American Primrose Society Quarterly Fall Issue 1982 President's message Vol. 40, No. 4 Copyright 1948 Entered 2nd Class Summer has now gone. It was kind to me and my Primroses. I hope it was Edmonds, Wash. the same with you; being busy dividing, repotting and transplanting. As always, it never gets all done when the work should be; so, I continue the Editor's Committee: process on into late fall, early winter, and as long as the weather is mild. 1570 9th Avc. N. Sometimes a sudden and severe cold spell makes me wish I had stopped Edmonds, Wa 98020 Larry Bailey - Chairman transplanting and dividing sooner. Irene Buckles Along with this issue comes the annual dues notice. Prompt payment Dan Douglas simplifies the treasurer's job considerably. Chapter treasurers please note that jerry Flimoff this is the first time the Chapter can collect the APS dues from its members Cy Happy Orpha Salsman and keep one dollar (or ten percent) for chapter activities. The year's dues Vickey Sauer must be collected and all dues sent in at one time to the APS treasurer before December 15. Be sure to have each member's name complete with ISSN 0162-6671 On the cover the correct address and zip code. The chapter will not qualify for any Exceptional photographs of an extra- benefits from dues by individuals making direct payments to the APS ordinary American species, Primula treasurer or from dues collected and forwarded after December 15. In this issue Cusickiana, taken this Spring by Several years ago the APS had a National Auricula Show and a National Candelabra Show. These shows were very successful. Next spring the Lewis Irene Buckles, See page 4. Back- President's Message 3 County Primrose Society is sponsoring a National Auricula and Late Flower- ground photo-P. Cusickiana at Primula Cusickiana 4 ing Primula Show at the Lewis County Mall on May 7th and 8th, 1983. The by Irene Buckles home in the Wallowa Mountains, Oregon, Lewis County Mall is located between Chehalis and Centralia, Washington. Primulas at the Chelsea Mark this date on your calendar and plan to visit the show and if possible, Flower Show - 1982 9 enter plants. The sales tables will have a selection of auriculas and species by Bernard M. Smith not generally available at the earlier spring shows. Blue Ridge Mountain Notes 10 It would also be very nice to have a volunteer group to sponsor a candela- by James F. Long bra and late flowering species show in June of this next year. It is not too Primrose Show Coming On 13 late to plan a show for this next late spring. Shows for the public are a lot by Thelma Nelson of work; but, satisfying and pleasurable work. This is where we meet old Changing Names On A friends and make new ones. Most important, it is here we are able to Caucasian Oxslip 14 introduce our favorite plants to new growers, attract members and start by Jerry J. FKntoff people growing primroses. A New Look at Double Auriculas The American Horticulture Society is having a 60th anniversary celebration in the United Kingdom 15 of its 1922 founding. The theme is 60. There will be sixty horticulture or by Bernard M. Smith plant societies with displays represented at the AHS headquarters in Virginia Stalking the Primroses on October 15th for one big day. The American Primrose Society has been of Yesteryear 17 invited and will be represented. A report of this important affair will be in by John W. Martin the Winter Quarterly. Variegations on Border Auricula . . 20 May this winter be kind to you and your plants. by Thea Service Foster Spring Is Just Not Spring Without Primroses 22 .. by Beryl W. Orchard Herb Dickson Elizabeth Van Sickle - APS Recording Secretary 23 From the Mailbox. . , 24 would be able to go through easily slope provided early morning shade, Primula Cusickiana enough with a little shoveling, we while other evergreens on the top of by Irene Buckles • decided to first walk farther up the the ridge gave late afternoon shade. Seattle, Washington road to see how much more snow lay The entire outcropping was carpeted ahead. On the way back to the truck a with moss (Tortula ssp.), Intermin- detour was made to walk along the gled with the primroses were Erythro- ridge, looking for plants growing nium grandiflorum (dog-toothed The subject of Primula Cusickiana order to even see the plant and still down the bank. About one-hundred violet), Rubiace ssp. (stick-tight), pops up in conversation among prim- others said the primrose grew on feet off the road just over the edge of foliose lichen, sedum and a small- rosers, but only occasionally. There hillsides with running water. Only the ridge, we found our treasure! This growing fern, all indicators of spring have been infrequent articles written one road leads to Hat Point and it trip must have been the proverbial wetness and summer dryness. The about it and very rarely a photo pub- begins at Imnaha. This 26 mile third time charm. Here was a large second patch was facing south, with- lished. Very few people know stretch of extremely rough road runs patch of the most gorgeous blue out trees close by, but with a constant anything about this native American along the sharp ridge top between the flowers we had ever seen, We knew stream of water running through the primula and many have never heard Imnaha River on the west and the instantly that this was Primula primulas. The P. Cusic&iana were of either the botanist Cusick or his Snake River Canyon on the east. Cusickiana even before getting close growing either on top of small rocks "Wallowa Primrose" as it has come When looking for a plant never enough to correctly identify it. The or on mounds of soil; keeping the to be known, actually seen, this becomes a lot of excitement was indescribable-an plants high enough so their crowns In the beginning, curiosity played area to cover. elation-a joy-that probably only were out of the water but their roots the major part in wanting to find this One helpful person was found, Mrs. someone who has had a similar expe- constantly wet. This colony was elusive primula. In fact, knowledge of Tewinkel of La Grande, Oregon, who rience can understand. After seeing almost out of bloom and had started the Wallowa Mountains was previous- had collected P. Cusickiana seed. It P. Cusickiana in nature, we finally forming seed pods. ly obtained (before our interest in was late May when she wrote back understood why people were so reluc- The seed capsule itself is very primula) in search of Lewisia indicating it would be too late to find tant to divulge its location. unique with five vertical stripes of columbiana var. Wallowensis. Only the primrose blooming. Starting out -^ Now the real work began-photo- pronounced farina (meal). As the after gaining considerable knowledge anyway in June of 1981, so sure of 1 graphing, taking notes, measuring. seed capsules develop the leaves begin about primroses and joining the • success, it was quickly discovered Mrs. Most of the flowers were a deep violet- to die down. One seed capsule was American Primrose Society, was Tewinkel was right. There had been a blue with a gold-eye, slightly collected a this time, after trying to notice taken during discussions about very early spring and no traces of P. farinose. No white or rose forms were find the one appearing the most an Oregon native primrose that no Cusickiana were found. found, and only a couple of pale blue mature. As an experiment, the seeds one seemed to be able to keep under This last spring we decided to out- plants. The flowers had four to six were planted in a pop-bottle cultivation any length of time. These wit Mother Nature by starting this petals, mostly five; most petals notch- terrarium, placing the container in conversations were generalizations, search in early May. Unfortunately, it ed and ribbed, 1.3 to 2 mm. across, the refrigerator, removing it for a with no specific detail on either its had been a very late spring, and with one to seven flowers per scape, couple of days, and then returning it location or cultural requirements. snowed in the mountains the night mostly three. An interesting observa- to the cold. So far none of the seeds in Articles on the subject gave good gen- before arriving at Imnaha. Part of the tion, both thrum and pin-eyes were the terrarium have germinated. eral information, such as botanical road had been plowed, allowing the found. P. Cusickiana has a bright According to available information descriptions and general habitat, but journey to continue up the mountain. green rosette formed from smooth, -growth, flowering, seed production it wasn't concise enough. We decided The farther we went, the higher the non-mealy leaves 1.2 to 1.8 mm. wide and final disappearance occur within to find Primula Cusickiana ourselves. snow banks became-finally being and 5 to 8 mm. long. A slight violet a period of five months. This seems to Everyone familiar with this primula forced to stop where the snowplow fragrance was noticed, but it was not be about right from what could be knew that P. Cusickiana grew on the has stopped-15 foot piles of snow overwhelming. In fact, we had to put observed by returning in late August road to Hat Point, located in North- were on both sides of the road. our noses right close to the flowers to collect seed. Everything was baked eastern Oregon, but it was apparent Bound and determined to find the before detecting any odor at all. dry at this time. Although the plants no one could (or would) describe to us "Wallowa Primrose", Hat Point was Two patches of plants were found had not disappeared entirely, it was a more specific location. Some said once again attempted on June 16, growing quite close together, yet they difficult to collect a large quantity of they had found it in meadows hiding 1982. Even in mid June a lot of snow were separate distinct colonies. The seed as hoped. As the seed pod dries, in the grass, many mentioned that it was found. We began going through first patch was in full bloom on this the cap falls away, leaving an "urn" grew within the vicinity of Ponderosa small patches of snow until finally -J June 17th, growing on a large south- of seed to be knocked out and pine, while others said it grew on being stopped by a drift that was western facing rock outcropping. scattered by the strong gusts of wind cliffs that you had to hang over in impassable. Figuring the vehicle Large evergreens farther down the blowing down the canyon. The first continued Primula Cusickiana photo by I. Buckles Primula Cusickiana photo by 1. Buckles

Primula Cusickiana photo by I. Buckles Primula Cusickiana photo by 1. Buckles Primulas at the Chelsea Flower Show - 1982 Bernard M. Smith Gravesend, England "She wins my bouquet for the exhibit The Chelsea Flower Show held of the year" and in the 'Daily Tele- annually in the grounds of the Royal graph', Fred Whitsey devoted nearly Hospital, Chelsea, London, England, a third of his article to Mrs. Hyatt and draws entries from all quarters of the her Primulas, In 'Country Life' (one globe. There one can see the finest of our leading magazines) Elizabeth and most up-to-date examples of the Jane Howard, writing on her first visit Horticultural arts. That is except for to Chelsea on Press Day, said ' 'I came Primulas. Occasionally one sees a few across a stand of Auriculas by Brenda polyanthus or perhaps P. helodoxa Hyatt. They were marvelous and Pnmula Cusickiana in seed stage photos hy I. Ruckles and P. Waltonii or even, as there was perfect... There was only one other this year, some yellow cowslips; but stand that gave me as much pleasure part of August would have been a Cusickiana, both in bloom and to since about 1966 Show Auriculas have and that was Cawthornes display of better time to collect seed. collect seed, there was not enough not been seen at Chelsea until this violas". Two other locations of P. Cusick- time to learn many details about the year. With the commencement of the iana were pointed out by Marvin plant. Many more hours of investiga- It is not easy to ensure that Show APS and the NAPS(S) plant exchange Black of the American Rock Garden tion are needed. Observations Auriculas, Alpines and Doubles no doubt in time some of those fine Society. These two areas certainly indicate that P. Cusickiana doesn't together with Cowichan, Gold and U.S. cultivars will be appearing in didn't have easy access. The terrain grow just anywhere in the Wallowas; Silver Laced Polyanthuses are all in Mrs. Hyatt's exhibits both at the had a more rugged appearance, with but where it does grow it usually bloom together in the middle of May; R.H.S. halls and at Chelsea. Brenda the altitude a bit higher. The plants forms large patches. A soil sample but APS member Mrs. Brenda Hyatt would be pleased to hear from APS were in full sun, shaded only by the from the first colony tested out at a of 1 Toddington Crescent, Blue Bell members who have such plants avail- overhanging rocks. Collecting seed pHof5.8. Hill, Chatham, Kent, did just that to able. here was a challenge, requiring a Further investigation and research earn the Lindley Medal which the Brenda's exhibit at Chelsea this year person to lay face down on an over- on the Wallowa primrose is just the Judges awarded to her exhibit. included many of the Gordon hang while reaching down into the beginning. A challenge would be to Brenda, who exhibits at the R.H.S. Douglas Auriculas (Shows and Al- crevices for the seed pods. Here, a find it in the Wallowa foothills in Monthly Shows in London, already pines), Double Auriculas, both Barn- collector would be lookng straight Union County, Oregon, where the has been awarded the Silver Flora haven and Balcom strain (the latter down to the river several hundred feet species was first located and collected Medal and the Silver Banksiam Medal raised from Cy Happy's seed), below. by William Cusick. It is also reported and now has added the Silver Lindley Cowichan Polyanthus and some of the Lewisia columbiana var. Wallowen- to grow in northern Nevada and in Medal to her awards. She used to Gold Laced and Silver Laced sis was found growing amidst the western Idaho. Sources indicate it also specialize in miniature Pelargoniums Polyanthus from 'Windways'. The primroses, an unlikely combination. grows in the Blue Mountains, which and double Busy Lizzies (Impatiens) exhibit drew crowds of visitors many Another surprise, P. Cusickiana was extend into southeastern Washing- amongst other things, but a few years of whom had never seen such plants not found growing near any Ponder- ton. It would be exciting to find P. ago she decided to specialize in her before. The Judges were pleased osa pine, (as some finders had written Cusickiana at these locations and old love, Auriculas, and today is well enough to award the exhibit the Silver about). The few seeds that were record differences or similarities with on the way to becoming one of the Lindley Medal. collected on this last journey will be the Oregon plants; also variations in leading Auricula Nurseries in This year the Chelsea Flower Show planted in December or January in terrain, weather and soil conditions. England. was found to be excellent, if over- hopes of nature taking over and Being able to grow and flower this Whilst most of the Gardening Press crowded. The new Roses, Carnations, allowing some seedlings to sprout. lovely primula in cultivation and then failed to appreciate the importance of Orchids, Bonsai, in fact all were all Even after three of these nine-hour to enter P. Cusickiana in a show * Brenda's exhibit at Chelsea, 'The worth the visit, but for many Brenda drives from Seattle, Washington, to would be the ultimate satisfaction. Financial Times' Columnist, Robin Hyatt's stand was the highlight of it Imnaha, Oregon, in seach of the P. Lane Fox, wrote praising her and said all. 8 begin and carry on with the work of offsets. I am not referring to a grower Blue Ridge Mountain Notes preservation. who will grow them for just one Now it is up to primula enthusiasts season, but a nursery that will look to by James F. Long to use these strains and breed their the future and provide a steady Marion, Virginia own lines and divulge new ideas. supply for all. Perhaps others would After receiving the responses from be willing to do this also, if they can Enough time has now passed to re- work by the dedicated few. I dearly the winter Quarterly, I am positive be guaranteed the plants will be view what responses came from the hope this labor will go on, but it takes there are other private growers devel- propagated. Since offsets of these idea of preserving the primrose and really dedicated individuals to do oping double auriculas and primroses plants are very scarce all over the world, other florist flowers including of these time consuming projects. The as well as the old Gold Lace, Jack-in- the donor would want to be sure they course, the Show and Alpine Auricula Primrose Society should encourage Green, etc. These sources should not will not be lost through lack of care. of exhibitors (Vol. 40, No. 1). the few sources that offer a wide range be ignored. The only way to avoid Growers could obtain a few named Preserving Old Florist Flowers of primula and help them all they can. losing these valuable historic plants is plants and cross them for seed and Actually, there is a great deal more One such dedicated person is Mrs. to insure they will be passed on to perhaps raise a strain of their own — interest than I had thought. In this Florence Bellis, who gave primula other concerned primula growers. always looking to quality, day and age there still exist enthusias- growers the first strain of separate Members of the Society must and Some growers of a particular plant tic horticulturists who hope to improve color seed as well as an outstanding will move forward on this issue. I feel have already been put in contact with and pass on the plants that have given strain of double primroses. This work certain that this will happen, for who others of like interest, and many new so much beauty and joy to other gen- has been carried on by Mr. Sinclair of among us would not want our child- friends have been made. It does seem erations. A person looking back Barnhaven, Kendal, England. ren to have the joy we behold in these that if members can make their ideas through the history of Primula quick- Floriculturists are fortunate to have plants? known, then growers with similar ly sees it took only a few floriculturists this source of seed, which can be To walk down the primrose path on interests can be found. to give us the plants we treasure. obtained from Far North Gardens in an early spring morning with the dew Time goes so quickly — do not Without this dedicated handful, Livonia, Michigan. still on the heads and blossoms; or, in waste it but work for the future, and many flowers in cultivation today The same story can be said of show a gentle rain that soothes the earth, is hope another generation will carry it would be only memories of past auriculas, Mr, Gordon Douglas is the p indeed a wonderful moment in time. on. generations. only commercial source of this special- Seeing a seedling auricula open for Let us also remember that the old Some of the suggestions brought ized seed which is otherwise difficult the first time and realize it has some does not have to be lost to give room forth intensified the need to assure to come by. show quality; to the auricula grower, for the new, They always have stood that the treasured plants will be wide- Mrs. Rosetta Jones and Mrs. Ruth is to stand in awe of God's creative side by side. ly distributed in the event any one Huston also have primrose seed power, and the desire to share it with The Auricula grower is no longer able to care for the strains and plants that can be incor- others. I noted in the Quarterly a short note plants. porated into a line for future There are people who see a tree as on comparison of named varieties of A very good idea made by an over- development and perpetuation. just a green object or something that auricula being very similiar in color. seas member was to have them regis- There may be others, but contact with enamors us with the drop of its leaves, Well, this is where most similarities tered by the APS and accepted into a them is lacking. What is important to yet others see great beauty within its end, as no two varieties I have grown civic trust garden. An open garden understand, is there is very little reaching form and understand the seem to respond to the same culture, would also allow the general public to primula hybridizing and propagation wonderful product of leaf humus that or even two plants of the same variety. see and learn to appreciate the various taking place on a large scale. Yet, our primula thrive in, as well as its To me its challenge is to be able to forms. This concept is already being present growers still have some vari- patterned moving shade and other flower the same plant for years at high done on some of the old florist flowers. eties with which to hybridize (the uses. Members of the APS should put standards; this is really the quest. Public trust gardens are located in next generations may not have this forth more effort to show and share Another quirk; the Show Auricula both England and Scotland; and same opportunity). the beauty of their flowers; only then plants do not respond to the same hopefully someday, the Berry Another idea put forth (and indeed will others be able to start growing culture for different growers. One Gardens at Portland, Oregon in the probably the most likely to get older them. person can grow them well and then USA. If all goes well, other gardens varieties into the hands of other "in- Another idea that I feel is possible, another grower, even close by, can't and herbariums will be appointed terested" people) is to share seed and is to'encourage commercial growers to get the same plant to thrive at all. where plants and seeds can be do- plants with other enthusiastic growers propagate and sell named exhibition There are some plants I have not been nated to be kept and preserved for who will strive to improve their \e and grow strainShow s anond whicAlpinh e auriculas. As for able to grow, yet others will say they future societies. Without this type of myself, if there was such a grower, 1 grow like weeds. effort, there would be precious little other interested propagators can would willingly furnish some extra An English friend of mine made a 10 11 Primrose Show Coming On W by Thelma Nelson Tacoma, Washington

Have you ever gone out walking In the dawning of the spring? Did you see the Persian carpet that our precious Julies bring? Polyanthus tall and stately Umbels full of blossoms too makes you think of Sunday dress ups Show Alpine Auricula Seedling raised by ]. Long Long In their rich and pastel hues Blue acaulis how I love them Nestling in the morning dew Glistening from the evening's dampness Golden stars in shades of blue Auriculas are trim and tailored Surely royal blood is there If you know a more regal flower Please just tell me where Put them all together Species added to the view Tables ribbons tags and entries Some thing brought strange or new Another show, another year Time keeps marching on- We pray again all join hands To keep our Primrose Show coming on

Silver laced-red ground polyanthus, raised by ]. Long long

suggestion that to grow ones own The Exhibition Auricula survival was seedlings is a good thing, as they will doubtful a few years ago, but now be suitable to climate and growing seems to be on the way up. Let us Dedicated to Miss Rosa Peterson conditions; I heartily agree. The Au- hope so and strive to see that we spare ricula is really a beautiful and no effort in its culture and distribu- complex plant and a real challenge to tion. any grower. It is to be hoped, as the article Hopefully, now that there is getting noted: the slight differences will be to be some Show quality seedlings admired by others, and the quest and named plants in USA, we will see taken up to grow their own. a greater interest in the Auricula and its development. 12 13 ranges overlap, the results of their Plant Sources for P. elatior subsp. Changing Names On A experimental crosses do not favor the meyeri (amoena): prospect of gene-exchange, and con- Chehalis Rare Plant Nursery, 2568 Caucasian Oxslip sequently the bluish or violet flower Jackson Hwy., Chehalis, Washington color of P. meyeri probably does not 98532. by Jerry J. Flintoff owe its origin to P. Sibthorpii. Seattle, Washington

Among the Vernales the name P. amoena thrives easily in the References Primula amoena continually whets Pacific Northwest gardens under the the species lover's quest for this much same conditions as the other Vernales 1. Bowles, E, A., My Garden in 6. Klaber, D., Primroses and discussed and even more frequently enjoy: i.e. half-shade and moist, but Spring, London, 1914. Spring, New York, 1966. impostered plant. The problem of well-drained humusy soil. Divisions, 2. Farrer, R., The English Rock 7. Ingwersen, W., Manual of obtaining the true species in a pure taken after flowering or in autumn, Garden, H, London, 1918. Alpine Plants, Eastbourne, 1978. state sports a long history as such provide additional planting stock 3. Corsar, D. C., Primulas in the p. 314. classic garden horticultural writers as along with seed (which is rather Garden, London, 1948. 8. Valentine, D. H. and J. E. A, Bowles1, Reginald Farrer2 and sparsely set), 4. Farrer p. 110. Lamond, "The Taxonomy and No- Corsar1 attest. Mr. Farrer commenting Ingwersen comments that the 5. Griffith, A. N., Collin's menclature of Primula amoena" rhat the "name has too long served in flowers, normally lavender to violet Guide to Alpines, London, 1964. in Notes, R.B.G., Edinburgh, v. 36 gardens as a disguise for P. acaulis blue, may vary to yellow, and "always (1978). p. 39-42. rubra (i.e. Sibthorpii, ed)", and "is, with a good yellow eye"", seems to be in point of fact, a perfectly distinct based upon some misunderstanding. and lovely species which has passed White-flowered forms however occur. into undeserved oblivion. It may be Since P. amoena's first appearance roughly described as a mauve or in print in the early 1800's, several B purple Polyanthus"'1. The ravishing botanical workers have tried to reduce colored photograph in Collin's Guide its name to a variety of the oxslip, A New Look at Double Auriculas to Alpines (t. 24)1 and the graceful although such a move never has re- line drawing in Dorothy Klaber's ceived widespread support. Two in the United Kingdom classic text6, no doubt continue to British botanists recently concluded attract many devotees. In Collin's this plant is actually a sub-species of by Bernard M. Smith Guide to Alpines it is described as a the oxslip and it will now bear the Gravesend, England plant of good temper and a vigorous new name P. elatior subsp, meyeri*. grower, while Dorothy Klaber These specialists base their reclassifi- wistfully narrates a tale of failure. cation upon three criteria; (1) P. In the last few years I have been The early history of Double Netting this elusive primula critter amoena crosses easily with most of the interested in Double Auriculas; and Auriculas is recorded in the Herbals comprises the first step in understand- other known subspecies of the oxslip thanks to good friends, now have and other ancient books written by ing and appreciating its subtleties; for and the seed of this cross produces healthy plants of Camelot, Doublet, our predecessors in the Primula aliases trap the unwary. Fortunately very fertile progeny; (2) the difference Walton Heath and Zambia. 1 also growing business, but alas, most of the the Chehalis Rare Plant Nursery has in flower color is comparable with have about 50 seedlings from Barn- varieties mentioned are hard to come been able to supply P. amoena for the that of P. vulgaris and its subspecies haven seed and some 20 from seed by, and in any case, most (culitvars for last several years. Seed, offered by the Sibthorpii and heterochroma; (3) ear- received from Cy Happy, which are the purist) are now long gone. We various rock garden society seed lier ideas about differences in capsule showing great promise. Unfortunate- should be more concerned with the exchanges, may or may not yield the length are recognized as being based ly, I only raised three seedlings of modern Florists who re-introduced desired plant. The versions currently upon the effects of cultivation on P. Balcom Strain semi-doubles from the the Doubles to Primula lovers the in Northwest gardens do not quite par amoena. seven packets of seed bought through world over, and with their successors up with Collin's plate, but is none- Valentine and Lamond speculate the APS exchange scheme. Many of who are now leading the world in theless a very pleasant greyed-mauve that even though P. elatior subsp. Jto my seedlings are yet to flower, so next growing and showing today. "polyanthus"; similar in form to the meyeri and P. vulgaris subsp. Spring should be an exciting experi- oxslip (p. elatior}. Sibthorpii's natural geographical ence forme. continued 14 15 I had read of the varieties raised by Double Auricula Growers Miss Wayne of Avoca in Ireland, and scoring the highest points Stalking The Primroses of the work done by Mrs. Denna Snuffer and Ralph Balcom. I know of Yesteryear how Dr. E. Lester Smith re-introduced Northern Pts. the Doubles to the United Kingdom Dr. G. Black 14 by John W, Martin and how Kenneth Gould has been re- J.N. Gibson 12 Tupsley, England sponsible for breeding so many fine A.K. Guest 11 plants. But, things change and time Mrs, G, Baker 10 I am one of a small band in this The last nursery offering a large se- passes, and I began to wonder who L. A. Bailey 10 country of England, trying to build lection of P. vulgaris anomalous were the leaders in the Double R. Cole 9 up a collection of the older named forms, including its famous Glazeley Auricula field located the United P, vernales, Doubles, Jacks-in-the strain, was Glazeley Gardens of Kingdom today, and what were the Green, Hose-in-Hose and of course Bridgnorth, Shropshire. Glazeley leading varieties being shown. Midland Pts. Singles. ceased to offer primula in the 1960's Mrs. G, Baker 21 Up until the 1950's, the old (or earlier) after the unfortunate loss H.A. Cohen 17 varieties seem to have been readily of most of his stock. This disaster was Mrs. H. Wood 11 available. Impressive listings in cata- due to the drifting of herbicidal spray C.A. Hawkes 8 logues were issued by specialist from an adjoining farmland. B. Walker 7 nurseries. Since the fifties there has It is possible, after one delves Mrs. E. Green 6 been a catastrophic decline in both deeper into the primrose culture, to the number of varieties offered and in find small semi-private growers who nurseries offering them. In spite of can offer a few doubles and singles, Southern Pts. this lack of plants, some recent publi- but no Jacks-in-the-Green or Hose- Mrs. G. Baker 33 cations indicate they are freely in-Hose other than two common C.A. Hawkes 26 available. In truth, apart from 'Alba ones. Fearing that most of these fasci- H.A. Cohen 18 plena', 'Lilacena plena' and 'Marie nating plants have gone forever, our F.D.Jennings 18 Crousse' among the doubles, 'Wanda primrose societies must rely on the C.M.Hecker 15 Hose' and 'Tipperary Purple'Jack-in- increasing number of modern K. Gould 9 the-Green, it is exceedingly difficult varieties to fill the gap. to find any of the old anomalous Legendary 'old ladys' in Ireland, forms in commerce. who are alleged to have a wonderful Availability among Single primtoses collection, I'm afraid no longer exist. Double auricula from seed of Cy Happy The Top 12 Winning Double is a little better. Diligent searching One such written to, over ninety years would yield about thirty named single of age, had sold all her plants. The photo by B. Smith Auriculas varieties, but none going back to pre- most famous of them, a lady from Mary (29 times) Primulajuliae or Garryarde days. Limavady, died some years ago and Catherine (23 times) All the older varieties (with the ex- her celebrated garden is now a Once more I consulted the Show Maid Marian (15 times) ception of the three Doubles named ploughed field. A vast expenditure on Results in the Year Books of the Susannah (10 times) above), seem to show characteristics postage stamps has been used on fol- Northern, Midland and Southern Sarah Lodge (9 times) of some P. Juliae blood, this indicates lowing up every lead, On one or two Sections of the National Auricula and Jayne Myers (8 times) many can be no older than seventy occasions it was found that the writ- Primula Society. I used the period Camelot (24 times) five years, with some of the 'older va- ings had been to the dead. Letters 1976 to 1981 (not all the 1982 issues Doublet (18 times) rieties' much younger. The vast were returned marked 'Gone Away'. were published when this was written) Walton Heath (11 times) number of Julianas bred into the However, by persisting, dedicated and listed the winning exhibitors in Marigold (10 times) primroses in the interwar years (1918- floriculturists will finally manage to each Section; and awarded three Diamond (8 times) 1938) seem to have ousted the older locate most of the private collections points for a First, two points for a Sir Robert (8 times) vulgaris types. These Juliana hybrids still in existence in England. Once Second and one point for a Third. I have in turn, been largely superseded inside the charmed circle of keen also listed how many times each in most gardens and nurseries by the collectors, and it takes some penetrat- variety took a prize. The results of this flood of modern polyanthus, so easily ing as none advertise the fact, the study follow. raised from seed. situation improves dramatically. 16 17 Many of the old Doubles are still With the increasing number of Elizabeth Dickie, Snow Ball, Glazeley Green, Viridiflora (green flowered P. grown and plenty of Singles, but few persons in England propagating and Silver, Maid Marian, Marie Crousse II vulgaris), P. Vulgaris-Polyanthus Jacks-in-the-Green or Hose-in-Hose. distributing the old named forms, (Lavender-rare one), Lady Isobel, form, Blue Horizon, Reine Des Major difficulties arise when no col- those primroses still in existence Chevithorne Purple, Double Violettes, Garryarde Enchantress, lector will sell, only exchange plants, should be reasonably safe. However, Sulphur.Anomalous (not all ancient) Garryarde Grail, Garryarde Victory, and until one gets a decent selection the majority are probably gone for Wanda Hose, Tipperary Purple Jack, Lizzie Green, Purple Cushion, ever. Not knowing what the situation to swap progress is slow. From lists of Margery Fish Jack, Greensleeves- Lambrook Yellow, Yardwell's White, private collectors, about fifteen to is in America regarding the old prim- pantaloon, Arlington-Jack, Gold E.R. Janes, Old Court, Crimson twenty old Doubles are still in roses, it would be interesting to hear Lace Polyanthus Hose, P. Veris (cow- Queen, Garnet, Wisley Red, existence and between eighty to a from anyone with the same interest in slip)-Hose, Pembrokeshire Jack, Buckland Cream, Buckland Wine, preserving these plants. Perhaps an hundred Singles. Ariel Jack. Singles Barrowby Gem, Buckland Primrose, Mauve Queen, With so few historic plants available exchange could be considered if the Osiered Amber, Purpurkissen, Tomato, Dr. Molly, Craddock White, and so difficult to acquire, it is not plant health regulations do not prove Garryarde Sir Galahad, Mrs. Crispii, Lambrook Pink, Old Devon possible to be a purist and confine too difficult to overcome. MacGillavry, Betty Green, Sibthorpii White, Pink Foam, Snow Cushion, oneself to the old varieties. Only in Six Petalled Frilled (Wendy?), Garry- The Bride, Chartreuse, Lambrook the case of Singles is it possible to Mr. John W. Martin arde white, Wanda's Rival, David Ivory. have a collection of antiquities. 45, Seaton Avenue Anomalous forms from a good Tupsley, Hereford HRl 1NP, number of various sources, including England some raised from seed (although un- Listing by John Martin of Named named), can be obtained. A person intending to grow them on, should Primroses known to be under cultiva- select only the very best and name tion in England them before distribution. Occasional- Single Julianas; (from very old to ly one will get good named anom- quite recent); Sibthorpii(l), Altaka alous forms from the growers who grandiflora(l), Perle von Bottrop, \s Cream, Blutenrissen, ™ have raised the plants. These names should, of course, be carefully Groenken's Glory, Wanda, Eila, Lady preserved and recorded. Greer, Lady Greer Pink, Kinlough Being fortunate in growing plants Beauty, Old Port(2), Tawny Port(2), in the wetter, western part of Snow White, Garryarde Guinevere, England, in soil that seems to suit Lopen Red, Lingwood Beauty, Iris them, a good single head will produce Mainwaring, Romeo, Beamish Foam, five or six offsets in a year capable of Blue Riband, Gloriosa, White division and growing on. New Wanda, Cherry, Queen of the acquisitions are always grown in pots Whites, Wanda Improved, and treated very generously with MacWatt's Claret, Lambrook Peach, plenty of water and high potash fertil- Dorothy, Devon Red Cowslip, Craven izer to encourage strong growth and Gem. (1) different names for same P. offsets. Only in the potted plants are vulgaris; (2) are quite distinct. special treatment received. Plants in Named Old Primroses under the open ground grow much slower. Cultivation in Great Britain and No luck has been obtained with Ireland: Doubles fall are P. vulgaris, propagation through root cuttings, except where stated) Alba plena (old but it has been found that the old double white), Lilacena plena superseded rootstocks will produce (Quaker's Bonnet), Bon Accord Gem, several small plantlets if placed half Bon Accord Lilac, Bon Accord Purple, buried in a pot of compost, (rather as Out Pat (Juliana), Marie Crousse I if they were iris rhizomes). If this is (violet pink-common one), done in the spring, plants are large Chevithorne Pink, Red Paddy, Primula vulgaris 'Sue Jervis' enough to pot up separately by William Chalmers, Cloth of Gold, A new chance double seedling offered by Bressmgham Gardens Nursery, England, Spring autumn. Arthur Du Moulin, Crimson King, Catalogue, 1982 18 19 Variegations on Border Auricula by Thea Service Poster West Vancouver, British Columbia

Border Auriculas are grown in such show very fine Border Auriculas that widely separated areas - Britain, tend towards richer shades of yellow Eastern North America, Mid North and gold. Herb has had excellent America and the Pacific Northwest, blues, some beauties that have been for example. How can conformity to a almost Royal blue. Is this tendency standard be established under this towards rich colours, rather than handicap? pastels, a Northwest phenomenon? The Alpine, Self and Edged Show Backtracking to Jimmy's number 2— Auricula have such formality of pro- I do not believe the Border plants I portion in their flowers that their have seen have invariably had ' 'a coat form could be set down on paper with of meal" on their leaves. draughting instruments. Any novice Possibly one reference for Border should be able to recognize these re- Auriculas could be the TIME-LIFE quirements as to shape of petals, pro- book Perennials. As an example of portion of colour zones in Alpines Border type they used a colour photo and Edged types, size of centre and of 'Denna White1. It has large, Border Auricula grown by Herb Dickson-Spring 1980 photo by Cy Happy tube. ruffled flowers and the bloom can be Judging from photos, Border judged as to size by the Self Show, Auriculas are quite variable. 'Dunder's Red' and Edged 'Snow like Shows seem to me to be not fail- I am a novice at growing Auriculas Considering Jimmy Long's Lady' in the same photo. So far as I ) ures, but simply different: A work so do not set myself up as any sort of suggestion (Spring 1982, Vol. 40, No. can see in the photo, 'Denna White' horse, like a Clydesdale, isn't consid- authority. Enthusiasm for them and 2) that we send in our ideas for has unmealed leaves. From the photo ered a "failed race horse". pleasure in growing them has led me standards; a few ideas have come to on the Spring 1980 cover, that yellow To sum up; as the only Border to observe them in Northwest shows mind, Auricula had mealed leaves with fine Auriculas seen in Quarterly photos are for about five years. The mention of the word "Border" white etched margins. This suggests usually the ones in Northwest shows, 1). After the photograph of the as applied to Auriculas immediately to me that presence of meal should be we don't know what the ones shown Border Auricula appeared on the brings forth the image of a tub of optional. elsewhere look like. Growers in widely cover of the Spring 1980 Quarterly, I Border Auriculas in the National APS Referring to L. E. Wigley's separated areas are undoubtedly believe it was discovered that it had Show in Kent, Washington. Cy preamble to his list of Merit and sowing and selecting their plants from been credited to Earl Welch instead of Happy used a photograph of the most Penalty Points for Border Auriculas quite dissimilar strains of seeds. The Herb Dickson. beautiful Border Auricula plants, I (Southern Section of the National personal tastes of major regional 2). I quote Sir Rowland Biffin (Gar- have yet seen (Quarterly cover, Spring Auricula Society) I would like to growers and exhibitors will play a part dening Illustrated Magazine, 1940 1980, Vol. 38, No. 2)1. The container comment on the oft read statements in establishing the 'prevailing type'. "It may be stated briefly that as a held six plants, Flowers were rich by experts on "failed Show and Al- They will influence local novices and, genetical analysis of the story of yellow with gently fluted petals and pine types". White I would object to (unless those novices are very inde- colour in the Auricula shows, Primula set off by white centres. The stems informally shaped, two-tone flowers pendent people,) their style of plant hirsute carries the compliment of were strong and foliage handsome. on plants being in Border category, will proliferate and dominate the genes necessary to account for all (In his comment on the photo, Cy many of the Borders do resemble shows. If it is possible to set up criteria shades except pure yellow (which is remarked that this display was informal Selfs. If they all stem from after the results of Jimmy's survey are brought in by P. auricula) and its "editor's choice" at the annual show; the same genetic stock, that has been tabulated, the 'standard' should be foliage leaves have the light green it was mine, too.) The yellow shade said to be the Bear's-Ears crossed with printed in the Quarterly. It should colour characteristic of most green- was too vibrant to fit Jimmy Long's Primula 6irsuta2,then they are simply also be well illustrated with clear edged forms. The calling in of idea No. 4 "colouring tending to variations on a theme. Similarities j photographs and supplementary line another parent is not necessary.'' (Has pastel shades". In Pacific Northwest should, consequently, not be drawings of the ideal form, or forms, another Alpine Auricula since been shows, Herb Dickson and Earl Welch unexpected. Borders that look a bit (drawings allow for finer details). proved to have been involved?) 20 21 Today, Weston Mill is a huge hous- Spring Is Just Not Spring ing estate, but the countryside of Modbury and Bigbury-on-Sea is still the same. The primroses are still Without Primroses there, my friend tells me every by Beryl W. Orchard Spring. She would send me a bunch if Mansfield, Massachusetts she could. When I go back to England for a visit, it will be in April and I know what I shall be doing first — picking primroses.

After the Second World War, we As I wander around my many vari- moved outside the town of eties of Primula, I always have a Plymouth, into the countryside Elizabeth Van Sickle - tender touch for the very precious few proper, to Modbury, near Bigbury- P. vulgaris I have managed to keep on-Sea, and during March and April, alive through the New England I could, and did, spend all my spare Elected APS Recording Secretary winter. time at my favorite hobby, picking At the annual APS picnic and Board meeting, the main course of business Stirring up memories of the past, I primroses. I could never get enough was the selection of Elizabeth Van Sickle of Sequim, Washington as the new see a little girl with a basket on her and in every window in every room of Recording Secretary. Elizabeth will have a tough task in filling the position arm, walking along a leafy hedgerow the house there would be vases and being vacated by the hard working Ann Lunn. Ann's other commitments lane, down a steep hill covered with vases — full. I kept all my friends had forced her to make the difficult decision in resigning the post she had bright yellow gorse, to a stream and supplied and I loved to take huge held for the past four years. Ann Lunn will be sorely missed by the Board of an old water mill known as Weston baskets to my grandparents and in- Directors. Mill. There, on the slopes, she quietly laws who were handicapped. I had an Elizabeth, an ardent gardener and primula enthusiast, was welcomed on fills her basket with wild flowers understanding husband by now who * board and given the full support of the members in her new and demanding which seem to be growing would join in. It was good to see their challenge. everywhere. In the distance she can eyes light up at the sight of so many hear the happy laughter of other blossoms and it left us with a good children playing in the stream. feeling of satisfaction when they too This was my first introduction to — could give some away to their friends. and the joy — of picking P. vulgaris, It became an annual ritual and I was to me, wild primroses, and it has not alone — many others would do never left me. I was born in the West the same. There were days when I Country of England, Plymouth, in would collect thousands, picking only the County of Devon — hills and the buds so that they lasted longer in vales of lush gteen trees, red soil, and water, usually two weeks at least. in the spring covered with an abun- Tying them in bunches (as many as dance of wild ptimroses. could be held in the hand) and leav- Until I came to America 11 years ing them by the wayside to be collect- ago, my spring began in February ed on the way home. Groups of child- when I would take a ride out into the ren, especially at Eastertime, would country lanes and seek out the little be taken to the country, have a picnic, plants hiding underneath the and then pick primroses to take home hedgegrowth, looking for that first for the church or their family. They trace of pale lemon and I was always would tie the bunches together on a too early — but that was part of the long piece of string or wool and hang joy and as soon as March arrived, the them from the end of a stick carried hedges would be yellow with blooms. over the shoulder. I would hope that It was fortunate for me that my this is still a favorite pastime in Devon Elizabeth Van Sickle-newly appointed APS Recording Secretary parents enjoyed a ride in the country. but I have my doubts. photo by L. Bailey 22 23 Ellisiae and Rusbyi, I've seen both, I've grown both and I got both out of > the same batch of seed. Now I've grown some more, seed saved from my J own big plant (now in a 10" pot) crossed with the biggest, oldest plant in From the mailbox Britain, over 20 years old and was in a 16" pot. And again I've got pink- magenta ones and lavender ones with fairy fingerprints. Is it a hybrid? Are there known hybrids between P. Ellisiae and P. Rusbyi? You ought to know, it grows in your territory. And incidentally, do they cross with P. Parryi? If my Parryi flower this year I'll have a go and let you know. There is an article in the Royal Horticultural Society's magazine about In my first copy (or so) of "Primroses", there was an article on genes and I Eelworm which, I believe was the reason you had difficulty in getting your learnt that wine-purple x wine-purple = black, for polyanthus. I wondered if plants into America. I'll duplicate it when I've time to go up to the local the cross would work for auriculas, because they are all Primulas. Well it library where there is a duplicating machine-it might interest you. does. I've got two black seedlings-centers were not very good but the color I've got some very vigorous looking seedlings ready to flower. The few that was what I wanted. I will try it on my doubles next. Do you know what have bloomed, have had small faults which may be better or worse when colors (genes) to cross for a scarlet? Dark red and yellow I should think. I'll they flower properly in the spring. The stamens are rather small but in the work on it. right place, the inner ring slightly wavy, but overall a good circle. I expect P.S. Did you know there's a Primula Ellisiae alba now. I know three they'll look very plain if they ever get onto a show bench, but meanwhile, people with it and now I want it! Aren't we humans acquisitive? they give me pleasure. Gwen Baker, 15 Ackleton Gardens, Bradmore, Wolverhampton WV$ 7ES, Margery Thompson, 4 Eastlands Crescent, Dulwich, London SE21, England England

All my primrose seeds are doing well, I am going to have a lot of plants next year. Have been trying hard to keep them correctly labeled and I think On behalf of the Oregon Primrose Society, I want to thank all members I am succeeding. Occasionally, a squirrel will pull out a label thinking it is who helped with the American Primrose Society's, National Show which was good to eat, but I usually manage to find it. I have a lot of transplanting to held in Milwaukie, Oregon, this past spring. do and soon. I tried the method described by Irene Ebert in the last ^^ It was disappointing that more members up North, were not able to Quarterly, I even wrote to her direct for further instructions; I started the • attend or enter Primulas, but we did have an interesting and successful show. seeds the same as Begonias except a little cooler and the results were fantastic! A special "thank you" to Cheryl Genheimer; Cheryl made the schedule Over here, on this eastern side of America we have had an overdose of rain and place cards for the banquet, which made it a more festive occasion. this summer; the flowers do not like it, but what is worse-we are having a Cheryl does much behind the scenes all through the year, and her work is heavy dose of 'acid rain'. It will be interesting to hear people's comments appreciated by all. from around the country regarding this new kind of pollution. Dorothy Macfarlane made the arrangement for the head table at the Beryl W. Orchard, 3 Darby Drive, Mansfield, MA 02048 banquet and the beautiful Primula corsage for our honored guest, Mary Zach. Dorothy also painted the Mt. Hood background for the beautiful garden assembled for the show. She makes a special garden for the show each year. This setting always attracts attention. The Oregon Primrose Society appreciates I grow a lot of Primulas (counting Florists Auriculas). My favourite is her time and talents and owes her a debt of gratitude. always the one in flower at the moment, and today I've been treated to a Thelma Genheimer, her family and the many friends from the Valley-Hi feast of P. Allionii, Allionii hybrids and pubescent hybrids. I have shown Primrose Society who came from Beaverton to lend a hand; thank you. my own seedling Allionii called "Elizabeth". I was informed there was an My personal acknowledgement to Margaret Mason and Thelma Genheimer "Elizabeth Eagle", so mine is now "Elizabeth Baker". It didn't win! What for the thoughts and kind words which appeared in the Spring Quarterly in did win this past spring was a Primula vu/garis Sibthorpii I dug up in the rain the night before, removed a slug or two and pulled off some old dead tribute to my husband, William. Etha Tate, President, Oregon Primrose Society leaves-I only put it in for a bit of colour. Isn't it always the way-the one you sweated blood over doesn't do a thing, and the one you neglect hits the jackpot. One of my specialties is Primula Ellisiae. I planted nine seeds some years I wonder whether you would be interested in reproducing the enclosed ago and five came up. I gave one away-unflowered and the best of the phonograph. It was taken by John Barlow at the 1982 London Show. The bunch. That taught me a lesson-I lost 3 to vine weevil one winter, and that plant is "Singer Stripe". As his excellent portrayal makes only too clear, left one. It's a sort of pinky-red-magenta and two of the others were lavender J} there still persists the tendency for the stripes to project beyond the circle of with little purple 'fingerprints', fairy fingerprints at the base of the petals. the petals, giving a ragged effect. In one or two of the later varieties, this I've wanted to know what is the difference -other than colour- between fault has been largely eliminated. 24 25 It does seem as if stripes are destined to always be uncommon plants as they tend to form themselves onto large multi-headed plants, rather than going about the preferred business of making offsets. I suspect that even in their heyday they were never numerous and this may be partly the reason. They are odd, too, in that they usually bloom noticeably earlier than the Edged Auriculas to which they are presumably akin botanically. Allan Hawkes, Rabley Heath, Hertfordshire, England

I had to laugh, then cry recently. I went to our local nursery, closest to home, to ask them if 'this' year maybe they had plans to expand their primula offerings by ordering plants and seeds of P, denticulata and P. japonica. The reply was a brisk "no"! The reason, they went on to say, was "people in Eureka don't even know what denticulatas and japonicas are and I'm not sure if they'd sell. Besides, we've got enough variety anyway-we carry four kinds.'' Can you believe that? A whole "four kinds" of primroses, and that's enough! Oh, how accurate you were about the "North Coast" of California. When 'Ormonde Stripe'by A. Hawkes 'Macbeth Stripe'-seedling by A. God was finished here, he threw away the plans. We who live here consider photo by A. Haw&es Hawkes photo by L, Bailey ourselves most fortunate. How blessed we are with these gorgeously huge Redwoods, with their feathery arms stretched out to protect the armies of ferns and wild flowers that inhabit the forest floor. In the spring, trilliums stretch towards the sun and cap off their foliage with beautiful white and > pink flowers. Then come the orange lilies with their drooping heads as if giving reverence to the creator Himself. Wild Iris blanket the forest floor, and along with many other wild flowers, the native rhodies seemingly expose their beautiful pink flowers as if not to be outdone. Then, upon fading, they quietly blend back into the landscape, leaving the admirer guessing where they'll reappear next year. With our climate being so constant all Spring, Summer, and Fall, coupled with the perpetual fog, the area is like a huge greenhouse protecting its inhabitants. We can grow anything and everything here, except those plants that require marked seasons or high summer temperatures. What a tremendous place to grow Primula! Having an agricultural background (being raised on a 100 acre berry farm near Portland), one would think that successful horticulture would come easy for me. Not so; as a matter of fact. I've been gardening only the last three years. When I left the farm, I vowed never to touch the soil again-20 years was enough! But, when we bought our first home, and I got involved in the landscaping, it was as if something snapped (my back at first) and my appetite for plants and gardening became almost ravenous. It was as if my soul had determined that 10 years of clean fingernails and unsoiled hands had been too long a time to be absent from my origins, and that this lost time must be "made up" immediately. So head over heels 1 have tumbled, becoming poorer in the pocketbook but rich as a king in spirit and self satisfaction. Since part of my yard is heavily shaded and influenced by Redwoods, I became extremely interested in those plants that thrive in the darker parts of Mother Nature's home. As time progressed, my interest expanded from fuchsias, rhodies, ferns and hostas into the vast world of primroses, and Striped Auricula 'Singer Stripe' raised by Allan Hawkes photo by J. M. Barlow even eastern wildflowers. But next to ferns (my collection consists of about 26 27 300 species and varieties) my heart belongs to these quaint little flowers that clear, yellow eye. If all goes well, the seedlings from that cross will bloom in bring our communications together. just a few weeks. They have, as hoped, thrown few side growths, while one Since I still consider myself a "rookie" (as lost plants verify), I have found plant from a similar cross which bloomed in autumn was of admirable form. numerous Primula species somewhat of a real trick to grow. Naturally, those Since we all know the capricious nature of the primula family in its ability to that require alpine house conditions, or snowfall protection from winter produce the loveliest blooms on their first appearance and then revert to rains, were the first to go to "Primula Heaven". Even some that I couldn't something quite horrendous on their next bloom, I cannot yet claim to have seem to provide the necessary sharp drainage for, have survived but not established a wotthwhile personal strain: I continue to hope. bloomed. So more experimenting is needed. I'll move them next spring to It is not clear from the pictures in your publications what method of get a little more sun. But, those that have grown and bloomed for me are: ptesentation North American growers prefer or what are the standards by P. chtonantha, cockburniana, alpicola, Abschasica, darialica, denticulata, which the plants are judged. Do you have a clearly defined policy on this? numerous elatior, florindae, frondosa, involucrata, copious julies, kisoana, Our Northern Section re-instituted such a code of properties about four years japonica, marginata, modesta, minima, pulverulenta, rosea, sikktmensis, ago, since it would not be logical to have an objective set of standards for verts, and of course, my Barnhaven polyanthus, julies and Gold Lace. Also, Show and Alpine Auriculas and none for the GLP. While one hears criticism numerous border auriculas and a couple of Show-edged in pots have done of such standards from outsiders, one can only wonder whether it is entirely pretty good. coincidental that the central part of one of the rose windows in the cathedral As time goes on, I plan to continue and expand my collection, but I'm of Notre Dame in Paris has just the 1-3-6 proportions advocated as a counsel going to do more prep work in order to give some of these little "beasties" of perfection by Maddock just a few years before Glenny. The growing of the exact conditions they need. the plants on a single crown and rhe judging of only one truss of bloom on Greg Becker. P.O. Box 3723. Eureka, CA a plant has led to difficulties in cultivation. The most intractable one is how to keep the plant to the one crown without diminishing either the vigour of the whole plant or the size of the pips. The biggest pips are still to be seen We are the old original (National Auricula and Primula Society-Northern on plants in five inch pots which look as though they have just emerged Section), our Society being the first to be devoted on a national scale to the from a tropical forest, while the most refined pips are found on small plants primula family. It was founded 110 years ago. Shortly afterwards, a group which give rise to fears as to their continued existence in this world. Any of growers in the south of England formed their own Section. There is now thoughts either from you or from the growers in North America? also another Section in the Midlands. Each of the Sections is autonomous One aspect of the American Society which I admire is its devotion to and looks after all aspects of its own affairs. We in the north have the improving garden polyanthus and primroses. Some of the most beautiful advantage of a cool, moist climate over our compatriots in the south and strains available here come from Barnhaven, of American origin. Many of many of the primula clan thrive better here than elsewhere, though this does these possess a neat eye-not necessarily the diminutive one of the Cowichan not diminish either the growers or the plants of the south. Our membership strain but one which is pleasantly proportined. At the moment we have no has shown a constant tendency to increase and now stands at around the 350 set standards for the judging of these plants, much depending on their mark. We hold two shows per year, a Primula Show in April and the freshness, colour and neat presentation. How are these plants judged with Auricula Show on the first Saturday in May. Each year we publish a Year you? They are capable of much improvement and yet the commercial seed Book, consisting of 64 pages: we have also recently published a booklet on houses seem to be heading towards the great mopheads resulting from the the cultivation of the Exhibition types of the Auricula and the Gold-Laced interbreeding of the P. vu/garis primrose and the Pacific Giant polyanthus Polyanthus. My post as Editor is open to annual election, though since I strain of towards the Juliana type. I have had nothing which could be became the incumbent three years ago, there has been no other nominee- admired for its colour and form or which would withstand the rigors of our a comment, one supposes, on the fact that I have a typewriter and not cold, clammy winter or my indifferent cultivation. enough common sense to keep out of sight at the Annual General Meeting. My main interest, however, is the Show Auricula, still without a doubt the The task is, as you have doubtlessly discovered, tiring, bothersome, arduous aristocrat of the tribe. They continue to be as self-willed as ever and refuse and satisfying. I think that Cy Happy did a good job in retaining his post to comply with the grower's wishes, and yet what can match their superb, for so long and I only hope that I can maintain interest for that length of cool composure and form? Early attempts at hybridizing have met with no time. success whatsoever, but such is their attraction that I hope to attempt once I first received "Primroses" just over a year ago and I had a letter more this spring to conjure something worthwhile from the recalcitrant published in one edition. The subject of that letter was twofold, one part genes. Others in this field are beginning to produce new plants which the being my interest in the Gold-Lace Polyanthus. I have a feeling from reading growers of old would have given their right arm to own. With the advent of Glenny that the plants of that gentleman's day were not so proliferous with meristem propagation techniques, let us hope that it will not be too long offsets as ours, thus lending themselves with greater facility to the single- before many of them are widely distributed. crown method of presentation. Quite fortuitously, I discovered a seedling J| which showed a tendency towards this trait and a cross was made with a Allan Guest, 3 Church Walk, Euxton, Charley, Lancashire, PR7 6HL, plant with a beautiful dark ground and refined lacing, both possessing a England

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Rosetta Jones Phone 852-0330 * 6214 So. 287th St. Kent, Wash. 98031 30 31 The Nature's Garden The Quarterly Bulletin ALPINE Route 1, Box 488 known in 27 Countries throughout the World for its GARDEN Beaverton, OR 97007 illustrations and technical standards. Society ANNUAL SEED DISTRIBUTION LIST, with preferential treatment for overseas members, of some 5.000 varieties, including new introductions otherwise unobtainable ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION £7.50 - payable to the Secretary: Mail Order Catalog E.M. Upward, Lye End Link, St. John's, Woking, Surrey, England $1.00 Deductible — Send for fully descriptive folder — PACIFIC 0 NORTHWEST THE SCOTTISH ROCK GARDEN CLUB NURSERIES, INC. offers you . . . The APS has slides Its twice yearly journal, well illustrated in black & white, Let us help you plan now available for club and and containing authoritative articles on all aspects of rock for a beautiful garden. Our society's programs - gardening, rotk plants, and their worldwide haunts. Its ex- selection is now at its best. cellent annual scheme for the distribution of rare and write to: unusual seed amongst its international members. £5.00 • Slide Chairman Subscription Secretary, Mrs. Elizabeth Law GL 4-7173 Dorothy Dickson Kippielaw Farm, By Haddington 2568 Jackson Highway East Lothian EH41 5PY, Scotland 11030 N.E. 6th • BELLEVUE Chehalis, WA 98532

NATIONAL AURICULA AND PRIMULA SOCIETY — Southern Section Invites all Auricula and Primula Lovers to join this Old Society OLIVER NURSERIES, INC. Membership includes Year Book 1151 Bronson Road, Fairfield, CT 06430 Lawrence E. Wigley 67, Warnbam Court Road, Carshalion Beeches, Surrey England Open 7 days a week during spring • Sorry no mail orders Telephone (203) 259-5609

NATIONAL AURICULA AND PRIMULA SOCIETY — Midland Section Invites all Auricula and Primula Lovers to join this Old Society A place to visit and browse. Hun. Sec.: Mr. Robin Archer All plant lovers are welcome at 55 Elizabeth Rd., Mosetey, Birmingham B13 8QH England CHEHALIS RARE PLANT NURSERY We grow a large selection of primula, alpine and rockery plants, dwarf trees and shrubs and many, many more Share the fun of gardening. unusual plants, mainly in containers. Invite a friend to join Halfway between Portland and Seattle just off I-5 2568 Jackson Highway, Chehalis, WA 98532 American Primrose Society. Sales at nursery only. No list. No catalog.

32 33 American Primrose Society t Officers Rare Dwarf Slow Growing Conifers President; Herbert Dickson, 2568 Jackson Highway, Chchalis, WA 98532 Vice President: Frank Berthold. 1614 N.E. 128ch, Portland, OR 97230 Flowering shrubs and unusual rock plants suitable for Recording secretary: Elizabeth Van Sickle, 654 Marine Dr., Sequim, WA 98383 Bonsai culture are listed in our catalogue, Alpenglow Gardens. Treasurer: G, K, Fcndcrson. Grout Hill, South Ac-worth, NH 03607 Corresponding secretary, cast: Alice Hills Baylor, Stage Coaih Rd., Stowe, VT o5672 ALPENGLOW GARDENS Editor emeritus: Florence Bellis, 2835 N. Oar Avc., Lincoln City, OR 97367 13328 King George Hwy. North Surrey, B.C., Canada Directors Alice H. Baylor, Stowe, Ver. 1982 Helen Mochnke, Banks, Ore. 1980 Orval Agce, Milwaukie, Ore. 1982 Eileen Trzynka, Hillshoro, Ore. 1980 Ruth Huston, Gig Harbor, Wash. 1982 Presidents of affiliated societies and chapters The American Rock Garden Society Orpha Salsman, Seattle, Wash. 1982 Larry Bailey. Edmonds, Wash., editor (Founded 1934) cordially invites you to join its growing Membership list of enthusiastic members Dues of SIO a year arc payable Nov. 15. Membership includes four issues annually of the Annual Seed List • Quarterly Magazine Quarterly, cultural chart and seed exchange privileges. Three years for $25. Life membership, Family Membership - $10.00 Overseas Membership — $8.00 $100; garden club affiliated societies, $10 a year; library and horticultural societies, $10 a year; Single Membership - $9.00 Patron Membership - $25.00 second member in family. $1 a year. Overseas members, SlO a year; please send by international Life Membership - $250.00 money order. Send dues to the treasurer. Norman Singer Norfolk Rd. S. Sandisfield, Mass. 01255 Publications Back issues of the Quarterly arc available. Order from the secretary. Manuscripts for publication in the quarterly are solicited from members and other gardening experts, although there is no payment. Please send articles and photographs to the editor's committee at 1570 - 9th Ave. N., Edmonds, WA 98020. Advertising rates per issue: full page $60; half page $30; quarter page $15; eighth page and Notes minimum $10. Submit advertising to the editor.

Seed Exchange Ross Willingham, chairman, 2248 S. 134th Seattle, WA 98168.

Did you remember?

The Winter Quarterly will contain the Resource Directory of members, societies, nurseries and seed houses dealing in primula show .schedules, etc. Members are urged to send in this information and locations for their 'special' resources to the Editor's Committee right now before they forget.

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