Primroses Volume 54, No. 4 Fall 1996 American Primrose Society - Fall 1996 American Primrose Society - Fall 1996

American President's Message Primroses Primroses Primrose EDITOR "Behold congenial Autumn comes Quarterly of the American Primrose Society Claire Cockcroft Volume 54 Number 4 Fall 1996 4805 - 228th Ave. NE Society The sabbath of the year!" Redmond, WA 98053-8327 — John Logan 1748-1788 E-mail: [email protected] OFFICERS Contents EDITORIAL DEADLINES June Skidmore. President How true! For many of us it is a relief to have cooler Winter issue — November 15 6730 W Mercer Way days and nights now that Fall is upon us, with many of the Spring issue — February 15 Mercer Island, WA 98040 2 President's Message primulas looking less jaded in the garden. I hope that all Summer issue — May 15 Email: JSkidm4011 @aol.com 4 A Wilderness Primrose Garden Fall issue —August 15 Ann Lunn, Vice-President of you have had an enjoyable summer and that you have By James Wilson PHOTOGRAPHIC CREDITS 6620NW271stAve. now harvested a bounty of seed to share with other 6 Sashes to the Rescue Hillsboro, OR 97124 All photos are credited. Email: [email protected] members in the forthcoming Seed Exchange. By Maedythe Martin In June I had the pleasure of visiting Scotland, and Primroses (ISSN 0162-667!) is Dr. John Kerridge, Past President 8 Primroses at Sixty Below! published quarterly by the Ameri- 4660 10th Ave. W, #1102 while walking in the hills saw primroses and cowslips still By John O'Brien can Primrose, Primula and Au- Vancouver, BC V6R 216, Canada in bloom, nestled in the grass, and drifts of scillas creating 10 Under the Overhang ricula Society, 9705 SW Spring Dorothy Springer, Recording a sea of blue. I felt as though I had had a double dose of Crest Dr, Portland, OR 97225. Secretary By Rick Lupp Membership in the Society in- 7213 South 15th springtime. 12 Indiana Cold Frame cludes a subscription to the Prim- Tacoma, WA 98465 An added pleasure was a visit to the Botanic Garden roses, Seed Exchange privileges. By Enola Eastling Slide Library privileges and the Thea S. Foster, Corresponding in St. Andrews. Although this old ecclesiastical capital is opportunity to join a Round Secretary 13 A Cold Frame Made Easy better known for its golf courses than primulas, I found an By Dan Peterson Robin. Dues for individual or 779-E2IstSt. household membership in the North Vancouver, BC V7J 1N7, enormous collection of these plants in the lovely garden. I 14 A Never Ending Problem American Primrose Society, do- Canada counted over 35 species plus a number of hybrids, By Renee Oakley mestic and foreign, are $20 U.S. Addaline W. Robinson, Treasurer growing in ideal conditions. The early varieties were over per calendar year ($21 for renew- 9705 SW Spring Crest Dr. 16 Journal Report als postmarked after January 1); Portland, OR 97225 but sweeps of Primula japonica, P. helodoxa and P. By Mary Frey $55 for three years; or $275 for bulleyana were in their full glory — a sight to behold. It an individual life membership. 17 What Are Barnhaven Primroses? Submit payment to the treasurer. DIRECTORS was a hot day with few people in the garden and I was able By Jay G. Lunn Membership renewals are due Through 1999 November 15 and are delinquent to wander around enjoying not only the primulas but the 18 Notes from the Editor Thea Oakley large rock garden with a number of North American native at the first of the year. Periodical 3304 288th Ave. NE 20 Plant Portrait - Primula Kewensis postage paid at Hillsboro, OR, and Redmond, WA 98053 plants, ponds, trees, perennials, and greenhouse. additional mailing offices. Email: [email protected] By Ann Lunn Postmaster: Please send address While I was in Scotland, I also found another name changes to Primroses, 9705 SW John A. O'Brien, Sr. 22 News from the Chapters for Primula denticulata — "Kirrie Dumpling". (Appar- Spring Crest Dr, Portland, OR 9450 Herbert Place ently Kirriemuir was the birthplace of James Barrie who 24 Show Auricula Spotlight 97225. Juneau.AK 99801-9356 By John N. Gibson wrote Peter Pan.) Manuscripts for publication in the Through 1998 25 Prize Winning Auriculas quarterly are invited from mem- Karen Schellinger For many of us now it is a time for raking, digging, By John Kerridge bers and other gardening experts, 31335 Kalla Lake Rd. and mulching — preparing the garden for winter — and although there is no payment. Avon, MN 97068 27 Board of Directors Meeting also planting bulbs to complement the primulas in the Please include black and white Fred Knapp 28 1997 APS National Show photographs if possible. Send ar- 58 Kaintuck Lane winter and early spring. ticles directly to the editor. Locust Valley, NY 11560 With the holidays creeping up on us I wish you all a 29 Mystery Primrose happy time with family and friends. --• by Arthur P. Dome Advertising rates per issue: full Through 1997 page, $100; half page, $50; quar- Glen Spurrell 30 Officers of the Chapters ter page, $25; eighth page and 72 St. Anne's Road June Skidmore, Mercer Island, Washington Of minimum, $12.50. Artwork for Toronto, Ont. M6J 2C3, Canada ads is the responsibility of the ad- vertiser, and camera ready copy is Misty Haffner ON THE COVER appreciated. Submit advertising to 8118 Hamstead Ln. Primula helodoxa in the Botanic Garden in St. Andrews, the editor. Juneau.AK 99801-9116 Scotland. — Photo by June Skidmore American Primrose Society - Fall 1996 American Primrose Society - Fall 1996

A Wilderness Primrose Garden branches has to be carried in. No sissy plants the quarter mile to the beach in the gardeners here! Cliff intends to keep it opposite direction, near the end of the By James Wilson, Juneau, Alaska that way. spit. By this time it was high tide, which This article describes a recent trip to As Cliff, Ed, and Everett arrived, I What about that fence? Above the was part of Cliff s plan for the day. a remote garden located on Southeast accompanied the other members of the usual wire mesh and post and rail stuff is After packing the boat, Cliff told us Alaska's Admiralty Island (a.k.a. the expedition down to the boat: Helen, a a solar powered electric wire. This is to we had a bear on the far side of the Island of the Bears). The growing nice lady from the Yukon, and Cliffs two dissuade the local deer population from meadow. It was a moderate size brown conditions at this unique spot in the rain dogs (whose names now elude me). We using the garden as a salad bowl. It also bear, with a crimson coloring. Naturally, forest are excellent, and the plants are set off ona beautiful 30 minute ride to keeps the 1,200 pound brown bears from both Ed and I had expended our film on impressive. Admiralty Island. Safety Note: this stepping on the starters. On the way to garden shots. Everett gave the big guy a On a nice Monday morning in the sturdy craft was rated for 14 person the garden site we saw plenty of evi- few whistles, and he came to investigate. first week in June, several people were capacity, and we all wore our PFD's. dence of bear activity. An excavated At one point he accelerated into a trot as fortunate to travel to Cliff Lobaugh's Upon arrival, the boat was tied to a skunk cabbage plant, tufts of hair, and he approached. We headed for the beach. garden on his Admiralty Island property. mooring buoy, and we carried our post- digested recycled material (techni- When he saw it was just a bunch of pesky The Mission: to excavate primrose plants supplies up the beach — still low tide, cal term: poo poo}. Cliff s advice on humans, the bear left in disgust. It's a for the Juneau Primrose Society's remember — to the edge of the forest. proper bear management is to yell at very different feeling to see these bears summer sale. Our benefactor's terms Just a couple hundred feet through them. He has had 100% success with when you are standing on their turf. were simple: "I'll donate 'em, if you dig the forest, the cabin sits on the edge of a this method, so far. The return boat ride to Auke Bay and 'em up". A chance to dig in a garden and large meadow. The garden area lies Describe the plants in the garden? loading our work into Ed's truck and my get a trip to Admiralty Island, for a good about one quarter mile to the south of the Unlike Ed, my gardening expertise does Subaru concluded our trip. Of course, we cause! How could I resist? cabin. The cabin and garden are located not come close to "guru" status. My had to water everything when we got it Our host for this day's adventure was on a forested spit, with the beach on one rating is "one who still has a lot to learn" home. The plants we harvested were avid gardener and Juneau veterinarian side and what could best be described as I usually say "Ask my wife, I'm the soil very popular at the sale several weeks Cliff Lobaugh. This was his first Mon- a tidal meadow on the other. The forest engineer". Our day's effort was digging later. day in retirement after 35 years of behind protects the garden area from the out about 100 pots of good looking This was a great day at a special practice in Alaska. Don't be fooled by prevailing wind. The meadow in front yellow Primula florindae plants. This place. Thanks to Dr. Cliff Lobaugh for a the term "retired". This is no pipe and provides for great sun light. The setting was about the contents of one row that memorable Alaskan adventure. I'm slippers guy. creates good growing temperatures and Cliff wanted cleared out. A nice row of ready to do it again! tir I arrived at Cliffs waterfront home lots of light. The result: a garden full of cowslips (P. veris) primroses grew at 8:00 a.m. for our departure. Our magnificent plants. What!! Cherry trees nearby. Ed collected cherry tree starters transportation, a large aluminum boat even?? that seemed to grow like weeds. Under with outboard motor, was located about According to a sign on the cabin, the these conditions nearly anything looks 100 yards down the beach, in about 6 property started as a 1918 homestead. possible. inches of water. Since this day's spring The garden site maintained by Dr. Following a good lunch of hotdogs tide was particularly low, our first task Lobaugh is expansive by normal stan- cooked over the woodstove (with Cliffs was to get the craft into deeper water. A dards. He explained that this is just a garden-grown garnishes) and a tour of helpful neighbor, a long 4x4 post, and fraction of what used to be under cultiva- the gardens, we prepared to leave. We ample grunting did the trick. While Cliff used a garden cart to haul our boxes of tion by the earlier owners. There is no *>"" ran the boat over to Auke bay to pick up water system; watering is done by Mother Ed Buyarski (local gardening guru), his Nature. Additional watering is done by son Everett, and lots of empty pots, the hauling buckets from some nearby water helpful neighbor and I carried a small drainages. All tools, fuel, or anything skiff back up the beach and tied it to a else that cannot be made from spruce tree branch. American Primrose Society - Fall 1996 American Primrose Society - Fall 1996 Sashes to the Rescue By Maedythe Martin, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

Show auriculas, to look their best, You can see from the accompanying must be protected from the weather. For photographs that the same old cold years I saved old windows to cover my frames full of auriculas are still there, but now with a tidy, efficient and certainly cold frames full of auriculas in the winter. Small raised coldframe at fall and The sashes got older and more weathered, cleaner new cover — no more moldering winter opening level. Frame could be the putty fell out, the mold crept in — wooden frames. The sliding door covers closed tighter for frosty periods. they looked awful. And then we had two sections of the cold frame admirably, upgrading done on the house — resulting and the weight of it holds it secure in the in lovely single-pane aluminum windows worst of windy winter weather. good air circulation, so the frames are and even a sliding patio door there for the A further improvement happened last open all summer, from May, after the taking. year when I finally got a new frame built shows, to September, when the first for the expanding auricula collection — leaves begin to fall. At that point, it's at waist level! What a blessing, no more not the auriculas that need protection, bending down! The old back has never it's my back. It resents bending to been happier. Ever a bargain hunter, I pick leaves off the plants and that used some three foot lengths left from leads me to cover the frames, but still fenceposts for the legs of the "table- with air circulation of three or four frame" with sides made out of old fence- inches. boards. Once more an aluminum window Show auriculas do need particular sash was pressed into service and is held growing conditions and some atten- up by bamboo sticks cut to size in two tion, but once well located, can be positions: low for the winter, and higher ignored for more than half the year, as long as you toss some water on them Large frame with single-pane patio door as glass cover for the summer. — open for good air circulation. The auriculas seem to like the sand now and then. So don't be intimidated plunge bed on legs and are growing like — try some out even if it is a dis- spinach this year. I have already split up carded window sash that protects them two pots of offsets I had repotted in from the weather. <3r February or March. They are full three inch plants now, in August. A cold frame doesn't have to be fancy to do the job. Someone mentioned recently that auriculas increase faster in beds than in pots, and, perhaps just through laziness, I have always grown auriculas in frame beds in the ground. I know auriculas always like cool feet and

Auriculas flourishing in the sand plunge bed in the small Cold frame at waist height, open for coldframe. summer. American Primrose Society - Fall 1996 American Primrose Society - Fall 1996

did disappear. Claudia's primroses are Photo by John O'Brien, Sr. Primroses at Sixty Below! well out in the middle of her garden without any moderation from the By John O'Brien, Sr., Juneau, Alaska house foundation. They did not Over the years there have been winds from the mountain passes to the receive any winter protection at all, articles in Primroses on growing prim- north. other than a light grass mulch put on roses in Alaska and other northern areas, Proceeding further north into Yukon the summer before around the plants such as Ontario. From observations this Territory, proof of the extreme hardiness and under the leaves, but not over the spring and summer, we are able to extend of primroses in cold temperatures was plants. This mulch was to help hold knowledge to colder areas of Alaska than seen. Yukon and neighboring interior the moisture in the ground, as the have been previously reported, and also Alaska are second only to Siberia for Yukon has a dry climate and regular to gardens in Yukon Territory in Canada. setting cold records in winter. For watering is needed in gardens. Locally (here in the Juneau area), we instance, to my recollection, the North From these actual observations we visited Regional Editor Pat Wilson's American record of -86°F was set at Snag can see that some kinds of primroses garden located way up in the Mendenhall in Yukon Territory in 1946, exceeded are hardy and happy to 35 to 60 Valley, closer to the Mendenhall Glacier only by -88°F in Siberia, which is or was degrees below zero Fahrenheit, and than many other Juneau gardens. Here, the World Record. some amount — so far unknown — in an area where winter temperatures So from this we know Yukoners stay colder. This information may prove Auricula primrose in a Skagway, Alaska, garden. have been recorded as low as 35° below close to the wood stove in their cabins in helpful and valuable to fellow mem- zero Fahrenheit, Primula denticulata is winter in the colder periods. One would bers of the A.P.S. worldwide. O flourishing, exposed to natural outdoors not expect primroses to survive Yukon conditions year round, without any winter winters — but they do. At the garden of protection like mulching and boughs. A Pamela Makarewich in Whitehorse, wonderful color range of lavender, Yukon, P. denticulata, the Juliana Hybrid purple, white, and red primroses are 'Dorothy', and an auricula primrose had 1997 Dues Reminder blooming over most of the Wilsons' yard. survived winter weather outdoors of 35 to 1997 membership renewals are due November 15 and deliquent after Decem- P. denticulata is self-seeding and is 50 degrees below zero Centigrade, and ber 31, 1996. The annual rate for both domestic and foreign memberships, either readily increasing in the paths and even were in every respect healthy and individual or household, is $20 US per year ($21 for renewals postmarked after outside the yard along the fences. From flourishing. Pamela's primroses are in January 1, 1997), $55 for three years, or $275 for an individual life membership. this we can see clearly that P. denticulata garden beds with other perennials Membership is based on the calendar year. The year your membership will expire is much hardier than probably many of us outdoors alongside the house foundation. is printed in the upper right-hand corner of the address label affixed to the imagined, and needs and probably prefers She mulched her plants before winter envelope used to mail your copy of Primroses. no coddling whatsoever. with a few inches of leaves. At Claudia If you are an overseas member and wish to have your quarterly sent via Proceeding north to Skagway, an McPhee's garden nearTagish, Yukon, airmail, include an additional $10 US to cover the cost of postage. area of winter cold similar to areas near four auricula primroses had survived the We prefer that foreign members make payment in the form of an international the glaciers of Juneau, an auricula winter with temperatures as low as -60°F. money order. However, payment may be made by personal check in currencies of primrose with several crowns and large One of the auriculas was somewhat small, Australia, Austria, Canada, Great Britain, Germany, New Zealand, Norway, and groups of flowers was seen in an outdoor yellow, and feeble; one had the main Switzerland. Checks payable from foreign funds should be in an amount based garden. This plant was reported to have carrot die, but had sent up a nice healthy upon the current exchange rate plus five percent. been growing there for seven years and offset. The other two plants were Make checks payable to the American Primrose Society and mail to: was obviously very happy to be where it flourishing and consisted of several Addaline W. Robinson, Treasurer was. Winter weather in Skagway crowns and had stalks making seed pods 9705 SW Spring Crest Dr. regularly features below zero tempera- indicating several flowers of the past Portland, OR 97225 tures accompanied by strong northerly spring. Claudia reported that 'Dorothy' U.S.A. 10 American Primrose Society - Fall 1996 American Primrose Society - Fall 1996

the purlin to keep them from moving side 10. Finally, add end closures. Our Under the Overhang to side in the wind. The purlin does not houses sit with the ends open about 95% bear weight. The tension of the PVC of the time to provide maximum airflow, By Rick Lupp, Graham, Washington pipes does the job. so we use very simple poly covers on the For many years I have grown my 6ft 7. At this point, we cover the floors ends. The more severe your winter plants that require alpine house treatment with woven weed barrier (optional). climate, the better your end closures in simple, inexpensive hoophouses, with 8. Add either shelving or plunge should be. Many means can be used. excellent results. These poly-covered beds or a combination of both down the Use your imagination. houses provide the basics: protection side of each 20' run. from winter wet and some protection 9. Attach your poly cover with 1/2" This will be my last regular column from extreme cold while allowing for staples after folding over the ends of the for Primroses. I hope to continue to excellent ventilation. The following plastic so you have 3 or 4 layers to staple contribute articles on an occasional basis directions explain how to build a simple 10ft through. 24' wide poly will allow you to in the future, ft staple to the headers and uprights on both 10 foot by 20 foot hoophouse similar to Figure 2. Entrance Frame the ones I use. ends as well as the sides. 1. First lay out a 10' x 20' rectangle. 4. Frame the base with 2"x6" treated Square things off by making sure your boards on all four sides, leaving the BILL OF MATERIALS diagonals are even. (Figure 1.) entrance ways open. Nail or screw the 1 Quantity Length Item Use framing boards to the framing posts and 6 30 in. 4"x4" treated wood framing posts entrance uprights. 4 8ft. 4"x4" treated wood entrance uprights "20 ft 5. Nail an 8-inch spike 2 inches deep at each corner of the 2"x6" frame and at 4 2 6ft 4"x4" treated wood entrance headers foot intervals along both 20' sides of the 2 20ft. 2"x6" treated wood side frames (long side) 2"x6" frames. (Figure 3.) 4 2ft 2"x6" treated wood side frames (short side) 12 Sin. metal spikes PVC anchors 6 20ft. 1 "diameter PVC pipe PVC hoop frame 1 20ft I"x4" board purlin ion --- :j 2"x6" 6 U clamps and screws PVC attachment hardware Figure 1. Layout 1 24' wide poly plastic hoophouse cover Woven weed barrier hoophouse floor covering 2. Add framing posts by sinking a 4"x4" treated wood post twenty-four inches deep at each corner and at the middle of each 20-foot side. Leave 6 inches above the soil level and cut off. Figure 3. Spikes in 2"x6" frame. (Figure 1.) 3. Add the entrance frames: on each of the 10-foot ends, sink two 8-foot 6. Bend a 20 foot length of 1" PVC 4"x4" treated wood posts to a depth of 30 plastic pipe over the entrance frame and inches, positioning each post 2 feet from slip the ends of the PVC over the spikes. the nearest corner. Attach a 4"x4" header Repeat for each pair of spikes. Add a to each pair of posts. (Figure 2.) simple 20' purlin down the center of the hoop house, attaching the PVC pipes to 12 American Primrose Society - Fall 1996 American Primrose Society - Fall 1996 13 Indiana Cold Frame A Cold Frame Made Easy By Enoia Eastling, Cedar Lake, Indiana By Dan Peterson, Tacoma, Washington The accompanying picture is of Photo by Enola Eastling primroses blooming in my friends' cold The simple but effective cold frame Photo by Dan Pederson frame — Jane and Waliy Schuett. in the accompanying photo can easily be Their management of the cold frame is put together in a weekend. It involves fairly straightforward. When frost is building a potting bench and topping it imminent, they cover the primroses with a tent-like structure of PVC pipe with leaves. Glass covers are added covered with clear plastic poly. Some of when it gets colder but are opened the advantages that I like about this type when we get a break in the weather, as of cold frame are: we sometimes do off and on through • The plants are easily accessible. the winter. • Bright summer light can be easily By early spring when the prim- Happy primroses in a simple Indiana cold frame. controlled by shade cloth. roses begin to boom under the leaf • Clear plastic poly in the winter can mulch, Jane starts lifting leaves off. Our that I gave her the primroses — I'd like control excessive moisture. real spring is always questionable — to take credit, but I can't say for sure that • Good ventilation is easily achieved by leaving the ends open. we've often had a break in late March but I did. When I visited Jane and Wally in Bench top cold frame filled with primulas and then have frost in April. This year, mid-July their primroses were shaded and The first step is to build the potting lewisias. settled spring weather was very late. looking wonderfully healthy. Of bench. This bench is approximately 36 provided by 2"x4" rails approximately Jane's husband built the cold frame inches wide and 8 feet long. Four 4"x4" one foot above the ground. and keeps an eagle eye on it. Jane says treated wood posts serve as legs, with Five evenly spaced 1/2" PVC pipes side and end rails made of 2"x6" treated are cut 7 feet long, arched over the bench, wood. The bottom of the bench is and secured with metal straps. The covered with VV'x 'AT mesh hardware plastic poly is then stretched over the cloth supported by scrap lumber spaced 1 PVC pipes and secured with staples to the New Overseas Mailing Option foot apart. Additional leg support is side rails. & Overseas members — would you like to receive Primroses in a more timely fashion? Part Otv Size Material The APS Board of Directors voted to offer a new option to overseas mem- Legs 4 4"x4"x3' treated wood bers: for an additional SIO.OOUS per year (to cover the cost of postage), we will Side Rails 2 2"x 6"x8' treated wood send your quarterly via airmail. This option will be available to you starting with End Rails 2 2"x 6"x32" treated wood the first issue of the 1997 membership year, Volume 55, Winter, 1997. To take advantage of this service, please include the additional fee with your Bottom 1 ~36"xlOO" hardware cloth, }l"\" mesh membership renewal. If you have prepaid your membership, please send the fee Mesh support 4 1" thick scrap lumber with a note stating that you wish to have your quarterly airmailed to you. Make Side leg supports 2 2"x4"x8' treated wood checks payable to the American Primrose Society and mail to: End leg supports 2 2"x4"x3' treated wood Addaline W. Robinson, Treasurer Nails as required 9705 SW Spring Crest Dr. Hoops 5 l/2"x7' PVC tubing 2' Portland, OR 97225 Straps 10 1/2" metal pipe straps U.S.A. Poly cover 1 -10'xlO' plastic poly, 6 mil Shade cloth 1 -10'xlO' American Primrose Society - Fall 1996 15 14 American Primrose Society - Fall 1996

NEVER JUST ONCE I wish that some of the experts would After all this effort, you would think really look into this problem and write A Never Ending Problem that our troubles were over. Noway! about it as I have many questions: By Renee Oakley, Richmond, British Columbia, Canada From time to time the Root Mealy Bugs • Does watering the plant make the would rear their ugly heads again and I Diatomaceous Earth ineffective? GREENHOUSE HORRORS I had already suspected, that the bugs had was almost in despair until a friend • Does the Diatomaceous Earth used If anyone ever asked me to list the become immune to this and suggested a for swimming pools work just as suggested that we may be re-introducing well? I have heard that it doesn't. garden insects that I hate the most, the list solution of Malathion, used as a drench. them from new plants. Since then I have • How do they breed? Are their eggs would be headed with Root Mealy Bugs, While I was keen to get rid of the kept my new plants in quarantine for two the blue stuff inside the pots? Rhizoecusfalcifer. Not to be confused pests, I had no desire to kill myself in the or three weeks or longer, far away from If anyone out there has the answer to with the Mealy Bugs found above the soil process, so I looked around for a less any other plants, as Root Mealy Bugs can these questions or any suggestions for climbing around on cacti and other house drastic, more user friendly solution, and be found everywhere, even in first class dealing with this problem, I would love to plants, these little pests are found in the decided to use Diatomaceous Earth. This nurseries and greenhouses. They thrive hear from them. soil, chomping away on the roots and is a white single cell plant living in the in pots of African Violets, Cacti, and of Oh yes, someone did suggest using a slowly killing the plants. Especially a sea. During its life it absorbs silicon course dwarf and miniature Geraniums, systemic insecticide as a drench, but have problem in greenhouses, they are very oxide and becomes glasslike and very which are seldom re-potted so the pest you ever smelled it? Thanks, but no tiny wee white worms, like miniature brittle, which causes the insects to goes undetected. thanks. A good thing about Diatoma- caterpillars, and not very easy to spot. become lacerated on its sharp edges and Don't think that your primulas are ceous Earth is that there is no danger that However, an easily recognizable sign of die by dehydration. immune — these bugs turn up in rockery the pests will become immune to it. their presence is a spattering of pale blue I added about a teaspoonful to the plants, alpines, and of course, primulas. markings on the inside of the pot. bottom third of each pot, as this is where Even the Show Bench can sometimes be I don't think that we will ever really get rid of this problem, and like the Apparently Root Mealy Bugs the blighters enter, and hoped that this guilty of harboring these unwanted cockroaches, Root Mealy Bugs will originated in the sub-tropics and came would solve the problem. Incidentally, I guests! Be sure to provide your plants a probably be around long after we are over in food and glasshouse crops during would suggest that you avoid breathing period of quarantine after the show, well gone! Of the last 50 years or so. They first came to this powder — I am sure that it would not away from your other plants. my notice about 20 years ago when it was be good for our insides either. announced at a meeting of the Canadian I did compromise on the Malathion, EDITORIAL DEADLINE FOR WINTER ISSUE OF PRIMROSES IS Geranium and Pelargonium Society that as I did not want to be forced to dispose NOVEMBER 15 some very special dwarf geraniums of my special plants. Using an old dinner (Pelargoniums) that had been donated by fork, I scraped as much soil as possible a terminally ill member and used as raffle into the garbage — NOT the compost — prizes were infested with this terrible bug. noticing at the time that many of the roots Our luck was both good and bad — we came away too, having been eaten right had won several of them, and our joy through by these tiny horrors. Next I 1997 APS National Show soon turned to horror when we discov- mixed a solution of Malathion in an ered to our dismay that we had unknow- empty ice cream pail and left the plants April 12-13, 1997 ingly brought home these awful pests. outside soaking in it while I dealt with the pots I soaked the posts in a 10% solution Lakewood Mall, Tacoma, WA SEARCHING FOR A CONTROL of bleach, followed by scrubbing and • Plant Show rinsing to make them re-usable. How do you control them? First I Every pot in the greenhouse had to • Plant Sale tried mixing Diazinon granules in the be tipped out and studied, and yes, I did potting mix; when this didn't seem to • Annual Meeting £r Banquet with Special Speaker find that the problem had spread. I was work I phoned the Canadian Department kept very busy treating all the infected • Garden Tours of Agriculture for advice. They said what pots, the flats, and of course, the benches. 16 American Primrose Society - Fall 1996 American Primrose Society - Fall 1996 17 Journal Report What Are Barnhaven Primroses? By Mary Frey, Kent, Washington By Jay Lunn, Hiltsboro, Oregon AN ACE ADVENTURE on their bellies, the team only collected a The term "Barnhaven primroses" Primroses' because the size of each Beg or borrow a copy of the June few seeds from P. nanobella. probably infers many things and may flower equals or exceeds silver dollar 1996 Quarterly Bulletin of the Alpine The seed collection team operated depend a lot on the beholder. In Far size, are beautiful plants." The term Garden Society. They devote this from September 18 until October 31. North Gardens' 1988-89 catalog, Karen Silver-Dollar Primroses was first used by marvelous issue to the Society's funded Primula seed collected included P. Krusinski, the proprietor, quoted Allen Florence in 1952. In Barnhaven Catalog expedition to China in 1994. They used deflexa, P. dryndifotia, P. forrestii, P. Lacy of The New York Times: "Florence No. 17, Silver-Dollar Acaulis Seed was the acronym ACE, Alpine Garden Society nanobella, P. secondiflora and a hybrid Bellis's place in the International world listed. In 1974, Barnhaven double China Expedition, for references to the between P. beesiana and P. bulleyana. of horticulture is assured, thanks to her primroses (acaulis) were listed. trip. Chris Brickell lead the reconnais- Clive Boyce gives a brief report on achievement in originating — over many In 1968, Jared W. & Sylvia M. sance team which journeyed to Tien Shan the germination success from the ACE decades of careful and imaginative Sinclair assumed the task of growing the in Central Asia (Kazakhstan to seed. Primula seed germinated 61 out of hybridization — the many strains of Barnhaven stock. Their 1979 catalog, Kyrgyzstan) from June 5 to July 10. 63 plantings. The rate for all the seeds primroses collectively named after her included the following statements: "But Sumptuous photos grace the issue was 87%. Oregon home Barnhaven." In Florence what of Barnhaven? The work went on, including a stunning red Androsace Bellis' book Gardening and Beyond she the colour range and reputation of the bulleyana. They sighted a plethora of PRIMULAS IN SICHUAN wrote "Now the Barnhaven strains of Barnhaven Strains waxed ever wider and plants such as several species of Peter Cox examines primulas of primroses, in various forms, are known they accumulated countless awards the Androsace, Arisaema, Corydalis, temperate China in the June 1996 The and grown everywhere." And, "Long world over." And, "Besides the continu- Meconopsis and, of course, Primula. Journal of the Scottish Rock Garden after the Barnhaven strains had become ing work on the polyanthus and primrose, Ron McBeath has an extensive Club. Although Cox is a rhododendron horticultural history I was told that I had the first seed strains of Julianas were section on the primulas encountered. (He expert, primroses have cast their spell on committed the cardinal sin of linebreed- introduced (Wanda and Garryarde also has an article about ACE in the July him. He prefaces his discussion by ing." (page 137). And finally, "But the Guinevere are the most popular of the 1996 The Garden, Journal of the Royal stating that most primulas from West most riveting, considered the outstanding old-timers in this group). From seed sent Horticultural Society.) Stands of China are not suited for domestic life. polyanthuses of all time, is the Barnhaven from Cheshire by the late Captain primroses seen include Primula He writes that "they are used to being Cowichan strain begun in 1942." (page Hawkes, seed strains of the old Elizabe- involucrata ssp. yargongensis, P. protected by snow for up to nine months 149). It appears that in the latter years, than primroses were developed and from dryadifolia, P. borecocalliantha, P. in the year, with a brief awakening period the name Barnhaven was applied to a portion of a weak little plant created pseudosikkimensis, P. zambalensis and a when they rapidly come into flower. various strains of primroses that she nonchalantly by a wartime bee in British white P. serratifolia. A photograph of a They then set seed during the moist developed and which were continued on Columbia the Cowichan polyanthus was rescued from certain oblivion. The late meadow reveals P. sikkemensis and P. monsoon period and go quickly back to by the Sinclairs and, subsequently, by secundiflora growing in abundance in a sleep under their snow blanket." How- Angela Bradford. Mr. R. H. Briggs of Lancashire collected some seed from scraps of the almost meadow with no hybrids. ever, he does name several species that In Lew and Florence Levy's (later Harry Jans writes an enlightening grow amicably in cultivation including Florence Bellis) 1940 Barnhaven Gardens extinct gold laced polyanthus he'd managed to salvage during the war and article about seed collecting including the Primula moupinensis, P. polyneura, P. catalog, it listed: "Barnhaven Strain of he sent Florence Bellis part of his harvest team's methods, problems and luck. He palmata, P. yargongensis, P. tangutica Polyanthus, or Bunch Primroses, bearing writes that seed collecting varies from and P. rupicola. many., flowers on each stalk. Barnhaven in 1945." And, "Her last contribution to species to species. For instance, they Strain of Primula Acaulis, flowers borne the primrose world was the introduction garnered a large quantity from P. E-mail address: on single stems rising from crown of of the famous Barnhaven double prim- secondiflora. However, despite crawling [email protected] * plant." In the 1954-1955 catalog of roses from seed, and she was almost Barnhaven Gardens there appeared: trampled into the ground in the stampede "These Barnhaven Polyanthus, which have come to be called 'Silver Dollar Continued on page 21 18 American Primrose Society - Fall 1996 American Primrose Society - Fall 1996 19

Notes from the Editor northeast Yunnan Province, China, north press work on the quarterly could be done of Kunming. Since identified as Primula by the Editor. It was our great fortune to By Claire Cockcroft, Redmond, Washington faberi, it was growing in open but well- learn about the Adobe Philanthropy LAST YEAR'S BAD WEATHER IS STILL we sell in our Gardeners Corner gift drained meadows with rhododendrons, Council, part of Adobe Systems, Inc., a BAD NEWS shop. gentians, and meconopsis. leading software maker. After being contacted, the Adobe Philanthropy John Gibson writes from Yorkshire, Regrettably, only a very small Council donated two excellent pre-press England, that his plants are still suffering percentage of our 600 plants exhibit the SLIDE LIBRARIAN JOB OPENING software packages to the American from last year's extremely hot summer. 'miniature rose' shape that was promised John O'Brien took on the job of APS Primrose Society— Pagemaker® and He lost many primulas and auriculas from for this primrose. So we believe that this Slide Librarian in the Spring of 1993, and Photoshop® — both very powerful root rot, possibly caused by overwatering, primrose was 'oversold' as a 'rosaceous' since that time has added a new slide packages and industry standards. Thank as he was fooled by the plants' vigorous form, but those that have the miniature program and upgraded the quality of the you, Adobe Systems, Inc.! growth in the hot weather. And not only rose form are indeed lovely. existing programs. As a result, the APS We thank Rebecca Nolte, who has the summer heat caused primula growers All plants are very robust, but most Slide Library service has been growing in been the layout designer for Primroses trouble in England; last winter was blossoms are the traditional 'single' popularity. for several years, for her excellent extremely cold. Because John delayed polyanthus form but larger than most After three years, John is ready to contributions to the APS. And we repotting his Primula allionii until polyanthus. There are a number of hose- retire from this job and give someone else promise to work hard to maintain the September, he lost several to the cold. in-hose blossoms and some with slightly the opportunity. We thank John for his high standards that Rebecca set. Repotting in the spring was not a cure-all serrated edges. fine work and know that he will surely be — some plants had limited root systems I thought your readers might be missed. Now the question is, who would and were hit hard by this year's June interested in our results. like to volunteer to act as Slide Librarian? CATALOGS, ANYONE? heat. John is more than willing to admit I personally plan to try some of these If you are interested in following in Fall must be very near, because it's that Mother Nature is still the boss! plants in my garden to test their hardi- John's footsteps, or would just like to raining catalogs again. Many go straight ness. Since traditional polyanthus know more about the duties of the APS into the recycling bin, several are put primula are hardy here in southwest 'ROSE' PRIMROSE UPDATE Slide Librarian, you can write to the aside to peruse when the weather gets bad Michigan where I grow Zone 5 and many Editor or contact John directly: and I have nothing better to do, and a few John W. (Jack) Smith from Grand Zone 6 plants, some hardiness should be are grabbed up and immediately scanned Rapids, Michigan, writes: John A. O'Brien, Sr. present in the rosaceous form. I plan to from cover to cover. I usually save these As a member and volunteer for the 9450 Herbert Place grow them in an area protected from cold select few and refer to them time and Frederik Meijer Gardens here in Grand Juneau, Alaska 99801 winds by shrubbery and will mulch the again until they're ragged, because they Rapids, Michigan, I persuaded our head (907)789-7516 plants with shredded leaves and ever- have something I can't find easily horticulturist to try a quantity of the green boughs. I'll let you know next year anywhere else — descriptions of hard-to- 'Rosaceous Polyanthus' that were what results I obtain. THANK YOU, ADOBE SYSTEMS, INC. find plants, gorgeous (and enticing) introduced to APS members at the Being a small organization of less photos, good advice on plant culture, etc. Primula Worldwide Symposium held in SEH 215 than 700 members worldwide with Do you have a favorite mail order Oregon in 1992. relatively low annual dues, the APS often Several members have asked for catalog that lists primulas or other We placed an order for 600 seedlings finds itself looking for ways to lower more information about seed "SEH 215" members of the Primulaceae family? from Twyford Plant Laboratories in Santa costs while still providing the benefits in last year's APS Seed Exchange. Which catalogs do you save for reference Paula, California, which arrived in Grand that its members expect. One way to cut "SEH" stands for Steve Hootman, the or just to look at again? Please send me Rapids in November, and were immedi- expenses is having as many jobs as curator at the Rhododendron Species their names, and I'll print a mini-survey ately potted up in our support green- possible be performed by unpaid Botanical Garden in Federal Way, of our readers' favorite ones. houses. The first bloom appeared on volunteers. Washington. Steve collected SEH 215 in Thank you! Of February 6, and since then we've had a We recently looked into buying October, 1995, at 13,500 feet on the steady parade of plants in bloom, which desktop publishing software, so that pre- Wumeng Shan, a mountain range in American Primrose Society - Fall 1996 21 20 American Primrose Society - Fall 1996

'John Richards believes that the Photo by Jay G. Lunn pollen parent may have been Primula Plant Portrait simensis, now considered to be a separate By Ann Lunn, Hillsboro, Oregon species rather than the older taxonomic category of P. verticillata var. simensis. PRIMULA x KEWENSIS Seed should be sown from March to In 1898 at Kew Gardens in England, July in a peat-based soil that will retain SOURCES: moisture. Normally the seeds germinate one conspicuously different plant Richards, A. J. (1993). Primula. appeared in a batch of Primula in three to four weeks and the young seedlings can then be potted into three- Batsford, Ltd., London. floribunda seedlings. It had the long Robinson, Mary (1990). Primulas, petioles, broad and coarsely toothed leaf inch pots for the summer. During this time, the plants should be keep moist and The Complete Guide. The Crowood blades and golden yellow flowers of P. Press, Swindon. ft floribunda. However, it had more erect in a cool, shady location. They can be leaves, stouter scapes, larger bracts and repotted into larger 4- or 5-inch pots in was fragrant. These characteristics more September. Since P. x kewensis is not closely resembled P. verticillata, a plant hardy except in the southern states, the that had been on a nearby bench when plants can be kept in a cool greenhouse the seed set on P. floribunda. Since no where the temperature does not drop new species had been introduced to the below freezing. If the plants remain in Primula x kewensis. greenhouse, this unusual plant was the greenhouse over winter, the soil assumed to be a hybrid between P. should be kept just moist until spring floribunda and P. verticillata. It was when the normal flowering season starts. named P. x kewensis after its place of Alternatively, they may be brought inside Barnhaven Primroses origin. An intentional cross between and enjoyed as a house plant in a cool Continued from page 17 these two species yielded offspring room. The increased warmth and nearly identical to the original plant, thus watering may force them to flower that followed." AIso^ "Barnhaven's plants and seed that were sold under the providing further evidence of its around Christmas. famous strain of this precious little flower Barnhaven banner, so it could be argued parentage.1 Of the more common nonhardy [gold-laced polyanthus], and the only that it has become a house name. They The original hybrid was sterile. It primulas, P. x kewensis is more amenable strain still in commerce maintained in the were also sold by Far North Gardens was, however, very vigorous and the to indoor cultivation. It does not have the true tradition of those whiskery old under the Barnhaven name. After clone was kept in cultivation by division. potential irritant of P. obconica nor the artisan florists who clattered in their clogs Florence closed her nursery, she pro- Fertile plants that came true from seed tendency to crown rot of P. malacoides. along the cobbled streets of the smoky duced the seed for the Sinclairs, Far were found on three separate occasions: In addition, it is a beautiful plant with old towns so many moons ago." They North and a couple of other nurseries in in 1905 by Messer Veitch, in 1923 at light green, toothed leaves and a 10-inch continued the use of the term Silver- the U.S. to grow double acaulis and gold- Kew Gardens and again in 1926 at the stalk of fragrant, bright golden-yellow Dollar Primroses. In addition to the laced polyanthus plants. Until Angela John Innes Institute. Due to inexact flowers. There are farinose and non- primroses already mentioned, the Bradford assumed the responsibility for pairing of the chromosomes, the original farinose forms, perhaps the former being Sinclair's also listed Barnhaven double carrying on the Barnhaven legacy, only diploid clone was unable to produce seed. the more spectacular with bright white auriculas and Barnhaven Sieboldii in the the Sinclairs and Far North were using Spontaneous doubling of the chromo- meal on the leaves reminiscent of P. late 1970'sand early 1980's. the Barnhaven moniker. In the 1992 somes led to a tetraploid strain that farinosa. Plants in cultivation set seed As you can see, there is considerable Barnhaven Primroses catalog, Angela produced viable seed. The original easily, so propagation is normally by that justification for associating the wrote "The Sinclairs added several new sterile hybrid has been lost, but today the method. It was not present on the 1996 Barnhaven name to strains of primroses, series to the original Barnhaven range, as tetraploid plant can easily be propagated APS seed list, but hopefully, it will particularly the polyanthus. However, it well as developing the double auriculas from seed. appear there again soon. appears that the Sinclairs produced and rescuing the lovely Primula sieboldii double auriculas and Primula sieboldii from oblivion." ft 22 American Primrose Society - Fall 1996 American Primrose Society - Fall 1996

Show. Several thought they might have 42nd and Jackson Sts., Milwaukie, OR. News from the Chapters plants for the plant sale that is part of the Contact Ann Lunn, chapter president, for A summary of chapter meetings National Show. details.

ALASKA from Valley General Hospital) at 7:45 Tacoma Chapter Valley Hi Chapter Jean Eichman writes from Juneau: p.m. Guests are welcome. Meets the first Tuesday of each Meets the second Monday of the Former APS President Cy Happy The Washington State Chapter, like month, except July and August, in the month from September through Novem- gave a slide presentation at our April other APS groups, took the summer off. Fireside Room of the First United ber and February through May at 1 p.m. meeting. We had a total of 46 people Their first fall meeting will be in October. Methodist Church, 1919 West Pioneer, at Thelma Genheimer's house, 7100 SW attend, a record for one of our programs. Puyallup, at 7:30 p.m. 209th, Beaverton, OR. Contact Thelma We have been able to add at least six new Eastside Chapter Tacoma kicked off its first meeting for details. APS members between January and Meets the first Monday of every of the fall in September with a Round April, month at 7:30 p.m. at members' homes Table discussion of what is upcoming for BRITISH COLUMBIA on a rotating schedule. The following weekend we had a the year. The chapter will host the BC Primrose Group The chapter's Annual Picnic was booth at the two-day Garden Conference National Show next spring and has lots of Meets on the third Wednesday of held in July at Beth Tait's house, and put on by the local master gardeners at preparations underway. September, November, January, March, included a potluck and garden tour. which we promoted the APS and made and May, at 7:30 p.m. at the Thomas In September, the chapter met at about $325 selling primroses. OREGON Hobbs Southlands Nursery, Vancouver. Thea and Harold Oakley's house for their In June, we held a plant sale that Oregon Primrose Society Call (604) 274-0551 or (604) 224-7813 to annual Harvest Sale. They enjoyed a concentrated on the later-blooming Meets the third Friday of every confirm. scrumptious potluck with home-baked primroses such as candelabras and month from September through May at 1 bread and were treated to a tour of Thea's Primula florindae. Roger Eichman, local p.m. at the Milwaukie Community Club, group member, appeared on a half hour garden. The plant sale was chock full of radio program the week before the sale plants, and everyone home with an with a local nursery owner and was able armload! to talk about primroses and promote the sale. In a sale lasting only an hour and a Seattle Chapter half, we cleared over $1,500 for our Meets four times a year. Contact Looking for the perfect present for the treasury. June Skidmore, chapter president, for discriminating gardener who seems to The group will take a short break and details. Next meeting: Thursday, resume in October when we make plans November 7, 1996, at 7:30 p.m. at the have everything? for our 1997 programs. Center for Urban Horticulture, Seattle. This is one chapter that knows how to throw a good party! The annual Consider giving a gift membership in the PENNSYLVANIA potluck was hosted by Fred Graff (whose Doretta Klaber Chapter American Primrose Society garden is enviably spotless), the food was Meets four times a year. Contact Dot plentiful and delicious, and the weather Plyler, chapter president, for details. cooperated with cool temperatures and Annual membership is only $20, and includes Seed Exchange blue skies. Members brought a lot of privileges, access to the Slide Library, bargain book rates (through WASHINGTON plants for the plant exchange, and as the APS Librarian), and of course, a subscription to Primroses, our Washington State Chapter usual went home with what seemed like quarterly magazine. Meets the second Friday of each more than they brought. month, except July and August, at the During the business meeting, This is one gift that will go on giving throughout the year! United Good Neighbor Center at 305 S members discussed what they can do to 43rd Street, Renton, (across the street help Tacoma Chapter with the National 24 American Primrose Society - Fall 1996 American Primrose Society - Fall 1996 25 Show Auricula Spotlight Prize Winning Auriculas By John N. Gibson, Huddersfleld, Yorkshire, England By John Kerridge, Vancouver, British Columbia WARWICK Photos by John N. Gibson In Spring, 1996,1 wrote an article for readers' survey of the most 'Warwick' is another successful Primroses on shopping for auriculas in frequently grown auriculas. variety raised by Peter Ward, the secre- England. In it, 1 pondered over which Although it may be difficult tary of the Midland and West Auricula varieties were worth hunting. I have (or even impossible) to obtain and Primula Society. since received permission to reprint three many of these plants, I think it is 'Warwick1, a gray edged variety, is tables from the National Auricula and helpful to know which auriculas the result of'Wallhampton' x Teem', Primula Society (North) Year Book, are proving to be the best — if both of which are very old varieties 1994. These tables list the most frequent perhaps not the easiest to grow — raised by Cyril Haysom and Tom Meek, winning varieties on their show benches and the easiest — if perhaps not the respectively. Both men were top class 1984-1994, as well as the results of a best to show. Good hunting! growers in their day. Peter first showed 'Warwick' at the 1977 London show, where it won the Seedling Cup. This win turned out to be Table 1 — Show Auriculas Table 2 — Alpine Auriculas the start of a long and successful career. Variety Section Total Variety Section Total 'Warwick' still appears on the show Show Auricula Warwick. 1A IB Prizes 2A 2B Prizes bench regularly. 1. Prague 21 6 27 I.Mark 29.... 12 41 2. Margaret Martin . 15 6 21 2. Sirius 21.... 12 33 3. Warwick 15 3 18 3. Elsie May 25 2 27 4. Teem 11 4 15 4. Prince John 19 6 25 5. Fleminghouse 11 4 15 5. Argus 16 6 22 6. Brookfield 4 6 15 6. Sandra 19 0 19 MARK 7. Chloe 9 0 9 7. Adrian 8 6 14 7. Grey Hawk 9 0 9 8. Lee Paul 12 2 14 'Mark' is without doubt the finest 7. Roberto 9 0 9 9. Winifrid 11 2 13 Light Centered Alpine at the present 10. OakesBlue 7 1 8 10. Gay Crusader.... 10 3 13 time. It was raised by Derek Telford of 11.Orb 7 0 7 11. Lisa 7 5 12 Huddersfield. Unfortunately, he doesn't 11. Brompton 7 0 7 12. Rowena 5 5 10 keep records of his hybridization pro- 11. Barbarella 7 0 7 13. Divint Dunch 9 0 9 gram, so we will never know its pedigree. 14. Jupiter 6 0 6 14. John Wayne 9 0 9 'Mark' was first exhibited over 14. Limelight 6 0 6 15. Snooty Fox 5 3 8 twenty years ago and has been a consis- 16. St. Boswells 5 1 6 16. Langley Park 6 0 6 tent prize winner ever since. It is not 17. Scipio 5 0 5 17. Bolero 5 1 6 unknown for it to take all three prizes, 17. Tomboy 5 0 5 18. Sandwood Bay ... 4 2 6 nor is it any stranger to premier medals. 17. Sbarmans Cross .. 5 0 5 19. Roxburgh 2 4 6 Derek named it after his son, who 20. C. G. Haysom 1 4 5 20. Vulcan 2 3 5 now resides in the state of Texas. & Total 200 Total 298

Alpine auricula 'Mark'. Continued on page 26 26 American Primrose Society - Fall 1996 American Primrose Society - Fall 1996 27 1997 APS National Show Board of Directors Meeting MARK YOUR CALENDARS! will be a meeting of the APS Board of Held at the home of Thelma Genheimer, Beaverton, Oregon, July 13, 1996 Directors. Look for further details in the The 1997 American Primrose Present: June Skidmore, Ann Lunn, memberships. Claire will continue with Winter 1997 issue of Primroses. Society National Show will be hosted by Dorothy Springer, Addaline Robinson, ads; a manager is needed to obtain new Show chairman Candy Strickland is the Tacoma chapter (with help from other Claire Cockcroft, Cheryl Fluck, Thelma ads. Ann Lunn made a motion to working to arrange accommodations for Puget Sound chapters), and they've Genheimer. purchase Pagemaker software for the out-of-state visitors at members' homes planned a great show! The show will be The meeting was called to order by Quarterly, seconded by June Skidmore; in the Puget Sound area. For more held at the Lakewood Mall in Tacoma, President June Skidmore at 2:50 p.m. passed. Claire announced the Summer information, or for help with accommo- April 12 - 13, 1997; Saturday hours will following the annual A.P.S. picnic. 1996 Quarterly would be mailed within dations, contact her directly: be 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday hours Minutes of the last meeting were ap- the next week or so. will be 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Esther (Candy) Strickland proved as corrected. During the National Show, the APS 851828th Ave East CORRESPONDENCE will hold its Annual Meeting and Ban- Tacoma, WA 98445-5800 TREASURER'S REPORT June Skidmore read letters from John quet, with a special speaker. A plant sale Addaline Robinson explained her and garden tours are planned, and there Telephone: (206) 531-4449 <* Kerridge and John O'Brien. written report that will be filed for audit when corrected. Addaline will mail a INTERNET corrected copy to Dorothy Springer to be Ann Lunn explained that A.P.S. is on included with the board meeting minutes. the Internet and has acquired two new Membership status was discussed. members as a result. She suggested a Prize Winning Auriculas Addaline read correspondence from a Continued from page 25 formal letter be sent to Duncan McAlpine member who thought dues needed to be thanking him for the work he has done Table 3 — Survey of Selfs Grown by Members of the National Auricula and increased to $25.00 per year. Air mailing getting A.P.S. on the Internet. Ann will Primula Society (Northern Section), 1994 of the Quarterly may be an option for continue to be our Internet "secretary". overseas members for, an additional Yellow Selfs Red Selfs Blue Selfs $10.00 per year. Claire Cockcroft made a NEW MEMBERSHIP FLIER No. of Growers No, of Growers No. of Growers motion to offer this option, seconded by Brompton 9 Mojave 10 Remus 11 Addaline Robinson; passed. The Fall Claire Cockcroft showed several Upton Belle 9 Pat 8 OakesBlue 10 1996 Quarterly will include a notice to samples of rack cards in color. It was Guinea 6 Cheyenne 7 Slant's Blue 6 that effect. decided that 1,000 copies will be printed. Helen 6 Cortina 7 Blue Jean 5 Claire made a motion that the A.P.S. cultural chart be dropped, seconded by Tomboy 5 Red Gauntlet 6 Stella 4 EDITOR'S REPORT Brazil 5 Shere 5 Blue Nile 4 June Skidmore; passed. Chart will be Claire Cockcroft reported she had discontinued until it can be reformatted. Elsinore 4 Fanny Meerbeck 4 Midnight... 4 attended a bulk mailing seminar. New Ower 4 postal regulations went into effect July 1, Moneymoon 4 Dark Selfs Other Colors 1996 and more will come October 1, SEED EXCHANGE Lemon Drop 4 Barbarella 14 Chorister 11 1996. The Quarterly is not forwarded. Claire Cockcroft presented the Seed Gleam 4 Neat&Tidy 12 Moonglow 10 Our mailing envelopes are not the Exchange financial report. John and Sheila 4 Mikado 7 Limelight 5 required size of 6 1/8 by 11 1/2 inches. Sylvia McDonnell will again be in charge Nocturne 7 Lilac Domina 4 Bottom line: postal rates for the Quarterly of the 1997 Exchange. The workings of Gizabroon 5 will be increasing. A red inked rubber the Exchange were discussed. Superpara 4 stamp will be used on the Quarterly envelope to remind members to renew Continued on page 28 American Primrose Society - Fall 1996 29 28 American Primrose Society - Fall 1996 Mystery Primrose American Primrose Society Bookstore by Arthur P. Dome, Seattle, Washington Photo by Art Dome A.P.S. Bookstore now has Society Guides from the National Auricula and On the 17th of May, 1989,1 was Primula Society, Midland and West Section (Great Britain): traveling with a group by bus from Lijiang, Yunnan Province, China, to Double Auriculas, by Gwen Baker - S3.25US the base of Yulong Shan, part of the Alpine Auriculas, by Derek Telford - $1.75US Jade Dragon Mountains. From the Auricula History, by David Tarver - $3.25US main road, about 9,500 ft., we followed Border Auriculas, by Geoff Nicolle - $3.00US a stream — someone said it was called 1 set of all 4 guides - $10.00US the Snow River — for about a mile or These soft-bound booklets are chock full of good advice from growers with more. Then we paired up and went in many years of hands-on experience. Please note that postage and handling for different directions. the whole set is discounted to $3.00. The valley I entered, at about Periodically, our librarian obtains older, used books. For a list of what is 10,400 ft, had an abundance of plants available, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to her. Address your orders and in flower. One of the plants I photo- inquiries to: graphed was the primrose pictured here. I have been unable to identify it Thea Oakley, American Primrose Society Librarian Pink blossoms, hairy stems, tiny rosettes -- What 3304 288th Ave. NE or find anyone who would give me a primula is this? Redmond, WA 98053 USA positive answer. Perhaps someone in the APS can help me? Thea's E-mail address: [email protected] What puzzles most primrose fanciers Orders must be prepaid in US dollars by check on a US bank or by interna- is what appears to be the pubescent hairs tional money order, made out to Thea Oakley, A.P.S. Librarian. Postage and on the stem. If anyone can identify this CHEMALIS RARE PLANT NURSERY handling: in the US add $3 for the first book and $1.50 for each additional book, or primrose, or can supply any information outside the US add $5 for the first book and $2.50 for each additional book. about it, please contact me directly (or 19081 JULIE ROAD, LEBANON, MO 65536 through the editor): HERB DICKSON, PROPRIETOR After 30 years of selecting and breeding, Arthur P, Dome I have developed an improved strain of Garden 4832-54th Ave. South Auricula with a complete palette of color. Seattle, WA 98118 Board of Directors Meeting Garden Auricula - 75 seeds Continued from page 27 USA Mixed - Brown - Yellow - Red - Blue Picotee - White - Petite Hybrids CHAPTER REPORTS printing some of the out-of-print Quarter- Thank you for your help in solving a Exhibition Alpine • 75 seeds lies was discussed. puzzle that has been nagging me for a Hand pollinated Double Auricula -15 seeds Thelma Genheimer will be president Hand pollinated Show Auricula - 20 seeds of the Oregon Chapter and Orval Agee The next Board meeting will be held long time.

Officers of the Chapters

Doretta Klaber Chapter Washington State Chapter APS GARDEN AURICULA PHOTO CONTEST! President, Dot Plyler President, Rosetta Jones 18 Bridle Path E. 170 Dunoon PI. A generous friend of the A.P.S. would like to sponsor a full color edition of Chadds Ford, PA 19317 Shelton, WA 98584 Primroses featuring Garden Auriculas, and what better way to get pictures Eastside Chapter Seattle Chapter President, Thea Oakley President, June Skldmore than a photo contest! The photos must be in color, and may be slides, prints, 3304 288th Ave. NE 6730 W. Mercer Way or on PhotoCD™. Photos must depict Primula auricula species and/or Redmond, WA 98053 Mercer Island, WA 98040 hybrids growing in the garden (not in pots), and may feature single plants or Oregon Primrose Society Alaska Group President, Ann Lunn Contact Jean Eichman groups of plants. $5 will be awarded for each photo accepted for publication. 6620 NW 271st Ave. P.O. Box 20765 Hillsboro, OR 97124 Juneau, AK 99802-0765 First, second, and third place cash prizes will also be awarded. Tacoma Chapter British Columbia Primrose Group President, Dan Pederson President, John Kerridge Prizes: Send your photos to: 761448th Ave. E. 4660 10th Ave. W. #1102 1st Prize $25 Claire Cockcroft Tacoma, WA 98443 Vancouver, B.C., Canada V6R 2J6 2nd Prize $20 A.P.S. Editor Valley Hi Chapter President, Orval Agee 3rd Prize $15 4805-228th Avenue NE 11112 SE Wood Ave. $5 for each photo accepted Redmond, WA 98053-8327 Milwaukie, OR 97222 for publication USA

Proposed publication date: Spring, 1998. All prizes will be awarded. All photos1 I be returned, but the A.P.S. retains reprinting rights at no additional fee. Recommended MUAHOMA NURSERY By Millions! APS COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN EDITOR SEED EXCHANGE LIBRARIAN Claire Cockcroft John and Sylvia McDonnell Thea Oakley 4805-228th Ave. N.E. 4430-232nd Ave. N.E. 3304-288thAve. N.E. Rick Lupp (206) 847-9827 Redmond, WA 98053 Redmond, WA 98053 Redmond, WA 98053 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] QUARTERLY LIBRARIAN Alpines, WashingtonState ROUND ROBIN Cheryl Fluck SLIDE LIBRARIAN Natives, Species Primulas, Troughs Edward Davis 17275 Point Lena Loop Rd. John A. O'Brien, Sr. 226 S. High Street Juneau, AK 99801 9450 Herbert Place and Trough Plants Hillsboro, OH 45133 Juneau, Alaska 99801 Custom Propagation SHOW JUDGES Rosetta Jones E 170 Dunoon Place Nursery open Shelton, WA 98584 by appointment only LIQUID PLANT Mail Order in U.S. & Canada only ON THE BACK COVER FOOD :_ 10-1-5-1 o" ' Primula vulgaris blooms in the grass on Scottish hills Send $1.00 for Plant List in June. — Photo by June Skidmore 28111 - 112th Avenue E. The manuscript for this American Primrose Society quarterly was prepared and submitted to Eagle Press in electronic form Graham, Washington 98338 with an Intel® Pentium® P100 PC. Text files were processed and edited using Calera® WordScan™ and Microsoft® Word for Windows®; manuscript composition used Adobe® Pagemaker® and CorelDRAW®. Look for "Schultz-lnstant" plant care products For permission to reprint any part of Primroses, please contact the editor for written permission. in leading floral and garden departments Primroses Volume 54, No. 4 Fall 1996