The Polly Hill Arboretum West Tisbury, Massachusetts Meristems Vol. 18, No. 1, Spring 2016

Hamamelis mollis More Opportunities to Learn, Change, and Grow Spring brims with anticipation. Excitement community. The Botany Lab, with its year- While that covers the educational is a natural emotion to experience in a round classroom, laboratory, and herbarium, outreach part of the equation, the other time of new growth, and that is exactly allows us to meet our true potential. part is quite pragmatic. Since 2003, we have what we are feeling as we move closer to the We envision a range of creative ways collected over 2,000 pressed specimens opening of our new building: the Education we can now reach a broader audience with as part of our great effort to document the Center and Botany Lab. After years of educational opportunities. We can teach Flora of Dukes County. When the building working towards the achievement of this on-going courses on horticulture, gardening, is complete, these herbarium specimens goal, we now realize our dream of having and natural science. Picture middle (along with our previous collection that a home for our plant science research schoolers in our classroom learning about includes Rose Treat’s seaweeds) will finally and a climate-controlled educational space. the natural history of Martha’s Vineyard. find a proper home. A natural question is how will the Or young future botanists learning how Please visit us soon to see the new Botany Lab change the way we accomplish to key out with microscopes in the Education Center and Botany Lab. And our mission? Our day-to-day vision lab. Imagine a course on small-flowering join us this season to participate in our includes sharing knowledge and connecting that starts in our new classroom and programs and immerse yourself in our people with plants. We want to share the ends with a tour of the same plants in historical and horticultural landscape that beauty and diversity of our plant collections, the Arboretum’s living collection. Or an you, our members, make possible with our commitment to plant conservation inspiring slide lecture on flowering azaleas your support. You have made our dreams and research, and our love for the Island in the dead of winter. a reality!

CONTENTS 1 MORE OPPORTUNITIES TO LEARN, CHANGE, AND GROW 7 VOLUNTEERS IN THE ARBORETUM 2 MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR 8 FROM THE LIVING COLLECTION 3 EDUCATION AND OUTREACH 10 FROM THE VINEYARD FLORA 5 COMMUNITY ECOLOGY 12 THEN AND NOW 6 ARBORETUM NEWS The Polly Hill Arboretum

THE CORPORATION AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS Timothy M. Boland Ex Officio Sarah Griffin Pamela Kohlberg Gary Montrowl Hunter Moorman President & Chairman Richard M. Reische Claire Sawyers E. Douglas Sederholm Lydia Hill Slaby Treasurer Susan H. Wasserman Secretary

HONORARY BOARD MEMBERS Robert W. Doran Lisina M. Hoch Joan Smith Philippe de Spoelberch Stephen A. Spongberg

RESEARCH ASSOCIATES Melissa Cullina Jessica Dyson David R. Foster Matthew Lobdell Gregory Palermo

STAFF OF THE POLLY HILL ARBORETUM Timothy M. Boland Executive Director Jill Bouck Youth Education Coordinator Tom Clark Curator Barbara Conroy Administrative & A Japanese stewartia planted by Polly in 1961 casts its shadow on the freshly shingled Education Center and Botany Lab. Financial Officer Betsy Dripps Youth Education Coordinator Erin Hepfner Visitor Services/ Message from the Director Resource Specialist Ian Jochems Horticulturist/Arborist Welcome Spring! Despite that the off-season typical- enjoyed having owner Joe Capece and his talented Ben Madeiras ly brings a slower pace, hectic is the word I would crew on site. Horticulturist Brian McGowan use to describe this past winter. While plants lay dor- This spring PHA’s opening day plant sale will Plant Propagator/Horticulturist mant, the new Education Center and Botany Lab be our biggest and best yet! Our plant sale area Karin Stanley —Botany Lab for short—has sprouted from the has been expanded and redesigned to improve the Education, Membership & Outreach Coordinator ground and emerged this spring as a beautiful new culture of our plants and allow for better displays building! As I write this message, I can hear the and signage. And be sure to join us every other The mission of the Polly Hill Arboretum is to perpetuate sound of the crew installing the cedar shingles that Tuesday afternoon, May 10 through September 27, the experimental tradition in are traditional on Martha’s Vineyard. for our bi-weekly guided tour series “Looking horticulture established by Polly Hill by sharing knowledge After ten years of planning and fundraising, Together,” where participants can learn in-depth of plants and scientific procedure I can’t believe that we are just a few months away about our plant collections and other activities. through educational programs, from realizing this long-standing dream! The staff In closing, we are actively engaged in planning research, plant conservation, and exploration. The Arboretum and board of PHA are beyond excited about the classes for the Botany Lab as well as exploring seeks to preserve its meadows potential of the Botany Lab to help us achieve our other creative ideas to share our mission with a wider and woodlands, to promote an understanding of its collections, mission of sharing plants with people through range of ages and interest groups. We hope you and to encourage their utilization education, research, and plant conservation. will take advantage of your membership benefits and for scholarship, observation, and the enjoyment of all. The building project benefited from a mild visit the Arboretum this summer to see this impres- winter and a superb team of local contractors, build- sive new development. We are planning a celebration Meristems © The Newsletter ers, and designers. Tucker Hubbell of Rising Sun and grand opening in August. I hope to see you of the Polly Hill Arboretum Construction is managing the project with designers there! News & Photography PHA Staff Margaret Curtin and Peter Rodegast producing Editor Laura Coit Design Lorraine Ferguson the design and construction schematics. Tucker is Printing Bolger, Minneapolis MN overseeing a terrific local building company:

Printed on recycled paper. Centerline Builders of West Tisbury. We have EDUCATION AND OUTREACH 3

Prehistoric Plants

Ever consider that ferns might have made a meal for a hungry Triceratops? Or rot- ting ginkgo , a tasty dinosaur snack? This summer take our new family-friendly, self-guided Dinosaur Plant Tour to discover how plants evolved during the age of the dinosaurs. A special map will guide you to labeled plants color-coded to indicate origins in the Triassic, Jurassic, or Cretaceous periods within the Mesozoic Era. In addition, fossils, a timeline, and other facts of interest will be on display at our Visitor Center. You will learn that plants like dawn redwood, monkey puzzle , gingko, and magnolia were here when dinosaurs roamed Earth more than 200 million years ago. Many of these “dinosaur plants” can be found at the Polly Hill Arboretum today. Although the dinosaurs met their demise Follow a self-guided tour map to find signs like this on our Dinosaur Plant Tour. in a dramatic mass extinction, plants per- sisted. Many evolved in new ways, but other plants remained much the same. These pre- historic plants fascinate us with their beauty, resilience, and more than ancient roots. Welcome Kady Wilson We are pleased to introduce our 2016 Washington, D.C., she collected herbarium collections management intern: Kady specimens and evaluated their tree Wilson, a 2015 graduate of Smith College. identification app Leafsnap. And at the Arboretum She brings dedication to public horticulture University of Minnesota she mapped data and a passion for plants to the Arboretum for climate change and invasive plant Summer Interns —the ideal combination for an internship! research. Along with her focus on biodiversity, We welcomed Kady, a Vermont native, The Arboretum is thankful for the continu- ecology, and conservation, and her bachelor’s to the Arboretum in April, but we first ing and generous support of the Feldman degree in biological sciences, Kady has met her last summer when she visited us family for our summer internship program. pursued a number of additional learning during the Arnold Arboretum’s annual This May we welcome college students opportunities including horticultural intern fieldtrip. She is a bright and driven Katherine Montgomery and Sarah Houtsma internships at the Botanic Garden of Smith woman who offers experience, commitment, as our 2016 summer interns. College, the Arnold Arboretum in Boston, and enthusiasm to our team. Please take Kate is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in and the Como Park Zoo & Conservatory a moment to meet Kady on your next landscape architecture at SUNY College in Minneapolis. At the Smithsonian in visit! of Environmental Science and Forestry in Syracuse, New York. She plans to apply her PHA experience to the study of land- scape design and the creation of landscapes Guided Tours that “help the environment and share the beauty and importance of plants with In addition to our daily guided tours offered our knowledgeable staff and docents, you people.” at 10am in July and August, this year we will learn more about PHA and our Sarah is majoring in horticulture and have added a range of special themed tours. collections. Subjects range from specific earning her bachelor of science in agricul- Join us for our series “Looking Together” plant groups, research topics, landscape ture at the University of Georgia in Athens. every other Tuesday at 2pm from May 10 history, and behind-the-scenes projects. Sarah is eager to reinforce her classroom through September 27. We designed Watch for topic postings in local papers and education with practical experience and to these special tours to offer an in-depth and on our website and Facebook page. These learn more about the workings of a public focused Arboretum experience. tours are free; however, please register in garden. On these guided walk-and-talks led by advance since space is limited. 4 – EDUCATION AND OUTREACH

History’s Insights into the Vineyard’s Future: Henry Whiting and the Map of 1850

The landscape of Martha’s Vineyard— the best tools available is an 1850 map PHA research associate, will illuminate the shape of its coastline, the pattern of its created by Henry Whiting, topographer the history of the Vineyard landscape as forests, fields, and moorlands, the distribu- with the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey interpreted through the 1850 map. tion of its roads, villages, and stone walls— and co-founder of the MV Agricultural Please join us on July 7 at 7:30pm at the is a product of its past. To interpret the Society. MV Agricultural Hall for this free talk Vineyard today and anticipate future chang- In this special lecture, Dr. David R. cosponsored by the MV Agricultural es, we must understand its history. Among Foster, director of the Harvard Forest and Society.

Updated image of Henry Whiting map, courtesy David Foster

Summer Program Preview Every summer PHA offers interesting and evening lectures held in the Far Barn. offer an in-depth look at this favorite entertaining programs featuring engaging Our annual summer lecture series Island plant. In August Teri Dunn Chace, speakers on a wide range of horticultural, begins in June with Richard Hawke, author of Seeing , will share a glimpse natural science, and related topics. If you manager of the Chicago Botanic Garden’s into the hidden complexities of the plant haven’t yet joined us, we hope you will this Plant Evaluation Program. Learn how world with extraordinary close-up season. And if you have, please consider perennial plants are put to the test prior images by Robert Llewellyn. And later in bringing an interested friend with you this to reaching the marketplace. Later, August, garden consultant and horticulturist summer for one of our atmospheric local hydrangea expert Mal Condon will Chris Woods will illuminate the intimate COMMUNITY ECOLOGY 5

Native Plant Projects relationship between plants and humans PHA has become a dependable source for only five sites in the Commonwealth of with a focus on the value of gardens in Island-native plants for home gardeners, Massachusetts. State permits required that creating a healthy society. landscapers, conservationists, and community more of these plants be propagated and This summer we once again welcome projects. In particular, native plants pro- planted in nearby suitable habitat. The Ar- director of the Harvard Forest and PHA duced through the Arboretum’s MV boretum, in collaboration with the town of research associate Dr. David Foster who Wildtype program, which are propagated Aquinnah and the Martha’s Vineyard Land will present a fascinating program on local from Island-collected seed and cuttings. Bank, was the logical partner to handle the history and land use in July. David will As part of the move of the historic propagation and cultivation of this rare plant. introduce us to a historic Island map Gay Head Light last year, PHA was called PHA is also pleased to be growing (page 4) and its significance today as a on to supply a selection of native plants for plants on a contractual basis for the MV planning tool for the Vineyard’s future. the rehabilitation of the affected landscape. Land Bank. Last year we produced several This year’s Frank and Lisina Hoch Plantings of showy aster (Eurybia spectabilis) hundred plugs of big bluestem (Andropogon lecture features Mount Auburn Cemetery and hyssop- thoroughwort (Eupatorium gerardii) for planting at the Aquinnah president and CEO Dave Barnett who hyssopifolium), among others, were planted Headlands Preserve with the intention of will explore the role of Boston’s Mount last December. More MV Wildtype plants strengthening the population of this native Auburn Cemetery in the “rural cemetery” are planned to go in this year. grass. Similar projects are underway for movement and how this National Historic The Gay Head Lighthouse move this year. Landmark is managed as a cultural disturbed the habitat of a state-listed endan- These community ecology projects institution, an active cemetery, and an gered species, broad tinker’s weed (Triosteum illustrate PHA’s commitment to horticulture, accredited arboretum. And for our annual perfoliatum); this rare plant is known in conservation, and community involvement. David H. Smith memorial lecture, we welcome tree conservation specialist Murphy Westwood for her presentation on the Morton Arboretum’s Global Tree Conservation Program. Learn how this innovative program takes action to save threatened trees around the world. In addition to our evening lectures, we will offer several classes and workshops. Avant Garden’s Katherine Tracy will present a look at the world of succulent plants followed by a wreath-making The small, clustered of broad tinker’s weed Plugs of big bluestem grown for the MV Land Bank. workshop. Genevieve Jacobs will return Photo: Kristen Fauteux for her popular “Drawing from Nature” series and Holly Bellebuono will offer two herbal workshops. Three intensive plant identification classes are being offered this Orchard Day at Edgartown School season: grasses of the Northeast, sedges PHA Horticulturist Ben Madeiras and and rushes, and shoreline ecology. Other Executive Director Tim Boland partnered programs include plant propagation, with Melinda DeFeo of the Edgartown pruning, garden design, sustainable lawns, School’s innovative Farm & Garden Program and more. to lead Orchard Day, a tree pruning For our complete summer schedule, program. Fourth graders learned the how look for our education brochure and why we prune fruit trees for optimal mailing, or visit our Education page at production. As part of the instruction, pollyhillarboretum.org. To receive email students had a chance to (carefully!) prune program updates, contact Karin Stanley real trees. They also found out about at [email protected]. We composting and the benefits of mulching. thank our friends and sponsors—Bartlett Ben and Tim enjoyed the interchange with Tree Experts, Donaroma’s Nursery and the aspiring orchardists, who have the Landscape Services, Heather Gardens, benefit of a wonderful garden right outside Middletown Nursery, and SBS: The their classroom! We look forward to Grain Store—for their ongoing generous continued collaboration with Melinda and Horticulturist Ben Madeiras demonstrates pruning support of our lecture series. the Edgartown School students. techniques during Orchard Day this past March. 6 – ARBORETUM NEWS

Board News

In October of this past year, Arboretum but prosper. An accomplished artist and board chairman Joan Margot Smith retired musician, Joan designed the Arboretum’s from the PHA board after many years of distinctive logo found everywhere from our service. Joan’s impact on the Arboretum stationary to our T-shirts. cannot be understated. Joining the board Beyond her involvement with PHA, after the passing of her husband, PHA Joan is active in the stewardship of the co-founder Dr. David H. Smith, Joan has family foundation David Smith established led with both pragmatic and philanthrop- in 1990: the Cedar Tree Foundation (CTF) Joan Smith ic support. She has led in the best way, by located in Boston. The Arboretum has example. Understanding PHA’s origins and benefited from the support of CTF through sional peers. She has been an absolute joy mission, her ability to connect with people, project-based grants that helped both spur to work with, be around, and share in the from membership to staff to board members, donations and leverage matching support quality growth we have made. We expect to helped guide our organization from its very for our first endowment campaign (2007) see Joan and her family in the years ahead foundation to its firm establishment. She has and our new Education Center and Botany enjoying the Arboretum that has prospered seen the Arboretum through the revision of Lab. Additionally CTF has been generous with her involvement.” by-laws, strategic planning, and the creation with further grants for marketing, renewable Joan’s last board meeting was in October of a solid board and a substantial network of energy developments, and renovations to and at that time the PHA board of directors supporters. our historically important buildings. elected Hunter Moorman of West Tisbury, A woman of diverse interests and Executive Director Tim Boland adds, Massachusetts, to the board chairmanship. talents, Joan takes great joy in both the “Joan has quietly, but effectively, led the Also at that time, Joan was recognized for people and programs of the Arboretum. Her Arboretum through a remarkable period of her past leadership through being elected as infectious enthusiasm and delightful sense advancement. She understands the tremen- a PHA honorary board member. Congratu- of humor are balanced by her determination dous responsibilities not-for-profits have to lations, Joan! to see PHA not only become established, their membership, community, and profes-

Staff News In January, Curator Tom Clark returned to Brian McGowan attended a class at Broken Hootman and other staff regarding future western Massachusetts to present “Great Arrow Nursery in Hamden, Connecticut, collaborations. Also in March, Horticultur- for Valley Gardens” at Hadley Gar- to learn more about the art, science, and ist/Arborist Ian Jochems and Horticulturist den Center—the very place where he got practice of grafting; a skill he plans to use for Ben Madeiras traveled to UMass Amherst his start in the world of horticulture! And propagating several of Polly Hill’s selections. to attend UMass Extension’s 2016 Commu- in February, Executive Director Tim Boland During a trip to the Pacific Northwest nity Tree Conference: Work Safe, Stay Safe. presented a talk on small flowering trees to in March, Tom visited the Rhododendron In addition, this March found Ian leading the Martha’s Vineyard Garden Club. Also Species Botanical Garden in Federal Way, a two-part course, “Pruning 101 for Land- in February, Plant Propagator/Horticulturist Washington, and met with director Steve scapers and Gardeners,” in cooperation with ACE MV. This successful collaboration with ACE MV was a first for PHA! In April, Tim traveled to the Botanical Research Institute of Texas in Fort Worth to present their visiting researcher seminar titled “The Botanical and Natural History of Martha’s Vineyard.” While there he met with staff to review their herbarium collec- tions management policy. Also in April, Tom spoke to the Massachusetts chapter of the American Rhododendron Society focusing on rhododendron conservation and the work PHA continues to pursue with endangered native azaleas. In May, Tom spoke on hy- drangeas for Island gardens at the Martha’s Vineyard Garden Club’s monthly meeting.

Vulnerable in its native Japan, Rhododendron makinoi is one of many endangered plants in our living collection. VOLUNTEERS IN THE ARBORETUM 7

Ready to Roll! Dorie Godfrey

Thanks to a generous gift from Connie Al- Arboretum volunteer Dorie Godfrey exander, we now have a wheelchair available embodies what she loves most about PHA. for visitor use. Connie’s gift was made in Just as she enjoys the tranquility gained memory of her mother, Elizabeth Anderson, from a contemplative walk around the a lifelong steward of the environment and grounds, she, too, is calm and thoughtful. enthusiastic fan of PHA. Mrs. Alexander And just as she appreciates what the orchestrated the creation of the Ridge Hill Arboretum offers, she radiates that enthu- Reservation in Needham, Massachusetts, siasm to others. and was also a member the Brookline Bird Her first Arboretum walk was when Club and the National Audubon Society. the property was still Polly Hill’s private This lightweight, maneuverable wheel- garden. Dorie was delighted to learn it chair will make our grounds more accessible would soon open to the public. Today she for visitors with walking limitations. continues to enjoy PHA in a variety of Should you wish to make use of the wheel- ways: relaxing strolls, volunteering, pur- chair, call (508-693-9426) to reserve it chasing plants to enhance her own garden, in advance of your visit. Please note that a and attending guided tours. In fact it was companion is needed to push the wheelchair. on one of these guided tours when she We thank Connie for her thoughtful gift. first learned about volunteer opportunities Dorie Godfrey at PHA. As a volunteer at the Visitor Center, our explorer backpacks, the “Walk through Dorie enjoys meeting all the guests from Imagination” tour, and outdoor science Website Updates around the world that find their way to exhibits. She notes that these activities “are a Guided by our mission, PHA strives to PHA. Following a pleasant greeting, she great way for children to use imagination in share knowledge of plants and plant science provides a compelling overview and directs nature and are exciting for the entire family!” through educational programs, research, visitors to the special places most relevant When she began volunteering five plant conservation, and outreach. Our to their interests. In addition to her years ago, Dorie immediately felt welcomed. website serves to extend this mission to the Visitor Center work, Dorie contributes She compliments the staff on their gracious community, and beyond, as well as provide her artistry and interest to other projects. personalities and their desire to become up-to-date information on our programs In the summer she illustrates signs for acquainted with all the volunteers. Dorie’s and activities. events and in the off-season she helps volunteer activities match her interests, and We have recently added a new prepare herbarium specimens for the Flora she encourages others to volunteer, because Resources page (www.pollyhillarbore- of Dukes County with artistic finesse. whatever your interest, there is a correspond- tum.org/resources) that includes links to A retired special education teacher ing volunteer opportunity at PHA! interesting and informative websites on and administrator, Dorie’s dedication to We thank Dorie wholeheartedly for topics that include insect pests, sustainable education and creative teaching methods serving as an Arboretum ambassador and gardening methods, appropriate plant continues. She has noticed that parents are sharing our mission and magic with visitors. selections for our growing conditions, and happily surprised when they learn PHA For more information about volunteering more. Please give us an online visit soon. is much more than a “walk in the woods.” at PHA, contact Erin Hepfner at She encourages families to engage with 508-693-9426.

Visitor Center Volunteers Needed! • Meet interesting people • Learn about plants and the Arboretum from staff • Share the wonders of PHA with guests • Enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of the Visitor Center Plant propagator Brian McGowan prepares a block at the Littlefield Nursery with the new rototiller funded by a grant from the Farm Neck Foundation. Contact Erin Hepfner, Visitor Services/Resource Specialist, for more The Foundation has previously supported the Arboretum with similar grants, and we are grateful information at 508-693-9426 or [email protected]. for their generosity and support. 8 – FROM THE LIVING COLLECTION

Witch-hazel: The Season’s Opening Celebration by Tom Clark

Beauty and bravery: hybrid witch-hazel (Hamamelis × intermedia) begins the season’s floral party in the depths of winter, when we can’t help but fall for its beautiful and courageous flowers. There are other winter- flowering shrubs, yet surely the earliest witch-hazels hold the most cherished place in our hearts and gardens. There are three North American and two Asian species of witch-hazel. All have something to offer, but it is the hybrid between the Chinese and Japanese witch-hazels that elevated the genus to prominence. The novelty of blooming in winter is only part of the appeal: the flowering season is long, the fragrance often pleasant, and in full bloom a well-grown plant creates a dramatic presence. It’s the flowers though, that we welcome most. Do you remember those party horns? You know, the coiled paper ones that unfurl Unperturbed by snow, the blossoms of ‘Jelena’ warm the winter landscape. with a shrill blast and then quickly recoil ready for the next celebratory burst? The nature of witch-hazel flowers is similar. were hybrids between the two, at which private estate, Hemelrijk, and the nearby buds formed the previous year are point the plant was officially named Kalmthout Arboretum. There I stood in awe awakened by a few mild winter days—reason Hamamelis × intermedia. After several years at their original witch-hazel plants—despite enough to celebrate!— and four straplike of observation, the most promising specimen that they were not in bloom! It was a unfurl in an exultant, albeit slow- was appropriately named ‘Arnold Promise’. moment of horticultural reverence similar motion, burst. When the weather turns This original clone is still a serviceable to that experienced by some visitors to sharply colder, the petals recoil—celebration garden , and one of the most widely PHA when they first see the original Julian over—awaiting the next taste of spring. available, but it has largely been eclipsed by Hill magnolia. Eventually consistent mild days permit the better selections, several of which you can There are several dozen different plants to revel in full bloom. see at PHA. of hybrid witch-hazel (PHA’s The first occurrence of this particular Similar observations of hybridity were collection includes 12), and they vary widely. hybrid was observed at the Arnold made in Europe where the majority of Most apparent are variations in flower color. Arboretum in 1929 when seedlings looked witch-hazel breeding and selection work Both parent plants are yellow flowered; it’s suspiciously unlike the Chinese witch- has been done. A large number of selections, no surprise that many clones bear flowers in hazel (H. mollis) from which the seed was including many of the finest, are the result shades of yellow. Cultivars like ‘Primavera’ collected, or the Japanese witch-hazel (H. of the work and passion of horticulturists and ‘Pallida’ are soft, pale yellows; ‘Arnold japonica) that grew nearby. Upon further Robert and Jelena de Belder. In 2012 on Promise’ and ‘Angelly’ are richer yellows; and inspection they deduced that the seedlings a PHA-led tour to Belgium, we visited their the German ‘Ostergold’, one of the 9

Right: The yellow petals and ruby-red calyces of H. × intermedia ‘Pallida’ enliven the landscape with color and fragrance in the depths of winter.

latest to flower, tends toward gold. Some forms of Japanese witch-hazel have coppery orange and reddish flowers, a trait breeders have exploited to create hybrid plants that bring more colors to the party. One of the very best is ‘Jelena’ whose masses of gorgeous flowers shade from firebrick red at the base to saffron yellow at the tip with burnt orange between. ‘Aurora’, a new one at PHA this year, boasts extra-large yellow and orangey-red bicolor flowers. Still others such as ‘Ruby Glow’, ‘Diane’, and ‘Antoine Kort’ expand the color range into various shades of red. In addition to the floral display, many witch-hazels are fragrant, though others are not, or only faintly. It pays to do the sniff test if this is important to you. And why not go for broke? The vibrant color and sweet, clean fragrance are festive and uplifting. And it’s February—you need some spring cheer! Witch-hazel’s spidery flowers with their crimped, undulating petals are arranged over a framework that can be broad spread- ing or decidedly upright and vase-shaped. Plants typically grow 8- to 12-feet tall, but can be maintained at lower heights with Since their primary season of interest spindly growth and poor flowering. careful pruning each spring. is winter, a carefully chosen location will From a design standpoint, witch-hazels greatly enhance your enjoyment as well as are best sited where they can be readily One of the older clones, ‘Ruby Glow’ is a reliable ensure vigorous growth. First and foremost, enjoyed in late winter—close to a path you red-flowered witch-hazel. select a site that comfortably accommodates often travel or visible from a window. the plant’s ultimate size and satisfies the A sheltered, sunny nook will coax them needs of the plant—average, well-drained into the earliest bloom possible where their soil in a sunny to partly shaded site is festive colors and welcome fragrance will ideal. Witch-hazels tolerate a range of soils throw a defiant celebration, right in the face but resent consistently wet soils or those of Old Man Winter. that are too dry. Heavy shade will lead to

Arboretum Wish List

Youth Education Supplies–$500 supplies, and sketchpads. If you would like to contribute funds PHA is a wonderful place for children to purchase supplies for youth education, to explore nature. In addition to our please call Barbara Conroy or Tim curriculum-based school fieldtrips, we also Boland at 508-693-9426. Partial funding offer family explorer backpacks, a family is possible. We extend our gratitude to book series, and other family-oriented those of you who have responded to our events. All these programs require supplies previous requests. including hand lenses, binoculars, craft 10 – FROM THE VINEYARD FLORA

A Modern Flora for Martha’s Vineyard by Tim Boland

In 2006 renowned plant conservationist through human introduction. Traditionally technology, and the physical capacity to store Dr. Peter Raven presented “How Many botanical surveys are carried out at the plant voucher specimens. Plants will Survive the 21st Century?” for county level. This means our focus includes A flora starts with collection of plants in our annual David H. Smith lecture. The the entirety of Dukes County: Martha’s the field (the one plant at a time part!) and lecture, attended by nearly 300 people, was Vineyard and the adjacent Elizabeth Islands. the recording of critical data to accompany held at the MV Agricultural Society’s Why a flora? Herbarium specimens the collection. The process requires collecting Ag Hall. Dr. Raven detailed the dire state provide detailed samples of plants creating plants in the field, pressing them flat, and of our planet and challenged the audience a lasting catalog of natural history. Arboreta drying them to remove moisture that can to actively support PHA’s efforts to and botanical gardens use these reference lead to deterioration from mold, mildew, document the flora of Martha’s Vineyard. collections for numerous activities including and fungus. An herbarium is a repository for The following day while sitting in the plant identification; documentation of dried plant specimens designed to ensure Homestead office with Dr. Raven, I asked environmental changes; development the long-term preservation of these scientific him, “How do you go about making a of keys; documentation of the distribution plant samples referred to as herbarium flora?” He smiled and responded, “One of vulnerable plant populations; genetic specimens or voucher sheets. Under plant at a time.” As I think back on that analysis; and the examination of plant/ optimum storage conditions properly dried statement made ten years ago, I am proud insect interactions. In addition, a flora has specimens can last over 200 years. to say that—one plant at a time—we other practical uses as a general reference The field collection includes sampling have made tremendous progress on the Flora in biology, conservation, wildlife manage- a whole plant, or portions of a plant. An of Dukes County, and we are now poised ment, and environmental science. Also important part of the sampling process to advance our work at a greater pace. herbarium specimens themselves can be includes capturing the plant during flower- What is a flora? A flora is an account used to teach classes on taxonomy, plant ing or seed production (in addition to of all plants growing within a certain habitats, and plant identification. sampling the vegetative parts of the plant) geographical area. This includes native How does it get done? Three critical since plants are described in scientific plants, and spontaneous plants that have components for documenting the flora of literature based on these features. Once arrived intentionally or unintentionally a region are qualified people, up-to-date identified, the dried and pressed plant specimens are mounted on acid-free archival The flora starts with active collecting in the field or by boat! PHA research associate Melissa Cullina makes a storage paper and labeled as to their identity collection of giant bur-reed (Sparganium eurycarpum) at Chilmark Pond this past September. Giant bur-reed is considered rare on the Vineyard, only one previously known site before we discovered it this past summer! and place and date of collection. All this

From our kayak trip to Chilmark Pond we used an iPhone to capture the collection information. The geographic information collected is immediately uploaded to a shared map, and accessible to our conservation partners on the Vineyard. takes time and talent from staff, students, research assistants, and volunteers.

New Technologies Shape the Future It has never been easier to collect and share plant collection data. Prior to the 1980s most herbarium specimens had limited locality information and were not accom- panied by maps. Today, however, through the use of geographic information systems (GIS), digital mapping technologies, and cloud-based data sharing, we can record a collected plant’s location to within 20 feet or less using our cellphones! The program called Arc-GIS On-line records location, species, and habitat data that is simultaneously uploaded and accessible from any computer. This is just one example of how new technologies combine to make the painstaking job of assembling a flora much easier; another is the ConServator.

The ConServator: Conservation Partners Sharing Data The idea for a Martha’s Vineyard cloud- based mapping and database sharing Cardinal flower photographed at Chilmark Pond is the first documented observation for this plant’s occurrence in Chilmark. platform was conceived in 2005 and named the ConServator. The principle Island conservation groups participating in the Sheriff ’s Meadow Foundation. Our efforts page 7) who collect specimens and assist us flora project include the Martha’s Vineyard are also supported by our PHA research to the final end product: an identified and Land Bank, The Nature Conservancy, and associates: project manager and botanist labeled specimen that resides in the PHA Melissa Cullina; Jessica Dyson, geographical herbarium—housed in the new Education information specialist; and Greg Palermo, Center and Botany Lab! As we move naturalist. towards the future, and eventually a public We are also grateful for the valuable web-based flora, we invite you to participate assistance of student interns and numerous in our classes, learn about the project, and PHA volunteers (See volunteer profile, follow our progress.

Dried plant voucher specimen of the giant bur-reed resides in the PHA herbarium as a historic record The yellow dot on the right represents the map location of the giant bur-reed. The yellow dot on the left of its first recording in Chilmark. represents a new town record for Chilmark of cardinal flower Lobelia( cardinalis). THE POLLY HILL ARBORETUM NON-PROFIT ORG US POSTAGE MAILING ADDRESS ARBORETUM GROUNDS HOURS THE POLLY HILL ARBORETUM PAID PO Box 561 Sunrise–sunset, year-round PO Box 561 TWIN CITIES, MN West Tisbury, MA 02575 PERMIT #93723 TOURS West Tisbury, MA 02575 508-693-9426 Tel Daily July and August at 10 am, www.pollyhillarboretum.org 508-693-5772 Fax or by advanced reservation www.pollyhillarboretum.org ADMISSION ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES $5 The Homestead Free to members and children under 12 809 State Road West Tisbury, MA 02575 FREE PARKING

VISITOR CENTER DRIVING DIRECTIONS 795 State Road See www.pollyhillarboretum.org West Tisbury, MA 02575

ACCESSIBILITY The Visitor Center is wheelchair accessible.

VISITOR CENTER HOURS mer.i.stem: n. botany. The growing Memorial Day weekend to point or area of rapidly dividing cells Columbus Day: 9:30 am–4 pm at the tip of a stem, root, or branch.

THEN & NOW

1954 2016

Our Weathervanes Usually trees are the focus of a visit to weathervane. And atop the Far Barn, a Barnard’s Inn Farm guestbook photo PHA, nonetheless evidence of our at one time the center of an active from 1938. The others are depicted landscape’s rural history is everywhere. sheep farm, is the sheep weathervane. here (above left) in this 1954 guestbook You can’t miss the stone walls, but The outbuilding known as the Gym entry. Currently the crow has taken a if you look up you’ll notice our rustic had a crow; perhaps its location looking leave of absence while our new folk art weathervanes, iconic of our over the adjacent vegetable garden Education Center and Botany Lab is agricultural past. Polly Hill’s summer explains. We don’t know a lot about under construction. Watch for its return residence (a repurposed barn) called our weathervanes, who made them or this summer when the building is the Cowbarn, fittingly, has a cow when, but the crow shows up in complete.