MISSION: BEAUTIFICATION … CONSERVATION … EDUCATION Planting and Nurturing October, 2020 Volume: V Number: 6 Landscape Design: Suzanne Finger, Editor

Environmental Edition: May, August, November, February – Mary Lovings, Editor Gardening: June, September, December, March - Linda Doiron, Editor Landscape Design: July, October, December, April – Suzanne Finger, Editor

As we swap Jack-o-lanterns for cornucopias and enter into a season of Thanksgiving, I am reminded that along with the tricks from the year 2020, we can also find some treats for which to be thankful. This brings to mind some plants that, although they may have a few tricks up their sleeves, they are a treat in our gardens. In this edition of Planting and Nurturing, I would like to explore a few of these plants we love to put up with.

Pyracantha (Firethorn)

Pyracantha (Pyracantha coccinea) or Scarlet Firethorn has withstood the test of time as a southern garden classic. Its showy red berries in the winter and ability to draw birds like Snickers attract kids on Halloween are just a couple of its endearing traits. Pyracantha is a versatile plant that, when espaliered, can bring life to any wall. When simply left alone, it will grow into a large, open weeping form. My mother espaliered pyracantha on the brick walls to either side of our family home's front porch. Through some misfortune, when the yard work was divvied up, I received the job of trimming the pyracantha. Through that memorable experience, I learned the value of thick leather gloves and potent wasp spray.

Above and Next Page: Pyracantha coccinea This bush, commanding a prominent spot in a neighbor’s yard, was allowed to grow as a large specimen shrub. It really puts on a show each fall. Cons:

 Most varieties are VERY thorny! 'Thornless' is a thornless variety that is available. It features colorful berries, but has more of an open growth habit than the older varieties.  Disease/Pest prone (aphids, lacebugs scale, fireblight, twig blight, and fruit scab)  Can be damaged by severe cold  Wasps love to make their nests in its branches (this is only from personal experience, not scientific research)  Does not like to be transplanted Pros:

 Beautiful Red to Orange berries contrasted by rich, emerald green foliage  Can be espaliered or trained to a wall  Drought tolerant once established  Tolerates clay soils  Fabulous bird attractor  Makes an attractive, yet impenetrable barrier

Bamboo

The mention of bamboo brings shivers to the spine of many who have battled its presence where it wasn't wanted. I would invite you to consider; however, bamboo's talents and the landscape possibilities presented by non-invasive types.

There are countless types of bamboo, and for the purposes of this discussion, I will mention only two. There are the running types of bamboo, like Phyllostachys aurea, which are invasive and considered a nuisance because of how quickly they can take over an area. They pose dangers to the native landscape and wildlife as they bully their way into the landscape, stealing space and resources. These types are not recommended; therefore, we will concentrate on the clumping types, specifically, Bambusa multiplex.

This species of bamboo is a clumping bamboo that sends out new sprouts from the center of the plant, slowly increasing in diameter. It has many different cultivars, one of which, 'Golden Goddess,' is a particular favorite of mine. Below: Bambusa multiplex ‘Golden Goddess’ This hedge of bamboo was planted about six years ago to create a green wall to enclose a Chinese Garden and screen it from an adjacent parking area. It is roughly 10-12 feet tall and only about 2-3 feet wide at its base.

Although this lovely bamboo is considered a slow grower and non- invasive, I still like to use this plant where it will have limitations. I located this particular planting along the side of a concrete sidewalk, limiting its growth on that side. The perfect way to plant bamboo is between two concrete curbs. Its tough new shoots can push their way up through compacted ground and even asphalt, but concrete creates a significant barrier to its growth.

Right: Bambusa multiplex ‘Golden Goddess’ Hemmed in by a concrete sidewalk. .

The canes of 'Golden Goddess' are a light golden green with leaves that float in the slightest breeze. The plant can also be trimmed to maintain a height of under eight feet. In the pictured application, it provides a small garden area with the perfect visual screen from an adjacent parking lot. Gardens with limited space can benefit from these lovely living walls. Bambusa multiplex 'Golden Goddess' is well suited to our heat and is hardy in zones 8-10. Pros:

 Must plant a clumping variety; otherwise, employ a goat full-time for maintenance Cons:

 Can create a narrow living wall to use as a visual screen  Can be an effective dust barrier  Is useful as a physical barrier  Pet-friendly  Tolerates poor soils  Drought tolerant once established

River Birch

Batula nigra ‘Dura Heat’ This allee of River Birch creates a cool path around a water feature.

"Messy!... Greedy Roots!…" These are some of the heartfelt comments often shared about the River Birch. Because of this, our native River Birch (Betula nigra) may be overlooked at times for landscape plans, but when put in the right spot, it can shine. Its exfoliating bark revealing ivory, gold, grey, and cinnamon brown colors, creates interest even when the fall breezes whisk away its light green leaves. A fast grower, the River Birch, is often used as a shade tree. River Birch, marching down either side of an allee, makes a memorable pedestrian path covered in dappled shade. This workhorse tolerates poor soils and can even handle wet feet periodically.

In my planting designs, I rarely use a river birch tree alone. When grouped together, they create dynamic visual interest in the landscape. Multi-trunked specimens show off the beautiful, paper-like bark best and facilitate full, open canopies. 'Dura Heat' is a popular cultivar famous for its heat and drought-tolerant traits.

Be sure to give your River Birch plenty of space to grow and keep it away from foundations and septic systems. Its vigorous root system can get it into trouble in these places. Although the River Birch loves to drop little sticks and twigs, I believe its beauty is worth the trouble in the right spot. Cons:

 Messy, dropping little twigs, bark flakes, leaves, and catkins. (My experience is that a hardy riding mower with a catcher does just fine on clean-up duty)  Invasive roots  Can get really big Pros:

 Fast Growing shade tree  Can get really big  Lovely bark providing Fall/Winter interest  Tolerates poor soils  Drought tolerant once established Yucca

I try to keep an open mind when it comes to plants. Nonetheless, some are really hard for me to wrap my arms around (this one, literally). A love for the Yucca is a cultivated thing, and my palate is just not that refined. Both Yucca filamentosa and Yucca aloifolia are native to Georgia, primarily the coastal regions. Yucca filamentosa or Adam's Needle has the added benefit of a curly, threadlike fiber along the leaf's edges. This is an exciting Above: Yucca filamentosa feature when you observe the plant up close. For this reason, and the fact that filamentosa maintains a lower, rounded form, it is easier to imagine a place for it in the designed landscape. Historically, it was used as an accent plant on either side of rose garden entrances. I suppose an evergreen plant with a strong linear spray of leaves gave a nice contrast to the looser habit of the roses. I have also seen the filamentosa used successfully as an attractive container plant. Perhaps if I go exploring more of its attributes, I will learn to appreciate it more.

Yucca aloifolia or Spanish Below: Yucca aloifolia (The “Gang”) Bayonet will have to work a little harder to win me over. I would love to hear my garden club friends debate its usefulness in the landscape design world. Maybe it would look at home in Miami? A singular plant left alone to its evil wiles can spawn an entire gang to keep it company. We usually see it at the height of about eight feet. Apparently, in its optimal environment, it can reach heights of twenty-four feet! This sent shivers up my spine. I would liken the sight of one of these to spotting a six-foot roach. I must confess that even despite my best efforts to find the redeeming qualities of this plant, my memory of accidentally backing into one when I was a teenager clouds my ability to remain unbiased. Therefore, if this plant ever ends up in court where I am selected for the jury, I will have to recuse myself. I once heard the plant described as "modern." Hmmm. Perhaps it looks good in front of a mid-century style brick ranch with an orange door? Cons:

 Mean  Nasty  Ugly Pros:

 Edible fruit – raw or cooked. Was a staple for some Native American Tribes  Native  Modern? (I'm trying)

As long as there are opinions, there will be differing opinions. It is always fun to talk plants among friends, and I hope that if not informative, at least this article was entertaining. I am happy to start this Thanksgiving season grateful for the rich abundance of plant material we Georgians enjoy and a climate where we can explore our gardens year-round! What are you thankful for?

All photos by Suzanne Finger