December 1994 $2.95

NATURAL LANDSCAPES COTTAGE GARDENS, USA AHONEY Of AHOBBY Two Special Offers from AHS!

1995 Natural Garden Calendar by Ken Druse

The calendar is 12" X; 12" and includes full­ color photographs throughout. AHS members pay just $7.15 for one calendar (retail price, $8.95), plus; $1.50 shipping and handling. Each additional, caiendar is only $7, postage paid. Virginia residents, please add 41i,;!% sales tax.

AHS Children's Garden Poster

FOR ALL YOUNG AND YQUNG-AT-HEARl' GARDENERs.-a beautifw,l, whimsical full-color, rn.useum~ quaLity poster of <1The Froggy Pond Gard@n." Reminiscent of the beloved children's classic: The Wind in the Willows, the garden is one of 12 ohifdren's gardens developed at River Farm. This 18" x 24" postier is a g1'eat gift idea for chlldren.ot adultS. All proceeds help fund the 1995 A'MS NationaL Youth Gardening Symposium.

AHS member price: $7 (retail pric@, $10), pllJ.s $250 shipping and handling. Two or rome posters: $5 eacN, plus $2.50 shipping and handling. Virginia reSidents, please add 41;2% sales tax.

To Qrder the calendar or poster, sena a check or your MasterCard or VISA account number with expiration date and your signature to: AHS CALENDAR/POSTEB., 7931 East Boulevard Drive, Alexandria, VA 22308-1300. Be sure to include your address and daytime phone number. Or caU toU-free at (800) 777-7931 . Credit card ol'ders must totaZ mone than $10. eric an Horticulturist Volume 73, Number 12 December 1994

ARTICLES

All-American Cottage Gardens by Rand B. Lee and Nancy McDonald ...... 16 Letting English influence rule this style can be taxing. A horticultural tea party is brewing, and not just in Boston.

Natural Inspirations by Richard L. Dube ...... 23 Nature's patterns can guide your landscape design solutions.

What's the Buzz? by Anne Westbrook Dominick ...... 29 Put a hive in the right place, surround it with a few favored plants, and you can have both beauty and the bees.

Knotty But Nice DECEMBER'S COVER by Tovah Martin ...... 3 4 Photographed by Joseph C. Strauch Jr. The gnarled appendages of these geranium relatives make them endearing conversation pieces for windowsills and hanging baskets. In her article beginning on page 29, Anne Westbrook Dominick Intrepid Trio li sts teasel among the many by Joan Hustace Walker ...... 38 plants that attract honey bees. Only three orchid species can call Hawaii their home. Both the commonly kept bees, Apis mellifera, and common teasel, Dipsacus sylvestris, had their origins in Europe. Teasel DEPARTMENTS was brought to the United States by wool manufacturers, who Commentary ...... 4 used the dried seed head to comb the nap of wool cloth, and the Members' Forum ...... 5 species has naturalized widely Offshoots ...... 6 throughout the United States. Growing up to six feet tall, it Gardeners' Information Service ...... 8 ·looks at home in a prairie gar­ den, where its spiky seedheads Natives at Risk ...... 9 remain through winter or can be brought inside to use in dried NawraJ Connections ...... 10 arrangements. Planting the Future ...... 12

Book Reviews ...... 13

Pronwflciation Guide ...... 42.

Classifieds ...... 43

1994 Index ...... 45 American Horticultural Society

The American Horticultural Society seeks to promote and recognize excellence in horticulture COMMENTARY across America.

OFFICERS 1994-1995 Mrs. Sarah S. Boasberg at are the boundaries of horti­ Chairman Washington, D.C. culture? They are sometimes challenged by new members Dr. William E. Barrick W: First Vice Chairman asking why a certain article was in our Pine Mountain, Georgia magazine, why a trip was planned to a spe­ Ms. Katy Moss Warner cific area, or why a certain ad was accept­ Second Vice Chairman ed for our news edition. A little more than Lake Buella Vista, Florida a year ago, the American Horticultural So­ Mr. William A. Pusey ciety clarified its mission statement and Secretary Washington, D.C. goals. Mr. Gerald T. Ha~pin Our mission is to supply informational Treasurer resources within the expanding horizons Alexandria, Virginia of horticulture to foster the principles of the " green ethic." When I entered the field BOARD OF DIRECTORS in the 1950s as a research horticulturist for Dr. Thomas G. Amason Jr. the U.S. Department of Agriculture, our "play book" had remained un­ Birmingham, Alabama changed almost from Victorian times. Few so-called modern principles of Mrs. Nancy H. Callaway agricultural sciences had been applied to ornamental crops. I watched, su­ Pine Mountain, Georgia pervised, and helped create developments that led to primed seed, regulat­ Mr. Paul Ecke Jr. Encinitas, California ed seedlings, controlled flowering and plant size, greater stress and air Dr. John Alex Floyd Jr. pollution resistance, and greater flexibility in transporting and marketing Birmingham, Alabama plants. For each of the dozen or so species we learned to control, others Mrs. Julia D. H(i)bart continued to evade the signals that we tried to send by means of light, tem­ Troy, Ohio perature, chemicals, and nutrition. I watched the emphasis ricochet from Dr. Richard L. Lower annuals to woody plants to foliage plants to perennials to aquatics. Land­ Madison, Wisconsin scape plants, which ranked less than two percent of all crop value in 1975, Mrs. Martyn L. Miller Ashton, Ma.ryland are on their way to becoming the most dominant and profitable segment Mrs. Walter M. Morgan Jr. of U.S. agriculture, expected to provide almost one in every five dollars gen­ Nashville, tennessee erated by crop plants by the year 2000. Mr. William G. Pannill This month's magazine reflects a number of issues we believe should be­ Martinsville, Virginia come a part of everyone's "green ethic." Most of us have memories of some­ Dr. Julia W. Rappaport Santa Ana, Califomia one's cottage garden. This style has ablmdance, variety, and a nearly wild Mr. Geoffrey L. Rausch appearance that can be very deceptive. Pulling it off requires a knowledge Pittsbllfgh, Pennsylvania of space requirements and seasonal changes that would test a Pentagon sup­ Mrs. Jane N. Scarff ply officer. Writers from Michigan and New Mexico tell how they have cre­ New Carlisle, Ohio ated cottage gardens with low-water, disease-resistant plants appropriate Mrs. Josephine M. Shanks to their climates. Houston, Texas Today we are trying to create gardens that complement, rather than dras­ Mr. Emanuel Shemin Greenwi,h, Conneeticut tically alter, nature. Landscape designer Richard Dube tells us how to use Mrs. Sellers J. Thomas Jr. patterns and shapes in nature to gather ideas and solutions for landscap­ Mouston, Texas ing problems. Mr. Robert D. Yolk We learn in another article how to create a happy home for those most so­ San MariAo, California cial of insects, honey bees, offering them nectar and pollen in return for en­ Mr. Monroe Whitton tertainment, pollination of our flowers, and honey subtly scented and Alexandria, Virginia flavored by the plants we provide. Other articles describe efforts to save an endangered Hawaiian orchid­ PRESIDENT one of only three native to the islands-and species pelargoniums, less re­ Dr. H. Marc Cathey fined cousins of the geraniums that color nearly every deck and window box EXECUTIVE VICE PRE~)lDENT in our country. The former raises questions about how many of today's plant Mrs. Helen Fulcher Walutes species will be here for our grandchildren; the latter reminds us of a popu­ lar plant's heritage. H. Marc Cathey, AHS President

4 DECEMBER 1994 American Horticulturist

Editor Kathleen Fisher Assistant Editor MEMBERS' FORUM Terri J. Huck Assistant Editor David J. Ellis Editorial Assistant Nikole Williamson Penstemons in the East gray-green foliage a nd lavender flowers Design Director It was a great pleasure to read Robert and a reliable rock garden plant. Joseph Yacinski Nold's fine article on penstemons ("Pen­ In addition to the well-known P. digital­ Designer stemon H eaven," October), an underap­ is, two other penstemons will tolerate Pam Johnson preciated genus of American wildflowers. moist soil if the drainage is adequate. These Membership Director Here at Green Spring Gardens Park and in are the blue-flowered P. ovatus from the Darlene Oliver other northern Virginia gardens, we have west slope of the Cascade Mountains and Editorial Advisory Board been experimenting with many of the P. tenuis from th e coastal plain of Texas. John Bryan nearly 270 species to determine their cul­ We sti ll have much to learn about the ga r­ Sausa lito, California tural needs in the hot and humid mid-At­ den uses of this interesting genus. Hybridiz­ John Creech lantic states. While most of the eastern ing efforts have been spotty and a good text Hendersonville, North Carolina species can be grown here rather easily, th e on the genus does not exist. Perhaps in the Keith Crotz Chillicothe, Illinois western and Mexican species come from future these deficiencies will be remedied so such diverse environments that it is im­ that more gardeners may enjoy these in­ Panayoti Kelaidis Denver, Colorado portant to determine their specific needs if triguing plants. Don Humphrey Richard Lighty they are to thrive in our gardens. Many of Alexandria, Virginia Greenville, Delaware our failures reflect lack of knowledge. Peter Loewer However, over the past eight years we have For Fuchsia Consideration Asheville, North Carolina had some successes. For several years I have been delighted Elvin McDonald We have found three Mexican species- with your " Pronunciation G uide." Alas, Houston, Texas Penstemon campanulatus, P. kunthii, and when your October issue arrived, it was P. gentianoides-to be easy growers in with asto nishment that I saw your recom- Advertising AHS Advertising Department sunny, well-drained sites. Only the first mended way of pronouncing Fuchsia. I 2300 South Ninth Street, Suite 501 succumbed to our minus 6 degree temper- have always heard FEW-sha. That is the Arlington, VA 22204-2320 atures last winter, but it is easil y grown way my Taylor'S dictionary gives it, al- (703) 892-0733 from seed and will bloom the first year, as though Taylor (a nd I, too, although my Color Separations will many species. opinion does not carry much weight) sug- Heartland Separations, Inc. The beautiful shrubbies from the North- gests an alternative as FUKE-see-a. Maybe west need special treatment, namely a it is pronounced few-SHA somewhere, but Printer William Byrd Press, Inc. cool, lightly shaded site and soil that if so I have never visited that area. drains well but is not too dry. They are Fuchsias take me back to my childhood Back issues of AMERJCAN HORTICULTURIST are choice rock garden plants. Some, howev- when we lived in New Zealand and no gar- available at a cost of $5 per copy. The opinions express­ ed in th e articles that appear in AMERICAN HORTI· er, like P. venustus and P. barrettiae, are den was complete without at least one large CULTURIST arc those of the authors and arc not nec­ large enough to use in borders. fuchsia bush in the yard, frequently hang- essarily those of the Society. Botanical nomenclature in AMERICAN HORTICULTURIST is based on HOR­ Among the wandlike species, the red- ing over the front fence. While walking TUS THIRD. Manuscripts, artwork, and photographs flowered P. barbatus is the easiest, but we home from school we had to stop at every sent for possible publication will be returned if they are accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope. have also had good iuck with the purple- bush and "pop" all the buds. I don't know We cannot guarantee the safe return of unsolicited flowered P. neomexicanus. Many of these if it did them any harm or if they bloomed material. southwestern and high plains ,------, just as well and I guess I will nev- AMERICAN HORTICULTURIST, ISSN 0096-4417, is {he official publication of rhe American Horticultural species flourish and flower dur- er know, because now, in Ohio, Society, 7931 East Boulevard Drive, Alexandria, VA ing the summer rainy season in every fuchsia flower is a treasure 22308·1300, (703) 768·5700, and is iss ued 12 times a year. The American Horticultural Society is a nonprof­ their native environment, making and any "poppers" would find it organization dedicated ro excellence in horticulture. them more amenable to our heat themselves immediately un- Membership in the Society includes a subscription to AMERICAN HORTICULTURJST. National member· and humidity. "pop"-ular. Les ley Reid ship dues are $45; rwo years are $80. Foreign dues are There are good, smaller pen- Mantua, Ohio $60. Copyright © 1994 by the Am"ican Honicultural stemons for full sun and a gritty, well­ Society. Second-class postage paid at Alexandria, Virginia, and at additional mailing offices. Postmaster: drained soil. P. pinifolius is one of the best, No, there is no strange little pocket of the Please send Form 3579 to AMERICAN HORTICUL· a true shrub with small, needlelike foliage nation (as far as we know) that says few­ TURIST, 7931 East Boulevard Drive, Alexandria, VA 22308·1300. and narrow tubular flowers of red and yel­ SHA. Makes you want to say "Gesund­ low. Also from the southwest is P. linari­ heit," doesn't it? Our computer must have Produced in U.S.A. aides, a small-leaved creeper with had a cold that day.

AMERICAN HORTICULTURIST 5 AHS Horticultural Partner Horticultural Sociery of South Florida

AHS President's Council We would like to recognize the (ollowing members (or their generous contributions. Their annual gifts OFFSHOOTS o( $1,000 or more support the Society's many programs.

Alexandria Council of Garden Clubs Mr. and Mrs. Richard C. Angino Azalea Society of America Ms. Suzanne Frutig Bales Mrs. Alfred Bissell Dr. Sherran Blair Mrs. Mary Katherine Blount Mrs. Sarah S. Boasberg Mrs. Elspeth G. Bobbs Col. and Mrs. Kimberly Brabson Mrs. Nancy H. Callaway Canadian Sphagnum Peat Moss Associarion Ms. Susan M. Cargill Dr. and Mrs. H. Marc Cathey Mr. and Mrs. Glen Charles Mrs. Lammot du Pont Copeland Ms. Margery Hale Crane Mrs. James C. Dudley Mrs. W. R. J. Dunn Jr. Paul Ecke Family Dr. John Alex Floyd Jr. Mrs. Richard W Freeman Mrs. Samuel M. V. Hamilton Mrs. Richard W. Hamming Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Harris Mrs. Enid A. Haupt Mrs. Julia DeCa mp Hobart Mr. Claude Hope Mr. Philip Huey Ms. Evelyn F. Jarrett Mark C. Johnson Mrs. Jane Kammerer Mrs. William C. Knox Prayers For Tomatoes By noon, I had painstakingly trans­ Ms. Helen Kovach Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Kulp planted, watered, fed, and spaced them in Mr. David M. Lilly by Glen Tig their beds and applied mulch as a loving Los Angeles Flower Market last touch. Prodded by the warmth of of the American Florists' Exchange ter living for several years in early May, they seemed to grow taller Alfred S. Martin Mrs. Frances B. McAllister Sitka, Alaska, in a rainy climate with each glance across the yard. I was Mr. and Mrs. T. H. McCasland A! bout as well-suited to gardening proud indeed, proud as a goose with new Mrs. Paul Mellon as a swimming pool would be, I returned goslings .. .. Mrs. Pendletoll Miller Mr. Roger Milliken to North Carolina with pent-up cravings Until one afternoon about a week after Mr. and Mrs. Walter M. Morgan for the fruits of a southern summer. planting, when I pulled into my drive and, Ms. Carol Morrison On my first day back I met my new from a distance, saw no sign of my 20 lit- Mr. William G. Pannill neighbor, Jonathan, who explained that tle champions. Stopping the car abruptly, Mrs. Patricia Pierce Mr. and Mrs. William A. Pusey he would be six years old in just two more I ran to investigate the crisis without find- Dr. Julia W. Rappaport months. We immediately began work on ing even a trace of a tomato plant-no Red Hill Gan;ien Club my garden. Jonathan supervised as I tilled broken stems left by nibbling rabbits, no Mr. Henry A. RisseHo Mrs. Jane N. Scarff the beds, blending cow manure ~[Vl----Ji2--~ wilted remains from heat stress, Mrs. Rex Shanks Jr. and leaves into the rich, dark ~. 'J/ no tracks from large game, noth- Mrs. Peter Spalding redness. ing. Stunned, bewildered, in Miss Jane Steffey Mrs. Emily J. Stolz On my Saturday morning pil- shock, I stumbled from row to Margaret Dorrance Srrawbridge Foundation grimage to the local fa rmers ' ~,~~ -../4,_ row. The peppers, too, were Mrs. Sue W. Sumner market I filled my basket with ~ ~_ missing. And each and every Mrs. Sellers J. Thomas Jr. tender young starts: banana pep- basil plant had vanished. Clear- Mrs. Harry J. Van de Kamp Ms. Katy Moss Warner pers, green bells, curly parsley, sweet basil. ly, I had been vandalized. Mrs. Marillyn B. Wilson Tomato plants by the thousands smiled To Jonatha n and his mother, I must and waved, some raucous, some coy, yet have appeared quite the spectacle, a dazed AHS Affiliate everyone pleaded for attention. Could 20 neighbor floundering in rage. When I of them compensate for my tomato less drove up, they were squirting each other Master Gardeners International Corporarion summers in Sitka? with the watet hose, squealing with happy

6 DECEMBER 1994 giggles. Now they stood close bes ide each " Oh, how sad those plants look," I have dry roots. And I'm gonna take real other, eyeing me in silence. sa id. "It's good that you're here now to good care of you now and water you every " Something really weird has ha p­ help out so we can try to save them before day and help you get better." Humility pened," I ye ll ed across the ya rd. "My gar­ it's too late." Jonatha n a nd hi s mother overtoo k me. Jo na tha n continued: " I den has disappeared. " They came over to looked equall y perplexed. " It's important won't do it again and I hope yo u grow up inspect for themse lves. Jonathan's mother, that we hurry," I sa id. "Can you see how happy and make lots of big, red toma­ having kept a ga rden her whole life, said sad these pl ants a re? It may be too late to toes." He opened his eyes and whispered she'd never seen a nything like it. She help them a ll , but I bet we'll be a bl e to to me, " Did I forgetting anything?" began questioning Jonathan as to whether save a few of them." Jonathan was asking me if he had for­ he'd seen anyone messi ng around in my As we collected the shovel, water hose, gotten anything, as if I, being the grown­ yard while he was out playing. a nd hand tools, I expl a in ed that plants up, should know. Stepping down off my I called other neighbors a nd asked if need many of the same things people need. pedestal, backing away from my pulpit in they'd seen any unfamiliar vehicles or peo­ We talked a bout different ways to help th e face of this lesson in sincerity, I whis­ ple near my lot. No one knew a thing. sick pl a nts regain their health . I dug the pered back, "Oh, I think that's just about After an hour had passed, I heard a timid ho les a nd held the dirt back while perfect, Jonathan. What do yo u think? " knock on my door. Jonathan stood on my Jonathan laid each critica ll y ill patient del­ He let go of the leaf and said decisively, porch with a frightened, sad expression, icately in its bed. I pressed the soil firml y " I think there's a lot more plants to pray offering up a ha ndful of pitiful tomato a round the roots and he " tucked it in ," for on th is row before we get on to the plants. Said his mother, standing behind surro unding it s nugly with mulch . next one." He crawled ahead, took hold him, "I'm afraid Jonathan has something Jonathan commented th at this attention at of a nother plant, closed hi s eyes a nd to tell you." bedtime was something else plants need, began another full-length prayer, and an­ "I found these," Jonathan said . "They just like people. other and another until each tomato, pep­ were in our back ya rd. " His mother urged I expected that some of our replantings per, and basi l plant in the garden had been him on with a stern glare. " I think they would in all likelih ood survive . According blessed, one by one, row by row. might be yours," he said. With now dry The next day, Jonathan knocked on my roots and limp leaves, my hyb rid yellows door to fetch me for more prayers. The and heirloom pinks were positively un­ He opened his eyes first, second, and third plants received full recognizable. attention, but by the middle of the row, " Yes, I think they might be," I sa id. the blessings became noticeably shorter. Though I tried to speak calmly, I wanted and whispered to me, Jonathan seemed to be losing steam. As to scream when I asked, "But how do you we approached row two, he stood quietly, think they got in your back ya rd? " «Did I forgetting turning his head from side to si de, eyeing "Somebody must have put 'em there," all the remaining plants. Suddenly, he ad­ Jonathan sa id. His mother's eyes pushed anything? " dressed the garden at a volume sufficient him further. "I mean ... I took 'em, " he for the most inattentive Great Power: said, " because ... " " LITTLE PLANTS! . .. " Whoever said I could feel my blood pressure rising. to my strategy, this would help Jonathan there was a nything dishonora ble about How dare he? I thought this little fellow see the worth of his work and connect his praying for the masses? liked me. What reason could he have for careful efforts with prosperous, fruitful Some weeks later, Jonathan told me his doing such a mean thing? I looked at plants. I was self-sati sfied indeed as we family was moving away. I learned they Jonathan with a blank face and waited neared the end of our task. "What a clever were moving closer to his father's job, into while he stammered. teacher I've been," I thought, " turning an apartment with a sun deck. On the day "Because ... I wanted a garden like this catastrophe into a lesson for m y of departure, when Jonathan came over yours." young friend. " for his last inspection of our prosperous I gulped. Ready for a nything that Busying myse lf with rolling up the hose tomato crop, he inquired why there was a would justify my fury, I was not prepared and putting away the tools, I scarcely no­ ho le in the ground where one of the for this. I paused and shook my head from ticed that Jonathan had made his way healthiest plants had been. I diverted that side to side, but there were no words on back to our first replanted tomato. Sitting question, but soon he had another-about my tongue. I knew whatever came out had beside it, he was mumbling some indis­ the big plastic bag on my porch with the to be careful and honest. cernible words with his eyes closed. Mo­ wide red ribbon around it. "Jonathan," I said, "I'm very glad that mentarily, he completed his mysterious When I asked how many more weeks it you told me what you've done, but I am so powwow and scooted without hesitation was until his birthday, he proudly put up angry and confused, I ha ve to go cool to the next pl ant. This wasn't part of my three fingers. His attention drifted again down my temper before I can talk to you grand design. What antics could he possi­ toward the ribbon as a grin of compre­ about it." We all agreed to get together bly be up to now? hension came over his face. With only a again in half an hour. I sat down beside him on the ground as slight nod of consent from me, Jonathan Besides needing to spout off some he resituated himself. Reaching out to the tore into the bag, unveiling a two-gallon steam, I also needed time to scheme. How second plant, he pressed a wilted leaf gen­ pot of soil and a thriving, bushy, patio could I turn this into a learning opportu­ tly between his thumb and forefinger. He tomato plant-with blossoms. nity for Jonathan? When we met in the indicated that I should do the same. Then garden later, Jonathan appeared with an­ he closed his eyes. Glen Tig is a psychotherapist, writer, and other handful of drooping plants. There " Little plant," he said, "I'm real sorry I gardener who returns this month to live in was my cue. pulled you up and made you get sick and south central Alaska.

AMERICAN HORTICULTURIST 7 GARDENERS' INFORMATION SERVICE

Editor's Note: While AHS Education Co- Q: My fiddle-leaf fig grew from boo cane. This winter, remove the limbs ordinator Maureen Heffernan is on vaca- about 10 inches to two feet this year, but growing in the wrong direction, and con­ tion, our guest columnist is Jacqueline the trunk isn't getting thicker and there's tinue this type of pruning for the next 10 Heriteau, who writes a twice-monthly no growth on the bottom. What am I do- years. Once the competition for the lead newspaper column based on questions ing wrong? spot is over, I think the whole character of raised on "Growise Gardener," the week- A growth will change. ly radio call-in show moderated by AHS : Fiddle-leaf fig (Ficus lyrata) is one President H. Marc Cathey. of the great plants of Africa, but between Q: Last winter we lost a lot of our October and late March our light levels lanascape foliage to deer. Before I replace Q : I'd like to propagate some roses are such that it will grow but not thicken. these plants, can you offer any advice for next season. When should I do that, and At every watering add 20-20-20 fertilizer, Bambi-proofing them? how? a quarter teaspoon to a gallon of water. Try sunbaths every few weeks. As day- A: Deer, it seems, can't stand Milor­ A : Roses root easily in late winter and light lengthens, the plant will get thicker. ganite, Milwaukee's composted munici­ early spring. My grandmother used to get Q pal sludge, which has been sold as an out her pickle jars in late February and : Last fall my wife and I gathered organic fertilizer since 1926. This isn't make rose cuttings. Cut healthy green about 200 acorns and planted them in a mentioned on the packaging, but it's been stems four to six inches long. Choose former orchard we bought. They're bruited about for the last three years or some with no side shoots. Clean each planted one and a half inches deep in so, and a 1991 study by the Cornell Co­ stern in a weak solution of household rows of mounds six feet apart, several operative Extension Service in Millbrook, bleach, dip the bottom tip lightly in root- acorns to a mound. What's our next New York, confirmed what gardeners al­ ing powder, then stick it into the dirt in a step? ready knew. sunny spot in your garden with a jar over A Milorganite is suitable for all crops, in­ it to act as a little greenhouse. They'll root : As they develop, remove the weak- cluding food, and it is distributed nation­ in six or eight weeks. est from each mound, leaving one tree. ally and internationally. Unfortunately, Don't fertilize them until the second year- Milorganite's effect on the deer lessens in Q : I've moved a big hibiscus that was they'll be stronger if they're grown on the fall, when the odor is less pronounced. outaoors all summer into our south bay lean side until they get a root system based And, of course, snow and ice will smother window, and plan to use it as a Christ- on natural fertility. Mulch them with it. mas tree. It's still putting out blossoms, chips, about a bucketful in a three-foot cir- You might also consider selecting Bam­ but the leaves are dropping. cle around each tree. The early danger in bi-resistant plants. Bob and Bev Tanem, field-grown plants is that weeds may over- deer-friendly California nursery owners, A : What a great idea! Don't worry come the seedlings. Transplant only after have published a booklet listing plants about the leaf drop. It's natural ,------, two growing seasons. that deer in their area appear not to like. for a hibiscus to drop leaves Q These include most prickly things, as well when it is brought into dry in- : My 15-year-old oak tree as ginkgoes, crape myrtles, junipers, door air. Mist it often to help it develops multiple leaders and spruces, pines, and sumacs among woody adjust. It will winter well as long side branches that grow in to- plants, and lovely herbaceous ornamen­ as it isn't over-watered. This ward the trunk. It has four lead- tals like yarrow, asters, English daisies, may be happening if the foliage ers now and is about 13 feet baby's breath, poppies, phlox, tuberous goes from strong green to a ghostly green. tall. How should I prune it? begonias, crocus, scilla, daffodils, forget­ Take it out of the pot and let the root ball A me-nots, portulaca, dusty miller, and hol­ dry for a day or two before you put it : A trunk with multiple leaders is lyhocks. "Deer Resistant Planting" is back. Fertilize it lightly once a month um- likely to split in storms as it gets older. available for $5.95 from Tanem's Garden til the days begin to lengthen and new Take all but the best leader out, and train Center at 273 North San Pedro Road, San growth begins. the remaining leader by tying it to a bam- Rafael, CA 94903.

8 DECEMBER 1994 NATIVES AT RISK

Our plants return to bloom season after season for years of easy Prized for its large funnel-shaped ma­ pleasure, our specialty... perennials. genta-to-purple flowers, the cactus was We grow and ship over 400 di scovered in 1961 by Horst Kuenzler, a varieties in spring and fall - easy to resident of Canada vacationing in the plant and every plant guaranteed. United States. Kuenzler saw a clump from his car, stopped for a closer look, and took Send for our FREE color catalog or call two specimens tha t ended up in the 1- 800-852-5243. We will be pleased to herbarium at the University of New Mexi­ hear from you. co in Albuquerque. Si nce 1982 the cactus has been un officia ll y accepted as a variety Name ______of E. fendleri, but it may be the northern

extension of E. hempelii, a native of the Address ______Kuenzler Hedgehog Cactus Mexican state of Chihuahua. The Ku enzler hedgehog cactus is fou nd by Mary Beth Wiesner at elevations of 6,000 to 7,000 feet on City______~State sparsely vegetated rocky outcrops in the Zip _____ BLUESTONE PERENNIALS he New Mexico Department of pinon-juniper woodlands of New Mexi- 7225 MIDDLE RIDGE RD. Agriculture wasn't sure the Kuen- co's Sacramento Mountains. Cull y be- MADISON, OHIO 44057 T zler hedgehog cactus shou ld be li eves this is the northernmost range of E. placed on the federal list of endangered fendleri var. kuenzleri because the cactus species. But not because the plant-with a seems to need grass cover to protect it UNIQUE population estimated at 3,000 to 5,000- from the cold . For th at reason, cattle isn't at risk. Officials were worried that grazing is also considered a threat to the HOUSEPLANTS listing Echinocereus fendleri var. kuenz- species. leri might increase the threat to the A few dealers who collected seed prior species, which has been nea rl y decimated to 1979 are propagating and se lling the by overzealous collectors. cactus. One is Steve Brack, owner of When the U.S . Fish and Wildlife Service Mesa Garden in Belen, New Mexico, who (FWS) considers a plant for the federal list, says the wi ld population of the cactus is it also determines whether it should desig- "very low," partly because it is susceptible nate a "critical habitat" for the species . to a fungal disease. "Thousands have died. Critical habitat maps, which detail the ex- It turns the plants into a black slime." act locations of the plants, then become To buy enda ngered plants or seeds public record. "If a plant is to have its from o ut-of-state sources, purchasers delivered to your whereabouts in the Federal Register, there must obtain an interstate commerce per- doorstep may as well be a copy of its death notice mit, issued by the FWS. In-state purchases Established in 1892, Logee's is too," one expert commented. Despite the are legal as long as the grower has an one of the country's foremost concern, in 1979 the cactus was r------, FWS permit. mailorder sources of rare tropicals. added to the list of plants pro­ Our color illustrated catalog lists tected under the federal Endan­ Mary Beth Wiesner is a free-lance over 2,000 of the finest fragrant and gered Species Act. writer in Woodbridge, Virginia. flowering plants. Although the plant is avail­ able through authorized grow­ L08ee's ers, cactus lovers still seek wild SOURCES populations of the Kuenzler hedgehog Greenhouses cactus. "For some reason collectors prefer Abbey Garden Cacti and Succulents, 4620 141 North Street wild plants to those grown in greenhous­ Carpinteria Avenue, Carpinteria, CA Dept. AH es," says Anne Cull y, a biologist with the 93013, (805) 684-5112. Catalog $2. Danielson, CT 06239 FWS's Albuquerque, New Mexico, field Mesa Garden, Box 72, Belen, NM 87002. office. Plant list available with SASE. Catalog $3.00 refundable

AMERICAN HORTICULTURIST 9 NATURAL CONNECTIONS

Fragrance of Fir Balsam fir accounts for about eight percent of annual U.S. Christmas tree nyone who has walked in the sales, according to the National Christmas forests of Maine, New Hampshire, Tree Association in Milwaukee, Wiscon­ Aor Vermont has an olfactory mem­ sin. The more widely available Scotch pine ory of balsam fir (Abies balsamea). Its (Pinus sylvestris) is the top seller at 36 per­ spicy fragrance, redolent of the north cent, followed by Douglas fir (Abies dou­ woods and of Christmas time, is un­ glasii) with 20 percent. matched by any, of the synthetic products

10 DECEMBER 1994 matic needles have been sold as sachets or to remind former New Englanders of home. Along with the aromatic fir oil, the needles contain chemical compounds that act as a natural insecticide by mimicking a hormone that interrupts insect growth cy­ cles. Some pests, however, are not affected Lose yourself in the magnificence of Vaux-le- Vicomte, the by the chemicals. The spruce budworm, exquisite design and texture of Villandry and the elegance of which despite its name selects firs as its Chenonceaux. Discover romantic Apremont, gardens by Le Notre preferred host, feeds on the tender new flower and foliage buds in spring. Dead and Paul Marquerita and a perfect gem ofa classical garden. tree tops and brown foliage loosely band­ Enjoy country and city gardens. All while cruising through the ed with webbing reveal their infestations, heart ofFrance on the luxury hotel barge The Chanterelle. which, left unchecked, can kill trees in five years. Balsam woolly adelgids (Adelges piceae) and red heartrot, a fungal disease, also take a toll on firs. In winter the foliage provides browse for more benevolent feeders, like moose, white-tailed deer, and various types of grouse. Porcupines feed on the bark, and the seeds are popular with birds and small Six night cruises, weekly mammals. Whether in the woods or in the home, departures. April to October 1995. balsam fir is a sensual treat-its glossy Perfect for garden clubs and small groups offriends. blue-green foliage pleasing to the eye, its smooth flexible needles begging to be Kemwel's Premier Selections touched, and its intense aroma providing 106 Calvert Street a natural potpourri. -David]. Ellis Assistant Editor Harrison, NY 10528 (1 -800)-234-4000 helves TIlatMove Grow Healthier Plants! BETIER THAN OTHER GROWING SHELVES! Introducino ... the ~ RotoGro features shelves that move automatically - to help your plants use every bit of available light more effi ­ ciently. PlANTS GROW HEALTHIER! RotoGro Now you can use the same technique ~ By rotating your plants (one complete rotation every two hours!), the RotoGro professional nrowers re{y on for improves air flow around your plants healthy, beautiful plants! and nives them the rinht amount cif linht so they grow straight and stocky. For Free Information, Mail Coupon ADJUSTABLE SHELF HEIGHT FOR or CALL TOLL FREE GROWING PlANTS 1-800-880-2345 @ Sturdy removable shelves adjust to fit WINTER SALE! nrowWn plants and make potting and transplanting a cinch. ntnGr The su~erior choke f?r year· U ,.. n.... round mdoor garderung! GROW MORE PlANTS IN LESS SPACE! R o YES! Please rush me FREE irfonnation about the all-new ~ Eight large shelves hold up to 176 four­ RotoGro, indudina the Special Win ter Sale, and 3D· Day inch pots, or more than a thousand Risk· Free Offer! seedlinns! But RotoGro takes only a few NAME ______feet of floor space. ADDRESS ______GARDEN INDOORS WITH EASE! CI1Y~=~------~ The RotoGro lets you create the peifect STATE _____ ZIP ______indoor nrowWn environment allyear lonn using natural light or the optional Mail to: llD\\\t Gardener grow lights. \\1 C!!l!!l!lI!!ID 30 Wright Avenue, Dept. 51 124R, lititz, PA 17543

AMERICAN HORTICULTURIST 11 GARDEN DREAMS

PLANTING

A Winter Garden Program THE FUTURE at Mohonk Mountain House January 20-22

MOHONK MOUNfAIN HOlJSE is proud to Garden Videos formation about what you'd like to see in have the American Horticultural ScGiety the return video. If you're not editing, plan co-sponsoring its third ann CIa I GardeI'! by Larry Johnson your shots and tape them in order, fading Dreams program. Program coordinator Chet Davis has invited an impressive to black between scene changes. group of gBest lecturers to share dreams en I was young, I often stayed Clear sound is important, so use a hand­ and sGhemes, fresh ideas, and glimpses of with my grandparents in the held mike, or keep the sound source close historical gardens aJ'l.d gardeners. W country. On nature walks with to the built-in mike on the camera. Then my grandmother, I developed my love of think visually, even when asking what PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS gardening and storytelling. you'd liktl in a retum video. If you show "A Fourth Generation Garden» In the early '70s I began to use television something you're doing and ask your video Author Charles o. CressoJ'l. will talk about his family garden, Hedgleigh Spr.ing, whi<;;h for storytelling and children's education. I friends to respond, they'll be more likely to he oversees in Swarthmore, Pe/illsylvarna. produced and hosted a local children's tele­ show their activities. We play Garden "Rustic Garden Features» vision show with an environmental mes­ Bingo on our school's closed-circuit chan­ Marvin Davis, whose rustic garden adofJ'l.­ sage in Austin, Minnesota. I told stories nel. We've also invented games like "scare­ meNts appeared in the October American and Tyler, a big purple angleworm with a crow," played like hangman except we use Horticu.lturist, will show how this style Gan blue baseball cap, tended the garden. garden words and build a scarecrow. be sUClcessfully introdtlced into any garden. In 1977, Tyler helped me start a partic­ Ideally, children will learn to produce "Summer Color and Fragrance ipatory call-in TV channel for patients in and tape a video tour themselves. But no With Bulbs» Minneapolis Children's Hospital. We matter who does the actual taping, they Brent Heath of the DaFfodil Maft in planted a garden on the roof and taped shouldn't feel pressured to create a "pro­ GIOlKester, Virginia, will show us the Tyler talking to patients in the garden. fessional " product. A video exchange ar;r.Jazing variety of fonns, colors, aNd uses Now I'm a storyteller/video teacher in should be likened to a neat, handwritten, rep~esented by summer-flowering bulbs. Minneapolis, teaching young people to tell loving note to a friend. Certainly you don't "The Art Moderrie Garden: Fktcher Steele Comes to America» stories, plant gardens, and make interna­ want a sloppy video that can't be heard or Sarah S. Boasberg, AHS chairman, will tional video " letters." My Minnesota stu­ seen, but beyond that its purpose is main­ fface the aft moderne movem€lnt in dents have been amazed to see their video ly to communicate. Europe aNd its immigratioN to America. pen pals from Ecuador growing corn and Finding international children's gardens "How to Grow Successful Gardens standing in a banana jungle, and to watch to trade videos with is still difficult, but Without Using Ohemicals" their Georgia pen pals harvesting peanuts YON can find U.S. gardening classrooms Environmental gardener Latf}' Sombke will and cotton. You can join us! through the National Gardening Associa­ share information to help us break our All you need to create a garden video tion's Growing Ideas Exchange. Write "chemical dependency." letter is a thrivifig indoor or outdoor gar­ them at: NGA Growing Ideas, 180 Flynn And much more! den tended by children, a camcorder, and Avenue, Burlington, VT 0540l. How to choose roses, new aI'!d little­ a person with homestyle video experience If you'd like to start by trading videos known annyals, teas from the garden, growing good soil, low-maintenance to help the children show and tell what's with me, send me a video or a postcard re­ perennials, and herbal CUfes thtowgh the going on in the garden. questing a video for your group ages. Plus high tea each aJitemoon! Decide what to show your of children to respond to. If you video visitors in a group planning have questions about producing MOHONK MolJNl'MN HOUSE is a 2,500-acre session. Garden games you play? a video or dealing with the chal­ National Historic Landmark resort 90 miles Children telling garden stories? A lenges of international ex­ north of New York City in the Hydson field trip to a garden-related changes, send your questions Valley willi beautifully landscaped grGunds (induding 128 gazebos), adjoining the place? How you turn kitchen with a stamped, self-addressed 5,500-acre Mohonk Preserve. scraps into compost? Garden songs? envelope to Larry Johnson, 315 Georgia Keep the video simple and interesting- Avenl~e North, Minneapolis, MN 55427. For more information write: 15 to 20 minutes is plenty. Let each child Mohonk Mountain House, 1000 Mountain Larry Johnson was a speaker at the first Rest Road, New Paltz, NY 12561, or call narrate a small portion, giving his or her (800) 712-6646. name and showing the garden, its setting, AHS symposium on children and garden­ and favorite projects. End with some in- ing, held in 1993.

12 DECEMBER 1994 BOOK REVIEWS

The Art of Botanical Illustration The Undaunted Garden Wilfrid Blunt and William T Stearn. An­ Lauren Springer. Fulcrum Publishing, tique Co llectol's' Club, Wappingers Falls, Golden, Colorado, 1994.244 pages. 811l' New Y%~~ k , 1994. 368 pages. 11" x 8 W'. x 10". Co lor photographs. Publisher's Color plates and black-and-white illustra­ price: hardcover, $29.95. AHS member tions. Publisher's price: hardcover, $59.50. price: $26.75. AHS member price: $51. After 40-odd years as an avid gardener Almost 50 years ago, the editors of the New and reader of gardening books, I admit to Naturalist series of books on British natur­ a touch of " ho-hum, what's new?" when al history decided to produce a title on browsing through the latest offerings. Lau­ botanical art and illustration. One editor ren Springer's first book (but not, I de­ asked Wilfrid Blunt, art master and author voutly hope, her last) is as refreshing in on interesting persons and travels, to un­ style and content as a cool shower on a hot dertake the work. Another editor, howev­ day. She has the gift of infectious enthusi­ er, asked William Stearn, eminent botanist asm, and as gardener, writer, and photog­ at the Natural History Museum in London. Wn.fllIDlIlUN'r.... rapher she takes her place among the best. The rwo scholars agreed that Blunt would wn.LIA.1 T.m..A1I.N " A Passion for Plants" would have write the text and Stearn would revise and made a good subtitle. Nothing, you come augment it. The result was the first edition to understand, is going to deter Lauren of The Art of Botanical Illustration, pub- mention Claus Caspari (Germany), Aline Springer from gardening, wherever she lished in 1950, and reprinted in 1951, Marie Roques Raynal (France), Marilena may live. At present Colorado is the lucky 1955, and in 1967 in Japan. Pistoia (Italy), and Rory McEwan and Su- state to claim her, and she makes it plain In both the original and the updated ed i- sannah Blaxill (England). Nor does he that if cold, heat, drought, and hail cannot tions, Blunt and Stearn devoted chapters to touch on the Society of Botanical Artists, be conquered, then they can be managed such topics as herbals, etchers and en- founded by Suzanne Lucas, which is the by appropriate choice, placement, and gravers, the importance of the flower-piece focus for contemporary botanical art in care of plants. This includes relying a good in 17th-century Dutch painting, West and Great Britain. Modern Japanese botanical deal on native plants and refraining from East, and the Botanical Magazine. They draughtsmanship is limited to a footnote, watering some of them, but the book is also covered such prominent figures as and mention of American artists is con- free of that mood-of-the-moment sermo­ Otto Brunfels, Leonhart Fuchs, Daniel Ra- fined for the most part to a paragraph of nizing that seeks to force all gardens into bel, Nicolas Robert, Claude Aubriet, only eight lines. the same mold. Georg Ehret, Pierre-Joseph Redoute, As Professor Stearn noted in his intro- William Kilburn, Francis and Ferdinand duction, however, no book of moderate Bauer, Robert Thornton, Walter Fitch, and size can adequately encompass the display John Ruskin. In more recent years, Blunt of so much talent. At the Hunt Institute, had wanted to revise the work, but the loss we regard this as the classic work on the of the original plates by the publisher made history of flower painting from antiquity a new edition more costly to pro- r====----, to the present day. I hold this duce. Now, seven years after book in high esteem and routine- Blunt's death, the co-author has ly refer to it. It is a good value, a published what is essentially the must for anyone interested in same work, with some slight al- plants and art, and an invaluable, terations and additions to the if incomplete, guide for those in- text and with some changes in il- terested in collecting works of lustrations. botanical art. -James J. White The chapter on botanical art in the 20th century has, of course, been updated. In James J. White is curator of art for the my opinion, however, Stearn has overem­ Hunt Institute for Botanical Documenta­ phasized the work being done in Africa, tion at Carnegie Mellon University, Pitts­ Greece, and Australia. What a pity not to burgh, Pennsylvania.

AMERICAN HORTICULTURIST 13 Looking at the lovely pictures you might gions, the author can make comparisons, 250 photographs is excellent. At less than suppose that they were taken in an English favoring close planting, for example, but $30, this is the best value in garden books cottage garden. Not so. Home is a town mentioning that this may induce rot where I've seen in a long time. corner lot where, undeterred by such haz­ summers are hot and humid. Two plants The best gardening books make you ards and limitations as two- and four­ new to me this year and last-a tansy long to have the writer for a neighbor, to legged passersby and height-restricting species, Tanacetum niveum, and Arizona be able to say "Would you like a bit of this ordinances, she has extended her one-third giant pink anise hyssop, Agastache bar­ ... will you share a bit of that ... have you acre by planting the sidewalk verges as beri-were gifts from Lauren's garden. tried so-and-so?" This is that kind of well, turning these "hell strips" into some­ They are equally happy in my coastal Vir­ book. -Pamela Harper thing more like a gardener's heaven. ginia plot. Don't deny yourself this book just be­ My congratulations to the publisher as Pamela Harper is a free-lance horticultur­ cause you live in the Northeast or on the well. The thick book is stitched to open 'al writer and photographer who lives in West Coast. Having gardened in other re- flat, and the reproduction of the more than Seaford, Virginia. Her most recent book, Color Echoes, has just been released by Macmillan.

Pests of Landscape Trees and Shrubs: An Integrated Pest Managem€nt Guide Steve H. Dreistadt. ANR Publications, University of California, Oakland, Cali­ fornia, 1994. 327 pages. 81;2" x 11". Col­ or photographs, illustrations, and tables. Publisher's price: softcover, $32. AHS member price: $28.50.

Although ostensibly developed for land­ scape managers and residents of Califor­ nia, Pests of Landscape Trees and Shrubs is undoubtedly one of the most complete integrated pest management (IPM) refer­ ence works available. Unlike encyclopedic works, strong on il­ lustration but often too heavy-handed with remedial measures, this latest product from ome meet the masters in the irresistible garden the Universiry of California's Integrated Pest setting of Sea Island's world-famous resort. Learn Management Project puts its emphasis on C actually developing a sound !PM program. first hand from America's leading authorities at this Anyone interested in pursuing an IPM exceptional gathering of gardening enthusiasts. The Mobil regimen would be well-advised to read­ Five-Star Cloister offers you the chance to participate in and re-read-chapters on "Designing an three powerful days of sessions including The Evolution of IPM Program" and "Growing Healthy Trees and Shrubs," before launching into Design, Landscaping With Native Plants, Color and Plants the exhal!1stive sections on pests, diseases, for Southern Gardens, The Evening Garden, Garden environmental problems, weeds, and so Illumination and Perennial Gardening. on. All too often, a compulsion to solve problems quickly gets IPM programs off Following an exclusive tour of a private Sea Island to a bad start. residence and beautifully landscaped gardens is the rare One of the greatest virtues of IPM is opportunity to explore the ruins of St. Simons Island's problem avoidance. The appropriate selec­ historical Cannon's Point Plantation. Then you'll discover tion of plants, site preparation, and a sound management plan can help eliminate the beauty of antebellum Retreat Plantation, site of one a host of potential problems. A chapter on of America's first arboretums. Please join us. Call abiotic disorders-those caused by me­ SOO-SEA-ISLAND for reservations and information. chanical or environmental factors-em­ phasizes careful soil preparation and site selection to avoid problems like mineral de­ (Q~d ® ficiencies, sunburn, exposure to road salt, @;Jf£i, THE CLOISTER® and even lightning strikes! Amateurs and professionals alike will Co-sponsored by the American Horticultural SOciety treasure the valuable tables, diagrams, and references that sl!1pport each chapter. Ta-

14 DECEMBER 1994 bles listing pest- and disease-resistant plant alternatives will help with landscape plan­ After Last Year's Se"ere Winter ... Use W'dt·Pntf ning. There is an entire chapter devoted to insects, mites, snails, and slugs, complete to Guard Against Moisture with descriptive information, as tonishing Loss and W'mter Kill. color photographs for identification, and monitoring and management protocols. The centerpiece of the book is the group Use on Rhododendrons, Evergreens, Boxwood, of problem-solving tables in chapter nine. Azaleas, Hollies, Laurel and Other Ornamentals. Undoubtedly, many readers will turn to this 50-page section first, looking for easy solutions to often long-term problems. It Most gardeners know what Wilt-Pruf does. But is to the credit of the University of Ca li ­ for those who may not be familiar with this fornia team that the final column of each organic and biodegradable product, Wilt-Pruf table lists "comments" rather than "solu­ acts as a protective coating on plant foliage. tions." Each probable cause leads back to Wilt-Pruf substantially reduces water loss the IPM program itself. during periods of plant stress that many In many respects, IPM is ill-served by its very name. Instead of the "P" representing plants experienced during last winter's "pest," it ought to stand for "plant" or per­ severe weather. haps even "patience," to focus attention Wilt-Pruf has helped plants survive year away from environmentally injurious around for nearly 50 years. Let it help your quick fixes, whether chemical or biologi­ plants through the winter ahead. Call or cal, and onto planning and prevention, ob­ write today for additional information. servation and identification, management and correction, continued monitoring, and long-term commitment. To this end, read­ ers and users of Pests of Landscape Trees 'PR11U1ffZ P.O. Box 469, Essex, CT 06426 and Shrubs will find themselves well­ 203n67 -7033 served. -Joseph M. Keyser -,...,..,...."

Joseph M. Keyser is the environmental specialist for the Montgomery County, Maryland, Department of Environmental Protection.

Book Order Form o The Art of Botanical Bird Feeding Illustration ...... $51.00 o The Undaunted Garden ..... $26.75 o Pests of Landscape Beaches New Heights Trees and Shrubs ...... $28.50 Our beautlful Estate copper bird feeders grace the gardens of America's finest arboretums, museums Postage and handling: $2.50, fifSt book; $1.50 and parks. They are now available to add elegance each additional book. Virginia residents add 4 1,'2% sales tax. Please allow six weeks fOF deliv­ to your proper:ty. ery. Prices are subjeet to change without notice. • Handerafted copper feeders are majestic in scale • Lowers safely &- easily to ground level to fill • Seed chambers hold up to 30 Ibs.! Enclosed is my oheck for $ _~'-'-'~_~ • Guaranteed squirrel-proof • Complete with free-standing base o Visa 0 MasterCard Exp. Date: __ • Lifetime warranty

Acct. #: can toJl..free t.800.BIRDS.FLY ( 1-800-247-3 735) Signature: o Please rush me information about your Ship to: unique bird feeders . Name ______

Address, ______City: City ______State _ ____Zip ______State/Zip: THE BACKYARD SANCTUARY COMPANY BACKYARD Improving Habitat for Birds MAIl. TO: AHS Books, 7931 East Boulevard 550 Warren Street. P.O. Box 307 Drive, Alexandria, VA 22308-1300. AH12/94 SANCTUARY Dept Dept 107. Hudson. NY 12534

AMERICAN HORTICULTURIST 15 All-American

In the heat-baked alkaline clay ofNew Mexico) ((cottage)) can)t mean ((coddle.))

B Y RAN D B . LEE

he term "cottage garden" tends to conjure up images of misty English countrysides, crammed with a somewhat limited number of "old-fash­ Tioned" ornamentals: primroses, sweet Williams, hollyhocks, dame's rocket, cab­ bage roses, perhaps an merb or two. But in fact the first cottage gardens-the style dates to the Middle Ages, the term to the 18th century-were {lxtremely utilitarian collections of fruits and vegetables; the flowers came later. A cottage garden isn't a style of anyone time or place or a particular kind of plant. It is an informal garden of intimacy, vari­ ety, and idiosyncracy, stocked with plants chosen for ornament, sentimental associa­ tion, fragrance, food and cut flower pro­ duction, uses as flavorings or medicines, or historical interest. It should be sited near a dwelling so it can be {lasily reached from the kitchen or main living area, and it should be laid out to invite entry, explo­ ration, and repose. It may include annual, biennial, and perennial flowers; herbs, vegetables, and fruits; vines, shrubs, and (if space permits) trees. Any obvious show of wealth must be avoided in the plants chosen and the materials and ornaments continued on page 18

16 DECEMBER 1994 Cottage Gardens

The Michigan growing season is short) but it can also be sweet.

BY NANCY McDONALD

n our far northern Michigan garden (USDA Zone 4), the growing season is short and cool. Summer days are long, but nights can drop into the 40s. Tomatoes are a challenge, mel­ Ions just a dream. Winters are severe, with temperatures well below zero for long pe­ riods. Fortunately, our good snow cover keeps perennials safe; we rarely experieflce frost-heaving. Shrubs an;! anoth€r matter, and winterkill is common. Our soils are extr€mely sandy and rocky. The subsoil ben€ath our new or­ chard measures pH 4.5, though the surface soil tends to be pH 5.5 to 6.0. Blueberries and potatoes thrive here. Our worst pest is the white-tailed deer, with chipmunks a close second. Far b€hind €ither come insect pests. Our severe climate ke€ps many of these, as well as many plant dis€ases, in check. Despite these challenges, our gar­ den contains more than 1,700 different species and cultivars of perennials and shrubs from all over the world. While I'd never voluntarily give up my imported treasures, more and more I find myself choosing native plants to withstand our conditions. The cottage style of gardening is the per­ fect application for native plants and their continued on page 19

AMERICAN HORTICULTURIST 17 continued from page 16 used in the garden's construction. Since ease of maintenance is one hallmark of the cottage garden, efforts should be made to emphasize plants that are natu­ rally suited to the climate and soils of the local region. This means, for American cottage gardeners, an increased use of native American species and cultivars. When I first rented my home in Santa Fe in 1989, I was daunted by the scant 15 inches of rain a year, the 15 percent hu­ midity, the blazing sun and high winds of our 7,OOO-foot altitude, and the heavy loamless clay soil, which un doctored runs primitive orange daisies; Mexican campi­ low on 20-inch stems. Much taller, much to a pH of 8 or higher. In my 300-square­ on (Silene laciniata), with its fringed red­ easier, and much longer in bloom is the foot garden, I have found myself using orange tubular flowers; tall African golden columbine, Aquilegia chrysantha, more and more native plants and adap­ marigolds (Tagetes erecta 'Deep Orange a polite re-seeder whose nodding yellow tavars-non-natives that fit in with a min­ Lady'), which despite the common name heads are a lovely contrast to the blue­ imum of hand-holding-to form the hail from Mexico and Central AmeriGa; green foliage. The spurred blooms are fra­ backbone of my mixed borders. and standard gold-orange California pop­ grant, and it can top three feet with ease, Penstemons, my eurrent mania, are get­ pies (Eschscholzia californica), which seed flowering six weeks for me beginning in ting heavy use in my 12-foot diameter themselves aU over the place. late spring. With it I grow Gaillardia x Wheel of Creation bed, in which a central The dry front of the yellow bed is grandiflora 'Yellow Queen', which if dead­ core is surrounded by six pie-shaped claimed by an unusual form of the com­ headed makes huge pinwheels of milky wedges, each with a different color theme. pact Penstemon pinifolius, which is usual­ yellow all summer. Backing all these is the In the red section are scarlet bugler (Pen­ ly scarlet. In this case the needle-like golden Helianthus scabra 'Summer Sun', stemon barbatus), the cardinal penstemon leaves, which form a cloud of pale green, which starts blooming for me in August. (P. cardinalis), and P. rostiflorus (aka P. are smothered in tiny, pale yellow tubular Among the natives in the pale- to mid­ bridgesii). All three bear bright red tubular flowers in very early summer. P. confertus blue wedge is Salvia azurea, the blue sage, flowers for many weeks, the first two on bears tubular blooms of an even paler yel- continued on page 20 stems to three feet, the latter to two feet. With them grow the somber wine-red perennial Gaillardia x grandiflora 'Bur­ gundy'; the red form of Mexican hat (Rat­ ibida columnifera), which is perennial for me; and the hummingbird trumpet, Zauschneria arizonica. If the last survives our winter it will eventually grow three feet tall by four feet wide. It bears gray-green leaves and bright scarlet funnel flowers in loose racemes. Completing the wedge are tall scarlet zinnias (Zinnia elegans 'Red Man'), whose origins are Mexican; dark red annual nasturtiums from the Andes (Tropaeolum majus 'M'ahogany'); a red California poppy (Eschscholzia californica 'Dalli'); and the lipstick-red Drummond phlox (Phlox drummondii). In the orange pie wedge, I feature the firecracker penstemon (Penstemon ea­ tonii), a three-foot-tall sparkling red-or­ ange. It shared its space this year with the orange sneezeweed (Helenium hoopesii), Each wedge of Lee's Wheel of Creation bed, top, features {lowers of a different which in late spring opens its big lolling color; cosmos, above, native to Mexico, seeds itself throughout his garden.

18 DECEMBER 1994 A larger group nearby, also loved by hummers, contains species or desceu­ dants of four Ameri­ can legumes. This group is also shaded from late morning through early after­ noon, though the shade is so light and our climate so cool that they'd probably do fine in full sun. The soil in this bed, while still very sandy, is relatively rich in humus. The season begins with a combination of lupines and long-spurred columbines. While I enjoy the many color combina­ tions of the showy 'Russell's Hybrids' lupines, I'm also much taken with the continued from page 17 lar favorites in our cottage garden. more open spikes of their wild, blue-violet cultivars. Being more pest and disease re­ In late spring a fetching pair blooms in ancestor, Lupinus perennis. Both do sur­ sistant, natives often require less care than the light shade of an old apple tree, where prisingly well in poor soil, though they exotics, and many provide food for they are much visited by hummingbirds. thrive under richer conditions. With these wildlife, as well. A note of caution, how­ The pale yellow form of wild Canadian bloom the lovely golden columbine (A qui­ ever: It will behoove you to do your home­ columbine (Aquilegia canadensis var. legia chrysantha), long-spurred columbine work before planting natives in the smaller flavescens, also called A. canadensis 'Cor­ (A. longissima), and Colorado columbine garden. Many can be extremely invasive. bett') dangles its sprays of dainty skyrock­ (A. caerulea), plus some of their variously Sometimes it's better to seek out politer ets, through which grow sprigs of colored offspring. cultivars than to grow the species. Those Polemonium rep tans 'Blue Pearl'. Bloom­ After a long show in late spring and early of Monarda, Physostegia, and many oth­ ing with them are our local yellow trout summer, these give way to the three- to ers can be labor-intensive in rich soils, lily (Erythronium americanum) and white four-foot high false wild indigo (Baptisia where they will thrive all too well. Some and yellow violets (Viola canadensis and australis). Its spikes of deep indigo blue pea asters can be trusted; others cannot V. pubescens). A little later a native of flowers go beautifully with the yellow pea (clump-formers like 'Alma Potschke' and more southerly climes, willow amsonia flowers borne on the five-foot spires of 'Purple Dome' are safe bets). The combi­ (Amsonia tabernaemontana 'Salicifolia') southern thermopsis (Thermopsis carolini­ nations of natives that follow are particu- joins in with its steel blue stars. ana) and three-foot spires of mountain thermopsis (T. montana). I deadhead the columbines and lupines to keep them from taking over the garden, but the green bal­ loon seedpods of the Baptisia and the thin silver pods of the Thermopsis are too at­ tractive to remove. They extend the season of interest by several weeks, since in our cli­ mate they ripen slowly. Last in this group to flewer is wild senna (Cassia marilandica), whose lush, almost tropical-looking foliage has been enhauc­ ing the garden since spring. The gold-and­ brown pea fiewers in the leafaxils are showy only when you're close, but wild senna is worth growing for the foliage aioue. I'm told the four-inch seedpods are decorative as well, though they never have time to form here before frost cuts down the three-foot plants. From mid- to late-summer the popular, icy yellow Coreopsis verticil/ata 'Moon­ beam' glows below the pale pink spikes of In one of her beds McDonald grows four natives in the pea family, including Sidalcea malviflora 'Elsie Heugh', which the Carolina lupine, top, and false wild indigo, above. continued on page 21

AMERICAN HORTICULTURIST 19 continued from page 18 which grows about five feet tall for me, blooming clear blue on long narrow stalks in late summer or early fall. Among the penstemons in this section is one known only as Pen­ stemon "W8901," which was grown from seed collected in Wyoming by a local nurs­ eryman. It is short, under one foot taU, aNd puts up stalks of breathtaking sky-blue flowers in early to midsummer. Also sky­ blue are the flowers of the eight- to 16-inch­ Aquilegia cnrysantha, above, is a tall Penstemon rydbergii, althOlagh books columbine native to the American describe them as dark blue to indigo. Southwest; the poppy mallow, right, In the middle and front of my dark blue is naturally distributed from Missouri bed are P. glaber, P. neomexicanus, and P. to Wyoming and south to Texas. strictus, all purchased in flower since SOme seedlings bloom bluer rhan others. With them is the frost-tender perennial dwarf mealy-cull' sage (Salvia farinacea 'Victo­ ria'), which sends up 18-inch spikes of a satisfying dark violet-blue atop hairy gray­ green foliage much of die summer. II) my lavender-to-purple bed a deep­ grape-colored seedling of Penstemon whip­ pleanus, which stands about two feet tall, ant chubby pink. h i6 backed by Aster seems all in all a good thing that lOlatives is next to 'Chihuahua', a rare cuJtivar of P. novae-angliae 'Harrington's Pink', a tall, are taking up more and more room in my campanulatus, the bell-flowered penste­ fall-flowering beauty that forms a shim­ garden and my heart. mono P. eampanulatus is supposed to be mering mass of hundreds of tiny exquisite hardy only to USDA Zone 2 or so, but rhe clear pink daisies. Rand B. Lee is co-editor ofa new quarter­ seed from which my plant was raisecl, col­ In a front bed near the street is Maximil­ ly publication, The American Cottage lected in Chihuahua, Mexico, has over­ ian sunflower (Helianthus maximiliani), Gard€mer. wintered five or six years in its propagator's which is an installation rather than a plant; SaRra Fe garden without special protection. once sited, it cannot be moved. It makes a It bears large rosy-violet flowers. I have b€autiht! dark green drought-tolerant SOURCES fronted these plants with the 10- to 12- hedge much of the summer, then come fall inch-talllavtmder harebell, Campanula YO­ erupts into spires of perfect golden daisies. Agua Fria Nursery, Inc., 1409 Agua Fria, tundifolia, which is native to most of the In front of it is the two- to four-foot Pen­ Dept. MO, Santa Fe, NM 87501-3507, Northern Hemisphere and, given a bit of stemon f/oridus, whose rose-colored flow­ (505) 983-4831, FAX (505) 983-3593. water, spills over into my paths. To the ers have been perfectly described by a local Southwest natives and adaptavars. Sa­ back is the tall, weedy, aNnual to biennial nurseryman as "guppy-shaped," and the perb penstemon collection. Catalog free. Aster bigelovii, a mass of lilac in the fall. two-aJild-a-half to three-foot P. pseu­ A1plains, 32315 Pine Crest Court, Kiowa, In a fragrant night-blooming b€d near a despectabilis, which blooms a startling lip­ CO 80117, (303) 621-2247 (no phone bedroom window is Edna St. Vincent Mil­ stick-pink. Nearby grow the sweet sand orders). Alpines, wjldflowers. Catalog $1. lay's "dumb white nicotine" (Nicotiana verbena, Abronia f-ragrans, which bears Colorado Alpines, Inc., P.O. Box 2708, alata), which by day lets her long flared white snowballs, scented of arbutus, spring Avon, CO 81620, (303) 949-6464. snowy trumpets droop, but by night to midsummeF; rAe foot-high edible pink Alpines, Rocky Mountain wildflowers. "wakes and utters her fragrance/ln a gar­ nodding onion, Allium cernuum; the Catalog $2. den sleeping"; the candy-scented night­ spreading poppy mallow, Callirhoe involu­ Plants of the Southwest, Agua Fria, Route flowering four o'clock, Mirabilis longiflora; crata, with its violent ted-violet winecups; 6, Box l1A, Santa Fe, NM 87505, (505) and Datura meteloides, the infamous sa­ and purple wlOlefiower, Echinacea pur­ 471-2212, FAX (505) 438-8800. Xerics, cred jimsonw€ed, whose immense white purea, in both irs rose and white forms. low and high desert natives. Catafog trumpet flowers lie like gleaming UfOs In and among these Americans bloom $1.50. under the moon. For color, the bed also many European and Asian adaptavars, but Prairie Seed Source, P.O. Box 83, North holds 'Rose Elf', a Penstemon barbatus se­ as water-rationing becomes an increasing Lake, WI 53064-0023. Prairie narives lection, half its parent's height and a pleas- probability in northern New Mexico, it aNd wildflowers. Catalog free.

20 DECEMBER 1994 (blushing white) all bear clusters of flow­ ers over superbly glaucous foliage from frost to frost. There are many more culti­ vars, some quite painfully bright, oth­ ers more subtle. In hot climates, they re­ quire some shade, but here in the cool north they thrive in full sun, given evenly moist, fairly rich soil. There are a great many more natives worth trying. Next year I plan to include Next year, McDonald plans to add another native legume, leafy prairie clover leafy prairie clover, left, to her legume (Petalostemum foliosum). Its lacy, almost collection. Coneflower and oxeye, ferny foliage is lovely in itself. The mid­ above, are among her most vigorous summer to late fall rosy purple flowers are late-season bloomers. a bonus. I'd like to try more penstemons and some clematises, and experiment with native annuals and shrubs. The longer I garden with natives, the better I like them.

Nancy McDonald is co-editor of a new quarterly publication, The American Cot­ tage Gardener. continued from page 19 er, choice. Blue verbena also has a white SOURCES AND RESOURCES remind me of tiny hollyhocks. Behind these form, though I've not yet found a source. grows fragrant anise hyssop (Agastache Oxeye (Heliopsis helianthoides 'Sea bra The American Cottage Gardener, 131 East foeniculum), with fluffy, dusky lavender Hybrids') also helps close the season. In Michigan Street, Marquette, MI 49855. flower spikes and violet-tinged foliage. Ear­ fact, the cultivars we grow seem to bloom This publication's goal is to help readers lier in the summer, Penstemon 'Prairie forever. create a cottage garden anywhere in the Dusk' flowers nearby, and the gracefully A late season favorite here is a cross be­ United States or Canada using both tra­ hanging heads of nodding onions (Allium tween two frighteningly invasive genera, ditional English cottage flowers and cernuum) grow up through the airy core­ asters and goldenrod. But the hybrid, X American natives with color, form, and opsis foliage, blooming in shades of rosy Solidaster luteus, isn't the least bit inva­ fragrance that make them admirable lavender and white. Still earlier, the tiny iris sive, and it produces its frothy pale yellow substitutes. Subscriptions are $35 a year relative, blue-eyed grass (Sisyrinchium an­ plumes in a most engaging end-of-summer (Canadian readers need to send U.S. gustifolium), opens its blue eyes to the sun. show. We grow it with the later-blooming funds); single copies are $10. The anise hyssop, onion, and blue-eyed white boltonia (Boltonia asteroides). We Busse Gardens, Route 2, Box 238, 635 grass will self-sow freely if not deadhead­ have recently added to this group the sky­ East 7th Street, Cokato, MN 55321, ed, though only the anise hyssop is large blue aster (Aster azureus), a clump-former (612) 286-2654. Bleeding hearts, Sidal­ enough to cause probl<;lms. safe for small gardens and busy gardeners. cea, x Solidaster luteus. Catalog $2. Another late summer combination we In the background is culvers root (Veron­ Forestfarm, 990 Tetherow Road, Williams, enjoy is the soariNg, rich violet-blue cande­ icastrum virginicum). Ours is the icy pale OR 97544, (503) 846-6963. Agastache, labrum of blue v€!rbeNa (Verbena hastata) blue species, though we'd like to add the columbine, Thermopsis. Catalog $3. with the rusty red sneezeweed, Helenium cultivar 'Roseum', in pale pink. Heronswood, 7530 288th Street NE, autumnale 'Moerh€im Beauty'. Both are Everyone seeks a perennial that will Kingston, WA 98346. Agastache, col­ tall and require rich, evenly moist soil; for bloom all season. In our climate, the quest umbines, bleeding heart, x Solidaster. us they grow well at the edge of a vegetable begins and ends with various forms of the Catalog $3. bed. Blue verbena also looks nice with western bleeding heart (Dicentra formosa) J. L. Hudson, Seedsman, P.O. Box 1058, mauve-pink cultivars of purple coneflower and the eastern bleeding heart (D. eximia). Redwood City, CA 94064. Sisyrinchium (Echinacea purpurea), though these are Unlike the Asian D . spectabilis, which angustifolium. Catalog $1. much more tolerant of dry soils. Purple leaves a hole when it dies back in midsum­ Milaeger's Gardens, 4838 Douglas Avenue, cone flowers and red sneezeweed do not en­ mer, the cultivars 'Adrian Bloom' (rosy Racine, WI 53402, (414) 639-2371. hance each other, but the white form of pink), 'Bacchanal' (dark, muted rose), Asters, bleeding hearts, coneflowers, coneflower, 'White Swan', is a fine, if short- 'Langtrees' (white), and 'Silversmith' lupines, many others. Catalog $1.

AMERICAN HORTICULTURIST 21 22 DECEMBER 1994 Natural Inspirations Try looking to naturefor landscape ideas.

B y R ( H A R D L D u B

l,nd",p' d"ign'" '" ,lw,y, on th, lookout fot in'pirntion tht will addGod to the quality and scope of their work. By traveling and visiting the sites of a vari­ ety of public and private landscapes, professionals add to their repertoire of ideas and find new ways of merging old concepts to produce original approaches. There is anoth­ er source for design concepts close at hand, however, as easily accessed by the amateur as by a professional with the most impressive connections and lavish budget. All that is required is looking at things in a different way. A natural grove of trees in Hocking This font of inspiration is the natural world. It is the ultimate source of everything we Hills State Park in Ohio, opposite, use or consume, and all of our actions are reflective of its intricate systems and patterns. represents a natural pattern for a Usually we are too deeply immersed in those patterns to notice them. design that is copied in artificial A term used to describe the process of rediscovering the designs within the natural fonns such as pergolas, arbors, and world is "pattern language." The term was coined in the title of a 1977 book by archi­ colonnades. In some cases, such as tect Christopher Alexander, who was looking for a more organic approach to the un­ this urban landscape in Phoenix, derstanding of architecture as it relates to both natural and historic patterns. In looking Arizona, above, the pattern is copied at natural patterns, he took his inspiration from such things as the branching of a tree outright in a contrived manner or the way organisms develop, becoming more differentiated as they grow. that appropriately reflects the needs It is difficult to know where to begin the design process without some basic guiding of the site. principles. Pattern language aids you in observing nature, so that you find clarity and reason in what at first appears to be a chaotic environment. It could be thought of as a linear approach to a non-linear world. This approach also helps you quantify design

AMERICAN HORTICULTURIST 23 goals and objectives. You can use these pat­ terns to solve a particular problem, or use them for overall inspiration. There are many natural patterns that have been recognized and expressed in artificial forms-not just in architecture, but in prac­ tical items we use in our daily lives. For ex­ ample, Velcro fasteners are said to have been inspired by a Frenchman who noticed how +-lOUSE tightly the seeds of the burdock adhered to his pants. Upon examining the seeds, he dis­ covered that they were formed like tiny hooks. One side of a Velcro strip consists of hooks, the other of tiny loops. Even when we don't need a magnifying glass to see them, the connections between natural patterns and manmade objects may not be readily apparent. The same may have been true for those who first copied Here a grove-of­ them; their use may have been the result of trees pattern is used sudden serendipitous insight rather than a as a transition conscious effort to solve a design problem. between a house Spider webs, for example, offer insights and lawn. into engineering principles that could fill a 61 ci sequence, as this ratio of .618033 came Cl ...; to be called, mathematically describes many Cl a: « r seemingly unrelated natural phenomena­ () ii' the placement of leaves or twigs on a stem, >­ III (f) The running river the curve of a parrot's beak, the spiraling Z chamber of a nautilus, the seed head of a a is a pattern useful a:~ sunflower. The eye-pleasing golden rec­ t;; fora more tangle, which reflects this ratio in the rela- ~ formal setting.

24 DECEMBER 1994 tionship of its length and width, can be seen in the shape of playing cards and the Parthenon in ancient Greece. Romantic­ era artists used it to place the focal points of their paintings, in order to be faithful to the pattern "laid out by God." Asian cultures have long drawn upon na­ ture to inspire their designs. In their gar­ dens, this allows the visitor to be a participant, being transported mentally to a different space and time, and results in a sense of tranquility and contemplation. In China, you can travel to specific sites that served as models for painters and, sub­ sequently, landscape designers. The Li River of Guilin in south-central China is one of the best-known of these. Its towering lime­ stone cliffs can be found duplicated in miniature in gardens throughout the coun­ try-an example of replicating natural landmasses in smaller forms. These Chinese gardens incorporate pathways adjacent to these "cliffs" and "rivers," sometimes even leading into artificial caves. From the top of these cliffs a gardener can emulate the recluse who climbs a mountain to meditate and glean inspiration from the scene below. The Japanese are also adept at incorpo­ rating natural forms and patterns into their gardens. One outstanding example is "ta­ pestry" hedges, in which shrubs of varying textures and colors are planted in a mass "iJj :::> and pruned to a single vertical plane. This ~ technique is intended to mirror the way ~ lines of trees overlap on distant hills, cre- 1'3 a: ating a foreground, midground, and back- ~ ground in a relatively shallow space. ~

inspireOther their forms gardens the Japanese are crashing have usedwaves, to 5ffi 1!!!II!!!!!!!~!!!!!SI!!!!!!!!!!!I!11 copied in their raked gravel gardens; the IE solitary island, reflected in stones jutting Limestone monoliths on China's Li River, top, inspired artists whose work from earth or water; and snow-viewing el- ended up in Japan. It is unlikely that Muso Kokushi, who designed the dry ements such as stone lanterns, intended to landscape above at Tenryuji temple in Kyoto, Japan, in 1339 A.D., ever visited hold snow where it can be contemplated, the Li River, yet the monolith pattern is evident. sometimes reflected in a body of water. Generally, as you look for inspiration You may have a favorite natural site or de­ by a creek or narrow river meandering from the natural world, you will want to sign that you want to replicate in your own along a shore. When we look at it, normally look at where you are. The best solutions landscape because of the pleasure it gives from an oblique perspective, we see a num­ tend to be the ones close at hand. If you are you, or you may have a particular landscape ber of characteristics: a sweeping curve that living in New England it would be best to problem for which anyone of several nat­ repeats itself; a contrast of texture between use its land or plant forms. If you live in ural patterns may offer a solution. water and land; a bank of varying heights Arizona, you would look to the geology How would you begin to transform yow; relative to the water; and often a bulky mass and botany of the desert. And don't forget own garden using natural sites and pat­ of shrubs or other vegetation to the extreme to examine micro-patterns, which are terns? The first step is to igNore the details land side of the arc. The arcing pattern cre­ often a reflection of the larger forms. In the and look for a way to describe in words ates a feeling of movement and a sense of veins of a leaf, for instance, we can see the what you are looking at. That will help you direction, while the bulky mass conveys a branching of a tree or a river system. In organize your thinking about the pattern sense of anchored strength. Applications lichens on a stone, we can imagine rocks and its applications. that suggest themselves include arcing plant­ in a stream. For example, there is the pattern I call ing beds, walkways and paths, and decks You can use these patterns in two ways. the "arcing stream," represented in nature and patios. As you look at a pattern in na-

AMERICAN HORTICULTURIST 25 ture, you might want to sketch it, trying to if you have an informal stone walkway abut­ capture its proportions, textural differences, ting a formal brick walk, you could incor­ and other clues that help define what you porate some of the stepping stones in the are seemg. brick walk. This helps the eye flow natu­ I used this pattern with one client who rally from one element to the other. wanted a way to reach her yard from her Let's look at some other useful natural higher-level patio without using steps or patterns as they might be applied to a sin­ stairs. A conventional ramp would have gle design problem: creating a transition consumed too much room in the small yard. zone between your backdoor and your We solved the space problem by com­ backyard. Possibilities include a path, a pressing the ramp into an S-shaped curve. deck, a pergola, or an elevated walkway. The stream banks were reflected in stone If you want a path, there are a number wall ellipses, and strategically placed shrub of natural patt

26 DECEMBER 1994 wort or variegated bishop's weed (which needs an annual mowing after flowering). Elsewhere in the country, consider native or exotic plants from mountainous regions with a similar climate. The form I call the "running river" is broad and flat with bankings, bounded ei­ ther by fields or woods. This pattern could best be used where you want to move quick­ ly from the house to an outdoor living space. If your back door is usually shaded and you enjoy the sun, this type of path A grove of trees is echoed pulls you quickly to that area both visual­ in a pergola, whose ly and physically. The straight, formal path design can be modified could be bluestone, brick, concrete pavers, STRE~T according to space and or even fieldstone. It is typified by low financial resources. shru bby masses or benches defining the ~-ROVE OF I~EE5 "bankings." Behind these rise random "ill In clumps of additional shrub plantings and :::> USIt--le:,. N\OD1F IED PE-RGOLA o ...1 an occasional tree. If you are using a small o a: scale you could use boxwood (a large prick­ r ()'" ly pear-Opuntia-species could serve this a: () -F1t:LoS ToNt >­ In function in a desert environment) and a (/) Z ~ FENCe- mixture of dwarf spirea and 'Wardii' yew o , S1CJN~ CDW'VINS (Taxus x media 'Wardii') as shrub masses. a:~ til ~P\pt:;. ~ &a..NDCOJ6<./ A serviceberry or shadblow (Amelanchier ~ f't;.f2:£::t-..INIAL S ~ SHRuB sp.) in the East or a desert willow (Chilop­ ~ § ,ONE BE"t--K H sis linearis) in the West could be the occa­ sional tree. You could even imbed a different-colored stone in the path to mimic the small islands that sometimes occur in flvers. These are only a few of thousands of nat­ ural pattern languages that can provide beautiful solutions to design problems. Ob­ serve nature closely. Describe what you're seeing. Define its elements. That is how Fi­ bonacci discovered his mathematical se­ quence. Pattern language may become the golden means to creating your own very personal and satisfying landscape.

Richard L. Dube's landscape design and consulting business, Environmental Infor­ Patios on three mation & Design, is in Buxton, Maine. levels are inspired by plateaus that might be RESOURCES encountered on a walk down from Nature, Mother of Invention by Felix Pa­ a mountain top. turi. Ha(per and Row, 1976. The plateaus could Orion Nature Quarterly. "Nature by De­ also be a series of MWNTAlN "ToP sign," winter 1993. Single issues $5. Write open spaces. the Orion Society, 136 East 64th Street, New York, NY 10021. This publication S'

AMERICAN HORTICULTURIST 27

PLANTS FOR BEES

Here are a few ornamentals that tickle the fancy of Apis mellifera, listed in order of blooming from winter through fall.

COMMON NAME BOTANICAL NAME COMMON NAME WILLOWS Salix spp. SPRING HEATH Erica carnea SNOWDROPS Galanthus nivalis CROCUSES Crocus spp. MAPLES Acer spp. SPICEBUSH Lindera benzoin DOGWOODS REDBUD ROSEMARY MAGNOLIAS PEA TREES OREGON GRAP~ FRUITIREES TuLIP POPI:.<\R SOURWOOJil , BLACK J.OCVSI HONEY LOepST F0RGET-ME-NOT5 SNOWB.ERR:I);S PENSTEMQ~S FALSEfNDlGO ANIS,E HYSSOP SAL~l MOl,JNl;All'I MIN;[ VIRGINIA € RN,E.PER Gm,pEN]l:ODS LA,W,NDERS ' MICHAEtMAS DAISIES INDIAN BLI\'NKET GARLIC CHIVES

Breezes can whiff the light fluffy pollen tha.t starts collecting from plum trees will tors; honey bees are especially attracted to in the inconspicuous flowers of plants like continue in plum trees for the rest of that blues and purples, while hummingbirds grasses and corn as far away as needed, trip, A honey bee in dandelions beneath the favor reds-here and there through the veg­ but most plants with heavier pollen rely on trees will work only in dandelions. Those etable patch to further ensure their visits, insects to spread their pollen from flower that arrived at the strawberry patch will Having a hive nearby practically guar­ to flower. Such plants have evolved com­ stick to the strawberries, Other insects antees a good crop of flower seeds, Every plex biological and chemical advertise­ move from species to species and care not year I collect cleo me, cosmos, poppy, and ments of a sweet nectar reward, which about the mix-up, With honey bees, we can nasturtium seeds for next year's plantings, entice insects into the unwitting role of depend OR pollination, While collecting Self-seeding herbs such as chervil, car­ middlemen in these floral assignations. In their own foods, they fertilize flowers of away, motherwort, and rue have so estab­ these plants, oily pollen on the anther-the the crops that feed the world-researchers lished themselves that they have to be pad at the tip of male reproductive struc­ estimate that the common domestic honey thinned every spring. tures called stamens-sticks to an insect's bee (Apis mellifera) pollinates about $10 A new hive in a new spot takes some body as it rubs agaiRst the anther on the billion in crops annually, planning, A young colony is best started in way to sweet liquid exuded by nectaries at In our own yards, on a more limited spring so it will have the entire season to the flower's base. When the insect moves scale, honey bees do the same for us, In ad­ build up a strong brood with plenty of to another plant, some of the pollen it car­ dition to pollinating almost all fruits, from honey to get through the winter, (There is ries adheres to the stigma-the sticky pad full-sized apple trees to ground-hugging almost never enough honey to harvest the at the end of the female reproductive blueberries, they collect from vegetables, first year,) As much as we might enjoy bees organ called the pistil. From there the herbs, and ornamentals, The year I finally in our gardens, their hive should be plaG:ed pollen grains grow a tube down through moved my hive near the vegetable garden, out of the way, where its main exit and en­ the pistil into the flower's ovary, through the cucumbers, cantaloupes, and summer trance path won't cross one of our own. which sperm passes to fertilize each ovule. and winter squash kept pFOducing, and Honey bees are mild tempered, but they In this phenomenon lies the incredible im­ producing, and producing, Any time can feel threatened when encountering hu­ portance of the honey bee. throughout the summer that I walk into the mans along their route to and from home, First, while hundreds of insects love nec­ garden, a few bees will be buzzing deep The fact that bees work constantly to tar, bees depend on flowers for all their down in the big yellow blossoms, I've keep their hive a steady 92 degrees should fo od: carbohydrates from the nectar, fat planted another of their favorites, the blue­ influence where we put it, In summer, spe­ and protein from pollen. Second, honey flowered borages--different flower colors cial workers fan constantly and others bees practice "flower fidelity." A worker are more attractive to certain nectar G:ollec- bring in water for cooling evaporation, In

30 DECEMBER 1994 A honey bee swarm, top, makes an awesome sight, but its collective consciousness is focused on homing, not stinging. Late-season bloomers favored by bees include teasel, left, whose spiky seedheads remain decorative through fall and winter, and fireweed, above, which develops capsules that open to show seeds with feathery hairs.

AM ERI CAN HORTICULTURIST 31 A (SOMETIMES) PAINFUL TOPIC

oney bees rarely sting. When collecting in the field, they would rather flee landing. Yet it is essential that the hive it­ than protect the richest blossoms. When swarming, their collective mass self be kept dry. Raising the hive off the H is far more interested in starting a new hive than bothering with humans. ground a few inches with cement blocks or Only when they fear that their home is under attack will they strike. Even dum, as a wooden stand will prevent decay, keep few as deemed necessary take part in the battle, for once a honey bee sting.s, it dies. the hive warmer in winter, and prevent Other stinging insects are the real villains. I've IDeen stung by aU except fh@ bum­ vegetation from blocking the entrance. blebee (which is about as mild tempered as any beast can be, but supposedly packs The landscaping in the vicinity of the a mighty wallop when pushed beyond its limit), and I agree with th,e experts, that hive can do a lot toward governing the wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets catlse far more pain than the honey bee. the bees' behavior. Although you want to long, slender, shiny black papeL" wasps, which would as SOQU Live inside the house avoid blocking the sun, an eight- to 12- as out, seem to enjoy surprise stinging. Their hits often sw€ll and a€he for se:l(eraJ foot-high hedge around the grounds will hours. YelloW' jackets, th0se vicious hole-in-the-gr0Ilmd dwellers, 0li'erate in groups make the workers fly up and over it on the of half a dozen or more. They attack <;J.uickty, repeatedly, anG they hurt'.ldQrn~ts, way to favorite fields, thus decreasing the if at aU aggravated, emerge eFl masse aBd chase their tormentOL"S fai.rly IOFlg dis­ likelihood that they will travel along peo­ tances. They, like the others, will sting r.epeatedly and li¥~ t@ sting aga~n, ple's walkways. My hive is set on a south­ By compaL"iSOFl, wheFl beekeepers clisman,tle hi"es to doliect honey, honey bee.s facing slope looking over my vegetable are little more than a s'ligfut annoyance. To keep trQuble to a minimum we wear a ~ garden. East, south, and west of my veil9ver our heads, long gloves, anda loose white Qr ydlow cotton shiJ;t 011 GQV­ cleared acre lot is a deciduous woodlot. eraU tucked in armmd the ankles. (Woo} and aalik colors fmcite bees.) To tili~ri­ While a couple dozen honey bees may quilize the bees, 'We pump smoke aroUliJcl tae hiVe and work at a steady, deliberate drop into the garden, the others rise pace. W0 actually expect occasioaal stings and f~Fl .d that after workiflg around straight up and pass over the trees to get to hives for a short time, t he stings become barely noticeable-a prick as mild as a their favorite sources. tetanus shot given by a skilled nurse. Even fairly large home gardens cannot Between one-half and one peF€ent of the pOl"wla,nion is sever€ly aHergic to rhe supply enough nectar to satisfy even one stings Q£ hOlUlY "'ees aIild othg); memb€rs of th€ Hym€no}'>texa family. For tlaem, a.n hive. They need acres. The 40,000 to excessive production of antibodies ~n respoQse to an earlier sting causes th€m to 50,000 workers (all non-reproducing fe­ react to subs€quent sEings with swelling of th.e faee, nausea and dizziness, and males), couple hundred drones (non-work­ broRchial c@nstrictkm-. If this happens to anyone, particl'lJady a child, an allergist ing males), and one queen, need 500 to sl\o11Jlcl be consi!ll~ed . .About 50 Americans clie each year f!'Om such reactions, and 600 pounds of honey per year for them­ it's impossible to pliedier when a reaction wi.\! he mild and when it will be severe. selves. One worker on one trip, which can Obviously, a werson withsud~ ap anergy should BOt become a beekeeper. (]people be up to three miles long, will collect from wh@ hav.e had s1>iog aHeligies diagnosed usually carry a medication that they can as many as 100 to 1,000 flowers of the iFlject to ,!1eutralize their ~ody.'s reaction to a sting.) same species. Workers can fly a total of Most of us suffer no mOFe than a brief swelling. As we work with bees arid re­ 50,000 miles just to collect one pound of c,eiv'e an oC€ugh Omtral America and aCl'OSS our southern bor­ of their favorite plants (see sidebar, page ders. These bees ~end to claim a largeF t€rritory than honey bees and stiag as a 30) to entice a few to work in our yard. group, often. imilicting hundreds of stings at a time. Tliey can move into existing Honey bees like htlndreds of species, and hoaey bee hl"es alild leave a q,ueetil that will produc€ a mOJ'e be:lligerent bl'Ood as one of beekeeping's rewards is that it tile current hard-working, mild~ mann€Jed residents die off. Bur by replacing teaches us a lot about various flowers. For queens with know.n honey bee queens every),€ar, l:;eekeepers are keepiag the threat example, I thought the bee balm (Monar­ in check. In most of North America, Africaa bees should never be a problem, since da didyma) would be a honey bee treat, they caMot surv.ive OUI wilJ1ters. -Anne Westbrook Dominick but after I planted it, I could see that their tongues are too short to reach its nectar. Bee balm was named for the bumblebees winter they huddle in one compact mass Ideally the hive's opening faces south to that work a good stand by the dozens. On that is constantly rotating from deep in the give workers the longest possible day. the other hand, honey bees will devour the interior to the outer surface and back. A Next best is the east for the earliest sun sweet drinks from another genus member, site in which deciduous trees offer some af­ and the quickest warm-up. Light shade the horsemint (M. punctata). ternoon shade in summer-especially in during the hottest part of a summer day is Favorite plants don't need to be next to the South-and full sun in winter will give okay, but in order to work from early the hive. Scouts survey the entire area to them help with climate control in both sea­ morning to late afternoon, bees need full pinpoint the richest offerings. Yet on sons. Because cold winds lower the tem­ sun most of the day. Full shade will shut cloudy or cool days they much prefer perature more quickly than a more frigid down the hive. working closer to the hive. calm spell, a windbreak to the north will If no pond or stream is within a haH Dandelions begin blooming here at a help them through the winter. A stand of mile, bees appreciate a small container of time when we often have many gloomy evergreens or an outbuilding or tool shed water, such as a birdbath, with plenty of days, and those who can be relaxed about will do the trick quite nicely. floating chips or cork on the surface for their lawn's make-up, as I am, will want to

32 DECEMBER 1994 March, soon after the willows bloom, the sap of maples starts running and their bright red tips open, so that on warmish days the air overhead fills with a busy peaceful buzz. One of the greatest benefits of having yo ur own bee hive is, of course, the abili­ ty to harvest and enjoy the unprocessed honey. About four percent of fresh honey is esoteric materials, including pollen from various plants, which provide its distinc­ tive color, scent, and flavor. Most of the vi­ tamins in honey are due to its pollen content. While honey remains edible for decades, those delicate flavor combina­ tions disappear within months. Bees will visit whatever blossoms are most profuse and yielding nectar most co­ piously. As gardeners, what we supply is an isolated source that will bring a few in around us to ensure bountiful fruit and vegetabl e crops and prolific amounts of seed for next year's flowers. let them stay, since they are a reliable, lush, and nearby nectar source. Poor dry sec­ Anne Westbrook Dominick is a free-lance tions in a yard are ideal for wild thyme writer, gardener, and beekeeper in Hins­ (Thymus serpyilum), and a lawn seed mix dale, New Hampshire. with short clovers in the standard grass crop will delight the workers. Any wasteland in a yard can be turned RESOURCES over to a nectar-rich ground cover. Any clover-a flower that yields one of the uni­ The ABC and XYZ of Bee Culture. A bible versal, all-time favorite honeys-or alfal­ of beekeepers. $25 plus $4.20 shipping fa will both enrich the soil and treat the and handling. A.1. Root Company, P.O. bees. Goldenrods will aggressively take Box 706, Medina, OH 44258, (800) over large plots, brighten the days as fall 289-7668. arrives, and, from my experience, make an Beekeeping in the Midwest by Elbert R. exciting honey that soothes a sore throat Jaycox. Great for beginners in that part like nothing else. Wild gardeners who can of the country. $5.50. Publications Of­ enjoy even plants that are usually consid­ fice, 67 Munford Hall, 1301 West Gre­ ered a nuisance will find that bees love the gory, Urbana, IL 61804. Make checks pretty beggar-ticks (Bidens spp.) that will payable to the University of Illinois. happily fill in abandoned areas. The Bee-Man of Orn by Frank R. Stock­ During the warm days in February and ton is a children's book recently reissued March, honey bees really benefit from Flowering shrubs that attract bees with illustrations by Maurice Sendak. strategic planting. On the few days when in spring include pea trees like the $4.95 paperback, $8.95 hardcover. temperatures reach 55 degrees, many will weeping Siberian pea shrub, top, Harper-Collins Children's Books. work at cleaning the hive while a few of and our native spicebush, above. A Book of Bees by Sue Hubbell. This pa­ the hardiest will prowl out a half mile or perback by the author of A Country so looking for fresh pollen and nectar. Year is less a how-to than an explo­ (Pollen is important in spring when the ration of the rhythms of country living. production of young gets under way, since Priced at $8.95 from Ballantine Books, those in the larval stage are primarily fed New York. pollen.) The earliest crops are undoubted­ The Dancing Bees by Karl von Frisch. A ly the variol!ls pussy willows, which prefer bee book that is enjoyable to read and a damp growing area but onGe established popularizes some of the work that will bloom winter after winter. Because earned the author a Nobel prize. they put on their show here at a time when Starting Right with Bees. A slim introduc­ snow may still be on the ground, we love tory paperback. $7.99 plus $4.20 ship­ them, as do the hungry honey bees. In ping and handling. Also from A.1. Root.

AMERICAN HORTICULTURIST 33 Knotty But Nice Species pelargoniums' odd posture makes them the Quasimodo of windowsill plants.

B y T o v A H M A R T N

eaven knows, I have never nium as a separate genus within the Gera­ been a great fan of botani­ niaceae family. The tender South African cal "freaks of nature." The species and their hybrids were called contortions and deformi­ pelargoniums, distinguished from the ties exhibited by certain hardier geraniums such as herb Robert Hcacti do not excite me in the least, and the (Geranium robertianum) that grow wild swellings of caudiciforms leave me cold. in our woods. The British eventually But somehow, the swollen stems and adopted the new-fangled name. But 200 knobby joints that adorn species pelargo­ years later, Americans are still stubbornly niums are a different matter entirely. The clinging to the nickname geranium, much lower sections of species pelargoniums are to the confusion of everyone. a tad homely, perhaps. But perched on top Compared to the pelargoniums that car­ of those plump, gnarled stems and brittle, pet cemeteries on Memorial Day and line strangely shaped leaves stand umbels up dutifully in window boxes later in the bristling with reassuringly familiar flow­ season, species pelargoniums have re­ ers. The base looks like something out of ceived scant attention. To be sure, their a science fiction movie; the blossoms look blossoms aren't quite as riveting as the like something your grandmother grew on brightly colored, round-petaled crowd her windowsill-these plants are a de­ pleasers that bristle atop their cousins. But lightful contradiction in terms. species pelargoniums definitely have a cer­ If you're scratching your head and won­ tain charm. Part of their beauty lies in the dering what on earth I'm talking about, it's fact that they are eminently suitable for little wonder. First of all, "pelargonium" growing on the average windowsill. They is not a household word, not in this coun­ are just the right size and they thrive in just try anyway. And yet you've undoubtedly the right atmosphere to share our living encountered pelargoniums at every street quarters comfortably. corner-masquerading under the name I like to think of the species pelargoni­ "geraniums." In fact, pelargoniums were urns as the Rumpelstiltskins of the Gera­ classified as geraniums by Linnaeus and niaceae. If you like streamlined plants that the scientists that followed until 1789, can be shaped into neat mounds with pre­ when the French botanist Charles-Louis dictable curves, these are not the botani­ L'Heritier de Brutelle established Pelargo- cals of your dreams. Species pelargoniums

34 DECEMBER 1994 tend to be bent in places; their stems come South Africa, it reached Britain in 1714 Like many species out at weird angles and jut awkwardly and was cultivated in the garden of H enry pelargoniums, into the air. Some trail down and form Compton, the Bishop of London. Despite Pelargonium reniforme clumps of sorts, but even the most com­ its being lanky and slightly ill-kempt, gar­ has sprawling stems pact species sport blossoms that dangle deners immediately saw the species' poten­ that make it a natural akimbo on long, wiry stems. tial as a parent. Bred to the pink- flowering for a hanging basket. Besides their similarity in blossom struc­ P. zonale and rebred again through dozens ture, species pelargoniums share few phys­ of successive generations, the offspring ical traits. Many-but not all-are tall blossomed in an incredibly broad range of with large, segmented leaves on woody flower colors. Their petals were more stems that look ages old, even when rounded, the umbels held more florets, and they've only been propagated a few the progeny boasted a less cumbersome months previously. They all have a succu­ growth habit than either of their parents. lent quality to their appendages. And, in To make a long story short, P. inquinans fa­ fact, species pelargoniums are often fea­ thered a slew of hybrids that went on to fill tured in catalogs of succulents. The stems window boxes throughout the world. are often swollen, scaly, rough, and capa­ These are the plants we've come to know, ble of storing water in a drought, and the love, and refer to erroneously as gerani­ leaves are generally furry and brittle-ob­ ums. (They are often called "zonal" gera­ viously engineered to take a beating from niums in reference to the horseshoe-shaped sun rays. The beauty of these pelargoni­ leaf band that they inherited from their urns lies in the checks and balances they've other, lesser-known parent.) developed as survivors. P. inquinans, however, is a rather staid If species pelargoniums ever had a year­ member of a genus known for its gim­ book in which one was designated "most micks. P. lobatum is much wackier. From likely to succeed," then Pelargonium in­ the foliage, you'd hardly guess that this is quinans would certainly win the vote. This a close relative of our common patio rather tall plant with felted green leaves is plants. The foliage is almost grapeleaf­ crowned by umbels of lipstick-red blos­ shaped with many deeply felted segments soms. Used as a headache and cold remedy and notched edges. The leaves sprout from as well as a body deodorant in its native scaly tubers that plunge into the ground

AMERICAN HORTICULTURIST 35 but also poke above the soil's surface. In that look prematurely aged. The blossoms springing from them is rather comely. The autumn, tall spikes hold a constellation of come throughout the autumn, winter, and small, slender-petaled white blossoms are five-petaled black blossoms edged in ye l­ early spring. They're a drab, pale yellow, usually overlooked. low. As if that weren't sufficiently enter­ but form highfalutin, many-bristled umbels Not so with Pelargonium tricolor (for­ taining, after dark those macabre black and give off a faint evening scent. To be merly known as P. violareum and general­ blossoms emit a delightful scent, akin to sure, P. gibbosum isn't the cutest geranium ly still sold under that name). In this freshly ground cinnamon. you've ever encountered, but it is definite­ species, both foliage and flowers vie for Another little oddity is P. gibbosum, a ly a conversation piece. your attention. The leaves are silvery species famed for woody stems and swollen Pelargonium lobatum is not readily green, softly felted, deeply notched, and joints that look uncomfortably reminiscent available in this country and P. gibbosum lanceolate with a marked crease down the of arthritic knees and elbows. In fact, it's is a little ragged for the average win­ center. From midsummer until midwinter, been nicknamed "the gouty pelargonium." dowsill. P. x glaucifolium, a hybrid derived copious blossoms smother the leaves. The The new growth is tender and pea green from the marriage between these two flowers are as broadly petaled as any of the with widely spaced celerylike leaves, but species, is both more available and more hybrid zonals and pure white with blush within mere months it hardens into stems adaptable. To the hybrid's credit, it doesn't pink stains suffusing the upper petals. In follow in P. gibbosum's footsteps. Instead, fact, the blossoms look for all the world it takes after P. lobatum in both foliage and like those of pansies, and the plant's com­ flower. And come evening, P.lobatum's de­ pact stature compounds the ruse. lightful scent wafts from its black blos­ There are other species pelargoniums. soms. Yet thanks to its other parent, P. x There is P. fulgidum, which has scarlet red glaucifolium doesn't skulk along the blossoms on top of adorable, silver-felted ground but stands upright on gnarly, leaves that emit a hideous musky scent woody stems. It really inherited the best of when touched. There is P. reniforme, with both, but drew one flaw out of the gene sprawling stems, cute little kidney-shaped pool. In early summer, it goes dramatical­ leaves, and many umbels of violet-pink ly dormant, dropping most of its leaves flowers that spill from the leaves and look and looking rather pitiful indeed. Merci­ absolutely lovely in a hanging basket. fully, the slumber period doesn't last long. Equally appropriate for draping over the By the end of summer, P. x glaucifolium is edges of a hanging container is P. ionidi­ again fully clothed. florum, which has tiny, parsleylike leaves To appreciate the majesty of P. gibbo­ on woody stems and an omnipresent sup­ sum, P. lobatum, and P. x glaucifolium, ply of thin-petaled blush pink flowers. And you really have to possess a taste for the there is P. abrotanifolium, with foliage that absurd. P. echinatum, on the other hand, looks so much like the herb southernwood, is a little closer to the mainstream, at least Artemisia abrotanum, that it could easily from the flower-stem up. Known as the fool the most astute horticulturist. In fact, sweetheart pelargonium, P. echinatum has there are upwards of 280 species pelargo­ snow-white blossoms with tiny red hearts niums, and I could continue for page after In the evening, the black flowers of enhancing the upper two petals. The flow­ page describing these odd fellows. But you Pelargonium x glaucifolium emit a ers appear in profusion beginning in late get the picture. Better to devote some space wonderful fragrance. summer and continue until Christmas and to the secrets of their cultivation. sometimes beyond. It really is quite a pret­ Since species pelargoniums are so very ty show. The flowers are held on gray, diverse, it's difficult to lump them within hard-wooded, prickly stems that aren't one set of growing instructions. And yet particularly good-looking, but they do the they do share some common ground. In job. Without proper pruning, you're apt to their native South Africa, many of these see a little too much of those spiny gray ap­ plants can be found in coastal regions. pendages. But if you cut P. echinatum back They thrive in the poor soil of rocky, ex­ occasionally, the handsome, velvety, heart­ posed, wind-swept areas that provide plen­ shaped leaves mask the stems quite nicely. ty of sun but scant nutrition. So it stands to Not all species pelargoniums must make reason that species pelargoniums prefer a excuses for their stems. P. crithmifolium is sandy soil such as you might concoct for grown for both its smooth, succulent tan cacti. They prefer clay pots with very good stems and abundant, pale green, parsley­ drainage and they detest over-watering. like foliage. The name alludes to the re­ The roots want to be tightly bound rather semblance of the juicy leaves to the foliage than thrashing about in an overly generous of Crith mum maritimum, the herb known cOl'ltainer, and they should only be repot­ as samphire that is often grown in Eliza­ ted in autumn when new growth is vigor­ bethan gardens. The contrast between the ous-never in spring or summer when the elephantine stems and the lacy leaves dormant period is in the offing.

36 DECEMBER 1994 Above a ll , species pelargoniums crave resu lting seedheads look like srork's bill s. sun. They can thrive indoors in a window, Pelargos mea ns "stork" in Greek, a nd SOURCES but only if that window has a n un o b­ these seed hea ds run thro ugho ut the genus. structed southern o utlook. In summer, They are the commo n gro und that links Logee's Greenho uses, 141 North Street, th ey mi ght go o utdoors under the brunt of these odd fellows with their more fami liar Dani elson, CT 06239, (203) 774-8038. unfiltered sun, but they must be protected kin. And li ke the swoll en stems and suc­ Catalog $3. fro m drenching downpo urs. Once they cul ent leaves, like th e intricate blossoms in Ri chter's, Goodwood, O ntario, LO C lAO, have sun, however, species pelargoniums offbeat colors, they a re strangely bea uti­ Canada, (905) 640-6677. Cata log $2 really don't have demanding dispositio ns. ful-one more of th e many attractions of Canadian, $1.60 U.S. They chee rfully tolerate the low humidity species pelargoniums. Shady Acres H erb Farm, 7815 Highway levels typica l of the average home. In fact, 212, C haska, MN 55318, (612) 466- they prefer a dry atmosphere-a dan k, Tovah Martin is horticulturist at Logee's 3391. Catalog $2. clammy environment will lead ro stem rot Greenhouses. Her most recent book is Sunnybrook Farms, 9448 Mayfield Road, and fun gal infections. Tasha Tudor's Garden, published by P.O. Box 6, C hesterfield, OH 44026, The dormant period can be disquieting Houghton Mifflin. (216) 729-7232. Cata log free. if yo u aren't clued in ro the dramati c leaf drop and growth halt that comes in spring and summer. Once you've witnessed this behavior and experienced the reassuring re­ growth that begins in autumn, the sequence reall y becomes quite bearable. Many gar­ deners find it rather conve nient that these house plants slip backstage when the gar­ den outdoors is in fu ll tilt. Of course, not a ll species pelargoniums plummet into a dramatic slumber. Some merely cease active growth for a sho rt period. But they should a ll be watered sparingly a nd fertilizer should be withheld until new growth be­ gins again in late summer or earl y autumn. Even when growth is vigorous, these plants shouldn't be fed generously. Once every four to six weeks with 20-20-20 or any bal­ anced feed should do it. Some species pelargoniums can eventu­ all y become gangly if they aren't checked by stern pruning. Since the stems so quick­ ly become woody and/or bloated and rough, it's wise ro begin pruning early in a pelargonium's career, always dusting the wound with a fungicide afterwards. For­ tunately, most species pelargoniums are painfully slow-growing plants, which wi ll prove a blessing for windowsill gardeners trying to hold the line spacewise. This lethargy is also a relief for gardeners who The flowers of Pelargonium tricolor, often called by its former name, might be squeamish about wielding prun­ P. violareum, look like those of pansies. ing shears. Propagating species pelargoniums isn't a fast and easy process. Of all the pel argo­ niums, cuttings from these plants take the longest to send down roots. Wait until new growth has hardened slightly-young, limp slips ra rely take hold as cuttings. Si nk the cuttings into sand and wait patiently for a month or two, sprinkling the sand with water only when necessary to keep the cuttings from wilting. Seed is an easier method of increasing the bounty, and these species often set seed. When they do, the

AMERICAN HORTICULTURIST 37 Intrepid Trio Three orchid species arrived in Hawaii unassisted. Now one of them is in trouble.

B Y J 0 A N HUSTACE W A L K E R

Ow many orchid species the time it arrived at the islands. Also, or­ do you think are at home chids require a mycorrhizal fungus to ger­ on the islands of Hawaii? minate." Lacking the food store carried by " Must be zillions" is the larger seeds, the embryonic orchid relies typical reply. If this was on sharing the nutrients that are assimilat­ Hyour first guess, don't feel bad-you're ed from organic matter by soil fungi that among the company of noted botanists. "infect" the orchid by means of tiny As incredible as it may seem, there are threads called hyphae. The arrangement is only three orchid species native to the usually mutually beneficial, but occasion­ Hawaiian Islands: Anoectochilus sandvi­ ally the fungus overwhelms and consumes censis, a jewel orchid; Liparis hawaiensis, a weak orchid, and vice versa. Conservation of native Hawaiian whose common Hawaiian name awapuhi­ Even if the orchid seed did manage to orchids is one of many projects under a-Kanaloa translates roughly to "the gin­ link up with the appropriate fungus, there the auspices of David Lorence, ger of Kanaloa"-a Hawaiian deity; and was a good chance it could never repro­ director of research at the National Platanthera holochila, a fringed orchid. duce. "Orchids many times have very spe­ Tropical Botanical Garden in Kauai. David Lorence, director of research at cific mechanisms for pollination," ex­ the National Tropical Botanical Garden plains Lorence. "There may have been a (NTBG) in Kauai, Hawaii, says it's actual­ lack of suitable pollinators." Since it was ly not all that surprising that Hawaii is between five million and 10 million years home to only three orchid species. Some ago that the westernmost and oldest island authorities have suggested that orchid of the volcanic Hawaiian chain emerged seeds, which are among the smallest of any from the Pacific Ocean, successful natural flowering plant, could have hitched a ride migration of orchids averaged less than to Hawaii millions of years ago on migra­ one in a million years. tory birds. But Lorence maintains that be­ Despite their tenacity, the native orchid fore humans arrived on the islands, the species are not very showy. The orchids most likely way for such plants to natu­ commonly seen hanging from trees or cas­ ralize was for the nearly microscopic seeds cading in a profusion of color alongside to have been carried to the isolated archi­ walkways in local parks are not indige­ pelago by the jet stream. nous. "These are orchid species that were Once seeds actually made it to Hawaii, originally brought to Hawaii for the pur­ other challenges to successful colonization pose of cultivation," says Lorence, "and awaited. "If it had a short seed life," says they naturalized." The four most common Lorence, "the seed would not be viable by naturalized species are Arundina gramini-

38 DECEMBER 1994 Of the orchids native to Hawaii, Liparis hawaieosis, left, is the most common, its inflorescence rising from two leaves at the base of the stem. Plataothera holochila, above, on the other hand, is quite rare and is a candidate for listing as an endangered species.

folia, the bamboo orchid; Phaius groupings based on whether they usually tankervilleae, Chinese ground or nun's or­ grow on trees or on the ground. Epiphyt­ chid; Epidendrum x obrienianum, a hy­ ic orchids, which comprise the majority of brid commonly called scarlet or butterfly orchid species and are most common in orchid; and Spathoglottis plicata, the the tropics, typically grow in the upper Malayan ground orchid, which has a his­ canopy attached to tree limbs. Terrestrial tory of colonization- So plicata was orchids are found predominantly in tem­ among three orchids found on what little perate regions, where they grow in mead­ was left of the denuded Indonesian island ows, open forests, and along stream of Krakatau 13 years after its eruption in banks. Whereas epiphytes are usually 1883. The orchid was likely spread by equipped with a fleshy water-storage wind from nearby Java. With the excep­ organ called a pseudobulb that helps them tion of Epidendrum, which is epiphytic (its withstand dry periods, most terrestrials Latin name means "upon a tree"), the require a steady supply of moisture to sur­ major imported orchids are terrestrials vive. Except for a few bog-dwelling that were introduced to the islands be­ species, terrestrials also require well­ tween the 1920s and the 1940s. drained, open soil, which means that the Orchid species fall into two broad ground must be "fluffy" with humus or

AMERICAN HORTICULTURIST 39 layered with dead and rotting vegetation. Unfortunately, the largest and most rec­ Because they are easier to grow than their ognizable of the Hawaiian orchid species, terrestrial counterparts, epiphytes account Platanthera holo ehila, is in danger of ex­ for the vast majoriry of orchids sold com­ tinction and is a candidate for immediate mercially. Terrestrial orchids are still not listing as threatened or endangered under completely understood and are extremely the federal Endangered Species Act. Joel challenging. Lau, a botanist working for the Nature Even orchid specialists can be stumped Conservancy on the Hawaiian National by terrestrials. The terrestrial native or­ Heritage Program, says that only five sight­ chids of Hawaii have proven difficult to ings of P. holoehila have been made within propagate. "We attempted to grow two of the last decade, although about a year ago the [endemic] species here at the arbore­ a new population of about a dozen plants tum," says Charles Lamoureax, director of was found on the Nature Conservancy's the University of Hawaii's Harold L. Lyon Kapunakea Preserve on Maui. Lau says the Arboretum in Honolulu, " but we weren't known population of P. holoehila is now very successful." In addition to other between 25 and 30 plants. Under the aus­ problems, it appears the orchids were neg­ pices of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, atively affected by the lower altitude in Lau and other staff at the Nature Conser­ Honolulu. vancy are collecting data on P. holoehila to Of the indigenous species, the most be used in preparing a draft proposal for common is Liparis hawaiensis, which listing the species as endangered. comes from a fairly cosmopolitan genus of The cau~e of its demise is not certain. more than 200 species. Its name is derived Lorence suggests it may be a combination from the Greek liparos, which means oily of factors, including the loss or destruction or smooth, and refers to the glossy surface of lower elevation habitats by the creation of the species' two bright-green leaves. L. of cattle pastures, collection prior to its en­ hawaiensis is unlikely to be cultivated for dangered status, rooting by feral pigs, low its blooms, but is abundant and easily seed viability or poor germination, and viewed. Its small pale-green flowers are competition from invasive imported held erect on terminal inflorescences dur­ plants. "Most native plants evolved away ing its flowering period from May through from competition and are not very vigor­ July. Though primarily terrestrial, L. ous," explains Lorence. The glossy yellow blossoms of hawaiensis has been found growing on P. holoehila is only found at high alti­ Anoectochilus sandvicensis, one of the moss-covered trees. More commonly, it tudes in remote areas on the islands of "jewel orchids," are considered the can be found growing under bushes, on Kauai, Maui, and Molokai. It has not yet showiest among Hawaii's endemic bare wet ground, in seasonally wet ground been seen on "the big island" of Hawaii, orchid species. in mesic forests, and in bogs. Its altitude the easternmost and youngest island in the range is from 1,300 to 6,600 feet. chain. When blooming, its tall spike cov­ Anoeetoehilus sandvieensis is a member ered by greenish yellow flowers makes it of the " jewel orchids," known for their easy to spot. Of the three native species, it multicolored foliage. A better-known mem­ has the longest blooming season, begin­ ber of this group is the beautifully foliaged ning in June and continuing through Sep­ terrarium-grower, Ludisia discolor. The tember. P. holoehita is truly terrestrial, Hawaiian species does not have the brilliant with stems rising from subterranean tubers foliage of L. discolor; its leaves are dark and pale green leaves that are simple and green on the upper surface and paler green alternate. below, and its two- to six-inch spike of pale According to Obata, P. holoehila never yellow-green flowers appears between Au­ was very common. "It has not been spot­ gust and November. According to John ted on Oahu since the early '40s," he says. Obata, a retired school teacher and long­ Obata spent 40 years trying to view this time orchid fancier who is one of the few rare orchid. With the help of a guide, he fi­ people to have seen all three native species, nally found it in the boggy inner recesses the blooms of Anoeetoehilus sandvieensis of Kauai's Alakai Swamp. This was no ca­ "are the prettiest of the three species." A. sual field trip. "It was back a few years be­ sandvieensis can be spotted growing in fore there was a boardwalk," he relates. dense shade on wet ground or on the lower "Once we got through the forested area, parts of tree trunks. On rare occasions it has we had a nearly vertical, moss-covered been spotted growing epiphytically on tree climb .. . pulling ourselves up from branch ferns in wet forests. Its preferred altitude to branch. After this we had to cross a range is from 900 to 5,600 feet. thigh-deep stream and another bog." For

40 DECEMBER 1994 J

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Obata it was all made worthwhile by the and dark regimes, and cold and warm These pressed specimens of Liparis rare sight of a P. holochila population. But regimes," he relates. "Nothing could get hawaiensis, left, collected in 1933, today, even with the boardwalk, he warns them past that protocorm stage." now reside in the Herbarium prospective explorers: "If you don't know Koob believes that P. holochila "may Pacificum of the Bernice P. Bishop the way, you may never come out." The need the association with a mycorrhizal Museum in Kauai. Above, Greg Koob, Alakai Swamp has claimed the lives of fungus to reach the next stage." He is a graduate assistant at the Harold L. more than one inexperienced hiker. ready to test his theory in the laboratory Lyon Arboretum in Honolulu, is Efforts to propagate P. holochila have using a fungus commonly found in soil attempting to propagate Platanthera been frustrating at best. Greg Koob, grad­ around the plant in the wild. He may also holochila in the laboratory. uate assistant for Lyon Arboretum, has test a nonspecific mycorrhizal fungus that "rescued" an impressive number of endan­ is known to be symbiotic with several or­ gered native Hawaiian plant species, but P. chid species. "The trick will be keeping the holochila has so far defied all his efforts. fungus from outgrowing and killing the Using the delicate laboratory methods orchid, since the fungus grows well in the necessary to germinate and grow all orchid medium and doesn't need the orchid to seeds, Koob was able to germinate seeds survive." Koob adds, "There's a fine line received from the NTBG and get them to I'll have to walk to make this work." the protocorm stage, where the testa, or Researchers hope P. holochila will hold seed coat, splits, and the embryo normally out long enough to be saved, but Lorence turns green and develops fine hairs on its is concerned this may not be the case. underside. "But they never got past that "The one clump that was used last year to stage. They lived for about four or five obtain the seed pods is not increasing its months, stayed white, never turned green, population," he says. As with other en­ didn't get any roots or shoots," he laments. dangered species, only time will tell .. . When Koob realized Platanthera was and the race is on. being stubborn, he tried different tactics in hopes of activating the plants to the next Joan Hustace Walker is a free-lance writer stage. "I tried different media studies, light who lives in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania.

AMERICAN HORTICULTURIST 41 PRONUNCIATIONS

Abies alba AY-beez AL-buh Cornus canadensis KOR-nus kan-uh­ Liparis hawaiensis LY-pa!h-riss huh-wy-ee­ A. balsamea A. ball-SAM-ee-uh DEN-siss EN-siss A. douglasii A. dug-LASS-ee-eye Crithmum maritimum KRITH-mum muh­ Liriodendron tulipifera leer-ee-oh-DEN-dron A. fraseri A. FRAYZ-yer-eye WRIT-ih-mum too-lih-PIH-fer-uh Abronia fragrans uh-BROH-nee-uh Crocus spp. CROW-kus Ludisia discolor loo-DIZ-yuh DIS-kuh-ler FRAY-granz Datura meteloides duh-TOO-ruh meh-teh­ Lupinus perennis loo-PIE-nus per-EN-is Acer spp. AY-ser LOY-deez Magnolia spp. mag-NOLE-yuh Agastache anethiodora ah-guh-STAH-she Dennstaedtia punctilobula den-STET-ee-uh Mahonia aquifolium mah-HO-nee-uh ah- an-uh-thee-oh-DOR-uh punk-tih-LOW-bew-luh kwi-FOE-lee-um A. barberi A. BAR-ber-eye Dicentra eximia dy-SEN-truh eks-ZIM-ee-uh Malus spp. MAL-us A. foeniculum A. fee-NICK-yew-lum D. formosa D. for-MOH-suh Malva spp. MAL-vuh Allium cernuum AL-ee-um SER-new-um D. spectabilis D. spek-TAB-ih-luss Matteuccia mah-TOO-key-uh A. tuberosum A. too-bur-OH-sum Dipsacus sylvestris DIP-suh-kus sil-VES-triss Mentha spp. MEN-tha Amelanchier sp. am-eh-LANG-kyer Echinacea purpurea ek-ih-NAY-see-uh per- Mirabilis longiflora mih-RAB-ih-liss lon-jih­ Amsonia tabernaemontana am-SO-n~e-uh PER-ee-uh FLOR-uh tuh-bur-nay-rnon-TAN-uh Echinocereus fendleri var. kuenzleri eh-kee­ Miscanthus miz-KAN-thus Anoectochilus sandvicensis an-oke-toh-CHIL­ no-SEER-ee-us fend-LER-eye var. koonz­ Monarda didyma moh-NAR-duh us sand-vih-CHEN-sis LER-eye DID-ih-muh Aquilegia caerulea ah-kwi-LEE-juh E. hempelii E. hem-PEL-ee-eye M. punctata M. punk-TAY-tuh seh-ROO-lee-uli! Epidendrum x obrienianum eh-pih-DEN­ Myosotis spp. my-oh-SEW-tis A. canadensis A. kan-uh-DEN-siss drum x oh-bree-en-ee-AH-num Nicotiana alata nih-ko-shee-AN-uh A. chrysantha A. kris-AN-thuh Epilobium angustifolium eh-pih-LOW-bee­ ah-LAY-tuh A. longissima A. lon-JIH-sih-muh um ang-gus-tih-FOE-ke-um Opuntia oh-PUN-shuh Artemisia abrotanum ar-teh-MEEZ-Yllh uh­ Erica carnea eh-RY-kuh KAR-nee-uh Origanum spp. oh-RYG-uh-num BROH-tan-um Erythronium americanum air-ih-THROW­ Oxydendrum arboreum ok-sih-DEN-drum Arundina graminifolia ah-run-DEE-nuh nee-um uh-mer-ih-KAN-um ar-BO-ree-um grah-mih-nih-FOE-lee-uh Eschscholzia californica es-SHOLTZ-zee-uh Parthenocissus quinquefolia par-then-oh­ Aster azureus ASS-ter as-ZYUR-ee-us kal-ih-FORN-ih-kuh SISS-us kwin-kweh-FOE-lee-uh A. bigelovii bih-guh-LOW-vee-eye Evodia danielli ee-VOH-dee-uh dan-YEL-eye Pelargonium abrotanifolium peh-lar-GOH- A. novae-angliae A. NO-vye-ANG-lee-eye Ficus lyrata FIE-kus ly-RAY-tuh nee-um ab-row-tan-ih-FOE- le ~-um Baptisia australis bap-TIZ-yuh aw-STRAY- Gaillardia xgrandiflora gay-LARD-ee-uh x P. crithmifolium P. krith-mih-FOE-lee-um li ss gran-dih-FLOR-uh P. echinatum P. eh-kee-NAY-tum Betula papyrifera BET-yew-luh pap-ih-RIH­ G. pulchella G. pul-KEL-uh P. fulgidum P. FUL-jih-dum fer-uh Galanthus nivalis guh-LAN-thus nih-VAL-iss P. gibbosum P. jih-BOH-sum Bidens spp. BY-denz Gaultheria shallon gahl-THEER-ee-uh P. xglaucifolium P. x glaw-sih-FOE-lee-um Boltonia asteroides bohl-TOH-nee-uh ass­ SHAL-lon P. inquinans P. IN-qwi-nans tuh-ROY-deez Geranium robertianum juh-RAY-nee-um raw­ P. ionidiflorum P. eye-oh-nid-ih-FLOR-um Borago officinalis bohr-RAY-goh oh-fiss-ih­ bur-tee-AN-um P. lobatum P. low-BAY-tum NAL-iss Gleditsia triacanthos gleh-DIT-see-uh try-uh­ P. reniforme P. REN-ee-form Callirhoe involucrata kah-LIR-oh-ee in-vol­ CAN-thos P. tricolor P. TRY-kul-er yew-KRAY-tuh Helianthus maximiliani hee-lee-AN-thus P. zonale P. zoh-NOWL Campanula rotundifolia kam-pan-YEW-luh maks-ih-mil-e€-AN-eye Penstemon barbatus PEN-steh-mon roe-tund-ih-FOE-lee-uh H. scabra H. SKAY-bruh bar-BAY-tus Caragana kair-uh-GAN-uh ri~~iDi~il Hamamelis ham-uh-ME-liss P. barrettiae P. buh-RET-ee-eye Cassia marilandica KASS-ee-uh Helenium autumnale heh-LEE-nee­ P. bridgesii P. brid-JEZ-ee-eye mair-ih-LAN-dih-kuh um aw-tum-NAY-lee P. campanulatus P. kam-pan-yew-LAY-tus Centaurea cyanus sen-TAW-ree-uh H. hoopesii H. who-PEZ-ee-eye P. cardinalis P. kar-dih-NAL-iss SIGH-an-us Heliopsis helianthoides hee-lee-OP- P. confertus P. kon-FER-tus Cercis canadensis SER-siss kan-uh­ siss hee-lee-an-THOY-deez P. eatonii P. ee-TONE-ee-eye DEN-siss Ilex spp. EYE-leks P. floridus P. FLOR-ih-dus Chilopsis linearis ky-LOP-siss lih­ Ipomoea spp. ih-poh-ME-uh P. gentianoides P. jen-shen-OY-deez nee-YAR-iss Koelreuteria paniculata kel-roo- P. glaber P. GLAY-ber Clematis vitalba KLEM-uh-tiss vy-TAL-buh TEE-ree-uh pan-ik-yew-LAY-tuh P. kunthii P. koon-TEE-eye Clethra alnifolia KLETH-ruh al-nih-FOE­ Larix laricina LAY-riks lah- rih-SIGH-nuh P. linarioides P. lin-air-ee-OY-deez lee-uh Lavandula spp. lah-VAN-dyew-luh P. neomexicanus P. nee-oh-mex-ih-KAN-us Coreopsis verticillata koh-ree-OP-sis ver-tih­ Lespedeza spp. les-peh-DEE-zuh P. ovatus P. oh-VAY-tus sih-LAY-tuh Lindera benzoin lin-DAIR-uh BEN-zoh-in P. pinifolius P. py-nih-FOE-lee-us

42 DECEMBER 1994 P. rostiflorus P. rah-stih-FLOR-us P. rydbergii P. rid-BERG-ee-eye P. pseudospectabilis P. soo-doe-spek-tuh- BIL-iss P. strictus P. STRIK-tus P. tenuis P. T EN-yew-iss P. uenustus P. veh-NUS-tus P. whippleanus P. whi-puh-LAY-nus Petalostemum foliosum peh-tal-oh-STEE- CLASSIFIEDS mum pho-Iee-OH-sum Phaius tankeruilliae FAY-us tang-ker-VlL-lee­ eye Phlox drummondii FLOKS drum-MON- dee-eye Physostegia spp. fie-so-STEE-juh Picea glauca PIE-see-uh GLAW-kuh P. mariana P. mahr-ee-AN-uh Classified Ad Rates: All classified advertis­ CACTI AND SUCCULENTS P. rubens P. ROO-benz ing must be prepaid. $1.25 per word; mini­ RARE AND EXOTIC PLANTS from around Pinus banksiana PIE-nus bank-see-AN-uh mum $25 per insertion. 10 percent discount the world. Catalog, $2, refundable. ABBEY P. strobus P. STROH-bus for three consecuti ve ads using the same GARDEN CACTUS, P.O. Box 2249, La Habra, P. sylvestris P. sil-VES-triss CA 90632-2249. (805) 684-5112. Platanthera holochila pluh-TAN-ther-uh hoh­ copy, provided each insertion meets the $25 lo-CHIH-Iuh minimum after di scount. Copy and prepay­ Polemonium rep tans pahl-eh-MO-nee-um ment must be rece ived on the 20th day 'of CARNIVOROUS PLANTS REP-tanz the month three months prior to publication CARNIVOROUS (Insectivotous) PLANTS, seeds, Prunus spp. PREW-nus date. Send orders to: AHS Advertising De­ supplies, and books. Color brochure free. PETER Pycnanthemum pilosum pik-NAN-thuh-mum partment, 2300 South Ninth Street, Suite PAULS NURSERIES, Canandaigua, NY 14424. pih-LOW-sum Ratibida columnifera rah-TIH-bi-dah kol­ 501, Arlington, VA 22204-2320, or call um-NIH-fer-uh (703 ) 892-0733. EMPLOYMENT Robinia pseudoacacia row-BIN-ee-uh soo­ We at the American Horticultural Society are doe-uh-KAY-shuh not in a position to offer full placement services THE AVANT GARDENER Rosmarinus officinalis roze-muh-RY-nus oh- to candidates or employers. Howeve r, as a ser­ fiss-ih-NAL-iss FOR THE GARDENER WHO WANTS MORE vice to our members-jobseekers and employ­ Rudbeckia spp. rood-BEK-ee-uh FUL-jih-duh FROM GARDENING! Subscribe to THE ers alike-we welcome the resumes and cover Salix spp. SAY-liks AVANT GARDENER, the liveliest, most useful of letters of individuals seeking job changes and Salvia azurea SAL-vee-uh as-YEW-ree-uh a ll ga rdening publications. Every month this employers seeking candidates. All responsibili­ unique news service brings you the newest, most ty for check ing references and determining the S. farinacea S. fahr-ih-NAY-see-uh practical information on new plants, products, appropriateness of both positi on and candidate Sidalcea malviflora sid-AL-see-uh mal- vih- techniques, with sources, feature articles, special rests with the individuals. AHS's participation FLOR-uh issues. 26th year. Awarded Garden Club of Amer­ in this acti vity is only to serve as a connecting Silene laciniata SY-Iean luh-syn-ee-AY-tuh ica and Massachusetts Horticultural Society point for members of the Society. Inquiries and Sisyrinchium angustifolium siss-ih-RING­ medals. Curious? Sample copy $1. Serious? $12 informational materials should be sent to HOR­ kee-um ang-gus-tih-FOE-Iee-um full year (reg. $18). THE AVANT GARDENER, TICULTURAL EMPLOYMENT-American Solidago spp. sol-ih-DAY-go Box 489M, New York, NY 10028. Horticultural Society, Dept. 1294,7931 East x Solidaster·luteus sol-ih-DASS-ter Boulevard Dr. , Alexandria, VA 22308-1300. LOO-tee-us Spathoglottis plicata spath-o-GLOT-iss AZALEAS PROFESSIONAL CARETAKER AVAILABLE. ply-KAY-tuh SELECT! DON'T SETTLE!-Growing over Expert property ca re. Horticultural expertise. Symphoricarpos spp. sym-foh-rih-KAR-poz 1,800 varieties of northern-acclimated Azaleas and Upkeep and improvement skills. Estate, farm or Syringa meyeri sih-REENG-guh MY-yer-eye Rhododendrons. Catalog and Color Cue Card ranch position sought in Rural West or Rocky S. reticulata S. reh-tik-yew-LAY-tuh subscription, $3. CARLSON'S GARDENS, Box Mountain States. L.S ., P.O. Box 761, Ojai, CA Tagetes erecta tah-JEE-teez eh-REK-tuh 305-AH1294, South Salem, NY 10590. 93024. Tanacetum niueum tan-uh-SEE-tum nih~ EXPERIENCED ESTATE MANAGERihands­ VEE-urn BOOKS on Farm Manager to oversee a 450-acre farm in Taxus x media TAK-suss MEE-dee-uh foothills of the Blue Ridge in Virginia, 11/4 hours Thermopsis caroliniana thur-MOP-siss kair- HORTICA-All-Color Cyclopedia of Gar­ from Washington, D.C. Extensive experience oh-lin-ee-AN-uh den/Flora, with Hardiness Zones, also IN­ with formal flower gardens, small orchards, T. montana T. mon-TAN-uh DOOR PLANTS, 8,100 photos, by Dr. A. B. greenhouses, vegetable and herb gardens and Thymus serpyllum TY-muss sur-PILL-urn Graf, $238. TROPICA 4 (1992), 7,000 Color gFounds maintenance, as well as with cattle, hors­ Tilia americana TIH-Iee-uh uh-meF-ih- photos of plants and trees for warm environ­ es and general agricultural activity is necessary. KAN-uh ments, $165. EXOTIC HOUSE PLANTS, 1,200 Interest in and experience with organic methods Tropaeolum majus troh-PEE-oh-Ium photos, 150 in color, with keys to care, $8.95. are desirable. Machinety maintenance and repair Circulars gladly sent. Shipping additional. MAY-juss and the ability to work with others are required. ROEHRS CO., Box 125, East Rutherford, NJ Verbena hastata ver-BEE-nuh hoss-TAY-tuh Excellent housing provided; top pay and benefits 07073. (201) 939-0090. FAX (201) 939-0091. Veronicastrum virginicum ver-on-ih-KASS­ to qualified candidate or couple. Forward resume trum vir-JIN-ih-kum to G. KNOX, 1627 I St., N.W., #610, Washing­ ton, D.C. 20006. Victoria amazonica vic-TOH-ree-uh am-ah- BULBS ZAHN-ih-kuh DUTCH BULBS for fall planting, 12cm Tulips, Viola canadensis VY-oh-Iuh kan-uh-DEN-siss FERTILIZER DN1 Daffodils, Hyacinths and Miscellaneous. V. pubescens V. pyew-BESS-enz Catalog Free. Paula Parker DBA, Mary Matti­ GENESIS:(l-l-l) Composted Poultry Manure for Zauschneria arizonica zowsh-NEH-ree-uh son Van Schaik, IMPORTED DUTCH BULBS, Indoor and Outdoor Gardening. Send $5 check or air-ih-ZOWN-ih-kuh P.O. Box 32AH, Cavendish, VT 05142. (802) money order for a 2-lb. starter bag to: GENESIS, Zinnia elegans ZIN-ee-uh EL-ih-ganz 226-7653. 85 C Mill St., Suite 101, Roswell, GA 30075.

AMERICAN HORTICULTURIST 43 HOUSE PLANTS------TILLANDSIAS (AIR PLANTS)-Easily grown 200 PRACTICAL ROSES FOR HARD ORCHIDS, GESNERIADS, BEGONIAS, without soil. Great plants for indoors, patios PLACES. Species, Old Garden, Rugosa, Cana­ CACTI & SUCCULENTS. Visitors welcome. and craft making. Send for free brochure. POL­ dian, Austin, Hardy Shrub, Climber, Rambler, 1994-1995 catalog, $2. LAURAY OF SALIS­ LIWOG PRODUCTS, P.O. Box 21134, Dept. 1- Groundcover. Free 22-page catalog. Narrated BURY, 432 Undermountain Rd., Sa lisbury, CT AH, Castro Valley, CA 94546. color 50-min video supplement: $5 postpaid. 06068. (203) 435-2263. The Roseraie at Bayfields, P.O. Box R(AH), DWARF AND RARE CONfFERS-Alpine and Waldoboro, ME 04572. rock garden perennials-Plants for bonsai. Cat­ HYDROPONICS/GROW LIGHTS alog $4, refundable. PORTERHOWSE FARMS, 41370A S.E. Thomas Rd., Sandy, OR 97055. SEEDS COMPLETE HYDROPONIC SYSTEMS start­ ing at $65, high intensity grow li ghts from RARELY OFFERED SOUTHEASTERN NA­ SEED SAVERS, HERB GROWERS, CRAFT­ $114. Free catalog. Send post card to GREEN­ TIVES, woody, herbaceous, nursery-grown. ERS. Imprinted seed packets, information, glas­ TREES, 2244-H South Santa Fe Ave., Vista, CA Many hardy northward. Also newly introduced sine envelopes, 4-mil. zip-polybags. Sample and 92084, or call (800) 772-1997. exotics selected for Southern gardens. Send $2 list, SASE. Y.L. PRICE HORTICULTURAL for extensive mail-order list. WOODLANDERS 506 Grove Avenue, Catawissa PA 17820-1000: AH, 1128 Colleton Ave., Aiken, SC 29801. LOTIONS TROPICALS BEE BALM BEESWAX LOTION for working JOY CREEK NURSERY perennials and native hands, troubled hands. No artificial additives. plants. Catalog $2, refundable. JOY CREEK TROPICAL SEEDS AND BULBS-Thousands Beeswax heals and protects. Free catalog. Box NURSERY, Bin 2, 20300 N.W. Watson Rd., of types including chocolate, cashew, cinnamon, 71H, Arlee, MT 59821. Scappoose, OR 97056. tea, coffee, banana, heliconia, gingers, ann on as, chicle, plus palms and much more for your trop­ TREES, SHRUBS, PERENNIALS. Extensive ical greenhouse or indoor sunroom. Send $3 for PALMS collection of species, varieties and cultivars. catalog. THE BANANA TREE, 715 N. Hamp­ RARE AND EXOTIC HAWAIIAN-GROWN Quantity discount. Catalog $2. OWEN ton St., Easton, PA 18042. PALM AND CYCAD SEEDLINGS from FARMS, ROl!lte 3, Box 158-A-AH, Ripley, TN around the world. Carefull y shipped to any­ 38063-9420. TROPICAL PLANTS from Hawaii. Young where in the USA. Please send $1 for price list sprouted seedlings, seeds, and roots. Orchids, anthurium, stephanotis, strelitzia, guava, to: KAPOHO PALMS, P.O . Box 3, Dept. A, ROSES Pahoa, HI 96778. (808) 936-2580. macadamia nut, passion fruit, papaya, and oth­ HARDY ROSES, OWN ROOT ROSES. We ers. Free catalogue. EARTH STAR, 3449 N. propagate Canadian Explorer and Parkland Newhall Street, Milwaukee, WI 53211. PERENNIALS Roses, Rugosa hybrids, OGR's, David Austin English Roses and Miniatures, all on their own AKIN' BACK FARM-Large selection of perenni­ roots. Color catalog $2 (credited). No import ur catalog tells you how to grow plants, not just al and herb plants. $2 for descriptive catalog (re­ permit required. HARDY ROSES for the Ohow to buy them . Complete descriptions and fundable). P.O. Box 158C, Buckner, KY 40010. NORTH, Box 2048AH, Grand Forks, BC advice on over 1000 varieties of perennials, CANADA VOH 1HO, or Box 273AH, Dan­ ornamental grasses, prairie wildflowers and vines. NATIVE PLANTS, Herbs, Grasses, Hostas, Iris ville, WA 99121-0273. FAX (800) 442-3122. Send $1.00. (cleanshaven), water-loving plants and other perennials. Catalog $1, deductible with order. HORTICO'S LARGE CROP of heavy roses 4838 Douglas Ave . PINE RIDGE GARDENS, 832-AH Sycamore available from mid-November on. Over 700 va­ Racine , WI 53402-2498 Rd., London, AR 72847. rieties, including: new show roses and ground covers; English garden roses by David Austin; Pioneer roses; antique and classic roses by Peter PHOTOGRAPHY Beales; miniatures by Rennie; 6 thornless HT MAUREEN MURPHY, PHOTOGRAPHER. Gardener's Pin varieties; hardy types-Ottawa Explorers, actual size Specialist in flower and garden photography of Manitoba Parkland roses, and the fabulous The classic English watering private and public gardens. Illustrations for pub­ Pavement roses. A superb collection from our can in sterling silver, $95. lications. Documentation for plant collections. fields that are known to b~ virus-free. Orders 14K gold, $425. One World Trade Center, P.O. Box 32363, Long sh ipped by our temperature-controlled truck to $4 shipping. In Beach, CA 90832-2363. (310) 432-3703. UPS depots in the USA for local distribution. NY add tax. Catalog $3. Separate catalogs for roses, shrubs (& liners), and ~erennials. New: Video on roses PLANTS (UNUSUAL) by English rose hybridizer Peter Beales, $25. OVER 2,000 KINDS of choice and affordable HORTICO, INC., 723 Robson Rd., Water­ plants. Outstanding ornamentals, American na­ down, ON CANADA LOR 2Hl. (905) 689- tives, per~nnials, rare conifers, pre-bonsai, 6984. FAX: (905) 689-6566. wildlife plants, much more. Descriptive catalog, $3. FORESTFARM, 990 Tetherow Rd., Williams, OR 97544-9599. European Garden Tours Our unique tours offer the vacation of a lifetime. Memorable visits to fine gardens balanced with When contocting odver-tisers ... WOULD YOU LIKE TO HELP full sightseeing. Experience the magic of Europe at a gentle pace with a small select group. Mention you sow their messoge in AHS INCREASE ITS REACH? The Villas and Gardens of Italy The serene beauty of the Italian Lakes and Tuscany If your loco Ilibrary doesn't olreody carry and the treasures of Venice, Florence and Rome. AmerIcan American Horticulturist, request it. Potron The Chateaux and Gardens of France The countryside and the castles of requests ore the number one woy to get the Loire Valley and Normandy Horticulturist opublication on the shelves-helping us and the enchantment of Paris. It helps your Society help you. spreod the word obout AHS programs. Toe (800) 505-2505 4208 N. Freeway Blvd . #121 Sacramento, CA 95834

44 DECEMBER 1994 1994 INDEX

Hooks, and Blebs," June, 30. La Pierre, Yvette, "Poached Parklands," AUTHOR Guest, Margery, "A Great Notion in Oct., 19. Grand Rapids," Aug., 27. "Up North, Langford, Norma Jane, "The Groves of Barad, Gerald S., Review: The Complete In Search of a Whirligig," Aug., 6. Academe," Feb., 36. "Life in Hull," Book of Cacti and Succulents, Feb., 44. Halpin, Anne, Rev iew: Creating a Apr., 20. Beikmann, Stan, Rev iew: Ferns for Garden for the Senses, Aug., 15. Laski, Karen M., "Heirl ooms of a American Gardens, Oct., 16. Harper, Pamela, Review: The Undaunted Revolutionary," Apr., 33. Bir, Richard E., "Woodies From the Garden, Dec., 13. Lee, Rand B., and Nancy McDonald, Wetlands," Apr., 15. Henning, Jack, "After Jul y-Agastache," "All -A merican Cottage Gardens," Branson, BranIey Allan, "The Loud­ Aug., 32. Dec., 16. mouth of the Woods," Aug., 10. Hicks, June L. , Rev iew: Green Byways, Lindauer, Ethel Evans, "The Quiet Bright, Chris, "The Divine Witch Hazel," Apr., 41. Garden," Feb., 32. Apr., 8. "Flora of the Big Apple," Apr., Hinkley, Daniel, "Refres hing Gau ltherias," Locklear, James H., "On Fire for 12. "Through a Glass Darkly," Feb., Aug., 39. Phlox," June, 38. 10. "Virginia Creeper," Feb., 8. "Wi ld Iversen, Richard R., "Rusti c Pl eas ures," Loewer, Peter, Proven Performers: Roses," June, 10. Oct., 30. "Dwarf Conifers," Fe b. , 25. "The Bright, Martha, "Tippy of th e Jungle," Johnson, Larry, "Garden Videos," Dec., Moss Garden," Aug., 13. Oct., 11. 12. Lovejoy, Sharon, "Carrot Capers," Cappiello, Paul E., Review: Gardening Keyser, Joseph M., Reviews: The Lawn: Apr., 13. with Groundcovers and Vines, Feb. , 42. A History of an American Obsession, Martin, Tovah, "Knotty But Nice," Cullen, Kathleen, "H ydrangeas- So Aug., 15. Pests of Landscape Trees Dec., 34. Passe, So Today," June, 25. and Shrubs: An Integrated Pest McDonald, Nancy, and Rand B. Lee, Cunningham, Isabel Shipley, Review: Management Guide, Dec., 14. "All-American Cottage Gardens," Seeds of Change: The Living Treasure, Knight, Alice, Proven Performers: Dec., 16. June, 16. "Heath ers," Feb., 15. Miller, Candace, "Storytelling," Feb., 12. Dean, Molly, "Golden Boughs," Oct., 25. Kruse, Julie, "Minnesota Celebrates Its Nold, Robert, "Penstemon Heaven," Devine, Richard, "Attracting Children," Aug., 12. Oct., 35. Hummers," Aug., 24. "Avian Ode, Arthur H., Jr., "Eureka!," Oct., Gardener," Aug., 18. 41. "One Jump Ahead," Oct., 6. Dominick, Anne Westbrook, "What's the "What Goes Around," Apr., 5. Buzz?," Dec., 29. Perry, Maggie, "Mantis Metamorphosis," Druse, Ken, "Desert Diversity," Apr., 38. Aug., 37. Dube, Richard L., "Natural Stein, Sara, "Tracking the Natives," Inspirations," Dec., 23. Apr., 26. Eddison, Sydney, "The Man Who Taylor, Patricia A., "Patently Superior," Moves Mountain Laurels, " June, 18. Feb., 29. Ellis, David J., "Fragrance of Fir," Dec., Tig, Glen, "Prayers for Tomatoes," 10. "Hues to Blame," Oct., 27. Dec., 6. "Mesic Counterparts," Oct., 9. Trager, James, Review: Complete Fisher, Kathleen, Reviews: Crazy About Garden Guide to the Native Shrubs of Gardening, Aug., 17; The Natural California, June, 17. Habitat Garden, June, 17; The Water Trout, Darrell, Proven Performers: Gardener, Apr., 42. "Bred in the "Gesneriads," Feb., 20. USA," Oct., 39. "Doing the Bat Tucker, Arthur 0., Review: Life Stroke? ," Aug., 20. "Starting Trees Processes of Plants, Apr., 41. Right," June, 13. Turner, H. Kibbe, "Indelible Foster, Steven, Review: Tales of a Impressions," June, 15. Shaman's Apprentice, Feb., 41. Tynan, Chip, Review: Water-wise Fuchs, Lucy, "Plant Sales," Feb., 5. Gardening: America's Backyard Geneve, Robert, "Of Twiners, Tendrils, Winter Red' winterberry holly, April Revolution, Oct., 17.

AMERICAN HORTICULTURIST 45 Walker, Joan Hustace, "Intrepid Trio," Northern Wild Monkshood, Feb., 9. Dec ., 38. Of Twiners, Tendrils, Hooks, and Blebs, Waterman, Martin, "Play It Again, June,30. Sambucus ," June, 35. On Fire for Phlox, June, 38. Way, Roger D., Review: The Book of One Jump Ahead, Oct., 6. Apples, Oct., 16. Patently Superior, Feb., 29. White, James J., Review: The Art of Penstemon Heaven, Oct., 35. Botanical Illustration, Dec., 13. Plant Sales, Feb., 5. Wiesner, Mary Beth, "Gentian Pink­ Play It Again, Sambucus, June, 35. root," Apr., 10. "Kuenzler Hedgehog Poached Parklands, Oct., 19. Cactus," Dec., 9. "Northern Wild Prayers for Tomatoes, Dec., 6. Monkshood," Feb., 9. "Sebastopol Quiet Garden, The, Feb., 32. Meadow Foam," Oct., 13. "Texas Refreshing Gaultherias, Aug., 39. Trailing Phlox," June, 11. "Virginia Remembrance of Flowers Past, June,S. Spirea," Aug., 9. Rose in Harlem, A, Oct., 14. Williamson, Nikole, "A Rose in Rustic Pleasures, Oct., 30. Harlem," Oct., 14. Sebastopol Meadow Foam, Oct., 13. Yee, Mary, "Remembrance of Flowers Starting Trees Right, June, 13. Past," June,S. Storytelling, Feb., 12. Texas Trailing Phlox, June, 11. Through a Glass Darkly, Feb., 10. TI TL E Tippy of the Jungle, Oct., 11. Lacecap hydrangeas, June. Tracking the Natives, Apr., 26. After July-Agastache, Aug., 32. Up North, In Search of a Whirligig, Water Gardener, Apr., 42. Water-wise All-American Cottage Gardens, Dec., 16. Aug., 6. Gardening: America's Backyard Attracting Hummers, Aug., 24. Virginia Creeper, Feb., 8. Revolution, Oct., 17. Avian Gardener, Aug., 18. Virginia Spirea, Aug., 9. Borre, Betsy: "A Great Notion in Grand Bred in the USA, Oct., 39. What Goes Around, Apr., 5. Rapids," Aug., 27. Carrot Capers, Apr., 13. What's the Buzz?, Dec., 29. Breeders: "Patently Superior," Feb., 29. Desert Diversity, Apr., 38. Wild Roses, June, 10. Cats: "Tippy of the jungle," Oct., 11. Divine Witch Hazel, The, Apr., 8. Woodies From the Wetlands, Apr., 15. Children and Gardening: "Carrot Doing the Bat Stroke?, Aug., 20. Capers," Apr., 13. "Garden Videos," Dwarf Conifers, Feb., 25. Dec., 12. "Indelible Impressions," Eureka!, Oct., 41. SUBJECT june, 15. "Minnesota Celebrates Its Flora of the Big Apple, Apr., 12. Children," Aug., 12. "A Rose in Fragrance of Fir, Dec., 10. Agastache: "After J uly-Agastache, " Harlem," Oct., 14. "Storytelling," Garden Videos, Dec., 12. Aug., 32. Feb., 12. Gentian Pinkroot, Apr., 10. Arkansas-Public Gardens: "Eureka!," Conifers, Dwarf: "Dwarf Conifers," Gesneriads, Feb., 20. Oct., 41. Feb., 25. Golden Boughs, Oct., 25. Bats: "Doing the Bat Stroke?," Aug., 20. Cottage Gardens: "All-American Great Notion in Grand Rapids, A, Aug., Birds: "Attracting Hummers," Aug., 24. Cottage Gardens," Dec., 16. 27. "Avian Gardener," Aug., 18. Desert Gardening: "Desert Diversity," Groves of Academe, The, Feb., 36. Book Reviews: The Art of Botanical Apr., 38. "Penstemon Heaven," Heathers, Feb., 15. Illustration, Dec., 13. The Book of Oct., 35. Heirlooms of a Revolutionary, Apr., 33. Apples, Oct., 16. The Complete Book Emotional Impact of Plants: "The Quiet Hues to Blame, Oct., 27. of Cacti and Succulents, Feb., 44. Garden," Feb., 32. Hydrangeas-So Passe, So Today, June, Complete Garden Guide to the Native Endangered Plants: "Gentian Pinkroot," 25. Shrubs of California, june, 17. Crazy Apr., 10. "Kuenzler Hedgehog Indelible Impressions, June, 15. About Gardening, Aug., 17. Creating Cactus," Dec., 9. "Northern Wild Intrepid Trio, Dec., 38. a Garden for the Senses, Aug., 15. Monkshood," Feb., 9. "Poached Knotty But Nice, Dec., 34. Ferns for American Gardens, Oct., Parklands," Oct., 19. "Sebastopol Kuenzler Hedgehog Cactus, Dec., 9. 16. Gardening with Groundcovers Meadow Foam," Oct., 13. "Texas Life in Hull, Apr., 20. and Vines, Feb., 42. Green Byways, Trailing Phlox," june, 11. "Virginia Loudmouth of the Woods, The, Aug., Apr., 41. The Lawn: A History of an Spirea," Aug., 9. 10. American Obsession, Aug., 15. Life Eureka Springs, Arkansas: "Eureka!," Man Who Moves Mountain Laurels, Processes of Plants, Apr., 41. The Oct., 41. The, June, 18. Natural Habitat Garden, june, 17. Evolution of Plants: "Of Twiners, Mantis Metamorphosis, Aug., 37. Pests of Landscape Trees and Shrubs: Tendrils, Hooks, and Blebs," june, 30. Mesic Counterparts, Oct., 9. An Integrated Pest Management Fall Foliage: "Golden Boughs," Oct., 25. Minnesota Celebrates Its Children, Aug., Guide, Dec., 14. Seeds of Change: "Hues to Blame," Oct., 27. 12. The Living Treasure, june, 16. Tales Flemer, William, III: "Patently Superior," Moss Garden, The, Aug., 13. of a Shaman's Apprentice, Feb., 41. Feb., 29. Natural Inspirations, Dec., 23. The Undaunted Garden, Dec., 13. The Fruit: "Play It Again, Sambucus,"

46 DECEMB ER 1994 June, 35. Heave n, " Oct., 35. "Poached Garden Furniture: "Rustic Pleasures," Parklands," Oct., 19. " Refres hing Oct., 30. Ga ultherias," Aug., 39. "Tracking the Gardening Challenges: "Life in Hull," Natives," Apr., 26. "Virginia Creeper," Apr., 20. Feb., 8. "What's the Buzz?," Dec., 29. Gaultherias: "Refreshing Gaultherias," "Wild Roses," june, 10. "Woodi es Aug., 39. From the Wetlands," Apr., 15. Gentian Pinkroot: "Gentian Pinkroot," New York City: "Flora of the Big Apr., 10. App le," Apr., 12. "A Rose in Gesneriads: "Gesneriads," Feb., 20. Harl em," Oct., 14. Heathers: "Heathers," Feb., 15. Offshoots: "One Jump Ahead," Oct., 6. Heirloom Plants: "Heirlooms of a " Pl ant Sa les," Feb., 5. " Prayers for Revolutionary," Apr., 33. Tomatoes," Dec., 6. " Remembrance Historic Plants: "Heirlooms of a of Flower Pas t," June, 5. "Up North, Revolutionary," Apr., 33. In Search of a Whirligig," Aug., 6. House Plants: "Knotty But Nice," "What Goes Arou nd ," Apr., 5. Dec., 34. "Through a Glass Darkly," Orchids: "Intrepid Trio," Dec., 38 . Feb., 10. Parks, National: "Poached Park lands," Hydrangeas: "Hydrangeas-So Passe, So Oct., 19. Today," June, 25. Pelargoniums: "Knotty But Nice," Insects: "The Loudmouth of the Dec., 34. Woods," Aug., 10. "Mantis Penstemons: " Bred in th e USA," Oct. , Metamorphosis," Aug., 37. "What's 39. "Pen temon Heaven," Oct., 35. the Buzz?," Dec ., 29. Phlox: "On Fire for Phlox," June, 38 . Jaynes, Richard: "The Man Who Moves "Texas Trailing Phlox," June, 11. Mountain Laurels," june, 18. Plant Poaching: "Poached Park lands, " Jefferson, Thomas: "Heirlooms of a Oct., 19. Revolutionary," Apr., 33. Roses, Wild: "Wild Roses," June, 10. Kalmia: "The Man Who Moves Shrubs: "Play It Aga in , Sambucus, " June, Featuring 112 full color pages. Mountain Laurels, " june, 18. 35. "Woodies From the Wetlands," Stokes seed catalog is a com­ Landscape Features: "Rustic Pleasures," Apr., 15. plete guide to gardening for Oct., 30. Trees : " Dwarf Conifers," Feb., 25. the beginner and the profes­ Landscaping: "The Groves of "Fragrance of Fir," Dec., 10. "Golden sional. The catalog lists over 2.500 varieties of vegetables. Academe," Feb. , 36. "Natural Boughs," Oct., 25. "Mesic Counter­ flowers and herbs. including Inspirations," Dec., 23 . parts," Oct., 9. " Patently Superior," more than 250 Stokes Exclu­ Laurels, Mountain: "The Man Who Feb., 29. "Starting Trees Ri ght," june, sives. Stokes a lso carries a full Moves Mountai n Laurels," June, 18. 13. "Woodi es From th e Wetlands," line of helpful garden accesso­ Low-water Plants: "Desert Diversity," Apr., 15. ries for around the home. Apr., 38 . "Penstemon Heaven, " Urban Gardening: "Flora of the Big Oct., 35. Apple," Apr., 12. "The Groves of G et high quality Stokes seed Massachusetts-Private Gardens: "Life Academe," Feb., 36. "The Moss at grower prices. send for your in Hull," Apr., 20. Garden," Aug., 13. "Starting Trees free Stokes Seed Catalog to­ day! Meadow Foam: "Sebastopol Meadow Right," june, 13. "Tippy of th e Foam," Oct., 13. Jungle," Oct., II. Stokes Seeds 1725 Stokes Bldg., Box 548 Meijer, Frederik: "A Great Notion in Vegetables: "Carrot Capers," Apr., 13. Buffalo, NY 14240-0548 Grand Rapids," Aug., 27. Vines: "Of Twiners, Tendrils, Hooks, Michigan-Public Gardens: "A Great and Blebs," June, 30. o YES! Please send my FREE Notion in Grand Rapids," Aug., 27. Virginia Spirea: "Virginia Spirea," Stokes Seed Catalog to: Minnesota-Public Gardens: Aug., 9. "Minnesota Celebrates Its Children, " Wetlands: "Woodies From the Wetlands," Name: ______Aug., 12. Apr., 15. Monkshood: "Northern Wild Monks­ Wintergreen: "Refreshing Gaultherias," Address: ______hood," Feb., 9. Aug., 39. Moss: "The Moss Garden," Aug., 13. Witch Hazel: "The Divine Witch Hazel," Natives: "All-American Cottage Apr., 8. Gardens," Dec., 16. "Avian Gardener," Aug., 18. "Desert Diversity," Apr., 38. "The Divine Witch Hazel," Apr., 8. "Fragrance of

Fir," Dec., 10. "The Man Who Moves Stokes Seeds Mountain Laurels," June, 18. "Mesic 1725 Stokes Bldg. Box 548 Counterparts," Oct., 9. "On Fire for Buffalo, N.V. Phlox," June, 38. "Penstemon 14240-0548

AMERICAN HORTICULTURIST 47