~BULLETIN ~J96J $ ~------A--q-u-a-rt-e-r -Iy-o-f-t-h-e-A-m-e-r-ic-a-n-B-o-x-w-o-o-d--S -oC-i -et-y--~~~ ~~~ devoted to our oldest garden ornamental

Vol. 50 NO.3 January 2011

Participants ofthe American Boxwood Society 50th Symposium at the home ofBert and Susan Hendley, founders ofMission Oaks Gardens in Zanesville, Ohio. The American"BoxwoodJ \

The American Boxwood Society is a not-for-profit organization founded in 1961 and devoted to the appreciation, scientific understanding and propagation of Buxus. Visit our website at: www.boxwoodsociety.org OFFICERS: MEMBERSHIP: President: Annual membership from May through April includes Mr. W. Edward Goode, Jr. Sabot, VA four issues of The Boxwood Bulletin. Dues paid after Jan. I First Vice-President: to April 30 are applied to the upcoming May membership. Mr. Kenneth Lee H ahn Cali fon , NJ Second Vice-President: Dues paid after May I receive partial year w ith no credit. Mr. John W. Boyd III Roanoke, VA Members o utsid e the U.S. add US$ 15 to any membership Secretary: category. Mr. Jan S. Carter Eldersburg, M 0 Treasurer: Individual ...... $35 Sustaining ...... $ 100 Mr. J. Bennett Saunders Piney Ri ve r, VA Family ...... $50 Life ...... $ 1,000 International Registrar: Contributing ...... $75 Mr. Lynn R. Batdorf Washington, D C CONTRIBUTIONS: DIRECTORS: Monetary gifts to the Society are tax deductible and may be Mrs. Joan Butler (Life) Winches ter, VA Mr. Walter S. Carell , Jr. (2010) Millington, NJ applied to: M r. Jan S. Carter (2 0 I I ) Eldersburg, MD General Operati o ns Publicatio ns Fund Mrs. Andrea Filippone (20 11 ) Pottersv ille, N J Memorial Garden Fund Research Programs M r. C harl es Fooks (20 I 0) Salisbury, MD Dr. Henry F. Fr ierson, J r. (20 I 0) C harl o ttesvill e, VA Mr. Clifford L. Hoffman (201 2) Flemington, NJ HOW TO CONTACT US: M r. Dean Norton (201 2) Mt. Ve rno n, VA For o rdering publicati o ns, membership, address change, con­ Mr. J. Bennett Saunders (201 2) Piney River, VA Mr. George Schumacher (20 11 ) Turlock, CA tributions, ques ti o ns, o r submitting an article, please write to: American Boxwood Society EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: P.O. Box 85 Jeff Mill er C h ri stiansburg, VA Boyce, VA 22620-0085 EX-OFFICIO: D av id Carr, Director, State Arboretum of VA Boyce, VA In '[his JSsue: PUBLICATIONS: Non-member Member Boxwood: An IlLustrated Encyclopedia US$ 140 $ 125 The EBTS - France Returns to the u.s . .... 35 Boxwood Handbook (3 rd Editio n) $ 35 $ 27 Boxwood: Choosing the Best $ 25 ABS 50th Annual Symposium ...... 38 Boxwood Buyer's Guide (5 th Editio n) $ 10 Int'l Registration List of Cultivated Buxus $ 5 ABS Minutes ofMeetings ...... 47 Back iss ues of The Boxwood BulLetin (each) $ 10 The Boxwood BulLetin Index 1961-1986 $ 10 The Boxwood BulLetin Index 1986-1991 $ 5 COLUMNS: The Boxwood BulLetin Index 1991-1996 $ 5 The Question Box ...... 44 Handling, first cl ass postage and appli cabl e taxes are in cluded Be part of The Boxwood Bulletin! Submit an article, pho­ in the price fo r domestic orders. Postage for intern ati o nal or­ tograph, question, idea or report of your own experience. ders is actual cost (www. ups.com) plus US$3.00.

The Boxwood Bulletin (ISSN 0006 8535) is published quarterl y by the American Boxwood Society, PO. Box 85, Boyce, VA 22620. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Ameri can Boxwood Society, PO. Box 85, Boyce, VA 22620.

Page 34 The Boxwood Bulletin - January 2011 The BBTS - France Returns to the u.s.

~ fantastic eight-day Boxwood Toll' of New Yo,k evening was filled with shopping and fine dining. and New Jersey was organized by Patrick Salembier, Presi­ On Tuesday, Ocrober 11 the group roured Sainr denr of the EBTS (European Boxwood and Topiary Soci­ Patrick's Cathedral on 5th Avenue. Opened in 1879, it is ety)-France and Andrea Filippone, Direcror of the a beautiful Gothic Cathedral builr with white marble, lo­ American Boxwood Society. Fran<;:ois Goffinet and Camilla cated in what was originally a near-wilderness site. Exten­ G. Hellman provided additional guidance in organizing sively renovated in the 1980s and 1990s, it is a this rour with 27 ro 35 participanrs, most from France. much-beloved landmark in the heart of New York City. The rour began with the arrival of the EBTS-France This was followed by a quick rour of the Hall of the Time members on the morning of Ocrober 9, 2010 inro John F. Warner Cenrer. Opened in 2003, it is a mixed-use sky­ Kennedy Inrernational Airport in New York City. The scraper with two 750-foot rowers with upscale dining, group stayed at the Wo\corr Hotel, located three blocks shopping, living and working accommodations. It has the from the Empire State Building. The remainder of the day highest-listed market value in New York City at $1.1 bil­ was spenr briefing the group on the various activities, shop­ lion. This included a visit ro the adjacenr Columbus Cir­ ping and dining while adjusting ro jet lag. cle, featuring an 1892 (4th centenary of the discovery of The rour began in earnest on Monday, Ocrober 10 America) marble statue of Columbus arop a 70-foot col­ with Andrea Filippone guiding a rour of Barrery Park, a umn with reliefs of Columbus' three ships. In the after­ 25-acre public park located at the southern tip of Man hat­ noon the group was able ro choose anyone of several tan Island. It is named for the artillery barrery that was guided walking rours which included highlights such as: stationed there by the Dutch and British prior ro 1783. Central Park, the Dakota building at 72nd Street where After rouring one of the oldest gardens in New York City, John Lennon was assassinated, Strawberry Fields garden the group roured one of its newest gardens, the High Line dedicated ro peace, funded by Yoko Ono, the Frick Col­ Gardens. A public park, it is built on a 1.45-mile-long lection on Fifth Avenue or the Belvedere Casrle (79th elevated rail structure on the west side of Manharran. street level), the Metropolitan Museum of Art (5th Street), Renovation began in 1999, with the first of three phases and the Guggenheim Museum (5th Street). The volun­ opening in June 2009. Originally opening in 1934 it was teer-led walking rours were organized by the Central Park, a 13-mile long elevated train track platform which con­ New York City. nected direcrly with facrories and warehouses. Today, it is On Wednesday, a carefully landscaped park inspired by the self-seeded Ocrober 12, the planrs that grew on the unused tracks for 25 years prior group traveled ro ro its reclamation and renovation. Managed by New York the Pepsico world City, this park is destined ro become a popular and headquarters In successful world-class garden. The remainder of the Purchase, NY ro tour The Donald M. Kendall Sculp­ ture Gardens, a well-tended 168- acre landscape with 45 pieces of out­ door sculpture from major modern scul­ ptors. After lunch, the group visited the Kykuit Garden, also known as the John D. Rockefeller High Lirle Gardens Estate. Located one Pepsico World Headquarters

The Boxwood Bulletin - January 2011 Page 35 hour north of New York City, the 40-room, six-floor stone lunch they met with Camilla Hellman, President of the mansion, which took six years to build, was completed in British Memorial Garden at Hanover Square, in the heart 1913. The surrounding estate occupies almost 3,500 acres. oflower Manhattan, and received a private tour. This Eng­ At the next stop, the group toured the nearby Philipsburg lish garden serves to honor and memorialize the 67 British Manor House in Sleepy Hollow. Land purchases between citizens who lost their lives in the World Trade Center at­ 1680 and 1686 totaled 52,000 acres. After the American tacks of September 11, 2001. It was opened by Queen Restoration, the land was split between 287 buyers. The Elizabeth II on July 6,2010. Afterwards, the participants largest tract of 750 acres was acquired by Sleepy Hallow had some free time for afternoon sightseeing and shopping Restorations. The Philipsburg Manor House was restored which was followed by dinner at the River Cafe in Brook­ with a donation by John Rockefeller, J r. Several original lyn located beneath the Brooklyn Bridge with a romantic structures still stand and are National Historic Landmarks. view of southern Manhattan. Afterwards, the group returned to New York City to enjoy Friday, October 14 the group set out for New Jersey. dinner at the Knickerbocker Club, a Georgian style build­ In the morning, the group toured Greenwood Arboretum, ing which opened in 1915. a 28-acre public garden in Short Hills, New Jersey, nation­ Thursday, October 13 began with a tour of the world­ ally significant for its beauty, history, and design. Listed class Brooklyn Botanic Garden. This 52-acre garden was on the National Register of Historic Places, it is a time cap­ founded in 1910 and holds over 10,000 taxa of plants wel­ sule of New Jersey's gracious past and a haven of tranquility coming over 900,000 visitors annually. The group toured in the busy New York metropolitan area. Greenwood Gar­ many notable gardens to include the Japanese Hill-and­ dens combines formal gardens, open meadows, wood­ Pond Garden and the Steinhardt Conservatory. Mter lands, and pasture. Surrounded on all sides by protected

Patrick Dougherty sculpture titled, Natural History, made in three Garden at Kykuit weeks, by weaving sticks, at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, New York.

Page 36 The Boxwood Bulletin - January 2011 parks and wilderness, its sweeping views create a sense of solitude and serenity. Then they were off to the nearby home of ABS director Andrea Filippone in Pottersville for a catered lunch and a private guided tour. The home of Andrea Filippone and William Welch, architects, and headquarters of Tendenze Design, their firm of architecture, interior and landscape design, was formerly a 19th century dairy farm. Settled among gentle hills and pasture in horse country, it embraces a strong Eu­ ropean influence with beautiful stone walls, gravel court­ yards, and formal flower borders. The barns, silo and property stood abandoned for 30 years until the couple bought it in 1993. They spent seven years creating its ren­ The mansion at Old Westbury Gardens. aissance. It has been described as a second Versailles. An ex­ traordinary French potager provides fresh flowers, fruits, vegetables, and is surrounded by espaliered fruit trees and hedges which help to keep the garden looking orderly. Countless adornments of stone, water and architectural sculptures provide distinctive structural elements to ten of the garden's thirty-five acres. A solar-powered and-heated greenhouse, salvaged from Rutgers University, is designed around a charming English-style orangery. On Saturday, October 15 the group boarded a bus for Old Westbury Gardens. Completed in 1906, this Charles Boxwood at Old Westbury Gardens II-style mansion includes 200 acres of formal gardens. Of special interest is the Boxwood Garden which was installed in 1931. The 100-year-old Buxus sempervirens were trans­ planted from Virginia. This garden also includes a mar­ ble-lined reflecting pool and a Corinthian colonnade. The ltalianate style Walled Garden, Rose Garden, Cottage Gar­ den, the formal Lotus Pond, and Orchid Hill are only a few of the garden features at Old Westbury Gardens. Af­ terwards, the group lunched at and toured Long House Reserve in Hampton. Opened in 1991, this 16-acre ar­ boretum has an art and education emphasis which features outdoor sculpture from various artists. There are nearly 40 intensive and contemporary gardens which are well-main­ tained by a nonprofit public charitable organization. Sunday, October 16 was a free day and participants encouraged to tour a variety of exciting option which in­ cluded: Greenwich Village, Harlem, Shiloh Baptist Church, the Spice Market, or the Boat House on Central Park. Also, there were shopping opportunities on the Upper East Side, museums (Cloisters, the Metropolitan Museum of Art), and various up-scale restaurants. All too quickly, it was time to bid au revoirto our dear French cousins as they returned home from an exciting horticultural, cultural, and culinary-week long extrava­ ganza, the likes of which only New York City (with Patrick Salembier and Andrea Filippone) can provide. One ofthe numerous gardens at Old Westbury Gardens.

The Boxwood Bulletin - January 2011 Page 37 ABS 50th Annual Symposium

The participants arrived in Newark, Ohio on Thursday, October 14, 2010. The evening was filled with members enjoying a welcome reception. Afterwards, the ABS Board met. Their minutes are included in a report at the end ofthe article. Dawes Arboretum

The symposium began in earnest on Friday, October 15 with a full day at the Dawes Arboretum. It began with a guided tour of the entire Ar­ boretum, aptly lead by Michael Ecker, Director of Horticulture, on an open wagon pulled by a farm tractor. After­ wards Richard Larson, Plant Propaga­ tor at Dawes, provided an informative and comprehensive 2-hour private tour of the Dawes Arboretum box­ wood collection. He provided many astute and personal observations on the growth habits and performance of the extensive collection of boxwood In the middle of holly hill the Phillips', 'John Baldwin'; B. micro­ cultivars. group looked at: Buxus sempervirens phyLla var. japonica'Faulkner' and 'Jim The group started at the lower end 'Fernwood.' Stauffer'; B. sinica var. insularis Tide of holly hill. The cultivars we first saw In the upper part of the hill, where Hill', 'Bob' (Sweet n Low™), 'Herb', were: Buxus sinica var. insularis' Russ'; the bulk of the collection lies, the par­ 'Pincushion', 'Tall Boy', and 'Winter­ B. microphyLla 'Green Pillow'; B. mi­ ticipants studied: Buxus sempervirens green' (the oldest accession in the col­ crophyLlavar. japonica 'Morris Midget'; 'Ohio', 'Zehrung', 'Inglis', 'Rochester', lection). Various hybrids included the B. sempervirens 'Aristocrat', Elegantis­ 'Schmidt', 'Pullman', 'Fastigiata', Sheridan se ries: 'Green Mound', sima', 'Morrison Garden', 'Pier Cove', 'Handsworthiensis', 'Jensen'. Addi­ 'Green Mountain', 'Green Velvet'; as 'Pullman' (received originally under tionally, the collection had Buxus mi­ well as the Chicago Land Growers se­ the name 'Fiore'), 'Suffruticosa', and crophyLla 'Compacta' (syn. B. lection 'Glencoe' Chicagolandgreen®. then B. sinica var. insuLaris 'Justin microphyLLa 'Kingsville Dwarf), Proceeding in roughly circular Brouwers'. 'Curly Locks', 'Grace Hendrick pattern down the hill the group

Michael Ecker, Director of Horticulture at Dawes Arboretum, A few ofthe participants, in the boxwood colection, gives the ABS participants a private guided tour. led by Richard Larson.

Page 38 The Boxwood Bulletin - January 2011 Richard Larson, Plant Propagator, gives a definitive tour ofthe boxwood colection at Dwaes Arboretum. Walking through Dawes Arboretum admiring the rare and mature plant specimens.

finished by looking ar: B. sempervirens walk back (0 rhe Visirors Center for a Japanese Garden. Unfortunarely, ir 'Myosoridifolia', small and recently refreshing lunch. Lynn R. Bardorf, rhe was rime ro parr company wirh Rich planted B. sempervirens 'Larifolia Mac­ Internarional Registrarion Aurhority Larson who had led an interesring ulara' and 'Vardar Valley'. for Buxus gave a 45-minure presenta­ and informarive rour rhrough rhe On rhe lower end of rhe opposire rion on rhe culrure of boxwood. boxwood collection, as well as rhe en­ side rhere were: B. sempervirens 'Roure Afrerwards, Rich Larson once rire grounds of Dawes Arborerum. 50', 'Dee Runk' and small recently­ again led rhe group for a more rhor­ The group was very appreciarive for planted specimens of: B. 'Elizaberh ough (Our of orher areas of Dawes Ar­ his rime, professional knowledge, and Lawrence', B. microphylla 'Helen borerum. Our firsr srop was rhe enthusiasm. Rich Larson was rhe per­ Whiring', and 'Quier End', The group world's longesr living hedge, rhe fecr hosr and made rhe experience ar was treared ro wild collecred speci­ 2,040-foor-long hedge spells our Dawes Arborerum a very special event mens from Longwood Gardens: B. "Dawes Arborerum" a world famous for all rhe participants! sempervirens IAGRU-79/, IAGRU­ fearure of rhe Arborerum, firsr The group rerurned ro rhe horel SOl, IAGRU-S II, IAGRU-S21 and planted in 1930 and replanted in for rhe Annual Meering. This was fol­ IAGRU-S6/. 1990. The group climbed up rhe 36- lowed by a relaxing wine and snack re­ Rerurning ro our srarting point, foor observarion rower ro rake in rhe ceprion which provided an enjoyable rhe group observed some of rhe older view which is visible for miles by air­ social rime among rhe participants. plants in rhe collecrion such as: B. craft approaching Columbus Interna­ This was followed by rhe rradirional sempervirens 'Abilene' and 'Joe Gable', rional Airport. ABS Auction which was once again B. microphylla 'Green Prince', 'Sunny­ Nexr, rhe group had a leisurely led by rhe able and enthusiasric John side' and 'Winter Gem'. srroll rhrough rhe dwarf conifer col­ Boyd, rhe Second Vice-President of The group had a short and pleasanr lecrion, rhe Azalea Glen, and rhe rhe ABS.

The world famous 2,040ft. Woodward arborvitae hedge at Dawes Ar­ boretum, originally planted in 1939 then replanted il1 1990, as seen from the 36-/oot tall observation tower). The large conifer collection at Dawes Arboretum.

The Boxwood Bulletin - January 2011 Page 39 Inniswood Metro Gardens

Boxwood knot garden at Inniswood Metro Gardens.

Inniswood Metro Gardens

Saturday, October 16 began with features more than 2,000 species of once the 37 -acre estate of sisters Grace a departure for Inniswood Metro Gar­ plants, specialty collections and several and Mary Innis, who enjoyed garden­ dens in Westerville, Ohio. Nestled theme gardens including the rose, ing and wildlife observation respec­ within a scenic nature preserve, the herb and woodland rock garden. tively. The Innis sisters' desire to 121-acre public garden has streams There are three miles of trails and preserve and enhance their gardens and and woodlands filled with wildflowers, paved pathways which allows visitors woodlands for the enjoyment of all and wildlife provide a majestic back­ to stroll along and enjoy the beauty of people resulted in the generous dona­ drop to the beautifully landscaped the gardens and natural areas. tion of their home and property to flowerbeds, rock garden and lawns. It Inniswood Metro Gardens was Franklin County Metro Parks in 1972.

Lee Hahn (L) and Hugh Crump (R) admiring the boxwood knot garden at One ofthe many speciality gardens at Irmiswood Inniswood Metro Gardens. Metro Gardens.

Page 40 The Boxwood Bulletin - January 2011 A herb evualtion garden at Franklin Park. Glass artwork at the Franklin Park Conservatory.

Franklin Park Conservatory

The group had the distinct pleas­ scapes featuring cacti and succulents; August 2008, its winding paths lead­ ure of touring the world-class, The Pacific Island biome, with tall, ing under the heart-shaped leaves of Franklin Park Conservatory in emergent trees that form the canopy, the Redbud allee and a bubbling Columbus, Ohio. It features world­ tree ferns , and a waterfall covered fountain and gardens; the Cascades, class gardens with various flora themes bridge with a Koi pond; John F. with waterfalls, unique plantings, and including: the Himalayan Mountain Wolfe Palm House includes 43 wildlife; the Annual, Perennial & biome, plants found in the temperate species of palms from around the Vegetable Trials, which has com­ climate of the mountain range with an world, some of which are considered pleted its 2nd year, includes vegeta­ elevation between 6,000 and 9,000 endangered and threatened in the wild bles in trial gardens designed to feel feet; Tropical Rainforest biome, epi­ featuring a Fiddle-leaf Fig which is like a secret garden oasis filled with phytes that climb or cling to large trees over 110 years old. season-long color and interest. The forming the upper canopy of the for­ The group toured other areas of group had a catered lunch in a white­ est; Desert biome, plants adapted to Franklin Park Conservatory which in­ colored pavilion in the center of the the sparse annual rainfall of arid land- cluded the Brides Garden, opened in trial area.

Boxwood edging beds in a test garden at Franklin Park Conservatory in Columbus, Ohio.

The Boxwood Bulletin - January 2011 Page 41 Aerial view ofthe Topiary Garden at the DeafSchool Topiary Garden at the Deaf School

The Old Deaf School Park in Columbus Recreation and Parks De­ use today for office space. downtown Columbus, Ohio is the site partment. The concept came from Georges-Pierre Seurat (1859- of a unique arts project. Georges Seu­ artist James T. Mason who teaches 1891) was a French painter and the rat's famous post impressionist paint­ sculpture at the Department's Cultural founder of Neo-impressionism. "Sun­ ing, "Sunday Afternoon on the Island Arts Center. He designed, created and day Mternoon on the Island of La of La Grande Jane", is recreated in to­ installed the metal frames as well as the Grande Jatte" is his most famous piary. It is the only topiary interpreta­ living topiaries. Elaine Mason, initial work, an example of pointillism that tion of a painting in existence. This topiarist and retired arts coordinator is widely considered to be one of the "landscape of a painting of a land­ for the Department, trains city garden­ most remarkable paintings of the 19th scape" consists of 54 topiary people, ers to trim the figures. century. Seurat spent two years paint­ eight boats, three dogs, a monkey, a cat The Old Deaf School site was ing this picture, concentrating on the and a real pond. The largest figure is purchased in 1829 by the State of landscape before focusing on the peo­ 12' tall. The pond, representing the Ohio for $300 from one of Colum­ ple. There is an intellectual clarity in River Seine, was installed in 1989, bus' original founders. In 1834 the which the people are in pairs and along with the hills. Seurat would have first Deaf School was built. The sec­ groups, yet they seem alone in their sketched his scene from the top of the ond was built in 1869 and burned precision of form-alone, but not easterly hill. down in 1981. A third Deaf School lonely. No figure encroaches on an­ Topiary Park is a project of the Building was built in 1899 and is in other's space, all coexisting in peace.

Topiary Garden at the DeafSchool in Georges Seurat's painting titled, Sunday Afternoon on Columbus, Ohio. the Island of La Grande Jatte.

Page 42 The Boxwood Bulletin - January 2011 Mission Oaks and from gardening friends' recom­ mendations and books. Mission Oaks Gardens in In 2003, the garden was expanded Zanesville, Ohio is a fiv e-acre oasis into an adjoining ravine, one filled tucked into a residential neighbor­ with discarded auto pans and the hood. For 20 years, Albert " Bert" other buried in broken pottery from a Hendley, the original owner, passion­ former tile company. An excavator ately acquired unusual plants from worked for six months, hauling away around the world to fill his garden, 50 dump truck loads of rubble to clear but he most enjoys sharing his garden the site. The ravine now features a with others. A once-abandoned prop­ pond and 200 conifer varieties from erty, H endley and his wife Susan around the world. began the overwhelming task of The gardens were accepted into restoring Mission Oaks in 1988. It the prestigious Smithsonian Institu­ matured into a collection of 300 tion's Archives of American Gardens' hardwood trees, 200 conifers and Garden Club of America Collection. hundreds of flowering shrubs and Hendley created a Mission Oaks perennials. Foundation in 2001 to preserve the The home had been built in 1925 gardens and other local green spaces by a local businessman for his mistress. for future generations. Mission Oaks Over time, it passed through multiple Gardens, and its buildings, will be do­ owners and eventually sat empty for a nated to the Muskingum County few years before the Hendleys took Parks District. In a community spirit, possession. After a team oflocal crafts­ there are nearly 30 Master Gardeners men helped restore the indoor living and garden society members who vol­ Albert Hendley welcoming the ABS spaces, the couple turned their focus unteer to maintain Mission Oaks. participants to his home and public to the gardens. They began by remov­ garden, Mission Oaks. "We used to be the pottery capital ing the seemingly-endless invasive and of the world," says Hendley. "One of overgrown plants. In planting, there scape evolved as they collected plants these days, we're going to be the gar­ was no Master Plan, rather, the land- and trees discovered while traveling dening capital of Ohio."

Granville Inn

The final event of the sy mpo­ sium was dinner at the Granville Inn in Granville, Ohio. A histori c Eng­ li sh manor inn, it has been a land­ mark, in the heart of Granville, since 1924. Listed on the National Regis­ ter of Historic Places, the Inn's old­ world charm, hand cur oak paneling, the custom cur native sandstone ar­ chitecture and well landscaped grounds made it a special dining ex­ perience for all the participants of the 50th ABS Symposium. John Boyd Jl; led another successful auction at the ABS 50th Annual Symposium!

The Boxwood Bulletin - January 2011 Page 43 a few of the boxwood. There I recovered soil samples and pieces of their roots. Separation by the water and milk fil­ ter technique produced many nematodes which Dr. McDonald identified as meadow nemarodes. I have long since forgotten both their genus and species. In my under­ graduate days I spent hours sharpening microtome blades. Because I believed it was virtually impossible ro get all of the grit off/out of root pieces and out of respect for some unknown student technician who might have to sharpen a microrome blade which was badly scored by grit, I did not embed and section the root material ro confirm that they were, in fact, infested with nemarodes. Dr. McDonald did tell me that the meadow nemarode infests many plants, particularly all parts of genus Populus and roots of Buxus. This area has lots of poplars, primarily P deltoides, though none were growing within 1000 feet of the exper­ The Question Box imental area, though their autumn wind-borne leaves were everywhere. Q: The following is in response ro your article "Commer­ The following spring I treated half of a previously cial Production of Boxwood" which appeared in the No­ planted row of my rooted boxwood cuttings with Temik. vember 2010 (volume 210, issue 10) of the American It was the only systemic soil-applied poison which I had on Nurseryman magazine. hand at the time. The treated plants did flush slightly bet­ I operate Northern Nurseries, a small production ter than the untreated ones. The following year none of nursery in Denmark Township, on the fringe of the Min­ the treated plants had any winterburn at all, whereas the neapolis - St. Paul, Minnesota metro area. Except for the untreated ones had the usual winter dieback. Subsequent last two decades, this area has generally been considered tests have shown me that biannual soil treatment will cut ro be in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 3. Currently, most at least a year off the production cycle and produce slightly people consider it in Zone 4. Given the desiccating winter less woody, more pleasing plants. winds it experiences, I think the potential winter damage It seems as if others might benefit from my findings. to plants certainly justifies a Zone 3 rating. Years ago I saw a superior boxwood (presumably A: This comment/inquiry was forwarded ro me, as I am mostly B. sempervirens) in a field of year old seedlings at now retired from my academic and extension career as Cross Nurseries in Lakeville, MN which they had pur­ Extension Nematologist and Professor at the University chased from Western Maine Nurseries, I think. With their of Florida and am serving part-time as a pest manage­ permission, I rook a cutting and propagated from it. It was ment consultant. This inquiry brought up many fond a good ornamental plant which suffered the same prob­ memories of old comrades, and I earned my doctorate lems that all boxwood plants, grown in this area, seem to working on the very nematode with which your question encounter. They flush and harden 6" to 10" of new growth is dealing. each season and then lose half of that new growth to des­ The short answer: Yes, meadow (aka lesion) nema­ iccation, "winter burn". rodes could easily account for the extra stress that would As luck would have it, I took a winter quarter plant reduce boxwood resistance to cold. Unfortunately, we no pathology course at the University of Minnesota when I longer have products as effective for its suppression as was was growing the a forementioned boxwood. Though not Temik or other commonly-used nematicides of many years part of the curriculum, the instrucror, a Professor McDon­ ago such as Vydate and Nemacur. I know of no traditional ald, gave a lecture on his special interest, nemarodes. His chemical nematicide that would fill this bill in the same talk about nemarode root damage producing failure ro way as did Temik. thrive and susceptibility symproms reminded me of the Now, if you have the patience, I will go into details of boxwood problems. both people and nemarode biology. One brisk, -200 F, day I dug through two feet of snow Dave McDonald completed his Ph.D. at Cornell Uni­ and a foot of frozen ground in our nursery ro the bases of versity while I was an undergraduate in the same lab, that

Page 44 The Boxwood Bulletin - January 2011 of W.E Mai. In fact, I helped Dave collect samples for lab to determine a population level of these nematodes, some of his work and helped with the nematode counting the sample must include lots of the fine feeder roots in process. He and I both worked on the meadow or lesion which they live actively. I have found as much as over 95% nematode, PratyLenchus penetrans, which is widespread in of a population in roots rather than the soil with which cool temperate regions. We have it here in Virginia in they came, to the point that we could have overlooked the some areas, but I found it very rarely in the field in my ca­ problem entirely if we had only soil to assay. reer in Florida except in one ornamental crop, leatherleaf I have much sympathy for your undergraduate job. fern . This nematode feeds in the cortical tissues of fine Sitting in front of a microscope identifying and counting feeder roots of an incredible number of plants, including nematodes was far preferable to sharpening microtome both woody and herbaceous ornamentals, fruits, vegeta­ blades. From your comment, you might have agreed. bles, and weeds. If there are further questions, comments, ideas related Dave now is retired, and the nematology professor at to this problem, feel free to contact me. I hope Dr. Chen Minnesota now is Senyu Chen, who received his doctorate would be able to address specific questions about nema­ in nematology in Don Dickson's lab at the University of tode management in Minnesota. Another nearby world­ Florida while I was a professor there. I have copied both of class expert in lesion nematodes in especially cold climates them with this note to let them know that I still remember is Dr. Ann MacGuidwin, professor of Nematology at the some of the things that I should. In addition, Dr. Chen is University of Wisconsin. the one who should be most familiar with options for re­ [Editor's note: This answer was graciously provided by ducing the effects of P penetrans on boxwood in Min­ Dr. Robert A. Dunn Professor Emeritus, University of nesota. His work has been directed primarily toward Florida. Our appreciation and gratitude to Dr. Dunn for soybean cyst nematode, which is a costly pest of that major his authoritative and insightful response.] cash crop, soybean. He has done a lot with potential bio­ logical controls of that nematode, and perhaps some of Q: I work for a large boxwood grower and the owner re­ that work could extend to lesion nematode. ferred me to you in regards to several questions that I have. Lesion nematodes cause serious damage to the cortex When the owner brings cuttings for propagation it is part of the roots in which they feed, killing substantial amounts of my job to try and label them with the correct name. of tissue themselves, and opening the roots to invasion by The Boxwood Encyclopedia has been a valuable reference. It destructive fungi that normally should not be able to get surprises me how many samples are incorrectly labeled. in. The net effect can be significant reduction of the total On page X in the Boxwood Encyclopedia it is written root mass, and especially of the fine feeder roots that ab­ under 'Cultivar Name'. That is, valid cultivar names appear sorb the water and dissolved nutrient minerals that the in 'bold type', while invalid names appear in 'standard plant needs to thrive. Anything that reduces root function type'. How does an invalid name become a valid cultivar? of a boxwood (or any other plant) can dramatically reduce I feel like I am opening a can of worms. If you can point its ability to deal with cold injury and other environmental me in the right direction I would appreciate it. stresses. Incidentally, the freezing soil conditions normal Additionally, how would you denote a hybrid when to Minnesota should have little effect on this nematode. writing the name? They can survive prolonged periods in the 20s, but in fact For example: soil normally does not get colder than the upper 20s, even Buxus 'Glencoe' there - it just freezes deeper. In my own work with potato Buxus hybrid 'Glencoe' soils near Cornell I found that I could chip out soil sam­ Buxus x 'Glencoe' ples (frozen 6-12 inches deep, but only about 29-30 F OR rather than the teens and single digit air temperatures that None of the above we experienced) in February, and the little beasts would be moving actively when the soil thawed out in the lab. A: Yes, those cultivar names appearing in light-face type There are, however, many biological enemies of nematodes are invalid cultivars. However, they have been verified as in the soil that may be enhanced by some cultural practices unique from all other culrivars. Typically, there is insuffi­ to help reduce the nematodes' effects. cient (or vague) information available to properly docu­ Additional note about detecting lesion nematodes. ment and publish the plant characteristics according to the They are endoparasites, meaning that they live almost en­ requirements enumerated in The Code to give it a valid tirely inside of root tissues. Therefore, for a nematology status. Once this information is provided, or obtained, the

The Boxwood Bulletin - January 2011 Page 45 respective registrar would promote the name to a valid cul­ cludes boxwood is voles. When they ca n't find enough tivar status, with the respective bold print. roots of choice they will also go after boxwood. Have The correct way to write a hybrid is: Buxusx 'Glencoe' found no so lution to that problem either. Neither of these It is correct to use a small "x" either between the names are addressed in the Boxwood Handbook. They must not of the taxa involved (ie. Ascocentrum x Rhynchostylis x ex ist in the more northern climes. Yanda; x Vascostylis is a correct method to condense my hybrid formula example) or by assigning a name prefixed A: The ambrosia beetl e, Xylosandrus german us, is a by the "x". scolytid beetle which originated from Asia. It is found in All taxonomic cultivar questions (regardless of genera) many regions of North America including the Northeast are easily answered in the International Code o/Nomencla­ (reports from CT, MD, NJ, Rl) South and Southeast ture for Cultivated Plants (The Code), published by the (AL, OK, GA, MS, TN, TX), , and Pacific Northwest ISHS (lnt'l Soc. for Hort. Science). It is used for all culti­ (OR, BC). The Long Island area is the site where X ger­ vars. Are you familiar with either this organization, or manus is thought to have been first introduced into the The Code? I greatly encourage you to obtain a copy US in 1932. of this important reference! Please refer to: The borer has been reported to attack over 200 species http://www.ishs.org/pub/scripta.htm. of plants, including boxwood. In addition to the physical damage, there is concern that X german us is responsible Q: Unfortunately I was unable to attend the recent box­ for carrying Fusarium fungus into the plant as they tunnel wood meeting in Ohio. I attended my first in Atlanta. I into the wood. had attended that meeting in hopes of finding more in­ As you correctly noted, there is no mention of the am­ formation about the cause of my boxwood woes. I was not brosia beetle in the Boxwood Handbook. While they do one 0 f t he " regu Iars. " cover a large region of the US , their damage (which can be After all the years (since the latter half of the 19th cen­ severe) is limited to small localized areas. No book is ever tury) the boxwood here have thrived though they are all inclusive - thus, the author, Lynn Batdorf, chose to omit pushing the limit of their southern boundaries. My home this pest due to its small impact and a lack of any effective is in the Upper Coastal Plain about 50 miles south of Au­ control measures. Thus, in your situation, I recommend gusta, GA. The live oaks and magnolias are their friends. that you consider other shrubs which have known resist­ Away from them they do not thrive. Since that meeting I ance to the ambrosia beetle. have been more diligent in my observations since I did not However, voles are mentioned in the Boxwood Hand­ find the answers I had hoped to find. book. Please refer to page 87 of the third edition. It seems evident I have more than one problem, but one that is most prominent is an ambrosia beetle. It bores Follow-up comment: a tiny hole in a stem and sets up its fungus. From that Thank you for your precise and detailed explanation of point the stem dies. It is not noticeable until one sees the my beetle problem. I will pass it on to those who were un­ straw color. I have consulted more than one entomologist aware of this information. Several years ago I had described and was dismayed to learn there is no miracle chemical to finding a borer to my county agent who referred to the rid me of them. Systemic insecticides are useless as well as UGA extension service for an explanation. The answer was contact sprays. The only chemical that might help is one short: boxwood don't have borers. That was a dead end. I that if sprayed at the right time will discourage the beetle could find nothing else about it. from eating through it. The timing would have to be pre­ They have gone unnoticed until the last couple of cise and coverage thorough. years which made me think they might be the ambrosia I have boxwood that have declined from healthy, beetle that is decimating the redbay in south Georgia. This bushy plants to ones so thin there are only a few stems left summer I also found them in my Laurus nobilis. Reports and with lots of stubs of broken stems. I have read indicate this one entered through the port of If you are interested I can forward the University of Savannah. Georgia's report on identification. They did not identify Either way, the lack of a solution is depressing. I have my sample to exact species. Perhaps for you they would over 1500 Buxus sempervirens, some well over a century but that means I have to find another one. I can also send old, which have thrived on no more than water and a lit­ pictures and/or samples from the plants. tle manure until less than five years ago. Now I will turn Another problem I have throughout my yard that in- to page 87.

Page 46 The Boxwood Bulletin - January 2011 American Boxwood Society Governing Board of Directors' Meeting - Minutes Thursday, October 14, 2010; Newark, Ohio

The meeting was ca ll ed to order at 9:00 Treasurer Sa unders presented a repo rt ship retentio n is as essential as new member­ PM. by President Eddie C.().Qde. The foll ow­ fro m the Sociery's new accountant, Jeffrey W. ship development. T hi s matter will be as­ in g attendance did not present a quo rum: Matthews, C PA of l ovelace, Norve ll e, signed hi gh prio ri ty for the Strategic Pl anning l ynn Batdorf, John Boyd III , Walter Carell , Matthews & C rews, fro m l ynchburg, VA. Session. Jr. , Jan C arter, Eddie Goode, Jr. , l ee H ahn, The repo rt included a li st of recommenda­ T he editor of The Boxwood Bulletin re­ Bennett Saunders. ti ons relati ve to the fin ancial operatio ns of the po rted that the October iss ue (Vo I. 50 , No.2) Pres ident Goode prese nted the lates t edi­ Society, plus detail ed and summary reports of is ready for the printer. Aft er fi ve years as ed­ ti on o f the itinerary fo r the 50th Boxwood the las t four years of fin ancial activiry of the itor, the January 20 I I iss ue (Vo I. 50, No.3) Symposium and Annual Meeting in Newark , Society. will be the las t iss ue for the current editor. Ohio. A li st of attendees and their contact in ­ O ne of the recommendati o ns ques tioned Mr. Batdo rf has begun work on a fourth form ati on was distributed. Pres ident Goode, the class ifi cation of the res tricted funds, and edition of the Boxwood Handbook, in anticipa­ as chair of the Symposium, prese nted a pro­ suggested this area be reviewed and cl arified. ti o n of a reprinting in the furure. fo rma ex pense report for the event. These assets may need to be reclass ifi ed , so as Walter Carell Jr. , C hairman of the Me­ A tentative working itinerary for the 5 1s t to be mo re in line with accounting rules and mo ri al Garden at Bl andy, will coordinate the Symposium and Annual Meeting (5 0th An­ tax codes. Memo ri al Garden workday with Board Mem­ niversary of ABS) was presented. The dates Mr. Matthews brought current the filin g bers Dean Norto n, Bennett Saunders and the are the evening of Thursday, May 12 through of tax returns for the Society. The aggregate staff leadership at Bl andy. Mr. Carell offered Saturday, May 14, 20 I I. fee for all of the wo rk to date is $3,500.00. hi s thoughts regarding the poss ible ex pansion A letter to soli cit support from members Treasurer Saunders will have a proposal fro m and redesigning of the Memorial Garden. and other benefa ctors for the Sixth Annual Matthews for an annual accounting of the So­ O ne of the chief concerns is to afford the in­ G iving Campaign was presented. The letter ciety's fin ances and returns. dividual pl ants sufficient space to grow in to will be disrribured to all members imminently. An internal pro fit and loss statement their more natural sizes and habits. The pro­ Pres ident Goode as ked the Board to con­ fro m Executive Director Jeff Miller will be gression of ques ti ons leads to style of design, sider holding a Strategic Pl anning Session in distributed at the nex t meeting. poss ibl e locati o nlrelocati on and with who m Nove mber to address the concerns and issues Membership Committee Report by WaI­ at Bl andy to coordinate for coll abo rati on and that confront the Society. The Directors pres­ ter Carell , Jr. presented a working spreadsheet suppOrt of the effort. ent endorsed the initiative; the Secretary was of the membership li st, which includes all Walter Carell Jr. , as C hairman of the asked to po ll all members of the Governing members for years 2007 through 20 I O. T he o minating Committee, gave hi s repo rt and Board for suitable dates. absolute number of members has persistently its prepared slate to be presented at the An­ The minutes of June 24, 20 I 0 were re­ declined on a year over yea r bas is during that nual Meeting. vi ewed and agreed to be in order. four year peri od. It was agreed that member- This session was concluded at 10: 15 PM.

Annual Meeting - Minutes (20 II ) ICa rter's term balance]: Dr. Tomasz Anisko. T here were no ad­ Friday, October 15,2010; Marriott ditional nominati ons for any positions from the fl oor. Moti on to cl ose the nominati o ns and adopt the slate by acclamati o n ca rried . (J ohn Courtyard; Newark, Ohio Boyd/ Lynn Batdorf/ unanimous by voi ce) Seein g no unfinished business, no r new business, the Pres ident President Edward Goode, J r. , call ed the meeting to order at 6: I 0 as ked for a moti on to adj ourn, which carried. (Walter Carell i Lynn PM. T he Pres ident welcomed all members and gues ts and established Batdo rf/ unanimous by vo ice) that a quo rum was present. He announced the 5 1s t Sy mposium to be held at Bl andy Arboretum in Boyce, VA in celebrati o n of the 50th Executive Committee Meeting - Minutes Annive rsa ry of the Ameri can Boxwood Society. T he dates are May 12- 15, 14,20 II . An interesting itinerary is being developed. Friday, October 2010; Newark, Ohio T he minutes of the 2009 Annual Meeting in Atl anta, GA were Pres ident Goode called the meeting to o rde r. H e appo inted approved . (Walter Carell / l ynn Batdorf/ unanimous by voice) Walter s. C arell , J r. to se rve as the C hairman of the Nominating Treasurer Bennett Saunders provided an update on the fin ancial Committee fo r the coming year, and reques ted approval of the ap­ status of the Society. T he ABS is in "sound fin ancial shape in ge neral, po intment. Mo ti o n fo r approval carried . (l ee H ahn/John Boyd with room for improvement". All of the accounts are going through III/unanimous by vo ice) . an audit and the tax returns are being brought to a current status. Seeing no need to transact further business at this time, Pres i­ Nominating Committee C hairman Walter Carell Jr. , and com­ dent Goode o rdered the meeting adjourned , without obj ection. mittee members, C harl es Fooks and l es H offm an, submitted the fol­ lowing slate of nominees: President: W. Eddie Goode, Jr.; First Vice Mark your calendar for the 50th Anniversary of the President: Kenneth Lee H ahn; Second Vice Pres ident: John Boyd III ; American Boxwood Society at the Boxwood Sym­ Secretary: Jan S. Carter; Treasurer: J. Bennett Sa unders; Directors posium and Annual Meeting at the VIrginia State (201 3): Walter S. C arell , J r. ; C harl es Fooks; D r. Henry F. Fri erson. J r. ; Director (2 01 2) [Sa unders' term balance l: Hugh C rump; D irector Arboretum in Boyce, VIrginia on May 12-14, 2011!

The Boxwood Bulletin - January 2011 Page 47