PRIMROSE SOCIETY FOUNDED 1941 ^rimroses

QUARTERLY OF THE AMERICAN PRIMROSE SOCIETY SUMMER 2OO8~| VOL. 661 No. American Primrose Society Summer 2008 OFFICERS Primroses Let- Nelson. President Kill Kir President's Message 8 Poer Street Jane Guild Primroses .1080 Michetson Road Uinghamtom. NY 13901 Sooke BC V9Z OJ7 Canada LEE NELSON (607)648-5995 editoiwamericanprimrosesociety.org The Quarterly oj the tax 648-8397 [email protected] Editorial Committee As I write this, many of the are still going American Primrose Society Maedythe Martin Judith Si-lk-rs, Vice 1'residcni Judith Sellers strong in my garden, and I do hope you have all 2297 County Highway 18 Michael Plumb had a great flowering year as well. Last year I went Volume 66 No 3 Summer 2008 Alan Lawrence South New Berlin. NY 13843-3158 to visit Judy Sellers' garden about an hour's drive jsellers/SJfrontiernet net F.dilnrial Deadlines Winter issue - October 15 from my home. The new house she was moving to 1'hf purpose of this Society is to bring the people Spring issue - January !5 Michael Plumb. Secretary didn't have the shade that her current garden did, interested in I'rimula together in an organi/ation to 9341 Kingsley Crescenl Summer issue - April 15 Autumn issue - July 15 increase the general knowledge of and interest in the Richmond, BC V7A4V6 so being concerned that the new owners would not collecting, growing, breeding, showing and using in (604)241-0498 •^'American Primrose Society 2008 appreciate the that were left behind, Judy michadcp1umb@yahoo cu Primrnses (ISSN 0162-6671) is published the landscape and garden of the genus Primula in all by the American Primrose, Primula and invited me to visit and bring my trowel. We spent an its forms and to serve as a clearing house tor collecting Jon Kawajjuchi, "treasurer Auricula Society. All material printed enjoyable morning digging Primula of many 3524 Bowman Court in the quarterly, except as noted, is and disseminating information about Primula. copyright by APS. No part may be and in a wide range of colors. Little did I realize Alameda, CA 94502 reproduced without the permission of APS. the treasures I had received until this spring, when (510)331-3337 Manuscripts lor publication are invited. Contents [email protected] though there is no payment. Send articles, my garden came alive with all my new primroses. preferably in Microsoft Word, directly to Two plants were outstanding. 'Jane H. Coates' is a DIRECTORS the editor. i'residem's Message By Lee Nelson 3 Photographs are credited and used only poly with huge clusters of very large pips that start Through 2011 Linda Hailej Sheriff And l.udlow B> Joan N. fraser 5 with the permission of the photographer. out white and slowly fade to pink. 'Bruce's Fire' is 1720 Highway 20 East Photos submitted to the editor are preferred 2008 Canadian West Coast Shows Colevillc. WA991I4 in 300 dpi digital format but other images a seedling that Judy spotted near her compost pile By Maedythe Martin II (509)684-8936 can be accepted. Any material used that has and thought it looked promising how right she previously appeared elsewhere is properly 2008 New England Chapter Show Report lbailey@p!ix.com was. A she sent to Terry Mitchell in the UK- By Judith Sellers 13 credited and used with the permission of Cheri the original publisher and/or creator. went on to win a first at the Cheadle show in 2002. Vintage Bits 14 1720 Highway 20 liast Membership in the Society includes a Coleville.WA 99114 'Bruce's Fire' is aptly named with a fiery red margin Installing A Theatre Bv Ian MaoGowan 17 subscription to Primnnes, seed exchange New Inland Show 2008 24 (509)684-8936 privileges, password to the member's only that flames up from the bold yellow center. If they The APS National Show B\a i ialdorsen 25 lbaitey(ttiplix.com section of the APS web site (including the Pictorial Dictionary) and use of the slide produce seed, I'll try to get some into next year's Feedback l:rom The Show 29 Rodney Barker library. seed ex. Thanks Judy. Hatley I'iirk. Abkha?i Garden. And More 49WoodclilVRoad Dues for individual or household By Judith Sellers 30 Newton I Iighlands, MA 02461 membership, domestic and Canada are: Goodbye Dodecatlieon: Hello Primula! By Jay Lunn .... 32 rodney@justtce com $25 per calendar year I'm sure all of you who attended the National Show Website Notes .35 Julia Haldorson, Membership 170 for three years in Victoria BC will echo my thanks to Michael and Minutes Of The Annual General Meeting 3(> P.O.Box2109l3 Overseas rales are: 532 per calendar year Rhondda Plumb for a job well done. The show, New Members 39 AukeUay.AK 99821 S90 for three years. which was held in conjunction with the Vancouver Officers Of The Chapters 39 [email protected] Membership renewals are due November 15 and are delinquent January 1. Island Rock Garden Society, was well attended and Marianne I. Kudu-1 Submit payment 10 the treasurer, the benches were full of well grown plants. I had I SI 5 Blood Hrook Koad Fairlee, VT 05045 Advertising rales per issue: the opportunity to act as a junior judge, and under Black ami Whim: (802)333-4835 Credits Photos and text reproduced with permission Full page; SIOO the tutelage of our two very experienced judges I roland k kuchel^valley net Half page: SfiO 1/4 page: S30 certainly learned a lot. I want to thank Ed Buyarski Mary Jo Burns Front Cover: Winner of the 2007 APS Photography Contest in 1/8 page: SI5 and Cheri Fluck for the experience and for a job 4169 Weslwood iJnve the category of 'Other People's Gardens', Becky Carls' photo of Geior: Anchorage, A K 99515 well done. Thanks also to Julia Haldorson and a P x iu/iana hybrid possibly called 'Yellow Portland' Half page: S150 (907) 24S-2827 Full page: S300 Back Cover Auricula table at the Vancouver Island Rock and Pam Eveleigh for keeping it all straight as our very Back Cover: S450 Alpine Garden Show Contact the treasurer for demits, capable clerks, and to Maedythc Martin for making visitors to Victoria feel welcome. American Primrose Society Summer 2008 The three gardens on the tour were fantastic; a brief shower couldn't dampen Seed Exchange Primer Sherriff and Ludlow our enjoyment of walking around these What seed to save and send? BY JOAN N. FRASER beautiful gardens. Several in the group , and any other ; found an opportunity to view the garden clean seeds please; and properly from the restaurant windows while document them. Note the , George Sherriff and Frank Ludlow, ex- cheap, expeditions on the scale we enjoying a British cream tea. and/or name and whether garden army officers with streaks of romance organized were not run withoutincurring origin or wild collected, hand pollinated and adventure, introduced sixty-six considerable expense. Occasionally Traveling west to Victoria to attend the or open pollinated. species of primula - a record - from we received grants from funds at show also provided a great opportunity the eastern Himalayas to the Western the disposal of the British Museum Where to send the seed? for me to finally meet many of the world. Traveling in the years 1933 (Natural History) and members4 of Donors from the USA should send officers and other members of our - 1949, before and after the Second the expedition at times contributed directly to: organization. APS c/o PO Box 67 World War, they led major expeditions according to their means, but it was Millwood N.Y. 10546. into the mountains of Bhutan and Tibet, Sherriff who defrayed the greater part On a business note, the Board of In this age of increased difficulty with much of it to unexplored and politically of the costs."5 Nonetheless the rumors Directors voted unanimously to re- mailing seeds, it is perhaps better that sensitive territory. are in print. "Although both Ludlow admit the Tacoma Group as a full APS the word "seed" doesn't appear in the and Sherriff were men of independent Chapter at the Annual General Meeting address. Their first joint trip, in 1933, mostly means, 1 have often wondered how in Victoria. We welcome them back and Canada and overseas members, send in Bhutan, established good relations it was that an ex-teacher and an ex- look forward to reading their activity seed to: Maedythe Martin with that government. "The result was consular official were able to fund such reports and articles in future issues of the 951 Joan Cres. a collection of ...over 500 gatherings ambitious expeditions during the prime Victoria, BCV8S3L3 Quarterly. A real debt of gratitude goes of plants which included several of their careers. It seems probable that Canada to Candy Strickland and Cy Happy for species new to science ... as well as a they were in fact part of what Kipling their work in increasing the membership When to send them? renewed determination to undertake a called "the Great Game" and that their to become a chapter again. Thank you, Any time from now up to the end of series of journeys, gradually working wanderings served some tactical and Candy and Cy. October. eastwards through Tibet along the main political purposes. Whatever their Himalayan range, ... until the great primary motives, there is no doubt What about a donor form? Articles on the National Show are bend of the Tsangpo was reached."1 that the excitement and challenge of abundant in this issue, as there was a Please print the donor form from the website and fill it in. uncovering totally new botanical store- lot to talk about. It has been a very busy Sherriff and Ludlow were not the houses of great richness dominated Primula season, especially for those What about the printed seed list? first geographer/botanists to map and their interests."6 attending spring events. We will only mail out a seed list to collect in the Himalayas.2 But their you if you request it. Otherwise, the expeditions were so methodical and The two men, from different On a final note, our editorial committee information is listed on the website and elaborate there was speculation about backgrounds, met by chance. Ludlow always welcomes articles from members. updated as major changes occur, how they were financed. Sir George was an academic, given to quoting We would love to have you share your *Be sure seed packets are carefully sealed Taylor, of the British Museum and poetry and inventing Gilbert and own accounts with our other Primula and no seed will leak out. It is useless later Director of Kew, a member of Sullivan like ditties. He graduated from enthusiasts. when loose in the envelope -- we don't the 1938 expedition, says that Sherriff Cambridge in 1908. When he was there know what it is. had intuitive command, and "bore by he read botany under the direction of Lee far the greater part of the expenses of Professor Marshal Ward, the father of *Be sure seeds are mailed in a sturdy, mounting these costly expeditions".3 the famous Himalayan botanist Frank padded envelope, to keep them safe in Ludlow said that "Although transport Kingdon Ward. Perhaps inspired by the mail . and supplies in Bhutan and Tibet were the professor's comments on the Far American Primrose Society Summer 2008 East, after graduation Ludlow went to 1918, fought in Europe, and in 1919 they sent a collection to Britain by air. means an easy assignment."12 Sherriff Karachi to teach biology and English. was sent as a gunner to India's North "The results of this expedition were organized trade with Tibet for HMG, He served with the 97lh Indian Infantry West Frontier. He entered the British satisfactory in every way, and Ludlow and in 1945 he and his wife succeeded during the First World War, and then Consular service in 1928, being has described it as producing the largest Ludlow at Lhasa. First Ludlow and worked for the Indian Education appointed Vice-Consul, later Consul, and most comprehensive collection of then the Sherriffs made short collecting Service, He opted to take a three-year in Kashgar, which allowed him to plants that has ever come out of Tibet forays around the station, discovering term to start a school in Tibet, when he travel widely in Turkestan and Ladak. in one season, the collections being all- Meconopsis torquata, the Lhasa Poppy, fell under the spell of the country. He "The affecting and abiding magic of embracing and of great taxonomic and "until then very imperfectly known also established credentials which later Tibet had touched Sherriff from his horticultural value."11 Unfortunately, from a single gathering made by Walton allowed him and chosen companions (army) experiences on the Ladak-Tibet during the Second World War most or one of his collectors in 1904.'"-1 to access the then forbidden land. border."1* of the collection sent to Britain was neglected or lost to bombing. In 1946-7 the two men and their party He retired in 1927, planning to travel "Sherriff's training and temperament set off on an ambitious trip to southeast in the Himalayas to collect specimens made him an ideal organizer and his Sherriff married in 1942, and his wife Tibet. They started in winter and split of birds, his first love, and incidentally proficient planning, typical of his Betty described their war years. "Early up in March to they could cover more of plants, for the British Museum. In strict military practice, ensured that in 1942 he [Ludlow] was sent to Lhasa ground. Sherriff fell ill and had to 1929, while spending a winter at the the primary objects of the expeditions with the special task of persuading the return to India, but Ludlow stayed on British Consulate in Kashgar, he met were achieved. He was responsible Tibetan government to allow supplies for fourteen months. Sherriff. Excellent marksmen, Ludlow for arranging the commissariat, and to pass through their country to help with both gun and catapult, they went on even contrived to have vegetable seeds China's war effort and to organize the That was the last of the Tibetan trips, shooting parties together. They found sown at intervals on the long journeys transport for this undertaking - by no for by 1949 neither Tibetan nor Indian interests in common besides loving the and to have porters collect the produce countryside, and made tentative plans as it matured and bring it to the to explore Bhutan and Tibet sometime advance camps....much foresight was in the future. exercised to ensure the comfort of the entire party."9 "Often accompanied From March to November 1930, by 100 retainers, his staff work was We carry over 500 varieties while Sherriff was still working at immaculate, and his men and animals of mature cold hardy plants the consulate, Ludlow undertook an well cared for. Every night, it is said, ZONE 2-5 expedition on his own. He traveled Ludlow and Sherriff relaxed with a nip Including 50 varieties of some 4000 miles, collecting 800 bird of whiskey distilled at Sherriff's own skins, 2000 butterflies, 700 birds' eggs family distillery."10 Some retainers and about 200 plants for the British became expert at collecting and Museum. preparing specimens.

Sherriff resigned in I932.7 When Both men were on the expeditions of Check out our web site the two men joined forces for the 1933 (five months); 1934 (five months), expeditions, Sherriff added the www.alaskahardy.com and 1936 (ten months). Sherriff made for great images, growing information and how to practical and administrative skills of the 1937 trip (four months) when an immensely competent professional Ludlow was occupied in Kashmir. In order. Fritz Creek Gardens, Box 1 5226, Fritz Creek, Alaska 99603 soldier. He had graduated from Royal 1938 Sir (then Dr.) George Taylor of (907) 235-4969 Fax (907) 235-81 1 6 Military College, was commissioned the British Museum joined them on a [email protected] in the Royal Garrison Artillery in ten month journey, and for the first time American Primrose Society Summer 2008 governments would sanction them. So in the text.) There is an informative people who received our seeds On the post war trips the difficulty for their final trip, in 1949, they went "Historical Introduction" by Sir George ever paused to think of the labor of the terrain affected both men. As once again to Bhutan. They discovered, Taylor. The book also includes some entailed in their collection. noted, in 1947, Sherriff had to leave the among other plants, Lilium shcrrifTiae of Sherriffs photographs; maps, and Only a few, I fear. expedition because of heart problems. and Meconopsis sherriffii. a section written by Betty Sherriff for "Yet the labor at times was In 1949 Ludlow said "... I must the years 1942-5. great, not a mere snatching confess that I was pretty "cooked" at Neither man attempted to publish of capsules and berries by the the termination of today's march. At accounts of their travels, but they kept Ludlow had an ideal for collecting. "To roadside as we passed by. To 64 it is a pretty severe test to climb diaries and field records in which most label, press and preserve plants for the climb 3,000 or 4,000 feet and 1,000 feet at any altitude above 15,000 of the primula, rhododendrons and herbarium was never the sole object of find the seeds all shed, or green feet and then to descend from 16,600 other plants are specifically located our botanical expeditions. Few, save and unripe, eaten by grubs or feet (approx) along the roughest tracks and described in detail. In spite the expert, ever spend much time in birds or cattle, or buried 'neath to 12,500 feet. However, I managed of the formality of the writing the herbaria, but the living plant, that grows a blanket of snow, were some of with a few groans and a few nips at the hunter's thrill of a new "find" is very in our gardens and parks, is a joy to all the difficulties with which we brandy flask. ..."'7 evident.14 Dr. Harold Fletcher melded who behold it. And so we experienced had to contend. this material in A quest of flowers, the just as big a thrill when we garnered "And even when we had Sherriff retired to Scotland in 1950, plant explorations of Frank Ludlow the seeds of some dry and shriveled collected good ripe seed we and at his home in Kirriemuir (altitude and George Sherriff told from their plant in autumn as when we plucked it could never be quite certain 900 feet) "he and his wife transformed diaries and other occasional writings, in all its floral loveliness in spring - for that it would germinate... We a wilderness overrun by rabbits into a published in 1975. (The extensive others, perhaps, would now be able to collected ripe and abundant I limalayan garden of surpassing beauty, "botanical index" to the volume lists enjoy its beauty. seeds and sent them to at least where grew ...primulas, meconopsis, 115 primula and 12 variants; 110 fifty expert gardeners in Great gentians, lilies, rhododendrons as rhododendrons and 9 variants; and 23 'The trials of a seed hunter are Britain. All failed; not a seed in their native haunts."1" He died in meconopsis with 5 variants as well as 1967. Ludlow worked in the Ludlow numerous and we often used germinated."15 the numerous other plants included to wonder how many of the and Sherriff collections at the British A "constant plague" they encountered Museum until he died, aged 86, in was leeches. Sherriff: "Today 1 had 1972. what 1 hope will be my last leech "The thorough exploration of these bite. He got through my long boots, areas by Ludlow and Sherriff first me somehow. When Ludlow saw it he revealed fully the richness of these rather laughed and said that I should territories for a number of groups of wear breeches, not shorts and then they Primula. For instance, Ludlow and wouldn't bite me. And went on to say Sherriff discovered no less that eight how lucky he had been [recently] with new species in section Minutissimae, leeches. However I had the laugh on six in section Petiolares, and four in him, for when he took off his boots and section Soldanelloides. In all, they socks there was a fine fat one, in his found no less than 26 species of Primula sock, which had had its fill. A leech new to science .... they introduced at injects something first to make the least 66 species of Primula, the majority Donating seed to the APS Seed Exchange is not only a good way blood run or keep if from coagulating of them new to cultivation. For many lo obtain new varieties for your own garden, it's also a great way and this seems to affect Ludlow more to ensure the future of Primula everywhere. than me. It was some hours before the growers, their best introduction was, arguably the loveliest of all primulas, bite stopped bleeding.""' the ice-blue P. American Primrose Society Summer 2008

1 Sir George Taylor, in the "Historical introduction" to Harold R. Fletcher, A Quest of flowers, the 2008 Canadian West Coast Shows plant explorations of Frank Ludlow and George Sherriff told from their diaries and other occasional writings, Edinburgh, Edinburgh University Press, 1975, p xxv. 2 See Taylor's "Historical introduction", pp x - xxix, in Fletcher. BY MAEDYTHE MARTIN 3 Fletcher, xvii. Taylor says they carried a "massive" short wave radio. 4 From time to time they were joined by other enthusiasts, including medical officers Dr. K. The two shows at the West Coast to is also interested in growing primula. Lumsden, and Dr. J.H. Hicks, Sir George Taylor, of the British Museum, and Betty SherrilT. which primula lovers can bring their 5 From an article by Ludlow in J.R.H.S., 93, (1968), quoted in Fletcher, p 367. favorite treasured plants are the Alpine Roxanne Mum created another 6 Richards, p 17 7 "He sensed that the Communist influence in Turkistan would lead eventually to the subjection of Garden Club of B.C. show and the superb "potting shed" display for the that country, but his opinion was not shared by his superior officers and he felt that these differences Vancouver Island Rock and Alpine B.C. Primula Group. The old garden were so grave that he resigned." Taylor in Fletcher, p xvi. Garden Society show, both held in April. collectibles and antique display items 8 Taylor in Fletcher, p xv Both clubs have long associations with are always pleasing and interesting to 9 Taylor, in Fletcher, p xvi He says they even took books, discarded when space was needed. look at. The Group also sponsored a 10 Richards, p 16 the American Primrose Society, though 11 Taylor in Fletcher, p xxvi neither has a close relationship any successful plant sale on the Saturday 12 Betty Sherriff quoted in Fletcher, p 227. more. morning of the show. 13 Taylor in Fletcher, p xxvii 14 Fletcher seems to take special pleasure in making corrections when a possibly "new" specimen The Alpine Garden Club of B.C. was Whenever we start to describe a plant was already known. show, we inevitably talk about the 15 Fletcher p 222. :' • •• ',... • >\ .,)•••', once called the Canadian Primula and 16 Fletcher, p 34. • •' ' • . .' •, ,-•,. ,.;. Alpine Society and Grace Conboy, a weather, and this year was no exception. 17 Fletcher, p 322 • .... founding member, was a west coast It was a late and unseasonably cold 18 Fletcher's comment, in Fletcher, p 363. regional reporter for the APS quarterly spring here at the Canadian West Coast, 19 Richards, p 17. in the 1950s. The name changed in the but I think the cool air acted like a giant 1970s, but there are still many alpine refrigerator, for the plants to arrive at the growers who bring in excellent primula VIRAGS show were some of the best Perennial Seed. Beautiful. plants to the show, Susan Worthington anyone could remember! The alpine Useful. Native... Watson, the prime mover behind the show was the largest in a long time, at To the Planet. APS Pictorial Dictionary, lived out her 400 pots, and the American Primrose later life in the Vancouver area, and is Society show, was held in the same hall still remembered by the Juliana primula at the same time. The combination made plant she introduced/ ButterbalT. This for a fantastic display. is one of the larger Juliana hybrids, but has a charming freshness, as seen in the In the VIRAGS show the trophy for best plant displayed in the AGCBC show this polyanthus went to a tidy dusky rose- year. colored polyanthus called 'Viola Mae1 which appears regularly. Other notable This is not a large alpine show, and this plants were some three-pan entries by Sue Lee of seedling 'Striped Victorians' 3TAUDEN3AMEN PERENNIAL EEEDS • QHAIME3 DE PLAHTE3 VIVACE8 year had only a few over 170 pots, but and 'Cowichan' polyanthus, both Production < Brewing • 8eed Technology there are some fine growers and one or two surprising and interesting plants superbly grown and very fine plants. USA Qffrax 123 Chanoweth Ln. • Lcunvlla, KY40C07 always appear, This year the Primula Sue also brought a polyanthus jack-in- Phone (502) BBO-OB 07 -F*i(sca} asa-39 34- httpjJWwjelttojwm • taking the trophy for Best Primula in the-green, a curiosity that is always a GmmBi MafliqurtdrK RQ. Bex 1204 • D-2BflBE Schwanrai«± Phoned H9-3071-B&23-O • F« D11JB-5Q 71-39 2B-27 • www.jeJttaccm nfDdjdrflacom Show was a Primula ellisae grown by treat to see. Bryan Davies helped fill the Joe Keller, a stellar alpine grower, who benches and his P. hirsuta crosses were 10 11 American Primrose Society Summer 2008 pretty plants with good form in pastel many years in Juneau (where we know colors. Bryan's colorful plants in the they grow as big as cabbages!) we 2008 New England Chapter Show Report three-pan class for polyanthus, bright were able to determine that the one in pink, red and yellow, were eye-catching. the VIRAGS show was actually 'Gina' BY JUDITH SELLERS And finally, the trophy for Best Primula a sibling or cousin of 'Jay Jay1. There A blanket of snow remaining on the Deborah Wheeler's beautifully grown in Show again went to Joe Keller for a is a color picture of 'Gina' on the cover ground in much of New England at yellow polyanthus won its class, very large pot of a black garden auricula, of the Winter 1995 (Vol. 53, No. 1) APS the end of April and a hard freeze on and Mark Dyen's star-eyed hot pink appropriately called 'Blackie'. quarterly. The color is different, perhaps May first did nothing to deter chapter primrose won Best Acaulis. Sunny a shade darker than 'Jay Jay', and the members from enjoying the annual Border Nursery's last minute entry of flower is slightly daintier. It was nice to primula show during the rainy weekend a wine red cushion form julie hybrid have them both in the same hall and be of May 2, 3 and 4 at Tower Hill Botanic was the best in Division III, and they able to compare them. Garden in Massachusetts. triumphed with the most blue ribbons: five in all classes. The colorful primroses of spring, the After hasty retyping of the benching cowslips, the drumstick primula and the cards on Friday afternoon (because the Best exhibition auricula was a small tiny bird's eye primula were all there ones used by the Hosta Society would plant of the old reliable bloomer, to remind us how much we enjoy and have been misleading to the public,) the 'Argus,'benched by Judith Sellers. Mary delight in spring. set up process went as smoothly as Show Malloy tucked the flower buds on her P. Chair Joseph Phillip had hoped. Eleven marginata under the beautifully formed members brought sixty-nine plants and farina-edged leaves to place it in the to display on the benches in the long Foliage Division, where it deservedly hallway leading to the orangerie. There took first place. Marianne Kuchel is were fewer pots than in past years, but becoming well known for the plants she the quality and variety more than made grows from seed, and her semi-double Edelweiss Perennials up for the reduction in quantity. blue/mauve auricula with a huge truss New and old alpine intros from of perfect flowers demonstrated her skill Switzerland £r Europe: Judges Kris Henderson, Mark Dyen and as a grower of garden auriculas, winning Mary Malloy were assisted by clerks • Cyclamen coum selections her one of her three firsts in this show. • Cyclamen! hederifolium silver leafed Deborah Wheeler and Marion Stafford Rodney Barker received blue for his • Dodecatheon p. 'Red Wings' as they carefully evaluated each plant glowing pink P. kisoana in full bloom, • Primula allionii 'Blood Flake' and awarded ribbons. • Primula 'Feuerkoenig' and his pristine white one took second. • Primula rnarginata 'Amethyst' Marion Stafford, a veteran gardener but Congratulations to Susan Schnare, The Julianas provided a practical from original breeders stock novice Primula exhibitor, earned a blue • companion plants like: whose bright yellow self, 'Paradise and Best in Class for her large pot of demonstration of "close but not the • Edelweiss Yellow', took Best Auricula and Best • Gentianas dark purple P. denficu/ata. same." 'Jay Jay' is now a classic Juliana in Show. Kris Fenderson's large plant here at the West Coast and is such a fine, Well established plants in 3/" pots of P. marginata 'Agee's Form' (which The awards were widely distributed, each enduring garden plant that it is brought Free Catalog was given to him by Orville many years exhibitor winning at least one blue first to shows regularly. But there were two Mail Order 29800 S. Barlow Rd. Shipping in ago) was stunning, and received second place ribbon, with 48 ribbons awarded jaek-in-the-green Julianas, one in the Canby, OR 97013 the US only Best in Show as well as Best in Species [email protected] in all classes. VIRAGS show and one in the American Division. A pot of six different dainty Primrose Society show. With the help Open bj appointment • 503-263-4680 Primula from the auriculastrum section We were inspired by Kris Fenderson's of Cheri Fluck, who was attending the www,edetweissperennials.com benched by Judith Sellers was third, and presentation showing how many APS show, and has grown Julianas for fife Best 'Grower's Exhibit'. species of Primula could be grown 12 13 American Primrose Society Summer 2008

with success in New Hampshire. at any season of the year, even when in from primroses. Continuous propagation, regular 1'KOM Till; VAULT OF bloom, but there is a proper season for such 4. Don't overtook the human clement. division, planting in richly organic work. In the opinion of this writer, the Who among us gardeners does soil, and annual mulching with old proper season for dividing primroses is late not, at some time or other, neglect the plants not in bloom? New leaves or pine needles seem to be Kris' summer, just prior to fall rains. primrose divisions require water keys to success with plants ranging in vintage fjits Primroses are decidedly cool frequently during summer. size from P. minima to P. Jiorindae. weather plants. The hot summer months are Matt Mattus also wowed us with a their rest or dormant season., and their long down in the cool, damp earth should Editor's Note: [by Florence Levy (later digital slide show of Primulas and the MICHAEL PLUMB not be disturbed until the fall growing Bellis)] There are two schools of though! other true alpine plants he and Joseph The author of this article found in (he very season is about to commence. By delaying on growing habits of primroses and the Phillip found high in the European first volume of the quarterly recommends division until this season little watering is relationship these habits bear to cultural mountains. fall division of polyanthus, but the Editor, necessary and the plants do not develop practices. In order that our readers may Florence Levy, adds a note after the article to large lush growth before the winter frosts. take the best from both and adapt the result Plants and events at Tower Hill, say other growers find dividing in July once An excessive growth during summer and to the particular set of conditions under including enticing plant sales, the plants have seeded to be more successful. fall makes primroses particularly subject which they garden, the opposite side of combined with excellent food and What do our readers think? Please send to winter damage for they have been forced the question - the benefits of dividing in company provided an outstanding your thoughts or experiences to the editor at and weakened through insufficient rest. July after seeding with the summer as the [email protected] growing season - will be presented at a weekend for all of us, and we owe Fall division of primroses also future date. Honest controversy is the spice special thanks to 'Joe Show Chair' for helps to eliminate strawberry weevil Fall division of Polyanthus in the pudding. bringing it all together. from the new plants. Weevil eggs are laid Primroses in early summer and hatch in a few weeks. Alfred E. Brooks from the APS The larvae immediately travel down the Quarterly, Vol. I, No. 2, October 1943, primrose roots and start feeding on them. pages 35-36 By late summer, or early fall, even the latest larvae are hatched and feeding. Division at jgj Dividing primroses in not a difficult this time removes practically all larvae from feat and does your plants a great deal of the roots and the new plants are set with ^•Vettjasa good. If not divided, they soon deteriorate. clean roots ready to start natural growth If a maximum number of new plants is and bloom freely in the spring. The writer Make tiuneto i4t desired, divide down to single crowns, but has, for several seasons, observed that fall Munchkin if you wish to have a good display in the frow, tke / Nursery A Gardens LLC divisions have been free from the root spring following division, leave two or three- weevils, whereas plants which were baited, crowns on each new plant. but left in place, had some larvae in their http://www.auriculas.org.uk/ The actual division is simple. Dig the roots. photosweb/primulas_album. plant to be divided; remove all soil from To summarize, let me repeat the ion-Native the roots; divide into one or more plants as advantages of fall division: html Rare A Unusual desired; trim the roots to about two and a half Shade Perennials to three inches and trim off all old leaves. 1. Primroses stand the hot weather http://www. Don't forget to keep divisions cool and moist better with a full root system. auriculaandprimula.orgiUk/ are our Specialty before and after resetting, water thoroughly. 2. Dividing should be done at the end Occasionally you will have a plant with a www.munchkinnursery.com of the dormant (summer) season so http://www. .'. [email protected] tough, enlarged root resembling wood. Cut the new plants have cool weather this root with a sharp knife into the desired in which to become established. southernauriculaprimula.org/ For a hard copy catalog write to: sized new plants, eliminating as much of the 3. Late division is a great help in pictures.html 323 Woodside Dr. NW, Depauw, old woody structure as possible. eliminating strawberry root weevil IN 47115-9039 Primroses can be successfully divided 14 15 American Primrose Society Summer 2008 Installing a Theatre DYIANMACGOWAN

The Auricula Theater is located in the Gatehouse of the Meerkerk Rhododendron Trip Photos Garden on Whidbey Island about 50 miles Have you looked at the pictures on Pam Eveleigh's website, PrimulaWorld , from north of Seattle. Meerkerk is one of the largest the trips to Tibet and China in 2007? Pam spoke at the American Primrose Society public specialty gardens in the state. national show on her trip to Tibet, and not only was it a fine presentation, but the photos of primula, some newly discovered, were wonderful! If ever you want a feast for the soul, go and look at the pictures. They are under the "news" tab on her website.

The Top 100 Ever wished you could find a list of Primula, allionii and hybrids as a reference? Someone pointed out an article to me that might be this very thing. It is a list, "...there needed to be a way compiled by David Philbey in Petersficld, Hants., and is published in the Alpine to increase the interest in Gardener, June 2004 issue 187 and on. Auriculas and create some new growers in the area. " David references a list published over 20 years ago of the P. allionii clones, compiled by Margaret Earle, that was also published in the Alpine Gardener. His list adds some of the many wonderful new introductions since Margaret's list was published as well as his all time favorites. A few of the plants from the strains presented by growers and nurserymen, such as Lismore, Lindum, Wharfedale and Broadwell are found here along with other plants both new and old. Pages of color photos of flower pips provide a visual reference. Cryptic comments by the author, "...designed and built by such as "indispensable", "connoisseur's dream" "sometimes temperamental" or Ian MacGowan and his wife "boisterous" provide the novice grower with hints when forming a collection. Brenda... Robin Fisher, who designed the Auricula Theater Perhaps your garden club has this journal, or it is lurking on your bookshelf that won the Gold Medal at somewhere. Get it out and have a look, it is a very useful list. the Chelsea Garden show, and David Tarver who has Mary's Book written the definitive history of One of the most useful books on auriculas, I have found, is Mary Robinson's Theaters..." Auriculas for Everyone, published in 2000. A friend was looking at my copy recently, and when she went home, looked up on the web to find a copy for herself. "The design was meant to blend in with To my surprise and dismay, the few copies offered in North America cost over the design of the garden's gatehouse $100. I believe there is one copy offered in Australia for only $40. 1 was going and...become a permanent fixture" to ask someone for a book report to publish in Primroses and recommend it as an indispensable reference book for beginners with auriculas, but it seems a bit Show varieties were used and Alpines useless to do this, if you can't get the book! If you have a copy, treasure it! If you of exceptional color, which offered the know of a spare copy, could you let me know, as my friend wants it. public a good view of the breadth of colors and types. 16 American Primrose Society Summer 2008 VIRAGS Show, 2008

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Photos this page, ciockwse from top left1 Joe Keller's Best in Show winner Primula ellisiae, white marginata seedling, Roxanne Muth and herdisplay at the show, table of allicnii many entered by Rhondda Porter. Parn Frost's lady Greer' Primula x puoscens 'Petite' Photos this page, lop: All Photos Maedythe Martin wiew ol the hall showing Ihe VIRAGS trophy table, clockwise from top left: silverlaced jack-in-the-green Bryan Davies winning /utiarina Hybrid, bench ol primula, Roger Whitlock's P pruftomciana. blue slnped Victorian All photos, except as noted Maedylrie Martin American Primrose Society Summer 2008

2oo8 APS National Show

This page, clockwise from top left1 Joe Keller's Division Winning Andmsace a decorative Casket of primroses, Michael Plumb's well turned-out pot of Primula vulgans. BorDer auricula class from the APS show in the foreground and the VIRAGS show Behind, Maedythe Martin's double grey seedling

Pacing page, clockwise from lop left Bryan Davias1 award winning douDie seedling. auncula theatre, three-award winning seedling by Bryan Davies. Grower's Award winner double seedlings from Derek Salt's seed. Joe Keller's award winning species, Michael Plumb's exhibition Alpma 'Walton' American Primrose Society Summer 2008

HATLEY PARK AT ROYAL ROADS UNIVERSITY AND THE ABKHAZI GARDENS

Faces, Paces, Plants and Awards 2006 APS National Show

Photos this page, clockwise from lop left Hatley Park in the ram. Abkhazi garden's rockery pond. Bryan Davies award winning show Photos this page, clockwise from top left Rhondda Porter looking over the APS show table. Michael Plumb receiving his award for Auncula, Bryan Davies with his truck lull of show plants, Michael Plumb checking entries, Judiln Sellers and Jams Buyarski taking photos Best Named Show Auncula. Bryan Davies receiving one of his awards, Julia Hgidorson, Ed Buyarski. Judith Sellers and Michael Plumb during staging, winning entries with their ribbons, Jacques Mommens's Dorothy Dickson award for Outstanding Service to the APS discussing table setup. Joe Keller with his award for Best Species. Judith Sellers receiving Jacques Mommens award on his behalf, Barbara Blyth after spending many hours at the APS sale table 22 23 American Primrose Society Summer 2008 The American Primrose Society's 58th National New Eog'land Show 2' Show, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada: April 25 - 27, 2008 A Novice's Impressions

BY JULIA HALDORSEN After an early start, we caught the 7:30 the bench. The show stewards, Michael am State ferry in Anacortes, and Rhondda Plumb were there, as Washington for the "international" were the show judges, Ed Buyarski sailing to Victoria, British Columbia, and Cheri Fluck. We worked with the Canada. On board we settled back to exhibitors to make sure the plants were enjoy the 4 hour trip through the San grouped properly forjudging. Someone Juan Islands. The weather was cool, brought in an "auricula theater", which but the puffy white clouds gave promise was promptly assembled and filled to a fine day ahead. Sure enough, by with show auriculas. Very nice! All the time we cleared customs in Sidney, told, there were over 140 entries in the British Columbia, the sun was shining. show from seven exhibitors. Finally, We drove into Victoria and located all of the plants were staged; we were the church where the National Show off for pub food! would be held in conjunction with the Vancouver Island Rock and Alpine Early the next morning 1 arrived at Garden Society (VIRAGS) spring the church to help with the judging. show. The Cadboro Bay United Church Janis Buyarski and I clerked for Cheri is located near the village of Cadboro Fluck while Pam Eveleigh clerked for Bay, a lovely area on the eastern side Ed Buyarski and Lee Nelson, Senior of Victoria. And, hooray!, there was and Junior judges, respectively. I a Starbuck's in the Village where one must confess that my experience with could refuel! judging is very limited. I am not a grower, but one who appreciates a Setting up the show was intense and a beautiful plant. At shows, I am usually lot of work. While we were focusing relegated to the cash box. So the on APS members and their entries, it clerking experience was informative, was hard to ignore all of the wonderful Above Hallway of entries, Best in Show, great fun as well as hard work. Each ana Best Garden Auricula 'Paradise Yellow rock garden plants appearing for the judge was assigned half of the entries benched by Susan Schnare, benches of entries, a magenta drumstick primula, tu VIRAGS show. Each plant entered (or about 70 plants). Each plant was halway of entries, Denticulate Section Top nght prize winning double Bottom n had to have a "ticket" prepared (which examined, assigned a ribbon (if any) Kris Fenderson's P marqmata 'Agee's Form' taking Best m Division Center nght. included the plant grower's name, plant with the judge's "gentle" comments clockwise trom top left purple P Oenticutata. benched enines, semi-double auricu'as, name and the division where it would recorded on the "ticket" by the clerks. I Cowicfian, Acaulis and Other Sections All Photos Joe Philip, unless oiherwiae compete), then the plant was placed on learned that the most beautiful, unusual credited 25 24 American Primrose Society Summer 2008 plan! may not receive a blue ribbon if The afternoon talks were wonderful. of her images." The workshop included not properly groomed. Pam Eveleigh, a founding member a review of equipment, a list of photo of the Calgary Rock and Alpine storage websites for inspiration, QUARTERLY SETS The judging took all morning, and when Garden Society (CRAGS) and former information about photography it was finally done, one exhibitor, Bryan webmaster for the American Primrose techniques and artistic direction. A Davies from Victoria, emerged as the Society, presented "Primula of the list of books was also provided. Pam AVAILABLE - $25! star of the show, garnering 7 of the 11 Tibetan Plateau". Pam was fortunate showed us her little "bag of tricks" for Please contact Cheri Fluck for trophies awarded. My favorite Davies to travel to Tibet in June-July, 2007 enhancing photographs. Some of these more information: plants were the pale yellow seedling to photograph primroses in the wild. tricks employed common materials 17275 Point Lena Loop Rd that won the Mary Zach Trophy for The talk featured amazing photographs such as a piece of polyethylene to act Juneau.AK 99801-8344 USA Best Show Auricula and the orange of primroses and their habitat as well as a light diffuser. After the workshop, [email protected] gold-centered alpine auricula that won as an informative description of the Pam took us into "the field" to try our the John Haddock - C. F. Hill Award trip itself. Details of Pam's trip can hand at some of the newly learned for the Best Alpine Auricula Seedling be found on her website at www. techniques. The workshop was fun and After a congenial lunch at the Royal and the John Schuman Award for the primulaworld.com. informative! Roads University Cafeteria we were Best Show Alpine Auricula. Another off to the Abkhazi Garden. Created in favorite of mine was Michael Plumb's The second talk entitled "Wild and Tame I skipped out of the Open Forum. I the 1940's the garden was described exhibition alpine auricula "Walton" Alaskan Primroses" was presented needed that cafe latte from Starbuck's, by the garden's creators, Peggy and which won the Frank Michaud Trophy by Ed Buyarski, former president of and I enjoyed the break, sitting outside Nicholas Abkhazi, as "a Chinese scroll for Best Named Show Auricula. the American Primrose Society. Of in the sun and reflecting on the show, the which, as it is unrolled, gradually special interest was that Aline Strutz, talks and the photography workshop. reveals its sequence of views, mood an Alaska pioneer and the mother Later I was back at the church, strolling and character." The entry to the garden in law of one of Alaska's governors, through the hall, looking at all of the is through a rhododendron woodland. Walter Hickel, gathered wild primroses wonderful displays from both VIRAGS The rhododendrons were in full bloom from all over Alaska and successfully and APS, breathing deep to enjoy the with many species of primula in bloom grew them in her garden in Anchorage, fragrance of the primroses. at their feet. We continued to explore Alaska. We saw slides of many of her the garden, finishing our tour at the tea Legendary Barnhaven plants including Primula borealis, p. 1 On Sunday, April 27" we enjoyed tours room which was the Abkhazis1 former seed - still carefully cimeifolia, and p. tschuklchorwn. I of some of Victoria's most beautiful living room. From the tea room one hand-pollinated from later read that Aline Strutz collected gardens. First to Hatley Park, which gets an overview of the garden and the rigorously selected and grew all of the primroses identified was created in the early part of the views of Victoria beyond by Eric Hulten in his book Flora of 20lh century. At that time the classic plants. We also send Alaska and Neighboring Territories. Edwardian park surrounded Hatley Our final garden was a private Victoria bare-rooted plants to An interesting insight into the history Castle. Today Hatley Park is part of the garden which featured a pond, a lovely the USA. of Alaska! Royal Roads University. We explored rock garden and a newly constructed the Japanese, Italian and Rose Gardens, Japanese tea house. While Hatley Park 11 rue du Pont Blanc The next morning started off bright and as well as the Lord and Burnham and the Abkhazi Garden were truly 22310 early with Pam Eveleigh's workshop, Greenhouse. The gentle rain that was wonderful and awe inspiring, it's in the Plestin les Greves, France "Creative Approaches to Photographing falling actually enhanced the beauty of private gardens where one can glean Tel/Fax: 00 33 2 96 35 68 41 Flowers". Pam, an accomplished trje gardens. Many thanks to Mr. John ideas that may actually be applicable [email protected] photographer with a degree in Sheridan, formerly the Garden Curator, to one's own garden. computer science, is expert with digital www.barnhaven.com who gave us a wonderful tour of Hatley photography and "the post processing Park. 26 27 American Primrose Society Summer 2008

The garden tours were a fitting end to the 58"1 National Show of the American Primrose Society. The show was also memorable for the many members who traveled to Victoria from Vancouver, B. C, New York State, Wisconsin, Saskatchewan, Washington State, and Alaska. It was great to meet long "This was a very successful and enjoyable show. There was a good mix of time member Jan van Saase from the Netherlands. Many thanks to the show species and hybrids on display as well as the impressive auricula section. sponsors, the B. C. Primula Group and the Primrose Group of VIRAGS; show Coupled with the VIRAGS display it was possible to spend hours just stewards, Michael and Rhondda Plumb; judges, Ed Buyarski and Cheri Fluck; looking at plants. The organization was very good and the talks and round table talk and workshop presenters Ed Buyarski and Pam Eveleigh; and especially the discussion were excellent. Thanks to everyone concerned for a great show." plant exhibitors of the American Primrose Society. -Alan Lawrence Lake Delton, Wisconson

"My first visit to an American Primrose Society show was much more than Trophies Awarded, 2008 APS National Show I could have expected. In fact, 1 didn't know what to expect, as I only knew Pam Eveleigh in the primula world. Mary' Zach Trophy for Best Show Auricula: Bryan Davies, Pale Yellow Seedling The quality of the entries was impressive and making friendships with Ellen Page Hayden Trophy for Best Double: Bryan Davies, Greeny-Yellow other APS members was a great antidote to thinking about my snow-bound garden, flowers still covered with a fresh layer in late April. I was concerned that the APS entries seemed to be squeezed out by the Frank Michaud Trophy for Best Named Show Auricula: Michael Plumb, alpine entries. The APS sales table, next to a commercial grower, was in danger Exhibition Alpine Auricula 'Walton' of being swamped and had to be guarded constantly! But Judith Sellers and I provided patrol duty for much of the time. Peter Klein Hybridizing Award: Bryan Davies, White Garden Auricula The icing on the cake for me was the gift of Michael Plumb's winning Primula vulgarts at the end of the show. It is home in northern Saskatchewan now, John Kerridge Award for Most Species in Show: Cheri Fluck and planted in the ground, as the snow has finally melted, the mini-jonquils are showing buds and the eagles are back. Rae Berry Memorial Award for Best Species: Joe Keller, Primula halleri It was a great weekend, and I congratulate the organizers on all their hard work." John Haddock - C. F. Hill for Best Alpine Auricula Seedling: Bryan Davies, ~ Barbara Blyth Orange Gold-centered Alpine La Ronge, Saskatchwan.

John Schuman Award for Best Show Alpine Auricula: Bryan Davies, Orange Gold-centered A Ipine "I did enjoy my visit to Victoria and the APS National Show very much. It was very nice to meet so many people who I only knew from the APS quarterly's C.J. Hill Award for Best Alpine Auricula Seedling: Bryan Davies, Orange Gold- articles and photos. My thanks to Michael and Rhondda Plumb for their warm centered Alpine welcome and for organizing this all. I also very much enjoyed the Banquet Dinner with the two big round tables APS Award for Highest Aggregate Points: Bryan Davies which gave me the feeling of a family reunion. Also the bus trip to the gardens was great. For me, it was worth it to make the long trip and I probably would do it again Novice Award for Highest Points: Ian MacGowan another time." ~ Jan Van Sasse Dorothy S. Dickson Bronze Medal for Outstanding Service to the APS: Awarded Netherlands 28 29 American Primrose Society Summer 200H As we had listened carefully to Pam duck pond to massive rock garden, Hatley Park, Abkhazi Garden, and More Eveleigh's presentations on Primulas we found vistas and reflections, bright Garden Tours offhe National Show 2008 in Tibet (some unknown) and colors and perfected forms at every BY JUDITH SELLERS Photographing Plants at the National turn. Show the day before, we knew that Drizzly weather could not dampen our and the head plant propagator. Our properly documenting this plant would Running behind schedule, we spirits as our minibus toured Victoria's most knowledgeable guides showed be important. Cameras clicked as we eventually tore ourselves from Abkhazi B&ETs and hotels collecting us for the us the places and plants they tend jostled to take pictures of the flowers Garden and avoided seat belt struggles Sunday garden visits planned during with obvious joy. Complete with and foliage from all angles, and Pam by walking to a nearby private the APS National Show in Victoria, knot gardens, terraces, ancient trees will soon be inundated with email garden. Our hosts, Yvonne and Hugh BC, Canada. After some fun with seat carefully preserved, urns on balusters, copies of our photos for possible Rorison, were building a complicated belts that no one over the age of 7 could grand staircases and waterways, the identification. rock waterfall and pool within their easily manipulate, we were on our way estate also once had a walled kitchen existing landscape. In spite of very to Hatley Park, a National Historic garden with heated glasshouses and After a quick lunch in the Hatley limited space, it was obvious that the Site overlooking the sea with beautiful cucumber frames. Of particular beauty Park cafe, we again played with our gentians, P. nuirginalas, androsace, views of distant mountains. was the Japanese garden, set around seat belts on the way to the Abkhazi daphnes and many other choice plants Garden. Set on just an acre and a half, and shrubs would not be disturbed for The Castle guide construction, and recounted the history the whole would of the 565 acre estate soonbecomeonly and of its building by more intensively former BC Premier attractive. It was and coal rail baron a privilege to be James Dunsmuir. invited to tour this The pseudo Scottish garden, where castle has a Norman horticultural center with 16th ability and Century style energy were wings, but proudly demonstrated so states '1908' on well. the drainpipe. With the stipulation Back on the when it was donated to the Canadian a pond with various primula speeies, minibus, having government that it always remain glowing rhododendrons, enviable tree and relatively modern (1946), the area most efficiently clicked our seatbelts, a 'school', Hatley Park eventually ferns, authentic pagodas and bridges, was cleverly designed on a steep site to we voiced a loud thanks to Michael became the Royal Roads Military and a rock garden. give the illusion of a much larger garden and Rhondda for having selected so College, and today is part of Royal with clear long views and intimate carefully the sites that provided us Roads University. We were excited by a tiny Primula pathways. Peggy Abkhazi seems to with a memorable day in the gardens seedling being grown in the alpine have achieved her goal of having a of Victoria. Instead of marveling at gilded antlers frames beside the greenhouse. The plant garden which entices and enchants above massive stone fireplaces inside had been labeled ""P. capitata, Holubec, visitors as does the unfurling of a the castle, we spent most of our time 2003' but was obviously some other Chinese scroll. From Rhododendron with John Sheridan, the garden curator, Primula which none of us recognized! Woodland to formal South Lawn, from 30 31 American Primrose Society Summer 200S

Dodecatheon meadia var. frenchii = Primula frenchii3 Goodbye Dodecatheon; Hello Primula! Dodecatheon meadia var. latilobum = Primula latlloba' Dodecatheon meadia var. macrocarpum = Primula pauciflora var. macrocarpa1 BY JAY LUNN Dodecatheon patulum var. gracile = var. graciiis3 Dodecatheon pauciflorum = Primula pauciflora* Dodecatheon pauciftorum var. monanthum = Primula pauciflora var. monantha3 Herbalists from the 15'h century, Carl Linnaeus the great Swedish naturalist who followed Dodecatheon pauciflorum var. shoshonense = Primula pauciflora var. shoshonensis3 in the 181h century, and all but the most recent modern taxonomists have had to rely solely on visual characteristics to classify plants. However, present-day taxonomists have been = Primula poetlca" using DNA analysis in their work. The first instance in which I remember such analysis var. distolum - Primula pauciflora var. distola* Dodecatheon subalpiniim = Primula subalpina* being used was by Cholcwa and Henderson1 in their diagnosis for the species Primula alcalina in 1984. They determined, that a plant, formerly considered a white-flowered Dodecatheon tetrandrum = Primula tetrandra* form of P. incana, was actually a previously undescribcd species because of its lower Dodecatheon viscidum = Primula conjugens var. viscida3 chromosome number. They ascertained that this white-flowered plant had a chromosome Dodecatheon zionense = Primula pauciflora var. zionensis' number of 2n = 18 (the same as for P. mistassinica and P. specnicola) as compared to P. Meadia patula = Primula clevelandii var. patula3 incana with a count of 2n = 54. The preponderance of a taxonomist's work relies upon examining dried herbarium specimens. I believe a good case could have been made for Meadia patula was described in 1891 and two other names that have been used for this describing P. alcalina as a new species by observing both it and P. incana in the wild (in species were D. patulum and D. clevelandii subsp. patulum. situ) without reliance on DNA analysis. The authors transferred D. patulum var. gracile to P. clevelandii var. graciiis without An article authored by Austin Mast and James Reveal, Transfer of Dodecatheon to Primula explanation. Dodecatheon viscidum was relegated to a variety of P. conjugens when it was integrated into that genus, although it had been known as D. conjugens ssp. viscidum in the (Primttlaceae)2, was published in the March 2007 issue of Brittonia. They concluded that recent molecular evidence was in agreement with prior hypotheses that the small genus past. Dodecatheon amethystinum, which the authors call D. meadia var. amethystinum, Dodecatheon is most closely related to one of the seven subgenera of Primula. 'To avoid was moved to P. fassettii, a new name they had to make up since there already was a P. future confusion," they make new combinations for Dodecatheon in Primula and establish amethystina. They also made up a new name P. fragrans in which to place Dodecatheon Primula section Dodecatheon as a member of Primula subgenera Auricu/astntm in which redolens, which they call D. jejfreyi var. redolens. The name P. redolens was already in to place them. The International Code of Botanical Nomenclature (ICBN) is the set of use. rules and recommendations dealing with botanical names that are given to plants. The ICBN specifies that the oldest validly published name must prevail. Linnaeus proposed Dodecatheon meadia var. frenchii was raised to species rank when it was moved to P. both Primula and Dodecatheon in 1753, so the authors chose to retain Primula, "since it frenchii; however it had already been known as the species D, frenchii. Both D. dentatum represents a far larger and more widespread group." ssp. ellisiae and D. dentatum ssp. utahense were likewise elevated to species rank during their move. Since there already was a P. ellisiae (or was called that before it was reduced Accepting their conclusions would result in the Dodecatheon species (and one Meadia to a subspecies), the new name P. standleyana was made up for the move of D. dentatum species) names being changed to the following Primula names: ssp. ellisiae. The authors followed the path taken by Mast et al. (2004)5 to corroborate some of their moves. They apparently concluded that the widely distributed and extensive population of plants that had been known as D. dentatum (ssp. dentatum}, should now Dodecafheon OWtfO/rigidum = Primula austrofrigida3 Dodecatheon clevelandii = Primula clevelandii be D. media var. latilobum and moved to P. latiloba. The name P. dentata was already in Dodecatheon clevelandii subsp. insulare = Primula clevelandii var. insularis* use. Dodecatheon conjugens ~ Primula conjugens3 Dodecatheon cusickii = Primula pauciflora var. citsickii* Since the epithet, pulchella was taken, they used P. pauciflora as the location for some of var. utahense — Primula utahensts* their moves, including D. pulchellum. Dodecatheon cusickii was lowered to a varietal rank Dodecatheon ellisiae = Primula standleyana'' in P. pauciflora (var. cusickii), as well as, D. zionemis as var. zionemis and D. meadia var. Dodecatheon frigidum = Primula frigida* macrocarpum was made P. pauciflora var. macrocarpa. Dodecatheon hendersonii - * Dodecatheon Jeffrey! ~ Primula Jeffrey? Primula alpina was a synonym name associated with both P. auricula and P. iatijbHa. Dodecatheon jeffreyi var. redolens = Primula fragrans* The authors concluded that the name D. alpinum which had been accepted for a long time Dodecatheon meadia = Primula meadia^ should be D. tetrandrum instead, thus avoiding the conflict with the name P. alpina. Dodecatheon meadia var. amethystinum = Primula fassettii4 32 33 1 American Primrose Society Summer 2008 You should note that (among other nomenclatural rules) the endings for many of the Not really." He admitted that recognition of Dodecatheon by the FNA would no doubt help species discussed here differ when linked to one or the other genus. Normally there should to perpetuate the name. There is a detailed treatment of the genus Dodecalheon by James be agreement between the genders (masculine, feminine and neuter) of the specific epithets Reveal at http://www.plantsystematics.org/reveal/pbio/fna/dodecatheon.html. This web (species) and the generic (genus) names. I believe that the Greek Dodecatheon is neuter and page tilled Revision of Dodecatheon (Primulaceae) incorporates the changes in the genus Latin Primula feminine, so, e.g., the neuter ending -urn as in D. paucijlorum is converted to Dodecalheon that Mast and Reveal mentioned in their article2 published in Britioititi. a feminine -a ending for P. pauciflora. These are drastic taxonomic changes involving or eliminating well-known names. Listed below in alphabetical order are the species that would be added to the genus Regardless of the evidence available, is it necessary to make these changes merely because Primula: of common ancestry? I hope the scientific community does not embrace this taxonomic revision. I, for one, am too old to accept the new names. 1 will continue to call the little Primula attstrofrigida plants with the rerlexed flower lobes dodecatheons! Primula clevelandii •' . Primula clevelandii var. 1 Cholcwa , Anila F. & Douglass M Henderson. 19X4. Primula alcalina (Primulaceae): a new Primula clevelandii var. insularis species from . Brittonia 36(1): 59-62. Primula clevelandii var. pa! nl a 2 Mast, Austin R. & James L. Reveal. 2007. Transfer of Dodecatheon to Primula (Primulaceae). Primula conjugens Brittonial, 59(1): 79-82. 3 comb. nov. (combinatio nova) - new combination vise Ufa Primula conjugens var. 4 nom. nov. (nomen novum) - new name Primula faasettii 5 Mast, A. R., D. M. S. Feller, S. Kelso & E. Conti. 2004. Buzz-pollinated Dodecatheon originated Primula fragrant from within the heterostylous Primula subgcnus Auhculaxtnnn (Primulaceae): A 7-rcgion cpDNA Primula frenchii phylogeny and its implications for floral evolution. American Journal of Botany 91: 926-942. Primula frigida 6 Reveal, James L. 2008. When a Shooting Star Is Really a Primrose. Rock Garden Quarterly Primula hendcrsonii (Bulletin of the North American Rock Garden Society) 66(2); 83-93. Primula Jeffrey! Primula latiloha Primula meadia Website Notes Primula pauciflora Primula pauciflora var. cusickii You may have noticed that just prior to the National show in April the APS Primula pauciflora var. disto/a Primula pauciflora var. macrocarpa website changed its looks. For those of you on older computers, you should Primula pauciflora var. monantha now be able to see the full width of the website without the need for scrolling, Primula pauciflora var. shoshon&uis and for those of you with newer computers, everything may load just a little Primula pauciflora var. zionensis bit faster. If you are still seeing the old look of the website, you may need Primula poefica to refresh the page to clear your computer's memory. If you ever have any Primula standleyana . .:r'')i.'., problems with the functionality of the website, please contact the Webmaster Primula subalpina .. v /• at \vebmaster(«;americanprimrosesociety.org. Primula tetrandra ...-•. •' Primula utahensis We have also just added www.americanprimrosesociety.com to point to our website, so if you (or someone you know) happens to put .com at the end, you This would add 27 species or subspecies to approximately 24 Primula that are already will still end up at the right place. recognized as occurring in North America. The contact information on the website has changed a bit too. We now have James Reveal wrote an article entitled When a Shooting Star Is Really a Primrose, which a contact form on the website, instead of a link that opens in your own email appeared in the Spring 2008 issue of the Rock Garden Quarterly* In this article, he program. This should streamline the process of getting email to the right indicated that the forthcoming volume for the Flora of North America norih of Mexico person. (FNA) dealing with Primulaceae will recognize Dodecatheon. He went on to say that this was only because a decision was made early in formatting the volume that Dodecatheon We would like to hear your thoughts on these changes - please let us know! would be accepted. Of course he prefaced all of this by saying "... is this the final word? 34 35 American Primrose Society Summer 2008 American Primrose Society to the website after the manner of "Letters to the Editor". • TABLED for the next meeting: Discussion on guidance to Jane of what content Minutes of the Annual General Meeting should be put on the website. National Show April 26th, 2008 • Judith announced that the New England Chapter has offered to host the 2009 Show. • The Board expressed thanks to the BC Group for this year's show, in which over The meeting was held in person, online and by telephone. It opened at 2:37 pm, Pacific Time. 140 plants were entered. • Michael reported that the presentations by Pam Eveleigh and Ed Buyarski had been Present: Linda Bailey (Director), Mary Jo Bums (Director), Ed Buyarski (ex-President of the extremely well received. APS, President of the Juneau Chapter), Julia Haldorson (Director and Membership Secretary), Membership Committee Marianne Kuchel (Director), Maedythe Martin (President of the BC Group), Michael Plumb Julia will notify local chapter presidents of new members in their area. (Secretary), Judith Sellers (Vice President) Others present: Cheri Fluck (newly-appointed Director), Alan Lawrence (member), Jan van Saasc Qld Business (member) Tacoma Chapter Regrets: Lee Nelson (President), Jane Guild (Editor and Website) • MOTION (Michael/Julia): To reinstate the Tacoma Chapter as a full APS chapter (requested in a letter from Candy Strickland). Carried unanimously. 1. The Minutes of February 1Q1*. 2008 - Accepted as presented (Ed /Julia) Michael will send a letter to Candy informing her of Tacoma's reinstatement. • Lee will send a letter to all chapters reminding them of their obligations as slated in 2. Treasurer's Report the Society's bylaws. These obligations are a legal requirement in order to retain our • Linda asked what was meant by "conversions". The explanation is that $50 is spent non-profit status. to convert SUS to $Cdn every quarter. Compilation of APS Board members1 duties Total liabilities and equity as of April 1 ]*, 2008: $26,147.30 [February I"1, 2008: Board members were asked to send Lee (APS President) a list of their regular functions. 523,470.76]. This includes funds totaling $1,025.76 brought in from the closure of Michael will send Lee suggestions for future show chairs. Judith will write up Seed the Washington and Oregon chapters -Awaiting approval (See MOTION below). Exchange guidelines. A record will be kept so that future board members can take on Income less expenses January 1", 2008 to April 10'h, 2008: $294.14 their duties more easily. • Publication expenses for Winter Quarterly, including Editor's honorarium of S350: $2798,62 5. New Business • Total gifts towards publishing the Quarterly amount to S2020 (The Alaska Dorothy S. Dickson Award for Outstanding Service to the APS Chapter has donated $ 1000. The New England Chapter has offered S400.). Total • By unanimous vote of the Board, this has been awarded to Jacques Mommens. advertising revenue for 2008 Quarterlies will be at least $647.50. This means an • Michael will send a letter to Jacques. amount of $666.88 is available to help support each Quarterly in 2008. Election of Directors - Results of members' votes • MOTION (Cheri/Michael): To assimilate the funds remaining from the closure • Linda Bailey has been reelccted unanimously for another three-year term. of the Washington and Oregon chapters into the general APS funds. Carried Cheri Fluck has been elected unanimously for her first three-year term. unanimously. Coming elections • The Treasurer's report was accepted unanimously, with thanks. (Cheri/Ed). • The offices of Vice President and Secretary are due for election soon, as are two directors' posts. 3. Com mitt ee_Rcports The President will establish a Nominating Committee. Volunteers are encouraged to Seed Exchange report to Lee. • Members should be reminded that the seed list will be posted on the website and not New item: Book Librarian mailed to members unless individual members specifically request this. Michael • The President has dissolved this position due to inactivity. The mention of this post will ask the Editor to put this reminder in the Spring and Summer Quarterlies. will be removed from the website and the Quarterly. • Jacques has kindly agreed to continue as Seed Exchange Coordinator. Marianne and « Michael will inform the current holder of this position. Judith will help if asked. Provisional dates of the coming year's board meetings Primroses Quarterly • July 26Lh, October 25"', January 31" (the last Saturday of these months) • The donations from the Alaska and New England chapters (See Treasurer's Report, above) follow promised cost reductions achieved by the Quarterly Committee. 6. Adjournment (Cheri / Ed) at 3:26 pm Pacific Time. Website • Jane will continue as Webmaster. In response to her request for help with email Next board meeting: Saturday, July 26"1, 2008 correspondence sent via the website, members will be informed in the Quarterly of the following: Julia will deal with membership issues, Jacques will handle Seed Respectfully submitted, Exchange matters, and Lee will answer questions on growing primula. Jane will Michael Plumb, Secretary continue lo deal with email concerning the website itself, of course. • Alan suggested that members should be able to post public questions and comments 36 37 American Primrose Society Summery 2008 New Members 2008 Kxpiry Barbara Ccnova 15 Ronan Street Hillcresi Bmgharnton. New York 13901-1546 U.S.A North American Rock Join the ladcus/. Dauks/a 11726 Spnnghrook Court Orlnnd Park, Illinois 60467-6097 U.S.A. haKlias 6715 103'" Avenue SW Olympia. Washington 98512 U.S.A. Garden Society Gordon Kmerbon P O. Box 294 Rock Creek, Ohio 44084 U.SA. National Marion Geih 16626-- 230"' Street R Graham, California 98338-7628 USA. Yes. I am interested in a seed Demse Jacobus 321 Ideuma Road 1,'nadilla, New York 13849 U.S.A. exchange, discount hook service, slide Auricula Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Lymburne 7405 Zircon Drive SW l.akewood, Washington 98498 U.SA library, field trips, fact-filled Quarterly, Brian Schram 2664 Ott Road Stevenville, Ontario LOS I5O Canada Gary Striker 500 Pier "A" Strjut Berth 161 Wilmington, California 90744 U S.A garden visits, and plant sales. & Primula Jackie Van do Veire The held Museum Pept of Botany 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive Chicago, Sign me up! Illinois 60605 L S.A Society Steve Vmisky 21700 SW Chapman Road Sherwood, Oregon 97140 USA Membership: Catherine Wagner 1587 Hunt Road Windsor, Vermont 05089-9406 USA MHttanit. £ W<>.\(. Sec tin/,, USA, Canada: US$30 Overseas: US$35 2010 Expiry Giles Reed 22A Charlton Road Aynho. Hanhurx Oxfordshire, Rngland 0X17 3AD L" K. Please contact: NARGS PO Box 67 Should there ever he a question about you Millwood, NY 10546 Make checks payable to Nortli American Rock (iarden Society

hups://\ ww.nargs.org/info/smenibershi p.

NATIONAL NATIONAL OI-TICI-:RS orn IK CHAPTERS British Columbia Primrose Croup East Side Chapter AURICULA AURICULA President. Maedythe Martin President, Thea Oakley 951 Joan Crescent Victoria, BC V8S 3304 288th Ave. NLi Redmond, WA AND PRIMULA AND PRIMULA 3L3 98053 {250)370-2951 (425)880-6177 SOCIETY SOCIETY martin95 1 'ffis theap^ netscape.com SOUTHERN SECTION Doretta Klaber Chapter Juneau Chapter NORTHERN SECTION President, Hope Punnett President, F.d Buyarski ThcNiitionnl Auricula & Primula Socii'lj - Southern Section was founded in 187fi hy and for 6635 Wissahickan Ave Philadelphia, PA Box 33077 Juneau. AK 99803-3077 enthusiasts who raised anil exhibited Auriculas, Please conadei joining the National Auricula 19119 (907) 789-2299 Gnld-l.iiecd poK ambus and other primulas. anil PriniuUt Society - Northern Section. (215)848-5577 amprimsoc'i:£hotmail.com Overseas memberships .m> some <>t'the best hpunnetf^voicenet.com The Annual subscription is £7.00 (UK) for single or family membership, Overseas £8.00 wdvs to l«irn timn' ulx.ni! your favorite plants. Tacoma Chapter Members receive an illustrated Year Honk and a Benefits include pabltcations .UK) more. New England Chapter Co-President. Candy Strickland N i:\vsluticr - Offsets, containing interesting articles Write: Mr, K. I.a>niing, > Djjsyhank Drive, Co-President, Mark Dyen 6911 104th Si. K. Puyallup. WA 98373 on growing and raising Primulas together uith their S4iftdbadi, Cheshire. CWH 41R 1 32 Church Street Newton, MA 02 1 58 (253)841-4192 history and cultivation. Overseas membership £7.50 ($10.00 LS) dyenreisenfS) rcn.com Please make check"; payable to NAPS, Co-President, Cy Happy III Applications for membership of the N.A.P.S. Co-President. Rodney Barker 11617 Gravelly l,k. Dr. Tacoma, WA Southern Section should he made to: wvnv.an i-fniliis.ofg.uk The llonoran Secretary. Lawrence Wiglcy. 49 WoodclitYRoad Newton Highlands. 98499 67 Warnhani Court Road, Carshalton Heechcs. MA 02461 (253)588-2585 Surrey, SMJ3ND. [email protected] 38 39