American Primrose Society - Spring 1997 American Primrose Society - Spring 1997

American President's Message Primroses Primroses Primrose EDITOR For primrose lovers, this must be the most exciting Quarterly of the American Primrose Society Claire Cockcroft Society Volume 55 Number 2 Spring 1997 4805 - 228th Ave. NE time of the year! The early Juliana primulas come into Redmond, WA 98053-8327 bloom together with the marginatas, the tiny farinosas, E-mail: [email protected] OFFICERS and the beautiful Primula allionii. For me, however, EDITORIAL DEADLINES June Skidmore, President 6730 W Mercer Way seeing the true English primrose (P. vulgaris) in bloom Contents Winter issue — November 15 Mercer Island, WA 98040 means that spring has truly arrived. I have happy Spring issue — February 15 2 President's Message Summer issue — May 15 Email: JSkidm4011 @ao!.com memories of picking bunches of its pale yellow flowers in 4 More Elizabethan Primroses Fall issue — August 15 Ann Lunn, Vice-President the hedgerows in the English countryside when I was a 6620 NW 271st Ave. By Jacqueline Giles PHOTOGRAPHIC CREDITS Hillsboro, OR 97124 small child. Regrettably, I have not found the plant to be All photos are credited. Email: [email protected] long-lived in cultivation, and have to grow it regularly 7 APS Slide Librarian Report By Bridgie Graham-Smith Primroses (ISSN 0162-6671) is Dr. John Kerridge, Past President from seed that I get from the UK. published quarterly by the Ameri- 4660 10th Ave. W, #1102 8 Following the Marsyandi in Search of can Primrose, Primula and Au- Vancouver, BC V6R 2J6, Canada An auricula-type native of the Italian Alps, P. palinuri, is one of the first primulas to bloom in my Primulas ricula Society, 41801 SW Dorothy Springer, Recording By Brian and June Skidmore Burgarsky Rd, Gaston, OR 97119. Secretary rockery, where its long roots keep cool in the summer Membership in the Society in- 7213 South 15th months. Reginald Farrer, the famous botanist, remarked 14 On Exhibiting cludes a subscription to the Prim- Tacoma. WA 98465 By Peter Ward roses, Seed Exchange privileges, that all primulas had roots as long as Scotch sermons! Slide Library privileges and the Thea S. Foster, Corresponding 16 Notes from the Editor opportunity to join a Round Secretary Although the leaves are rather coarse and the yellow Robin. Dues for individual or 779 E 21st St. flowers are not that spectacular, the plant is worth By Claire Cockcroft North Vancouver, BC V7J 1N7, household membership in the 18 News from the Chapters American Primrose Society, do- Canada growing — it is always reliable and never fails to bloom. 21 Finding Primula parryi mestic and foreign, are $20 U.S. Addaline W. Robinson, Treasurer The Seed Exchange ran very well this year in the per calendar year ($21 for renew- 41801 S.W. Burgarsky Rd. capable hands of Sylvia and John McDonnell. Many By Neal Jacques als postmarked after January 1); Gaston, OR 97119 thanks go to them and their helpers for all their hard 21 APS Annual Summer Picnic $55 for three years; or $275 for an individual life membership. work. They received a number of nice letters from 22 Plant Portrait Submit payment to the treasurer. DIRECTORS members who were happy with the seed and for receiving By Ann Lunn Membership renewals are due Through 1999 November 15 and are delinquent Thea Oakley it in rapid time. With the limiting of packets this year, 23 APS Seed Exchange News at the first of the year. Periodical 3304 288th Ave. NE most members received their first choices, and there has By Claire Cockcroft postage paid at Hillsboro, OR, and Redmond, WA 98053 additional mailing offices. Emaii: [email protected] been a good response to the supplementary list. 24 Journal Report Postmaster: Please send address John A. O'Brien, Sr. Ann Lunn has kindly offered to take on the job as By Mary Prey changes to Primroses, 41801 SW 9450 Herbert Place Membership Chairman. She has been sending our 25 APS Bookstore Burgarsky Rd, Gaston, OR 97119. Juneau, AK 99801-9356 attractive new membership cards to various Botanic 26 Board of Directors Meeting Manuscripts for publication in the Through 1998 Gardens and institutions, and has also placed advertise- quarterly are invited from mem- 29 The Mystery Androsace bers and other gardening experts, Karen Schellinger ments in some garden magazines. New memberships are 31335KallaLakeRd. By Arthur P. Dome although there is no payment. Avon, MN 97068 coming in slowly but steadily, and I hope by the end of 30 Officers of the Chapters Please include black and white photographs if possible. Send ar- Fred Knapp '97 that our numbers have greatly increased. ticles directly to (he editor. 58 Kalmuck Lane I can hardly believe that a year has almost passed Locust Valley, NY 11560 since I took over as President. My thanks go to all the Advertising rates per issue: full page, $100; half page, $50; quar- Through 1997 Officers involved with the running of the Society and ter page, $25; eighth page and Glen Spurrell particularly our Editor, Claire Cockcroft, for producing minimum, $12.50. Artwork for 72 St. Anne's Road ads is the responsibility of the ad- Toronto, Ont. M6J 2C3, Canada such an attractive and interesting Quarterly. Having COVER PHOTOS vertiser, and camera ready copy is Misty Haffner color in each issue has greatly added to its appeal. Primula parryi on Wheeler Peak in Great Basin appreciated. Submit advertising to 8118HamsteadLn. Happy gardening to you all! National Park. Story on Page 21. the editor. Juneau, AK 99801-9116 June Skidmore, Mercer Island, Washington

This year in my garden I discovered at the end of the 19th century. I was also a 'Master Hesket's Double' flowering surprised to see that by that time the By Jacqueline Giles, Windy Ridge, Yorkshire, England among the new seedlings that I raise 'King of Hose-in-Hose' was still pictured every year. Mr. Smith does say in the but was now simply called 'Hose-in- Whilst looking through old National become so interested. I am always article that this primrose has appeared in Hose'. Auricula and Primula Society Journals looking for confirmation of names that other gardens before, but I did not expect Among the Elizabethan types of recently I spotted a type of Elizabethan are accepted today as being correct, for it to appear in mine! Such excitement! primroses, there used to be many named primrose that I had neither seen nor the different types of Elizabethan Especially enjoyable was taking the old varieties of Jack-in-the-greens and hose- heard of before. It was a gold lace type primroses. The most controversial one I APS journal into the garden with me in-hose. In his book The Polyanthus1, of hose-in-hose form but it also had a find is Jackanapes-on-Horseback; today when I had a garden club group visiting Roy Genders describes eight named green leaf calyx and a tuft of leaves at it seems to be accepted as being of my garden in April (to view my collec- Hose-in-Hose and two named Jack-in- the top of the stem. It was called 'The Jackanapes or Jack-in-the-green form tion of Barnhaven and Elizabethan the-Greens. Three very popular hose-in- King of Hose-in-Hose'. I wonder if such with an extra tuft of leaves growing from primroses), showing them the illustra- hose were of Irish origin, called 'Lady a primrose ever did exist or was the extra the top of the stem. In Paradisus2 tions in the journal, and then pointing Lettice', 'Lady Molly' and 'Lady Dora'. tier a little bit of artistic license? Parkinson describes this tuft of leaves as out the replica plant flowering in my Another popular hose-in-hose was called also being splashed with the color of the garden over three hundred and fifty years 'Castle Howard'; it was of primrose flower. King of Hose-in-Hose later. It certainly captured everyone's form, found in the grounds of that I first saw the copies of the primula interest. I expect this plant will go back famous Yorkshire house. illustrations from Parkinson's book to being a normal plain polyanthus next In the 1952 catalogue of E. B. Paradisus of 1629, Chapter Thirty-five, year; I have not got Mrs. Bellis's skill Champeowne, Tunbridge Wells, there in an old edition of the American yet at hand-pollinating to try to fix the were eleven different hose-in-hose Primrose Society journal, (Fall 1986, genes as she managed to do for some of offered, 'Lady Lettice' among them, and Vol. 44, No 4.) The manuscript was the Elizabethan primroses. But I am one Jack-in-the-Green, light purple in I would love to hear from other contributed by the late Mr. Bernard hopeful that a Master Hesket's double color, called Tipperary'. It is interest- primula growers if they have seen or Smith, a well-respected expert on primrose will appear again in my garden. ing to note how controversy arises in the grown any primroses with three tiers Elizabethan forms of primroses. I had Also illustrated with the 'King of same catalogue: a Pantaloon is offered instead of the usual two. The picture of purchased the old journal from a second- Hose-in-Hose' in Cannell's 1880 but the description is of a Jackanapes! the 'King of Hose-in-Hose' had been hand book seller. catalogue were two gold laced polyan- In his 1974 catalogue, Jared Sinclair contributed to the NAPS journal by Mr. thus. It was wonderful to see the old offered sixteen named Jack-in-the- John Barlow of Essex. I managed to Photo by Jacqueline Giles. varieties offered for sale; some like Greens and thirteen named Hose-in- trace his address and he racked his brains Telegraph' raised in 1819 and 'Defi- Hose. Where are they now? Ailsa to answer my request as to where he had ance' raised on 1807 were over sixty Jackson, one of the NCCPG National found it, for as he said the NAPS journal years old. This is so unlike today, when Collection holders, Primula Vernales it was in was almost twenty years old. I find the gold laced polyanthus act more Form, offers in her 1990 catalogue four Mr. Barlow remembered that the like short lived perennials, and have to Hose-in-Hose and two named Jack-in- illustration was from an old catalogue of be raised every year from seed to be sure the-Greens, one of them being 1880 called H. Cannell's Floral Guide1. of a good show in the garden. It was 'Tipperary Purple'. I went to London to the Lindley also interesting to note that by the time Now that interest in rare and unusual Library to look through the catalogues the 1890 catalogue was printed, all of the plants has revived, it would be lovely if myself. The line drawings in the 1880 named varieties of gold lace had disap- we could all play a part in distributing catalogue were wonderful and I was peared and just 'gold laced' were offered and growing these antique plants. Jack- especially pleased to see some very good for sale, which bears witness to the fact in-the-Greens in particular are so very illustrations of the anomalous or Elizabe- that these plants lost favor very quickly easy, and the most readily available. than type of primrose in which I have Master Hesket's Double from author's garden. American Primrose Society - Spring 1997 American Primrose Society - Spring 1997

Every gardener must have a half shady genes to make the green leaf ruff also border where they could pop one in striped with the color of the flower. APS Slide Librarian Report amongst other plants. I get very good Gallygaskins By Bridgie Graham-Smith, Tacoma, Washington results from collecting open pollinated An old name for wide breeches in seed from my labeled Elizabethan I would like to introduce myself to 5. Sieboldii Primroses (Sakurasoh). the 16th and 17th century, later called primroses. I find that about fifty per our members, as the new APS Slide 'Bombards' and stuffed so wide with 6. Primroses in England, Ireland, and cent flower as one type of Elizabethan Librarian. Over the course of about a horse-hair that in Parliament a scaffold Scotland. John spent a considerable primrose or another. Just to think of the month this past winter my mailman, had to be erected to accommodate the amount of time putting this new slide pleasure future gardeners, three hundred Jochiam, got quite a workout delivering gentlemen who wore them. The flowers show together. Cy Happy provided years hence, will have in enjoying the the boxes and boxes and boxes of slides. have an abnormally larger distorted or the Irish slides needed to complete the romance and history of the first and It was evident that John O'Brien, our ribbed green leaf calyx. show. second Elizabethan eras, makes me former Slide Librarian, spent much time In the near future, I hope to be delighted to be playing a small part in Hose-in-Hose wrapping all the boxes with brown paper developing several new programs. One keeping these lovely antique plants in The old name for stockings. The and mail inspector-approved tape. In idea I have is an annual update of slides circulation. calyx is replaced by another exact one letter he mentioned that his wife from the local and national shows. replica flower, held one inside the other; appreciates the newly available closet Perhaps members could send me slides GLOSSARY also called duplex in old catalogues. space! of their gardens and their favorite/prized To acquaint myself with what each In the following list, the names are Pantaloons primulas with a short text that could be of the programs contains, I have been accepted as the correct descriptions in There are two definitions of panta- read during a slide show. Naturally I am arranging wholesome family night modern Elizabethan times. Elizabethan loon; one is from the Italian pianta leone open to suggestions anyone has for activities involving primula videos and varieties can be of either primrose or and refers to a Venetian guard who wore possible slide shows. slide shows at our house. Polyanthus form, more likely to be the distinctive striped hose, and the other I want to thank John O'Brien for all There are currently six slide shows latter owing to the influence of Florence refers to the breeches worn in panto- his hard work as the past Slide Librarian. available: Bellis. mime. Hose-in-Hose type flowers but Everything that I received was very 1. Standard APS slide program, organized, thus making future slide show Jack-in-the Green the back flower is striped, usually with covering many different types of creation much easier. Thought to be named after the leader white. primroses. This show is a great way Please write or E-mail me about of the old Morris Dancers, defined in the Jackanapes-on-Horseback to let other gardening organizations which slide show you would like and the 1805 Oxford dictionary as a boy or man Like the Jack-in-the-Green but also know about primroses. I have been dates needed. You will receive the enclosed in a pyramidal framework has a tuft of leaves at the top of the spreading the word in my area about slides in the mail and they must be covered with leaves. Buds like moss flower stem. the availability of this fine general returned to me in 30 days. There is a roses opening into a flower held by a ruff program. $10 fee for the rental: of leaves instead of the normal calyx. REFERENCES 2. Wild and Tame Primroses of -Bridgie Graham-Smith Jackanapes 1. H. Cannell's Floral Guides, Alaska. 24 Westlake St. SW ^ — Possibly takes its name from a Tacoma, WA 98498 ^ 1880. 3. Auricula Primroses. striped coat that was fashionable during 2. Parkinson, John, Paradisus in E-mail: the 17th century. Like the Jack-in-the- sole, Paradisus Terrestris, 1629. 4. Tall Mid-summer Blooming Prim- [email protected] <3r Green, but both the leaf and the corolla 3. Genders, Roy, The Polyanthus, roses. genes have got mixed with the calyx 1963, Charles T. Branford Company, tif American Primrose Society - Spring 1997 American Primrose Society - Spring 1997

in a good state of mind. Unfortunately, a dirty rooms without power, water, or any Following the Marsyandi few hours later at 3 a.m. the camp was sanitation. However, after the strenuous evacuated because of a rapidly rising days there was little difficulty in sleep- river due to the monsoon rains upstream. ing in these conditions, although acrid In Search of Primulas That river and three others swollen by smoke from wood fires burning on the By Brian and June Skidmore, Mercer Island, Washington the rains had to be forded on that day, first floor sometimes filled the sleeping [Ed. note: June and her late husband, Brian, wrote about their journey to Nepal in the sometimes by clinging to a rope held by rooms. Spring, 1989, issue of Primroses (Vol. 47, No. 2), reprinted here.] the sherpas, across the fast-running By the end of the ninth day we had In midafternoon on a July day in the hotel to catch up on lost sleep. The waters. reached Pisang, at an altitude of about 1988 we were standing on a dusty street following day, after a bus journey of This first stage of the journey was 9,000 feet. The temperature was in Dumre, a small village in central about six hours on a bumpy, winding through a sub-tropical area where any pleasant for hiking, and the weather was Nepal. The temperature was 94°F and road, we eventually arrived in Dumre. flat area was cultivated with rice or corn. drier, as we were moving into the rain we had just purchased black, Chinese- The trekking party, consisting of 21 On the surrounding cliffs where cultiva- shadow of the Annapurna range. It was made umbrellas to help keep off the sun. AGS members ranging in age from 18 to tion was impossible, exotic gingers, the middle of the monsoon season, but These umbrellas were to be indispens- 65 years, 7 sherpas, cook, kitchen boys ferns, and epiphytic orchids grew in most of the rain fell overnight (although able in the four weeks that followed. and some 50 porters, was to follow a profusion. The handsome frangipani, or there were some wet mornings and The journey to Dumre had started in route similar to the one taken in 1983 by temple tree, stood out with its large, evenings). The villages were Tibetan early 1987 when a notice of a trek Ronald McBeath of the Royal Botanic fragrant, white flowers. The trail wound style and the trail wound through pine planned for the summer of 1988 ap- Garden, Edinburgh. As he reported in up and down through lush growth with woods similar to those found on the peared in the Alpine Garden Society the account of his expedition1, within a fragrant artemesias. (There were also slopes of the Cascades in Eastern Journal. The trek, to be led by Dr. Chris few hundred feet there was a wide, leeches clinging to the wet leaves and Washington State. Growing near our Grey-Wilson, was to follow the course of swiftly-running river to ford. This first stems of plants on either side of the path, lunch stop was Daphne bholua, the inner the Marsyandi river to the north of the day was to set the stage for the following which we tried to avoid, not always with bark of which is commonly used to make Annapurna Range. The objective was to two or three days — long hikes in success.) paper. Everywhere, Anemone rivularis, reach the headwaters of the river where a oppressive, 90 degree or so temperatures, For the next 4 or 5 days we passed with its white petals backed with blue, wide range of alpine plants are to be through a fertile valley, with seemingly through a gorge cut by the river grew in profusion. found. With an interest in alpines in endless rice paddies. The occasional Marsyandi. Although there were many The climb out of Pisang was very general, and primulas in particular, we villages were places to pause for drinks steep climbs and descents, the altitude steep. On some stony slopes we had our sent in our applications and were and to photograph the local children. As gain was comparatively small. There first sighting of a relative of the Daphne fortunate to be included in the 18 names we lay in our small tent that first night, were numerous waterfalls cascading family, Stellera chamaejasme. This drawn out of a hat in July, 1987. with perspiration running off us, it was down the cliffs, spectacular scenery, attractive plant had leafy stems rising In the months that followed, we necessary to remind ourselves of the multi-colored butterflies and an abun- from thick rhizomes, with clusters of equipped ourselves for the adventure reasons for making this journey. The dance of plant life including, nestled on sweetly scented white/pinkish tubular and, by following a program of hikes in next morning, tea was brought to our tent a rock ledge, a gesneriad gem with pale flowers. After a few hours, in a meadow the foothills of the Cascade mountains at 5:30, a small bowl of water for purple tubular flowers that was identified area at the 10,000 foot level, were the mixed with a number of urban walks up washing appeared at 5:45, breakfast was as Comllodiscus lanuginosis. A few first primulas of the trip. The yellow and down Seattle's hills, reached a at 6 and we were on the road at 7 a.m. specimens of Liliutn nepalense were flowers of Pediculdris longiflora v. reasonable level of fitness. This was to be the routine for the next 26 growing on the mossy banks, their tubiformis first caught our attention but, We flew to England and met the days. spreading, upturned, yellow petals growing in abundance close by, in others in the party early one morning at By the end of the third day we had displaying reddish anthers. marshy conditions, was Primula tibetica. Heathrow airport. After a long journey adjusted to the heat, the exercise, the Because there were few places The flower stems were one to three that included a night spent in the New absence of sanitation, and the food. suitable for camping in the gorge, the inches long; the flowers had bright Delhi airport transit lounge, we arrived After a long soak in the river by the nights were spent in village "hotels": yellow eyes and petals in various shades in Katmandu. We went straight to bed in camp, we retired to our tent that evening two-story stone structures, with dingy, of pink. One white form was also found. 10 American Primrose Society - Spring 1997 American Primrose Society - Spring 1997 11

Following the Marsyandi continued graminifolia. The following morning at at the end, in shades of rusty yellow to in bloom together with cushions of breakfast the clouds cleared and there greenish yellow. A cultivar of this plant saxifrages and Arenaria glanduligera, a Many photographs were taken and, were splendid views of Annapurna II and is apparently available by name of C. tufted plant with pink flowers growing happy to have seen this attractive III before the clouds rolled in again. 'Orange Peel'. A splendid display of on ledges at the foot of the cliff walls. member of the Farinosae section, we Our next campsite near the village Primula sikkimensis stretched down a The flowers of P sharmae were mauve- moved on in good spirits. The going was of Manang was only a short hike away hillside by a small stream. The 24-inch purple or bluish purple, approximately a slow because of the altitude and our feet and we had a fairly relaxing day visiting high plants with pale yellow flowers half-inch across on short flowering stems were dragging by the time the camp at two nearby monasteries, washing clothes dwarfed the P. involucrata and P. about two inches high. Sabche came into sight. The tents were and stocking up with chocolate bars tibetica that were also in the area. A few much smaller plants of the in pleasant surroundings by a small lake, found in the village store. The climb Several species of cremanthodium, with Farinosae section were also found in regarded by the local people as holy. from Manang was gradual through scrub sunflower-like flowers, flourished in the bloom and were identified tentatively as A strenuous side trip up the nearby consisting mainly of shrubby potentillas, stony ground. P. concinna. In one location only, under Sabche Khola took us to the 12,500 foot berberis, spireas, Rosa macrophylla and At one stage the silence was broken a rock, was one group of primula whose level across the valley from Annapurna R. sericea. Looking back we could see by the sound of distant bells and eventu- bloom was over, with heavy farina on III. The summit, as usual, was in the the winding river stretching for miles ally a mule train carrying salt from Tibet both surfaces of the two inch long clouds but the rumblings of avalanches down the valley with the Gangapurna came into sight. The lead horses had leaves. (P. sharmae and P. concinna could be heard, and in the distance we glacier, with a glacial lake at its foot, bright red head plumes and the overall were farinose on the underside of the could see falling snow and ice. The across from us. effect was very colorful. leaves only). Unfortunately, there was principal attraction on the way was The weather was cloudy and cool The final few miles to camp were no seed in the few capsules we found. Rhododendron lowndesii growing on during the two days it took to reach the along a steep hillside where there had The next day the group set off on the rock ledges, forming a covering only a highest campsite at Thorong Phedi been a number of landslides. We had to steep climb toward the Thorong Pass. few inches high. With its pale yellow (approximately 14,500 feet). On the way walk carefully in these areas, and at the The first hour or so we were in the mist, flowers spotted with red inside, it was a we walked across screes containing end of a long hard day we were very or low cloud, with the sun breaking most attractive plant. Androsaces and many of the plants that made the trip happy to see the tents of our camp below through at times. At about 15,000 feet saxifrage species, mostly past their worthwhile. Those included Meconopsis us. we found scattered groups of P. prime, covered the rocks while growing bella and the more dramatic Meconopsis We camped three nights at Thorong wigramiana on the hillside interspersed nearby were tiny gentians, Rhododen- horridula with its turquoise blue, tissue- Phedi. There were no noticeable ill with P. involucrata. P. wigramiana, dron lepidotum, Anaphalis triplinervis, like flowers and bright yellow stamens effects from the altitude and we spent the from the section Soldanelloides, is very Potentilla eriocarpa with its brilliant — an outstanding plant. Trailing over first day scrambling up the hillside to the similar to P reidii, except that its leaves yellow flowers, and a few woolly walls and shrubs was Clematis vernayi high cliffs above the camp. There we are not stalked. We knelt to sniff the globular heads of Saussurea with unusual bell-shaped flowers flared found small colonies of Primula sharmae fragrance from the nodding bell-like

Wooly heads of Saussurea graminifolia. A flush of Primula sikkimensis at 13,000 feet. The pink flowers of Primula tibetica. Primula involucrata in rocks at 16,000 feet. 12 American Primrose Society - Spring 1997 American Primrose Society - Spring 1997 13

Following the Marsyandi continued stove that had been carried from the The following days were photographing hundreds of alpine plants camp 2,000 feet below. Sitting on rocks, anticlimatic as we were, for the most in bloom, including almost all of the eating our lunch under an umbrella, as part, retracing our steps of three weeks primulas we could have expected to see. steady rain had set in, we certainly felt a earlier. By now we were ready for a However, there are also troubling very long way from home. Some hardy good meal and a good bed, although we memories. The widespread shrub and souls were determined to climb the still had a week or so of trekking ahead tree cutting for firewood and construc- remaining 1,000 feet or so to the pass, of us — more dusty hotel rooms with tion with little sign of a reforestation but the majority of the party wound their occasional life-saving bottles of soft program. The building of more "hotels" way slowly back to camp, passing many drinks or beer at village stores. Back in the villages in anticipation of a patches of the brightly colored into the oppressive heat for two or three doubling in the number of trekkers in the Pedicularis siphonantha. We took days, noticing how tall the rice we had next few years. The widespread grazing another set of photographs when we seen being planted on the outward trip at all altitudes with only scattered reached the P. wigramiana again and had grown. At long last, Dumre. examples of the plants we had come to slept very well that night. Unable to sleep that night, because of the see in many areas. It seems to us that, at The graceful bells of Primula wigramiana. The next morning camp was being noise of singing and shouting in the field least along the Marsyandi, much of the packed up — we were now on the way below, we crawled out of bed and, with plant life we saw could disappear within creamy-white flowers. Once again the some others in the group, joined the a generation or two. primulas were growing in shallow home, although there were still ten days of trekking ahead of us. Later that day sherpas and porters dancing, singing, indentations that had probably carried we photographed P. buryana, another (and drinking chang) in an end-of-trek 1. McBeath, Ronald, "The Marsyandi the run-off from the melting snow in the party. Valley, Central Nepal", Journal of spring. As we climbed further we saw white primula from the section Ironically, as the bus pulled away the Scottish Rock Garden Club, many different species of alpine plants, Soldanelloides that we had missed on the next morning, the clouds rolled away Vol. XIX Part 2. * including Androsace lehmanii, way up. and we had the most magnificent Meconopsis horridula, Corydalis By the 18th day we were back at the mountain views we had seen in Nepal. latiflora, Triganotis rotundifolia, campsite near Manang, doing our washing, having once again stocked up The bus stopped to enable us to take Rhodiola himalensis and Eriophyton those pictures which would prove we had wallichii, a downy nettle-like plant. Of in the village with small bars of Cadbury's chocolate and tinned fruit really been in the Himalayas. particular interest was Saussurea Looking back at our month in Nepal, tridactyla with its dome shaped head cocktail that had relieved the monotony many images come rushing back: the covered with densely matted woolly of our diet a week earlier. contrast between the beauty of the hairs, looking like a white ball of cotton. We were blessed the next morning country and the poverty of its people; We noticed again that, except for a with fine views of the Annapurna range smiling children exchanging the namaste comparatively few meadow-like areas, as we ate our breakfast. Our aim that greeting ("I salute the spirit with you") these plants were scattered, not in dense day was to visit a Tibetan monastery in with us; the sherpas, cooks and porters collections. the hills beyond the river. We walked who looked after us so well; and tall The terrain gradually changed to a through buckwheat fields, then climbed handsome Tibetan women preparing a bleak scree, desolate bare hillsides, the up a very steep trail to the monastery at rice lunch for monks in the monastery at mountain tops as usual covered by cloud the foot of a glacier. The blue cones of Manang and afterwards washing the formations. It was surprising to find Abies spectabilis were a wonderful sight dishes in the water running down the plants such as Androsace lambalensis on the way. By the edge of the glacier dirty street. surviving in these inhospitable condi- we noticed primula leaves without Our group had survived a difficult Last but not least, Primula buryana. tions, their long roots obviously search- flowers or stalks. One member of the trek of between 250 and 300 miles. We ing deeply for moisture. Lunch was party climbed higher up the glacier and had achieved our objective of seeing and awaiting us at the 16,500 foot level, found a primula of the Capitatae section, where the cooks had warmed soup on the probably P. glomerata, with seed heads. 14 American Primrose Society - Spring 1997 American Primrose Society - Spring 1997 15

Despite these problems we must considerable amount on both standards On Exhibiting persevere to maintain the health and and exhibiting. The third and possibly By Peter Ward, Saitford, Bristol, England strength of the Auricula and Primula most important step is to study the Societies. The Midland & West is the winning plants at the shows. When asked to write this article the Another problem is the difficulty in youngest of the three British Societies In simple terms the plants exhibited first problem that arose was the title. cultivation of many of the most desirable yet celebrates its Centenary in 1999. As are divided into two main groups. Those Should it be just plain 'On Exhibiting' or primulas, I attended the Autumn the date is so close to the Millennium it like Show Auriculas are judged to very more grandly 'The Art of Exhibiting1? I meeting of the Southern Society when will be celebrated in 2000. Even the specific parameters — fixed and unalter- finally settled on the former because Jim Jermyn, proprietor of Edrom A.P.S., a comparative youngster, is able as we say. Others are judged for great skill or experience is not necessary Nurseries in Berwickshire, gave a superb approaching sixty. Surely it is impera- effect although some specifics may to become an exhibitor. illustrated talk, mainly on choice Asiatic tive that present and future generations apply. This ruling covers primroses and There are numerous flower and other primulas. He also brought some for sale, try to maintain such worthwhile tradi- polyanthus, excluding gold-laced, and plant societies in the United Kingdom. including such rarities as Primula tions in a world where other pressures most other primulas. Certain things Most base their existence around shows dryadifolia and P. reptans. The tempta- continue to grow. apply to all regardless of type: clean or exhibitions. At these events enthusi- tion to buy was considerable, even Possibly some (or many) readers pots, removal of dead or blemished asts compete with one another, some- though they were very expensive. I have will wonder where all this is leading to blooms and leaves, together with general times for money but more often for fun, occasionally tried to grow some of these — I was asked, after ^—_ ____^^^^__ tidying up. This is with cups and other trophies awarded plants with little success. With rare all, to write some- mainly common annually. exceptions this is the experience of most thing on exhibiting. Great skill or experience sense and good Why exhibit? This is an interesting enthusiasts south of Birmingham and The purpose is to try is not necessary to housekeeping. One question but revolves around the nature even further North. to put things in some still sees odd plants of the society itself. Some societies are The Midland & West Society, of son of context. If become an exhibitor. that are pest ridden not show-based and flourish nonetheless which I am secretary, has increased members understand ^———^^^^~ ^^^^^—^^^^ on the bench and this via conferences, publications, and membership by over 70% in the last why they should is a cardinal sin. meetings. Others, like the British eight years, despite which we have not exhibit perhaps more will attempt to do There are other factors that may Auricula Societies (and I suggest the seen a corresponding increase in exhibi- so. I find, on inquiring, that many are alter the equation. Whatever the rules, A.P.S.), were formed to have an annual tors. The number has remained static reluctant because they feel they may some judges have their own views about show or shows and this is the prime and on some counts fallen. This is a make fools of themselves — the whole what constitutes the ideal plant. Where reason for their existence. In such concern and appears to be reflected in thing is beyond them. This is partly due, standards are 'fixed and unalterable' this instances it is important that as many many other societies.I recently watched as far as auriculas are concerned, to a may cause confusion as the perfect plant members as possible take part and a TV gardening program that included an veil of mystery drawn over the process does not exist. In the case of primulas, contribute to the health and success of item on the Chrysanthemum Society. by some older growers. rarity or difficulty in cultivation is taken the society. Exhibiting Chrysanths is far more Exhibiting is not difficult and can be into account but how much so varies The Auricula Societies, although formidable than showing auriculas or a real pleasure. You get to know other from judge to judge and some excellent still mainly concerned with auriculas, primulas. The preparation and standards keen growers and it can open many plants may be ignored simply because have evolved into more broadly based are in a different league. An elderly doors. How does one go about it? they are seen to be 'common'. groups with increasing emphasis on member bemoaned the fact that fewer Initially there are three things to do. In conclusion the best advice I can other primulas. In the UK this is people were prepared to spend the time Study the show schedules, especially the give is to visit the shows, look, listen, restricted on two counts. Many of the and effort needed, while a lack of rules. Read what is available on stan- and ask questions. After exhibiting for best primula growers are members of younger members was evident. I know dards. Quides produced by the Midland 30 years I am still uplifted when I win either the Scottish Rock or Alpine the feeling! Although I don't have & West Sectiona are invaluable, while and have not forgotten the thrill of Garden Societies. Some are also statistics in confirmation, it is obvious the latest book "Auriculas" (by Gwen winning my very first prize cards and members of one or other of the three UK that the average age of our members has Baker and Peter Ward, 1996) has a cup. O Auricula Societies but tend not to exhibit increased. or to do so at the early A.G.S. shows. 16 American Primrose Society - Spring 1997 American Primrose Society - Spring 1997 17

TWINS WANTED Kelso, Sylvia, Systematics and Bioge- Notes from the Editor Several years ago, the APS began ography of the Arctic and Boreal Species of Primula (213p), Thesis By Claire Cockcroft, Redmond, Washington "twinning" English primula growers with APS members in Canada and the US. (Ph.D.) — University of Alaska, BARNHAVEN PICTURES? primroses. If anyone could help me to The US/Canadian twin pays for an Fairbanks, 1987. The dissertation is only Jacqueline Giles writes: procure any of these photographs I annual membership in the APS for their available through University Microfilms. "In my garden I am growing a large would be very pleased to hear from English twin, in return for membership collection of Barnhaven primroses and them." in the National Auricula and Primula NORTHWEST FLOWER AND GARDEN polyanthus, all of the seed strains from You may contact Jacqueline through Society (NAPS), Northern Section. This SHOW the editor or write to her directly: the current Barnhaven catalogue and all program originally arose to make it easy The Seattle Chapter of the APS and Jacqueline Giles grown from genuine Barnhaven seed. to enroll in trans-Atlantic societies the Northwestern Chapter of the North Windy Ridge Last July, I enjoyed an unforgettable without currency exchange. Although American Rock Garden Society staged a Bolton Percy week in Portland. I visited many the cost to US/Canadian participants is floral vignette entitled "An Alpine York YO5 7BA somewhat higher than their English Primrose Romance" for the Northwest beautiful gardens with the help of some United Kingdom very kind ladies from the Oregon Hardy counterparts, benefits are derived from Flower and Garden Show in Seattle in Plant Society, and all my dreams came the exchange of information and seeds. February. The effort was successful and true the day I was taken by Jane and PLANT DISEASE If you are interested in becoming a twin, surprisingly less hassle than anticipated. William Potter and Myrna Dowsett to Don D. Smith of Union City, please contact: Plants for the vignette were supplied by members from both organizations and visit Florence Bellis's barn at Gresham. Pennsylvania, sent the photo below to Dennis Oakley show a problem he has with his prim- also donated by Mt. Tahoma Nursery, We were very kindly welcomed by Ann 10060 Dennis Place roses. A laboratory examination and Grandridge Nursery, Siskiyou Rare Plant Atkinson and I will never forget the joy Richmond, BC V7A 3G8 isolation tests performed by the Plant Canada Nursery, and Fancy Fronds Nursery. Our of sitting in the barn and talking of Disease Clinic at Penn State put a name thanks to all who participated. Barnhaven as it used to be. Unfortu- to the culprit: the fungus Ramularia. PRIMULAS IN ALASKA nately, the apple orchard where the The clinic advised Don to remove IN MEMORIAM primroses grew is now so overgrown that severely infected leaves and to avoid Pat Wilson sent news about a Long time APS member Gary it was impossible for me to venture too unnecessary wetting of foliage that can possible loss of primula habitat near Eichhorn died in March in Washington far into it. I could not go up the hill and splash spores to new leaves; fungicide Juneau, Alaska. In 1995 Misty Haffner State. A noted plantsman and look at Mount Hood as Mrs. Bellis had sprays using thiophanate methyl (Clearys reported that her family found Primula paleobotanist, Mr. Eichhorn collected done so many times when her hopes and 3336, Domain FL) or mancozeb cuneifolia ssp. saxifragifolia on the Mt. old primrose prints and had displayed dreams for the primroses were unfolding. (Manzate DF, Dithane) were suggested Roberts Trail at about the 2200 foot to reduce infection. them at the Primula Worldwide Sympo- But I could quite well see why Mount level. Juneau now has a tram to take Don writes that he also avoids sium. He retired from the Forest Hood was so special, as the mountain tourists up the mountain very near the planting his primroses too close together, Service, moving from Montana to kept popping up to meet us, like an old place where Misty and her family found so that the plants have good air circula- Spokane after his retirement, and was friend, all over Oregon. I was also very the tiny gems. The tram was completed tion (18 to 24 inches apart). Chairman of the Board of the American pleased to be able to talk to APS mem- Photo by Don D. Smith in late August, 1996, so it will be fully Dianthus Society. bers on the phone. I am, however, still operational for the first time this upcom- looking for copies of old photographs or ing tourist season. Locals are concerned slides of the Barnhaven nursery, particu- about what will happen to the entire ERRATA larly the primroses growing under the ecosystem around the upper terminus of Ian Scott pointed out an error in the apple trees, the pollinating beds, and the the tram.,. The big cruise ships dock very Journal Report in Primroses, Vol.54, No. creek with the candelabra primulas near the lower terminus of the tram, so 4 (Fall 1996). The Alpine Garden Society China Expedition (ACE) flowering. I would like to use these old the impact is bound to be substantial. journeyed not to the Tien Shan, but photographs in the illustrated talks that I Pat also reminds us that there is a instead to Yunnan, as there were prob- give about Barnhaven and Elizabethan dissertation on wild primroses in Alaska: lems collecting in the Tien Shan, ft Ramularia blight on gold lace primrose leaves. 18 American Primrose Society - Spring 1997 American Primrose Society - Spring 1997 19

Firestation #22, 6602 - 108th Ave. NE, Fireside Room of the First United News from the Chapters Kirkland, Washington. Methodist Church, 1919 West Pioneer, The chapter celebrated its birthday Puyallup, at 7:30 p.m. A summary of chapter meetings at the February meeting with a program February's meeting consisted of a ALASKA CHAPTER PENNSYLVANIA on sowing seeds of lewisias, primulas slide show on Auriculas from the APS Slide Library. The March meeting was The programs for the spring months Doretta Klaber Chapter and candelabras. The chapter has 21 also a slide program, this one by Molly have been finalized in Juneau. On Meets four times a year. Contact members. Sanderson from Ireland entitled "Prim- February 22, Clay McDole will bring Dot Plyler, chapter president, for details. For the March Program, the chapter some show auriculas that he has been The annual seed sowing meeting viewed an APS slide show about tall, roses I have Grown", courtesy of the APS Slide Library. growing in Juneau. He will share his was well attended in February. Regretta- summer blooming candelabra primulas. The chapter is busy putting the final experiences in growing these plants from bly, the chapter did not participate in Seattle Chapter touches on their hosting of the APS England. They are blooming in midwin- Philadelphia Flower Show this year, Meets four times a year. Contact National Show and Annual Meeting. ter. There will also be a general infor- because all the window boxes had been June Skidmore, chapter president, for And a week after the big event, the mation swap on growing primroses claimed by other groups. details. chapter will put on a demonstration at among members. A joint program with the Delaware Rosetta Jones was guest speaker at the Spring Fair at the Puyallup Fair Maedythe Martin of Victoria, BC Valley Chapter of the North American the Spring chapter meeting. Members Grounds (April 18-20). This is one busy has agreed to come and speak to us on Rock Garden Society will be held on enjoyed receiving Rosetta's valuable tips chapter! March 15. She will discuss auriculas April 12, when Charles and Martha and guidelines for entering winning and the history of the striped auriculas, Oliver from the Primrose Path Nursery in plants in the APS National Show. in particular. A luncheon at the Taku Scottdale, Pennsylvania, will tell about The chapter had a busy winter. OREGON Room will be held in conjunction with their experiences with primula and After packaging seeds for the APS Seed Oregon Primrose Society her speech. companion plants. Charles has done Exchange, members helped fill the seed Meets the third Friday of every Ann Lunn will also visit Juneau. some hybridizing and will talk about his orders. Members also helped stage a month from September through May at 1 She will present a program on Saturday, results. They will also bring plants for vignette for the Northwest Flower and p.m. at the Milwaukie Community Club, May 3. Her topic will be the wild sale. Garden Show. 42nd and Jackson Sts., Milwaukie, OR. primroses of Western America. Instead of garden visits this year, the Photo by Arthur P. Dome Contact Thelma Genheimer, chapter Festivities will also be scheduled for chapter is planning a "Dutch Day" in the president, for details. her visit. Pennsylvania Dutch country area. They Valley Hi Chapter will visit good but little known nurseries Meets the second Monday of the and have lunch at one of the well known month from September through Novem- smorgasbords. ber and February through May at 1 p.m. at Thelma Genheimer's house, 7100 SW WASHINGTON 209th, Beaverton, OR. Contact Thelma Washington State Chapter for details. Meets the second Friday of each month, except July and August, at the BRITISH COLUMBIA United Good Neighbor Center at 305 S BC Primrose Group 43rd Street, Renton, (across the street Meets at the South Arm United from Valley General Hospital) at 7:45 "An Alpine Primrose Romance" at the NW Flower Church at No.3 Road and Steveston p.m. Guests are welcome. and Garden Show. Highway. Contact John Kerridge for Cy Happy III pollinating a Blue Denticulate Eastside Chapter Tacoma Chapter details. primrose in Alaska, Spring, 1996. John O'Brien's Meets the first Monday of every Meets the first Tuesday of each December's program was the No. 1 great grand-daughter, Tanya, looks on -- the fourth month at 6:30 pm at the Kirkland month, except July and August, in the slide show from the APS Slide Library generation of O'Brien's working this garden. 20 American Primrose Society - Spring 1997 American Primrose Society - Spring 1997 21

News from the Chapters continued from a friendly butcher at Safeway. For put together by John O'Brien and was coldframe or greenhouse, these contain- finding Primula parryi ers are used in pairs, one inside the very much enjoyed. Regretfully, a small By Neal Jacques, Burien, Washington amount of snow earlier in the day kept other, with the top one having holes the attendance low. They discussed the poked in the bottom with a fork for Last July 1, I went hiking in the plants' source of water was snow new Barnhaven Book of Primroses by drainage. For the seed bench outside, Great Basin National Park, on the cornices that had just melted and were Angela Bradford. It contains many color the bottom one is not used, but is useful Nevada-Utah border. About a mile from no longer visible. The location, well pictures and a very complete history of for watering from below when inside. the road, I hiked along Spring Creek, above tree-line and a truly alpine setting, the Barnhaven primroses from Florence The other method was a plastic planter which feeds into Teresa Lake (10,200 is normally very dry during the summer. Bellis through to the present time. filled with toilet paper roll centers, feet). As I hiked, I encountered plants of Great Basin National Park, estab- Change of date and venue for the which produce fantastic root systems Primula parryi with their feet in the lished in 1986, has an good paved road Spring Show: when filled with the mix. After lightly water along-side the creek, in full shade. leading to campgrounds at both 7,500 The BC Primula Group will hold sprinkling the seed on the surface, I had read that the primrose is often feet and 10,000 feet. Plant lists are their annual show and sale in conjunc- Dennis covered it with a very thin layer found in such a setting, so 1 was not available at the ranger station, and the tion with the Alpine Garden Club of BC of perlite, since primulas need light to surprised to see it there. park is not crowded (rangers said the Spring Show at the Floral Hall, Van germinate. Several days later, on the fourth of campgrounds are full only on the Fourth Dusen Gardens, 5251 Oak St., John Kerridge showed slides of a July, I climbed Wheeler Peak by the of July and Labor Day). 1 was able to Vancouver, BC on Saturday, April 19, very successful method he used with a usual way-trail (about three miles from take several interesting hikes in the park from noon to 5 p.m. and on Sunday, cold frame covered with old window the road). On the summit ridge at besides the two mentioned. If you would April 20, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. frames and glass. The seed was 12,800 feet, I was surprised to find like to know more details, I would be The January meeting covered seeds sprinkled on a bed of peat and pumice bunches of P. parryi growing in minute happy to answer questions about my and seed planting. Dennis Oakley and the frames covered when the pockets of alpine tundra, tucked in trek, and can be contacted through the showed samples of the mix favored by weather turned sunny with old bed between the boulders. Apparently the editor.

are now available in North America. Of it is difficult to find one who combines Journal Report course, hellebores successfully grow in quite as many oddities as Reginald By Mary Frey, Kent, Washington dry shade but they flower better under Farrer." Farrer, a British gardener, the same garden conditions as primroses. writer and explorer, discovered a rare PETIOLARIDS AND PICKS excellence. This beauty sports many The accompanying photo by Ernie arenaria when he was only fourteen. His John Dennis offers advice on perfectly formed umbels of up to 25 O'Bryne is of a floriferous, dark maroon travels led him to the Alps and Asia propagating and growing the sometimes flowers; 6-15 is the norm. The white Helleborus x orientalis. where his finds include Primula difficult but beautiful Petiolarid primulas flat-faced corollas have a creamy green agleniana, P. optata and several gen- in the December 1996 Quarterly Bulle- center and emit a delicate fragrance. REGINALD FARRER tians. He often dreamt of finding a pea- tin of the Alpine Garden Society. Although this plant is described as Charles Elliot traces "The Rocky green primula or sky-blue rhododendron. Dennis includes Primula irregularis, P. "suitable for the rock garden", gardeners World of Reginald Farrer" in the Farrer's The English Rock Garden was aureata, P. sonchifolia and P. boothii claim that only with alpine house December 1996 issue of Horticulture. published in 1919, a year before he died. conditions "does it come into its own". when describing his techniques. He Elliot writes, "The annals of plant E-mail address: Primula allionii 'Gilderdale Glow' regularly hand pollinates these primulas collecting are full of odd characters, but [email protected] ft because they yield more seed than if left won an Award of Merit, bestowed to to their own devices. He collects and plants of great merit for exhibition. immediately sows seed beginning in Grown in an alpine house, this winning June and sometimes into October. plant is thirteen years old and now American Primrose Society Bookstore Dennis uses a standard seed planting almost too heavy for its grower, Betty New for 1997! method for alpines; however, he rejects Craig, to lift! The accompanying photo Florists' Flowers and Societies, by Dr. Ruth Duthie — $ 9.00 US shows a pot smothered with charming, using pellet fertilizers because they only The Barnhaven Book, by Angela Bradford — $12.00 US heavily notched lilac pink blooms work at soil temperatures above 70°F. Society Guides from the National Auricula and Primula Society, Midland Petiolarid primulas rest in summer and without a hint of foliage. and West Section (Great Britain) new roots grow only when the tempera- #1 Show Auriculas, by Peter Ward, revised 1997 — $4.00 US ture drops — which is when the plants A PARADISE O'PLANTS #3 Alpine Auriculas, by Derek Telford — $2.00 US need extra nutrition. APS member Marietta O'Byrne is #4 A Classified List of Alpine Auriculas, by Ed Pickin — $3.25 US Dennis also employs division to showing up with regularity in Fine #5 Auricula History, by David Tarver — $3.50 US obtain new plants, being scrupulous with Gardening. Her feature article in the #6 Stripped Auriculas, by Allan Hawkes — $2.00 US proper sanitation and watering practices. January/February 1997 edition entitled #7 Border Auriculas, by Geoff Nicole — $3.0 0 US He ensures success with a battery "A Plant Collector's Paradise Starts with Shipping for a full set of all society guides $3.00 in the US, $5.00 outside the operated mist system. He writes, Seeds" is accented with inspiring photos, US. "Technology ... should be used by including an entire page with prominent Primula, by John Richards — $40 US (new price) gardeners ... and no embarrassment need drifts of Asiatic primroses. O'Byrne fills Periodically, our librarian obtains older, used books. For a list of what is be felt; after all, Adam did not even have the piece with great ideas for novice currently available, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to her. Address your a spade to cover his blushes!" gardeners and she also adds a few tricks orders and inquiries to: The Joint Rock Garden Plant for old green thumbs. For instance, she Thea Oakley, American Primrose Society Librarian Committee of the Royal Horticultural and her spouse, Ernie, discovered that 3304 288th Ave. NE Society, the Alpine Garden Society, and seeds for the black leafed Cimicifitga Redmond, WA 98053 USA the Scottish Rock Garden Club recog- ramosa 'Brunette' germinated only after nized two primulas in its 1995-1996 a double dormancy. Thea's E-mail address: [email protected] selections. Marietta writes about hellebores in Orders must be prepaid in US dollars by check on a US bank or by interna- Primula 'White Linda Pope' the magazine's April 1997 issue. Until tional money order, made out to Thea Oakley, A.P.S. Librarian. Postage and received a coveted First Class Certifi- recently, hybridizers in Europe have kept handling: in the US add $3 for the first book and $1.50 for each additional book, cate, awarded to plants of outstanding new colors and forms a secret but they or outside the US add $5 for the first book and $2.50 for each additional book. 26 American Primrose Society - Spring 1997 American Primrose Society - Spring 1997 27

both Saturday and Sunday. A Hospital- Board of Directors Meeting ity committee has been formed to provide lodging for out-of-town guests. January 11, 1997 at Mary McCrank's restaurant, Chehalis, Washington Informational brochures will be sent with Present: June Skidmore, Addaline NOMINATING COMMITTEE REPORT: the Winter issue of the Quarterly. Robinson, Thelma Genheimer, Claire At this point, the following slate of Cockcroft, Candy Strickland, April officers has been proposed; MEMBERSHIP REPORT NORTHWEST FLOWER & GARDEN Boettger, Allan Jones, Rosetta Jones, Claire presented a printer's proof of SHOW Dan Pederson, Thea Oakley, Ann Lunn. President: June Skidmore (Seattle, WA) Vice President: No nominee a rack card to be used for soliciting new June Skidmore and the Seattle The meeting was called to order by Recording Secretary: Miwa Ohta members. The design was approved; Chapter are cooperating with the North President June Skidmore. The minutes (Seattle, WA) cost will be approximately $1437 for American Rock Garden Society to set up of the previous meeting were approved Treasurer: Addaline Robinson (Gaston, 4000 copies. A proposal for soliciting a floor display. They will set up Febru- as written. OR) membership was given by Ann Lunn. ary 2 and take down February 10th. Director (2000) Position 1: Lee Raden Included in the proposal were two Plants are needed for the display. TREASURER'S REPORT (Phoenixville, PA) classified advertisements; one to Horti- culture magazine and the other to Fine The figures were discussed and the Director (2000) Position 2: No nominee CHAPTER REPORTS Gardening magazine. Rack cards will be Treasurer reports that the Society is in Eastside Primula Society is looking A motion to mail the incomplete mailed to selected botanic gardens. A better shape this year than last. A for a new meeting place. Any change ballot with the Winter Quarterly was card will be mailed to new members to motion to enter into a reciprocal mem- will be noted in the Quarterly. approved. Obviously, more participation ascertain where they were introduced to bership agreement with the Rhododen- by the general membership is needed. the APS. A motion to provide $300 for dron Species Botanical Garden (Federal the above activities was approved. BOOK STORE REPORT Way, Washington) was approved. CORRESPONDENCE Currently, there is approximately Maedythe Martin proposed that a set NEW SLIDE LIBRARIAN $1300 in book inventory. Last year, EDITOR'S REPORT $960 was taken in. This figure includes of rules be enacted whereby hybrid The new slide librarian is Bridgie The Winter 1997 issue will be the $500 contribution from the APS primroses can be named. Currently, Graham-Smith from Tacoma, Washing- mailed next week. The theme for the treasury. A new book, "Florists' Flowers there are rules only for naming show ton. This new information will be spring issue will be "Primroses in the and Societies", by Dr. Ruth Duthie, has auriculas. It was agreed that the Wash- printed in the Quarterly. The Board Wild." been added. The cost for each book is ington State Chapter under the leader- wishes to thank John O'Brien for the nine dollars plus postage. The new ship of Rosetta Jones and Thea Oakley work he did in organizing new slide Barnhaven book by Angela Bradford has SEED EXCHANGE REPORT will develop a set of guidelines and programs and for administering the been ordered. Since the current Seed Exchange forms for naming primula hybrids. program the past four years. Directors have recently acquired a Date and Location of next meeting: computer, no laptop was purchased for INTERNET REPORT NATIONAL SHOW at the National Show, April 12, 1997, at the Society. Cheryl Fluck (Juneau, AK) The APS Home Page has attracted The 1997 National Show will be 3:00 p.m. in the Community Room of has offered to donate one next year. The several new members. The information held in Tacoma, Washington on April the Lakewood Mall. seed orders will be filled starting on the web page is updated as required. 12, and 13, 1997 at Lakewood Mall in Monday, January 13, 1997. The seed Respectfully submitted, A suggestion was made to keep a list for Tacoma.., In addition to the usual exchange is going smoothly and there Ann Lunn membership purposes of those people activities, garden tours are planned for Substitute Secretary O have been many requests for the Supple- who sign the guest book. mentary List. 28 American Primrose Society - Spring 1997 American Primrose Society - Spring 1997 29 Plant Societies The Mystery Androsace By Arthur P. Dome, Seattle, Washington National Auricula and Primula Society THE LAST CHAPTER "Reverting to your photograph with Invites all auricula and primula lovers to join in this old society. Membership includes yearbook. The "Mystery Primrose" first a strong lens, the only 'fresh' flower is the one with the yellowish eye. All the Northern Section mentioned in the Fall 1996 issue of D.G. Hadfield Primroses has been determined to be a others have their petals turning up at the 146 Queens Road, Cheadle Hulme, Cheadle, Cheshire, England. "Mystery Androsace". The Winter 1997 edges, i.e., they are in the last stages of Midland and West Section issue relates the opinions of those who fading. One was now looking for a Peter Ward had responded by press time. The species with a description akin to the 6 Lawson Close, Saltford, Bristol, England BS18 1BG. solitary fresh flower! I had almost given Southern Section majority of respondents considered it Lawrence E. Wigley most likely to be Androsace up when I came across the following: 67 Warnham Court Road, Carshalton Beeches, Surrey, England SM5 3ND. chamaejasme. Androsace chamaejasme — rosettes Since then I have had some very fine 1 - 2 cms., flowers 8 - 12 mm. across, detailed comments and opinions that I'd white with yellow eye aging to light pink The New Zealand Alpine Garden Society like to share. They were from Lawrence with red eye. 2 - 8 flowers per stem, 3-6 invites you to join other overseas members enjoying the E. Wigley, Hon. Secretary, National cms. in height. The species has an benefits of our Society. Two informative Bulletins each Auricula & Primula Society, Southern extremely wide area of distribution. year and an extensive NZ native section in our seed list Section, Surrey, England, Ian Scott, Fife, This is given as European Alps plus enhance the contact with New Zealand alpine plant lovers. Scotland, and Tom McCrea, Deganwy, representation in Siberia, Central Asia, Enquiries to the Membership Secretary or join by sending North Wales. China and North America." the equivalent of NZ $25 payable to NZAGS (Inc.). Tom McCrea thought that if the I believe this information came from Visa/Master Card facilities available. mystery plant were a primrose, it was the AGS Encyclopedia of Alpines, 1993, and maybe other sources. New Zealand Alpine Garden Society, most likely Primula cortusoides. But I thank Mr. Wigley for the time and PO Box 2984, Christchurch, New Zealand. again, the majority of respondents said it was an androsace and most likely to be effort he spent researching the identity of A. chamaejasme. this plant, as well as Mr. McCrea and Lawrence Wigley sent a very Mr. Scott, who must have spent hours detailed evaluation of how he deter- also. Thanks again to everyone who mined it was A. chamaejasme. Here is wrote to me for the time and effort they an excerpt from his letter that I'm sure spent making everything concerned more influenced his decision: interesting. <3f

Photo by Art Dome J5fSKIYOlT * RARE PltANTJNORSERV 2825 Cummings Road Medford, OR 97501 Baldassare Mineo, Owner Unusual and hard-to-find alpine, woodland, and rock garden plants as well as larger perennials, shrubs and Japanese Maples to complete your garden design. Many species and cultivars of Primulaceae. Only one flower is fresh, all the others VISIT OUR GARDENS AND SHOP! Call 541-772-6846 for information on "Open Garden Days". fading, in this photo of Art's Mystery Send $3.00 for colorful Spring & Fall catalogs today! Androsace. 30 American Primrose Society - Spring 1997 American Primrose Society - Spring 1997 31

Officers of the Chapters

Doretta Klaber Chapter Washington State Chapter APS GARDEN AURICULA PHOTO CONTEST! President, Dot Plylcr President, Rosetta Jones 18 Bridle Path E. 170Dunoon 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 Skidmore 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, Thelma Genheimer Contact Mrs. Lee Sandor groups of plants. $5 will be awarded for each photo accepted for publication. 7100 SW 209th Ave. 3311 Foster Ave. First, second, and third place cash prizes will also be awarded. Beaverton, OR 97007 Juneau, AK 99801 Tacoma Chapter British Columbia Primrose Group Prizes: Send your photos to: President, Dan Pederson President, John Kerridge 7614 48th Ave. E. 4660 10th Ave. W. #1102 1st Prize $25 Claire Cockcro