher's But the human psyche needs not only price: hardcover, $24.95. AHS member Joseph M Keyser is AHS director of natural landscapes and cities, but also price: $21.20. progmms. Additional information on public working landscapes, or farmlands. It is butterfly gardens, a bibliogmphy on butter­ the latter that seem most endangered: Butterfly Gardening fly gardening, a comprehensive plant list, their sweeping and peaceful vistas are and other facts and sources, is available considered too common to be preserved Xerces Society / Smithsonian Institution. from the AHS Gardeners'Information Ser­ by law, as are mountains or forests. They Sierra Club Books, San Francisco, 1990. vice for $2.50 postpaid. Order GIS Bulletin harbor little wildlife to be protected, and 192 pages. Color photographs. Publish­ 310, Butterfly Gardens and Gardening. are perfect for developers in being cheap, er's price: soficover, $18.95. AHS member flat, and well-draining. price: $16.00. A hopeful note comes from Massachu­ setts. Its Department of Environmental The renewed interest in butterflies Management has developed a Landscape among American gardeners is seen by BUlTERFLY Inventory, identifying rural landscapes many as reflecting an appreciation of the deemed "distinctive" or "noteworthy," interconnectedness of plant and animal GARDENING and researchers at the University of life and an awareness ofthe negative Massachusetts have produced a Design biological impact of land development Manual in which homes are clustered and horticultural chemicals. in a way that leaves vast areas open Among new books on the topic, and unspoiled. The book contains only Butterflies: How to Identify and Attract a few photos and drawings, but the Them to Your Garden by naturalist "triptych" of before and after drawings Marcus Schneck is a colorful guide to from the manual is dramatic. 250 of the most common butterflies in Hiss devotes too little space to some North America. topics and too much to others- I wish The "Butterfly Directory," the major he had expanded his scope beyond the portion of the book, provides several East Coast and New York. But those illustrations for each specimen, along CREATING who react to our changing landscape with valuable information on geographic SUMMER MAGIC with a gnawing sense of unease and range, habitat, flight periods, host plants alarm will gain a better sense of why, (larval food sources), and nectar sources IN YOUR GARDEN and perhaps, what can be done about it. -all useful for choosing plantings. By Xerces Society/Smithsonian Institution - Kathleen Fisher

18 • American Horticulturist • March 1991 Nothing brightens a dreary The last section describes 13 tender winter day like a pot of flowering bulbs and tubers, which are subtropical narcissus bulbs or some brilliant in origin and intolerant of frost. Here red tulips sitting on a windowsill. you'll fmd such exotic beauties as lily-of­ Forcing bulbs is an easy way to the-Nile (Agapanthus), Clivia, Rhodo­ extend the gardening season and hypoxis baurii, and gloxinia (Sinningia). to bring the pleasures of a spring The many photographs include garden into the house long before beautiful close-ups of flowers along the fIrst robin arrives. Since the with shots of rooms decorated with procedure is relatively simple and pots of flowering bulbs in a variety of can be accomplished with readily containers. An appendix lists sources available materials, growing for bulbs and planters. bulbs in containers may be Forcing bulbs is an easy way to especially intriguing to the introduce the pleasures of gardening to apartment dweller or others a beginner. A copy of Paradise without gardening space. Contained wrapped with a selection of Paradise Contained is filled bulbs and an interesting container with useful information and would make a wonderful gift and may helpful hints for the indoor bulb start a lifetime of gardening enjoyment. enthusiast. The fIrst section -Mary Beth Wiesner provides basics on bulb types, stor­ ing, container selection, planting media, forcing, and potting. The second section is on hardy bulbs­ Book Order those that grow outdoors in areas of Form Paradise Contained freezing or near-freezing tempera­ tures. It contains details on how to force 10 different bulbs from glory-of­ Please send me these bo«;lks William Stites, Kathryn George, and at the special ADS member prices. Mary Sears. Doubleday, New York, the-snow (Chionodoxa), lily-of-the­ 1990. 96 pages. Color photographs. valley, and scilla to those more commonly Q THE EXPERIENCE Publisher's price: hardcover, $19.95. used for forcing, such as hyacinth, tulip, OFPLACE ...... •... $16~5 AHS member price: $16.95. and daffodil. ~lQ9

Red Oaks & Black Birches House Plants Rebecca Rupp. Storey Communications, Inc., Pownal, Vermont, 1990. 276 pages. o REDOAKS Edited by John Brookes. Reader's Publisher's price: softcover, $10.95. & BUCK BmCHE.S ... ' ~1!:1~ . Digest Association, Inc., Pleasantville, AHS member price: $9.30. New York, 1990. 240 pages. Color and o HOUSE PLANTS .. f •• • $12.7Q black-and-white photographs and I grew up in a back yard filled with RAN 127 illustrations. Publisher's price: softcover, trees. Among them: a tree that bore $14.95. AHS member price: $12.70. r would like to arae~ ~ fruit northern Europeans once thought baolis. would cause pregnancy; one suggested The RD Home Handbooks series is by medieval magicians as just the designed for busy people and thing for "skewering the hearts of includes easy-ta-read text without vampires"; and one found in ancient technical language. Experienced and considered by gardeners may find the book too George Washington to be "a clever kind simplified but for new gardeners, of tree." Stumped? You won't be after House Plants will be a good reading Red Oaks & Black Birches, introduction to indoor gardening. Rebecca Rupp's look at the fascinating The book contains tips on how to world of trees. In lively prose, Rupp Exp. Date ___ choose house plants, cacti, relates the history, science, and folklore succulents, and bulbs for the of 20 common trees. You'll get a Mct# ~~_~_~~~~_~~ home. A color photograph of each refresher on why leaves change color in plant is included along with a .the fall, and learn which trees generate Signatiire ~~=-,"","",~,"","-~_~ __ description and brief notes on the most heat when burned in your climate, size, feeding, and potting. fIreplace, how to make acorn coffee and . Ship to __-"-"" ~~~~_~--- Plant care symbols will allow pickled walnuts, and the best trees in readers to quickly determine each St.e et~"'--"~~;--""""~~ ___~ which to build tree houses. In addition City ~~_~_~~~~ ____ plant's needs for temperature, light, to oaks and birches you discover some State ~ __,--"-~ ____Zip __ humidity, water, and ease of care. surprising things about sycamores, Photographs and line drawings poplars, redwoods, walnuts, elms, and D~ytime phone number______clearly iIIustfate techniques-plant­ beeches. And the trees in your own ing containers, training climbing back yard will cease to be ordinary MAIL TO: AHS Books, 7931 East plants, pruning, propagation, apples, sugar maples, and weeping repotting, and more. -M. B. W. Boulevard Drive, Alexandria, VA willows. -M. B. W 22308.

American Horticulturist · March 1991 ... 19 Gardeners' Dateline

Mid-Atlantic Freimann Botanical Conservatory, Fort Haverford College, Haverford, Wayne, Indiana. Infonnation: Foel­ Pennsylvania. Co-sponsored by the • Mar. 16-17. Gala Herb Weekend. linger-Freimann Botanical Conser­ Arboretum of the Barnes Foundation. Apr. 6-7. Water Lily Weekend. David­ vatory, 1100 South Calhoun St., Fort Infonnation: Arboretum Office, sonville, Maryland. Exhibits, discus­ Wayne, IN 46802, (219) 427-1267. Haverford College, 370 Lancaster Ave. , sions, slides. Infonnation: Bittersweet Haverford, PA 19041, (215) 896-1101. Hill Nurseries, Rt. 424 & Governor's • Mar. 21. Designing and Raising Bridge Rd., Davidsonville, MD 21035, an Herb Garden. Plimoth Plantation, • Apr. 26-May 12. The 13th Annual (301) 798-0231. Plymouth, Massachusetts. Information: Philadelphia Open House. House and (508) 746-1622. Garden Tours. Coordinated by the • Apr. 20. The 63rd Annual George­ Friends ofIndependence National His­ town Garden Tour. Washington, DC. • Apr. 11-14. Ann Arbor Flower torical Park. Information: Philadelphia Benefit for the Georgetown Children's and Garden Show. Yost Ice Arena, Open House, 313 Walnut St., Philadel­ House. Infonnation: (202) 342-0417 or University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, phia, PA 19106, (215) 928-1188. (202) 333-4953. Michigan. Produced by the University's Matthaei Botanical Gardens. Infonna­ Northwest • Apr. 20-28. The 58th Historic tion: Judith Corkran Katch or Karen Garden Week in VIl'ginia. Infonnation: Fine, University of Michigan's • Mar. I-May 31 (Saturday through The Garden Club of Virginia, 12 East Matthaei Botanical Gardens, 1800 Wednesday). Spring VISitor Blooming Franklin St., Richmond, VA 23219, North Dixboro Rd., Ann Arbor, MI Season. The Rhododendron Species (804) 644-7776 or (804) 643-7141. 48105-9741, (313) 998-7343. Foundation, Weyerhaeuser Corporate Headquarters, Federal Way, Washington. • Apr. 26-28. Spring Bonsai • Apr. 26-28. Second Annual Infonnation: The Rhododendron Species Show. U.S. National Arboretum, 3501 Cincinnati Flower and Garden Foundation, P.O. Box 3798, Federal Way, New York Ave. N.E., Washington, DC. Show. Cincinnati's Ault Park, Ohio. WA 98063, (206) 661-9377. Sponsored by the Potomac Bonsai Infonnation: Mary Margaret Rochford, Association. Infonnation: Tony Meyer, Greater Cincinnati Flower and Garden South Central (301) 654-1854. Show Society, 1117 Pendleton St., Cincinnati, OH 45210; (513) 579-0259. • Mar. 23-Apr. 28. W:aJ.df1ower Fields • Apr. 27. Seventh Annual Herbs on Tour. Presented by Wild seed Fanns, Galore Sale and Seminars. Maymont Northeast Eagle Lake, Texas. Information: Foundation, Richmond, Virginia. Wildseed, Inc., P.O. Box 308, Eagle Information: Maymont Foundation, • Mar. 8-10. Fourth Annual Capital Lake, TX 77434, (409) 234-7353, or 1700 Hampton St., Richmond, VA District Garden and Flower Show. Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 216, 23220, (804) 358-7166. Presented by Wildwood Programs, New Eagle Lake, TX 77434, (409) 234-2780. York Association for the Learning North Central Disabled, Capital District Chapter. • Apr. 20-21. Wildflower Days Knickerbocker Arena, 51 South Pearl Festival. National Wildflower • Mar. 3-5. Spring Garden Preview Street, Albany, New York. Infonnation: Research Center, 2600 FM 973 North, "This Land Is Your Land-A Salute to (518) 783-3421. Austin, Texas. Infonnation: (512) Great American Landscapes." Fisher 929-3600. Auditorium, Wooster, Ohio. Produced • Mar. 8-17. The 1991 New York by the Ohio State University Agricul­ Flower Show. Pier 92, 51st Street and Southeast tural Technical Institute. Infonnation: the Hudson River, New York. Informa­ Dr. Gary Anderson or Brenda Linnick, tion: The Horticultural Society of New • Mar. 22-24. The 36th Annual (216) 264-3911. York, 128 West 58th St., New York, NY Spring Orchid Show: Oriental 10019, (212) 757-0915. Splendor. Winter Park Mall, Orlando • Mar. 9, 23-Apr. 13, 20. Garden Avenue, Winter Park, Florida. Design and Plant Culture Symposia. • Mar. 10-17. Philadelphia Flower Infonnation: (407) 876-2625. Columbus, Ohio; Indianapolis, Indiana; Show. Philadelphia Civic Center. Infor­ Kansas City, Missouri; and Milwaukee, mation: Pennsylvania Horticultural • Mar. 26-27. Seventh Annual Wisconsin. Infonnation: Horticultural Society, 325 Walnut St., Philadelphia, PA Davidson Horticultural Symposium: Consultants, 111A North Kirkwood Rd., 19106-2777. Hand in Hand with Nature. Davidson, Saint Louis, MO 63122, (314) 821-5138 or North Carolina. Sponsored by the David­ (800) 347-6565. • Mar. 12. Lecture: Help for the son Garden Club. Information: Polly Home Gardener. Mar. 19. Lecture: Brockway, P.O. Box 1145, Davidson, NC • Mar. 13-17. Spring Flower Fest. Roses: Best of the Old and New. Wil­ 28036, or call Nan Hubbard (704) 892- Olbrich Botanical Gardens, Madison, mington Garden Center, Wilmington, 5266 or Anne White (704) 892-8674. Wisconsin. Infonnation: (608) 246-4551. Delaware. Infonnation: (302) 658-1913. • Apr. 27-28. Plant and Herb Sale. • Mar. 16-Apr. 21. "Holland's • Mar. 28. Symposium: American Raleigh, North Carolina. Infonnation: Glory" Spring Bulb Show. Foellinger- Residential Garden Design. Capital Area Preservation, Inc.,

20 • American Horticulturist • March 1991 Mordecai Historic Park, 1 Mimosa St., Raleigh, NC 27604 . Spring Events at River Farm .. May 4·7. The 12th Menninger Sunbelt Tree Conference. Spring is a great time to visit River Traditions," a two·day flower Cooperative Extension Office, West Farm. From late March through April arrangiAg course sponsored by the · Palm Beach, Florida. Information: daffodils, crocuses, sAowdrops, International Design Symposium and MSTC, P.O. Box 6524, Clearwater, FL lilacs, and irises will be putting on a AHS. KeAn StepheAs of IDS will 34618, (813) 446-3356. show in the formal ga ~dens and present "Flower Arrangements and a along the newly cleared river bank. New Renaissance" on March 19 and .. May 11·12. Eighth Annual We've also lined up some special "Designs that Speak of Form and Gardens for Connoisseurs Tour. events for those months. Texture" on March 20. Each 10 a.m. Atlanta, Georgia. Hosted by the .. March 1·15. "Watercolors of to 4 p.m. session is $75 and includes Atlanta Botanical Garden. Hawaii," an art exhibit by Lassie supplies and lunch. Call AHS for more Information: (404) 876-5859. Corbett, open Monday through information and registration. Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free. .. March 24. An opening reception .. March 2 and April 6. A back yard for the Springfield Art Guild Spring Southwest composting class will be held at 10 Show from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. The juried .. Mar. 18·30. Seminar and a.m. each day. Each will include a show runs until the end of April . Workshop: Remote Sensing for Water tour of the National Backyard Exhibit hours are Monday through Resources Management. Denver, Compost Demonstration Park at Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free. Colorado. Information: American Water River Farm. Free. .. April 20. Alexandria Council of Foundation, 1616 17th St., Suite 376, .. March 16. The AHS lecture Garden Clubs annual plant sale. Denver, CO 80202, (303) 628-5516. series begins with "The Philosophy 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free. and Artistic Background of Chinese .. April 25 and 26. Holly and Ivy .. Apr. 6·7. African Violet Flower Gardens," by Louise Barnett, an Craft Guild Spring Show. 10 a.m. to 4 Show and Sale. Albuquerque Garden AHS member who has travelled p.m. Admission is $1.50. Center, 10120 Lomas N.E., Albuquerque, frequently in China. The program For more information write or call New Mexico. Sponsored by the begins at 2 p.m. Tickets are $5. Call the American Horticultural SOCiety, Albuquerque African Violet Society. AHS for reservations. 7931 East Boulevard Drive, Information: Lynda McBride, (505) .. March 19 and 20. "The Alexandria, VA 22308, (703) 768·5700 296-6020 . Renaissance-Heir to Many Flower or (800) 7n·7931.

.. Apr. 20·21. and Succulent Show and Sale. Albuquerque Garden Center, 10120 Lomas N.E., Albuquerque, New Mexico. Sponsored by the Cactus and Succulent Society. Information: Lynda McBride, (505) 296-6020.

West Coast .. Mar. 2·17. Tulipmania. Pier 39, San Francisco, California. Information: (415) 981-8030 .

.. Mar. 7. Lecture: Flower Arranging. Presented by John S. Furman. The Huntington, San Marino, California. Information: (818) 405-2141.

.. Mar. 9. Conference: Botanical and Natural History lliustration. The Huntington, San Marino, California. Information: (213) 251-0550. PORTABLE ELECTRIC .. Mar. 30·31. Early Iris Show. Los POWER SPRA YER Angeles State and County Arboretum, Arcadia, California. Sponsored by the Southern California Iris Society. Information: (818) 821-3222 .

.. Apr. 17·21. Sixth San Francisco Landscape Garden Show. Fort Mason Center, San Francisco, California. Sponsored by the Friends DEPT. AH, P.O. BOX 1960, MANITOWOC, WI 54221, U.S.A. of Recreation and Parks. Information: (414) 684·0227 FAX (414) 684·4499 (415) 221-1310.

American Horticulturist· March 1991 • 21 Classifieds

PETER PAULS NURSERIES, Canandaigua, Classified Ad Rates: $1 per word; FREE GARDEN CATALOG-4,000 Items, NY 14424. minimum $20 per insertion. 10 percent Seeds, Plants, Trees, Supplies, , discount for three consecutive ads CHESTNUTS AND PERSIMMONS Beneficial Insects. MELLINGER'S, Dept. using same copy, provided each CHESTNUTS AND PERSIMMONS. Blight­ 320F, Range Rd., North Lima, OH 44452- insertion meets the $20 minimum after Resistant Dunstan Hybrid Chestnuts, New 9731. taking discount. Copy must be received Oriental Persimmons. CHESTNUT HILL GROUND COVERS on the 20th day of the month three NURSERY, Rt. 1, Box 341AH, Alachua, FL QUALITY GROUND COVERS AND PEREN­ months prior to publication date. Send 32615. NIALS. Aegopodium, European Ginger, Ivies, orders to: American Horticultural DWARF CONIFERS AND LAURELS Lamiums, Hardy Cactus, Plumbago, Sweet Society Advertising Department, 7931 DWARF CONIFERS: Send for our 50-page Woodruff, Sedums, Vincas. Over 100 varieties. East Boulevard Drive, Alexandria, VA GILSON GARDENS, INC. , Dept. H, P.O. Box 22308, or call (703) 768-5700 or (800) Catalog No.8 ($2, refundable on first order) describing over 200 types of dwarf conifers and 277, Perry, OH 44081. 777-7931. hybrid kalmias by size, shape, color, and tex­ HELP WANTED ture. Available via UPS in 1, 2, and 3 gal. AFRICAN VIOLETS We at the American Horticultural Society are container sizes. WASHINGTON EVER­ America's Finest-l77 best violets and ges­ often asked to refer individuals for significant GREEN NURSERY, P.O. Box 388AH, horticultural positions around the country. We neriads. Color Catalog and Growing "Tips" 50 Leicester, NC 28748. cents. FISCHER GREENHOUSES, Box H, are not in a position to offer full placement Linwood, NJ 08221. GARDEN TOURS services to candidates or employers. However, as a service to our members, both individuals THE AVANT GARDENER Tailor-made garden tours of West Country English gardens for small parties. Visits to and employers alike, we would be very glad to DIFFERENT, EXCITING, GREAT FUN TO both historic and private gardens and homes receive resumes and cover letters of in­ READ! Subscribe to the unique news service personally organized and guided by Sarah dividuals seeking job changes and employers that brings you the most useful information on Hollis, author of The Shell Guide to Gardens seeking candidates. All responsibility for new plants, products, techniques-with of England and Wales. ASH RIDGE HOUSE, checking references and determining the ap­ sources. 23rd year. Curious? Sample copy $1. Tigley Cross, NR. Totnes, S. Devon, TQ9 6EW, propriateness of both position and candidate Serious? $12 full year (reg. $18). THE AVANT ENGLAND. rests with the individuals. AHS's participation GARDENER, P.O. Box 489M, New York, NY in this activity is only to serve as a connecting 10028. GARDENING SUPPLIES point for members ofthe Society. Inquiries and BONSAI GOATSKIN GLOVES. Tough, lightweight, informational materials should be sent to: napa goatskin stretches and becomes form-fit­ Horticultural Employment, American Hor­ Bonsai Plants, Pots, Tools, Books, Supplies. ting, giving wearer ultimate in fit, grip, dex­ ticultural Society, 7931 East Boulevard Dr., Catalog $1. BONSAI FARM, Box 130AH, terity. Natural lanolin in leather keeps hands Alexandria, VA 22308. Lavernia, TX 78121. soft. Sizes 7-10 or send outline of hand . $11.50 HERBS BOOKS postpaid. PUTNAM'S, Box 295-AH, Wilton, NH 03086. GALA HERB WEEKEND March 16-17. 1985 Edition EXOTICA4, with 16,300 photos, WATER LILY WEEKEND April 6-7. Exhibits, 405 in color. 2,600 pages in 2 volumes, with Discussions, Slides, Door Prizes, and Refresh- Addenda of 1,000 updates by Dr. A.B. Graf, $187. TROPICA 3, revised 1986, 7,000 color photos, now 1,156 pages, $125. Exotic House Plants, 1,200 photos, $8.95. Shipping addi­ AHS MEMBERSHIP SERVICES tional. Circulars gladly sent. ROEHRS COM­ PANY, Box 125, E. Rutherford, NJ 07073. CAROL DIDRICK'S LITTLE RED BOOK ON Your satisfaction with our member service is very important to us. If you have a question or problem concerning your OLD GARDEN ROSES. Where to get them and membership, please contact the Membership Department for assistance. where to plant them. An introduction to OLD You can help by giving complete information when you call or write. Please refer to the five-digit number that is on the GARDEN ROSES. Each book signed and num­ mailing label on your magazine or News Edition. The number helps us to quickly identify your membership record for bered. Send $14.95 postpaid. CAROLDIDRICK, corrections. 1535 Willard Dr., Orrville, OH 44667. *Please add $2 for out-of-country mailing. CHANGING YOUR ADDRESS? Books Available Horticulture, Botany, Please allow 6-8 weeks advance notice. Attach a current mailing label in the space provided (or write in your old Landscaping, Flowers, Fruits, Herbs, Rural address) then fill in your new address on the lines below. Matters, published 1550-1990. Catalog free. POMONA, Rockton, Ontario, Canada LOR OLD ADDRESS: MEMBER # lXO . NAME BULBS ADDRESS Dutch bulbs for fall planting. 12 CM Tulips, CITY/STATE/ZIP ______DNI Daffodils, Hyacinths and Miscellaneous. Catalog Free. Paula Parker DBA, Mary Mat­ NEW ADDRESS: tison van Schaik. IMPORTED DUTCH NAME BULBS, P.O. Box 32AH, Cavendish, VT ADDRESS 05142. CITY/STATE/ZIP ______CARNIVOROUS PLANTS Carnivorous (Insectivorous) Plants, seeds, Mail to: Membership Services, AHS, 7931 East Boulevard Drive, Alexandria, VA 22308. supplies, and books. Color brochure free.

22 • American Horticulturist • March 1991 ments. Held in our WARM GREENHOUSES, Best Cultivars"! FREE descriptive catalog. SOFTWARE, AHS, 432 Bigelow Hollow, RAIN OR SHINE 9 a .m-5 p.m. BIT­ YORK HILL FARM, 271 North Haverhill Rd., Eastford, CT 06242. & Kensington, NH 03833. TERSWEET HILL NURSERIES, Rt. 424 WATER LILIES Governor's Bridge Rd., Davidsonville, MD ROSES 21035. (301) 798-0231. Learn from the professionals how to put HORTICO ROSES: The following are just a beautiful and fragrant Water Lilies in your HOSTAS few from our wide selection of excellent, garden. Send $2.50 for a complete Water Gar­ CHOICE SELECTION. Catalog $2. Canadian-grown roses and are available until den color catalog from America's Oldest Water SAVORY'S GARDENS, INC. Hybridizers and May 15: Hybrid Teas: Alec's Red, Ave Maria, Garden Specialist Est. 1895. We have the Growers. 5300 Whiting Ave ., Edina, MN Berolina, Blue River, Bride's Dream, largest selection of Water Lilies in America. 55439. (612) 941-8755. Canadian White Star, Cpt. Harry Stebbings, WILLIAM TRICKER, INC., Dept. AH, 7125 Champion, Double Delight, Duet, Dutch Gold, HOUSE PLANTS Tanglewood Dr., Independence, OH 44131. Eiffel Tower, Elizabeth Taylor, Folklore, (216) 524-3491. ORCHIDS, GESNERIADS, BEGONIAS, Fragrant Charm, Jadis, Lemon Sherbet, CACTI & SUCCULENTS. Visitors welcome. Lover's Meeting, Maid of Honour, Nightin­ WILDFLOWERS 1990-1991 catalog $2. LAURAY OF SALIS­ gale, Elina (Peaudouce), Old Castle, Pink Par­ hardy, easy, reliable, showy BURY, 432 Undermountain Rd., Salisbury, CT fait, Precious Platinum, Rebecca Claire, from our nursery to your garden. 06068. (203) 435-2263. Rubaiyat, Silver Jubilee, Stephanie Diane, Send $2.00 for 40 "age descrip'tive catalogue or SASE for list of WIldflowers, MINIATURE ROSES Stokes, Sunsation (Veldfrre), Ten Ten CFRB, hardy ferns, perennials. Wimi, World Rose; Floribundas: Annisley SUNLIGHT GARDENS Award-winning varieties from America's top Dickson, Brown Velvet, Escapade, Evelyn Rt. 1 Box 600-AH10 miniature rose breeder and grower. Over 75 Fison, Iceberg (FL + CL), Margaret Merrill, Andersonville. TN 37705 varieties for garden or container growing. Waiheke, The Fairy; Antique Shrub Roses (70 Send for FREE color catalog: NOR'EAST varieties) including: Shalome, Stadt Rosen­ MINIATURE ROSES, INC., Box 307AC, heim, Surf Rider, Celestial, Felicite et Par­ Rowley, MA 01969. Miniature roses are our mentier, Maiden's Blush, Queen of Denmark, only business and we do it right! Coup d'Hebe, La Reine Victoria, Bourbon NURSERY STOCK Queen, Petite de Hollande, Robert Ie Diable, ~JtUhf~ Dam. Versicolour (York & Lancaster), Car­ MILLIONS OF SEEDLINGS: High Quality, dinal de Richelieu, Gallica complicata, Gallica TREES • SHRUBS • PERENNIALS Reasonable Prices. Over 100 Selections for officionalis, Rosa Mundi, White Bath, William Christmas Trees, Ornamentals, Windbreaks, Lobb, Penelope, Om. pteracantha, Paul Noel, Timber, Soil Conservation, Wildlife Cover. Pink Bells, Red Max Graf, Sea Foam, Rosa Free Catalog. CARINO NURSERIES, Box repens alba and repens rosea, Conrad F. 2951 Curve-Nankipoo Road 538, Dept. J., Indiana, PA 15701. Meyer, Rug. Flamingo, Mrs. Anthony Waterer, Route #3, Box #158-A HARDY KIWIS, PAW PAWS, PERSIMMONS, Scabrosa, Snowdwarf; as well as a wide assort­ Ripley, Tennessee 38063-9420 PASSIONFLOWERS, CHESTNUTS and ment of other excellent shrub roses such as: other rare and unique plants. Curl-resistant Alfred Colomb, A. MacKenzie, Cardinal Catalog $2.00 peach, dwarf antique apples, books, tools and Hume, Cornelia, Dornroschen, Duchess of more: Free catalog. NORTHWOODS NURS­ Portland, Elveshorn, Excelsa (Red Dorothy ERY, Box AH3, Cramer Rd., Molalla, OR Perkins), Ferdinand Pichard, Fred Loads, 97038. (503) 651-3737. Golden Wings, Karl Foerster, Nevada, Paul de Fontaine, Reine Des Violettes, Rheinaupark, ORCHID SUPPLY Robusta, St. Alban's Gem, Sally Holmes; 25 HERBS User Friendly! Teas orchid and exotic plant varieties of English Garden Roses, inel uding: supply catalog. Send $2 to TEAS NURSERY Charmian, Chianti, Claire Rose, Cymbaline, COMPANY, INC., P.O. Box 1603, Bellaire, TX Graham Thomas, Immortal Juno, Lucetta, 8r 77402-1603. Or call (800) 446-7723 M - F 9 Shropshire Lass, Sir Clough (pink), The Miller a.m. to 6 p.m. (pink), The Reeve (pink), Wenloch (red), PERENNIALS Windrush; super hardy roses, including the PEONIES Canadian Explorer* roses: *William Baffin, OVER 300 VARIETIES Also DAYLILIES, JAPANESE and Celsiana, Harrison's Yellow, Persian Yellow, SIBERIAN IRIS, HOSTA. 1991 catalog ready Rugosa alba, Rugosa rubra, Dart's Dash, Rosa Our catalog is packed full of in February-$l (deductible). CAPRICE rubrifolia (glauca), Adelaide Hoodless, *A. cultural information, NURSERY AH, 15425 S.w. 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RARE FRUIT NURSERY, 1065-A Messinger, Grants Pass, OR 97527. Free catalog: unusual seed varieties. Giant (503) 846-7578. Belgium, evergreen, pineapple tomatoes, and more. We make gardening fun. GLECKLER Trees, shrubs, perennials. Container grown, SEEDMEN, Metamora, OH 43540. outdoors. Catalog $2. OWEN FARMS, Rt. 3, Box 158-AAH, Ripley, TN 38063-9420. SOFTWARE DISTINCTIVE PERENNIALS & OLD TIE A STRING AROUND YOUR GREEN THUMB with the Perpetual Garden Journal ROSES-Specializing in uncommon Japanese Rl 1 BOX 78, ARRINGTON, TN. 37014 and Siberian Irises, Liliums, New Hostas, and Reminder System. IBM Compatible. Daylilies, and Old Garden Roses. Simply "The $29.95 . Free brochure. DOUBLE-PAWED (615) 395-4688

American Horticulturist • March 1991 • 23 New Zone Map Developed at Rutgers

A meteorologist and a former student maps put northern New Jersey and all Shulman said, he has received about at Rutgers University's Cook College of northern Oklahoma in Zone 6. But 80 requests for reprints. have produced a new plant hardiness while New Jersey receives an average map that they believe is far superior to of 45 inches of precipitation a year, those now in use by gardeners. northwestern Oklahoma may receive For reprints, write Mark D. Shulman, The familiar map produced by the only 20 inches. The two areas also differ Chairman, Department of Meteorology U.S. Department of Agriculture, and in the amount of sun they receive, the and Physical Oceanography, Cook the less well-known "AA map" amount of snow cover, and the length College, P. O. Box 231, New Brunswick, developed by the Arnold Arboretum in of their frost-free periods. NJ08903. Massachusetts, both rely on an area's Shulman and DeGaetano developed extreme minimum air temperature to the map by gathering meteorological determine whether various plants are data from more than 3,000 weather likely to be hardy there. stations, and sorting them with ad­ Slow but Sure Cook meteorologist Mark D. Shulman vanced statistical techniques. The new and graduate student Arthur T. zones, said Shulman, closely follow It's not an instant miracle fertilizer, DeGaetano, now with the Institut~ of natural ecological boundaries. "You can but compost ean make a very dramatic Atmospheric Science at the South clearly see the division between the difference in plant growth. Florida Dakota School of Mines and Technology, Appalachian highlands and the prairie, researchers found that municipal spent three years developing a and between the Arctic tree line and compost dumped into a forest 19 years classification system and hardiness the tundra," for example. ago increased the diameter of slash map that takes into account such Dr. H. Marc Cathey, director of the pine seedlings by 25 percent, their dry factors as maximum and minimum air National Arboretum in Washington, weight by 70 percent, and their height temperatures, precipitation, wind D.C., and the driving force behind the by nine percent over untreated controls. speed, sunshine, relative humidity, most recent update of the USDA map, The compost used by the researchers growing season length, and elevation. said he had not seen the Rutgers map from the University of Florida's Institute The latest version of the USDA map, and so could not comment on it of Food and Agricultural Sciences released last year, divides the United specifically. "There have been a number contained paper, yard waste, and other States into 10 zones, with the Florida of other ecologically based maps biodegradable organic materials. Keys, two tiny areas in California, and developed, notably by the U.s. Forest The growth was comparable to what part of Hawaii in an 11th. The Rutgers Service," he said. "But none ofthem could be expected from petroleum-based map, which also includes Canada, has have been tied to the marketing of , and no harmful ecological 23 zones. A larger number of clusters, plants." No zone map can be of practical effects were noted. Water supplies are said the researchers, would have value to gardeners unless it corresponds about 60 feet underground at the site, resulted in a classification too detailed to the zones used by nurseries and in the Austin Cary Forest near for practical use. gardening books, and to change all Gainesville, and any metals, nitrates, "All that the new USDA map did was such references, he notes, would be a or phosphates would be absorbed by to use newer temperature data" than tremendous undertaking. plants, broken down by soil microbes, the map developed 25 years earlier, The map has not yet been made or would be chemically bound to soil said Shulman. But trees, shrubs, available in quantity. Since the study particles as they passed through the perennials, and other plants respond was published in a recent issue of heavy clay that constitutes the soil to other factors. For example, current Agricultural and Forest Meteorology, there, the researchers said.

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