A Publication of the American Horticultural Society Volume 70, Number 7 • July 1991 $1.50 News Edition

Chemical Conundrwn In This Issue Almost half of the home gardeners oil and soap, and pray for the ladybugs Alternative Pesticides . 2 responding to a recent survey claimed and lacewings to come along and deliver they never use chemical pesticides. But the final blow. But when a fungus strikes Chemicals and Food 4 anecdotal evidence indicates that most a favorite old rhododendron, they bring The Industry Reacts . 6 of us are struggling to develop our own on the big guns and throw caution-and Integrated Pest Management approach. chemicals-to the wind. Regional Notes .. . 8 At a meeting this spring of garden How guilty should this make them columnists and gardening show hosts feel? It's hard to get an unbiased answer. Making a Difference . 10 from throughout the nation, most said The industry speaks reassuringly of its their readers and listeners were using testing; the environmentalists remind us Research by Amateurs 11 chemicals less, but not giving them up. that the industry is doing the testing and Members' Forum 12 Carl Frankel of Green Market Alert, a laws relating to those tests are full of newsletter that analyzes the impact on loopholes. The industry counters that the Gardeners' Q&A . 13 business of "green consumerism"---choos­ threat oflawsuits keeps them honest .. . ing products based on environmental and so it goes. We can say that thorough Report from Birmingham 14 concerns~stimates that only 10 to 15 testing of these chemicals and their Report from Williamsburg 16 percent ofthe population is composed of impact on humans and other inhabitants "visionary greens" who would never of the planet is in its infancy, and great Gardeners' Bookshelf . 18 deign to use chemicals, and a quarter to concern and caution would seem to be a half of the adult population consists of the order of the day. Gardeners' Dateline . 20 "browns" who "don't give a hoot about In this issue, we'll tell you how the in­ Classifieds ...... 22 the environment." That leaves anywhere dustry is responding to these concerns, from a third to two-thirds in the category summarize some new research on the Perennial of the Year 24 he calls "mainstream greens." relationship between food costs and Those in this category may spray their pesticide use, and offer some alterna­ aphids with a "natural" mix of vegetable tive ways of dealing with insect pests. American Pest Blasts From the Past Horticultural Society Before the advent of synthetic pesticides easily destroyed." Vick's Monthly The American Horticultural Society seeks to in the 20th century, gardeners had to Magazine recommended a none-so­ promote and recognize excellence in rely on their own wits and materials appealing procedure for destroying horticulture across America. close at hand to battle insect pests. Al­ ants: "place meat, bones, or pieces of though we might imagine our forebears sponge with sugar in them in the way OFFICERS 1990-1991 hopelessly swatting locust swarms with of the ants, and occasionally pick them Mr. George C. Ball Jr., West Chicago, IL brooms, it seems as if they had an easier up and drop them into hot water." President Mrs. Helen Fulcher Walutes, Mount Vernon, VA time of it than we do. Other solutions were much more time First Vice President Peter Henderson opened the chapter consuming than our accustomed quick Mr. Richard C. Angino, Harrisburg, PA on insects in his popular Gardening for fixes, such as the following control for Second Vice President Profit (1902) with reassuring words: May beetles: "The best course is to shake Mr. Elvin McDonald, Brooklyn, NY "We have but little trouble with insects all the trees in the morning and catch Secretary in our highly cultivated grounds." It the insects and kill them with boiling Mr. Gerald T. Halpin, Alexandria, VA Treasurer must have been true, for the practical water. It is a great deal of work, and Mrs. carolyn Marsh Lindsay, Rochester, NY gardening books before the 20th must be engaged in by the whole com­ Immediate Past President century devote little space to insect munity, and must be kept up year after pests (and almost nothing beyond year, until rid of the pests." One lady, as BOARD OF DIRECTORS greenhouse, orchard, and cabbage reported in The Horticulturist in August, Mrs. Suzanne Bales, Bronxville, NY pests). They undoubtedly had fewer 1874, destroyed rose slugs (a type of saw­ Dr. William E. Barrick, Pine Mountain, GA pests to contend with, since most of our fly that skeletonizes leaves) by spending Dr. Sherran Blair, Columous, OH Mrs. Mary Katherine Blount, Montgomery, AL troublesome ones are relatively recent every morning picking them off her bush­ Mrs. Sarah Boasberg, Wasnington, DC foreign introductions. But, as the fol­ es and burning them. "She spent all the Dr. Henry Marc Cathey, Washington, DC lowing selections make clear, gardeners mornings in attending to them, and had Mrs. Bever-ley White Dunn, Birmingham, AL past also used their imaginations more. that season burned bushels ofleaves that Mr. K. Albert Ebinger, Boxford, MA Some of their solutions were were covered . .. by the growing slugs." Mr. John Alex Floyd Jr., Bi~mingham , AL Many remedies seem downright Mrs. Julia Hobart, Troy, OH remarkably simple: Dr. Joseph E. Howland, Reno, NV "Best remedy for ants among pots, suspect, like the widespread early 19th­ Mr. David M. Lilly, Saint Paul, MN greenhouses or vicinity, is very hot boiling century practice of pounding nails into Mr. Lawrence V. Power, New York, NY water." (The Horticulturist, May, 1874) fruit trees to prevent borers, or this Dr. Julia Rappaport, Santa Ana, CA "Take fine dry dust from a common control for orchard insects from Vick's Mrs. Flavia Redelmeier, road, sift it through a fine riddle so as to Monthly Magazine in Februa,ry, 1882: Richmond Hill , ON , Canada Mrs. Jane N. Scarff, New Carlisle, OH remove all stones and lumps, and apply "First, whitewashing the bodies and Mrs. Josephine Shanks, Houston, TX freely with the hand when the dew is on limbs of the trees as high as practicable, Mrs. Donald B. Straus, New York, NY the plant_ It was with me a perfect and, second, the latter part of spring and Mr-s. Billie Trump, Alexandria, VA success last year. No bug was ever seen before insects become very active, plow Mr. Andre Viette, Fishersville, VA upon squash, melon, cucumber, or pump­ furrows each way between the rows of Ms. Katy Moss Warner, Lake Buena Vista, FL kin." (The Horticulturist, February, 1873) trees, so as to leave a square piece of Mrs. Jean Verity Woodhull, Daytorn , Or! Soap suds, tobacco (water or smoke), smooth ground under each tree; then EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR and hellebore were used on many scatter some straw lightly under the Mr. Frank l. Robinson pests; whiskey was recommended for trees, keeping it away three or four feet mealybugs, salt for cabbage lice; and from the stems, and many insects will common black pepper as a cure for harbor in it. After ten or twelve days that AMERICAN HORTICULTURIST EDITOR: Kathleen Fisher green cabbageworms: the straw has been thus spread under ASSISTANT EDITORS: "About a quarter ofa pound of the trees, set fire to the straw, burning Thomas M. Barrett, Mary Beth Wiesner pepper is used on a hundred heads of straw and insects together. Follow up the EDITORIAL ASSISTANT: Martha Palermo Cabbage, and is sifted on from a practice for two or three years and few MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR: dredging box in. the morning, when the insects will remain." Kathleen B. Amberger dew is on. A thrifty German mechanic And some failed miserably. The ADVERTISING: American Horticultural Society Advertising Department, 2700 informs us that he mixes pepper and correspondent for the Ohio Farmer Prosperity Avenue, Fairiax, VA 22031. Phone coal-ashes together and sprinkles on tried salt and lime water to control (703) 204-4636. the mixture with perfect success in the insects on potted carnations and roses: Address all editorial correspondence to: The Editor, destruction of the worms." (Vick's "The salt injured the plants, and the American Horticulturist, American Horticultural Society, 7931 East Boulevard Drive, Alexandria, VA Monthly Magazine, September, 1879), lime-water improved the size and 22308. AMERICAN HORTICULTURIST, ISSN 0096-441'l, Gardeners must have been made of number of the worms." is published by the American Horticultural Society, 7931 East Boulevard Drive, Alexandria, VA 22308, (703) 768- hardier stock then, for some of the To control curculio on his plum trees, 5700, and is issued six times a year as a magazine and cures seem worse than the diseases. poor H. Gr~gg of Downey, Iowa, "took six times a year as a News Edition. The American Horticultural SOCiety is a nonprofit organization devoted to The Shaker Gardener's Manual (1843) strips of cotton cloth and wrapped excellence in horticulture. Botanical nomenclature in advocated pouring on fermented urine around the trunk of the trees some 18 AMERICAN HORTICULTURIST is based on HORTUS to prevent rootworms and cabbage lice. or 20 inches from the ground, and then THIRD. National membership dues are $35 ; two years are $60. Foreign dues are $45. $12 of dues are A Mr. Ducharte described to the French saturated the cloth with kerosene, and designated for AMERICAN HORTICULTURIST. Copyright Horticultural Society in 1880 his repeated this application once in ten or © t 99t by the American Horticultural Society. Second­ class postage paid at Alexandria, Virginia, and at addition­ method of destroying May beetle grubs fifteen days during the curculio season." al mailing offices. Postmaster: Please send Form 3579 to "by digging holes and filling them with He saved his crop of plums, but at the AMERICAN HORTICULTURIST, 7931 East Boulevard Drive, Alexandria, VA 22308. rank manure. The larvae speedily find expense of the lives of the trees. out these congenial homes and are -Thomas M. Barrett

2. American Horticulturist· July 1991 Pesticides From Powerful Plants

Anyone who has brushed up against poison ivy or stinging nettle knows that plants are not always friendly. Many plants have evolved protective poisons to ward off animals, and gardeners can harness some of these for their pest control arsenal. The great advantage of botanical pesticides is that they break down into harmless substances more rapidly than synthetic pesticides. But this short life span makes them harder to use effectively since they must be applied precisely when and where susceptible insects are located. Users should exercise caution with botanicals-just because they are "natural" does not mean they are speciosa ), a native of South America. It The pests either pass by the treated harmless. Some are extremely toxi\!. is effective against the European corn plants, or eat some of the leaves and Most botanical pesticides are nonselec­ borer, coddling moths, thrips, leaf then fail to develop properly and die tive and will kill beneficial insects, rollers, and corn earworms. Ryania before reaching adulthood so that they including honeybees. Spraying at dusk, works as a stomach and contact poison don't reproduce. when bees are least active, will help to that kills by paralysis; it is slow acting + Pyrethrin, made from Chrysan­ minimize the loss. Also make sure to and may take up to 24 hours to kill the themum cinerariaefolium or C. take the same precautions you would pest. It is also more selective than coccineum, is probably the most widely take with other pesticides-wash many other botanical pesticides. It will used botanical pesticide. For informa­ exposed skin after handling, avoid not harm as many beneficial insects tion on this contact poison, see breathing the pesticide, and prevent and is considered harmless to warm­ "Gardeners' Q&A" in the May 1991 contact with eyes and cuts. blooded animals including humans. American Horticulturist News Edition. Some ofthe more popular botanical +Quassia is perhaps the safest of There are a bevy of other botanical pesticides are the following: the botanical pesticides. Sold in the concoctions reputed to control insects. +Rotenone is derived from the form of wood chips, shavings, or bark of You may experiment with them yourself. roots of several plants, including Derris the quassia tree (Quassia amara, a Pepper sprays have been used against spp., Lonchocarpus spp., and Tephrosia tropical that can be grown in the ants, mites, and various caterpillars. spp. (the latter two have also been used warmest parts of the United States) Wormwood spray is recommended for as fish poisons in South America and quassia is effective against aphids, controlling soft-bodied pests such as tropical Africa). It kills many types of caterpillars, and most soft-bodied slugs and aphids, and garlic oil spray pests, including squash bugs, cucumber insects. It does not harm bees, mixed with liquid soap has been used beetles, Japanese beetles, mites, and ladybugs, or other beneficial insects. To against a variety of insects. (For more thrips, but, since it is unstable in be used as a spray, the material needs homemade remedies, see "Companion sunlight, air, and water, will remain to be soaked in water for two to three Plants" on page 16.) effective for only three to seven days. It days, then simmered over low heat for can be applied as a dust or in a water a couple of hours, strained, and mixed solution. It is very toxic to birds, fish, with soft soap. According to the and pigs, and will kill beneficial Biological Urban Gardening Services Suds Sanction insects. Rotenone is a stomach poison (BUGS, a nonprofit organization and a slow acting nerve poison that working to reduce chemicals from The law says you must follow label inhibits respiratory metabolism in cells. urban landscapes) the tree-of-heaven directions In using an insecticide. +Sabadilla dust is made from the (Ailanthus altissima), a close relative of Liquid soap kills Insects, but Its seeds of Schoenocaulon officinale, a lily the quassia tree, appears to have label doesn't say a thing about kill· native to Central and South America. similar properties. ing bugs. So the Environmental A contact poison, sabadilla controls a +Neem, although used for centuries Protection Agency was recently wide range of pests including harlequin in southeast Asia, is a relatively new asked whether It can be used legal. bugs, squash bugs, webworms, cabbage botanical pesticide to this country and is Iy to kill the Afrlcanized bees loopers, and leafhoppers. It should be still not widely available. Made from the migrating Into Texas from Mexico. applied weekly until the target pests leaves and seeds of the East Indian neem Fortunately, it appears that the are under control. As it breaks down tree (Azadirachta indica), neem extract EPA will not yet begin regulating the rapidly when exposed to sunlight, it is is effective in controlling more than 80 use of this home remedy, nor will an safer than rotenone and has little toxic insects, including leafminers, Colorado emergency exemption have to be effect on mammals. But sabadilla is potato beetles, and Japanese beetles. Issued. But the agency warned that toxic to bees and it can be an eye and According to BUGS, ''Neem extract is the soap and water mix can't be sold mucous membrane irritant, so a mask systemic, acting from within the plant. as a pesticide and, because It hasn't should be worn when applying it. When added to the soil neem compounds been approved for such use, It +Ryania is derived from the roots enter plant roots and are transported to cannot be applied on edible plants. and stems of the ryania shrub (Ryania the leaves making them toxic to insects."

American Horticulturist • July 1991 .. 3 Healthier Food Without Higher Prices?

Conventional wisdom holds that if "Some of these alternatives would be Among suggested alternatives to national legislation forced a drastic cut more costly, in part because' they are large-scale pesticide use: in agricultural pesticide use, food more labor-intensive or because some +Crop rotation, which discourages prices would skyrocket. But according crops in crop rotation"· ~me step the buildup of insects, weeds, and diseases. to a recent study by Cornell University, study recommends-"are less valuable, + Mowing weeds and using denser food prices would rise less than 1 on a per-acre basis, to the farmer," says planting patterns to crowd out weeds. percent if alternative pest control David Pimentel, the Cornell professor +Use of viruses, bacteria, fungi, and practices replaced half of the chemical of entomology and agricultural sciences beneficial insects to control pests. pesticides now used in United States who led the study. "In other cases, + Insect vacuums and traps that lure agriculture. The study, summarized in reducing pesticide application and insects with synthetic sex attractants. a chapter, "Environmental and substituting alternative methods would + Photodegradable plastic or Economic Impacts of Reducing U.S. cost no more or would actually save mechanical cultivation to prevent Agricultural Pesticide Use" in the money and increase some yields." growth of weeds between crop rows. recently published second edition of the +Genetically altered plant varieties Handbook on Pest Management in with improved pest resistances and Agriculture, is based on a compilation short.season crops that mature before of previously published research. pests do. Although not widely available, the It also recommended procedures for study is beginning to generate some more efficient pesticide use, such as controversy because of the conclusions substituting ground-application reached and the methodology used. equipment for aerial spraying, the use It concludes that substituting of recirculating sprayers that catch nonchemical alternatives for some pesticides that miss their target, "rope­ pesticides used on 40 major crops wick" applicators that apply herbicides would cost farmers an estimated $1 directly to targeted weeds, and schedul­ billion a year, this increasing total pest ing pesticide application as necessary control costs some 25 percent and total rather than on a routine calendar basis. food production costs only 0.6 percent. Farmers spend about $4.1 billion But these actions would save the annually to apply one billion pounds of economy more than $2 billion in health pesticides-69 percent in herbicides, 19 costs and environmental losses, it says. David Pimentel of Cornell. percent in insecticides, and 12 percent in fungicides. The study notes that the increased use of pesticides in the last half of the twentieth century has not 'Farmers Willing' to Cut Pesticides resulted in a reduction in pests. Since 1945, the use of chemical pesticides in According to a study published in May slve practices. For example, the the United States has increased 33-fold by the Natural Resources Defense rules by which many farmers receive in pounds; the toxicity to pests of some Council (NRDC), alternative farming federal farm subsidies for major pesticides has increased at least techniques, Including crop rotation, in­ commodities such as feed grains, 10-fold. However, today an estimated tercropping, and the use of Integrated wheat, cotton, and rice penalize crop 37 percent of all crops are lost to pests Pest Management, could reduce pes­ rotation. Also, federal and state versus a 31 percent crop loss in 1942; ticide application by 25 to 80 percent marketing policies and grade stand­ losses to insects nearly doubled, from on nine crops grown in California and ards place a premium on produce 7.1 to 13 percent. The continued high Iowa. The NRDC report differs from cosmetic qualities that are difficult to level of crop losses is attributed to a the one issued by Cornell (see accom­ attain cost-effectively without high number of factors, including the destruc­ panying story) in focusing on fewer chemical use. The report also tion of natural enemies of certain pests, crops-chosen to represent the diver­ charges that the federal government an increase in pest resistance to lity of American agriculture-in two has failed to adequately support pesticides, and changed agricultural specific states and in incorporating research on alternative farming practices that encourage pest damage, the experiences of individual farmers. systems or to disseminate research such as the use ofless resistant "The environmental community has results that are available. "Farmers varieties, the reduction in crop long-maintained that significant reduc­ are quite willing to embrace environ­ rotation, and a reduced crop diversity. tions in pesticide use are possible," mentally sound farming systems," At the same time, the report says, says Jennifer Curtis, NRDC research says Tom Kuhnle, NRDC resource annual environmental and social costs specialist and primary author of Har­ economist and co-author of the of pesticide use are $2.2 billion: vest of Hope. "Our study quantifies study, "but in many cases, policy +Ari estimated 20,000 humans per these pesticide reductions and verifies barriers stand in their way." year are afflicted with pesticide-induced they can be achieved without threaten­ cancer. Another 3,000 persons develop Ing productivity or profitability." To obtain a copy of Harvest of Hope, pesticide poisoning symptoms serious Despite the potential of alternative send $19.95 to NRDC Publications, enough to need hospital treatment. agriculture, the NRDC study cites Natural Resources iDefense Council, + Honey losses and reduced crop several barriers that hinder farmers' 40 West 20th Street, New York, NY pollination from bees poisoned by pes­ ability to adopt less chemical-Inten- 10011. ticides cost the economy an estimated $150 million.

4 + American Horticulturist • July 1991 +Pesticides drifting into adjacent go far enough, citing programs in Pimentel, "Some felt we were too lands may destroy at least $75 million Sweden and Indonesia where massive conservative and others felt we could worth of crops and forest resources. reductions in pesticides have been not go as far as 50 percent [reduction +The reduction of beneficial natural achieved. Leonard Gianessi, a fellow in use)." The next step, he says, is to enemies of plant pests and the build-up with Resources for the Future-a look at the costs and benefits of pes­ of increased pesticide resistance due to private, nonprofit natural resources ticide reduction on a regional basis. chemical pesticides is estimated to cost research organization--calls it "a $300 million a year. terribly misleading study and scientifi­ To receive an abstract of the study, write Susan Cooper, staff ecologist for the cally flawed" because the authors to Cornell University, News Service, National Coalition Against the Misuse misrepresented the original research Village Green, 840 Hanshaw Road, of Pesticides, claims the study did not upon which their study is based. Says Ithaca, NY 14850-1548. Killer Carrots and Lethal Limas

Among the many reasons to consider cutting down our use of gardening ANIMAL CRACKERS Roger Bollen chemicals, the most persuasive is probably that their use on our food is said to increase the risk of cancer, genetic damage, or birth defects. [j, On this score, say a number of scien- ~ tists, the average American consumer ~ could use a little perspective. Plants- j!: tasty, healthful ones such as carrots, ~ ~ ~.~ ~~ potatoes, tomatoes, and broccoli- ~ ~~ contain their own natural protective ~ ...... ,;;.....::;_u- ____-J L. ______d1 ____ -= __~_..::... _____.J substances. And of those tested so far, a: about half seem to be carcinogenic to rats and mice. on the meat, and from the breakdown Surveys indicate that human beings Of course, foods contain only small of the meat itself. Roasted coffee beans, are psychologically predisposed to being amounts of these substances and bread crusts, toast, and fried potatoes fearful of pesticides. Robert A Logan, chemical pesticides are highly potent, also contain mutagens. Fermented director of the Science Journalism right? Not according to Dr. Bruce Ames foods-yogurt, soy sauce, wine­ Center at the University of Missouri­ of the University of California-Berkeley, contain ethyl carbamate, a carcinogen Columbia School of Journalism, says a cancer researcher who developed the in laboratory animals. humans tend to underestimate familiar Ames test for mutagens-substances The good news is that for a toxic dose risks-motor vehicle accidents, for that can cause inheritable genetic of these substances, we would need to instance-and overestimate unfamiliar changes. Ames and his colleagues ingest almost 100 cups of coffee, 100 risks, and that they prefer risks over developed a scale that looks both at pounds of potatoes, or 10 pounds of which they have control, to which they how toxic a substance is in rodents and spinach at a sitting. The small amount expose themselves voluntarily, and the degree to which humans are of harmful chemicals we do take in are which are natural in origin. exposed to it. The number assigned to usually metabolized or excreted. In Logan says members of the news each substance is what he calls the addition, the normal diet contains media have been too uncritical of human exposure to rodent potency what appear to be anticarcinogens. studies purporting to show pesticide ratio, or HERP. The higher the HERP Vitamins A, C, and E, and some other risk. They fail to ask, for instance, if the number, the greater the ris~-;Ames substances seem to offset the effect of findings have appeared in a refereed gives PCBs a 0.0002 and DDT a carcinogens and mutagens in our diet. journal and to have independent 0.0003. The aflatoxin in 32 grams of How do we evaluate Ames's informa­ experts who can offer a second opinion. peanut butter on one sandwich give it a tion in light of information from other The American Society for Horticultural 0.03. One gram of dried basil and one authorities indicating that pesticides Science told Congress in testifYing this raw mushroom each rate a 0.1, and 12 are highly toxic? A 1987 National year on the need for more funding for ounces of beer are given a 2.8. Academy of Sciences (NAS) study, for horticultural research: "There are no Other foods are toxic in other ways. instance, estimated that pesticides may immediate or easy answers to the Broccoli contains a substance that can cause 20,000 new cancers each year. difficult and emotional questions raised cause thyroid enlargement in humans. A spokesman for the National Cancer by consumers." Potatoes contain arsenic and oxalic Institute said that Ames is well Many chemicals remain untested for acid, a toxin that can form kidney respected and his data is in line with some or any of these dangers to stones. Lima beans, sweet potatoes, and their own. "The problem," she said, "is humans, or for their interactions with apples contain cyanogenetic glycosides, that there is just no human data. We other chemicals. And even if ingesting a substance that when chewed or have to extrapolate from animals." Ames these chemicals posed no risk to ingested can release cyanide. Thmatoes is in a camp holding that tumors in humans, their careless application can and potatoes contain substances that animals are caused mainly by the huge cause subtle damage to the environ­ can interfere with nerve transmission. doses used in studies; others believe that ment, killing bees, birds, running off in Other carcinogens are formed during rodents are a good model for risk in groundwater to kill fish, and killing the cooking of food; When meat is humans, and that these megadoses are beneficial organisms that might charbroiled, smoked, or fried, mutagens the only way to find the one-in-a-miUion eliminate our having to use any are produced both by smoke deposited risk that regulators watch for. pesticides at all.

American Horticulturist • July 1991 .5 The Industry: More Unity, More Diversity

The pesticide industry has seen the says Bill Liles, director of Ciba-Geigy's 40 members of the gardening media in writing on the wall, and it doesn't say turf and ornamental department. "This San Francisco. DowElanco hosted a "DDT." constant attack on our industry has similar workshop in its home base of Those who manufacture, mix, sell, cost us all valuable resources." Liles's Indianapolis, Indiana. and get paid to apply garden chemicals statement was made last fall in an­ Those at the Indianapolis meeting are banding together to tell their side nouncing the formation of an umbrella were given an exhaustive explanation of the story to the public, and diversify­ organization, Responsible Industry for of the thoroughness of the chemical ing their product line to give gardeners a Sound Environment (RISE), an testing process, which is said to take the nature-based products that many autonomous committee ofthe National seven to 10 years and cost $30 to $50 of them are demanding. . Agricultural Chemical Association. million for each new product. Scientists Giants of the $1.3 billion industry­ RISE represents one end of the compared the toxicity of their products they usually refer to themselves as industry response spectrum. Executive to more familiar chemicals. Nicotine is agricultural chemical manufacturers­ Director Allen James explains that it two to five times more toxic taken are reluctant to give out hard figures on was developed to support what the orally than one of the DowElanco insec­ how much environmentalism is hurting industry is doing now, and reassure ticides, according to Susan McCollister, them at the cash register. But even if federal and state policymakers and con­ Dow's group leader of Health and sales remained level, the criticism has sumers that pesticide manufacturers Environmental Sciences. Although you cost dearly in terms of increased regula­ can go about their jobs in a responsible wouldn't want to get it in your eyes, it's tion and liability concerns. manner without further regulation. no more dangerous in that regard than "We are constantly bombarded by Last spring, three pesticide companies laundry soap or window washing federal, state, and local issues, regula­ -DowElanco, Ortho, and Monsanto­ liquid, she said. Others added that tions, legislation, and misinformation," joined forces to tell their story to about modern pesticides are designed to bind Read the Label-If You Can

If there's any piece of advice that those release on how to read a garden on both sides of the pesticide issue product label. Their product label agree on, it's this: READ THE LABEL. warns, for instance, against mixing the Don't just sneak a peek. Read all ofthe product in a galvanized steel container, label, and follow its directions and which could result in forming an warnings religiously. It's illegal not to explosive hydrogen gas mixture. It also follow label directions. warns that it is nonselective, and could The pesticide industry claims that the kill vegetation that you value if you use greatest danger to gardeners, pets, and it on a windy day. the environment is caused by misuse of A similar press release was issued by these chemicals-not unlike alcoholic DowElanco, an organization formed by beverages or prescription drugs. the 1989 merger of Eli Lilly's and Dow But at workshops this spring, industry Chemical's plant science businesses hosts and garden writer guests agreed and Dow's industrial pest control that even college graduates and those business. It advises: with 20-20 vision find reading the labels .. Follow label directions for mixing arduous. Once you read "Chlorpyrifos is the pesticide, and do so carefully in a they offer curbside pickup, as many a cholinesterase inhibitor. Atropine is well-ventilated area. now do with recyclable materials. The antidotal," do you really want to keep .. Use only the recommended release suggests that local public going? And no one would guess by look­ amount. Don't assume that if a little is works, sanitation, or recycling depart­ ing at the labels that many gardeners good, a lot is much better. ments are the most likely places to get are middle aged and older. The print on .. If the label calls for safety equip­ information on disposal options . many of the labels is in six-point type; ment, use it. Monsanto adds that you should use what you're reading now is nine-point. .. Don't apply pesticides on a windy day. garden chemicals only in containers Some is even smaller. .. Don't smoke, eat, or drink while intended for them. (Horrors! Do Federal regulators decree what mixing or using pesticides. Ingesting a gardeners really put their chemicals information must be on a product label. substance is more dangerous than in soft drink bottles?) One suggestion was that more simply inhaling it. But first on DowElanco's list of tips worded instructions and warnings .. Wash your hands after using a to consumers was this: could be printed in bigger type on a pesticide. .. Know what the pest problem is separate flyer to be sold with potential­ .. Store products in their original before you treat it. Identify the pest and ly hazardous products. But they could containers and out of reach of children its biology. Find out when it's best to be lost or overlooked, and who wants to or pets. treat it and if you need to treat it at add to the mountain of paper we're all .. Properly dispose ofthe leftovers all. Pesticides, whether natural or syn­ trying so hard to recycle? and their containers. This is the hard­ thetic, are not the only way to treat In lieu of a more permanent solution, est part. While communities may have certain pests. Monsanto suggests: manufacturers are trying education. collection points to which homeowners "Don't expect a 'perfect"lawn or garden." Monsanto, makers of a popular grass can bring regulated chemicals, they We can all learn to live with dan­ and weed killer, have issued a press haven't yet reached the point at which delions or a bug-chewed leaf or two.

6 + American Horticulturist· July 1991 those products and added bone meal, manufacturer of biological control insecticidal soap, and a botanically products. Biosys benefits from Ciba­ Changing Times based rose and flower spray. Geigy's marketing might, while the Micro Flo, a Lakeland, Florida, latter adds a "natural" product to its How far have pesticides fallen from company that formulates and markets line-up. Liles said Ciba-Geigy now has favor? more than 100 generic-label pesticides, a biotechnology center where scientists .. In a nationwide survey last is phasing out many of its conventional are using genetic manipulation to summer, members of the American products and putting its resources into breed disease resistance into plants. Association of Nurserymen said others it sees as less environmentally They have recently bred a Bt gene into that development of safer pesticides hazardous. This includes five tobacco. and more effective Integrated Pest pheromones-sexual attractants that Those that already have biological­ Management were the top research lure insects into a trap---a growth control products can take development needs of their industry. regulator called PGR IV, and an insec­ a step further. Sandoz Crop Protection .. In an ongoing consumer survey ticide that is effective in minuscule Corporation has received permission being conducted by the United Fresh amounts when mixed with an attrac­ from the Environmental Protection Fruit and Vegetable Association and tant and feeding stimulant. Agency to field test a genetically Produce Business Magazine, 60 per­ Current products are being evaluated, engineered strain of Bacillus thurin­ cent of respondents are saying that and in many cases eliminated, rather giensis that the company claims will be they are concerned about pesticides. than going through the long and costly two or three times more effective than .. The Agricultural Research process needed to reregister them with Bt products now on the market. Bt is a Service has changed the name of a the Environmental Protection Agency, microorganism that has been used for road at its Beltsville, Maryland, said Ardis Barnes, Micro Flo's director almost 20 years to control caterpillar­ headquarters from Pesticide Road of market development. "It's an type pests. to Biocontrol Road. economic decision," he said. It's not -Kathleen Fisher easy or cheap to register these more biologically oriented products, but the to the soil so they won't contaminate demand is clearly there. ''You're seeing Ciba-Geigy (800) 334-9481 groundwater, and to break down quick­ a whole change in the industry," said Dow . ... (800) 352-6776 lyon exposure to sunlight, others added. Barnes. "The growers are concerned Monsanto. (800) 225-2883 Media representatives at the San and the manufacturers are concerned." Ortho Francisco meeting told their hosts they Ciba-Geigy has obtained exclusive Emergency (800) 457-2022 wanted more than the company line: rights to market a beneficial nematode­ Consumer Affairs . (415) 842-5550 they wanted to hear about what the based insecticide made by Biosys, a companies are doing to help the en­ vironment, educate consumers, and revamp products. Dow listed efforts it is making to reduce waste, recycle or reuse manufac­ turing byproducts, or find markets for recycled products. It's also involved in a four-year partnership with Ducks Unlimited, the Nature Conservancy, and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to restore more than 60,000 acres of wetlands. Both Dow and Monsanto have established toll-free numbers where consumers can get information and express their concerns (see box). Ortho has a toll-free number, but prefers that it be used in emergencies only. Ortho Consumer Affairs Manager Brodrick Hill said they have developed and printed four million copies of a 14-page brochure, "Straight Talk," that's avail­ able wherever their products are sold. But increasingly, rather than trying to convince gardeners that the old quality products are safe, companies are emphasizing current products that can be viewed as more "natural," or are watering developing new ones altogether. Ortho has combined that approach in what is called its Orthoganics line of two fertilizers and three pesticides. products Two of the products-blood meal and rotenone pesticide-were already in its DEPT. AH, P.O. BOX 1960, MANITOWOC, WI 54221, U.S.A. product line. But in a marketing effort (414) 684-0227 FAX (414) 684-4499 launched last September, it relabeled

American Horticulturist · July 1991 • 7 Regional Notes Cold Lessons in Berkeley

California's long drought may have had at least one silver lining: it may have protected some plants that otherwise would have frozen to death in an un­ precedented cold snap last December. Last winter, the San Francisco Bay area experienced night temperatures that dipped to record-breaking midteens for several nights before Christmas and again several days after. Many Bay area gardens, including the subtropical beds in the University of California Botanical 5 Garden in Berkeley, were devastated. ffi The most severely hit areas of the §i! botanical garden were its Mesoamerican ~ and African plant sections. ~ But horticulturists are used to ii: adversity, and the garden's staff is no ~ exception. Education Coordinator Carol 5 Baird, writing in the garden's news- it letter, observed: "The U.C. Botanical African Hill plants are expected to rebound from freeze. Garden is, after all, a research garden, among other things; the freeze has af­ for the first time in years, dropping forded us an opportunity to learn much their leaves as nature intended. Guarding Idaho more about the hardiness of plants in While all of the Pelargonium species this climatic region." Some ofthe East­ were killed and oleanders froze to the Shrubs ern North American trees, such as the ground, many plants that are normally Taxodium distichum, behaved normally fros,t sensitive survived, and Baird Members of the Idaho Army National believes that the five-year drought may Guard are replanting native shrubs be partly responsible. that have been destroyed in an area Baird notes that plants protect southeast of Boise. The shrubs, primari­ themselves against freezing in three ly big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata) ways: they may rid themselves of and winterfat (Ceratoides lanata) are sensitive tissue, as occurs when trees threatened primarily by range fires drop leaves; they may get rid of started by lightning, but also by microscopic bits of matter, called ice National Guard training in the area. nucleators, around which ice could When the species are destroyed, exotic form; or they may get rid of water in annuals take over. The area of ap­ sensitive tissue. All ofthe botanical proximately 135,000 acres encompas­ garden's plants were severely drought ses the Snake River Birds of Prey Area, stressed, she observes. established as a refuge in 1979. The survivors included cacti in the Seeds were collected in the fall of New World desert display; Magnolia 1988 and 1989, and several thousand of dealba, which, while it lost most of its the shrubs were started in a U.S, foliage, is showing renewed vigor; Forest Service nursery. Soldiers planted Asarina and Penstemon species of the 16,000 shrubs in the spring and fall of Mesoamerican beds; aloes, bamboos, 1990, and were to have planted several and gingers; South American Mela­ thousand more this spring, stoma species; and a large orange tree According to Sage Notes, a publica­ in the herb garden. tion ofthe Idaho Native Plant Society, The African plants were clearly the the sites will be monitored to learn hardest hit, Baird said this summer. But about the survival rates ofthe she is not removing any plants that reintroduced shrubs and whether the might still contain living tissue. "It will planting has an impact on the shrubs' The New World desert had extensive leaf be another year yet before we know for regrowing on their own or on other damage but shows signs of renewed vigor. sure what survived and what didn't." plants and small mammals.

8. American Horticulturist· July 1991 Russian Olive: Nyet In the May/June issue of Wildflower, the newsletter of the National Wildflower Research Center, Midwest Office Program Coordinator Bonnie Harper­ Lore warns against planting Russian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia) in the Plains or eastern Rocky Mountain states. In addition to its attractive gray color, airy texture, and pleasing round shape, the Russian olive tolerates a wide range of soils, drought, and cold. But this hardiness is now making it a pest in pastures and river valleys in such states as Iowa, Nebraska, Colorado, and New Mexico. The spread 8 is hastened by birds who fmd the I Russian olive berries tasty, she says. 1li ~ Florida County Loss of habitat is threatening America's wild chiles. Adopts IPM Policy red-plumed birds like the cardinal Wild Chile Reserve often eat the red fruits of the cbiltepins Officials of Sarasota County, Florida, and that the color of the pepper may believe that theirs is the first county in Established affect the color of the plumage. the nation to adopt a policy of Norman will also study why chiltepins Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Native Seeds/SEARCH has set up the are so hot. The chiltepin has fruits the By using preventive measures and world's first reserve for wild chiles size of a pea and is reputed to be among biological controls first, IPM reduces (chiltepins, Capsicum annuum var. the hottest chiles in existence. Used for the amount of chemical pesticides that aviculare) near Tumacacori, Arizona, ages by Native Americans, and increas­ need to be used. A citizens' advisory in the Coronado National Forest. The ingly today in American restaurants to committee with representatives from Arizona-based nonprofit organization season cooked dishes, chiltepins are the agricultural, environmental, landscape has constructed a fence around the second most expensive spice in the maintenance, legal, and pest control five-acre site and is in the process of United States, after saffron. groups will oversee procedures, tagging, monitoring, and studying the The reserve is the first in the United educate the public, and promote the chiltepins. States for the conservation of a wild use of IPM by the pest control industry According to Kevin Dahl, assistant relative of a food crop. and private citizens in the county. director of Native Seeds/SEARCH, the Michael Holsinger, director of the northern limit of the chiltepin is Chiltepin seeds and dried seeds for Sarasota County Extension Service at restricted to a few areas in southern seasoning are available from Native the University of Florida's Institute of Arizona, southern Texas, and New Seeds / SEARCH, 2509 North Campbell Food and Agricultural Sciences, said a Mexico and loss of habitat is threaten­ Avenue #325, Tucson, AZ 85719. few cities have an IPM policy, but this ing these populations. appears to be the only countywide Chiltepins grow beneath "nurse" program. He believes that increased trees such as hackberries, mesquite, Claremont Cultivars concern about pesticide safety, the cost and palmetto, which provide protection of developing new pesticides, and the from frost in the winter and from direct The Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden liability associated with pesticide use sunlight and heat in the summer. The in Claremont, California, this spring make IPM "the wave ofthe future." trees also protect the plants from opened its California Cultivar Garden, grazing by cattle and other animals. the first project completed under a Such overgrazing, overharvesting of master plan of renovation. The garden New in Atlanta the chiles for use in cooking, and har­ is billed as the "largest collection of vesting of the trees by wood cutters are cultivated varieties of native California Those visiting the Atlanta Botanical all threatening chiltepin populations. plants ever assembled," and includes Garden this sununer will find several Native Seeds/SEARCH Research perennials, shrubs, and trees. new garden areas: a demonstration Associate Dr. Donald Norman, an At the opening of the new area, garden of plants native to the coastal ecologist from the University of Penn­ Thomas S. Elias, the garden director, plain, including Cumberland rosemary, a sylvania, plans to conduct a variety of announced that the garden had been perennial with purple flowers, and the environmental interaction studies in awarded a $400,000 Academic titi, an evergreen shrub; a moon garden the chiltepin reserve. Since birds play a Research Facilities Modernization of white-flowering and silver-foliaged major role in the dispersal of chiltepin grant from the National Science plants; a fern glade of native South­ seeds, he will study bird-chile Foundation. It was the only botanical eastern ferns; and the Alston Overlook, interaction to determine what attracts garden among 78 institutions receiving where gazebos provide a place to sit and birds to the chiles, which bird species the award this year. The garden is a gaze down at a wildflower meadow and are the most attracted, and at what research and education institution that native shrubs and trees. stage of chile growth. Dahl says that focuses on the flora of California.

American Horticulturist • J uly 1991 + 9 Making a Difference Beating the Bulldozers in Ohio

This spring the Toledo Botanical Garden's wildflower rescue project had volunteers and staff working alongside bulldozers to remove wildflowers and ferns from a construction site in the ~ western suburbs ofthe city. This is the ~ third year for the project, which started ~ when Janice Tolson, the botanical ~ garden's chief horticulturist, realized 55 that an area about to be developed 8 contained an abundance of wildflowers. ~ "That first year we only had six staff ~ people and two volunteers," Tolson ~ recalls. "This year over 30 people ffi participated." ~ Most of the volunteers are experienced 8 gardeners. Beginners are shown what Toledo Botanical Garden volunteer Betty Zauner (left) and chief horticulturist Janice to look for at the site and receive basic Tolson rescue wildflowers from a building site. instruction on how to remove plants. The latest rescue mission was we could have been pains in the neck, Radachi says. "I look forward to work­ accomplished over several weeks as but we were very careful to stay out of ing together on other projects." workers dug up plants and replanted the way of the crew and machinery." them at the botanical garden. Radachi, an avid gardener and a For more information on the wildflower This year participants collected royal, horticulturist, wanted to save as many rescue write Janice Tolson, Toledo cinnamon, and interrupted ferns along ofthe wildflowers as possible. "Every­ Botanical Garden, P.O. Box 7430, with columbines, trilliums, Gaultheria thing went very well with no delays," Toledo, OR 43615. species, wood anemones, jack-in-the­ pulpits, flax, and skunk cabbages. "Everything is pretty common in this Pushing Poppies in California area," Tolson says. ''There were rumors that there were lady's-slippers growing "Any area that has been replaced with that broadcast seeds allover the in the area but we didn't find any." beautiful wildflowers becomes a less world," he says. "I don't see why The wildflowers are planted in the desirable place for littering," says R. anyone would object to people broad­ botanical garden's wildflower walk. David Herndon, a California business casting a few seeds while walking on The small area was started five years relations consultant and founder of public land." ago and is used in the garden's nature California Poppies, Instead of Litter! Since the program began Herndon education program. As part of the The nonprofit group is dedicated to has distributed more than 100 pounds program, elementary school students distributing seeds of the bright yellow­ of poppy seeds. It has been so success­ learn about local native plants and see orange state flower to California ful in California that the group has what used to be growing where residents who will plant them along expanded the program nationwide. For housing developments now stand. local highways, trails, and paths. a $3 donation residents of the rest of Tolson and her staff scout development Herndon organized the group two the country can receive three packages sites for wildflowers that might be years ago hoping to eliminate roadside of a mix of 12 different wildflower rescued, then contact developers for litter and bring the California poppy seeds. The mix is composed of permission to remove the plants. The back to the state's highways. For $2 wildflowers native to North America, developers have always agreed to the residents receive three packages of including California poppies, scarlet rescue mission right away. "No arm poppy seeds and planting instructions. flax, lupines, blanketflowers, gilias, twisting was involved," Tolson says. Seeds are also available in bulk for and evening primroses. This year Bob Radachi, superinten­ groups interested in mass plantings. dent of the Stone Oak Development California Poppies, Instead of Litter! California residents may receive poppy Corporation, contacted Tolson and asks residents to broadcast the poppy seeds by sending $2 and a self-ad­ asked if she was interested in the seeds while hiking along roadsides and dressed, stamped envelope to California plants at a planned housing site. trails and to pick up aluminum cans Poppies, Instead of Litter!, P.O. Box Radachi had worked with Tolson on a and other litter at the same time. 1718, Dept. 1991, Pleasanton, CA previous rescue project. "It's a real Herndon isn't aware of any restriction 94566. To receive the wildflower mix change for a developer to contact us," to planting seeds along the roadside. send $3 and a self-addressed, stamped Tolson says. "From their point of view "Mother Nature has an army of birds envelope to the same address.

10 • American Horticulturist • July 1991 Research by and for the Amateur

The idea of starting an information exchange for home gardeners came to Ken Allan after a disappointing trip to the Rodale Research Center in Emmaus, Pennsylvania. "I went down there expecting to see all sorts of experiments on garden vegetables," remembers Allan. "I was quite disappointed to see that the amount of garden space devoted to vegetables was smaller than what I had at home. "As I drove north from Pennsylvania, I reflected on the fact that government­ funded institutions do little or no research that is directed at home vegetable gardens. Some of the research that is done on behalf of commercial growers is also of interest to the home gardener, but many areas of culture and breeding are ignored entirely by the professionals." So in 1990 he formed the Garden Research Exchange to encourage and publish vegetable research by home gardeners. He calls it "a bulletin board Garrett Pittenger, who gardens at Palgrave, Ontario, grew sweet potatoes under clear for amateur experimenters." plastic mulch as part of a cross-Canada sweet potato trial organized by the Garden Besides circulating useful research, Research Exchange. Pittenger found that soil warmed by the sun's rays shining through there are other advantages to an infor­ the clear plastic enabled him to grow a bushel of medium to large tubers on eight plants; mal, amateur research organization. one of the tubers was 10 inches long and four inches in diameter. Allan is not affected by the same type of commercial concerns as are home bugs with a homemade garlic-mineral green stuffmg pepper that will over­ gardening magazines. He publishes all oil insecticide. winter indoors for at least two years. research, regardless of its timeliness or Perhaps the most intriguing part of This sounds like complicated stuff, but trendiness. Also, since the research the Garden Research Exchange is Allan insists that his organization is for annual carries no advertising, his Allan's attempt to stimulate an amateurs. He does hope he will help some contributors have total freedom to interest in amateur plant breeding. gardeners become more precise. "A lot of lambaste less-than-adequate products. Convinced that home gardeners can people who garden go by feel. They trust Says Allan: "It used to be that when a make a contribution, especially with their eyes. I have found that trusting gardening magazine ran an article on less commercial vegetables like your eyes is not a very wise thing to do." rototillers, I would turn to it first, ex­ parsnips, squash, and celeriac, Allan pecting a consumer's report, rating the urges gardeners to experiment with For information on contributing to the available tillers." Now, he says, "the selection and hybridization. In the Garden Research Exchange or for a descriptions of individual machines 1990 yearbook there are reports on copy of Vegetable Garden Research 1990 always read like advertising copy." breeding for tall peas, red potatoes, (price, $12) write to Ken Allan, Garden Five types of research reports were orange cauliflower, seedless water­ Research Exchange, 536 MacDonnell published in the Garden Research melon, and for a container-grown Street, Kingston, ON K7K 4W7, Canada. Exchange's frrst yearbook, Vegetable Garden Research 1990: variety trials (peas, bell peppers, potatoes, sweet potatoes, and tomatoes), cultural Heirloom Veggies experiments, home plant breeding reports, garden observations (without AHS has added an heirloom vegetable Among the old cultivars growing controls or measurements), and reviews garden to its displays at River Farm. in the summer garden are 'Yellow of research published in specialized Thanks to a donation of seeds from Pear' tomato (pear-shaped fruits up journals. Most submissions detail the Southem Exposure Seed to three-fourths inches long, intro­ cultural experiments, such as "Sweet Exchange in North Garden, Virginia, duced around 1850), 'Cherry Sweet' Potato Cuttings Versus Sprouts" (plants spring visitors saw rare and historic pepper (shaped like bonbons, intro­ from sprouts gave higher yields), cultivars such as 'Tom Thumb' lettuce duced before 1860), 'White Wonder' "North-South Position and Jerusalem (a tiny butterhead introduced around cucumber (a Southern heirloom with Artichoke Yields" (the south plants 1855), 'Green Curled' endive (low ivory white fruits), and 'Scarlet yielded twice as much), and "A Test of spreading and dark green, introduced Runner' runner bean (introduced Root Knot Nematode Remedies From before 1855), and 'Greenpeace' kale, a before 1750 and grown by early the Popular Press" (they were all Russian kale from the Greenpeace Ex­ colonists who obtained seeds from ineffective). One contributor reported perimental Farm in British Columbia. Native Americans). his success in combating young squash

American Horticulturist • July 1991 • 11 Members' Forum I I Compost Workshop appeal to a wider audience by holding You have a lot ofgood ideas! Others who it on Saturday rather than Friday and plan to organize composting workshops The September 1990 issue of your aiming more publicity at citizens may want to ask for some of the resource News Edition contained information on concerned with reducing landfIll use. A materials being assembled by AHS composting that inspired the Sedgwick bill to prohibit yard waste in landfills Program Director Joe Keyser, who has County Master Gardeners of Wichita, died in the Kansas legislature last year been conducting composting classes at Kansas, to plan a public composting but there are plans to reintroduce it at River Farm since last winter. He invites workshop last spring. More than 250 the 1992 session. community groups planning compost persons spent the day touring exhibits We would like to improve the speakers' workshops to contact him for the AHS and listening to speakers. visual aids and construct additional workshop outline, a list of suppliers, and Composting is unique in its appeal to composting systems. Hands-on, three a number ofother useful handouts. two audiences: recyclers and gardeners. dimensional demonstrations were very Keyser stresses the need for compost­ It differs from other recycling activities popular and would be repeated. ing educators to go beyond the basics to in that the composters themselves Sedgwick County master gardeners broader issues of compost ecology, ad­ must process the raw material and would be very interested in hearing dressing sometimes complex questions distribute the finished product. Infor­ from others who are planning or have regarding pesticide-treated materials, mation on how to compost may be new held such a workshop. Our community local laws relating to the disposal of to a dedicated recycler. On the other is very concerned about the environ­ organic wastes, and how to provide hand, generations of gardeners have ment and will need all the information ongoing support for beginning produced compost in order to use the available on composting. Even composters. He says gardeners should end product and may be unaware of experienced gardeners will find they be urged to use recycled materials, such the broader implications of this homely have things to learn. as wooden pallets and oak barrels, as activity. Susan Hall compost bins, rather than focusing We chose speakers to appeal to both Wichita, Kansas solely on commercial products. groups. Joe Pajor, Wichita's Department of Public Works natural resources director for solid waste management, explained the relationship of yard waste Seed Program 1992 to waste management and landfill use and showed slides of a pilot community It's not too early to begin preparing mildew and become unusable. Be composting program he has spearheaded. for the 1992 AHS Seed Program. The sure to seal the seeds well-little Following an explanation of the Seed Program offers members a seeds have a way of finding holes basics of composting by a Kansas State chance to share their favorite plants and working their way free. Also, University extension horticulture with others and develop their seeds lose viability more rapidly if agent, master gardeners explained horticultural knowledge as well. Only not kept in an airtight container. nine composting systems constructed a small percentage of our members Resealable plastic bags are good, for this workshop. They ranged in takes advantage of the Seed but a plain mailing envelope will complexity from a plastic bag with Program; even fewer donate seeds. work if you tape all the openings. holes punched in it and mounted on a We would like to encourage more to +Send enough seeds to fill at least frame to an elaborate wood bin with get involved in this rewarding aspect 200 orders. We try to send about 50 removable slats. A local nursery owner of the Society. The variety of seeds small seeds per envelope; our explained bins and compo sting aids we received last year was lower than envelopes hold only five larger available commercially. in past years and we had almost seeds such as tree seeds. Place the Exhibitors, who included garden shop no seed for grasses, herbs, or seed packets in a padded mailing owners and equipment suppliers, vegetables. envelope, label it "Hand Cancel" and donated $400 in door prizes, and Seeds from all types of plants are mail to: 1992 Seed Program, drawings were held throughout the day. acceptable. We would especially like American Horticultural Society, 7931 Admission was fre ~ master gardeners to expand our offerings of annuals, East Boulevard Drive, Alexandria, VA covered expenses by taking donations for grasses, herbs, vegetables, 22308. coffee and rolls in the morning, serving a perennials, and wild plants. If you +Send us as much identification box lunch, and holding a plant sale. have any questions on when or how and cultural information as pOSSible, The publicity was considerable. to collect the seeds from your plant, including the Latin and common Master gardeners delivered dozens of call the Gardeners' Information names for the plant (and cultivar brochures to area garden shops and Service at (800) 777·7931 between names if applicable), height when nurseries. Six days before the event, 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. EST. Otherwise, mature, growth habit, flower color, the local newspaper's garden column just follow a few simple guidelines: appropriate soil and exposure, featured the workshop, which was also +After collecting your seeds, hardiness zones, and germination plugged by a radio call-in program. clean them and let them dry on a requirements. Also send us your Two television stations ran features on paper towel or sheets of newspaper. name so we can give you credit, and the workshop in progress. If the seeds are sealed in an airtight your phone number in case we have We plan to repeat the workshop next bag and sent while still wet, they will any questions about your seeds. year with some changes. We hope to

12. American Horticulturist • July 1991 Gardeners' Q&A

with a clear plastic wrap and fasten are supposed to reduce water stress to Q: 1 am very intrigued by the with a rubber band. Set the jars in both garden and house plants during process of tissue culture. Is the,re indirect sunlight where the room drought or when growers can't or don't any way I 'can att-empt tkis,p,r6cess ' ~mperature is between 70 to 77 degrees. water them. Commercial growers may at home'I . . .', " If a sustainable root structure develops, extend the shelf life of container -M., G.~ ,Potnt;,rtd, M~ine tpmsplaJ!,t into a soille ~ s potting medium plants, reduce desiccation during ilIld grow unper ,re-gular conditions. shipping, and save on watering costs. A: Tissue culture is a ~e~ aD.~ ~\ Since you are experimenting in a Rpn­ In addition, manufacturers claim the important'method of propagating sterile environment, you can expect some gels decrease fertilizer leaching and numerous identical plants from a small contamination, which will show in media soil compaction and improve soil media piece of plant material th~t is grown. in discoloration or stunted or dead plant aeration and overall plant survival and a chemical mix under scrupulously pieces. S~me plants that have been quality. sterile conditions. The chemical mix, successfjilly grown in this mixture The gels are tiny, clear grains that using agar to give it a jellylike consis­ include African violet leaf and petiole become a jellylike paste when they tency, , ~upplies the basic nutrients, sections and wandering Jew shoots. absorb water. They can be added to salts, and s~ars to the plant piece If you would like to read more about plants wet or dry. House plants or any (also known as the explant) since it is the principles and methods of tissue container plant can be potted in soil unable to manufacture its own energy culture, one very good book is Lydiane mixed with the gels in the amounts while developing in the mix. Kyte's Plants from a Test Tube: An suggested on the package. For outdoor The process of tissue culture is Introduction to Micropropagation, flower beds, the gels can be incorporated extremely exacting because it requires available from Timber Press. evenly in the planting holes near the that the explants, mix, and tools be roots of the plants. If the gels are used contaminant-free. But a pair of Q: What are the substances on wet, plants can be watered normally at researchers at the University of the market that absorb water and first, and then half as often. If using Connecticut have devised the following, then release it to plants during dry dry, water normally for two weeks, and relatively simple do-it-yourself recipe: periods? Do they work? then half as often. 'lb prepare the medium in which the S. E., Santa Fe, New Mexico The gels decompose into carbon explant will grow, you will need one­ dioxide, nitrogen, and water so they eighth cup of table sugar, one cup of tap A: Absorbing water gels, also known should not harm the environment. water, one-half cup of stock (one-fourth as hydrogels or hydrophyllic gels, were If these materials sound too good to teaspoon of all purpose 10-10-10 ferti­ developed to increase the availability of be true, they may well be, according to lizer in one gallon of water), one-half (250 moisture to plants when water is low several independent researchers who mg.) of an inositol tablet (a B complex or unavailable to them. The gels are have tested these products under vitamin), one-quarter of a vitamin tablet made from natural or synthetic cross­ various conditions with different containing thiamine, and two linked polymers that can absorb up to plants. Results are decidedly mixed on tablespoons of agar flakes. 300 to 1,500 times their weight in water. their performing as advertised. The This basic agar mix should be boiled, ' They slowly release stored moisture as gels appear to be more effective on stirring constantly, until all ingredients' microorganisms decompose them and some plant species than others, and do melt. Pour one-quarter inch to one inch through capillary action as heat, wind, not seem to be effective for woody of the mix into clean jars, and place and erosion evaporate ground mois­ plants. All agree that more testing and these jars in a pressure cooker along ture. Manufacturers claim they will research needs to be done on which with a razor blade and tweezeI;S. last more than five years depending plants would benefit the most and (These last two items will be used to upon type of product (natural or synthetic what environmental conditions cut and handle the explant.) Also add polymer gel), soil pH, alkalinity, mineral warrant use of the gels. to the pressure cooker several pint content, soil microorganisms, and fer­ U sing these gels does not compen­ glass jars filled with water that will be tilizer used sate for neglect of plants. used to sterilize the explant itself. By keeping a steady amount of -Maureen Heffernan Cook all of this for 15 minutes at 15 moisture available to plants, the gels Gardeners'Information Service pounds of pressure. Add bleach- to the sterilized water-()ne part bleach to 10 parts water. Cut a clean new shoot from a selected plant with the razor ~MI WiH'"1rJ£Jliliu and pick it up with the tweezers to rinse in distilled water for a few DIRECT FROM GROWER! seconds. Dip the plant piece in the bleach solution for about 10 minutes Beautiful Color Catalog $3 ($5 coupon and then rinse again with distilled water. Repeat this process three times, finis~g with the distilled water. Now "'fIllif tf4j,lHIHI,,,,,1 place one plant piece in each agar-filled jar, making sure it is firmly pressed on Alachua, FL 32615 (904)462-1539 top of the agar. Cover the jar tightly

American Horticulturist • July 1991 • 13 Report from Birmingham Wild About Woodlands

A bad case of Solomon's-seallust was an inevitable outcome ofthe AHS Annual Meeting for those with shady perennial beds. Almost every private garden we visited seemed to have the variegated form of this woodland plant, and many of us returned with it high on our "must have" list. A majority of the gardens toured by AHS members had woodland areas of some size, and other native Southern plants-notably the oak-Ieafhydran­ gea-made many repeat appearances. What was striking was how different each of these shady gardens was in its relation to the house, the terrain, and the landscaping. In 1990 Louise ''Weesie'' Smith received an award from the American Horticultural Society for her efforts in rescuing wildflowers from being bulldozed by developers, so it was a Admiring the Ire'land garden, from left are Pat Connaughton, Beverley Dunn, Jean treat a year later to see the result of Tomlinson, Everitt Miller, and Cass Miller. those efforts. Her heavily wooded area is deceptive in its simplicity, looking hewn bridge, that is being relandscaped conversation piece that gave visitors a absolutely natural and effortless with as the result of tornado damage. Several new perspective on recycling. From the its collection of ferns and wildflowers of us were fascinated by an experimental back patio, which features a lily pool, including trilliums and lady's-slippers. compost bin that Wrinkle had built near the view is of an expanse oflawn and a Nearer the house are more cultivated her house. Made of wooden slats, its bot­ gazebo that serves as a "door" to the plants including tree peonies and tom is about two feet off the ground so six acres of woodland garden that clematis on a bamboo lattice. that large particles should be automat­ surround the property. Louise Wrinkle provided guests with ically removed from the finished compost The Irelands' woods also surround a map of her garden, the focal point of as it sifts through. It would make a great the property which, near the house, is which is a creek, crossed by a rough- addition to AHS's National Compost divided into a series of raised beds Demonstration Park! visible from the home's many windows. The most dramatic natural setting Some of the beds are a riot of color, but had to be that of Ellen and Hank the most striking feature is a white Weiland, where a former quarry for garden off the all-white kitchen. railroad gravel has left a bowl-shaped A complete change of pace was the depression that the Weilands have townhouse garden of Virginia Bissell. terraced with rocks and timbers to This was no postage-stamp size plot, create a multilevel garden of rho dod en­ but a series of garden rooms planted drons, azaleas, and shade-loving with roses, perennials, other shrubs, perennials and bulbs. and flowering vines. The gardens of Rose and Arnold Each of the gardens gave members Steiner and Fay and Bill Ireland were some new ideas, but the tour had to be surrounded by woodland areas, but a real eye-opener to anyone who these were not the centers of attention. thought that gardening was In the Steiner garden is what could synonymous with sunny borders. only be called a "formal" vegetable garden, planted with precisely positioned rows of vegetables, flanked American Horticulturist Editor with carefully tended roses, and Kathleen Fisher traveled to highlighted with a huge urn of Bi~mingham, Alabama, for the rosemary. On a wall of the garage American Horticultural Society's Arnold Steiner created a garden sculpture facing the garden is a sculpture made 46th Annual Meeting in mid-April. from old tools. of retired garden tools-a sure-fire

14 • American Horticulturist • July 1991 Picking Up the Pieces

At first impression, it seemed that the gists later said was a straight wind stump, you end up having to excavate reports of storm damage to the Bir­ that cut a swath through the area. the pathways and put down gravel all mingham Botanical Gardens had been The trees, in falling, took other over again." greatly exaggerated. AHS members plantings with them. Huge hardwoods In South Carolina, gardens once full had been told that a tornado had toppled roots and all, leaving gigantic of azaleas and camellias were left so ripped through the area on Good circles of earth perpendicular to the bereft of trees by Hugo that they were Friday, less than three weeks before, ground. Others crushed camellias and turned into rose gardens. Gerlach and that the wildflower and fern areas venerable old rhododendrons. doesn't foresee anything so drastic in had been essentially obliterated. Gerlach said the heavy cleanup began Birmingham. As a result of the None of this could be seen from the May 6 and was completed by mid-June. increased sun, he said, "some of the sunny courtyard, where a fountain of Garden representatives had sought plants may have some foliage damage vertical columns splashes invitingly, and advice from their counterparts in South this summer. We'll try to avoid that only a few downed trees were visible from Carolina, who went through a similar next summer by rearranging plants the adjacent rose garden. The Japanese cleanup following Hurricane Hugo in and we might erect some temporary garden was untouched and serene. September 1989. They were told that in shelters for some of them." But in the main building, members some instances, more damage was done The community has been extremely ofthe Birmingham Botanical Society by the heavy equipment removing trees sympathetic, he said, and the had set up a display of native plants to than by the storm itself. ''We had it Birmingham Botanical Society has compensate for the woodland plants we written into our contract exactly how been soliciting funds to repair the would not be able to see outdoors. The the work was to be done," said Gerlach. storm damage and restore the gardens extent of the damage to the wooded Before equipment moved into a given and their plantings. The cost of tree area of the gardens was heart rending. area, volunteers rescued the most removal alone was $146,000. "Quite a few tears were shed, by both valuable plants. volunteers and staff," said Gary Gerlach, "There's only so much you can do, of Donations to the storm repair fund can garden director. A total of 1,100 trees course," said Gerlach. ''You may think be sent to the Birmingham Botanical were downed in the gardens and the your paths are stable, but when a Garden at 2612 Lane Park Road, zoo across the street by what meteorolo- 10-ton forklift comes in and pulls out a Birmingham, AL 35223. The Survivors of the Sipsey Slide

The r~ was coming in torrents, the sky We were primed to see the native deluge. The wetness overhead was soon was the color of mud, and the short lag plants she described, in spite of the fact matched by puddles underfoot, and we between the lightning and thunder that the light drizzle that had fallen dur­ had been warned that at one point we showed that there was some pretty ing the bus ride picked up momentum as would have to ford a stream. violent action not too far distant. And we alighted. Some of our party had the The continuing downpour convinced here we were at the spot we had heard foresight to bring ponchos; my borrowed Smith to propose that all of us tum about all through this two-hour hike: the trench coat was quickly soaked by the around and head back the way we came, dreaded ''rock-root slide," which we but about 20 of us, roughly half the would have to descend by hanging on to group, pressed on. ropes, getting a purchase on a few badly We were rewarded by the sight of spaced toe-holds, mincing along a ledge, towering cliffs, some with waterfalls and then scooting down the rocks for that would have beckoned hotter and several yards in a sitting position. drier hikers to the grottoes at their feet. All 20 or so of us lived to tell about it. There were many wonderful natives to "There's nothing like survival," exulted see: Solomon's-seal, many trilliums Bob Monk, who at 72 was the oldest (although few were still blooming), ferns, member of our party. ground pine, partridgeberry, violets, Our guide, Louise ''Weesie'' Smith, Coreopsis species, and rhododendrons had told us as we began this trek bearing fascinating bright yellow galls. through the Sipsey Wilderness that Fording the stream we had heard anyone over 65 should not attempt to about was relatively simple: one foot in hike the entire route. But of course it the water, then step on a rock. It was the was Smith, just under her own limit at next step that was the doozey-Qnto a age 64, who clambered down the rock bank as slippery as glass. The mutual slide to help secure the ropes that let mud-wallowing, and the relief offeeling the rest of us make the grade. some helping hands as one slid back in Sipsey was a two-hour bus ride from for the fourth or fifth time, made this a Birmingham, but Smith made it go fast truly bonding moment. And certainly, by filling us in on the area's geology, local once we had conquered the rock-root political gossip, and of course, botany. Those who chose not to trek the Sipsey slide, we felt we had overcome great peril She passed around a plastic packet that Wilderness were entertained by lectures at together. contained what appeared to be moss, but the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Lula "You told us it was rugged, Weesie," was in reality North America's smallest Rose Blackwell, above, demonstrated said AHS President George Ball, who fern, Trichomanes peters ii, which has flower arranging and produced examples was the last to descend. "You should fronds only one cell thick. for the meeting's dinners and receptions. have said 'scary.'"

American Horticulturist • J uly 1991 + 16 Report from Williamsburg Companion Plants, 'Natural' Sprays, Deter Pests

"You and Me Against the World," a flies and attracts lady beetles. Nastur­ cayenne pepper and mix with water. song recorded by Helen Reddy in the tiums and calendula attract aphids; Steep the mixture for one hour, then '70s, didn't make music history, but it fennel attracts the surfit fly that feeds add one tablespoon liquid soap. The could be the theme song for companion on aphid larvae. Plant lavender cotton mix can be stored in a tightly covered plants in the garden. Companion (Santolina chamaecyparissus) or jar in the refrigerator up to one week. plants, by repelling or serving as an southernwood (Artemisia abrotanum) Alcohol spray for mealybugs: Mix alternate food source for predators, can to keep mosquitoes at bay. Have a together one half cup isopropyl alcohol be stalwart friends of both vegetables problem with rats? A border of catnip (70 percent), two tablespoons soap and ornamentals. or peppermint will keep them away flakes, and one quart of warm water. Colonial Williamsburg landscape from garden plants. Make a fresh batch each time you spray. supervisor Laura Viancour has had When companion plants need Nicotine spray for aphid and success with a variety of companions at reinforcements, Bonnie Wright, a caterpillar larvae: Mix a handful of Williamsburg and in her own garden. gardener at Colonial Williamsburg, tobacco leaves with one gallon of water When chives or garlic are planted with suggests these recipes for homemade and let stand for 24 hours. Dilute the roses there are few problems with organic sprays, taken from The solution to the color of weak tea. Japanese beetles. Clary sage (Salvia Natural Formula Book for Home and Caution: Nicotine can kill Solanaceae sclarea) smells like human sweat to a Yard published by Rodale Press: plants so don't use it on tomatoes and raccoon; planted around bluebird General all-purpose insect spray: peppers. It is highly toxic to all warm houses it will keep the birds safe from Chop or grind one garlic bulb, one blooded animals, including humans. It these masked attackers. Tansy repels small onion, and one tablespoon is easily absorbed through the skin and should be used with great caution. Dr. Gouin's deer and mice 'The Prairie Is Our Rain Forest' repellent spray: Mix one tablespoon Tabasco sauce, one tablespoon commer­ Attitude plays a large part in hummingbirds. "Heathen gardeners" cial adhesive (like Vapo-Guard) or determining what's a weed and what's think goldenrod causes hay fever, one-half cup of nondetergent, soap a wildflower. When Neil Diboll, an Diboll says, but it's really just an powder and one gallon of water. Spray ecologist by training and owner of innocent bystander, and its seeds are a on the tops and undersides ofleaves. Prairie Nursery in Westfield, primary food source for songbirds. It Charles E. Hess, the assistant Wisconsin, first became interested in also provides bees and butterflies with secretary of agriculture who delivered prairie natives, friends thought he was a late season nectar source. The white the meeting's keynote address, swears crazy to be growing "a bunch of weeds." turtlehead (Chelone glabra) supports by a formula developed by the No one will want these, was their a rare butterfly, the Baltimore Agricultural Research Institute: prophesy. "Now these weeds have been checkerspot. Cooking oil spray for scale, upgraded to wildflowers," Diboll says. A prairie is a low-maintenance, mealybugs, and aphids: Mix one The tall-grass prairie ofthe Midwest dynamic landscape where nature calls teaspoon of liquid dishwashing soap may once have extended all the way to most of the shots. Nothing stays the (like Ivory) with one cup of cooking oil. the East Coast. There was an ongoing same in a prairie; there is continuous To prepare the spray, mix two war between the forest and the prairie. floral change. "It's a war in the wild teaspoons of the soap/oil mixture with During cooler times the forest community," Diboll says. "The plants one cup of water. This mixture will prevailed; during hot periods the are vicious, vicious fighters. The store well in a tightly covered jar. prairie would take over. But because garden is a hospital and everyone is in Viancour advises that what works the prairie soil was so fertile it was the infirmary." He feels that many well for one gardener-whether it be regularly turned into cropland. ''The natives-like cream false indigo companion plants or organic insect prairie is our rain forest," Diboll said. (Baptisia leucophaea), shooting-star, sprays-may not work for other gar­ "And it's already gone." queen-of-the-prairie, turk's-cap lily deners. She suggests trying different Prairie plants support a wide variety (Lilium superbum), yellow coneflower plants and methods in order to find the of wildlife. The common milkweed (Ratibida pinnata), and prairie blazing­ right garden companions. (Asclepias syriaca) is dreaded and star (Liatris pycnostachya)-are just as hated by farmers because nothing kills beautiful as garden cultivars. it, but it's an excellent plant for a large Assistant Editor Mary Beth Wiesner meadow garden and it's a life saver to Prairie Nursery sells plants and seeds was on hand for the 45th Annual the monarch butterfly. Nectar from of native wildflowers and grasses. The Williamsburg Garden Symposium blossoms of the lavender milkweed catalog also contains a wealth of in Williamsburg, Virginia, April allows the monarch to produce toxins information about starting and main­ 7 through 10. The theme for this that make it poisonous to birds. The taining a prairie. For more information year's symposium, cosponsored New Jersey tea, which was once used contact Prairie Nursery, PO. Box 306, by the American Horticultural for firewood, is pollinated by flies, and Westfield, WI 53964, (608) 296-3679. Society, was "Garden Earth." flies are an important food source for Catalog $3.

16 + American Horticulturist • JuLv: 199 Your Yard Can Be a Real Zoo New Database Roger Swain opened his talk on "Bugs, and education, with the added bonuses Birds, and Beasties: Getting a Grip on of no crowds and no closing times. on Plant Sources Wildlife in the Garden" by explaining his lack of slides: "When I find a wood­ Roger Swain recommends these sources: The American Horticultural Society's chuck in the pea patch, a camera is not A. M. Leonard, Inc., 6665 Spiker Gardeners' Information Service (GIS) the first thing I reach for." Road, Piqua, OH 45356. Bird netting. has begun to create a computer Swain, a host of PBS's ''The Victory American Livestock Supply, PO. Box database of mail-order nurseries and Garden" and science editor of 8441, Madison, WI 53708. Electric seed companies. Once completed, Horticulture magazine, doesn't have fence chargers. the database will enable GIS staff to much faith in the usual methods for Kencove Farm Fence, 111 Kendall provide more information on plant keeping wildlife out of the garden. Lane, Blairsville, PA 15717. Electric and seed sources. Nurseries and Some people say to plant extra fence supplies. seed companies are urged to send vegetables so there's enough for you Pest Management Supply Company, their current catalogs to GIS at the and the deer. Swain says: ''Plant a PO. Box 938, Amherst, MA 01004. Red AHS address. whole lot if you want to feed a whole sticky balls. lot of animals." He doesn't put much stock in repellents because they wash off or wear off. And on the subject of "have-a-heart traps" he says: "What do you do with a woodchuck once you have it in the trap? It's not the right kind of sharing to let it go in your worst enemy's back yard!" Swain is an advocate of barriers, which he calls "tough love" for animals. Fence netting, which looks like a "Boston lady's church hair net," protects ripening blueberries from birds. When the blueberries are ripe, the net can be removed and used again the next year. Chicken wire made into a waist-high fence should be put up before there is a problem with mammals. The fence should be tied to posts at soil level, at one foot, and at two feet, but not at the top, so that it will bend over and dump a woodchuck that climbs to the top. These barriers will also deter deer Lilypons Water Gardens where their population is small. This setup won't deter raccoons, !BE-!]in you~ watE- ~ !]aulw todC1fj with a "£ifypom. aatafo!]UE­ which are fantastic climbers. Here fwtu~in:J pagE- aftE-~ pagE- of bwutiful watE-~ titiE-i, totui, bo!] Swain resorts to electricity. When most people hear the words "electric fence" ptanh, fiili, itatua~ , and thE- E-iiE-ntiafi fo~ kE-E-pin:J it aft wo~in!] they envision "a long string of dead to!]E-thE-~ . corpses," Swain says. Not so. An electric fence works with high voltage fio poot? ChoOiE- a fibE-~laii o~ g)(Ve! poot foam thE- m~ iiZE-i and low current pulses. It doesn't kill iliown in thE- ..£d!yponi aatafo!]UE-. animals, and "you can sleep at night because your fence charger is awake." Get to know your enemy, he says. Some of the greatest inventions for o Please send the new Lilypons catalogue plus informative combating pests have been discovered by newsletters with seasonal sales. Enclosed is 85.00. amateurs. For example: croquet balls, California (300. Maryland (25¢) and Texas (3S¢) residents please add tax. painted with bright red paint, coated o Please rush my catalogue by first class mail. Enclosed Is 86.75. with sticky bait, and hung head-high in an apple tree, will attract coddling o 1500 Dept. o 1500 Dept. o 1500 Dept. P.O. Box 10 P.O. Box 188 P.O. Box 1130 moths, plum curculios, and apple moths. Thermal, CA 92274 Swain advises hanging one croquet ball Buckeystown, MD 2171 7 Brookshire, TX 77423-0188 (301) 874-5133 (713) 934-8525 for every hundred apples. Houston local (713) 391-0076 Tolerance is the real key, according to Swain. He asked participants to think of their back yards as modern l'\ame Address zoological parks. Your back yard is a place ''where bats swoop and fireflies flash," he says, and it has the same City State Zip uses as a zoo : recreation, conservation, ------~

American Horticulturist· July 1991 • 17 Gardeners' Bookshelf

practice, the idea of weeding the blueberries, strawberries, and raspber­ vegetables or dividing the perennials ries can step in and take the place of may seem like endless chores rather hard-to-grow fruits like cherries, than pleasant pursuits. If your week­ apples, and plums. day schedule finds you catching only The Weekend Garden Guide brief glimpses of your garden moments combines detailed information with an after sunrise and seconds before easy-to-read style, making it a book sunset, The Weekend Garden Guide you'll return to often as you plan your should have a prominent place on your garden. Sidebars scattered throughout booksheI£ Susan A. Roth's book is also the text explain with words and for lazy gardeners like myself-those graphics how to double-dig a garden, who yearn for a yard filled with flowers prune naturally, propagate ground or fruits or vegetables (or possibly all covers, and remove lawn grass. Other three), but still want to have time to lie boxes include a wide variety of plant in the hammock with a tall glass of iced lists-well-behaved meadow plants, tea and a good mystery. native plants for woodland gardens, Roth says you can have everything easy-care bulbs, and shrubs, vines, and your gardening heart desires-a ground covers for mixed borders. charming cottage garden, a wildflower But perhaps the three most helpful meadow, a bountiful vegetable plot, sections are a 68-page encyclopedia of and summer-long fruit harvests-using nearly 300 easy-care plants with low-maintenance techniques. Roth has descriptions and culture, maintenance,

( almost 20 years of weekend gardening and landscape-use information; the The Weekend Garden Guide experience at six different homes, in definitions of tools and techniques; and three different hardiness zones. a weekend gardening activities calen­ Susan A. Roth. Rodale Press, Emmaus, Low maintenance starts with the dar-geared to Zone 7-which provides Pennsylvania, 1991. 358 pages. Color right plant in the right place-plants a quick checklist of what to do in the photographs and black-and-white suited to the soil, moisture, and garden every weekend of the year. The drawings. Publisher's price: hardcover, climate can almost take care of them­ calendar breaks down gardening $23.95. AHS member price: $20.35. selves. Replacing all or part of the lawn activities into manageable chunks with ground covers will reduce time perfect for harried or lazy gardeners After enduring the stop and start of rush mowing and trimming. And while who will especially appreciate the hour or an afternoon dashing from scout orchards may be out of reach for the fourth weekend in December: ''Relax." meetings and piano lessons to soccer weekend gardener, low-maintenance -Mary Beth Wiesner

The Small Garden Planner space may find themselves Graham Rose. Simon & Schuster, Inc., yearning for a New York, 1991. 168 pages. Color cramped corner photographs and color and black-and­ lot after a look white drawings. Publisher's price: through these softcover, $14.95. AHS member price: pages. $12.70. The Small P L AN N [ R Garden Planner Landscape plans for small gardens are was originally Over60 specia lly commissioned the focus of The Small Garden Planner. published in After a brief introduction to the basics England; the layouts and 200 spectacular of planning and carrying out the American edition photographs show ex actly garden design, Graham Rose quickly has been edited I ~------moves to the more than 60 small by Fayal Greene how to desig n and plan garden plans that make up the bulk of and contains a exquisite ga rdens in rhe

the book. There are designs for gardens short list of s malleSI:I o f spaces-to that make good use of hard surfaces: American stone, brick, timber, or concrete; publications suit all climate, site, style gardens that create a country (including and budget considerations environment in the city; Japanese American gardens; gardens with water; gardens Horticulturist with different levels; and rooftop would have made gardens and verandas. Each garden it an even better list) and lists of plant, plant hardiness-isn't a problem here includes inspiring photographs and a seed, bulb, furniture, and ornament since the garden designs emphasize landscape plan, a brief description, and suppliers. The usual problem with shape and form rather than specific a plant list. Gardeners with lots of English gardening books-concerning plants. -M. B. W

18 • American Horticulturist • July 1991 more to do with us than with the arthritis, and dysentery; the Iroquois plants: "If we personally buy a plant at applied the root externally for skin a nursery and set it in a garden bed, disorders. It has been used by modern we recognize it as a garden plant; ifit's herbalists as a laxative, and to remedy in a field or along a roadside, we call it laryngitis, tonsillitis, mumps, and ~UST a wild flower or a wild plant; if we diseases of the respiratory tract. shake it, dried, out of a jar and into our An ornamental? We have Mrs. William stewpot, we call it an 'erb or herb; and Starr Dana's testimony in her classic WEEDS ifit messes up the perfection of our How to Know the Wild Flowers: ''When in lawn or the vegetable garden, then it's September the tall purple stems rear a weed. And weeds must be pursued, themselves above their neighbors in the dismembered, trampled, and destroyed roadside thicket, the leaves look as without mercy." though stained with wine, and the long Before you begin your next back-yard clusters of rich dark berries hang heavily Inquisition, pause to read Just Weeds; from the branches, we cannot but admire perhaps you will become more tolerant, its independent beauty." It is also a na­ or even a fan of these survivors of the tive plant-rare for a weed- a category plant world. Jones charts out the many feel sympathy towards these days . . botany, history, lore, and utility of Alas, it also crops up in the USDA's 30 weeds (she has no better word) Agriculture Handbook No. 366, Selected including many old favorites (common Weeds of the United States. plantain, shepherd's purse, ground ivy, A fault of such "weeds resplendent" dandelion) and a few surprises books is a tendency to overcompensate (barberry, greater celandine, meliot). for the years of contempt by listing every Just Weeds No plant better illustrates the wonder ever ascribed to the plants. I ambiguity of our "weeds" than poke would have preferred the inclusion of Pamela Jones. Prentice Hall, New York, (Phytolacca americana). Is it a vegetable? some research-based information at the 1991. 303 pages. Color illustrations. After all, the young shoots and leaves of expense of a few supposed remedies. Publisher's price: hardcover, $29.95. this American spinach (another common -Thomas M. Barrett AHS member price: $25.45. name) are delicious. For centuries poke .J" has been gath,ered as an early spring In the typical gardener's mind, the vegetable, primarily in the South. The boundaries between "vegetables," plant was cultivated in late 18th-century Book Order Form "fruits," "herbs," "ornamentals," Europe, and poke seeds are available "wildflowers," and "weeds" are imper­ today from a number of mail-order Please send me these books at the vious; despite the fact that these words vegetable seed companies. special AIlS member prices. have no botanical standing. The distinc­ Is it an herb? Native Americans used D THE WEEKEND tion, as Pamela Jones makes clear, has pokeberry tea to treat rheumatism, GARDEN GUIDE •... $20.35 ROD203 Grow It! D THE SMALL GARDEN PLANNER •• • $12.70 SIM127 Erika Markmann. Illustrations by D JUST WEEDS...... $25.45 Gisela Konemund. Random House, PHP254 New York, 1991.47 pages. Color D GROW IT! . . • • • • • $5.90 drawings. Publisher's price, softcover: RAN590 $6.95. AHS member price: $5.90. I would like to order books. Postage and handling; $2.50, first book; Editor's note: Most children's gardening $1.50, each additional book. Virginia books don't seem to be written for kids. residents add 41,12% sales tax. Please So for an opinion on this one, we sought allow six weeks for delivery. Prices are out an expert. subject to change without notice. This book tells you to do a lot of things D Enclosed is my check for $ ___ that will make plants taller than you. It has interesting words like "terrace," D Charge to: "minifarm," and "transform." But it o Visa 0 MasterCard Exp. Date ___ names plants I don't really know and it Acct. # ______doesn't say some of the Latin names. I think more pictures would help. The Signature ______pictures it has are very detailed and fun. It was very funny when the author Shlp w ______talked about it being illegal sometimes Street ______to put your plant on the outside City ______windowsill, and then I found out she was from Germany. It also says if your this book because of the interesting State ______Zip __ plant gets too big, to cut off the top words and the neat pictures. Daytime phone number ______with scissors. That sounds pretty -Hart Ebersole dumb. But the book has lots of MAILTO:AHS Books, 7931 East experiments and choices of things to Hart Ebersole will be a fourth grader Boulevard Drive, Alexandria, VA 22308. try. I think other children would like next year in Fairfax County, Virginia.

American Horticulturist· July 1991 • 19 Gardeners' Dateline

Mid-Atlantic Street, Plymouth, OH 44865, (419) 687- Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. Taught 7665. by Dr. William H. Carlson, professor of .. Through Aug. 31. Summer horticulture and extension specialist in 'Thrrace Show. U.S. Botanic Garden, .. July 27·Sept. 29. Late Summer horticulture at Michigan State Washington, D.C. Display of a series Show: A Scented Garden. Foellinger­ University and Patricia Christopher of of theme gardens surrounding the Freimann Botanical Conservatory, Fort the education staff at Longwood. Botanic Garden Conservatory. Informa­ Wayne, Indiana. Information: Information: Continuing Education tion: (202) 226-4082. Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conser­ Office, Longwood Gardens, P.O. Box vatory, 1100 South Calhoun Street, 501, Kennett Square, PA 19348-0501, .. July 18. Gardening for the Fort Wayne, IN 46802, (219) 427-1267 . (215) 388-6741, ext. 516. Environment. Washington, D.C. Lec­ turelDemonstration by Pam Marshall .. Aug. 18·21. Second Conference .. July 18. The 44th Annual Open and Erik Neumann, U.S. National on Agroforestry in North America. House and Garden Day. Saint Arboretum, Washington, D.C. Informa­ Holiday Inn University Plaza, Thomas Church, Chestnut Street, tion: Janel Greene, (202) 475-4857. Springfield, Missouri. Information: Camden, Maine. Sponsored by the University of Missouri-Columbia, Camden Garden Club. Information: .. Sept. 7. Sale of exotics and University Extension Conference (207) 236-4725. other plants. Baltimore, Maryland. Office, 344 Heames Center, Columbia, Information: Cylburn Arboretum MO 65211. .. July 19·24. The 88th Annual Association, Inc., 4915 Greenspring Meeting of the American Society Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21209. .. Sept. 11·14. International for Horticultural Science. Pennsyl­ Volunteer Conference. Glencoe, vania State University, University .. Sept. 12·15. National Convention Illinois. Sponsored by the Chicago Park, Pennsylvania. Information: of the American Begonia Society. Botanic Garden. Information: Linda Stephen J . Wallner, Department of Old Colony Inn, Alexandria, Virginia. Doede, (708) 835-8281. Horticulture, Pennsylvania State Information: Barbara Nunes, 6025 University, University Park, PA 16802, Greeley Boulevard, Springfield, VA .. Sept. 14·15. The 25th National (814) 865-2571. 22152, (703) 451-7238. Show and the 58th Midwest Conference of the American Dahlia .. July 23. Victorian Flower North Central Society. Northtown Mall, University Show. Park-McCullough House, North Avenue N.E. and Highway 10, Fridley, Bennington, Vermont. Sponsored by .. Through July 21. Early Summer Minnesota. Information: Phyllis and the Bennington Garden Club. Informa­ Show: Pomp and Circumstance. Harold GuIde, 5917 Chowen Avenue tion: (802) 442-5441. Foellinger-Freimann Botanical South, Edina, MN 55410, (612) Conservatory, Fort Wayne, Indiana. 922-1302. .. July 27·28. Adirondack Information: Foellinger-Freimann WIldflower Festival. Adirondack Botanical Conservatory, 1100 South .. Through Sept. 30. Exhibition of Park Visitor Interpretive Center, Paul Calhoun Street, Fort Wayne, IN 46802, photographs by Steve Agard. Smiths, New York. Festival focus will (219) 427-1267. Olbrich Botanical Gardens, 3330 be on endangered plants. Information: Atwood Avenue, Madison, Wisconsin . (518) 327-3000. .. July 13·17. International Information: (608) 246-4551. Floriculture Industry Short .. July 28·30. The 19th Annual Course. Cincinnati Convention Center, Northeast Conference of the American Cincinnati, Ohio. Sponsored by Ohio Horticultural Therapy Association. State University and Ohio Florists' .. July 7·10. Agricultural History Holiday Inn, Center City, 1800 Market Association. Information: Ohio Florists' Conference. Cooperstown, New York. Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Association, 2130 Stella Court, Suite Information: Seminars on American Information: Steven Davis, AHTA, 200, Columbus, OH 43215-1033, (614) Culture, New York State Historical 9200 Wightman Road, Suite 400, 487-1117, Fax (614) 487-1216. Association, PO. Box 800, Cooperstown, Gaithersburg, MD 20879, (301) 948- NY 13226, (607) 547-2534. 3010 . .. July 19·22. Annual Conference of the International Herb Growers .. July 9. The Medieval Garden in .. Aug. 9·11. The 17th Annual and Marketers Association. Word and Image. Lecture by Tania Conference and Celebration of Hyatt-Regency Hotel, Minneapolis, Bayard, writer specializing in nature, Rural Life. Hampshire College, Am­ Minnesota. Information: IHGMA, 1202 horticulture, and gardens. Sponsored herst, Massachusetts. Sponsored by the Allanson Road, Mundelein, IL 60060, by the New York Botanical Garden and Natural Organic Farmers Association. (708) 566-4566. the National Academy of Design. Infor­ Information: Julie Rawson, RFD #2, mation: New York Botanical Garden, Barre, MA 01005, (508) 355-2853 . .. July 20·Sept. 7. Tour of 12 Bronx, NY 10458, (212) 220-8747. organic farm and garden operations. .. Aug. 15·17. Conference on Ohio and southwest Michigan. Informa· .. July 15·19. Longwood Gardens Native Plants in the Landscape. tion: OEFFAFarm Tours, 65 Plymouth annuals and biennials course. Millersville University, Millersville,

20 .. American Horticulturist • July 1991 Pennsylvania. Information: Grace and Garden Exposition, P.O. Box 449, Evans, Continuing Education, 104 Acworth, GA30101, (404) 975-0277. Dilworth Hall, Millersville University, AHSEvents Millersville, PA 17551, (717) 872-3030. Southwest AHS will sponsor a symposium, Northwest .. Aug. 4, 11, 18. Workshop on "Landscapes of the Country Place floral design. Garden Center, 10120 Era: Issues of Preservation and .. July 3 I-Aug. 2. Sod Producers' Lomas N.E., Albuquerque, New Restoration," on July 12 at the Summer Convention and Field Mexico. Sponsored by the Council of Berkshire Museum in Pittsfield, Day. Portland, Oregon. Information: Albuquerque Garden Clubs. Informa­ Massachusetts. Cost of the sym­ American Sod Producers Association, tion: (505) 296-6020. posium is $150. Please call AHS for 1855-A Hicks Road, Rolling Meadows, more information and reservations. IL 60008, (708) 705-9898, Fax (708) West Coast If you'll be traveling to the Wash­ 705-8347. ington, D.C., area this summer plan .. July 20-Aug. 10. Tour: Rethink­ to attend the back-yard composting .. Aug. 3-14. Exhibit: Northwest ing Gardening in California. Pier lecture on July 6 at 10 a.m. at River Natives. Federal Way, Washington. 39, San Francisco, California. Water­ Farm. The lecture is free but Trees native to the Pacific Northwest conscious gardening tours conducted by reservations are required. designed as bonsai by local artists. Denise Dirickson, Pier 39 landscape Ohio native Carol Happ will The Pacific Rim Bonsai Collection is director, and her staff. Information: display her oil paintings of adjacent to the Rhododendron (415) 391-0850. endangered wildflowers at River Species Foundation gardens. Farm through August 24. The Information: Stephanie Rowland, .. July 27-28. Begonia Show. Los exhibit Is open Monday through (206) 924-3153. Angeles State and County Arboretum, Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Arcadia, California. Sponsored by the Posters will be available for sale in .. Aug. 17. Iris Sale. Crossroad San Gabriel Branch of the American the Cottage Shop. Shopping Center, N.E. 8th and 156th Begonia Society. Information: (818) Contact the American Horticul­ Avenue N.E., Bellevue, Washington. 821-3222. tural Society, 7931 East Boulevard Sponsored by the King County Iris Drive, Alexandria, VA 22308, (703) Society. Information: Pamela .. Aug. 17-25. Southern California 768-5700 or (800) 777-7931. Gallagher, 9421130th Avenue N.E., Home and Garden Show. Anaheim Kirkland, WA 98033, (206) 822-3875. Convention Center, Anaheim, Califor­ nia. Information: (714) 978-8888. Los Angeles International Fern Southeast Society. Information: (818) 446-8251. .. Aug. 17-25. Annual Meeting of .. Through July 31. Kids in the the Marigold Society. Anaheim, International Garden. City Park, New Orleans, California. Held in conjunction with Louisiana. A weekly series of tours and the Southern California Home and .. July 16-21. Ninth World Rose workshops in the Botanical Garden for Garden Show. Information: Bill Morris, Convention. Belfast, Ireland. Hosted children ages 6 to 11. Information: (916) 756-8099. by the Rose Society of Northern Jerome Lebo, City Park, 1 Dreyfous Ireland. Information: Project Planning, Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70124, (504) .. Aug. 3I-Sept. 2. Fern Show. Los 31 Spa Road, Ballynahinch, Co. Down, 483-9386. Angeles State and County Arboretum, Northern Ireland BT24 8PT. Phone Arcadia, California. Sponsored by the (0238) 561993, Fax (0238) 565073. .. July 11-15. American Associa­ tion of Nurserymen's 116th Annual .. July 21-25. World Congress of Convention and Nursery Industry Landscape. Ottawa, Canada. Spon­ Exposition. Walt Disney World, Orlan­ sored by the International Association do, Florida. Information: American for Landscape Ecology. Information: Association of Nurserymen, 1250 I Gray Merriam, Department of Biology, Street N.W., Suite 500, Washington, Caleton University, (613) 788-3859. DC 20005, (202) 789-2900, Fax (202) 789-1893. .. Sept. 22-27. Sixth Biennial Conference of the International .. July 27. Summer Plant Fair. Protea Association. Parmelia Hilton Sarasota, Florida. Benefits Selby's Hotel, Perth, Western Australia. education and research programs. Information: Promaco Conventions Pty Information: Marie Selby Botanical Ltd, 9A Canning Bridge Commerical Gardens, 811 South Palm Avenue, Centre, 890-892 Canning Highway, Sarasota, FL 34236, (813) 366-5731. Applecross 6153, Western Australia. Phone (09) 364 8311, Fax (09) 316 1453. .. July 28-30. International Lawn, Above is a detail from the pyramid featured Garden, and Power Equipment at the 1990 Sonoma County Fair Flower .. Sept. 24-29. Conference: Expo. Louisville, Kentucky. Information: Show in Santa Rosa, California. The 1991 Tropical Orchid Splendor. Durban, (502) 473-1992, Fax (502) 473-1999. show, "Secrets of the Silk Road," features South Africa. Sponsored by the South oriental floral exhibits and is open July 20- African Orchid Council. Information: .. Aug. 3I-Sept. 8. American Pond August 4. Information: Sonoma County Fair, Colin Silver, P.O. Box 3404, Durban and Garden Exposition. Atlanta, P.O. Box 1536, 1350 Bennett Valley Road, 4000, South Africa. Phone 011-27- Georgia. Information: American Pond Santa Rosa, CA 95402, (707) 545-4200. 311705-1431, Fax 011-27-311705-1458.

American Horticulturist • July 1991 • 21 , Classifieds

Classified Ad Rates: $1 per word; BOOKS minimum $20 per insertion. 10 percent discount for three consecutive ads 1985 Edition EXOTICA 4, with 16,300 photos, using same copy, provided each 405 in color. 2,600 pages in 2 volumes, with Addenda of 1,000 updates by Dr. A.B. Graf, insertion meets the $20 minimum after $187. TROPICA 3, revised 1986, 7,000 color taking discount. Copy must be received photos, now 1,156 pages, $125. Exotic House on the 20th day of the month three Plants, 1,200 photos, $8 .95. Shipping addi­ months prior to publication date. Send tional. Circulars gladly sent. ROEHRS COM­ orders to: American Horticultural PANY, Box 125, E. Rutherford, NJ 07073. Society Advertising Department, 7931 CAROL DIDRICK'S LITTLE RED BOOK ON East Boulevard Drive, Alexandria, VA OLD GARDEN ROSES. Where to get them and 22308, or call (703) 768-5700 or (800) where to plant them. An introduction to OLD 777-7931. GARDEN ROSES. Each book signed and num­ bered. Send $14.95 postpaid. CAROL DIDRICK, AFRICAN VIOLETS 1535 Willard Dr. , Orrville, OH 44667. *Please add $2 for outrof-country mailing. America's Finest-177 best violets and ges­ neriads. Color Catalog and Growing "Tips" 50 BROMELIADS cents. FISCHER GREENHOUSES, Box H, TILLANDSIAS GROW WITHOUT SOIL and Linwood, NJ 08221. they all flower. LARGE SELECTION AVAIL­ THE AVANT GARDENER ABLE. For the finest quality in tillandsias call HOLLADAY JUNGLE, P.O. Box 5727B, Fres­ DIFFERENT, EXCITING, GREAT FUN TO no, CA 93755. (209) 229-9858. READ! Subscribe to the unique news service that brings you the most useful information on new BULBS plants, products, techniques-with sources. 23rd Dutch bulbs for fall planting. 12CM Tulips, year. Curious? Sample copy $1. Serious? $12 full DN1 Daffodils, Hyacinths and Miscellaneous. year (reg. $18). THE AVANT GARDENER, P.O. Catalog Free. Paula Parker DBA, Mary Mat­ Box 489M, New York, NY 10028. tison van Schaik. IMPORTED DUTCH AZALEAS AND RHODODENDRONS BULBS, P.O. Box 32AH, Cavendish, VT 05142. (802) 226-7653. SHIPPED SPRING, SUMMER, FALL1- Northern grown and acclimated Azaleas and CACTI AND SUCCULENTS Rhododendrons Proven Hardy Here! Fast Service-Moderate prices, rare, unusual 'Landscapable sizes.' Two-year catalog sub­ or "common plants." Lists $1 (refundable). scription. $2 (deductible). CARLSON'S GAR­ LOEHMAN'S CACTUS, Box 871, Paramount, DENS, Box 305-AHC, South Salem, NY CA90723. 10590. (914) 763-5958.

AHS MEMBERSHIP SERVICES

o Please send me a free catalog. Your satisfaction with our member service is very important to us. If you have a question or problem concerning your o Please send me 100 Mammoth membership, please contact the Membership Department for assistance. Darwin Hybrid Tulips for $19.95. o Payment enclosed: ____ You can help by giving complete information when you call or wrije. Please refer to the five·digit number that is on the mailing label on your magazine or News Edition. The number helps us to identify quickly your membership record for o 01arge to: 0 Master Card 0 VISA corrections. Acet. No.: ______Exp. Date: ______CHANGING YOUR ADDRESS? Please allow 6-8 weeks advance notice. Attach a current mailing label in the space provided (or write in your old Name: address) then fill in your new address on the lines below. Mailing Address: ______OLD ADDRESS: MEMBER#: Shipping Address: ______NAME : ~ ______~~ ______~ ______ADDRESS: CITY/STATE/ZIP: City: ______NEW ADDRESS: State: _____ Zip: _____ NAME : ~ ______Phone Number: ______ADDRESS: Val1 €l1SdCl1 ll1c. CITY/STATE/ZIP: Stillbrook Farm Mail to: Membership Services, AHS, 7931 East Boulevard Drive, Alexandria, VA 223OS. 313 Maple Street, Litchfield, CT 06759 (203) 567-8734

22 + American Horticulturist • July 1991 CARNIVOROUS PLANTS HOUSE PLANTS Carnivorous (Insectivorous) Plants, seeds, sup­ ORCHIDS, GESNERIADS, BEGONIAS, plies, and books. Color brochure free. PETER CACTI & SUCCULENTS. Visitors welcome. PAULS NURSERIES, Canandaigua, NY 14424. 1990-1991 catalog $2. LAURAY OF SALIS­ BEAUTY FROM BURY, 432 Undermountain Rd., Salisbury, CT DAYLILIES 06068. (203) 435-2263. AWARD-WINNING DAYLILIES-

American Horticulturist · July 1991 .. 23 Hooray for Heuchera! Mosquitoes Feast, The Perennial Plant Association has Zappers Get Zip named Heuchera 'Palace Purple' the 1991 perennial plant of the year. According to the Ohio Cooperative Ex­ Taxonomists are divided as to which tension Service, electronic bug zappers species of Heuchera produced 'Palace are an ineffectual means of mosquito Purple'-£ome say it is from H. control. "Most homeowners hear the micrantha, others are certain it is H. zap and breathe the smell of fried bug villosa or H. americana. All three species and think they're killing hannful in­ are North American natives; the seed sects," says Dave Shetlar, an extension that produced 'Palace Purple' was landscape entomologist. "But most of exported by a botanical garden in the the bugs killed, such as ladybugs and United States to England, where the lacewings, are beneficial because they first plants of 'Palace Purple' were grown eat insect pests or pollinate flowers." on the grounds of the Queen's palace at One study, published in June 1983 in Kew Gardens. This cultivar was first Mosquito News, found that only 3.3 sold in the United States in 1983. pez:cent of the insects killed by bug 'Palace Purple' was given the peren­ zappers on an average night were nial plant of the year honors because it female mosquitoes (only adult females is easy to produce, is adaptable to most feed on human blood). areas of the country, and has a long Lamium 'White Nancy', or Sedum Mosquitoes are attracted to the garden season. The most outstanding 'Vera Jameson'. ultraviolet light of bug zappers, but only feature of 'Palace Purple' is its stun­ In Northern gardens this Heuchera come within 10 feet of it. The mosquitoes ning reddish bronze foliage. The plant will thrive in full sun; in areas with are then drawn to humans or other grows to only about 12 inches high but very long, hot summers the plant needs mammals nearby, usually by searching produces small white flowers that rise partial shade. It will grow in most soil for carbon dioxide. "So if you're on the about six inches above the leaves. H. types except heavy clay; it needs good other side of the porch, the zap per 'Palace Purple' can. be used as a focal drainage. Generous amounts of organic draws mosquitoes right to you, and you point in the garden or in the front of matter should be added to the soil to get bitten more often," says Shetlar. the border. The Perennial Plant grow high-quality plants. The best way for homeowners to Association suggests combining it with Bare root plants should be planted in control mosquitoes is to keep them Artemisia 'Powis Castle' or A. 'Valerie the spring. Potted plants can be from breeding by removing or cleaning l"innis', Oenothera missourensis, planted anytime between late spring to objects that hold water, such as old Liatris spicata, Geranium 'Johnson's about a month before the first hard, tires and rain gutters, where they may Blue', Solidago 'Golden Fleece', killing frost. lay their eggs.

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