A Publication of the American Horticultural Society Volume 70, Number 9 • September 1991 $1.50 News Edition Laws of the Land

e've all heard of the law of the jungle, but there are also laws of the ~~ garden. Some of them ---- Wwere passed decades ago for reasons now incomprehensible and are virtual­ ly ignored. Others are important but almost impossible to enforce. How many gendarmes are available to make sure you really use that powerful pesticide according to label directions and don't pour it down the sink when it's past its prime? How many constables walk a woodland beat where they can handcuff collectors of endangered plants? But ignorance of the law can be costly. If you double dig a new bed and hit a utility line, for instance, you may be slapped with a stiff fine. In some cases, gardeners are working to change laws. They want to establish minimeadows, so they're working to overturn ordinances that call for crew-cut lawns. They're fed up with the deforestation of our suburbs, so they're lobbying for tree protection laws. They're concerned about the overuse of pesticides so they're asking that aerial sprays be banned. They're strong backers of landfUllaws, because they know all that yard waste is worth its weight in gold for making compost. In this issue, we'll tell you about these efforts and more.

In This Issue

Gardeners and the Law . 1 Gardeners' Q&A . 14 Gardeners' Dateline 20 Pumpkin Champs 9 Members' Forum . 15 Classifieds . . . 22 Regional Notes 10 AHS Bulletin Board 16 Research Briefs 24 Making a Difference . 12 Gardeners' Bookshelf 18 Taking the Lawn American Horticultural Society In Their Own Hands

The American Horticultural Society When John and Diane Goodhart let the natural meadow. Because Montgomery seeks to promote and recognize side yard of their Rocky Mount, Virginia, County prohibited lawns higher than excellence in horticulture across home revert back to nature, they felt 12 inches, officials ordered the America. they were creating a beneficial natural . Stewarts to cut the meadow. Along area. Unfortunately their neighbors don't with Stewart McKenzie, an environ­ OFFICERS 1990-1991 agree. Where the Goodharts see beauty mental advisor to the Montgomery Mr. George C. Ball Jr., West Chicago, IL in the paradise trees, saplings, and County Council, they successfully President honeysuckle and blackberry vines, the fought the ordinance, saying that it Mrs. Helen Fulcher Walutes, Mount Vernon, VA First Vice President neighbors see a weed-choked lot-and was based on aesthetics that can't be Mr. Richard C. Angino, Harrisburg, PA they're not happy about it. In an attempt regulated and maintaining that Second Vice President at compromise, the town council asked because they didn't use pesticides, the Mr. Elvin McDonald, Brooklyn, NY the Goodharts to clear out some of the lawn was environmentally safe. Secretary weeds. The couple refused, but offered to Jim and Bobbe Baker of College Mr. Gerald T. Halpin, Alexandria, VA build a fence around the property; that Station, Texas, were found to be in Treasurer option didn't interest the town council. violation of a city ordinance forbidding BOARD OF DIRECTORS The confrontation, which began this grasses or flowers over 12 inches tall Mrs. Suzanne Bales, Bronxville, NY summer, has persuaded local officials to outside a flower bed. Their two-acre Dr. William E. Barrick, Pine Mountain, GA consider creating an anti-weed ordinance. property contained one acre of Saint Dr. Sherran Blair, Columbus, OH Environmentally concerned gar­ Augustine grass, some wooded areas, Mrs. Mary Katherine Blount, Montgomery, AL deners across the country are running and a half-acre wildflower meadow. Mrs. Sarah Boasberg, Washington, DC into similar situations when they The College Station Appearance Dr. Henry Marc Cathey, Washington, DC Mrs. Beverley White Dunn, Birmingham, AL create natural areas in their yards. Committee-which oversees the city's Mr. John Alex Floyd Jr., Birmingham, AL Prairies and meadows can cut down general appearance-spent two years Mrs. Julia Hobart, Troy, OH on yard maintenance, eliminate reviewing the Bakers' case before amend­ Mr. David M. Lilly, Saint Paul, MN chemicals, and conserve water. But ing the ordinance. The amendments say Mr. Lawrence V. Pawer, New York, NY local weed ordinances may prohibit that between March 1 and June 15, state Dr. Julia Rappaport, Santa Ana, CA homeowners from growing plants over highway rights-of-way and agricultural, Mrs. Flavia Redelmeier, Richmond Hill , ON , Canada 12 inches high or even less. Many wooded, and wildflower cultivation areas Mrs. Jane N. Scarff, New Carlisle, OH prairie wildflowers and grasses are are exempt from the existing weed Mrs. Josephine Shanks, Houston, TX well over a foot tall. ordinance, but grasses and weeds cannot Mrs. Donald B. Straus, New York, NY Weed ordinances are usually enforced reach more than 18 inches. But as the Mrs. Billie Trump, Alexandria, VA by local health departments. Their intent Bakers pointed out to Wildflower: "By Mr. Andre Viette, Fishersville, VA Ms. Katy Moss Warner, Lake Buena Vista, FL is to protect us from the adverse effect&­ June 15 the brown-eyed Susans had not primarily rodents-of unattended finished their bloom, much less produced EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR property. But most naturalistic yards are mature seeds for next year. And blazing Mr. Frank L. Robinson not uncared for. "It's not a matter of star had yet to bloom." neglect," John Goodhart told the Gillespie noted that "height restrictions AMERICAN HORTICULTURIST Associated Press. "It's a matter of put too much stress on native grasses and EDITOR: Kathleen Fisher design." He added, ''There is no compel­ give many weeds and undesirable grasses ASSISTANT EDITORS: ling reason for the town to be involved in a competitive edge . .. The Bakers' case Thomas M. Barrett, Mary Beth Wiesner the natural growth on my property helps reinforce the contention that basing EDITORIAL ASSISTANT: Martha Palermo because it doesn't threaten the health a weed ordinance on height limitations MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR : and safety of anyone." and mowing dates is inadequate and in­ Kathleen B. Amberger stead promotes undesirable vegetation." ADVERTISING: American Horticultural Until the Rocky Mount council Society Advertising Department, 2700 passes a weed ordinance, it can't Madison, Wisconsin, has taken Prosperity Avenue, Fairfax, VA 22031. Phone legally stop the Goodharts from another approach. Prior to 1979, lawns (703) 204-4636. growing "weeds" on their property. there had to be cut to eight inches or Address all editorial correspondence to: The Editor, lower. That law was amended to allow American Horticulturist American Horticultural But for other gardeners wanting Society, 7931 East Boulevard Drive, Alexandria, VA alternatives to turflawns, the only plants taller than eight inches in 22308. AMERICAN HORTICULTURIST, ISSN 0096·4417, recourse has been to challenge weed certain areas of the lawn. Residents is published by the American Horticultural Society, 793 1 East Boulevard Drive, Alexandria, VA 22308, (703) 768· ordinances in their cities or counties. who want a meadow of taller grasses 5700, and is issued six times a year as a magazine and In an article on weed ordinances in the must apply for a city permit and submit six ti mes a year as a News Edition. Th e Ameri can Horticultural Society is a nonprofit organization devoted to FallJWinter 1990 issue of Wildflower, landscape plans. Neighbors within a excellence in horticulture. Botanical nomenclature in the journal ofthe National Wildflower 200-foot radius of the property are AMERICAN HORTICULTURIST is based on HORTUS notified of the landscape plan and given THIRD. National membership dues are $35; two years are Research Center, Annie Paulson $60. Foreign dues are $45. $12 of dues are Gillespie, a resource botanist with the a chance to veto the proposal. If 51 designated for AMERICAN HORTICULTURIST. Copyright center, cited the cases oftwo couples percent or more of the responses are © 1991 by the Ameri can Horticultural Society. Second· class postage paid at Alexandria, Vi rg inia, and at addition· who challenged local weed ordinances positive, the plan is approved; if the al mailing offices. Postmaster: Please send Form 3579 to and won at least partial victories. majority are negative it is denied, but AM ERICAN HORTI CULTURIST, 7931 East Boulevard Drive, Alexandria, VA 22308. Walter and Nancy Stewart of Rock­ there is an appeal process. ville, Maryland, had turned six acres of The city of Madison has published their seven-acre property into a "An Introduction to Naturalized

2 • American Horticulturist · September 1991 Landscapes: A Guide to Madison's Natural Lawn Ordinance," which is packed with information on creating natural landscapes. The 29-page book­ let contains information on the benefits and drawbacks of a natural lawn; compares planting and maintenance costs between traditional lawns and prairies; answers questions about ro­ dents, mosquitoes, allergies, and other potential hazards that may concern neighbors; provides a step-by-step guide and examples of forms for a natural lawn permit; includes informa­ tion on planning, choosing plants from nurseries that propagate their own plants, maintenance, prairie burning, and transitions between different types oflandscapes. It also contains sample site plans, a bibliography, a list of courses, and descriptions of area parks with prairie restorations. Careful planning should help keep naturalistic gardeners out of court and Continued on page 4 A natural meadow planted in the yard of a home in Minnesota. Between a Rock and a Yard Place

When Donna and Glenn Crylen bought Then Donna Crylen decided to put For a year the gardens grew. Irises, their Burbank, illinois, home three years another "rock garden" in the parkway daylilies, hostas, mint, snapdragons, and ago they decided not to put in a front area in front of her corner lot. She called petunias were filling in the spaces. Then lawn. At the time it seemed like a good city hall for permission and was given a out ofthe blue one neighbor began idea. "I like flowers and my husband verbal okay on the condition that she complaining about the yard, setting off a hates to cut grass," Donna Crylen says. keep the plantings low. The Crylens were battle that lasted almost a year. City So they planted a variety of ground happy with the new gardens. They didn't officials said the Crylens violated a city covers, small evergreens, bushes, and use chemicals or need to water the yard­ ordinance requiring "grass or herbage" flowering plants, along with four birch plastic was laid to catch rainwater and in front yards and ordered the couple to trees, one dogwood, one maple, and three direct it toward specific plants-and move the stones in the front yard. Donna flowering plums, and covered the area without grass clippings they weren't Crylen was outraged. "I told the between them with landscaping rocks. sending yard waste to the landfill. alderman that I shouldn't have to get permission to plant on my private proper­ ty," she says. ''I had planted baby plants in the garden and asked the city to give them a chance to grow and fill in the spaces." Instead the city sued. "They should have grass and that's what they don't have," Alderman Thomas Roach told the Southtown Economist. "If they want to live in Arizona, they better move there. We don't want everybody to pick up the ball ... and start loading up their lawns with stones." The suit received much press coverage and neighbors began knocking on the Crylens' door wanting to help. "I lived here for two years and had only met my immediate neighbors. Suddenly I knew everyone in a four-block radius," Donna Crylen says. Donna Crylen circulated a petition and received over 500 signatures of support. Suddenly officials switched to complaining about the parkway area instead of the front lawn. "I told them I had received permission to plant in the parkway area. Unfortunately, I didn't have anything in writing." The front yard of Glenn and Donna Cry len's Burbank, Illinois, home. Continued on page 5

American Horticulturist · September 1991 .. 3 Sample Natural Landscape Lawns Continued from page 3 save on costly legal fees from weed Ordinance ordinance violations. Even if your county government doesn't have a An ordinance to promote the use of native vegetation, including native weed ordinance you could have an grasses, in planned landscapes and to allow the use of such plants in the experience like the Goodharts. The preservation or restoration of natural plant communities. National Wildflower Research Center recommends telling your local health Legislative Purpose officer about your landscape or even submitting a plan. If you're allowed to The use of wildflowers and other native plants in managed landscape design proceed, document your work, provid­ can be economical, low-maintenance, effective in soil and water conserva­ ing enough information to prove the tion, and may preclude the excessive use of pesticides, herbicides, and fer­ yard is tended and not neglected. tilizers. Furthermore, native vegetation and native plant communities, on a "Keep seed and plant receipts, and worldwide basis, are disappearing at an alarmingly rapid rate. The legislature record the number of hours spent work­ recognizes the desirability of permitting and encouraging the managed ing in the yard, or keep a copy of the preservation and restoration of natural plant communities in urban, subur­ bill submitted by hired professional ban, and rural areas while maintaining public health and safety. It is 110t the landscapers. Also, a checklist of plant intent of this legislation to allow vegetated areas to be unmanaged or over­ species present in the landscape would grown when such growth provides demonstrated health hazards OF prevents be helpful, especially if you are cited detection of accumulated trash and refuse that constitutes either a direct with a violation when many species are health hazard or provides a breeding ground for fauna known to create a not flowering," Gillespie wrote. safety or health hazard. The legislature recognizes that a limited number of Even before planting, gardeners species may be serious agricultural pests or may adversely affect human should obtain a noxious weed list from health or safety. In such instances, the legislature has provided a remedy by their state's department of agriculture specifically defining plants recognized ta be a threat to the agricultural and cross-check it with a list of the economy or to human health and safety. natives they want to plant. Gillespie suggests that you may even want to Natural Landscaping Defined and Protected contact a local botanist to verifY that the species in your yard are neither "Preservation" means to keep intact desirable components of the existing noxious weeds nor health hazards. vegetation at a building or construction site. If coping with weed ordinances and "Restoration" means to replant a building or oonstruction site with tracking height requirements seems vegetation native to the region, including grasses, forbs, shrubs, and trees. like more hassle than it's worth, you might consider planting a meadow Noxious Weeds Identified with shorter plants. Pat Rodgers, a landscape designer in Charlotte, North The following plant species are defined as noxious weeds: Carolina, designed a meadow with (This list should be made appropriate for the area and should be minimally plants no higher than six inches for one restrictive. The state list of noxious weeds may be helpful.) of her clients. Rodgers planted creeping A list for central Texas would include Amaranthus palmeri (Palmer buttercups, marsh pennywort, wild amaranth), A. retroflexus (pigweed), Ambrosia artemisiifolia (ragweed), blue phlox, forget-me-nots, atamasco A. psilostachya (ragweed), A. trifida (ragweed), Sonchus asper (sowthistle), lily, blue-eyed grass, snow-in-summer, and Sorghum halepense (Johnson grass). pinks, and butter-and-eggs with small bulbs-snowdrops, crocus, winter It shall be lawful to grow native plants, including ferns, grasses, forbs, aconite, grape hyacinths, and Grecian shrubs, and trees, in a managed landscape design when said plants were windflowers. The owners mow the not obtained in violation of local, state, or federal laws. No commissioner or meadow once every three to six weeks other agent of the (town, city, village, county, etc.) may undertake to damage, from late May through the middle of remove, burn, or cut vegetation on a preservation or restoration project or in August and only water during an any other landscape incorporating native plants, except those specifically extreme drought. prohibited herein, and except on order of a court of record following a hearing at which it is established (1) that noxious weeds specifically named The Guide to Madison's Natural Lawn in the weed ordinance exist in such preservation or restoration projects and Ordinance is available for $2 from the that a condition creating a clear and present hazard to public health or safety Department of Planning and Develop­ has arisen or (2) that the project is a threat to the agricultural economy. An ment, Inspection Unit, Madison action for a court order under this subsection shall be maintained as an Municipal Building, 215 Martin Luther action to enjoin a public nuisance. A court order under this subsection shall King Jr. Boulevard, Madison, WI 53710. provide that the destruction, cutting, or removal of vegetation shall be AHS's Gardeners'Information Service selective unless general cutting, destruction, or removal is necessary to publishes two resource sheets that will be eliminate the offending condition. helpful to prairie gardeners: "Nursery Sources for Propagated Native Plants" Reprinted with permission of the National Wildflower Research Center. For a and "Wildflower Meadow Gardening." fact sheet on "Recreating a Prairie, " send $2 to National Wildflower Research They are available for 50 cents each from Center, 2600 FM 973 North, Austin, TX 78704. The sheet is free to members of Gardeners'Information Service, American the wildflower center; just include your member number when ordering. Horticultural Society, 7931 East Boulevard Drive, Alexandria, VA 22308.

4. American Horticulturist· September 1991 Hugging Trees Via City Hall

On an episode ofthe 1960s television developers. This is a mistake," urban In lobbying for a tree ordinance, it series "Bewitched," Samantha Stevens foresters Phillip Rodbell and Adam helps to involve as many different (Elizabeth Montgomery) is outraged by a Kuby wrote. "You will need the develop­ interest groups as possible. Citizens in local builder's plans to remove all the ment community on your side if you Chapel Hill, North Carolina, alarmed at trees from a neighborhood park and put wish to pass and implement a strong their disappearing urban forest, prodded in a shopping center. When picketing tree-protection statute. Indeed, you city officials on the issue. The city hired a proves ineffective, Samantha twitches will find that developers if approached consultant who formed a task force of her nose and halts the bulldozers long correctly are your greatest allies. developers, utility engineers, environ­ enough for husband Darren to step in Responsible developers invest more mentalists, neighborhood presidents, and and reason with the developer. than just money in a community, and representatives of the Chamber of Magic may save television trees, but understand the value of mature trees Commerce and home builders associa­ waiting until a man with a chain saw to their final product." tions. To keep everyone talking amicably, appears under your favorite oak is not Developers and homeowners are a professional negotiator was brought in. the time to discover that your town both apt to resent what they view as It took over a year, but the group finally doesn't have a tree ordinance. government interference with private compromised on an ordinance that was Most cities have simple tree ordinan­ property. Knridenier didn't know of any passed by the town council. ces in place--Iaws that require a permit ordinances that would stop homeowners Realtors can often be called in to to plant, maintain, or remove trees in from removing a tree from their own help champion tree ordinances, since public areas. Now ordinances are yards, but noted that homeowners' they recognize that mature trees can beginning to include private property, associations may have something to say add 10 or 15 percent to the value of a primarily land that is under develop­ about the issue if the home is in a home. The human preference for ment. Some bills protect trees only of a development. It's more likely, he said, landscapes with trees is well-docu­ certain size or age. Others are aimed at that city arborists will meet with mented, and the presentation of these maintaining an area's tree cover. "Tree resistance when trying to remove trees studies can help bolster the case for ordinances are becoming more and more that are diseased, block intersections, or preserving trees. Landscape architects commonplace," says Bill Knridenier, present a hazard to pedestrians. can also serve as effective allies by executive director ofthe International City councils may balk at passing presenting drawings of town land­ Society of Arboriculture. tree ordinances because ofliability scapes with trees and without trees. Opposition to laws that protect trees concerns. If the trees aren't cared for on private land has traditionally come properly, who is responsible--the A copy of the Chapel Hill tree ordinance from developers and builders, since it's municipality that creates the ordinance is available for $5 by writing Chapel more expensive to build under and or the property owner? In the case of Hill Tree Ordinance, Urban Forests, around trees, or to replace trees that are private property, it's usually the American Forestry Association, P.O. removed. "Developers want to know if property owner, says Kruidenier. Box 2000, Washington, DC 20013. there's a payback," Knridenier says. ''Laying Down the Law," an article in the December/January 1991 issue of the American Forestry Association's Urban The Tree City Program Forests, offers some suggestions for creating tree ordinances. "Many people Your state forester's office can tell you species, location, and condition of are quick to point fingers at land if your city has a law protecting its each tree. The tree board works with trees. If it doesn't, you may want to qualified city employees or commer­ join the National Arbor Day cial contractors to maintain existing Rocks Continued from page 3 Foundation's Tree City program. trees, plant new trees, and remove The program involves four steps: diseased or dead trees. When the Persian Gulf war began, • Establishing a tree board or • Issuing a proclamation declaring Donna Crylen was ready to give up. "I department. Boards usually consist the observance of Arbor Day. was running out of money. I told my at­ of citizen volunteers and profes­ Communities may observe Arbor torney I would take both gardens out," sional foresters who develop and Day with a small, simple ceremony she says. "My heart was not in arguing administer city tree programs. or a community-wide celebration. over stones when there was a war • Writing a tree ordinance to The "Celebrate Arbor Day!" packet going on and people were dying." Her establish policies for planting, available from the foundation attorney urged her to keep fighting. maintaining, and removing trees. contains a sample proclamation and In June the Crylens settled their The ordinance may address the ideas for commemorating the day. case out of court. They were ordered to issue of what trees should be Over 1,000 cities in 47 states and remove the rock garden from the planted and where. Sample tree the District of Columbia are deSig­ parkway, but allowed to keep the front ordinances are available from the nated as tree cities. yard as it was. But Donna Crylen has Arbor Day foundation and the had some satisfaction. "We took out the American Forestry Association. For more information about Tree City plantings in the parkway and gave the • Creating and maintaining a USA contact your state forestry stones away free," she says. "Because community forestry program with a office or write the National Arbor of the drought the parkway grass is minimum annual budget of $2 per Day Foundation, 100 Arbor A venue, dead and brown now, but our front capita. Programs may begin with a Nebraska City, NE 68410, Attn: Tree yard is a beautiful green and filled public tree inventory including the City Information. with flowers."

American Horticulturist · September 1991 • 5 My Husband's Obsession and Miss Utility: A True Confession

y husband and I bought blotches-you won't need to muck it up our fIrst house last April. by planting flowers.) Even though I grew up The consequences of not calling can in a small town, I had be pretty severe. For instance, if one of Mlived for 10 years in urban apartments. your neighbors is on home dialysis, My husband grew up in cities and had accidentally cutting off the electricity never mowed a lawn before we moved may have serious results. ''Now, in into our new neighborhood. Suburbia your situation," the repairman said, was going to be a big adjustment. "every time you water your tree, the John planted our first tree-a sugar water is seeping into the phone line maple transplanted to the front from and signaling 911 . The police keep our forested back yard-at the end of coming to your neighbor's house." I had May. I didn't think it was such a good been wondering why I kept hearing idea to plant the tree in the middle of a sirens in what the real estate agent record hot spell, but he was determined swore was a safe neighborhood. and even my constant doomsday Luckily for us, later evidence showed warnings couldn't deflate his that John's digging didn't cause the enthusiasm. "I don't want anything to problem in the phone line. But besides do with this tree," I finally said. "Fine," the danger to yourself and others from he answered, ''You don't have to do a damaged lines, there is a hefty fine for thing." Hah! I thought. Deep inside I not calling Miss Utility. The VIrginia knew this tree was going to be trouble. code says that you are liable for the total John faithfully watered it every damages, including overhead, labor, night. The spindly thing looked a little materials, and overtime, says Mike bedraggled and pitiful, but John had Curtis of the public relations department ~ high hopes. "It doesn't look like much," ::> of the Northern Virginia Electric o a: I said. "Just wait until it grows up," Q. Cooperative. In addition, counties can replied Mr. Optimism. The leaves a:~ tack on additional fines. In Prince started to droop; John continued to OJ William County, where I live, residents '"oa: ~ __~ ______~~~ ~ water. In fact, watering the tree found guilty of damaging cables may became his obsession. A few weeks phone man. "I'm going to have to dig it receive a jail sentence of up to 30 days later he left on a business trip, yelling up." I was very confused. and/or be fined $1,000. If you're a out the car window as he drove off, He continued firing questions at me professional landscaper or builder, "Don't forget to water my tree!" "Water while I continued to stare in a daze at licenses or permits that you hold may the tree," I muttered. Whatever the tree. "Who planted this tree? Did be suspended for up to 12 months. happened to the days when he would he call Miss Utility before he dug? Did Utility regulations are state laws. yell "I love you!" as he drove off? Water he mention splicing any cables while Not every state has a one-call system the tree. I decided to go back to bed. he was digging?" Beginning to wake like Miss Utility and states that do Two hours later the trouble began. up, I was silently cursing John for ever have the system may call it by different I awoke to hear someone pounding wanting a house and a tree. ''Miss names. For example, Kentucky on the front door. I stumbled down the Utility?" I asked, "Who's she?" residents call "Bud," Massachusetts steps, opened the door a crack, and Miss Utility, I discovered, is a toll­ residents call the "Dig Safe Call heard a voice say "I'm from the phone free number that residents of Virginia, Center," and Oklahomans "Call Okie." company, ma'am. When did you plant Maryland, and the District of Columbia A representative for Miss Utility in that tree?" I don't wake up very quick­ have to call before digging any holes in Virginia suggested checking the fIrst ly, so Ijust stared stupidly out the door. their yards. You're responsible for call­ five pages of your city's telephone He was very patient. Perhaps he was ing whether you're digging a small hole directory to determine if your state has used to women in their bathrobes for a bedding plant or a large one for a a one-call system. If you don't see it staring stupidly through screen doors. tree or shrub. It's a one-call system­ listed there, call one of the utility "What?" I asked. "The tree," he you call Miss Utility, who in turn companies in your area and find out. repeated. ''When did you plant the notifies the electric, gas, telephone, If your state doesn't have the one-call tree?" The tree. "A few weeks ago," I television, water, and sewer companies system you'll need to call each utility answered. "When was the last time it that you are planning to dig. The company individually before you dig. was watered?" he asked. The tree did utility companies come out and mark This may sound like a lot of trouble, look a little thirsty-actually it looked where underground lines are so you but it's a lot better than being hauled dead to me-but since when does the don't damage any cables or electrocute off to jail in your bathrobe. phone company care whether you yourself. (The electric company marks The next time my husband plants a water your trees? In my sleepy state its lines with red paint. If the other tree I think I'll take a business trip. this conversation wasn't making much utility companies follow suit-the sense. water company with aqua blue, gas The story you have just read is true. "Well, I think my husband watered it with mustard yellow-your lawn will The name of the author has been with­ last night," I replied. "Ah hah!" said the be crisscrossed with a rainbow of paint held to protect our assistant editor.

6. American Horticulturist • September 1991 Beware the Law of the Land

by Robert W. Pelton whoop, quarrel, or make any unusual noise or sound in a garden in such a udge Roy Bean, the can­ manner as to disturb the peace and tankerous hanging judge of the quiet of neighbors on the Sabbath." Old West, was fond oftelling A number of offbeat pieces of garden­ the story of a "smart alecky" ing legislation were clearly written in Jyoung attorney who found himself jest, such as this one from Santa Fe, pleading a case in the small Texas town New Mexico: ''No female shall appear of Sweetwater. After the lawyer's long in a bathing suit while gardening and learned peroration, Judge Bean within this community unless she be swept aside the counsel's arguments escorted by at least two police officers with a peremptory wave of his hand. or unless she be armed with a club." "What you say may be in all them there A lot oflaws that seem a bit more law books all right," said Bean, "but it serious in intent were aimed at sure ain't the law of Sweetwater." protecting the modest sensibilities of Most American towns harbor in their more genteel generations. statute books their own versions of the Lingerie can't be hung on a clothes­ law of Sweetwater-oddball laws that line in a garden within the city limits seem to have no rational explanations of Austin, Oregon, unless it's hidden and under which no one in living memory from view by a "suitable screen." has ever been arrested. And a consider­ Magnolia, Arkansas, has an old law able number of these laws seem to have that prohibits a man from soliciting a been aimed specifically at gardeners. woman to assist him with garden chores; Gardening laws having to do with technically, a man can't even ask his wife Sunday were written and passed as the to help him pull weeds. (There is noth­ need arose. For example, Monroe, ing, of course, to prevent the reverse.) Louisiana, issued this proscription: "No Hefty gardeners beware! An old person shall hallo, shout, bawl, scream, Rhinelander, Wisconsin, law forbids use profane language, dance, sing, anyone weighing more than 300 pounds and wearing shorts to work in a garden that can be seen from the street. Other laws seem to be based on the notion that the garden is a place for labor rather than pleasure. In Callicoon, New York, a local ordinance prohibits anyone from reading comic books while working in a garden. And it's a violation of the law in McCloud, California, for anyone to eat ice cream with a fork while sitting in a garden. Local laws have had a thing or two to A Guyman, Oklahoma, law prohibits say about animals in the garden. Pigs plowing a garden with an elephant. can be confiscated in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, if they're found running Lawmakers in Bowman, North Dakota, loose in any garden within the city. were concerned about the welfare of even What is known as the "Guardian of the their departed constituents. You'll be in Poor" can pick up the pigs and give deep trouble there if you try to grow them to a starving family. In Guymon, vegetables in a cemetery inside city limits. Oklahoma, a statute prohibits plowing Some of these laws, collected over 22 a garden with an elephant. years, may have since been expunged Town politicoes don't stop at med­ from the code books. But it's not likely. dling in Our gardens. They also want The Rev. Henry Ward Beecher, himself a the last word on its produce. horticulturist and writer on the subject, Hastings, Nebraska, retains a most once offered a realistic comment on the unusual law regarding sweet potato art oflawmaking: 'We bury men when storage: It's illegal to keep them in a they are dead, but we try to embalm the bakery. And lawyers could have a real dead body oflaws, keeping the corpse in problem in Clarendon, Texas, when it sight long after the vitality has gone. It comes to making money. A statute usually takes a hundred years to make a there says an attorney can be barred law; and then, after the law has done its from practicing law should he refuse to work, it usually takes another hundred accept garden produce in lieu of his years to get rid of it." legal fees. In Franklin, Kentucky, it's Lawyers in Clarendon, Texas, can't turn forbidden to trade tomatoes after the Robert W. Pelton is a free-lance writer down garden produce offered as legal fees. sun goes down. living in Knoxville, Tennessee.

American Horticulturist • September 1991 ... 7 States Activate Composting

More and more states are enacting Keyser says that many states have reading a flier isn't going to do it." He legislation that bans or limits yard done a good job in producing brochures hopes to see more states establish wastes in state-run landfills. The pur­ on composting, but that this is only the back-yard compo sting demonstration pose has been to reduce the enormous first step. "People have to be able to areas like AHS's compost park, where amount of waste we produce in this actually see composting being done and people can view compost bins and learn country; the result has been to stimu­ to get hands-on experience. Simply about different composting methods. late compo sting with municipal- and county-run facilities and in bins and piles in homeowners' back yards. Fourteen states plus the District of State Bans on Landfilling Yard Waste Columbia have passed laws banning at least leaves or grass clippings from State Yard Waste Banned Effective landfills. Many others have voluntary yard waste composting programs or Connecticut Leaves January 1991 are considering legislation; only two District of Columbia All yard waste October 1989 states, Alaska and New Mexico, have Florida All yard waste January 1992 no current compo sting programs. Illinois All yard waste July 1990 The Environmental Protection Agen­ Iowa All yard waste January 1991 cy (EPA) estimates that yard waste Massachusetts All yard waste December 1992 composes 18 percent of municipal solid Michigan AU yard waste March 1995 waste and as much as 50 percent in Missouri All yard waste, Christmas trees January 1992 the summer and fall. They project that Minnesota All yard waste January 1992 half of the country's 6,000 landfills will New Jer-sey Leaves August 1989 be forced to close by the mid-1990s. North Carolina All yard waste January 1993 "I'm impressed with what's happen­ Ohio All yard waste January 1993 ing," says Richard M. Kashmanian, Pennsylvania Leaves, tree trimmings, September 1990 senior economist with the EPA's Office garden clippings of Policy, Plaruring, and Evaluation. South Carolina All yard waste September 1992 Kashmanian has observed a trend not Wisconsin All yard waste January 1993 only towards more states enacting landfill bans, but also in landfill bans becoming more inclusive. ''First it was leaves and then leaves and grass and High Court OKs Local Pesticide Laws now we're getting Christmas trees," he says. According to BioCycle magazine, The U.S. Supreme Court has given who disagree with it. In response to the there were 1,407 composting facilities local governments the green light on argument that local control will throw handling yard waste at the end of 1990, passing pesticide-use laws stronger agricultural and horticultural more than double the number in 1988. than those of the federal government. commerce into total disarray, Judge New Jersey was the first state to But it would probably be ill-advised for Byron White wrote: "Congress is free to enact a yard waste ban when it envil'onmentalist-gardeners to begin fmd that local regulation does wreak prohibited leaves from going into lobbying city hall just yet. The recent such havoc and enact legislation with landfills in August 1989. The state ruling is expected to spur major battles in the purpose of preventing it." Thus an currently composts 36 percent of all its Congress and state houses, with pesticide amendment to FIFRA is one possibility. yard waste, which amounts to 9 percent users attempting to limit local control. Another route for those distressed by of its total waste. "At first there was Members of the green industry foresee the ruling will be to push for every some fighting and screaming, people a patchwork of sometimes poorly state to take the regulating authority saying we couldn't do it," says Ellen conceived laws. Lawn chemicals allowed in its own hands. That's less attractive McShane Fox, recycling specialist with in one jurisdiction could be forbidden in to regulators, who note that it will still the New Jersey Office of Recycling. another suburban municipality across mean 50 different sets of rules. "N ow it's just an accepted part of life." the street. A grower might unknowingly Pesticide safety groups say that Fox would like the ban extended to sell produce in a town where a chemical community leaders are the best judges include grass and to see more public used on it was forbidden. of environmental conditions and education on back-yard composting. A landowner in Casey, Wisconsin, had concerns in their own areas. The high Joe Keyser, coordinator ofthe challenged the local government's right court seemed to agree, saying that American Horticultural Society's Nation­ to limit aerial spraying. He and others FIFRA "does not equate registration and al Backyard Compost Demonstration who joined him in the action believed !;he labeling requirements with a general Park, agrees that states need to pay law was pre-empted by the Federal approval to apply pesticides throughout more attention to back-yard composting Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide the nation without regard to regional since this is the cheapest and easiest Act (FIFRA). But the court said that as and local factors like climate, population, way to deal with lawn and garden debris. long as states didn't allow the use of geography, and water supply." ''People responsible for the composting pesticides prohibited by FIFRA, they had But those opposed to local regulation programs in many states tend to be civil the right to regulate pesticides, or allow maintain that small governments lack engineers who are looking for big solu­ local governments to do so. the scientific expertise to judge a tions. I consider it more of an issue of However, the wording of the court's pesticide's toxicity and its potential individual responsibility." decision left some doors open to those impact on the environment.

8 . American Horticulturist· September 1991 Pumped Up Pumpkins and Other Champs These days, the world records are What kind of people devote their BEAUTY FROM broken regularly. Edward Gancarz did summer to monster vegetable growing? it in 1990 with 8161;2 pounds, upping "Kids from 5 to 95, doctors, lawyers, Gordon Thomson's record of 755, set stockbrokers, priests, and everyone in the year before, which absolutely between," says Ray Waterman,WPC shattered Robert Gancarz's 671 president and world record holder for the BULB~ pounder from 1986. Norm Gallagher's longest gourd (99 inches). According to 1984 record of612 seems, in retrospect, the WPC, giant pumpkins first attained almost puny. We're not talking about international acclaim when William weight lifting, big game hunting, or Warnock of Goderich, Ontario, sent a 400 monster tzuck meets, but competitive pounder to the Paris World's Fair in 1900. pumpkin growing. If you're not Veterans seem to agree that the single convinced, travel to Collins, New York, most important step to pumpkin stardom on October 14 for the World Pumpkin is selecting seed from humongous Confederation's (WPC) World Pumpkin specimens. But there are many pitfalls Weigh-Off. At 1 p.m., the WPC along the way-disqualifying cracks, too­ headquarters will link up via a close plant spacing, squash bugs. To help, simultaneous conference call to 23 sites WPC publishes a quarterly newsletter around the world to determine not just full of news and information. Recent the world's largest pumpkin, but also articles include "Growing A Long Gourd," the largest squash, the longest gourd, ''When Do They Grow-Day Or Night?", the heaviest cabbage, and other "Stzuctural Strength Of Pumpkins," and vegetable champions. a review of a cookbook, In Praise Of The World Pumpkin Confederation has Pumpkins (''for those of you who've been promoting the sport of ''leviathan agonized over what to do with your vegetable gardening" for eight years and pumpkin harvest"). the results have been, in a word, stupen­ Waterman says the giant pumpkins are dous. Last year they had over 2,000 quite edible, but the prizewinners usually members from Australia to Zimbabwe go on display in a children's hospital or a (30 countries total) giving it their all to similarly worthy site. ''What kid doesn't grow 800-pound squashes and 200-pound want to see the biggest pumpkin?" watermelons. Most every WPC site How big can these heavyweights get? competes in the pumpkin, squash, and Waterman is predicting a 1,000-pound watermelon classes. Many sites also have pumpkin by the turn of the century. their own particular classes. In Collins, Judging from the recent string of New York, they grow long gourds. In records, it seems entirely possible. Smoky Lake, Alberta, they fancy big garlic. The Alton Towers, England, site is To join the World Pumpkin Confedera­ particularly interested in the heaviest tion, send $15 to them at 14050 Gowan­ leek, the heaviest swede (not a da State Road, Collins, NY 14034. Wagnerian contralto named Olga; this is Members receive the quarterly news the British name for zutabaga), and the journal Esprit de Corps and are longest parsnip. entitled to compete in the weigh-off. Serving America's frnest gardens for over 80 years. John Scheepers, Inc. offers the most spectacular collection of flower bulbs to enhance your garden's beauty. Send for FREE catalog Send for your free color catalog featuring Holland's largest selection and finest quality of flower bulbs. Name: ______

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WPC 1990 winners (left to right): Len Stellpflug with 807-pound squash; Ed and Bob John Scheepers, Inc. Gancarz with their 81611.2 pound world-record pumpkin and second place 7651/ 2 pound P.O. Box 700 winner, which also surpassed the previous world record. Bantam, Connecticut 06750 ( 203) 567-0838

American Horticulturist · September 1991 + 9 Regional Notes Sunday in the Park with Topiary

Visitors to the AmeriFlora '92 floral exhibit in Columbus, Ohio, next year may want to take a side trip to the city's main library. There in Deaf School Park-named for an academy that burned down 10 years ag

10 • American Horticulturist • September 1991 Minneapolis Bog Almost Complete

The Minneapolis Parks and Recreation the plant communities that thrive in as orchids, sensitive fern, bunchberry, department is nearing the final phase this type of ecosystem." marsh marigold and blueberry, winter­ of restoring an acid bog that was once In 1986 the parks department, berry, and labrador tea shrubs. rich in unusual natives. funded by a grant from the The project is being backed by People At the turn of the century, the Metropolitan Council, a regional for Parks, a nonprofit organization spring-fed tamarack bog in Theodore planning and funding body, began created to stimulate financial support Wirth Park was a rich repository restoration by dredging the north end from the private sector for park projects, of such plants as pitcher phmt and bog of the site, removing the buckthorn and which have also included concerts, rosemary. It was a favorite collecting a three-foot layer of peat. The next playgrounds, and daffodil plantings. spot for a well-known local botany spring, the underlayer of peat rose to teacher, Eloise Butler, who described it the surface, and such plants as grasses For more information, or to make a as a quaking bog on an isle that was and sedges began to thrive again. In donation to the Tamarack Bog Project, surrounded by a moat. But since then, the winter of 1988, the restoration crew write to People for Parks, 310 4th the understory of the isle has been discovered that the 80 tamarack trees Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55415, taken over by an invasive foreign they expected to find on the site or call (612) 348-6778. shrub, the glossy buckthorn. "Acid numbered closer to 200. The next bogs, which are most commonly seen in spring, because removal of the buck­ northern Minnesota, are few and far thorn allowed sunlight to again reach between in the metropolitan area," says the bog floor, ferns and starflowers Mary Maguire Lerman, coordinator of began to appear. I!ndscaping horticulture for the parks department. A few boardwalk sections have been witli "Restoration of this bog will provide installed in the past two years. Now metropolitan residents a unique the parks department is ready to add Perennials opportunity to view and study this rare additional "bog walks" and to begin resource and acquaint themselves with replanting native acid bog plants such 1991 Grand Gardens for Our Times Pecans Move North James van Sweden Careless Rapture: Perennial Design Researchers at the University of of cold-hardy pecan germ plasm with Lynden Miller Nebraska at Lincoln have pushed the over 100 clonally propagated pecans. Rock Garden Plants for Your Border pecan north. Associate Professor of According to Gustafson, his seven Elisabeth Sheldon Horticulture Bill Gustafson has tested trees seem just as productive as other Garden Delights: Pteridophytes more than 50 cultivars of pecan trees pecans. The nuts are somewhat Judith Jones developed from wild-collected germ­ smaller (one-and-a-half inches) but plasm and has selected the seven most contain a higher oil content than Scents and Sensibilities cold-hardy cultivars for further develop­ Southern pecans, which enhances Stephen Uu:ey ment ('Bolten's S-24', 'C . L. McElroy', flavor. "They seem to have more of a • 'Canton', 'Gibson', 'Lucas', 'Mullahy', hickory flavor." says Gustafson. "They a New York Botanical Garden symposium and 'Norton'). According to Gustafson, taste better. I've even had Southern Tuesday, October 1 at the National Wildlife all require a growing season of only people tell us that, so it's not our Federation, Vienna, Virginia 140 to 180 days to produce a mature imagination." Although some ofthe crop of nuts, making them suitable for cultivars are currently available in Thursday, October 3 at The New York commercial cultivation up to Zone 4 small quantities, it will be at least Botanical Garden, Bronx, New York and hardy into Canada. This is a great three years before they are widely Saturday, October 5 at The Arnold improvement over Southern pecans, available from nurseries. Arboretum of Harvard University, which require 270 to 290 days to In the United States, 75 percent of Cambridge, Massachusetts produce mature nuts; previous North­ commercial pecan production comes Call (212) 220-8720 or FAX (212) 220-6504, ern cultivars require 170 to 190 days. from the Southeast. "I think the whole Attention: Education Department Gustafson and members of the North­ Northern part of the United States The New York Botanical Garden ern Nut Growers Association spent doesn't even know what a good pecan Bronx, New York 10458-5126 years scouring the marshy banks ofthe tastes like," says Gustafson. Missouri and Mississippi Rivers search­ ing for the germplasm of wild native pecans. "Many people didn't realize that the pecan grew this far north .v1V#411 fliHHi't' "lfflili'll because the settlers had cleared them to develop farmland," says Gustafson. DIRECT FROM GROWER! His team found the trees in areas that couldn't be farmed: along rivers-some Beautiful Color Catalog $3 ($5 coupon· in standing water-and in a military base in Leavenworth, Kansas. A few isolated trees had been preserved by t/£Jli{f .11"101'4,1 farmers on their land. From graft wood from these and other trees, Gustafson Alachua, FL 32615 (904) 462 -1539 has built the world's largest collection

American Horticulturist · September 1991 • 11 Making a Difference Help End Horticultural Quackery

potential resurgence of deceptive bring complaints will not be revealed Readers: Here's your horticultural advertisements. A recent without their permission. catalog contained 11 possible violations Some of the ads to watch for include: chance to "make a of the Federal Seed Act, for example, • Any offer of vegetable or lawn by misnaming vegetable seed varieties; grass seeds where a brand name or a fic­ difference" by helping an advertisement for a flowering vine titious variety name takes precedence was fulfilled with stock that may have over the registered name, e.g., "Miracle garden writers stop been dead before it was mailed. Giant" tomato seeds in large type and The Horticultural Advertising Ethics the real variety name in tiny type. deceptive advertising. Committee (HAEC) of GWAA, chaired • Any advertisement that offers by Susie Plimpton, asks gardeners to plants, but actually supplies dormant Most horticultural advertising today is alert us to any advertising offers that roots, dormant cuttings with no root or honest. But occasionally a deceptive ad seem deceptive or fail to deliver what leafY growth, or dormant bulbs. slips into the news media, quickly has been promised. Caladium bulbs have been sold this makes millions for the entrepreneurs, The committee will give every sub­ way under the name of rainbow plants. and is never seen again after the heat is mission a careful review to determine • Any offer of a hybrid variety that turned on. In the 1970s, many state and if the ads are in fact deceptive. Any ads is not a hybrid, especially with respect federal agencies clamped down on deemed such-and not stopped to lawn seed and vegetable seeds. deceptive horticultural ads and the com­ voluntarily by the advertiser-may be • Any offer with outrageous claims. panies responsible were forced out of brought to the attention ofthe U.S. For example, the Venus's-flytrap has the business. Some of their copywriters Postal Service regulatory office, the been sold under the headline: Rid Your received jail sentences for mail fraud. USDA regulatory office, state district Home ofInsects-Including Cockroaches. Recently the Garden Writers Associa­ attorneys, and other consumer protec­ • Any offer where artwork seems tion of America (GWAA) was alerted to a tion groups. The names ofthose who exaggerated, for example, where heavy

Boys Town: Nurturing Youths and Plants

Gardening and farming have been an im­ scriptures to the students. Prucha what to plant. Plants and seeds were portant part of Boys Town since its found­ noted that in the Bible Christ used donated or purchased from all around ing in 1917 by Father Edward Flanagan. plants to introduce his parables. ''We the world. "It's been a great project to He once said: "The youth who makes a are using these same plants to bring work on," Wickenhauser said. mistake may be compared to a plant his lessons into the youths' lives," The garden includes a main entrance growing in depleted soil and deprived of Prucha told the Boys Town Quarterly. where 10 weeping mulberries are health-giving sunshine. He hasn't got a Prucha designed the garden and he planted to symbolize the Ten Command­ chance." Vegetables and food crops have and greenhouse manager Ann Wicken­ ments, and three areas displaying fruit, been grown to help feed resident's bodies. hauser researched books to determine trees, and aquatic plants listed in the The newest garden is intended to feed the mind and spirit. The Boys Town Garden of the Bible is a project of Boys Town's Horticultural Training Center. ''The garden is a special way of bringing the Bible and spiritual references into the lives of young people," said Robert Prucha, director of the horticulture center. The garden occupies three acres and reflects the gardens of 2,000 years ago. For three years over 100 students have been involved in the construction of the garden-preparing the soil for planting, laying brick paths, raising the plants, and planting the garden. It was dedicated in August. Students do most of the work, guided by adult and youth supervisors. Planting the garden has offered teachers a unique way to introduce The landscape plan for Boys Town's Garden of the Bible.

12 • American Horticulturist • September 1991 retouching to increase fruit set is Naturally, good old American sales­ will rid your home of cockroaches, and obvious, or artwork showing a Venus's­ manship is a legitimate right even no miracle tomato plants that will flytrap placed inappropriately in front among horticultural advertisers, and produce 1,000 giant-sized tomatoes. of a fireplace away from any natural there really is a grapefruit-sized -Derek Fell light or humidity. tomato (Supersteak VFN); a tomato­ • Any offer where testimonials potato plant (a tomato grafted onto a Fell is a free-lance garden writer and appear to be questionable, for example, potato tuber); fast-growing shade trees photographer and a member of HAEC. when a mystery expert is quoted as that can grow eight feet a year (a new A version of this article appeared in having authenticated the ad's claims. hybrid willow from Australia can grow Quill & Trowel, the GWAA newsletter. It Fraudulent ads often appear first in eight feet a year); and strawberries is reprinted with permission. regional editions of major magazines that fruit all summer (called "day­ Send copies of ads you want inves­ then graduate to supermarket tabloids neutrals.") But there are no climbing tigated to Susie Plimpton, 186 Beach and Sunday supplements. vine peaches, no Venus's-flytraps that Street, Ormond Beach, FL 32174. Some ads that have been successful­ ly removed from the marketplace in recent years as a result of actions by members of the GWAAinclude: Giant Climbing Strawberries. These did not climb or bear large fruit without TRAVEUSTUDY TRIPS the runners being rooted in soil. Climbing Vine Peaches. The product FOR THE AHS GARDENER sold was an inedible gourd. The 1,OOO-fruit Tomato Plant. The ad claimed the variety was large fruited; it was a cherry-sized tomato. Also report any instances where live plants are offered but the plants arrive dead. Good packaging today allows most plants to be shipped safely with near 100 percent success. Be alert to ads that do not contain qualifiers such as, "Claims are based on optimum conditions and results may vary from one climate to another," or give no indication of a hardiness range. OCTOBER 17-24, 1991 GARDENS OF CALIFORNIA This will be a most unique voyage in San Francisco Bay from which we will Bible, and grain, field crops, and plants navigate up the Sacramento and Napa Rivers. With the help of AHS members used for medicinal and cultural and friends we visit a wonderful collage of private gardens in Woodside, purposes during Christ's time. Over Piedmont, Berkeley, Lafayette, Orinda, Walnut Creek, Sacramento, Davis, and 150 species of plants were used in the Napa. Program highlights include four private gardens belonging to board garden- all can either be found in the members of the historic Filoli estate including James and Lurline Coonan, Mr. Bible or were indigenous to the area and Mrs. Eugence C. Trefethern Jr. of Napa, and Ruth Bancroft, whose garden during biblical times. in Walnut Creek was featured in the October 1989 issue of American Horticul­ Barley, gas plant (Dictamnus albus), turist. This program is being led by Mrs. Harry Van de Kamp of Paso Robles, lavender, coriander, endive, lettuce, California, a former AHS Board Member whose collaboration with this program flax, dandelion, and common sage makes it a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. (Salvia officinalis) are all found in Ex­ JANUARY 25-FEBRUARY 1, 1992 odus. Representing Genesis are grapes, GARDENS OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS almonds (Prunus dulcis), Alopecurus An exceptional exploration voyage to the British and U.S. Virgin Islands on board the Nantucket Clipper. anthoxanthoides, apricots, quinces, Ports of call include Saint Thomas , Saint John, Tortola, Virgin Gorda, and Peter Island. This unique white poplars, mandrake, and program is being led by former AHS President Carolyn Marsh Lindsay and Bob Lindsay and AHS Board pistachio. Plants from Proverbs include Member Andre Viette and Claire Viette. Participants will see the gardens of the Lindsays and the Viettes' tallhedge buckthorn (Rhamnus parents and private homes and gardens of their personal friends, including the spectacular gardens of palaestina) and fig; Psalms include AHS member Paulina du Pont Dean, whose gardens were featured in the December 1989 American broom, loosestrife, cedar-of-Lebanon Horticulturist. The small size of the yachtlike Nantucket Clipper makes it possible to sail into isolated (Cedrus libani), Rosa damascena, bay bays, quiet anchorages, and deserted beaches known only by experienced yachtsmen who are intimate tree, date palm, Jerusalem pine, and with these waters. sweet bay (Laurus nobilis). Each plant or plant group in the FEBRUARY 19-MARCH 3, 1992 EGYPT AND NILE CRUISE garden will be labeled with its common Explore the earliest of the Western civilizations and the life-giving influence of the Nile River. The itinerary and botanical name, and a biblical includes Cai ro , Luxor, and Abu Simbel as well as a five-day cruise on the Upper Nile from Luxor to Aswan reference. on board the Nile Goddess. Visit numerous historic gardens, including the Manial Palace Gardens in Boys Town has been providing a Cairo and the botanical garden on Lord Horatio Herbert Kitchener Island at Aswan . homelike atmosphere for homeless, rejected, or rebellious boys since Father leonard HaertterTravel Company, 7922 Bonhomme Ave nue, Saint louis, MO 63105, (800) 942·6666, (314) 721-6200 On MissourQ Flanagan opened his door on December 12, 1917. Boys Town welcomed troubled girls beginning in 1979.

American Horticulturist • September 1991 + 13 I Gardeners' Q&A

year, you should replace the desiccant fungicides ferbam and zineb, but is still Q: I find it hard to throwaway once or twice a year. used today because it is effective, flower and vegetable seed that I did When the seeds are planted, remem­ relatively inexpensive, and is one not use this year. How can I save ber that dried seeds will require more chemical spray allowed to be used on seeds so they will be viable for water and imbibe water more slowly most certified organically grown several more growing seasons? than "fresh" seeds. produce crops. A. G., Saint Louis, Missouri Bordeaux is effective against Q: I would like to dig up and anthracnose, certain fungus leaf spots, A: The key to saving seed is keeping transplant several established melanose, downy mildew, apple scab, temperature and humidity levels low, anglojap and English yews. Can brown rot, and shot hole disease in tree which will not only keep seed these yews be successfully fruit. It can also be used as a general metabolism "on hold," but also will transplanted? disinfectant for produce-storage areas control damage from bacteria, fungi, B. L., Columbus, Ohio and horticultural work areas that need and insects. The temperature and to be kept free from disease. humidity, when added together, should A:Yes, since they have a compact To be effective as a preventative, it be less than 100. For example, seed root system, almost all species of Taxus should be applied on a regular and stored at 40 degrees should have will transplant well despite their size consistent schedule. The standard relative humidity levels of 50 percent and age. The best time to transplant formula is known as Bordeaux 4-4-50: or less. Optimal storage temperature is yews is fall or early spring. The new four pounds of copper sulfate and four between 32 degrees and 41 degrees. planting site must contain fertile and pounds of hydrated lime in 50 gallons To prepare freshly harvested, cleaned moist, but excellently drained, soil. of water. The mixture can be made seed or unused purchased seed for Heavy clay or waterlogged soil will stronger, or weaker, if it appears to be long-term storage, spread the seeds out greatly inhibit or even kill yews. Yews scorching plants. It should not be used on newspapers and allow to dry for flourish best in full sun, but will on plants that are susceptible to about one week in a dry and well-venti­ tolerate shade. Windy sites should be burning by lime. When the mixture lated place. Next, put equal weights of avoided to limit winter desiccation. dries on foliage, it coats it with a silica gel (a moisture absorbing Smaller yews can be pruned back copper precipitate that prevents fungi material available from crafts shops) and immediately transplanted with spores from entering and infecting the and seed into an envelope and place the bare roots. Larger plants can also be plant. The mix should be used envelope in a tightly closed, clean and cut back to the desired size, but should immediately after preparation or the dry glass jar. Smaller seeds will need be dug with a root ball. Yews withstand adhesive quality is diminished. seven to 11 days, and larger seeds will heavy cutting back because they can Bordeaux mix is sold commercially in need 11 to 15 days in the jar. Then produce new growth from old wood. prepared powders to which water is remove the silica gel and place the However, those that are severely cut added. However, experts agree that it seeds in the envelope back in the glass back may benefit from being fertilized is most effective if made from scratch jar. Other types of containers that work with well-rotted manure or bonemeal immediately before use. To prepare a well include plastic or metal film after transplanting. small amount of 4-4-50 mixture, dis­ canisters and glass vitamin bottles. Plant the yew at the depth at which it solve two heaping tablespoons of fresh Never store seed in paper or cardboard was previously growing. The hole should hydrated spray lime in two gallons of containers as they will be vulnerable to be wide enough for roots to grow easily water. Then dissolve two level moisture and animal and insect damage. into the surrounding soil-at least five teaspoons of copper sulfate crystals If you live in a humid climate, you times the diameter of the root ball. into one gallon of water. Add the copper should place a desiccant, such as the Compost or other organic matter should sulfate solution to the lime solution. silica gel or fresh powdered milk, in the be incorporated into the loosened plant­ This will make a three-gallon long-term storage container to further ing area to improve soil structure. slurrylike solution that can be strained absorb moisture. But in this case, the While yews do not tolerate excess mois­ through a cheesecloth into a sprayer desiccant should not be in direct ture, make sure adequate moisture is for immediate use. The two solutions of contact with the seed. available immediately after transplant­ lime and copper sulfate should always Dr. James Harrington of the Univer­ ing. Mulching new transplants will help be prepared separately and then mixed sity of California at Davis, recommends maintain beneficial moisture levels. together with the amount of water drying seeds with powdered milk. His determining the concentration. If method calls for placing two tablespoons Q: I see a lot of references to spotting or scorching of foliage results, of powdered milk in a stack of four facial Bordeaux mixture. What is it and reduce the amount oflime in the tissues. Roll the milk up in the tissues how is it used? solution. and tape the ends so the milk will not F. B., Chico, California Bordeaux mixture should not be spill out. Put this tissue pouch into a confused with Burgundy mixture. storage jar with the seeds. Immediately A: Bordeaux mixture was discovered While the two fungicides are used for seal the jar tightly and place it in the in 1882 in France and takes its name the same purposes, Burgundy mixture refrigerator-never the freezer. Seeds from the wine growing region where it consists of copper sulfate, sodium that are stored in this fashion should was first used as a preventative carbonate, and water. remain viable for several years. However, fungicide on grapes and tree fruits. It -Maureen Heffernan if you store the seeds for more than one was widely replaced after 1940 with the Gardeners'Information Service

14. American Horticulturist· September 1991 Members' Forum

'Environmental Vandalism' Eretomocereus-for whitefly control Bozeman, MT 59772. To the best of our and wasps which attack mealybugs, knowledge, currently there is no retail I hope that your printing of the article but do not mention their availability. source for Eretomocereus species, but "Pushing Poppies in California" (July) Helen Davidoff-Hirsch, M.D. E. californicus should be available next does not constitute AHS's endorsement of Englewood, New Jersey year from Biofac, Inc., P.O. Box 87, California Poppies, Instead of Litter!'s Mathis, TX 78368. The parasitic wasp campaign to carpet the countryside with Encarsia formosa is available from a that was used in the Midway Mall in California poppies. To me the intentional number of suppliers of beneficial Sherman, Texas, to control citrus mealy­ introduction of any species, native or insects, including Nature's Control, bugs was Leptomastix dactylopii. It is alien, into the natural landscape is an P.O. Box 35, Medford, OR 97501 and available from South Texas Insectary, inexcusable act of environmental Bozeman Biotech, P.O. Box 3146, P.O. Box 882, Weslaco, TX 78596. vandalism. In addition, on the basis of what you report, this organization's "wildflower" seed mix contains not only natives, but at least one exotic species (scarlet flax). Our environment is fragile enough as it is; why disturb it by introducing plant species whose impact on the ecosystem is unknown? Robert Omduff, Curator University of California Botanical Garden Berkeley, California

The California Poppies, Instead of Litter! project came to our attention through Wildflower, the newsletter of the National Wildflower Research Center. At the time of their article the California group was not distributing a wildflower seed mix. Elizabeth Carmack, public relations director for the wildflower center, said their or­ ganization has received no expressions of concern about the poppies. She said Lilypons Water Gardens gardeners should be careful to buy wildflower mixes containing only seeds !BE-;}in !J0U~ wate ~ gaufw tod~ with a ..£d~!Jponj. aatalogu£ ofplants native to the area where they fE.atu~ing pagE a.fte~ pagE of Gwutifuf watE~ tiCiE.j., totuj., Gog will be planted. To obtain a list of plants native to your area write Nation­ ptantj., fiJ!t, j.tatua~ , and thE EHwtialj. fo~ kEEping it alt wo~ing al Wildflower Research Center, 2600 FM tOgEthE~ . 973 North, Austin, TX 78704. Whereas AHS would not endorse the ..!I/o poot? aoou a fiGE~lruj. o~ gX7IC poot foam thE ma11.fj j.iuj. introduction ofplants to natural preserves or other areas where the flora is J!town in ~ ..£ifypom catalogUE.. fragile or protected, the planting of native plants along roadsides as a form of ------. beautification and a way to eliminate lit­ o Please send the new Lilypons catalogue plus informative ter seems entirely laudable and a marked newsletters with seasonal sales. Enclosed is $5.00. improvement on the trash, weeds, and California (30(/) . Maryland (25(/) and Texas (350 residents please add tax. grass that highway departments spend o Please rush my catalogue by first class mail. Enclosed is $6.75. many hours and dollars trying to control. o 1500 Dept. 0 1500 Dept. o 1500 Dept. P.O. Box 1130 Where Are the Wasps? ~QB~10 ~QB~l~ Buckeystown, MD 21717 Brookshire, TX 77423·01~ Thermal, CA 92274 On page three of your May News (301) 874-5133 (713) 934-8525 Houston local (713) 391·0076 Edition you describe several different kinds of parasitic wasps that can be used as a control for caterpillar-type in­ sects. I would like to know if a variety I'\ame Address of Encarsia formosa to control whitefly nymphs is available commercially. You City State Zip also mention another genus of wasps- -~------~

American Horticulturist • September 1991 • 15 AHS Bulletin Board Fall Lectures on Specialized Gardens

The American Horticultural Society's fall lecture series will begin Saturday, September 21 with two lectures. Charles Thomas, president of Lilypons Water Gardens in Lilypons, Maryland, opens the series at 10:30 a.m. with a lecture on water gardening. At 2 p.m. Dr. Richard Lighty, director of the Mount Cuba Center for the Study of Piedmont Flora in Greenville, Delaware, will present "Gardening Nature's Way," a discussion of the rules of thumb for naturalistic gardening. Thomas is the third generation of the Thomas family dedicated to growing Charles Thomas Holly Harmar Shimizu Dr. Richard Lighty water lilies, lotus, and other aquatic plants. He holds several water lily U.S. Botanic Garden. Her horticultural The cost of the individual lectures is patents and has collected water lilies interests include edible landscaping, $5; for $7.50 gardeners may hear both from domestic and foreign sources in herbs, fragrance, roses, and heritage lectures on September 21. Reservations an effort to improve offerings for water plants. She was the first curator of the are required. Lectures will be held in gardening enthusiasts. Thomas is a National Herb Garden at the U.S. the ballroom. Participants are founding member of the International National Arboretum. Shimizu held that encouraged to bring a picnic lunch and Water Lily Society. He wrote Water position for eight years and was in­ explore the gardens before or after the Gardens for Plants and Fish and the strumental in the design and creation talks. AHS staff will be on hand to water gardening section of Taylor's of the garden. In 1976 she received the answer questions. For more information Guide to Garden Design. Lilypons is a Nancy Putnam Howard Award for out­ or to register contact Ann Clogan or commercial source of water gardening standing achievement in horticulture Stephanie McLellan at the American supplies and information. from the Herb Society of America and Horticultural Society, 7931 East Thomas's talk is cosponsored by is currently the national chairman of Boulevard Drive, Alexandria, VA 22308, Tetra Pond, a member of the National botany and horticulture for the society. (800) 777-7931 or (703) 768-5700. Lawn and Garden Distributors Associa­ tion. Tetra Pond will display books and products and selected items will be offered for sale. Autumn Days at River Farm Lighty was in charge of research at Longwood Gardens for six years There's still plenty to see at River (IDS) and AHS. Elizabeth Wingate of beginning in 1960. He directed cultural Farm; the gardens will be blooming the Garden Club of Bermuda will studies, plant introduction, evaluation, with sedums, cardinal flowers, present "Modern Design with Exotic and breeding at the gardens. He then asters, and anemones in September Flowers and Foliages" on September joined the University of Delaware as a and October. Spend the day or join 10 and "Banana Leaves and faculty member in the plant science us for one of the events listed below. Victorian Fashion" on September 11. department. There he developed and Our fall lectures and demonstrations Each 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. session is $75 administered the Longwood Graduate are filled with information about dah­ and includes supplies and lunch. Program which trains horticulturists lias, composting, and flower arrang­ Call for reservations. for managerial roles in public gardens. ing. To learn more write or call AHS. .. October 5. Back-yard Compost­ In 1983 Mrs. Lammot du Pont .. September 7. Dahlia Day. Mem­ ing Lecture. 10 a.m. Admission: $5. Copeland asked Lighty to direct the bers of the National Capital Dahlia Call for reservations. development of her estate into a public Society and American Horticultural .. October 10 and 11. IDS and AHS garden. Now called the Mount Cuba Society staff members will be on the will present "Autumn Days" with Center, the garden emphasizes plants grounds to answer questions about Richard Jeffrey of England and Kenn native to the Piedmont region of East­ the care and cultivation of dahlias. Stephens of IDS. "A Comprehensive ern North America. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free. Study: The Influence of English On Saturday, October 5 Holly Har­ .. September 7. Back-yard Com­ Flower Arrangement Styles in mar Shimizu, a horticulturist with the posting Lecture. 10 a.m. Admission: America, Yesterday and Today" will U.S. Botanic Garden in Washington, $5. Call for reservations. be presented both days. Each 10 D.C., will lecture on "Edible Ornamen­ .. September 10 and 11. "Tropical a.m. to 4 p.m. session is $75 and tal Landscaping" at 2 p.m. Surprise," a class sponsored by includes supplies and lunch. Call for Shimizu is responsible for outdoor International Design Symposium reservations. horticulture and public programs at the

16 • American Horticulturist· September 1991 New Post for Former AHS President Marc Cathey

Dr. Henry Marc Cathey, director ofthe goal is to and trade organizations will also have U.S. National Arboretum for 10 years, develop a input into his reports, which will be will step down from that position this research prepared for the federal 1994 and 1995 month to become national chairman for program that budgets. florist and nursery crops review with will help the In announcing Cathey's new position, the Agricultural Research Service. United Sates R. D. Plowman, ARS administrator, said: Cathey is a member of the American florist and ''The florist and nursery industries are Horticultural Society's Board of Direc­ nursery the two fastest growing segments of U.S. tors, and served as President from industries, agriculture, producing a combined 1974 to 1978. including annual farm value estimated at about $7 In his new position, which is a newly arboriculture billion. With the recent surge in imports created one, he will help to shape ARS and of greenhouse and nursery crops, and the research priorities relating to horticul­ landscape potential for American growers to not ture for the mid-'90s and beyond. The architecture, only expand domestic sales but also compete develop export markets, it is becoming successfully increasingly clear that ARS research "Compost Happens" in both programs must be ready to meet American Dr. H. Marc Cathey anticipated demands." at River Farm and overseas ARS is the research arm of the U.S. markets. Cathey will hold hearings Department of Agriculture. Cathey will The future landscape of the ARS Nation­ throughout this country and abroad to be part of its national program staff in al Backyard Composting Demonstration assess future research, production, and Beltsville, Maryland. Park is beginning to take form. marketing needs and develop priorities The agriculture department has The permanent park site has been that will complement current programs begun a search for Cathey's successor, graded, mulched, and is ready for the of the ARS, universities, and private who will be the fifth director ofthe construction of demonstration beds and industry. More than 20 national garden national arboretum. information kiosks. Current plans call for 70 to 80 demonstration beds and special A·Report From the Development Office research areas. On the blueprint are a chipping/shredding site featuring a • Challenge Issued Garden Clubs; Yacht Haven Garden dozen shredder and chipper units; a A major challenge grant has been Club; Chevy Chase Garden Club of mulCh garden, demonstrating roughly issued to the Society by ARS Board Maryland; Hunting Creek Garden 25 different mulching materials and Member Mary Katherine Blount of Club; and Rock Spring Garden Club. their proper applications; the actual Montgomery, Alabama. Blount has Red Hill Garden Club donated funds compost park section, with holding and pledged $25,000 to the Society if an for new signs at River Farm. turning bins and tumbler units; a vermi­ equal amount is raised by members • New Plantings composting area that will let visitors and friends. Special thanks to the Alexandria Coun­ study several different methods for har­ The gift's purpose is the hiring of a cil of Garden Clubs for its project to nessing "worm power"; a conservation horticulturist to oversee, develop, and restore the foundation plantings by the lawn area for demonstrating mulching beautify the gardens and grounds at main house at River Farm. A selection mowers and related equipment; a cover our River Farm headquarters. The of native shrubs and herbaceous peren­ crop/green manure area; and a special money raised by the challenge would nials were planted in three locations section on innovative technologies, purchase much needed gardening tools around the house in early April. where compost will be used for heat and equipment in addition to salary. • Library Needs generation and other imaginative ap­ This challenge is the revitalization of A small group of dedicated Friends of plications. The compost park and mulch a dream. When River Farm was the ARS Horticultural Library met sections should be completed this fall. donated to the Society in 1973 by the recently to evaluate current needs of Helping to make this progress Enid A. Haupt Charitable Trust, it was the library. These include better possible are the donations of tools and hoped that the grounds would become climate control, adequate lighting, equipment we have received from a living laboratory of horticulture that shelving, and computer equipment. businesses throughout the country. would exemplify horticulture's impor­ The Friends of the ARS Horticul­ During the past three months, the tance to our nation. tural Library includes volunteers who Compost Demonstration Park has We applaud Mary Katherine Blount's have donated a combined total of more received compost bins, tumbling units, vision of George Washington's River than 2,000 hours in the past two years chipper/shredders, tools, and Farm-located outside the nation's to classify, catalog, and shelve some accessories from the following sponsors: capital- as the appropriate site for an 4,000 volumes. Ames Lawn & Garden Tools, Barclay expression of the nation's best in Members and friends of ARS who are Recycling, Bio Industries, Inc., Bonar horticulture. Please help the dream interested in book conservation and Inc., Dirt Cheap Organics, Evergreen come true! Contributions should be preservation are encouraged to contact Bins, Kemp Company, MacKissic, Inc., made out to the M. K. Blount Challenge. our librarian, Alice Bagwill, by writing Obex, Inc., the Philadelphia Earth­ • Unrestricted Gifts to the River Farm address, or by worm Company, Reotemp Instrument We gratefully acknowledge the follow­ calling (703) 768-5700 between 10 a.m. Corporation, Ringer Corporation, RPM, ing recent unrestricted gifts to the and 3 p.m. on Thursdays. Smith & Hawken, Suncast Corpora­ Society: Clark Winchole Foundation; -Judith A. Borden tion, and We Recycle Corporation. District II, National Federation of Development Director

American Horticulturist · September 1991 .. 17 Gardeners' Bookshelf

Gardening Letters to My Daughter like my hellebores and talk of growing some yourself. Are you going to write to Anne Scott-James with Clare Hastings. a nursery and order 'six hellebores Illustrated by Virginia Powell. Saint please'? I don't know what you would Martin's Press, New York, 1990. 184 get." Hastings replied: "For now, I may pages. Black-and-white illustrations. Gardening have to stick to, 'That's a nice hellebore' Publisher's price: hardcover, $12.95. and 'Do you do it in red?' and I shall AHS member price: $11.00. Letters avoid any parties where all these ' to My serious gardeners are boozing." Other people's diaries and letters have One of my favorites, about scented always fascinated me. Perhaps it's that Daughte'r , flowers, begins with Scott-James quoting glimpse into another person's private Proust: "Often I have wished to see a per­ life, or the chance of finding some son again without realising that it was scandal buried deep among the pages. simply because that person recalled to Wit" some replies by ~ So it was with great anticipation that I Olare Hastillg> me a hedge of hawthorns in blossom." began reading Gardening Letters to My .~ Although references to plants by their Daughter. And although no dark secrets English common names and allusions to were revealed, I wasn't disappointed. events like the "Gardener's-Question­ Anne Scott-James, a British garden Time-for-Charity" may perplex American writer whose previous books have readers, the book is easy and fun to read. included The Language of the Garden You may wish that your own mother had and The Best Plants for Your Garden, written such letters to you, but she originally wrote the letters to her probably wishes the same thing about daughter and weekend next-door her mother. Luckily, Scott-James and neighbor, Clare Hastings, because Hastings have been generous enough to Book Order Form "... I felt that I might not be able to share theirs with us. manage my own garden much longer, -Mary Beth Wiesner Please send me these books at the for it is too large for me now that I special ADS member prices. have reached the creaky years, and I o GARDENING lETFERS thought it would be fun to record some The Wild Gardener TO MY DAUGHTER . . . .. $11.00 of my experiences in a series of letters SMP242 to Clare, hoping she would find them Peter Loewer. Stackpole Books, Q THE WILD GARDENER .. $16.95 useful or entertaining." Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 1991. 256 SPB332 Useful and entertaining they are. pages. Black-and-white illustrations. o ORIENTAL VEGETABLES...... $25.45 Gardening advice-what, when, and Publisher's price: hardcover, $19.95. KOD572 where to plant; compo sting, deadhead­ AHS member price: $16.95. o WOMEN IN THE FIELD .. $11.85 ing, and pruning; formal gardens, AMU375 cottage gardens, and gardens in other This is Peter Loewer's third book I would like to ordeT __ books. countries; gardening books; and more-­ this year, and definitely the most Postage and handling: $2.50, fIrst book; is peppered with brief forays into the fun: a compendium of Loewer lore, $1.50, each additional book. Virginia private lives of mother and daughter. if you will. Bits and pieces of these residents add 4V2% sales Uct. Please For example, in a letter about plants short chapters have appeared in allow six weeks f0r delivery. Prices aFe for a dry bank, Scott-James suggests American Horticulturist, a weekly subject to change without n@ace. Jerusalem sage, Phlomis fruticosa, and column in the Sullivan County (New o Enclosed is my check for $ ___ common rosemary: "These are mostly York) Democrat, or Kaatskill Life wild plants ... of which Osbert and I magazine. The title refers both to o Charge to: would crush and sniff the leaves on our the book's emphasis on wildflowers o Visa 0 MasterCard Exp. Date ___ aromatic walks in Corsica-you were and the delightful sense of abandon too young at that time to appreciate with which Loewer has chosen the plants, being more interested in topics and references. Besides Signature _~,..--"-~ __-,;;.., __,..""..,_ the young waiter with the curly hair: writing knowledgeably of many that was a saga." Scott-James native plants, he shares his enjoy­ Shlpw __~ ______~ continues with other suggestions for ment of or abhorrence for the insect

Street ___~--..,.;.o-~~,---,-,~~_ Hastings' dry bank; I'm still longing to iRhabitants of the garden and lets us know what happened with that curly­ indulge in hops and hemp; he draws City_~_--~----;=-~--- haired waiter! metaphors from Greek myth and State ____~ ____~ .Zip __ Hastings usually followed her mother's contemporary horror tales, quotes Daytime phone number ______suggestions, but occasionally she set off Byron and Longfellow, and on her own, either completely ignoring introduces the reader to a virtual MAIL TO: AHS Books, 7931 East the tips or begging for patience. In a plethora of classic gardening books. Boulevard Drive, Alexandria, VA 22308. letter regarding "the battle about Latin -Kathleen Fisher names" Scott-James writes: "I know you

18 • American Horticulturist· September 1991 alligators in the primordial slime. Ten Biographies are not normally my first slightly smoothed ridges run the length choice of reading matter. But Bonta has of the fruit, with dozens of little made it easy to get to know these women ORIENTAL blistered warty bumps packed between on a personal level and vividly evokes them." She likens the segmented their adventures, disasters, and VEGETABLES tubers of the Chinese artichoke to triumphs. Like the best of plant-hunting The Complete Guide for Garden and Kitchen "exceptionally chubby maggots, minia­ volumes, her book gives us precipitous ture Michelin men, Sumo wrestlers, cliffs, unfriendly natives, and stinging and spiral sea shells." insects-all the more amazing since The meat of this book-the most of these explorers did their moun­ encyclopedia-is so good that I wish tain climbing and bog wading in skirts. she would have added another course Those in her section on botanists are or two and skipped dessert. Gardeners Kate Furbish, whose lifework was to can find basic information on weed paint, collect, and classify the flora of control, soil fertility, seed sowing, etc., Maine; Kate Brandegee, whose in a legion of other books. There is no honeymoon consisted of walking 500 need for it here. It would have been miles from San Diego to San Francisco useful, though, to have learned about "botanizing all the way"; Alice even more Chinese edibles like daylily Eastwood, sent by the Arnold JOYLARKCOM buds or especially ginkgo nuts; I have Arboretum to the Yukon at the age of heard that inside those fetid fruits are 55 to collect willows; Ynes Mexia, a scrumptious seeds used in Chinese cantankerous collector of flowering soups and stews. plants in Central and South America; Oriental Vegetables Also, the title is a bit misleading. Mary Sophie Young, who collected seed While Larkcom covers Chinese and a plants and ferns in Texas via burro and Joy Larkcom. Kodansha International, few Japanese vegetables, the bounty of a roofless buggy; Elizabeth Gertrude Tokyo, New York, London, 1991.232 the rest of Asia will have to wait for Knight Britton, who with her husband pages. Color photographs, black-and­ future authors. founded the New York Botanical white illustrations. Publisher's price: -Thomas M. Barrett Garden; and Agnes Chase, an expert hardcover, $29.95. AHS member price: on grasses who worked for the U.S. $25.45. Women in the Field Department of Agriculture. "It has always seemed curious to me Marcia Myers Bonta. Texas A&M that, while Western gardens have been University Press, College Station, Texas, enriched beyond measure by the trees, 1991. 299 pages. Black-and-white photo­ shrubs and flowers that plant hunters graphs. Publisher's price, softcover: brought back from China, there has $13.95. AHS member price: $11.85. never been a parallel introduction of oriental vegetables," writes Joy Too few American gardeners know of or Larkcom in the introduction to appreciate the plant hunters who Oriental Vegetables. As she makes clear risked life and limb to bring them their in this masterful book, it certainly is most beloved species. But this is all the not because of a paucity of interesting, more true of those botanical heroes delicious, and adaptable plants. But who happened to be heroines. Unlike while a few tolerant American their male counterparts, few were gardeners allow snow peas, pak choi, encouraged to seek higher education and daikon radishes into their gardens, and many achieved their major the mass of Chinese vegetables worthy accomplishments as amateurs. Those of cultivation-the choy sums, the who did obtain paying positions often mizuna greens, the bitter gourds, the remained on the lower rungs of the yam beans, the basellas-are still professional ladder. Many were too barred from entry. modest to write biographies or allow The bulk of this book is an invaluable plants to be named for them. Some encyclopedia of Chinese vegetables, have been in the shadow of a husband with information on the background, or father. This book is a laudable step Many of these women began their habit, culture, harvesting, storage, use, toward rectifying that neglect. botanical pursuits late in life, being and occasionally the decorative value Marcia Bonta, who has contributed delayed by illnesses or bad marriages. of over 75 plants. Also included are many articles to American But their work seemed to give them chapters on seed sprouting, recipes, Horticulturist, describes herself as a longevity. Chase died at 95 on her first and gardening techniques. self-taught naturalist, and not all of day in a nursing home; she had quit Larkcom writes with style and the 25 women featured in this book are work five days earlier. At 67, Mexia authority; her prose is enriched with known for plant exploration. She clas­ collected 15,000 plant specimens in anecdotes from personal experience sifies some as entomologists, others as Ecuador, Peru, Chile, and Argentina. with these plants, both in China and in ornithologists, ecologists, or naturalists. Women in the Field will be enjoyed her garden in England. Her plant But aphids, birds, and butterflies are by anyone who prefers exploring the descriptions are botanically accurate, also inhabitants of the garden, and outdoors to being at a desk. It would be but also engaging, like this about the those women who studied them with a especially inspiring to students­ bitter gourd: "Their waxy, warty skins passion are as fascinating as those who women or men-who are entering, or look as if they rubbed shoulders with pursued Trillium and Linaria. considering, "the field." -K F

American Horticulturist· September 1991 + 19 Gardeners'Dateline

Mid-Atlantic Hyatt Regency Hotel, Indianapolis, achusetts Cooperative Extension and Indiana. Sponsored by the American the International Plant Propagators .. Sept. 23. Plants for Health and Society for Horticultural Science. Infor­ Society. Information: Kathleen Carroll, Healing: Their Role in Modern mation: Dr. Jules Janick, Department University of Massachusetts Coopera­ Medicine. Symposium. National of Horticulture, Purdue University, tive Extension, French Hall, University Wildlife Federation, Vienna, Virginia. West Lafayette, IN 47907. of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, Sponsored by the New York Botanical (413) 545-0895. Garden. Information: Education Depart­ .. Oct. 11·14. International ment, New York Botanical Garden, Master Gardener Conference. .. Sept. 21. Plants for Health and Bronx, NY 10458-5126, (212) 220-8720. Detroit, Michigan. Information: Brooks Healing: Their Role in Modern Bell, 21563 Edna Street, Dearborn, MI Medicine. Symposium. New York .. Sept. 27·29. Oatlands Plantation 48124, (313) 565-9547 . Botanical Garden, Bronx, New York. Garden Fair. Leesburg, Virginia. Information: Education Department, Benefit for the restoration of the gardens .. Nov. 11·13. First National New York Botanical Garden, Bronx, at Oatlands. Information: (703) 777-3174. Fuelwood Conference. Lincoln, NY 10458-5126, (212) 220-8720. Nebraska. Sponsored by the National .. Oct. 11·14. American Rose Arbor Day Foundation. Information: .. Sept. 21·22. Harvest Show: Society National Convention and The Arbor Day Institute, P.O. Box Harvesting the Years. Horticulture Rose Show. Omni International Hotel, 81415, Lincoln, NE 68501-1415, or call Center, Fairmount Park, Philadelphia, Norfolk, Virginia. Guest instructors: Kathy Austin, (402) 474-5655. Pennsylvania. Sponsored by the Dr. Marc Cathey and Sean McCann. Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. Information: Robert Stiffler, (804) 481- Northeast Information: (215) 625-8250. 4777 or William Milner, (804) 464-1263. .. Sept. 15. Annual Plant Sale and .. Sept. 27·28. The Blossoming of .. Oct. 18·20. Good as Gold; Foods Rare Plant Auction. Case Estates, 135 America, A Cape Cod View. Flower the Americas Gave the World. Sym­ Wellesley Street, Weston, Massachusetts. Show. Heritage Plantation, Sandwich, posium. National Museum of American Sponsored by the Arnold Arboretum. Massachusetts. Sponsored by the Ap­ History, Smithsonian Institution, Information: (617) 524-1718. tuexet Garden Club of Bourne. Informa­ Washington, D.C. Information: "Good as tion: Heritage Plantation, P.O. Box 566, Gold", Room MBB66, National Museum .. Sept. 16. A Walk on the Wild Sandwich, MA 02563, (508) 888-3300. of American History, Washington, DC Side-Choosing and Using Species 20560, (202) 357-4185. Bulbs. DessertlIllustrated Lecture. .. Sept. 28. Fall Gardening Semi· Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, nar. New York, New York. Sponsored .. Oct. 19·20. Eighth Annual Pennsylvania. Information: Continuing by the Horticultural Society of New Chatsworth Cranberry Festival. Education, Longwood Gardens, York. Information: (212) 757-0915. The White Horse Inn, Chatsworth, New Kennett Square, PA 19348-0501, (215) Jersey. Sponsored by the American 388-6741, Ext. 516. .. Oct. 17·20. Tribute to Flora. Art Cranberry Association and Chatsworth Exhibit. Worcester, Massachusetts. Club II. Information: Chatsworth Club .. Sept. 21. International Plant Sponsored by the Worcester Art II, Box 331, Chatsworth, NJ 08019, Propagators Society Meeting and Museum and the Worcester County (609) 894-9232. Tour. Newport, Rhode Island. Horticultural Society. Information: Sponsored by the University of Mass- (508) 799-4406. North Central Planting Fields Arboretum of Oyster Bay, .. Oct. 5·6. The 29th Annual Gourd New York, will hold its 87th annual Fall Show. Morrow County Fairgrounds, Flower and Landscape Show October 5·14. Mount Gilead, Ohio. Sponsored by the This year's theme will be "The Jewels of Ohio Gourd Society. Information: John Autumn." At left is Jim Cross, owner of a Stevens, 4681 Township Road 116, Long Island nursery, Environmentals, who Mount Gilead, OH 43338, (419) 946-3302. exhibits at the show each year. This year's displays and activities will include .. Oct. 5·Nov. 17. Fall Mum Show: landscaped gardens, competitive flower Country Color. Foellinger-Freimann shows, plant sales, and plant society Botanical Conservatory, Fort Wayne, exhibits, and for children, pumpkin sales Indiana. Information: Foellinger­ and a scarecrow competition. For more Freimann Botanical Conservatory, information, write Planting Fields 1100 South Calhoun Street, Fort Arboretum, P.O. Box 58, Oyster Bay, NY Wayne, IN 46802, (219) 427-1267. 11771 or call (516) 922·9201 . .. Oct. 6·9. Second National Symposium on New Crops: Explora· tion, Research, Commercialization.

20 • American Horticulturist· September 1991 .. Oct. 22. Perennials for the .. Sept. 28. State Horticultural Sponsored by the American Society of Landscape and Garden Center Therapy Conference. Selby Gardens, Consulting Arborists. Information: Industries. Symposium. Sponsored by Sarasota, Florida. Information: Claire ASCA, 3895 Upham Street, #12, Wheat Longwood Gardens. Scott Arboretum, Herzog, (813) 366-5731. Ridge, CO 80033, (303) 420-9554. Swarthmore College, Swarthmore, Penn­ sylvania. Information: Pennsylvania .. Sept. 28-29. Refining the Garden: .. Oct. 26·27. The 21st Annual Horticultural Society, 325 Walnut Street, The Trowels and Pleasures of Gar· Show of the Albuquerque Chrysan· Philadelphia, PA 19106, (215) 625-8299. dening. Symposium. Atlanta History themum Society. Albuquerque, New Center, Atlanta, Georgia. Sponsored by Mexico. Information: Albuquerque +-Oct. 25. International Plant the Atlanta Historical Society and the Garden Center, PO. Box 3065, Propagators Society Meeting and Georgia Perennial Plant Association. Albuquerque, NM 87190. Tour. Royal Plaza Trade Center, Information: Refining the Garden, Marlborough, Massachusetts. Atlanta History Center, 3101 Andrews West Coast Sponsored by the University of Mass­ Drive, Atlanta, GA 30305, (404) achusetts Cooperative Extension and 238-0654. .. Sept. 10. An English Arcadia, the International Plant Propagators 1600·1990: Designs for Gardens Society. Information: Kathleen Carroll, .. Oct. 3·5. Eighth Conference on and Garden Buildings in the Care University of Massachusetts Coopera­ Restoring Southern Gardens and of the British National Trust. tive Extension, French Hall, University Landscapes. Winston-Salem, North Exhibit. The Huntington, San Marino, of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, Carolina. Information: Landscape California. Information: (818) 405-2141. (413) 545-0895. Restoration Conference, Old Salem, Inc., Box F, Salem Station, Winston­ .. Sept. 21·22. Bonsai Show and South Central Salem, NC 27108. Sale. South Coast Botanic Garden, Palos Verdes Peninsula, California. .. Sept. 27·29. Seventh Annual .. Oct. 5. Gardening for an Sponsored by the South Coast Bonsai Natural Landscaping Symposium Environmentally Sound Future. Association. Information: (213) 544-6815. and Plant Sale. Armand Bayou Conference. Atlanta Botanical Garden, Nature Center, Houston, Texas. Atlanta, Georgia. Information: (404) .. Sept. 28·29. Ninth Annual Information: Armand Bayou Nature 876-5859. Symposium: Gardening with the Center, 8600 Bay Area Boulevard, PO. Elements. University of California Box 58828, Houston, TX 77258, (713) .. Oct. 5·6. Fourth Annual Botanical Garden, Berkeley, California. 474-2551. Southern Garden Show. Riverbanks Sponsored by Friends of the Botanical Zoo, Columbia, South Carolina. Garden. Information: (415) 642-3343. .. Oct. 11·12. Southern Garden Information: (803) 779-8717 . Symposium. Saint Francisville, .. Sept. 28·29. Bonsai Show. Los Louisiana. Information: Southern .. Oct. 6·7. Annual Lawn and Angeles State and County Arboretum, Garden Symposium, PO. Box 1607, Garden Show. Nashville Convention Arcadia, California. Sponsored by the Saint Francisville, LA 70775. Center, Nashville, Tennessee. Informa­ Akebono Bonsai Society. Information: tion: Janet R. Alexander, (615) 452- (818) 821-3222. Southeast 4500, Fax (615) 451-4600. .. Oct. 3. Plants of Mystery, .. Sept. 20·22. Bonsai and Orchid .. Oct. 12. Fall Gardening Festival. Magic, and Superstition. Lecture. Exposition. Sheraton Imperial Hotel Atlanta Botanical Garden, Atlanta, The Huntington, San Marino, and Convention Center, Raleigh, North Georgia. Information: (404) 876-5859. California. Information: (818) 405-2282. Carolina. Information: Bonsai and Orchid Association, 26 Pine Street, .. Oct. 19. Fall Plant Sale. Crosby .. Oct. 25·27. Fifth Annual East Dover, DE 19901, (302) 736-6781. Arboretum, Picayune, Mississsippi. West Orchid Show: Orchids in the Information: Crosby Arboretum City. Los Angeles, California. Spon­ .. Sept. 21, Oct. 19, Nov. 9. Garden· Foundation, (601) 261-3137 or sored by southern California orchid ing Seminars. Fearrington Village Administration Center, (601) 799-2311 societies. Information: (213) 957-1007. Center, Pittsboro, North Carolina. or (601) 798-6961. Guest instructors: Georgia Vance, John .. Oct. 31·Nov. 2. Fall Plant Fes· Hoover, and Ryan Gainey. Information: +- Oct. 29·31. Florida State tival. The Huntington, San Marino, (919) 542-1145. Horticultural Society Annual California. Information: (818) 405-2282. Meeting. Doral Ocean Beach Resort, .. Sept. 26·29. The 24th Interna· Miami Beach, Florida. Information: International tional Conference and Trade Show Mohamed A. Ismail, CREC, 700 for Professional Plant Growers As· Experiment Station Road, Lake Alfred, .. Oct. 28·Nov. 15. International sociation. Opryland Hotel, Nashville, FL 33850, (813) 956-1151. Horticultural Tour to New Zealand. Tennessee. Information: PPGA, PO. Sponsored by the Professional Plant Box 27517, Lansing, MI 48909, (517) .. Nov. 2-3. Chrysanthemum Show. Growers Association. Information: 694-7700, Fax (517) 694-8560. Atlanta Botanical Garden, Atlanta, PPGS, PO. Box 27517, Lansing, MI Georgia. Information: (404) 876-5859 . 48909, (517) 694-7700. .. Sept. 28. Growing Fragrance Seminar. Embassy Suites Hotel, Southwest .. Nov. 15·17. Trinity Garden Fes· Greensboro, North Carolina. Sponsored tival. Auckland, New Zealand. Informa­ by the North Carolina Unit of the Herb .. Oct. 17·19. Consulting Arborists tion: New Zealand Tourism Office, 501 Society of America, Inc. Information: Annual Conrerence. Sheraton Old Santa Monica Boulevard #300, Santa Ann Albanese, (703) 638-1468. Town, Albuquerque, New Mexico. Monica, CA 90401, (213) 395-7480.

American Horticulturist · September 1991 • 21 Classifieds

Classified Ad Rates: $1 per word; BOOKS minimum $20 per insertion. 10 percent discount for three consecutive ads 1985 Edition EXOTICA 4, with 16,300 photos, 405 in color. 2,600 pages in 2 volumes, with using same copy, provided each inser­ Addenda of 1,000 updates by Dr. A.B. Graf, tion meets the $20 minimum after $187. TROPICA 3, revised 1986, 7,000 color taking discount. Copy must be received photos, now 1,156 pages, $125. Exotic House on the 20th day of the month three Plants, 1,200 photos, $8 .95. Shipping addi­ months prior to publication date. Send tional. Circulars gladly sent. ROEHRS COM­ orders to: American Horticultural PANY, Box 125, E. Rutherford, NJ 07073. Society Advertising Department, 7931 East Boulevard Drive, Alexandria, VA CAROL DIDRICK'S LITTLE RED BOOK ON 22308, or call (703) 768-5700 or (800) OLD GARDEN ROSES. Where to get them and 777-7931. whet"e to plant them. An introduction to OLD GARDEN ROSES. Each book signed and num­ AFRICAN VIOLETS bered. Send $14.95 postpaid. CAROLDIDRICK, America's Finest-l77 best violets and ges­ 1535 Willard Dr., Orrville, OH 44667. *Please neriads. Color Catalog and Growing "Tips" 50 add $2 for out-of-country mailing. cents. FISCHER GREENHOUSES, Box H, Linwood, NJ 08221. Books Available Horticulture, Botany, THE AVANT GARDENER Landscaping, Flowers, Fruits, Herbs, Rural DIFFERENT, EXCITING, GREAT FUN TO Matters, published 1550-1990. Catalog free. POMONA, Rockton, ON, Canada LOR lXO. READ! Subscribe to the unique news service that brings you the most useful information on new plants, products, technique:r-with sources. 23rd GOOD GARDENING BOOKS, also garden year. Curious? Sample copy $1. Serious? $12 full history, landscape architecture. FREE year (reg. $18). THE AVANT GARDENER, P.O. catalog. BOOK ARBOR, Dept. M1, P.O. Box Box 489M, New York, NY 10028. 20885, Baltimore, MD 21209. AZALEAS AND RHODODENDRONS SHIPPED SPRING, SUMMER, FALL!­ BULBS Northern grown and acclimated Azaleas and Dutch bulbs for fall planting. 12 CM Tulips, Rhododendrons Proven Hardy Here! DN1 Daffodils, Hyacinths and Miscellaneous. 'Landscapable sizes.' Two-year catalog sub­ Catalog Free. Paula Parker DBA, Mary Mat­ scription: $2 (deductible). CARLSON'S GAR­ tison van Schaik. IMPORTED DUTCH DENS, Box 305-ARC, South Salem, NY BULBS, P.O. Box 32AH, Cavendish, VT 10590. (914) 763-5958. 05142. (802) 226-7653.

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o Please send me a free catalog. o Please send me 100 Mammoth Your satisfaction with our member service is very important to us. If you have a question or problem c0ncerning your membership, please contact the Membership Department for assistance. Darwin Hybrid Tulips for $19.95. o Payment enclosed: ____ You can help by giving complete information when you call or write. Please refer to the five·digit number that is on the o 0Jarge to: 0 Master Card 0 VISA mailing label on your magazine or News Edition. The number helps us to identify quickly your membership record for corrections. Acct. No.: ______Exp. Date: ______CHANGING YOUR ADDRESS? Pllease allow 6-8 weeks advance notice. Attach a current mailing label in the space provided (or write in your old Name: address) then fill in your new address on the lines below, Mailing Address: ______OLD ADDRESS: MEMBER#: Shipping Address: ______NAMe : ____-~~~---~~-~---_---~-~- ADDRESS: CITY/STATE/ZIP : City: ______State: _____ Zip: _____ NEW ADDRESS: Phone Number: ______NAME:~_~ __~~_~ _____~ ______ADDRESS: VaJ1 €J1Sc1CJ11J1c. CITY/STATE/ZIP: Stillbrook Farm Mail to: Membership Services, AHS, 7931 East Boulevard Drive, Alexandria, VA 22308, 313 Maple Street, Litchfield, CT 06759 (203) 567-8734

22 .. American Horticulturist· September 1991 CACTI AND SUCCULENTS HELP WANTED EXOTIC ever-changing Earth Stars, Fast Service-Moderate prices, rare, unusual We at the American Horticultural Society are Staghorns, Bromeliads, Philodendrons, Rhip­ or "common plants." Lists $1 (refundable). often asked to refer individuals for significant salis, plus. 64-page color catalog-$5. LOEHMAN'S CACTUS, Box 871, Paramount, horticultural positions around the country. We SOUTHERN EXPOSURE, 35 Minor, Dept. AH, Beaumont, TX 77702. CA 90723. are not in a position to offer full placement services to candidates or employers. However, Plants: Rare, old-fashioned, and wild. Free as a service to our members, both jobseekers CARNIVOROUS PLANTS list. Catalog $1. HARDEMAN OAKS, Rt. 3, and employers, we would be very glad to Box 164, Henderson, TN 38340. Carnivorous (Insectivorous) Plants, seeds, receive resumes and cover letters of in­ RARELY OFFERED SOUTHEASTERN NA­ supplies, and books. Color brochure free. dividuals seeking job changes and employers TIVES, woody, herbaceous, nursery grown. PETER PAULS NURSERIES, Canandaigua, seeking candidates. All responsibility for Many hardy northward. Mso newly intro­ NY 14424. checking references and determining the ap­ duced exotics selected for Southern gardens. propriateness of both position and candidate Send $1 for extensive mail-order list. WOOD­ rests with the individuals. AHS's participation DWARF CONIFERS AND LAURELS LANDERS AH, 1128 Colleton Ave., Aiken, SC in this activity is only to serve as a connecting 29801. Send for our 50-page Catalog No.8 ($2, refun­ point for members ofthe Society. Inquiries and dable on first order) describing over 200 types informational materials should be sent to: REAL ESTATE of dwarf conifers and hybrid kalmias by size, Horticultural Employment, American Hor­ shape, color and texture. Available via UPS in ARBORETUM FOR SALE, near Baltimore, ticultural Society, 7931 East Boulevard Dr., Md. 27 Acres of Public Garden, pond with 50' 1, 2, and 3 gal. container sizes. WASHING­ Alexandria, VA 22308. TON EVERGREEN NURSERY, P.O. Box fountain, converted barn for group use, paved 388AH, Leicester, NC 28748. HOUSE PLANTS access and parking, charming older home, un­ usual opportunity! Call Al Noblin, agent, ORCHIDS, GESNERIADS, BEGONIAS, O'CONOR, PIPER & FLYNN, REALTORS EXOTICS CACTI & SUCCULENTS. Visitors welcome. (301) 876-1982. 1990-1991 catalog $2. LAURAY OF SALIS­ THE EXOTIC PLUME RIA (Frangipani) BURY, 432 Undermountain Rd., Salisbury, CT ROSES Revised and Expanded by Elizabeth and 06068. (203) 435-2263. Sharon Thornton. Cultivation, propagation, LARGEST ASSORTMENT OF ROSES to be fertilization and storage covered. Cultivars LANDSCAPING found anywhere, at reasonable prices: HT, climbers, antiques, English Garden Roses, identified in color. Send $13 PLUME RIA LEARN LANDSCAPING AND THE GROW­ Rennie's miniatures, Cocker's introductions, SPECIALTIES, 4110 Spyglass Hills Dr., Katy, ING OF PLANTS AT HOME. Start business etc. A superb collection. Orders shipped with TX 77450. or hobby. Free booklet. LIFETIME CAREER our refrigerated truck to USA UPS depots for SCHOOLS, Dept. A-589, 101 Harrison St., distribution in most cases. Catalog $2. HOR­ Archbald, PA 18403. FELLOWSHIP AVAILABLE TICO INC., 723 Robson Rd., Waterdown, ON University of Dela,ware's Longwood Graduate MINIATURE ROSES LOR 2H1. (416) 689-6984 or 689-3002, Fax Program is accepting applications through 31 Award-winning varieties from America's top (416) 689-6566. December 1991 for the 1992-94 class. miniature rose breeder and grower. Over 75 SIGNS Graduate Record Exam must be taken no later varieties for garden or container growing. Redwood signs. Help your image grow. Rustic than October for December application. The Send for FREE color catalog: NOR'EAST and refined. Free brochure. THE SIGN SHOP, two-year program yields the M.S. degree in MINIATURE ROSES, INC., Box 307AC, P.O. Box 1978, Hammond, LA 70404. (800) Public Horticulture Administration with em­ Rowley, 01969. Miniature roses are our MA 829-2275. phasis in leadership, and in management of only business and we do it right! public gardens. The Program offers students academic study at the University of Delaware ORCHID SUPPLY and management internships working with User Friendly! Teas orchid and exotic plant business, education, horticulture and main­ supply catalog. Send $2 to TEAS NURSERY tenance staff of Longwood Gardens in Kennett COMPANY, INC., P.O. B9x 1603, Bellaire, TX Square, Pennsylvania. The Longwood 77402-1603. Or call (800) 446-7723 M - F 9 Graduate Program is appropriate for in­ a.m. to 6 p.m. dividuals interested in leadership and profes­ TREES • SHRUBS • PERENNIALS ORGANIC INFORMATION sional careers in arboreta, botanical gardens, horticultural societies, park systems, civic Organic Pest Remedies Chart---comprehen­ garden centers and related institutions. Fur­ sive instructions on product application and 2951 Curve-Nonkipoo Rood ther information and applications may be re­ rates-$1.95; Organic Maintenance and In­ Route #3. Box # 158-A quested by contacting Dr. James E. Swasey, stallation Procedures-ideal for homeowners, Ripley. Tennessee 38063-9420 Coordinator, Longwood Graduate Program, landscape contractors, landscape main­ Box H, 153 Townsend Hall, University of tenance companies, growers and farmers (2 Catalog $2.00 Delaware, Newark, DE 19717-1303. (302) years of research data)-$1.95; Organic 451-2517. Manual by Howard Garrett-complete in­ structional and reference guide to landscaping and gardening organically, 20 reference charts GARDENING PRODUCTS (i04 pages)-resource list with addresses and COMPOSTING? DROUGHT BUSTER CONTROLS. Dis­ phone numbers-$14.95. Order separately or tributes scarce water most effectively. (all for $17.95) payable to: LAMBERT'S, Attn: (Brochure $1). AQUAMONITOR, Box 327, Barbara, 7300 Valley View Lane, Dallas, TX Huntington, NY 11743. (516) 427-5664. 75240. (214) 239-0121. Now's the time to start! PLANTS (UNUSUAL) AHS now carries a full line of unique compost bins, GREENHOUSE ACCESSORIES tumblers, and accessories-all demonstrated in our OVER 1,000 KINDS OF CHOICE & AFFORD­ National Compost Demonstration Park-and all sig­ COMPLETE MIST PROPAGATION SYS­ ABLE PLANTS. Outstanding Ornamentals, nificantly discounted (for members only). TEMS. New advanced "MISTOSTAT" gets American Natives, Perennials, Rare Conifers, Call or write for a free price sheet: phenomenal results. Free brochures. Pre-Bonsai, Wildlife Plants, much more. American Horticultural Society, Compost Services, AQUAMONITOR, Dept. 5, Box 327, Hunting­ Descriptive catalog $3. FORESTFARM, 990 7931 East Boulevard Drive, Alexandria, VA 22308, ton, NY 11743. (516) 427-5664. Tetherah, Williams, OR 97544. (800) 777-7931.

American Horticulturist· September 1991 + 23 Hairy Potato a Drag Healthy Damage for Insects Here's yet another reason to think twice before you reach for that garden insec­ An international team of scientists ticide: Duke University researchers have has developed the world's first insect­ found that being nibbled by insects may resistant potato. The "hairy potato," as make plants healthier. it is being called, is resistant to all David Eitzman, a botany student work­ major potato pests including the potato ing with Professor Mark Rausher, found tuber moth, the Colorado potato beetle, that morning glories damaged moderate­ thrips, mites, and aphids. Researchers ly by tortoise beetles and a leaf miner from Cornell University and the showed what he Galls an "overcompensa­ International Potato Center in Lima, tion phenomenon." They grew larger, Peru, joined forces in the project, now flowered longer, and produced more in its 10th year. seeds than their undamaged counterparts. The potato is a cross between Rauscher didn't have an explanatiQn Solanum tuberosum, the common for the phenomenon, and he em­ potato, and a nonedible wild species phasized that his findings aren't likely from the Bolivian Andes, S. berthaultii. to generalize tQ all pests and all plants. Hairs (technically glandular trichomes) on the leaves and stem form a physical o and biochemical barrier. Small-bodied ~ Useful By-p'roduct insects, such as aphids and leafhoppers, An electron micrGgraph of the two types of become ensnared in the sticky hairs. glandular trichomes responsible for insect A Penn State researcher /'lays a steel Colorado potato beetles and Qther resistance of the "hairy" potato. by-product is an ideal growing medium large-bodied insects are not trapped, for many bedding plants. but still find the hairs disturbing and are imprQved and the potato is commer­ Dr. Jay Holcomb, professor of prefer to conduct their feeding and cially available. floriculture in Penn State's College of breeding business elsewhere. Some 1,362,350 acres of potatoes in Agriculture, has been using mineral Ward Tingey, professor of entomol­ the United States are treated with wool to grow wax begonias, impatiens, ogy at Cornell University and one of 4,420,000 pounds of insecticide annually. chrysanthemums, and poinsettias. He the scientists who helped develop the Tingey believes that there will be great notes that the pH is high, but says it potato, notes that the hairy potato is demand for the hairy potato since insect holds water well and releases nutrients somewhat less productive than the populations have developed a resistance efficiently. And because the uncleaned potatoes cultivated in the United to insecticides in many areas of the wool is heavier than some other States. ''But you have to l'emember," he country. The potato should also play an alternative media, its use in outdoor says, "the male parent 10 generations important role in international agricul­ pots would make them less likely to ago was a wild Bolivian species which ture since, according to the International blow over in a high wind. doesn't produce potatoes in temperate Potato Center, more insecticide is Two or three greenhouse growers environments." He predicts that it will applied to the PQtato than any other food will be trying the material, currently be five to eight years before the yields crop in the world. used primarily for ceiling tile, this fall.

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