The Boxwood Bulletin A Quarterly Devoted to Man's Oldest Garden Ornamental

At Blenheim Palace in England, a grand water parterre was designed by Achille Duchene, a garden designer who specialized in 17th-century French garden restorations. See article on Page 39. (Photo: David G. Frackelton, Jr.)

IN THIS ISSUE

1999 European Boxwood and Topiary Society, Henry Frierson, Jr ...... 27 Taxonomy of Cultivated Plants, Lynn R. Batdorf ...... 32 Boxwood in America and the ABS, Tom Saunders ...... 36 Correspondence ...... 39 Notices ...... 41 News of the Society ...... 42

October 1999 Volume 39, Nymber 2 The American Boxwood Society

The American Boxwood Society is a not-for-profit organiza­ Available Publications: tion founded in 1961 and devoted to the appreciation, scien­ tific understanding and propagation of the genus Buxus L. Back issues of The Boxwood Bulletin (thru Vol. 37) (each) $ 4 Boxwood Handbook: A Practical Guide (Revised)** $ 17 Officers: Boxwood Buyer's Guide (4th Edition) $ 6 International Registration List of Cultivated Buxus L. $ 3 PRESIDENT: Index to The Boxwood Bulletin 1961-1986 $ 10 Mr. Thomas Saunders Piney River, Va. Index to The Boxwood Bulletin 1986-1991 $ 4 VICE-PRESIDENTS: Index to The Boxwood Bulletin 1991-1996 $ 3 Mr. Charles Fooks Salisbury, Md. Publications may be ordered from Mrs. K. D. Ward, ABS Dr. Henry F. Frierson, Jr. Charlottesville, Va. Treasurer, Box 85, Boyce, VA 22620-0085. **Price includes SECRETARY: tax, postage and handling. Mrs. Sigrid Harriman Fredericksburg, Va. EXECUTIVE TREASURER: Contributions: Mrs. Katherine D. Ward Winchester, Va. Gifts to the Society are tax-deductible and may be undesig­ REGISTRAR: nated or applied to: Mr. Lynn R. Batdorf Washington, D.C. Boxwood Memorial Garden Fund DIRECfORS: Boxwood Manual Fund Mr. John W. Boyd III (2001) Roanoke Va. Boxwood Research Fund Mr. Scot Butler (2000) Winchester, Va. Mrs. Robert L. Frackelton (2000) Fredericksburg, Va. Correspondence: Dr. Gary Richardson (2000) Annapolis, Md. For address changes, memberships, dues, contributions, or to Mr. Richard D. Mahone (2001) Williamsburg, Va. order back issues or pUblications, write: Mr. Ian Robertson (2002) Charlottesville, Va. Mr. Jim W. Saunders (2002) Piney River, Va. TreaSurer, The American Boxwood Society Mr. Clyde Weber (2002) Bentleyville, Pa. P.O. Box 85, Boyce, Va. 22620-0085 Mr. Steve Zapton (2001) Port Republic, Va. For general information about the Society, advice concerning EX-OFFICIO: boxwood problems or cultivar selection, write to The Ameri­ Dr. Michael Bowers Boyce, Va. can Boxwood Society at the same address. You are also BULLETIN EDITOR: welcome to write directly to the President: John S. McCarthy St. Louis, Mo. Mr. Thomas Saunders 2498 Tye Brook Hwy. Memberships: Piney River, Va. 22964 Memberships for the year May through April include $16 for four quarterly issues of The Boxwood Bulletin: Call for Papers:

Individual $25 Sustaining $75 Technical articles, news, history, lore, notes, and photographs Family $35 Life $500 concerning boxwood specimens, gardens or plantings are Contributing $50 solicited for possible publication in The Boxwood Bulletin. Material should be submitted to: Non-member subscriptions for groups and institutions, such Chairman, Bulletin Committee as botanic gardens and libraries, are $25 by the calendar 1714 Greenway Drive year as established or current year for new subscriptions. Fredericksburg, Va. 22401-5209

The Boxwood Bulletin (ISSN 0006 8535) is published quarterly for $16.00 per yearby The American Boxwood Society, Blandy Experimental Farm, Boyce, Va. 22620. Periodicals postage paid at Boyce, Va. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Boxwood Bulletin, P.O. Box 85, Boyce, Va. 22620. The Bulletin is printed by M-J Printers, Fredericksburg, Va. 1999 European Boxwood and Topiary Society Notes on Summer Event By Henry F. Frierson, Jr.

The 1999 British Summer Event of the European Boxwood and Topiary Society (EBTS) was held the weekend of June 12 and 13 in Hampshire County, England. The fonnat, modeled after the ABS annual meeting, consisted of a business meeting, lectures, expert advice, plant auction, and dinner on Saturday followed by a garden and nursery coach tour on Sunday. The two prior EBTS summer events had themes of domestic topiary and grand topiary respectively, while the theme for 1999 was boxwood. Accommodations were provided in the historic city of Winchester, which is noted for its important buildings that include, among others: Winchester Cathedral, dating from 1079 and featuring the longest nave in Europe; Wolvesey Castle ruins, fonnerly one of the greatest medieval structures in England; Winchester College, the oldest school in England, founded in 1382, and considered by many to be the most academically exclusive school for boys in the country; and Winchester City Mill, built over the River Itchen in 1744 and housing a vigorous race and delightful small garden. The program on Saturday was held at Earlstone Manor, Burghclere, near Newbury, Berkshire, by kind pennis­ sion of Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Ginsberg. After the general business meeting, Tom Saunders, current president of Clipped boxwood and yew were highlighted in the peacock garden at the ABS, delivered a lecture entitled Houghton Lodge. (Photos: Tom Saunders, except as noted) "Boxwood in America and The American Boxwood Society." Mr. members worldwide, is only three Ginsberg spoke on the history of Saunders described the membership years old. Jenny Hendy, garden writer Earlstone Manor. The afternoon and activities of the ABS to an and editor of Topiarius (the beautiful included a "Meet the Experts" audience who were desirous to learn magazine of the EBTS), then lectured discussion, plant auction and tea. The of our older society, as the EBTS, on "Frame Topiary." Just prior to day concluded with a wonderful consisting of approximately 400 lunch and a garden tour, Mr. gounnet dinner at the Hotel du Yin,

October 1999 27 an attractively furnished Georgian building in Winchester. The Sunday program consisted of a coach tour of Hampshire County, with numerous anecdotes of the history of the area provided by the driver. The first stop was Houghton Lodge gardens, home of Anthea and Martin Busk. The eighteenth century cottage orne, or rural retreat, was built prior to 1799, and is a rare, early example of an architectural style that evolved when fashion turned from the Classical to the Romantic (informal and picturesque). The house faces south, has lovely pastoral views, overlooks the River Test, and the property is classified as an Environ­ mentally Sensitive Area. The one­ A smoking dragon constructed ofB. A bear cub boxwood topiary in the acre kitchen garden was surrounded sempervirens 'Suffruticosa' guarded Alice garden at West Green House. by one of the few remaining complete an entrance to the River Test. (Photo: Henry F. Frierson, Jr.) chalkcob boundary walls (made of a mixture of chalk and straw) in Hampshire. On the west side was a new hydroponicum, an enclosed structure for the growing of plants in nutrient-rich solutions or moist inert material instead of in soil. It was explained to us that plants need a balanced mixture of fifteen elements for optimal development. The main garden had become overgrown by the 1970s, and was replanted in an earlieJ and simpler style with the assistance of David Jacques, current Director of Historic Parks and Gardens at Englis: Heritage. Only plants available to English gardeners in the eighteenth century were selected for the restora­ tion. Neatly clipped boxwood parterres included wonderful yew and boxwood topiary. Below the lawn and just at the river's edge, Mrs. Busk had created a unique dragon topiary of B. Moon Gate leading into a parterre garden with edgings of clipped boxwood at sempervirens 'Suffruticosa'. The West Green House. dragon, approximately 4 feet high and 15 feet long, delighted the crowd with small manor built in the 1740s and and eight-acre garden had been its smoking nostrils, created by hidden in a quiet comer of Hamp­ acquired by the National Trust in intermittent mists of water, perfectly shire. The 99-year lease of West 1971 and its first tenant was Lord simulating grey smoke. Green House was sold by the Na­ Alistair McAlpine, who contributed a The second garden that we visited tional Trust, and the estate was collection of garden buildings and was that of West Green House, a opened as private gardens. The house neo-c1assical ornaments designed by

28 October 1999 A parterre laid out in checkerboard design in the Alice Garden. (Top photos: A ball on a stick B. sempervirens Henry F. Frierson. Jr.) topiary emerges from a B. sempervirens 'Suffruticosa ' edging in architect Quinlan Terry. Shockingly, high clipped 'Suffruticosa' hedges, the gardens of West Green House. in 1990, the IRA detonated a bomb in having survived three centuries. A the forecourt, inflicting so much checkerboard of boxwood parterres Pot in the Alice garden (Figs. 3 and damage that the Trust seriously included topiaries of the White 4). Another parterre was in a design considered a demolition of the house. Rabbit, the Mad Hatter, and the Tea of circles. Also, water lily tanks were The Trust decided to repair the enclosed by hedges in a formal external surface, however, leaving the design. interior and garden for restoration. After lunch at West Green, we Marylyn Abbott, an Australian reboarded the coach and traveled gardener and purchaser of the lease to through numerous quaint, historic West Green, gave us a brief introduc­ villages, to a boxwooder's dream tion to the gardens. She has produced nursery, that of Mark and Elizabeth a book Gardening with Light and Braimbridge' s Langley Boxwood Color, to be published in September Nursery in Rake, near Liss, Hamp­ 1999. shire. Elizabeth began by showing us Each garden within the garden had her vast collection of worldwide a different atmosphere and included Buxus. many of which she has the green theater, parterres, collected herself, and others having nymphaeum, lake field, Alice in been obtained as gifts. Many of the Wonderland garden, and snowdrop species and unique plants undoubt­ lawn. Nearer to the house and said to edly cannot be seen in any collection be contemporary with it, was a small in the United States. Her collection of orangery approached along high unusual and tropical Buxus includes, allees, walls of yew and holly below among others, B. rugulosa var. beech and lime trees. The herbaceous Elizabeth Braimbridge discusses her intermedia (from Nepal), B. henryi borders (containing Delphiniums, worldwide collection of rare and (China), B. Leoni (Cuba), B. Eremurus, Digitalis, Iris and unusual Buxus species at her glomerata (Cuba), B. macowani Verbascum) were enclosed by knee- Langley Boxwood Nursery. (South Africa), and B. natalensis

October 1999 29 An employee of the Langley Boxwood Tea was served at the home, garden and holly nursery of Louise Nursery demonstrates how to clip a spiral Bendall in Liss, Hampshire, England. (Photos this page: Dr. Henry F. topiary from a B. sempervirens specimen. Frierson, Jr.)

(South Africa). The variability in leaf size, shape, and color, and the particular habits were striking. B. rugulosa var. intermedia was espe­ cially notable for its tiny blue leaves and compact growth. Elizabeth had meticulously grouped the Buxus according to region and species. One only wishes that hours could have been spent with her in discussion of the traits, requirements for growth, and horticultural potential of each plant. A quick tally of boxwood grown at the nursery for sale to gardeners included at least fifteen species and more than fifty cultivars. The nursery specializes, in addition to specimen plants and rare varieties, in a large selection of boxwood topiary, the likes of which cannot be seen in the United States. Dr. Frierson (left) and John Halliday, a tour participant and owner of Potters A vailable for purchase were cones, Farm Nursery in Shropshire, England, converse around the extraordinary balls, spirals, complex shapes, cubes, Buxus topiary for sale at the Langley Boxwood Nursery. obelisks, and animals (rabbits, teddy bears, peacocks, etc.). The creation of it is disheartening that plants from handled specially, inspected, and a spiral topiary from a 4-foot B. Great Britain cannot be shipped with shipped bare root without any sempervirens plant was demonstrated any ease to gardens in the United attached soil), it did preclude the to the delight of everyone. Although States (plants seemingly must be extremely difficult choices one would

30 October 1999 have to make for purchases for one's own garden. The time spent in the Langley Nursery was clearly too little, as this boxwood aficionado could have easily devoted a full day or longer to observation and discus­ sion. The final site of the day was the garden and nursery (Highfield Farm) of Louise Bendall in Liss, Hampshire. Ms. Bendall's nursery is England's only specialist farm producing a wide gamut of hollies for all uses. Prior to her tour and discussion of the hollies, she generously provided the group with tea. She then showed us particu­ lar hollies to be used as large speci­ mens, topiaries, hedging, container plants, and miniatures. Nearly 100 cultivars were grown, and many of them were singled out for their specific attributes. The group reluc­ tantly reboarded the coach and returned to Winchester at 6:30 p.m. To this observer, the use of boxwood seen during this EBTS weekend can easily be contrasted A boxwood maze with a raised terrace for viewing at the gardens of Ear/stone with that in the United States. The use Manor. by the English is largely confined to edging and topiary, while boxwood as specimens without severe shearing is preferred in America. It is anticipated that boxwood gardeners from both sides of the Atlantic will adopt traditional uses of the plant from each other, as more exposure is gained to the many ways Buxus can enhance the landscape. A working relationship between the ABS and the EBTS would be of great interest to members of each organization and .details of this interaction should be developed. The autumn event of the EBTS will be held September 24-26 in Tuscany, Italy. Attendance at an EBTS event is enthusiastically recommended.

Dr. Frierson is Second Vice­ President of the ABS and Chairman Roundforms on "sticks" and in pots accent this parterre garden at Ear/stone of the Research Committee. Manor.

October 1999 31 The Taxonomy of Cultivated Plants Third International Symposium Lynn R. Batdorf

Proceedings of this symposium were Liverpool, England, on the impor­ generally not representative of the developed from notes by a partic­ tance of living collections for tax­ taxon. ipant. His participation was partially onomy and nomenclature. The The preservation and use of plant supported by the ABS. second, by Dr. Tom Hazekamp of the germplasm begins with exploration International Plant Genetic Resources and collecting. This requires an The Third International Sympo­ Institute in Rome, Italy, and Dr. ecographical survey to evaluate and sium on the Taxonomy of Cultivated Guarino of the International Plant determine distribution patterns, Plants was held in Edinburgh, Genetic Resources Institute in ecological preferences, reproductive Scotland, July 20-26, 1998. The Colombia focused on taxonomy and biology and ethnobotany. The symposium was conducted under the the conservation and use of plant identification of field collections is auspices of The International Society genetic resources. Finally, Mr. Martin aided by traditional keys and molecu­ for Horticultural Science. It was Gardner of the Royal Botanic Garden, . lar analysis. After collection, condi­ organized by the Horticultural Edinburgh, in Scotland, spoke on tions such as seed storage, documen­ Taxonomy Group on behalf of the establishing and maintaining ex situ tation parameters of plant evaluation, Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh; conservation collections of conifers. and the available gene pool affect the the Royal Botanic Garden, Kew; and Some scientists believe the taxonomic data that can be obtained. the Royal Horticultural Society. The collections held in botanic gardens Obtaining and managing plant purpose of the symposium was to are responsible for recent advances in information involves establishing and permit discussion and interaction systematics that would not otherwise maintaining core collections with among plant taxonomists, national have been possible. That is, serious documented plants. The Plant Genetic collection holders, international molecular studies and research on Resources Network aids in this registration authorities, and experts in chromosome counts require live process by providing a net~ork to the areas of plant breeder rights, plants. Chromosome counts on living exchange and compile information in intellectual property rights and plants have led to many discoveries. a central database. databases for managing plant infor­ Diagnostic trichomes are often not The living plant collections in mation. present in processed plants that have public gardens and arboreta are An additional purpose of the been mounted on herbarium sheets. underutilized by researchers. Only symposium was to present and Trichomes are present in live plants, about 10% of these plants are used in discuss new techniques, share and they have led to important any research program. Conserving information and concerns on an discoveries. and researching wild collected plants international level. Other scientists find that the in these institutions is vital in today's The symposium was divided into inherent weakness of live collections society. For example, 52% of conifers two parts: the presentation of papers in botanic gardens make the collec­ in the wild are threatened. Competi­ and the display of posters. The tions unsuitable. In general, live tion among conifers, fires, and presentations were divided into ten plants from botanic gardens and grazing by goats, especially in the sessions. A summary of the major arboreta are lacking in availability or Mediterranean Area are responsible topics discussed in the ten sessions lack proper labeling. Poorly or for some of the threats. follows. undocumented plants are usually of very little value for scientific study. Session II. Nomenclature in the Session I. Plant and Germplasm In botanic gardens it is the gardener Ornamental Seed Trade Collections or horticulturist who has control of plant growth, not the taxonomist. One presentation was made by Mr. Three presentations were made in Therefore, botanists do not examine Tony Hender, Floranova of Norfolk, this session. The first was by Dr. plants in cultivated conditions. England, discussing "Introduction to Hugh McAllister from The Univer­ Further, the plant or plants are of a the Flower Seed Industry." sity, School of Biological Sciences, very limited popUlation and are The international flower seed

32 October 1999 industry, operating in most countries tional Testing System and its Interac­ Session IV. Registration of Plant of the world, does about 180 million tion with the Naming Process for Names dollars of business at the wholesale New Varieties" was presented by Dr. level. The largest markets are in the Elizabeth Scott of the National This session, of special interest to USA, Europe and Japan. Several Institute of Agricultural Botany, registrars, illustrated registration steps are necessary to make seeds Cambridge, England. procedures in different genera and in available. First, there must be breed­ The aim of UPOV is to recognize different countries. The presentations ers to create new plants. Many genera and protect the rights of breeders and were: "An Overview of Plant Variety of ornamentals have been intensively in particular the limitations that the Rights and National Listing in the bred, especially in the case of pansies, requirements of the public interest UK" by Dr. John Austin of Plant impatiens, petunias and geraniums. may impose on the free exercise of Variety Rights and Seeds Division, Production is the next step, using such rights. England; "Cultivar Registration for plants that are hand pollinated or The members of UPOV represent Statutory and Non-Statutory Purposes open pollinated. Distribution of seed 37 countries with membership in South Africa" by Mrs. Joan Sadie to various markets is the final step. pending for 11 more countries, of the Directorate Plant and Quality There are numerous and rapid mostly in Europe. UPOV grants Control, South Africa; "Cultivar changes occurring in propagation rights to the breeder, thus giving the Development and Registration in techniques. These require new breeder exclusive rights over the Australia" by Mr. lain Dawson of the techniques for labeling and maintain­ production and sale of seeds and Australian National Botanic Gardens, ing the proper naming of the species plants of the protected variety, Australia; "Compiling, Maintenance and cultivars during propagation. hybrids derived from the variety and and Identification of Bougainvillea essentially derived varieties. The Cultivars" by Dr. Brijendra Singh of Session III.Jnternational Property objective 'of this right is to enable the the Indian Agriculture Research Rights and Plants breeder to collect compensation and Institute, India; "Rose Registration: organize an optimal exploitation of Cultivar Names, Code Names and The third session presented a the variety. The protected plant must Selling Names" by Professor lively debate on a variety of topics by be distinct from other varieties. Malcolm Manners of Florida South­ some world-renowned experts. "Plant All tubers and plants that are ern College, Florida. Variety Protection and Variety sexually reproduced, including Fl Many systems for plant variety Denominations under the UPOV hybrids, but excluding fungi and rights are based on the International Convention (this French acronym bacteria, are protected by UPOV. Convention for the Protection of New translates to: International Protection There has been a marked increase in Varieties. It is possible to obtain plant for Union of New Plants)" were plant protection. For example, the breeder rights for all varieties, presented by Dr. Andre Heitz, United States joined the UPOV whereas the National Listing covers Director of UPOV, Geneva, Switzer­ Convention in November 1981. Prior only important agricultural and land. "Plant Variety Protection in the to that time, the Plant Variety Protec­ vegetable crops. The requirements for USA" was outlined by Mrs. Janice tion Office received 200 to 300 National Listing apply to the Euro­ Strachan, Examiner of the Plant applications. Since 1981, the Plant pean Community (EC) Council Variety Protection Office, U.S. Variety Protection Office processes Directives on the Common Cata­ Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, 400 applications annually. An logues. Plants must establish them­ Maryland. "Adoption, Use and examination of the applications selves as distinct, uniform, and stable Maintenance of Trademarks for shows that 75% are for agricultural for the breeder to obtain plant Marketing Plant Material" was crops, 20% for vegetables, and 4% breeders rights. To obtain National presented by Mr. Albert Tramposch for ornamentals. Listing, a variety must also be shown from the World Property Organiza­ Information necessary to complete to have value for cultivation. To sell tion, Switzerland. "Trademark Rights, the application includes: a breeding seed in the European Community, it a Sometimes Overlooked Tool for history, distinctiveness statement, must be on the National List or in the Plant Variety arid Marketing Protec­ objective description, and basis of EC Common Catalogues. tion", were discussed by Mr. Vincent ownership. To verify seed germina­ Both the National List and the Gioia of Christie, Parker & Hale, tion 2,500 seeds are required, of Plant breeder rights have rules on California. "Plant Variety Rights which 85% 'must successfully germi­ naming plants. Most EC members Trials for Ornamentals: the Interna- nate. adopt the UPOV guidelines on

October 1999 33 naming. The EC Common Catalogues from the International Code of through other means. To identify such Directives do not provide naming Botanical Nomenclature. In present­ plants, some believe that a new and guidance. As a result, there are quite a ing a tentative classification system, it separate designation may be neces­ few difficulties in these various was demonstrated that cultivar groups sary. A cultigen would be a plant that rulings. To remedy this, voluntary are culta, not taxa. For example, there arises in some way by human inter­ rules on naming were developed by an are vegetable groups (i.e., Brassica) vention (species, i.e., maize, oats, EC Working Group and the Commu­ with subspecies, covarieties, and lettuce) and through hybrid species. nity Plant Variety Rights Office in varieties that are better served by Conversely, indigens are those 1997. group names. If this new cultonomic discovered in the wild. However, There are many techniques for system were accepted, it must then be transferring cultigens from the classifying cultivars. Morphological linked with the traditional taxonomic Botanical Code to the Cultivated characteristics such as leaf shape, size classification system. Cultivars have Plant Code, is not possible. Cultigens and variability in leaf color and flower been confused with form and variety. do not clearly equate to the concept of (or bracts) characteristics such as It was proposed that the new culton culton. This is partly due to the fact single, multibracted and variegated system would stop this confusion. that taxa are arranged hierarchically may be used. Other approaches such Name confusion would also be and culta are not. The culta concept is as pollen variability hold great reduced by allowing users to access omitted from most taxonomic works. promise. cultivar names by International When present, culta are generally Registration Authorities through the filed in the back of the herbarium in Session V. Principles of Cultivated Internet. separate folders. Plant Classification Scientific discoveries and the Session VI. The Cultivar - subsequent dissemination of informa­ Modifying the guidelines for Definition and Recognition tion have permitted DNA-sequenced classifying plants has been an on­ plants to be listed on the Internet. going process. Discussion on this Again, in an effort to classify DNA sequencing is becoming less topic was continued with presenta­ plants, this approach focuses on using expensive and faster to perform. The tions by: Dr. Wilbert Hettcrscheid of various plant characteristics to cost is about £50 (c. US $80). There the Vaste Keurings Commissie in The establish the most appropriate are several advantages: large quanti­ Netherlands, "The Netherlands on classification scheme. There were ties of data are gathered, homology is Stability Through the Culton Con­ three presentations. The first, "Culti­ assured by sequencing specific gene cept"; Dr. Ronald vanden Berg of the vated Plants and the Codes - Towards spaces, a large data base of published Wageningen Agricultural University a Resolution of a Demarcation" was sequences becomes available, and in The Netherlands, "The Netherlands given by Dr. Roger Spencer, Royal genes or spacers can be chosen to suit on Cultivar-group Classification"; Botanic Gardens, Melbourne, Austra­ individual requirements. Willem Brandenburg from The lia. The next, "'Inspired Word' or The use of DNA markers offers Netherands on "Crop-weed Com­ 'Pandora's Box': DNA Markers for objectivity, high resolution, repeat­ plexes and the Culton Concept"; Mr. Cultivar Identification and Classifica­ ability, positive identification, and a Niall Green of the Scottish Agricul­ tion" was presented by Dr. Alastair system for classification. However, it tural Science Agency, Scotland on Culham, The University of Reading, may cause difficulties such as failure "Simplification of the Naming and England. Finally, "DUS (Distinct, to determine morphological differ­ Classification of StatuJory Registered Uniform, Stable) Testing of Cultivars ences, expense, inability to classify Cultivars, with Particular Reference to in Poland" was given by Dr. Julia "field" or garden characteristics of a Vegetables"; and Dr. Barbara Borys, Research Centre for Cultivar plant, and inability to use pictures to Pickersgill of The University of Testing, Poland. get DNA. Reading, England on "The Variation Plants that occur by natural DNA discoveries are illustrating and Classification of East African selection are covered under the its usefulness and its future promise. Highland Bananas." International Code of Botanical For example, we have learned that Species are expected to be vari­ Nomenclature (ICBN) while plants Actaea evolved before Cimicifuga able. This variability illustrates created by artificial selection are and that dwarf conifers have viral evolution and as a result, invites name covered under the International Code DNA. changes. One proposal would set up a of Nomenclature for Cultivated new classification system separate Plants. However plants can arise

34 October 1999 Session VII. Databases for been used to produce various cata­ In the next 25 years the world's Collections, Nomenclature and logues and plant lists, some of which population is expected to double. Taxonomy are available on the Internet, by way Also in 25 years, the available of direct transfer from BG-Base agricultural land will be reduced by Management of various types of running at the Royal Botanic Garden, 25%. This presents a great challenge plant information has been made Edinburgh, and the World Conserva­ for technology to produce more food easier and more available through tion Monitoring Centre. To facilitate on less land. Genetic engineering will computer applications. These presen­ its use in the field, BG-Base can be playa major role in addressing this tations focus on a few of the most used in laptop computers and it can important challenge. important databases currently avail­ be hooked up to a bar code reader. A gene modified organism (GMO able: "Nomenclature of World Dozens of arboreta and botanic or GM) can be a plant, bacterium, Economic Plants from the USDA's gardens have developed their own virus or animal which expresses a (United States Department of Agri­ systems to manage their living and characteristic that has been altered culture) GRIN (Germplasm Re­ herbarium collections. Unfortunately, using molecular methods rather than sources Information Network) these different systems are not able to traditional breeding methods. There Database" by Dr. John Wiersema of share information with one another. are many GMO plants, including the Beltsville Agricultural Research For example, the Q-Collector, tomatoes and soybeans, that will soon Center, Maryland; "Q-Collector: developed by the Royal Botanic be registered. Development of a Portable Database Garden, Kew, is not compatible with The symposium participants had a for Expeditions by the Royal Botanic BG-Base. long and spirited discussion on the Gardens, Kew" by Mr. Chris Clennett perceived risks and benefits associ­ of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Session VIII. Modern Techniques ated with this new technology. The England; "Agricultural Biodiversity: in Breeding and Taxonomy benefits include high yield, disease A Database for Checklists of Culti­ resistance, or improved flavor vated Plant Species" by Dr. Helmut New techniques and scientific characteristics that can be attained in Kniipffer, Institut fur Pflanzengentik discoveries permit new opportunities. a relatively short period of time. iind Kulturpflanzenforschung, Evaluating their benefit and their best Concerns include producing varieties Germany; "Think Globally, Act application to plant science was the containing unexpected or harmful Locally: Using BG-Base to Manage challenge for the speakers in this toxins, increasing weed resistance to Collections Data in an International session. The presentations were: herbicides, and the potential for Context" by Dr. Kerry Walter of the "DNA Fingerprinting of Cereal bacteria to develop antibiotic resis­ Royal Botanic Gardens, Edinburgh, Cultivars for Intellectual Property tance by way of gene transfer from Scotland; and finally, "Reconciling Rights Protection" by Dr. Bernard ingesting GMO food. Good Taxonomic Practice with the Baum of Eastern Cereal and Oilseed Interests of Gardeners" by Dr. Simon Research Centre, Ontario, Canada; Session IX. Case Studies in the Thornton-Wood of The Royal "Molecular Markers for Characteriza­ Taxonomy of Cultivated Plants Horticultural Society, England. tion and Identification of Genebank BG-Base was designed specifi­ Holdings" by Dr. Konrad Bachmann By looking at individual plant cally for collection holders and is of the Institut fur Pflanzengentik und groups, solutions to other or larger \ now widely used around the world. It Kulturpflanzenforschung, Germany; problems can often be examined. The can manage a tremendous variety of "New Approaches to the Taxonomy following case studies were made: information including taxonomy, of Saintpaulia and Streptocarpus" by "Cultivars of Quercus cerris x Q. nomenclature, geography, bibliogra­ Dr. Michael Moller of the Royal suber: the Lucombe oak and DNA phy, images, verification, wild Botanic Garden, Edinburgh, Scotland; Microsatellites" by Ms. Anne collections, phenology, propagation, "Classification of Cultivated Plovanich-Jones of Michigan State horticultural treatments, special Cephalotaxus Species Based on University, Michigan; "Fundamental characteristics, gene sequence, seed rbcL" by Mr. Donglin Zhang of the Taxonomic Problems in and Arising bank, and herbarium specimen loans. University of Maine; and "Geneti­ from the Genus Helleborus" by Mr. While each institution using BG-Base cally Modified Crops: Current Status" Will McLewin of Phedar Nursery, is responsible for managing its own by Dr. Wendy Cooper of the National Cheshire, England; "Complexities in data, all sites are compatible with one Institute of Agricultural Botany, the Infraspecific Nomenclature of another. As an example, data has Cambridge, England. Buxus" by Mr. Lynn Batdorf of the

October 1999 35 u.s. National Arboretum, Washing­ a result of providing information provided many pointed examples ton, D.C.; "The Lantana camara through the Internet would assist in where Japanese flora have greatly (Verbenaceae) Complex in KwaZulu­ reducing the occurrence of synonyms. enriched gardens throughout the Natal, South Africa" by Professor world. Ch(\rIes Stirton of The National Session X. Special Lecture Botanic Garden of Wales, Wales; and Glossary: "Cultivar Groups in Japanese Cedar, The final session was presented Cryptomeria japonica" by Dr. Paul for the learning pleasure of the Core collection - the primary collec­ Fantz of the North Carolina State participants. It was a very special tion of plants, void of its support­ University, North Carolina. treat to hear this keynote address ing documentation or any second­ All presenters focused on what given by Professor William Steam ary plant collections. became a central theme for this who was the Senior Principal Scien­ Cultigen - a plant known only in session; identification, classification tific Officer at the Department of cultivation with no determined and documentation. These issues arise Botany, British Museum of Natural nativity. from numerous cultivars described by History, in London, England. He has Culton/culta - a group of cultivated their morphological characteristics received several honorary doctorates plants. that cannot be relied upon for clear and many other prestigious awards Ecographical - the physical factors of identification. For example, origi­ and honors. He has authored more a habitat. nally-named cultivars being propa­ than 360 publications, one of which Ex situ - out of its normal place. gated in the nursery industry may end includes the standard comprehensive Phyllogenetic - relating to the up with incorrect names. Possible guide used around the world, Botani­ development of leaves. solutions include more emphasis on cal Latin. Trichomes - any hair-like structure on phyllogenetic criteria and phenologic Professor William Steam de­ the leaf surface characteristics at the genus level, and lighted the participants in the sympo­ at the species level, giving much sium with his presentation entitled: Mr. Batdolf i~ International Regis­ more weight to provenance and more "Introduction of Plants from Japan tration Authority for Buxus and an attention to homogeneity or the lack into European Gardens." It was officer of the ABS. of it in wild populations. Improved Professor Steam's goal to present 300 communication between international years of plant exploration history in registration authorities and growers as 30 minutes. This very enjoyable talk

Boxwood in America and The ABS Tom Saunders

Excerpted from a talk given before plants of Buxus sempervirens bers became the active nucleus of the the European Boxwood and Topiary 'Suffruticosa' were losing these new association. The headquarters Society (EBTS) on Saturday, June 12, beautiful specimens and hedges to an were established at the University of 1999. unidentified problem. Portions of the Virginia's Orland E. White Arbore­ plants would slowly tum straw­ tum, located at BIandy Farm in the Today I'd like to spend a few colored and then die, soon followed beautiful Shenandoah Valley of minutes telling you~ all about The by the total loss of color and life of Virginia. The Arboretum has since American Boxwood Society, about the entire plant. Concern about this become the State Arboretum of boxwood in America, and about our decline of old and long-established Virginia. A Constitution for the family nursery located in central plants brought together a group of Society was adopted in 1962 and non­ Virginia. I'll start by telling the story amateur and professional boxwood profit status with tax exemption was behind The American Boxwood enthusiasts who contacted friends and enacted in 1968. Society (ABS). colleagues to attend an organizing In America, for some strange In the late 1950s and early 1960s, meeting in May 1961, out of which reason, "American Boxwood" and many gardens in Northern Virginia grew The American Boxwood "English Boxwood" have become the which contained large, billowing old Society. One hundred charter mem- commonly-used names for Buxus

36 October 1999 sempervirens and Buxus sempervirens has helped boxwood growers world­ also talk about boxwood in America. 'Suffruticosa', respectively, by both wide is the book, Boxwood Its Our nursery beginning was in 1947 gardeners and nurserymen. The History. Cultivation. Propagation and when my father, Paul M. Saunders, progressive dying off of old plants Descriptions by P. D. Larson. It was started rooting boxwood as a 4-H seemed to affect ONLY printed in 1996. project. Propagating "English" 'Suffruticosa' , and therefore the Beginning in 1977, the Society boxwood at an early age to later field problem or disease became known as undertook two new types of activities, plant the liners created an interest in "English" Boxwood Decline. It was the organizing of boxwood work­ Buxus for Dad that has only grown the urgent need to identify the cause shops in different areas of Virginia, with time. Early crops paid for his of this widespread disaster which and planning boxwood tours. These first car and Mom's diamond engage­ gave the new Boxwood Society its programs proved extremely popular ment ring. Growth took place in impetus. and have been effective ways to several directions early. The nursery The Society's mission was defined spread knowledge about boxwood expanded rapidly and because of a as education in the fields of boxwood care and offer attractive locations record flood in 1969 our field produc­ history, care and culture. One of the where boxwood can be seen. tion changed quickly to container early projects was the financial The formation of two other groups production. In addition, the family support of graduate study at Virginia devoted to the study of boxwood have grew quickly with the birth of seven Tech into the causes and possible demonstrated the continuing and sons; naturally, there was never a cures for English Boxwood Decline. lasting interest in this outstanding labor shortage. From Dad's 4-H Club As part of its educational mission, plant: The Boxwood Society of the beginning, Saunders Brothers Inc. in 1961 the Society began to publish a Midwest, formed in St. Louis, today produces in excess of one quarterly journal, The Boxwood Missouri, in 1977 and your own million plants annually in the scenic Bulletin. An_Advisory Board was European Boxwood and Topiary Blue Ridge Mountains of Central appointed with many distinguished Society, with its very broad represen­ Virginia. Other major crops produced botanists and scientists, men who tation, both geographically and by the company are peaches (includ­ contributed greatly to the breadth and horticulturally. After the passage of ing some of the new white flesh high interest of information to be shared the many centuries when boxwood sugar varieties) and apples from New with Society members. An Editor was has flourished and been admired, it is Zealand such as 'Fuji' and 'Gala'. named for The Bulletin and it contin­ reassuring to realize that its fascina­ High density production of these ues to provide scientific and cultural tion continues to draw new gardeners crops takes place on 150 acres. information for boxwood growers. to add its distinctive presence to their Still active in the business, my In later years The American surroundings. father is current President of Saunders Boxwood Society was chosen to be Our Society has a very active Bros., Inc. He is extremely active the International Registration Author­ research committee, chaired by Dr. coordinating the National Boxwood ity for Buxus by the International Henry Frierson, with major funding Trials at arboreta and universities Society for Horticultural Sciences. generated by a plant auction held at across the eastern United States. In Publications printe~ by the Society the annual meeting. Donated plant addition to him, there are five sons, a also include four editions of the material netted the Society more than daughter-in-law, and a French­ Boxwood Buyer's Guide, listing $3500 at the auction held last month Canadian brother in the business, nurseries which grow or market box. in RichIJ?ond, Virginia. The garden each responsible for a different phase The first authoritative book covering tours held on the final day of the of the diverse operation. I'm the all phases of boxwood information, conference still rank as one of the oldest son at Saunders Brothers and history, care, pests and diseases, The highlights for all attendees. Undoubt­ serve as nursery production manager, Boxwood Handbook, appeared in edly, the society's success has been with specific responsibility of woody 1995, followed by a revised edition in due to the unselfish work of individu­ plant production. 1998. A Manual of Boxwood is now als such as Decca Frackelton and At present, we have over 275 in preparation. All of these publica­ Joan Butler, both of whom were overwintering houses on 60+ acres. tions are the result of the dedicated recognized at our recent annual Still specializing in Buxus production, efforts of Mr. Lynn R. Batdorf, meeting. we currently list 15 cultivars that are Curator of Buxus at the U.S. National marketed throughout the northeast Arboretum in Washington, DC. At this time, I'd like to give you a United States. Some of the major Another excellent publication which brief tour of Saunders Bros., Inc., and cultivars produced are:

October 1999 37 .~English .. (which is still our number In an attempt to extend our field supervisor to provide cool down one boxwood cultivar), B. sinica var. market, my brother, Robert, decided irrigation as well as the complete insularis, 'Elegantissima (which is we should produce Dwarf Alberta night watering. Any plants that need outstanding when used with red Spruce in a red pot for the Christmas to be sprayed or have their irrigation fruited winterberry and/or other holiday season. Another brother, time changed can be done in minutes. contrasting foliaged plants in winter), Sam, designed a perennial tag to use The computer can compute vertical and 'Justin Brouwers', a seedling in a locking tag pot to offer the inches of water applied, total number discovered in Williamsburg, Virginia consumer more knowledge for their of gallons to be used, and can change that is rapidly gaining popularity as new gardening treasure. Additional box start and stop times to fulfill any an edging plant or as a landscape new products in recent years include work to be performed. specimen. Also, 'Graham Blandy' has hanging baskets, and color bowls. Orders for plants are loaded onto gained more notoriety as an upright All of our plants are grown in a four-wheel tracking wagons and soon cultivar along with another plant, soilless media that often is purchased after conveyed onto trailers for 'Dee Runk' which has a more with slow release fertilizer added immediate delivery. We ship into 10 pyramidal habit. A final cultivar, before it is delivered. Pots are filled states with the majority of our 'Green Beauty', has been a big hit for by hand by piece rate and then liners product going to large landscaping us as either a specimen plant or as an are planted directly into the container. firms and garden centers. The busiest edging cultivar. The secret to all the An occasional pruning is often season is spring but recently plants new cultivars is how well we can needed to keep plants in bounds. To such as pansies have kept even the jointly sell them to the public. Some eliminate some manual labor, we short kids busy for the better part of good media releases regarding "life chemically prune all azaleas with a the late fall season. after boxwood decline" should product called Off-Shoot 0 to create Overwintering plants grown educate the consumer to the different plants denser and less labor intensive. outside is accomplished simply by growth habits, foliage colors and uses Containers that do have fertilizer laying white plastic and shade fabric of these non-"English" and "Ameri­ added to the media are topdressed by directly over the plants. Sealing the can" cultivars. No landscape is the hand once the liners are set. To edges with mulch prevents the winter same without them. maximize growth, soluble salts winds from blowing the covers off. In addition to boxwood, Saunders checks are made on a weekly basis Uncovering yields plants greener than Brothers produces over 30 cultivars during the growing season. If levels those that have been exposed all of azaleas, including a variegated are low, liquid fertilizer is injected as winter long. A plastic roller allows us evergreen one we discovered and a supplement. to get multiple years out of a single named after my daughter, Christi To keep plants clean of weeds, roll of polyethylene. Lyn, who was revived after being granular herbicides are applied on all Experience has taught us a lot over pulled out of a swimming pool at 2 woody crops on three-month inter­ the years, but we still have a long way years of age unconscious and without vals. For the weeds that come up in to go. We welcome your visit and a pulse. Tissue cultured rhododen­ other areas, Roundup is applied to your suggestions that can make us a drons, including one from Japan prevent any weed from going to seed. better business. We can be reached at named 'Yaku Princess', hollies, Insecticides and fungicides are also 2498 Tye Brook Hwy., Piney River, Nandina, and flowering shrubs such applied on regular intervals to have VA. 22964 or (804)277-5455. as Buddleia, Hydrangea, and the cleanest product possible. Caryopteris are some of the plants we For water pathogens, we chlori­ Mr. Saunders is President of the ABS. produce in our Z0!le 6 nursery. nate our water always. Fortunately, Colorful conifers including Junipers, clean water is available for irrigation Arborvitae, Leyland cypress, purposes from the local Tye River. It, Chamaecyparis, spruce, and Cryp­ as well as the runoff water, is moni­ tome ria are produced. In recent years, tored regularly. A number of ponds New E-mail Address: Hosta and Liriope production has allow us to recapture most of our escalated as well as the large number runoff and re-use it for irrigation The e-mail address for Mr. -Lynn of perennials for both sun and shade. purposes. Rainbird irrigation time Batdorf, International Registration To sum up recent production changes, clocks are the means by which most Authority for Buxus, has changed. It we're looking for color as we alter of our water controlling is handled. A is now: our product lines. computer generated schedule allows a batdorfl @ars.usna.gov

38 October 1999 CORRESPONDENCE

Boxwood in England

In 1997, David G. Frackelton, Jr., dutifully took pictures of boxwood when in England at Brasenose College, Oxford, and forwarded them to his grandmother, Decca G. Frackelton, a Director of the ABS. He was there studying military history under a Woodberry Forest School (Madison County, Va.) summer program. Among the places visited on their study excursions were Sulgrave Manor, the ancestral home of the Washington family and Blenheim Palace acquired by the Duke of Marlborough through his benefactor, Queen Anne, following the 1704 Below the water garden, clipped boxwood and yews overlook the river at Battle of Blenheim. Blenheim Palace.

A "parterre de broderie" garden at Blenheim Palace. enclosed with clipped boxwood hedges of varying heights. (Photos: David G. Frackelton. Jr.)

October 1999 39 Sulgrave Manor with a pair of animal topiaries at the comers of the entrance walk.

Four knot gardens of boxwood edging with grey Santolina At Sulgrave Manor a section of the main garden had and various herbs were the center attraction of one of the boxwood parterres planted with perennials or roses in the side gardens at Sulgrave manor. parterres surrounding the center bed of lavender. Neatly edged turf paths separated the parterres.

40 October 1999 NOTICES

Annual Meeting Board Thanks Annual Comments Meeting Participants In Memoriam

ABS President Thomas Saunders Congratulations to Katherine Mrs. Charlotte Ballard asked the attendees at the ABS Ward for a well-planned and well­ Member since 1982 Annual Meeting to send in comments executed meeting. regarding that meeting and sugges­ Thanks to all who helped in Mrs. Richard C. Plater, Jr.* tions for future meetings. Replies various ways to make the Annual Charter Member received included the following: Meeting such a success. "Appreciate the opportunity to Grateful thanks to Mr. K. Lee renew friendships at the Annual Hahn who brought the plants which *Note: Mrs. Plater took a great Meetings" Mr. Charles Hildebrant donated to the interest in the boxwood at their home, "Grateful for the effort of those Auction. the Play Garden, in Clarke County, who plan the events" "Beyond the call of duty," he also Virginia, where she entertained the "Thought the extra day provided a returned to Virginia to deliver two ABS upon occasion. She rooted beneficial diversity in the program gift plants of 'Appalachian Pyramid' boxwood from many of her travels content (soils, annuals, perennials, which Mr. Hildebrant donated to the and from the collection at Biandy. Japanese maples)." ABS Memorial Garden, plus an In 1970, she presented to Decca G. "The evening cruise was an additional order of the same plant. Frackelton an 8-year-old specimen of enjoyable social event." Mr. Hahn had been unable to Buxus microphyUa 'Compacta' which "At Agecroft, especially enjoyed deliver these to the Annual Meeting she had grown from a cutting taken at the quiet and restful formality of the because of lack of space. Biandy. sunken garden, the herb knot garden and wattle fences." "My personal favorite garden was Mr. Reed' s varied gardens, especially the circular bed of blue and yellow pansies accentuated by a center statue of a girl with a bird which said "Wow!" to me. (Paul Saunders had said during his lecture that there should be a "Wow" plant or focal point to every garden.) "Just a little note of thanks especially to you for a very enjoyable meeting. We had a very interesting and nice time." Another took the time to stop by and comment on the program which was indeed a compliment to us, showing such interest in the organiza­ tion.

Mrs. Plater's Buxus microphylla .Compacta ' at 37 years is 14" high and 26" wide.

October 1999 41 NEWS OF THE SOCIETY

Minutes of the Fall Board Meeting

The fall meeting of the Governing nent quarters in Winchester sometime the garden looked surprisingly well in Board of The American Boxwood in October, which will have hook-ups spite of the drought, especially the Society was held on Wednesday, for all her needs as well as Internet 'Morris Midget' plants in the two September 8, 1999, at the Western access. new parterres. Mrs. Frackelton passed Sizzler Restaurant in Waynesboro, Budget Committee Report: Mr. around a snapshot of the new sign for Virginia. In attendance were Thomas Fooks requested that all budget the Memorial Garden which was done Saunders, President, Charles T. matters be sent to him or Mrs. Ward. according to the designs for all other Fooks, First Vice-President, Dr. Boxwood Memorial Garden: signs at B1andy. Henry F. Frierson, Second Vice­ Mrs. Butler reported that cash Registrar's Report: Mr. Batdorf President, Katherine D. Ward, donations which were received in reported on the progress of the fifth Executive Treasurer, Sigrid G. memory of Ralph E. Smith will be edition of the Boxwood Buyer's Harriman, Secretary, Lynn R. used to finance the information panel Guide. He hopes to have the last Batdorf, Registrar, and the following on Boxwood at the Information Booth revision done within a short time. The directors: John W. Boyd III, Scot at the entrance to the Orlando E. Buyer's Guide should be out later this Butler, Decca Frackelton, Richard D. White Arboretum at B1andy. Mrs. year. It lists a total of 332 sources for Mahone, Dr. Gary Richardson, Ian Butler passed out a draft design for a number of boxwood cultivars. Robertson, Clyde Weber. Joan Butler comments during her report. She said Following the Registrar' s report, was present in her capacity as liaison that in addition to the famous box­ Mr. Saunders reported that on July to the Orland E. White Arboretum wood sprig drawing there will be 20, 1999, he sent a letter to the reporting on the ABS Memorial some photographs of the garden. Mrs. director of the National Arboretum in Garden at Blandy. Absent were Dr. Butler also reported that the plants in Washington, to determine the status Michael Bowers, James Saunders and Steve Zapton. The meeting was called to order at I :00 p.m. by the President, who thanked Katherine Ward for organiz­ ing the successful 1999 Annual ABS meeting in Richmond. Thank-you letters were sent to all speakers as well as the July issue of The Boxwood Bulletin which summarized the meeting. The minutes of the Spring Board Meeting, May 20, 1999, issued in The Boxwood Bulletin vol.39, no. 1, p.21, were approved with one modification. Inadvertently Katherine Ward was listed as Secretary. It should have read Sigrid Harriman. Treasurer's Report: Mrs. Ward presented the Treasurer's report showing a balance in checkbook of $17,413.06 which includes the special funds. She also reported on the "Handbook" sales and stated that a good supply is still on hand. Mrs. New sign at the entrance to the ABS Memorial Garden, according to the Ward expects to move to her perma- approved design/or all signs at Blandy. (Photo: Decca Frackelton)

42 October 1999 of the ABS' donation of a $1,935 in andMr. Saunders supplied many Long on the restoration of the Paca 1996 for a new sign at the National photographs. Mrs. Frackelton will Gardens; Lynn Batdorf on boxwood Boxwood Collection. Mr. Elias, the select photographs illustrating the cultivars; and Chas. Rosdale on the National Arboretum's director, report. use of boxwood for bonsai. Dr. responded promptly by saying that DNA Study on Cuban Box­ Richardson plans touring two country they have finalized their new signs for woods: Dr. Frierson reported briefly gardens and some town gardens for the entire Arboretum and hope that on the DNA work conducted by one the 3rd of June. the signs will be in place this autumn of Dr. Koehler's students, Maria Year 2001 Annual Meeting: This or winter. Landgraf. It is a complex study meeting will be held at Blandy to Boxwood Bulletin and Member­ because the variability between DNA commemorate the 40th anniversary ship Report: Mrs. Frackelton makeup in different boxwood variet­ celebration of the ABS. Mrs. Butler reported that the August 1999 mem­ ies nay be not very great. It also reported that she was approached by bership was 627, some 1998 members seems that the Buxaceae family is someone at Herronwood (the former have not yet paid their dues. Seven very close to the base of the plant home of Admiral Phillips, who served new members were registered. Some system. as President for many years), located of the new members were the result of Recently Dr. Koehler spent six near Upperville in Virginia. She was the American Nurserymen's mailing weeks in Cuba and found some Buxus able to suggest someone who can take list. Articles in magazines and The that he had not seen in the wild care of the boxwood. No chairman New York Times usually result in new including one new one. He is plan­ for the 2001 meeting has been memberships. ning another trip early next year. Dr. appointed at this writing. Mrs. Frackelton repeated her plea Frierson would like to accompany Gift Plants: Mr. Weber was for contributions to The Boxwood him on this next trip if he is legally chosen to find gift plant donors for Bulletin, and informed the governing able to enter the country. the next three annual meetings. board that 1,000 copies are printed of Dr. Frierson reported that Mac Copies of a list containing year, each issue. Earlier issues are stored at Griswold, who is doing work at cultivar, and donor of former gift Blandy and at Mrs. Frackelton's Sylvester Manor on Shelter Island, plants were distributed. The list will house to supply requests for back New York, called for information to be kept up to date by the secretary. issues. contact Dr. Koehler. She is a garden Mr. Fooks offered to supply 'Curly Nominating Committee Report: historian and ABS member, who is Locks' for 2000. John Boyd is to Mr. Weber had no report from the applying for a grant from the National accept auction plants for each annual Nominating Committee at this time. Endowment for the Humanities to meeting and to continue being the He then proceeded to layout his ideas support archeology work at Sylvester auctioneer. for a procedure of recognition, Manor, believed to be the location of Spring 2000 Boxwood Garden potential recipients, and manner of the first boxwoods brought to this Tour: A boxwood garden tour in nomination. He distributed copies of country after the New York site was Georgia is plann~d for April 10-14, his draft for comments. settled in 1651. 2000. Mrs. Ward informed all that the Planning for 2000 Annual bus transportation for the trip and Other Business Meeting: Dr. Richardson presented tours (10 112 hours one way) will cost Report on European Boxwood an outline for the next Annual $125.00. She is awaiting final plans and Topiary Society Meeting: Dr. meeting of ABS. It will be held June from Mr. Chance Whitaker and will Frierson and Mr. Saunders went to 1-3,2000, in Annapolis, Maryland. have more information at the winter England to attend the semi-annual The board will meet on the afternoon board meeting. meeting of the society. The meeting, ofJune 1. Next Board Meeting: The next according to Dr. Frierson was struc­ The Wyndham Hotel off Route 50 Board meeting will be in tured much like the Annual ABS can accommodate participants, Charlottesville on January 14,2000. meeting with tours of gardens and a provide box lunches and has meeting Exact time and place will be an­ boxwood and topiary auction. Ap~ rooms available. Some of the speak- . nounced in early January. proximately 60 members attended. ers will be Mr. Paul Saunders to The meeting adjourned at 3:45 Their second issue of Topiarius has report on his ongoing boxwood p.m. just been published. Frierson pre­ evaluation project; Stratton Semmes, pared a report for publication in the landscape architect, on the use of Sigrid Georg;; Harriman next issue of The Boxwood Bulletin boxwood in small gardens; Karen Secretary

October 1999 43