Gardener ® Gardener Thethe Magazinemagazine Ofof Thethe Americanamerican Horticulturalhorticultural Societysociety September / October 2012

Home , Acer buergerianum, Acer circinatum, Acer cissifolium, Acer japonicum, Acer tataricum, Acer triflorum

TheThe AmericanAmerican gardener ® gardener TheThe MagazineMagazine ofof thethe AmericanAmerican HorticulturalHorticultural SocietySociety September / October 2012

Colorful Cool-Season Annuals Autumn-Blooming Perennials Native Seeds for MagnificentMagnificent Habitat Restoration MaplesMaples

contents Volume 91, Number 5 . September / October 2012

featureS departmeNtS

5 notes from river farm

6 members’ forum

8 news from the ahs “Growing Good Kids” 2012 book award winners announced, TGOA/MGCA photo contest winner selected, The American Gardener receives Garden Writers Association award, tomato trial held at River Farm, 2013 AHS President’s Council trip set for South Carolina.

12 ahs members making a difference Peg Owens.

44 homegrown harvest Jostaberries. pagepage 2424 46 garden solutions Properly planting trees.

gardener’s notebook 14 colorful cool-season annuals by linda askey 48 Blueberry mixup, frost- Get a jump-start on next year’s garden now with these annuals. tolerant Japanese snowbell developed, new program 20 growing plants for wild places by pat munts helps boost climate change awareness, research shows A network of organizations is working together to collect, pre- pagepage 4646 serve, and cultivate native plants for restoration projects. that stressed grasshoppers may contribute to slower plant growth, naming auction for newly 24 late bloomers by carole ottesen discovered iris relative now open, evidence When cool nights and shorter days signal the arrival of fall, a few of co-evolution of native and invasive plant special perennials keep on blooming. species, flowers coaxed from Ice Age plants, new partnership focuses on native orchid conservation. 30 magnificent maples by caroline bentley and viveka neveln green garage: Outdoor garden maintenance. Just before dropping their leaves, maples put on a dazzling show. 52 book reviews How Carrots Won the Trojan War, American a breeder apart: elwin orton by bob hill 36 Grown, and Cacti & Succulents for Cold Developing disease-resistant dogwoods is only one of elwin Climates. Orton’s major contributions to woody plant breeding. 54 traveler’s guide to gardens JC Raulston Arboretum. 41 school garden success story by holly bowers The dynamic integration of gardening into the curriculum at a 55 regional happenings virginia elementary school is an inspiring example for schools nationwide. 58 hardiness and heat zones and pronunciations

60 plant in the spotlight On THe COveR: native to the Pacific northwest, Oregon vine maple(Acer circinatum) is a small tree Korean mountain ash. left: karen bussolini. right: holly bowers with leaves that turn brilliant orange or red in autumn. Photograph by Josh McCullough

September / October 2012 3 AmericAn HorticulturAl Society

Making America a Nation of Gardeners, a Land of Gardens

Board of Directors chair Harry A. Rissetto, Esq. Falls Church, Virginia first Vice chairman Jane Diamantis McDonald, Tennessee second Vice chairman Mary Pat Matheson Atlanta, Georgia secretary Leslie Ariail Alexandria, Virginia treasurer J. Landon Reeve, IV Woodbine, Maryland immediate past chair Susie Usrey Dayton, Oregon executiVe committee Henrietta Burke Alexandria, Virginia

Sandra Address Chevy Chase, Maryland n Sally Spangler Barnett Jacksonville, Florida n Amy Bolton Falls Church, Virginia

Skipp Calvert Alexandria, Virginia n Joel Goldsmith Gilroy, California n Mary Huddleston Dallas, Texas

Shirley Nicolai Ft. Washington, Maryland n Ed Snodgrass Street, Maryland n Marcia Zech Mercer Island, Washington

executiVe director Tom Underwood president emeritus Katy Moss Warner

President’s Council The President’s Council is comprised of dedicated members whose annual support makes many of the Society’s programs possible, from youth gardening activities to horticultural awards programs.

founder’s circle ($25,000+) Mr. and Mrs. Klaus Zech n Mr. and Mrs. Harry A. Rissetto

chairman’s circle ($10,000–$24,999) Mrs. Leslie S. Ariail n Mr. and Mrs. Kurt Bluemel n Mr. and Mrs. George Diamantis n Mr. and

Mrs. Thomas Farrell n Mr. and Mrs. Shephard W. Hill

liberty hyde bailey circle ($5,000–$9,999) Ms. Amy Bolton n Mrs. Elisabeth C. Dudley n Mr. and Mrs. Albert Huddleston n Mrs.

Shirley Ann Nicolai n Mr. and Mrs. Tom Underwood n Mr. and Mrs. W. Bruce Usrey n Ms. Katy Moss Warner

haupt circle ($2,500–$4,999) Mr. and Mrs. Robert L. Bogle n Mr. and Mrs. Taylor Burke, III n Ms. Petra Burke n Mr. James R. Cargill,

II n Mr. and Mrs. Carl Estes n Ms. Judy Daniel n Ms. Amy Goldman n Mr. and Mrs. Joel Goldsmith n Dr. and Mrs. William O. Hargrove

n Mrs. Carole S. Hofley n Ms. JoAnn Luecke n Mr. and Mrs. Ken Mountcastle n Mr. L. Neuman n Mr. David D. Parrish n Mr. and Mrs. J. Landon Reeve, IV

council member’s circle ($1,000–$2,499) Mrs. Sandra L. Address n Mr. and Mrs. Robert Baillie n Mr. and Mrs. Carter Bales n Mr. and

Mrs. Bill Barnett n Mrs. Katherine McKay Belk n Mrs. George P. Bissell, Jr. n Mrs. Elspeth G. Bobbs n Mr. and Mrs. Michael T. Bradshaw

n Mr. Skipp Calvert n Ms. Mary Ann Carey n Mr. Hans Edwards n Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Eilenberg n Mr. Monte Enright n Mr. Joseph

Errington and Mr. William Pullen n Mr. and Mrs. Emil Fischer n Mrs. Walter S. Fletcher n Dr. and Mrs. John A. Floyd, Jr. n Ms. Marguerite

P. Foster n Mrs. Janet Gebler n Mr. and Mrs. Don W. Godsey n Mrs. Barbara Grant n Mr. and Mrs. Richard W. Hanselman n Ms.

Catherine M. Hayes n Mr. and Mrs. Paul and Nancy Hess n Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Hixon n Ms. Nancy Hockstad n Mr. Philip Huey n Mr.

and Mrs. Michael P. Ireland n Ms. Stephanie Jutila and Mr. Thomas Seltz n Mr. Mike Kunce n Mr. Richard Lessans n Ms. Carolyn Marsh

Lindsay n Mr. and Mrs. R. Scott Lyons n Mr. and Mrs. Bob J. MacLean n Mrs. Dorothy W. Marston n Mr. and Mrs. Bill May n Mr. and

Mrs. Egon Molbak n Mr. and Mrs. Peter Morris n Mr. James R. Moxley, Jr. n Ms. Julie Overbeck n Mr. Edward Pasquesi n Ms. Allison

Porter n Mrs. Laura Riddle n Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Roe n Mrs. Deen Day Sanders n Mr. R. P. Simmons n Mr. Ed Snodgrass n Mr.

Lamar Thompson n Mr. Joe Viar n Mrs. Angela M. Vikesland n Mr. and Mrs. Robert D. Volk n Ms. Katherine J. Ward n Ms. Elizabeth

M. Wehrle n Mrs. Dudley B. White n Mr. and Mrs. Dennis White n Mr. and Mrs. Harvey C. White

honorary president’s council Ms. Louise Fruehling* n Mrs. Enid Haupt* n Mrs. John A. Lutz* n Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Miller* *In memoriam

Corporate Members

Bonnie Plants n The Care of Trees n Chapel Valley Landscape Company n The Espoma Company Homestead Gardens n Kurt Bluemel, Inc. n Monrovia n Osmocote

Horticultural Partners

America in Bloom Symposium & Awards Program n Bellingrath Gardens and Home The Burpee Foundation n Colonial Williamsburg Foundation Garden Symposium n Cox Arboretum MetroPark Garden Centers of America n The Gardeners of America/Men’s Garden Clubs of America Great Gardens and Landscaping Symposium n The Homestead in the Garden Symposium

Inniswood Garden Society n Oklahoma Botanical Garden & Arboretum

4 the American Gardener contacts for notes cfrom river farm aHs programs, membersHip benefits & departments

For general information about your membership, call (800) 777-7931. Send change of address notifications to our membership de- t the American horticultural Society, we see our mission as encourag- partment at 7931 East Boulevard Drive, Al- exandria, VA 22308. If your magazine is lost ing everyone to garden. We emphasize this because there is a tendency or damaged in the mail, call the number above to view gardening in a narrow, and potentially limiting, way. Often, the for a replacement. Requests for membership A information and change of address notification word “garden” conjures up an image of a discrete plot of land, such as a neighbor’s can also be e-mailed to [email protected]. intricate bed of roses, or the community vegetable garden down the road. But any space can be a garden as long as plants are cultivated there. the key word is “cul- tHe american gardener To submit a letter tivate,” which we define broadly as the planting, tending, or harvesting of plants. to the editor of The American Gardener, write here at the AhS’s River Farm headquarters, we are fortunate to have plenty to The American Gardener, 7931 East Boule- vard Drive, Alexandria, VA 22308, or send an of space, so we cultivate everything from an orchard to formal flower borders and e-mail to [email protected]. a four-acre meadow. those who have more limited outdoor space or none at all deVeLopment To make a gift to the Ameri- may instead cultivate scaled-down versions of these sorts of plantings—perhaps a can Horticultural Society, or for information six-foot-square masterpiece in front of a town- about a donation you have already made, call house, containerized edibles on a deck, or lush (800) 777-7931 ext. 132 or send an e-mail to [email protected]. indoor gardens. All of these activities fall under the broad umbrella of gardening. Gardens are e-neWsLetter To sign up for our monthly everywhere, and everyone can be a gardener! e-newsletter, visit www.ahs.org. One place where gardens are showing up internsHip program The AHS offers intern- more and more is schools. In this issue, there’s ships in communications, horticulture, and youth programs. For information, send an an article starting on page 41 that profiles an e-mail to [email protected]. Information exemplary school garden program that was a and application forms can also be found in featured tour during the AhS’s 20th annual Na- the River Farm area of www.ahs.org. tional Children & Youth Garden Symposium, nationaL cHiLdren & YoUtH garden sYmposiUm For information about the Soci- held in the Washington, D.C., area in July. the ety’s annual National Children & Youth Garden difference such gardens and programs is making Symposium, e-mail [email protected] in the lives of young people is truly inspiring! the symposium aims to keep that or visit the Youth Gardening section of www. ahs.org. momentum going by giving teachers, public garden staff, garden designers, parents, and others a national forum in which to exchange ideas and success stories. reciprocaL admissions program The AHS Reciprocal Admissions Program offers mem- Also in this issue of The American Gardener, editor David J. ellis and the edi- bers free admission and other discounts to torial staff have once again assembled an array of articles and news items designed more than 250 botanical gardens and other to appeal to our diverse national membership. As you turn the pages, you’ll read horticultural destinations throughout North America. A list of participating gardens can be about cool-season annuals that will keep the garden blooming from late fall to early found in the Membership area of www.ahs.org. spring. For woody plant aficionados, there’s a profile of elwin Orton, a tenacious For more information, call (800) 777-7931 plant breeder renowned for his work with dogwoods and hollies. And for a cele- ext. 119. bration of seasonal color, check out the photoessay on specimen maple trees that riVer farm The AHS headquarters at River would make a fitting centerpiece in an autumn garden. Farm is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays year- round (except Federal holidays), and 9 a.m. to If your gardening passion includes collecting and sowing seeds, don’t miss the 1 p.m. Saturdays from April through Septem- information about how to donate seeds to the AhS’s annual members-only Seed ber. For information about events, rentals, and directions, visit the River Farm section of www. exchange, along with a donation form (you’ll find this on page 61). We have ahs.org. already been gathering seeds from our favorite plants at River Farm to share with traVeL stUdY program Visit spectacular all of you, and we know our members have many seeds they enjoy sharing with private and public gardens around the world each other. Generous donations from a number of seed companies supplement the through the Society’s acclaimed Travel Study variety of seeds we are able to offer. Look for the complete catalog of available seeds Program. For information about upcoming trips, call (703) 768-5700 ext. 132, send on our website in mid-January. an e-mail to [email protected], or visit the Travel Study section of www.ahs.org.

happy gardening, Website: www.ahs.org The AHS website is a valuable source of information about the So- harry Rissetto, Chair, AhS Board of Directors ciety’s programs and activities. To access the members-only section of the website, the user tom Underwood, executive Director name is garden and the password is 2012ahs.

September / October 2012 5 6 helping us set the record straight. for Thanks dahlias. of structure rooting the for term correct the explaining not birds, foxes, small mammals—that call mammals—that small foxes, birds, wildlife—nesting the on effect its tion good method of weed control but I ques- very a as burn controlled a to points meadows establishing on research My plants. flowering and grasses meadow native to convert slowly to plan I that with interest as I have a few acres of fields ow burn at River Farm (May/June 2012) I read the piece on the controlled mead- meadow BurnHazardtowildlife? editor’s response: berosum) potato of tubers example, to the storage organs of dahlias as tubers. throughout referred 2012) (July/August dahlias on article illustrated beautifully that the otherwise so well-researched and disappointed was I breeder, and fancier long-time AHS member and past dahlia I enjoy terminology clarification American Gardener. in term the of use incorrect justify not does that “tubers,” as dahlia the of thusiasts who refer to the storage organs Although I have encountered dahlia en- horticulturist. professional a of mark the is it that suggesting vocabulary, and terminology correct using of tance impor- the students the to emphasize in order to be successfully propagated. “eye” (bud) attached to the tuberous root an with stem of piece a needs it tures; struc- stem other many or tuber potato and thus cannot produce shoots as can a buds have not does dahlia of root fleshy potato food storage in a similar fashion to sweet for modified was that root a is organ storage dahlia’s The lianthus tuberosus). Tubers are stems, not roots—for not stems, are Tubers In my horticulture classes, I always I classes, horticulture my In the American Gardener Professor ofHorticulture/Viticulture Note that the that Note (Ipomoea batatas). The AmericanGardener, but as a University ofNebraskaatLincoln and Jerusalem artichokeJerusalem and We were remiss in remiss were We (Solanum tu- Paul E.Read (He- The a controlledburnofriverfarm’smeadowinearlyspringhelpskeepweedscheck. the process? it home. Isn’t their habitat destroyed in editor’s response: etc., at a time when Extension servicesExtension when time a at etc., about their yard, the community garden, all know to want and business their of to learning, researching, or being on top used are They gardening. of facets ent wide range of babyboomers in all differ- very a engage to how with struggling is that I, as a garden business owner, am mind to comes what 2012), July/August Farm,” River from (“Notes members its serve can AHS the how about tions sugges- for request your to response In information Source ofreliaBlegardening and invertebrates. insects overwintering including wildlife, for haven safe a be can section burned un- the year, each part one only burn and parts two into area burn the divide you if Also, region. your in found ically typ- birds and mammals for begins son sea- mating before burn the scheduling by disturbance habitat minimize can members c Yes, temporarily. You temporarily. Yes, Merion, Pennsylvania ’ forum Deborah Starr we printmaybeedited forlengthandclarity. ahs.org (noteLetter toEditorinsubjectline).Letters Alexandria, VA22308.Sende-mails toeditor@ American Gardener,7931EastBoulevardDrive, pleaSe writeuS! practices, tools, and proven plants. focus on gardening issues, tried and true would that organization er Reports-type a is groups both for needed is What information. gardening online of terested but are finding a confusing array in- are who30-somethings with acting inter- also am I time, same the At cuts. budget to due non-existent virtually are chair: response fromHarryrissetto,aHSBoard offer members and the general public. weresources horticultural the of scope the and efforts outreach our enhance to hopewe underway, is that website our of redesign the With audience. national our to relevant information gardening accurate scientifically and impartial provide website—to and programs, magazine, books, our en—through Historically the AHS has striv- has AHS the Historically Beverly Hill’sGarden&Nursery Burnsville, NorthCarolina

Address letters to Editor, Beverly Hill Consum-

The The m

viveka neveln Legacies assume many forms

Whether making estate plans, considering year-end giving, honoring a loved one or planting a tree, the legacies of tomorrow are created today.

Please remember the American Horticultural Society when making your estate and charitable giving plans. Together we can leave a legacy of a greener, healthier, more beautiful America.

For more information on including the AHS in your estate planning and charitable giving, or to make a gift to honor or remember a loved one, please contact Scott Lyons at [email protected] or call (703) 768-5700 ext. 127.

Making America a Nation of Gardeners, a Land of Gardens The American gardener News from the AHS Editor September / October 2012 david J. Ellis Programs • EvEnts • annoUnCEmEnts managing Editor and art dirEctor Mary yee associatE Editor Viveka Neveln Editorial intErn “GrowinG Good Kids” AwArd winners Announced holly Bowers Each yEar during the National children & youth contributing Editor Garden Symposium, the american horticultural rita Pelczar Society (ahS) announces the winners of the “Grow- contributing writEr ing Good Kids–Excellence in children’s Literature” carole ottesen awards. The awards program is a joint effort between the ahS and the National Junior Master Gardener Editorial advisory board Program that recognizes exceptional ecology-themed chair richard E. Bir Brevard, North Carolina titles in children’s literature. allan M. armitage This year’s winners include two true stories, Athens, Georgia The Mangrove Tree by Susan L. Roth and Cindy Nina L. Bassuk Trumbore, and Meadowlands: A Wetlands Survival Ithaca, New York Story by Thomas F. yezerski, as well as Kathryn O. Steve Bender Galbraith’s educational narrative Planting the Wild Birmingham, Alabama Garden, illustrated by Wendy Anderson Halperin. John E. Bryan all three engage young readers with well told, San Francisco, California imaginative stories while encouraging them to appre- Panayoti Kelaidis ciate plants, gardening, and the environment. Randy Denver, Colorado Seagraves, the curriculum coordinator for the National Ju- richard W. Lighty Kennett Square, Pennsylvania nior Master Gardener Program, says, “This year’s award Elvin Mcdonald winners will take kids to wetlands being reborn in a very West Des Moines, Iowa well known urban setting, a wild garden being planted with and without the help of people, and an african village being contact us The American Gardener transformed by some special trees. These newest and best 7931 East Boulevard drive plant-themed kids books will not only capture children’s alexandria, Va 22308 (703) 768-5700 imaginations but will also inspire them!” Nominations for the best children’s gardening books Editorial E-MaiL: [email protected] published in 2012 will be accepted through april 23, 2013. advErtising E-MaiL: [email protected] For more information about this year’s winners or to make a

nomination, visit www.jmgkids.us. TGoA/MGcA PhoTo conTesT winner For ThE SEcoNd yEar in a row, the mushrooms have it. an image of yellow patches mushrooms from fungi photographer extraordinaire Richard States of The American Gardener (Issn 1087-9978) is published bimonthly youngstown, ohio, won “Best in Show” in the Gardeners of america/Men’s Gar- (January/February, march/april, may/June, July/august, september/ october, november/December) by the american Horticultural soci- den clubs of america (TGoa/MGca) ety, 7931 East Boulevard Drive, alexandria, va 22308-1300, (703) 768-5700. membership in the society includes a subscription to 2012 Photography competition. States The American Gardener. annual dues are $35; international dues are $50. $10 of annual dues goes toward magazine subscription. won last year’s competition with another Periodicals postage paid at alexandria, virginia, and at additional mushroom photograph, and he has been mailing offices. Postmaster: Please send Form 3579 to The Amer- ican Gardener, 7931 East Boulevard Drive, alexandria, va 22308- the Sweepstakes winner since 2010. his 1300. images, as well as other winning photo- Botanical nomenclature is based on The American Horticultural Society A–Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants, on A Synonymized Check- graphs, will be featured in the upcoming list of the Vascular Flora of the United States, Canada and Greenland and on the Royal Horticultural Society Index of Garden Plants. opinions TGoa/MGca calendar. expressed in the articles are those of the authors and are not necessar- Through a special partnership be- ily those of the society. manuscripts, artwork, and photographs sent for possible publication will be returned if accompanied by a self-ad- tween the organizations, ahS members dressed, stamped envelope. We cannot guarantee the safe return of unsolicited material. Back issues are available at $8 per copy. can enter this annual photography con- Copyright ©2012 by the american Horticultural society. test. For more information, visit www.

richard states’s “best in show” image tgoa-mgca.org. richardcourtesy/ tgoa/mgcastates of Printed in the U.s.a.

8 the American Gardener Garden Writers association aWard for maGazine tomato rainboW at river farm The AmericAn GArdener is the recipient of a Silver Award in celeBrATiOn Of the tomato’s prominent role in Ameri- of Achievement from the 2012 Garden Writers Association can gardens and kitchens, the AhS trialed five hybrid varieties (GWA) media Awards program. The november/december and five heirloom varieties in the demonstration edible gar- 2011 issue of the magazine was selected as one of 30 Silver den at its headquarters at river farm this summer. Varieties Award winners from over 200 entries in the field of garden were chosen based on their local availability and adaptability communication. “We are hon- to growing conditions in the mid-Atlantic region. Altogether, ored to receive this recognition almost every color of the rainbow was represented and sizes for the American horticultural ranged from cherry to huge beefsteak varieties. Society’s flagship publication,” in August, AhS staff and volunteers conducted a taste test says David J. Ellis, editor of The American Gardener. “it’s a tribute not only to the dedication of our editorial staff, but to all the writers and photographers who regularly contribute their expertise to the magazine.” This award means that The American Gardener is also a can- didate for the Gold Award of Achievement for Best Product, selected from among all of the Silver Award winners in categories such as magazine, book, radio show, and newspaper column. The Gold Awards are the GWA’s highest honor. The awards will be presented at the 64th GWA Annual Symposium on October 15 in Tucson, Arizona. The winners of the 2012 Gold Awards will also be announced at the Awards Banquet. To see a complete list of award recipients, visit www. AHS staff members and volunteers sampling a variety of tomatoes gardenwriters.org. right:holly bowers

September / October 2012 9 AHS 2012 nAtionAl eventS cAlendAr GiftsGifts ofof Note Note Mark your calendar for these upcoming events that are sponsored or co-sponsored In addition to vital support through membership dues, the American by the AHS. Visit www.ahs.org or call Horticultural Society relies on grants, bequests, and other gifts to support (703) 768-5700 for more information. its programs. We would like to thank the following donors for gifts received between July 1, 2012, and August 31, 2012.

$1,000+ Gifts SEPT. 20–22. America Mr. and Mrs. Kurt Bluemel in Bloom Symposium The Burpee Foundation

and Awards Program. Ms. Catherine M. Hayes Fayetteville, Arkansas. Mr. and Mrs. Albert Huddleston SEPT. 22. AHS Annual Mr. and Mrs. Michael P. Ireland Gala. River Farm, Mr. and Mrs. R. Scott Lyons Alexandria, Virginia. Mr. and Mrs. Frank Nicolai OCT. 26–nOV. 5. Ms. Julie Overbeck Heritage and Gardens Mr. and Mrs. Harry A. Rissetto of Andalusia. AHS Ms. Katy Moss Warner Travel Study Program. Mrs. Dudley B. White Spain. DEC. 3–21. Holiday If you would like to support the American Horticultural trees display. River Society as part of your estate planning, as a tribute to a loved one, Farm, Alexandria, or as part of your annual charitable giving plan, Virginia. please contact Scott Lyons at [email protected] or call (703) 768-5700 ext. 127. and evaluated the tomatoes on their flavor and appearance. After much deliberation and going back for seconds and thirds, the participants declared the hybrid tomato ‘Early Girl’ the winner for both appearance and taste. The hybrid varieties ‘Prize of Trials’ and ‘Golden Jubilee’ also received a number of votes for appearance, and ‘Mr. Stripey’ and ‘Peacevine Cherry’, both heirlooms, were popular in the taste test. “With our informal trial,” says River Farm Manager and Horticulturist Sylvia Schmeichel, “we hoped to expose River Farm visitors to the wonderful variety of tomatoes that are available, while encouraging them to try something new in their own gardens.” Seed exchange deadline RemindeR THE NovEMbER 1 deadline for submitting your seeds for the 2013 members-only Seed Exchange is approaching quickly. The seed exchange is a great way to share your 2013 PReSident’S council touR to South caRolina favorite plants with EACH yEAR the AHS thanks its most dedicated supporters other AHS members through the President’s Council Tour, which gives members and maybe discover of the President’s Council a unique garden travel experience. some new favorites. The 2013 destination is Charleston, South Carolina, set for The 2013 list will be mid-March. Charleston is renowned for its fascinating history available on the AHS and its beautiful gardens. website in mid-Janu- Members of the President’s Council are members whose cu- ary, and members who mulative annual giving to the AHS totals $1,000 or more. To donate seeds will have first pick from the available seeds. For learn more about the trip and the President’s Council, contact more details, visit www.ahs.org/members/seed_exchange.htm or Joanne Sawzcuk at (703) 768-5700 ext. 132 or send an e-mail

turn to page 61 for instructions and a donation form. to [email protected]. explorecharleston.com of courtesy right: archives. ahs / gagliardi james left: bottom ellis. j. david left: top

10 the American Gardener Save the Date for Denver The AhS’S National Children & Youth Garden Symposium River Farm Autumnal Composition (NCYGS) is headed to the Rocky Mountains in 2013. The 21st annual symposium will be held in Denver, Colorado, from July 11 to 13 at Denver Botanic Gardens. “To continue the wonderful energy from this year’s symposium, held in the Washington, D.C., area,” says AhS executive Director Tom Underwood, “we are very excited to bring the event to Colorado for the second time in the symposium’s history and to work with Denver Botanic Gardens to give participants a truly memorable and informative experience.” One of the highlights will be the opportunity to get an in-depth look at Denver Botanic Gardens’ recently completed three-acre Mordecai Chil- dren’s Garden, where participants will be able to explore various habitats including Marmot Mountain, the Rooftop Alpine Gar- den, and the Glorious Grasslands. Symposium participants will also have the option to visit Cheyenne Botanic Gardens in nearby Cheyenne, Wyoming, to see the Paul Smith Children’s Village, which is designed to teach children about sustainability. Shane Smith, director of Cheyenne Botanic Gardens, received the AhS’s 2012 Profes- sional Award for his outstanding accomplishments in public garden administration. Further information about the 2013 symposium will be available next spring on the AhS website at www.ahs.org. m A single, fan-shaped leaf fallen from a ginkgo tree (Ginkgo biloba) mingles with some of the tree’s infamously malodorous fruit. News written by Editorial Intern Holly Bowers.

THE AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY TRAVEL STUDY PROGRAM

Preview of upcoming AHS Signature Tours:

The Heritage and Gardens of Andalusia October 2012 SOLD OUT

Historic Homes & Gardens of the Colonial South: A Springtime Voyage aboard the American-flagged Yorktown April 2013

Gardens of the Northern Italian Lakes June 2013

Gardens of Southern Spain October 2013

The American Horticultural Society partners with premier travel providers around the world to pres- Gardens of New Zealand ent these AHS Signature Travel Study Tours. Part of the Society’s Garden Travel Collection, these January 2014 tours are designed with the connoisseur of garden travel in mind, offering an exceptional travel program that includes many exclusive experiences and unique insights. Participation benefits the work of the American Horticultural Society and furthers our vision of “Making America a Nation of Gardeners, a Land of Gardens.”

For more information about the AHS Garden Travel Collection or to be added to our mailing list, please contact Joanne Sawczuk: E-mail [email protected]; Call (703) 768-5700 ext. 132. carolinebentley

September / October 2012 11 P by Holly Bowers 12 Owens’s former home incelebration,florida,is typicalofthemodelcommunity. AHS MEMBERS ed in the Florida heat. Having moved to trying to plant petunias that quickly wilt- Celebration to moved just had who ilies model town. She remembers seeing fam- a as Company Disney Walt the by 1994 in established Celebration, as known Florida in community new a to moved Rod husband her and she when was others help could expertise gardening her that realized Owens time first The A CelebrAtion GArden she belongs to. groups gardening the especially others, with knowledge her sharing enjoys she Today, says. Owens Gardener,” Master a becoming from and “self-learned, is knows she Everything hobby. a as terest business but cultivated her gardening in- studied she Instead, worms.” involved horticulture in everything that think to used “I laughs. she crazy!” “It’s worms. of fear irrational an has she because is horticulture in degree college a get not flowers, and so do I,” says Owens. loved “She grandmother. her was it her, mentor who gardened,” she explains. For or relative a has gardens who “Everyone Owens jokes that the reason she did she reason the that jokes Owens the American Gardener eg ing up in Long Island, New York. York. New Island, Long in up ing grow- girl a was she when began O wens ’ s love of gardening of love making adifference: questions about what plants worked plants what about questions answer to community the for programs was born. Celebration of Club Garden the Thus meeting. first the to came people 14 and interested, be might thought she eryone ev- contacted She Celebration. in group out of everyone there,” she recalls. knowledge about the plants and the area early 20s, she had the “most background Florida in the 1970s when she was in her helped putnewgardenersatease. ivy, Peg Owens as heralterego,Poisen. Owens also organized educational organized also Owens gardening a start to decided Owens

Peg Owens American Gardener. Holly Bowersis an editorialinternforThe worthy of celebration. she says. That’s a gardening legacy truly knowledge has grown is very gratifying,” made, and how the members’ gardening were friendships how prospered, has garden enthusiasts. “To see how the club in 1997, its membership has grown to 50 going strong. Since she started the group is club garden her and nicely maturing arelandscapes the that noting time, to time from visits still she Celebration, love of planting and nature. early an foster to outside them get and her—give them a gardener to look up to for did grandmother her what students that her gardening in schools will do for hopes She gardens. school elementary Gainesville’sin involved very been has Gardeners. Her Master Gardener group Gainesville Garden Club and the Master the country,” she says. and finding out what’s going on around magazine the seeing enjoy “I particular, In gardeners. of community national a membership helps her feel connected to AHS Her Orlando. in held was ference Con- Gardeners Master International the when 2001 in member a became the American Horticultural Society. She and it was through them that she joined educate the community’s new gardeners, better to order in Celebration in lived she while Gardener Master a became “the Master Gardener’s Mecca.” Owens calls Owens which Florida, Gainesville, to north move to ago years seven tion Celebra- left husband her and Owens A true MAster while presenting gardening tips. audience her engage her helped which Ivy, N. Poise Ms. pearl-bedecked the character, a adopted even She niques. tech- gardening basic demonstrate to or yards small Celebration’s in well As for her original “students” in “students” original her for As the both in active is Owens Today m

courtesy of peg owens (2) The American Horticultural Society’s Season-by-Season Guide to a Sustainable Kitchen Garden

HOW AND WHEN TO GROW EVERYTHING YOU ALSO INCLUDES… WANT IN YOUR OWN KITCHEN GARDEN n Handy charts that tell you when to sow seeds and harvest different • Advice on planning, setting up, and designing your garden vegetables • Expert, earth-friendly techniques for successfully growing n Resource list and glossary and harvesting herbs, fruits, and vegetables • Suggestions on the best crop varieties for different regions n More than 300 color photographs • A season-by-season guide for bringing the freshest fruits, throughout herbs, and vegetables from garden to plate Softcover, $19.99 304 pages

To view an excerpt from the book, visit www.ahs.org. colorful cool-season Annuals

Get started on next year’s garden now with these eye-catching annuals. by linda askey

f you’re going for a garden with frost-tolerant choices to carry them in- Regional VaRiations colorful blooms for as many days to winter. In mild regions, blooms may Gardeners living in USDA Hardiness Iof the year as possible, cool-season continue through the winter. Zone 7 and warmer usually sow seeds in annuals are a must. For most of us, they Of course, the best time to set out November, when they may or may not extend the flowering season at both ends. cool-season annuals—and how long you germinate until spring. Those in cool- Spring windowboxes and beds overflow- can expect them to look their best—deer zones plant in spring, as early as pos- ing with lobelia, sweet alyssum, and kale pends on where your garden is located. sible, usually February or early March. are re-planted for summer with tough, Personal experience and the wisdom of Fall-transplanted pansies and violas often heat-loving annuals. Then in autumn, local garden experts in various regions bloom intermittently through winter in gardeners return to planting violas, snap- provide reliable guidance on the ques- regions where temperatures are relatively dragons (Antirrhinum spp.), and other tions of what and when to plant. mild. The least a gardener can ask is that

In addition to being edible, ‘Lacinato’ Tuscan kale contributes blue-green color and strong form to the garden in fall and winter. grahamricegardenphotos.com /

14 the American Gardener start, spring-planted seed grows very fast in response to the quickly lengthening spring days. Where summer days are mild and summer nights cool, some cool-season annuals may continue to bloom all summer. If summer’s heat does slow their growth and halt flower production, they may fade into the background, just sur- viving until cooler weather returns in autumn. Then they resume their growth and bloom through the first few frosts.

Two spiky-flowered annuals that thrive in cool weather include stock, left, and snapdragons, above.

their foliage remain green and attractive, Winter survival of fall-planted This is the case at Rotary Botanical setting up a bountiful early-spring bloom. cool-season annuals depends on more Gardens, a public garden in Janesville, Renee Shepherd, owner of Renee’s than just low temperatures, notes Allan Wisconsin. “Cool-season annuals are Garden seed company, grows many Armitage, a professor of horticulture at important for us to add color earlier in cool-season annuals in her USDA Har- the University of Georgia and author of the season,” says Mark Dwyer, director diness Zone 7 trial garden in Felton, several books about annuals and peren- of horticulture. “We’ll frequently plant California. For gardeners in similar mild nials. “The key is having an easy tran- 5,000 to 10,000 cool-season annuals in climates, Shepherd suggests planting sition from fall into winter,” explains mid- to late April.” The plants, which cool-season annuals both in fall, for earli- Armitage. “With transition, a lot of these include violas, stock (Matthiola spp.), est blooms, and again in spring to extend plants can take colder temperatures, but twinspurs (Diascia spp.), pot marigolds the flowering season. Regular deadhead- when they get frozen after a 50-degree (Calendula spp.), ‘Brazen Brass’ mustard ing and frequent pruning are beneficial. day, they get beaten up.” (Brassica juncea), snapdragons, nemesias, “Cut them often and they’ll bloom a lot In colder regions, where the ground and others—are started from seed sown longer,” says Shepherd. To extend their freezes hard, cool-season annuals rarely under glass in late February. Dwyer says display in areas where summer’s heat survive the winter and need to be re- some are still looking good in mid-June, comes early, Shepherd advises planting planted in spring. Shepherd has a second when they are replaced by summer an- cool-season annuals where they receive trial garden in Vermont (USDA Zone nuals as part of the garden’s normal ro-

left:judywhite gardenphotos.com./ right: joshmccullough morning sun and afternoon shade. 4), where she notes that despite the later tation schedule.

September / October 2012 15 A slightly earlier schedule is once considered fall and winter observed at the University of annuals. Diane Blazek, executive Nebraska in Lincoln. Extension director of All-America Selec- educator John Fech says that tions, based in Columbus, Ohio, cool-season annuals are planted recalls, “At the 2012 California in the garden in mid-March, and spring trials, the mantra I heard replaced around Memorial Day. time and time again was heat and In the warmest regions of our drought tolerance.” country, including subtropical When the sweet alyssum Lob- Florida, some of the Gulf Coast, ularia ‘Snow Princess’ arrived in and areas of the Southwest and May for a summer trial, Jason southern California with suffi- Reeves of the University of Ten- cient moisture for these plants, nessee at Jackson put it in a little the cool season in winter is the shade to protect it. “When the primary garden season. Frost-free company representative came to nights and mild days are ideal for impa- Cool Wave™ pansies come in a variety of see it, it looked pretty bad,” says Reeves. tiens, Madagascar periwinkle (Catha- colors and have a trailing, spreading habit. “He said, ‘Why didn’t you plant it in ranthus spp.), dianthus, and violas. the sun?’” Since moving it, the results into an even blanket of color instead of are impressive. “Although it has not sur- Top performers bumps and blobs. vived our winter,” Reeves notes, “‘Snow Although there are many species that These were the first; now competing Princess’ doesn’t mind a light frost and qualify as cool-season annuals, “the big lines of trailing pansies include ‘Won- is practically a summer annual.” three have always been pansies and vio- derfall’, ‘Waterfall’, and ‘Freefall’. While The ultimate heat-tolerance test for las, snapdragons, and dianthus,” says Ar- garden performance of the original cool-season annuals may well be Turn- mitage. “Iceland poppies can take a lot of ‘Plentifall’ pansies has been outstanding, er’s trial gardens in Dallas. “Lobelia in cold, and of course there’s kale, parsley, both during heat and cold extremes, the Texas used to be like a popsicle on the and the mustards. They take cold tem- available color range left room for im- 4th of July,” says Turner. But times have peratures, but it depends on how long provement. But Turner, with insider changed. He says that both the ‘Techno the cold lasts.” knowledge, predicts the color palette will Heat’ series of lobelia and ‘Snow Prin- “Violas and pansies have been vast- expand in the next few years. “Cascading cess’ sweet alyssum can be planted in fall ly improved by modern breeding,” says pansies are the new annual that everyone or spring, and they continue to perform Shepherd. Jimmy Turner, senior direc- is breeding,” he says. well into July. “‘Snow Princess’ is the tor of gardens at the Dallas Arboretum Pansies are not the only plants bene- kudzu of winter tolerance, taking a day and Botanical Garden in Texas, agrees. fiting from breeders’ renewed focus on that goes from 70 to 20 degrees and still “We are up to our eyeballs in pansies,” extending the flowering season of plants looking good on June 1st,” he says. “It he says, “and there is no such thing as a bad pansy.” While pansies are reliable, violas and the recently developed pano- las—which have blooms smaller than pansies but larger than violas—have proven to be stronger plants, resisting cold and heat better than their larger-flowered counterparts. Armitage forecasts, “The next great pansy is one called Cool Wave™, a cascading pansy.” Gardeners may already have had a preview under its cultivar name, ‘Plentifall’, but whatever name is on the tag, these trailing pansies have been impressive in trials, growing only six to eight inches tall and as much as two feet across. Whether in a container, hanging basket, or in the ground, the appeal is obvious. These will truly grow

‘Snow Princess’ sweet alyssum has shown

good tolerance for summer heat. courtesytop: coolbottom: provenof wave™. winners

16 the American Gardener a little closer to home Not all annuals come from distant lands or intensive breeding programs. There are some American natives that contribute to the cool-season garden, as well. For gardeners seeking plants that offer a sense of place, these may be more appealing. You’re unlikely to find them at local garden centers, but they may be available through specialty mail-order nurseries or seed exchanges.

American bellflower (Campanulastrum americanum, syn. spikes of tightly clustered blue flowers with conspicuous Campanula americana) is widely native east of the Rocky white tips open in spring to early summer. Mountains. Growing three to four feet tall, it bears spikes Fernleaf phacelia (Phacelia bipinnatifida) is a one- to three- of pale blue, star-shaped flowers in mid- to late summer. foot-tall biennial species native to woodland sites in the The open flowers are something of an anomaly in this genus eastern United States. Loose clusters of lilac-blue flowers named for its bell-shaped blossoms. bloom in spring to very early summer. It self sows readily but Spring blue-eyed Mary (Collinsia verna) is easy to love with its not enough to become a nuisance. uncommonly blue-and-white spring flowers. This low-growing Drummond phlox (Phlox drummondii) is an annual phlox that woodland native ranges from New York west to Michigan and grows up to a foot tall. Originally native primarily to Texas, it Iowa and south to Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Virginia. It has naturalized along the Gulf Coast and in scattered loca- thrives in full to part shade and moist soil. tions up the East Coast as far north as Vermont. The attractive California poppies (Eschscholzia californica) are widely dis- flowers, borne in terminal clusters in spring to early summer, tributed through much of the western United States and come in a variety of hues from white to lavender and red. adaptable everywhere else. Growing to about a foot tall and Drought tolerant, it thrives in full sun or part shade. wide, the species bears bright orange flowers, but selections Guyandotte beauty (Synandra hispidula) calls the Midwest with a variety of flower colors are available. and mid-Atlantic states home. The one-and-a-half-inch white Texas bluebonnets (Lupinus texensis), the state flower of flowers, borne along upright stalks two to three feet tall, Texas, are originally native only to Texas but have naturalized could be mistaken for those of penstemon at first glance. It’s in some other southern states. Growing one to three feet showy enough that I’m surprised it hasn’t found its way into tall, they thrive in full sun and alkaline soil. Their distinctive more gardens. —L.A.

Eschscholzia californica Phlox drummondii ‘Crystal’‘Crystal’

dies when the nights are 90 degrees or at this genus. This species is native to Sic- two-and-a-half feet tall, and doesn’t need above, so if it’s not growing in Texas, it ily, and it has a rugged disposition, toler- staking. Clear colors and early blooms will grow all summer long.” ating both cold and drought. “One plant are appealing; lateral branches from the Another favorite from the Texas trials sends runners and makes a basket plant central stalk ensure a long season. is the ‘Candy’ series of trailing snapdrag- two to three feet across,” says Turner. “If Larkspur (Consolida ajacis) produces ons. “There are a lot of plants that get planted in fall it goes through the coldest lovely upright spikes of densely spaced big enough and fall down,” says Turner. winter and most of the summer, for eas- single- or double-spurred flowers in pas- “But this really has a pendulous habit.” ily six months of color.” tel shades of pink, blue, white, and lilac. Calendulas, or pot marigolds, have Dwarf varieties are one to two feet tall, languished in the herb garden. Howev- For Something A LittLe tALLer but the ‘Giant Imperial’ series grows er, Calendula maritima ‘Skyfire Yellow’ Gardeners in zones too warm for delphin- three to four feet. with its masses of two-inch yellow flow- iums can plant a snapdragon called ‘Ar- Another selection for height is the

left:joshmccullough. right: bill johnson ers, is reason enough to take another look row’. Strong-stemmed, it grows two- to ‘Amazon’ dianthus, a series of inter-

September / October 2012 17 specific hybrids resulting from crossing sweet William (Dianthus barbatus) with Chinese pinks (D. chinensis). ‘Amazon’ is big—two-and-a-half to three feet tall. It will bloom for two months and re- bloom if cut back. Remarkably fragrant, it will benefit from a little shade as the season heats up. Other dianthus hybrids worth growing are the ‘Bouquet’ series and the ‘Melody’ series. Foxgloves (Digitalis spp.) include biennial/perennial selections that can be grown as cool season annuals to add height to the spring border. Fall-planted ‘Camelot’ foxgloves get Turner’s endorsement. With flower stems three to four feet tall, they make quite a statement in the garden. Good Garden Greens Gardeners who grow vegetables understand cool-season annuals. In fact, salad and pot greens are frequently grown as ornamentals because they offer bountiful foliage and height at a time when so many plants are ground-hugging. Picture a glossy, vase-shaped plant of ‘Red Giant’ mustard or a stately stalk of blue-green ‘Lacinato’ (dinosaur) kale. These have a presence that a pansy will never have. Together they make a planting that has structure as well as color. Kale seems to be the toughest of the bunch, and ‘Red Bor’ and ‘Lacinato’ are long after the lettuce and mustard have long-time favorites. These are tough- gone to seed. However, old-fashioned er than mustards, and their purple and red-and-white-ribbed chard should not blue-green foliage makes a great back- be overlooked for impact in the spring ground for seasonal flowers. and fall garden. “Ornamental kale hasn’t changed Leaf lettuce offers tremendous po- much in 20 years, but there’s a new one I tential where winters are mild, and for like called ‘Glamour Red’,” says Turner. repeated plantings in fall and spring “It starts to color early, and the foliage elsewhere. Starting with the brilliant looks varnished. It grows about 12 by 12 lime-green ‘Simpson Elite’ gardeners inches and has good cold hardiness.” can enliven the garden with the energy For saturated color, little can top of a spring green. For glossy, saturated the heirloom called ‘Bull’s Blood’ beet. red lettuce, ‘Galactic’, ‘Merlot’, ‘Sea of Glossy burgundy, this foliage grows Red’, or ‘Silvia’ will pull the rosy tones from six to as much as 18 inches tall, de- from nearby pansies and add drama pending upon conditions. Unlike many when grown en masse. other greens, it will tolerate light shade. Mustard’s poster child seems to be ‘Bright Lights’ Swiss chard brought ‘Red Giant’, but when it comes to tex- a carnival of color when it was intro- tural cool-season greens, this is a group duced in 1998. Its brilliant ribs of yellow, worth another look. Mark Dwyer is a red, and orange make a strong vertical fan of ‘Brazen Brass’ mustard, which has line in cool-season combinations. Like Foxgloves, top, provide height in the garden. large, glossy, eggplant-purple leaves with newer introductions, ‘Bright Lights’ is For color a little closer to the ground, try contrasting green undersides. There are

remarkably heat tolerant, looking great Dianthus ‘Melody Pink’, above. cutleaf burgundy mustards such as ‘Scar- joshmccullough.top: michael bottom: thompson s.

18 the American Gardener The colorful stalks of aptly named ‘Bright Lights’ Swiss chard make it as valuable in the ornamental garden as the vegetable garden.

let Frills’ and ‘Ruby Streaks’. Like the bright green, while pac choi, particular- shared among friends. For generations green version called ‘Golden Frills’, these ly the green forms, grows into a pleasing gardeners have sown seeds of cornflowers grow 12 to 18 inches tall and offer a fine rosette of smooth, flawless foliage. (Centaurea spp.), larkspur, poppies (Shir- texture to cool-season plantings (not to ley, breadseed, and California), sweet mention something to nibble on). Get a Lot from a LittLe peas, nasturtiums, and others for early A couple of Asian greens offer cool- The cool season yields much from a spring flowers. And these cool-season season ornamental opportunities. packet of seeds, just as much as warm sea- bloomers offer an additional bonus: they Mizuna is a short, fast-maturing, Asian son favorites. Many are flowers steeped in provide a source of food for pollinating mustard that is finely dissected and tradition, traded in farmers’ bulletins and insects both early and late in the season. Some of these annuals self sow, dropping seeds for the next generation into Sources the soil in late spring or early summer. Annie’s Annuals & Perennials, Richmond, CA. (888) 266-4370. If re-seeding is doubtful due to mulch www.anniesannuals.com. or cultivation, saving seeds is usually a Enchanter’s Garden Native Plant Nursery, Hinton, WV. (304) 466-3154. simple matter of drying a few stalks up- www.enchantersgarden.com. side down in a paper bag stored in a cool, Native American Seeds, Junction, TX. (800) 728-4043. www.seedsource.com. dry place for the summer. Park Seeds, Greenwood, SC. (864) 223-8555. www.parkseed.com. Renee’s Garden, Felton, CA. (888) 880-7228. www.reneesgarden.com. CeLebratinG the CyCLe of the SeaSon Select Seeds, Union, CT. (860) 684-9310. www.selectseeds.com. Whether you want to keep your garden Stokes Seeds, Buffalo, NY. (800) 396-9238. www.stokesseeds.com. blooming into winter or get a jump start on spring, there are lots of good plant Resources choices to work with. So just because Annuals and Tender Plants for North American Gardens by Wayne Winterrowd. your neighbors are putting away their Random House, New York, 2004. tools for the winter doesn’t mean the gar- Armitage’s Garden Annuals: A Color Encyclopedia by Allan M. Armitage. Timber dening season is over. Use cool-season Press, Portland, Oregon, 2004. annuals to create an extended show. m National Wildlife Federation Field Guide to Wildflowers of North America by David Brandenburg. Sterling Publishing, New York, 2010. Linda Askey is a gardener and horticulturist

aleksandraszywala who lives in Birmingham, Alabama.

September / October 2012 19 E 20 cultivate adiversearrayofnativeplantsforrestorationprojects. private companiesisworkingtogethertocollect,preserve,and A networkofgovernmentagencies,botanicalgardens,and natural habitats each year, affecting both wildlife and human populations. human and wildlife both affecting year, natural habitats each Wildfires, likethis oneongrasslandsineastern Washington,destroymillions ofacres GrowingPlants cious has been ripped out of your life. pre- something that feel to likely you’re disaster? natural a or overuse, wildfire, a react if that landscape were destroyed by and shelter to regional animal life. provide shade and beauty, and offer food views, spectacular frame that munities component is the indigenous plant com- one that are Chances special. it makes Wherever that place is, ask yourself what hike. family a taken you’ve where park now ask yourself: How would you would How yourself: ask now the American Gardener secluded location in a national a in location secluded a perhaps or site, camping ness nvision your nvision favorite wilder- favorite severely damaged, it takes decades—or takes it damaged, severely or destroyed are communities plant the once acreage. additional damage suits power production, and recreational pur- mining, logging, like activities human And more. thousands off vegetation strip events weather extreme other and floods like disasters natural higher. are year this for projections states; united timated nine million acres of land in the es- an burned wildfires 73,484 of total a record, on season fire active most third the 2011, in concern. growing a are fires wild- that knows summer this news al Anyone who’s followed the nation- the followed who’s Anyone coal. For the first time, mining compa- mining time, first the For coal. for mining strip regulated that Act tion reclama- and Control Mining surface the passed Congress when 1977, in was catalyst first The restorations. plant in tering the philosophy and practices used play in maintaining public land.” communitiesplant native role the ued notes olwell. “so we therefore underval- activities,” our for backdrop the simply were plants the when landscape natural the of diversity the recognize didn’t “We thrive. and adapt to able not were because the seed and plant varieties used the 1980s, restoration efforts often failed to Prior play. communities plant native regional role critical the understand to come have scientists as decades two last the in radically changed has agement the majority in the western united states. with country, the over all scattered land manage nearly 644 million acres of public groups these Together maintained. and restored be can landscapes special those that sure make to is task whose growers nursery and foresters, ecologists, nists, bota- managers, land private and state, public and private partnership of Federal, large a oversees she daunting. is scapes land- natural restoring of task the that experience personal from knows olwell RepaiRing natuRal landscapes and different.” special place a making background the inalways are they but ecosystem, plex com- a of part as together work plants individual the how comprehend ways al- don’t We lives. our for stage the are scapes and the plants that grow in them land- “These Program. Development Material Plant native Management’s Land of Bureau Federal the of director olwell, Peggy says treasure,” American restoration efforts are attempted. if even back grow to wildflowers and shrubs, trees, the centuries—for even Legislation played a major role in al- in role major a played Legislation man- land public to approach The or aua lnsae ae an are landscapes natural “our for

Wild Places

gary wilson / ncrs, usda Wild Places by pat munts

nies were required to prepare a plan for restoring and replanting the land after seed restoration terms mining was completed. Here are definitions of some of the terms mentioned in the article. Even with these new regulations, early restoration efforts were often less Biotypes than successful. “We were putting a lot biotypes are subtly different members of a species that are genetically very similar of non-native seed out on projects, and but have adapted to the conditions in a specific watershed, valley, or mountain it wasn’t properly adapted to the sites,” slope. much of the current research being done on native plants for restoration says Olwell. Land managers realized they projects is at this level. needed a better understanding of the Ecoregions localized ecology of native plant popu- Ecoregions are unique geographic areas with similar geology, physiography, veg- lations, as well as a way to collaborate etation, climate, soils, land use, wildlife, and water quality. understanding the with each other to gain information and similarities within ecoregions allows restoration specialists to make sound deci- locate seed sources. sions on the selection of appropriate restoration methods and plants. Currently To facilitate this process, in 2001 the the Environmental protection agency maintains a four-tiered system of maps that Native Plant Materials Development divides the country into progressively smaller unique geographic areas based on Program (NPMDP) was created under similar environmental characteristics (see “Resources,” page 23). Congressional mandate to oversee a uni- Native Plant fied system for basic research on native For restoration purposes, a native plant is considered to be any plant that existed plant communities and the development in north america prior to European settlement in the 17th century. native plant of native seed stocks. Managed by the communities evolved and adapted over millennia, often in concert with distinct Bureau of Land Management (BLM), communities of microorganisms, insects, mammals, fish, and birds. —p.m. the long-term goals of the program are to establish ecoregion-specific seed collection programs, to develop protocols Flower Society in Framingham, Massa- Another key player is the Native Seed for expanding collections to the point chusetts, the New York City Department Network, which serves as a clearing house where private growers can take over seed of Parks and Recreation, the University for information on scattered research ef- production, and to archive the genetics of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and forts and an online seed sourcing system of the seed collections for future use. the Zoological Society of San Diego. that allows land managers, researchers, “When Congress asked us to develop Each year, the program and its part- and growers to locate genetically appro- this, the vision was that it would be a ner agencies send out specially trained priate seed collections. “Native seed pro- private sector enhancement program teams to make comprehensive seed col- ducers are often small scale growers who in which we partner with farmers and lections of all the plants in specific, small can be hard to find,” says Rob Fiegener, growers who will then sell the seeds back geographic areas. To date, nearly 13,000 director of the Native Seed Network. to us,” says Olwell. collections have been made. “The network allows them to list their To preserve the genes, a portion of seed and for land managers to put out in- ESTABLISHING PARTNERSHIPS each type of seed collected is archived in quiries for specific types of seed.” Allow- Under this initiative, the NPMDP creat- seed banks such as the USDA National ing seed growers and buyers to find each ed a series of public–private partnerships. Center for Genetic Resources Preserva- other makes locating genetically appro- One, called the Seeds of Success Proj- tion in Fort Collins, Colorado. The re- priate seed easier and more affordable. ect, was created in 2001 and expanded mainder is grown out so researchers can To leverage the financial and infor- in 2008 for the purpose of doing basic learn the germination and harvesting mation resources of other public and research on the protocols needed to col- methods needed to reliably reproduce the private groups, the Plant Conservation lect, propagate, and conserve native seed seed. The seed is then grown in garden Alliance (PCA) was created in 1994 collections from specific sites. The BLM studies to determine the growth habits to coordinate the efforts of 10 federal serves as the lead agency, working with and potential range (known as the “seed agencies and 290 private cooperating regional partners such as the Chicago transfer zone”) the plants can adapt to. organizations from a broad range of nat- Botanic Garden in Glencoe, Illinois, the With these protocols established, foun- ural resource management disciplines. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center dation seed collections are created to pro- Working through the Washington, in Austin, Texas, the New England Wild vide stock for commercial reproduction. D.C.-based National Fish and Wildlife

September / October 2012 21 tional Forest in Vermont, the NEWFS is Na- Mountain Green the with contract Under nurseries. regional to and public the to available made are plants These Massachusetts.Whately, in Farm sami adapted to regional conditions at its Na- begun to produce more plants genetically the society’s conservation director. Brumback, Bill says sale,” and planting direct for plants grow to seed used have traditionally “We Massachusetts. ham, Framing- in headquarters Woods the in Garden its at species showier of vation preser- the on been has emphasis its of Much years. 100 over for region the out actively preserving native plants through- Wild Flower Society (NEWFS) has been Upper Great Plains. and Midwest the throughout remnants prairie tall-grass from collections seed Grass Prairie Seed Bank, which preserves Tall National Dixon the created has it Through the Seeds for Success program, Midwest. Upper the in collections seed er in the development of tall-grass prairie western ecoregion. be used in a much broader area than in a seed from one specific area can generally meaning States, United eastern the in er tanic Garden. Ecoregions tend to be larg- Bo- Chicago the for Conservation and Science Plant of director vens-Young, Ha- Kayri says smaller,” much be to tend Midwest Upper the in turbances “Dis- work. restoration the of bulk the up make projects restoration wildlife for projects in this region. geared is production seed native of bulk wildfires—the by hit hardest also is and majority of the publicly managed land— a to home is States United western the Because projects. restoration the of scale and type the on depending varies seed Across the country, the demand for native Regional effoRts grant program. cost-matching a through projects ration resto- implement to members operating co- of funds leverage helps also program The preservation. ecosystem on pertise ex- and information of exchange the for foruma as serves PCA theFoundation, 22 u mr rcnl, EF has NEWFS recently, more But England New the Northeast, the In The Chicago Botanic Garden is a lead- and prairie Midwest, Upper the In the American Gardener habitat restoration along logging roads. including projects, of variety a for mixes seed the uses Service Forest The versity. are pooled to provide broader genetic di- the same species from different locations of Seeds England. New of areas various also collecting seeds of native plants from (Rhododendron prinophyllum) seedlings. Pawling displays aflatofroseshellazalea Nasami Farm,plantpropagator Kate At theNewEnglandWildFlower Society’s how youcanhelp universities, andpublicgardenstoseeiftheyareinneedofvolunteers. clean, sort,package,andinventoryseeds.Checkwithlocalnativeplantsocieties, collectors areneededtoharvestseed,andvolunteersatseedbanks train volunteerstoworkwithnativeseedandplantprojects.Forinstance,field If you’reinterestedingettinginvolvedwithrestorationwork,manyorganizations In the southeastern United States, United southeastern the In native seeds for restoration. A wildlife ex- wildlife A restoration. for seeds native growing of challenges the with familiar very is Washington, Worden, in Seeds has sprung up over the last two decades. vendors seed regional of industry cottage a restorations, for needed are slopes) tain (discrete areas such as watersheds or moun- very specific ecoregions and even biotypes to native seeds because And work. tailed de- and intense very is populations seed native out growing then and Collecting native seed vendoRs flouRish species needed for restoration projects. native the of some establish and agate weed growth, making it difficult to prop- rampant fosters rainfall ample and son sea- growing extended The challenging. proven has species appropriate the out demand for native seed, actually growing the increased have Program provement Im- Habitat Wildlife the and Program Reserve Conservation NRCS’s the while Florida, Brooksville, in Center terials Ma- PlantBrooksville (NRCS)Service’s Conservation Resources Natural the of manager Grabowski, Janet to According during 300 years of European settlement. homeregion the made have that plants non-native well-adapted, from pressure under are communities plant native Jerry Benson, president of BFI Native Native BFI of president Benson, Jerry —P.M.

top: jerry pavia. bottom: courtesy of cayte mcdonough / newfs even within a small biotype,” says Ben- son. After harvest, the seeds are carefully cleaned and sorted to produce a product that is 98 percent pure. “Our goal is to either have stored seed available from a particular ecoregion or be able to grow it out in one to two years,” says Benson. a bright Future Looking ahead, Olwell foresees the demand for seeds of native plants for restoration projects providing opportunities for the private sector. “Growing native seeds has become a new niche for the plant industry,” she says. The unpredictabili- ty of climate change, she adds, is likely Resources EPA Ecoregions Map, www.epa. gov/wed/pages/ecoregions/level_ iii_iv.htm. Above: Accompanied by his dog, Roxy, Aaron Native Plant Materials Development Hull, a seed collector for BFI Native Seeds, Program, www.blm.gov/wo/st/en/ uses a vacuum to gather seeds of thymeleaf prog/more/fish__wildlife_and/ buckwheat (Eriogonum thymoides) on Rock plants/1.html. Island ridge in central Washington. BFI was Native Seed Network, www.native founded by Jerry Benson, right, seen here seednetwork.org. surveying one of the company’s fields of Plant Conservation Alliance, www. native grasses. nps.gov/plants/faq.htm. Seeds of Success, www.nps.gov/ pert, Benson started the company after plants/sos. watching wildlife restorations repeatedly fail because the wrong types of seed were used. The company’s 1,600-acre farm to create even more demand. “Because outside Moses Lake is a family operation we don’t know what type of germplasm that includes Benson’s wife, Lorraine, and we’ll need in the future for restorations, their son, Matt. we must strive for even broader genetic According to Benson, companies in- diversity in our seed collections,” she says. volved in the native seed industry range Olwell also envisions the native seed from those selling seeds by the ounce to netic diversity within the individual spe- industry will eventually benefit gardening “people like us who work with larger res- cies we grow,” says Benson. “We grow and horticulture, citing the potential for toration projects dealing with pounds or out that seed into sufficient quantities nurseries to develop and market a wider hundreds of pounds.” The regional di- to meet the needs of land managers for variety of native plants that will be adapt- versity among native plants means most restoration work.” ed to specific regions of North America. seed companies occupy a niche market, BFI’s on-site botanists keep close tabs “This will allow gardeners to create thriv- he explains. “We might have a buckwheat on seed maturity, harvesting only when ing backyard habitats that attract pollina- here in Washington that we consider very seeds are fully ripe. Seeds are collected tors and provide food and cover for locally common, but a couple of hundred miles from a broad population of parent plants native insects and birds,” she says. “All of away nobody knows about it,” he says. to preserve genetic diversity. us can play a part in restoring our little “Because of that, we only have a limited The seed is then grown out on the corner of the world, even if it’s one back- degree of overlap with people who are do- farm in much the same way as a crop of yard at a time.” m ing the same kind of thing in, for instance, beans or corn would be. Each biotype Nevada and Colorado.” is kept separate, but there’s no effort Pat Munts is an editor with Master Gar- BFI collects and grows out seeds from to rogue out plants that exhibit slight- dener Magazine and writes a garden a variety of ecoregions and biotypes. ly unusual characteristics. “This ensures column for the Spokesman-Review in

jerry(2) pavia “We try to maintain the biotype or ge- that we preserve the genetic diversity Spokane, Washington.

September / October 2012 23 LANT GLUTTONS are con- demned to the circle of hell re- Pserved for those who lusted over- much after plants. Swarms of mosquitoes and gnats can make being in the garden in summer a torture unless one is properly armored against these insects. And being armored against them—a hat, a coating of citronella oil, and long pants and long shirt—is itself a torture if the day is hot, which it always is. Gardening during this period— which lasts from the first 80-degree day in May until sometime in September in my mid-Atlantic garden—boils down to choosing between sweltering or the

When cool nights and shorter days signal the arrival of fall, a few special perennials keep on blooming. by carole ottesen itch of dozens of insect bites, gritting my teeth and doing what has to be done, and longing for that fine day in September when the mosquitoes and gnats merci- fully disappear. When that blessed day arrives, the best revenge is not to have acquired even more plants, but to have stocked up on those that bloom late in the season. Fortunately, there is no dearth of late bloomers from which to choose. Some of the most welcome are those whose late summer appearance heralds the approach of relief. HARBINGERS OF FALL When turtlehead (Chelone spp.) starts Late Bloomers blooming, you know summer’s half-way over and fall is just around the corner. These wildflowers, native to creek banks Children love them because squeez- ber is obedient plant (Physostegia virgin- and other moist-to-wet places in eastern ing the snapdragonlike flowers will force iana, Zones 4–9, 8–3). Native to much North America, adapt well to ordinary open the “mouth,” revealing the turtle’s of eastern and central North America, it garden soil and grow well in sun or part terrifying sickled fangs. Butterflies are must have been named by the same wag shade. The plant is upright to about three not deterred by the threatening mouth who christened icy Greenland. Wildly feet with dark green leaves. The flowers parts, however, and flock to the flowers. disobedient, it refuses to stay in place, range from white (Chelone glabra), pale Deer usually ignore the plants in my gar- but erupts naughtily via rhizomes to pink (C. obliqua), or hot pink (C. lyonii den, and the flowers are good for cutting. form great colonies—which is less sur- ‘Hot Lips’). All are well adapted to US- Another wildlife favorite that blooms prising when you learn it is a member of

DA Zones 3 to 9 and AHS Zones 9 to 3. on the cusp between August and Septem- the mint family. lauraberman

24 the American Gardener £ The flowers, which open in August and continue into September, would be reason enough to grow it, but other attributes render it a must-have. A tough, upright stem, celebrated in the common name, keeps it from needing staking and an equally tough constitution precludes trouble of any kind, provided ironweed is grown in mostly sun and moist, but well-drained soil. Native, despite its name, to much of the eastern United States, New York ironweed responds to site conditions. Abun- dantly rich soil and moisture can produce a nine-foot giant. Ordinary conditions will produce a husky six-footer. If height is a problem, ironweed can be lopped back in June. This not only controls size, but tends to delay bloom. Other ironweeds worth considering include giant ironweed (V. gigantea), a n eastern native that typically reaches seven or eight feet. The Missouri (V. missurica) and western (V. baldwinii) ironweeds top off at about four feet. All attract such butterflies as swallowtails, whites, sul- furs, monarchs, and painted ladies. Un- fortunately, these species are not widely available, although they can be found at native plant sales and through seed exchanges such as the North American Rock Garden Society. One that is more readily available is the smooth ironweed (V. fasciculata), a two- to four-foot-tall plant that offers bright rose-purple flowers in late summer through early fall. Another is V. lettermannii ‘Iron Butterfly’, a notable selection from Allan Armitage’s plant trials at Above: Obedient plant provides a profusion of pink, late-season blooms. Opposite: ‘Autumn the University of Georgia. Growing to Joy’ sedum and rudbeckia are classic autumn-flowering plants that go well together. about three feet tall with an equal spread, this purple-flowered, narrow-leaved But, in the right place, this vigor can Snow’) and variegated leaves (‘Variega- ironweed is native to Arkansas and tol- be a boon. Grow obedient plant in the ta’). Or plant one of the truly “obedient” erates drought. sunny, boggy places that are the undoing cultivars: ‘Miss Manners’, a stay-put, The gold that accompanies ironweed’s of other plants and enjoy the erect, two- clumping form with white flowers; or purple on roadsides most often belongs to foot stalks of pink flowers that this plant ‘Vivid’, a compact, later-blooming selec- members of the sunflower tribe (Helian- carries with geometric precision. Actual- tion that has claret-pink flowers. thus spp.). The perennial sunflowers are all ly, it’s the flowers that are responsible for late bloomers. Like their better-known an- this plant’s common name—they will WAYSIDE BEAUTIES nual relatives, they are generally tall plants remain in any position they are moved to While obedient plants attract humming- that need full sun, but they produce sprays on the stalks. Freely produced for more birds, it is long-tongued bees and butter- of smaller flowers. than a month, the flowers are great for flies that search for nectar in the deep, One whose single stem makes a bou- cutting (in fact, you may want to dead- rich purple flowers of New York iron- quet is Maximilian sunflower (Helian- head them to avoid self-sowing). weed (Vernonia noveboracensis, Zones thus maximiliani, Zones 4–9, 9–4), a Several cultivars are available, includ- 4–8, 8–3), an attention-riveter on road- giant from the Southwest blessed with

neilsoderstrom ing ones with white flowers (‘Summer sides in the fall. gray-green foliage and four-inch, bright

September / October 2012 25 golden flowers that bloom in elongated As the western and Maximilian sun- in a bevy of cultivars and colors ranging clusters. Plunk just one stem in a low- flowers are in full bloom in September, from the 18-inch-tall ‘Purple Dome’ to slung container and you’ll feel like an a third native is just beginning to pro- four-foot, rose-colored ‘Alma Potschke’ Ikebana master. duce hundreds of yellow flowers with and red-purple ‘September Ruby’. Gen- Depending upon garden conditions dark brown centers. This is the willow erally bushy plants that may grow as tall (it thrives in dry to slightly moist soil), leaf sunflower (H. salicifolius, Zones 5–9, as six feet, New England asters are easy to Maximilian sunflower will grow from 9–4), which usually grows to about six cut or pinch into more compact shapes. four to 10 feet tall and will spread nearly feet and thrives in average soil and me- Native to much of the Northeast and the as wide. Plant it at the back of a border or dium moisture. A shorter cultivar, ‘First upper Midwest, they are well adapted to a as an anchor or spot screen. It draws birds Light’, grows to slightly less than four feet wider range in gardens and thrive in moist and butterflies like a magnet and is a fine and another, ‘Autumn Glory’, is covered to average soil and full sun. companion to tall prairie grasses such as with golden flowers throughout the fall. Blooming at the same time, but tol- Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans) and erating drier soil in full sun, the smooth switch grass (Panicum virgatum). AWESOME ASTERS AND ANEMONES blue aster (Symphyotrichum laeve, syn. A. Smaller than Maximilian sunflower, Garden centers may push chrysanthe- laevis ‘Bluebird’, Zones 4–9, 9–2) has a the western sunflower (H. occidentalis, mums as the official flower of fall, but more slender, upright habit than its New Zones 4–9, 9–4) is also more erectly nar- for my money, it is asters that really light England cousins. Its deep blue-green fo- row in habit, reaching about four feet up fields and gardens beginning in late liage grows to about three feet and sets off in height but spreading to only two feet August and September. violet-blue flowers with yellow centers. wide. It thrives in dry to average soil and The late, starry flowers of New England Widely adaptable, smooth blue aster is

full sun and produces blooms in a deep aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae, syn. native to fields, open woodland, and prai- gardenphotos.com / rice graham right: opposite, pavia. jerry center: bussolini. karen left: golden-orange color. Aster novae-angliae, Zones 3–9, 9–1) come ries over much of North America.

26 the American Gardener £ Sources Busse Gardens, Big Lake, MN. (800) 544-3192. www.bussegardens.com. High Country Gardens, Santa Fe, NM. (800) 925-9387. www.highcountry gardens.com. Plant Delights Nursery, Inc., Raleigh, NC. (919) 772-4794. www.plant delights.com. Prairie Nursery, Inc., Westfield, WI. (800) 476-9453. www.prairie nursery.com. Resources American Horticultural Society Ency- clopedia of Perennials, Graham Rice, editor-in-chief. DK Publishing, New York, New York, 2006. Armitage’s Garden Perennials (2nd ed.) by Allan M. Armitage. Timber Press, Portland, Oregon, 2011.

Opposite far left: Symphyotrichum laeve Anemones are also useful August and ‘Bluebird’, Solidago rugosa ‘Fireworks’, and September bloomers. If you have room Panicum virgatum ‘Rotstrahlbusch’ create in dappled shade, acquire at least two and a pleasing tableau. Left: The sunny blooms let them naturalize. The Japanese anemo- of Helianthus maximiliani light up a fall ne (Anemone hupehensis, Zones 4–8, 8–1) border. Above: A reticent plant most of the will begin sending up pink flowers in late year, Anemone 5hybrida ‘Honorine Jobert’ August and continue through September. comes into its own in late summer with an A good selection is ‘Hadspen Abundance’. abundance of pure white blossoms. The tried-and-true 19th-century hybrid anemone A. 5hybrida ‘Honorine Jobert’, which has a pure white flower Less forthcoming with its pale lilac pine, branching stems. Native to the sun- with scalloped petals, is completely reli- August and September flowers, the big- ny prairies of the Midwest, white heath able, floriferous, and great for cutting. It leaf aster’s (Eurybia macrophylla, syn. A. aster is at home in dry, hot places. grows about four feet tall in bloom, but macrophyllus, Zones 3–9, 9–1) foliage Not so the white wood aster (Eurybia is practically invisible the rest of the year. is the weightiest part of this plant. It is divaricta, syn. A. divaricatus, Zones 3–8, Many other stellar hybrid anemones dense, robust, dark green, and luxuriant 9–1), which thrives in the deep, moist are available. A recent six-year trial con- in contrast to the slim, delicate flower humus and dappled shade at woodland’s ducted at the Chicago Botanic Garden stalks. Growing six inches to two feet tall, edge. Northeasterners will recognize this evaluated 26 fall-blooming anemones on bigleaf aster forms a handsome ground as the familiar native wildflower that fes- health, habit quality, duration of bloom, cover in the wild or in naturalistic gar- toons roadsides in September and Octo- and winter hardiness. At the top were dens. Native from Quebec to the Caro- ber. It’s a sprawling plant with numerous ‘Andrea Atkinson’, ‘Max Vogel’, and linas, this aster is very hardy; it thrives in small, white flowers with yellow centers ‘Serenade’. All three bloom from mid- to full sun at higher elevations but elsewhere that age purple. It makes a great, if ram- late August through late October to early does best in dappled shade. bunctious, edger for woodland gardens. November. Unlike the thinly distributed flowers A more compact option is aromatic of bigleaf aster, white heath aster (Sym- aster (Symphyotrichum oblongifolium), TILL HARD FROST DO WE PART phyotrichum ericoides, syn. A. ericoides, native to much of the United States. ‘Ray- After September, the pickin’s get slim- Zones 5–8, 8–5) is smothered in white, don’s Favorite’ is a bushy selection that mer. There are rebloomers such as green yellow-centered flowers from late August grows two to three feet tall and wide and and gold (Chrysogonum virginianum, through October. Its stems grow three or bears large blue-purple flowers. ‘October Zones 5–8, 8–5), a six-inch-tall, rhizom- four feet but tend to flop. Mulch to keep Skies’ is even shorter, growing only to atous groundcover that will produce the down weeds that grow through its su- about 18 inches tall. odd yellow flower in October and even in

September / October 2012 27 November. The cultivar ‘Pierre’ blooms Two Eupatorium species—hardy ager- through the summer in cool regions. atum or mist flower (Eupatorium coelesti- And there’s the stonecrops or sedums num, Zones 3–8, 8–1) and white snake- (which you may see listed under Hy- root (E. rugosum, Zones 4–8, 8–4)—will lotelephium or Sedum) The old faithful also stick around until frost. Both these ‘Autumn Joy’ (Zones 4–9, 12–1) is an natives of eastern North America grow 18-inch-tall succulent with innocuous three to five feet tall. ‘Wayside’ is a dwarf pink August flowers that become more hardy ageratum that grows to about 15 ornamental as they age. They develop a inches tall. deep rusty-red in October before slowly Hardy ageratum produces eight weeks fading to rust-brown. ‘Autumn Fire’ is of blue, ageratumlike flowers that can be an improved version with longer-lasting cut for bouquets. Its rhizomes can, how- flowers and sturdier stems. A compact se- ever, spread aggressively in moist, fertile lection called ‘Chocolate Drop’ grows to soil. If this happens, the only recourse about eight inches high and has striking is to pull it out regularly or whenever it burgundy-brown leaves and pink flowers. threatens other plants. The cultivar ‘Co- There are also some bona fide Octo- ry’ has red stems. Grow hardy ageratum ber-blooming perennials. The Japanese in full sun or very light shade. onion (Allium thunbergii ‘Ozawa’, Zones Not as aggressive—but a free spreader 5–9, 9–5) blooms about as late as it gets— nonetheless in moist, rich soil—white usually October and November, and snakeroot grows about three feet tall and there are reports of December flowers. Tough Allium thunbergii ‘Ozawa’ has been thrives in full sun or at woodland’s edge. The deep cherry-pink flowers open above known to bloom into December. The cultivar ‘Chocolate’ has striking an upright, one-foot tall, chivelike clump. dark red-brown, serrated leaves topped in When flowering is done, the foliage turns Like toad lilies, October-blooming October with pinky-red buds that open a beautiful pumpkin orange. bottle gentian (Gentiana andrewsii, Zones to dazzling white flowers. Bees and but- Japanese onion grows best in full sun, 3–7, 8–1) thrives in shade. When their terflies flock to the flowers, but be aware but will adapt to part shade. It isn’t fussy needs are met, these 18-inch-tall plants that the leaves of this plant are poisonous. about soil and, once established, it toler- will spread into attractive clumps that ates drought. Like all onions, the clump are also, alas, attractive to deer. Native to COMPANION PLANTS thickens quickly. But you still need at least the eastern half of North America, bottle Late bloomers are even more attractive three plants to make a statement. gentians have cobalt blue, closed flowers when nicely accompanied. Perennials Another outstanding plant with Asian resembling balloons with a pointed end. that flowered earlier in the season, grass- roots is the toad lily (Tricyrtis spp., Zones 5–9, 9–5). In a 10-year study at the Chica- go Botanic Garden, top performers were T. formosana and T. hirta ‘Miyazaki’. Of the others, T. latifolia and hybrid selections ‘Sononome’ and ‘Tojen’ also received high ratings for hardiness and good looks throughout the season. Toad lilies are shade-loving plants that grow into handsome, shrubby, two- to three-foot clumps that don’t begin flowering until September. Then, for at least two months, they provide a steady supply of wonderfully mysterious blooms resembling spotted orchids. Carried on arching sprays, they make long-lasting cut flowers. Grown in moist, humusy soil, toad lily clumps are moderately rhizomatous. (Plant them in deep shade south of the Mason–Dixon line to offset the effects of high heat.) Toad lilies’ single drawback is that deer love them, often munching

the tender flower buds before they open. The exotic-looking speckled flowers of toad lilies are hard to miss in a shade garden. susanroth.karentop: a. bottom: bussolini

28 the American Gardener £ More noteworthy fall-blooMing perennials

Botanical name Height/Width Flower Culture Origin USDA Hardiness/ (Common name) (feet) color AHS Heat Zones Aster tataricus (Tatarian aster) 3–6/2–3 blue full sun, average soil Siberia 3–9/9–1 Boltonia asteroides 3–6/2–4 white full sun, moist to dry soil eastern U.S. 4–8/9–2 (false aster) Chrysopsis mariana 2–3/2–3 yellow full to part sun, average soil eastern U.S. 5–9/9–4 (Maryland golden aster) Cimicifuga americana 3–4/2–3 white part sun or shade, moist soil eastern and 3–8/8–1 (American bugbane) midwestern U.S. Dendranthema ‘Apricot Single’ 1–2/4 peach full sun, moist soil hybrid 4–9/9–1 (Korean mum) Salvia azurea (pitcher sage) 3.5–4/1.5 blue full sun, average to dry soil southeastern U.S. 5–9/9–2 S. greggii (Texas sage) 2–3/1–2 red/orange full sun, average to dry soil Texas 7–9/9–7 S. leucantha 4/4 purple /white full sun, average to dry soil 9–11/11–4 (Mexican bush sage) Solidago rugosa ‘Fireworks’ 3–4/2–3 yellow full sun, average to dry soil North America 3–9/9–1 (rough-stemmed goldenrod) S. speciosa 2–4/2 yellow full sun, moist to dry soil eastern and 3–9/9–3 (showy goldenrod) central U.S. S. sphacelata ‘Golden Fleece’ 1–2/1–2 yellow full sun, average to dry soil North America 3–9/9–1 (goldenrod)

Aster tataricus Salvia leucantha

es, or annuals will do the job with grace. virgatum, Zones 5–9, 9–1). Asters are If you garden where summers are hot For very upright moisture lovers such spectacular growing around the dense, and muggy, consider carefully the abun- as turtlehead and obedient plant, palm fierce-looking foliage of yuccas (Yucca dant temptations that bloom when things sedge (Carex muskingumensis), with spp.). Annuals such as lime-green sweet cool off. Indulge yourself with as many bright green, horizontally whorled leaves potato vine (Ipomoea batatas ‘Margue- late-season bloomers as you can pack into on lax stems, is a soft-textured comple- rite’), dark red coleus, and castor bean your beds and borders. Then garden wick- ment. ‘Little Midge’ grows only eight plant (Ricinus communis) can contrast edly in bug-free, breeze-cooled comfort inches tall, and there’s a two-foot-tall var- with or augment this color scheme. while surrounded by flowers. m iegated form, ‘Oehme’ (Zones 5–8, 8–4). In the shade, ferns such as tassel fern Wild indigo (Baptisia australis, Zones (Polystichum polyblepharum, Zones 6–8, Carole Ottesen is a contributing writer for 3–9, 9–1), which grows two to four feet 8–5) and hellebores (Helleborus 5hybridus, The American Gardener. This is an up- tall, looks great with tall sun-loving iron- Zones 6–9, 9–6) form low, lacy frames dated version of an article that was pub- weed and perennial sunflowers. So does around autumn bloomers like bottle gen- lished originally in the September/October

left:neil soderstrom. right: michael thompsons. the fine texture of switch grass (Panicum tians and toad lilies. 2004 issue of this magazine.

September / October 2012 29 Acer japonicum

fullmoon maple (Acer japonicum, Zones 5–7, 7–1) Featuring brightly colored leaves in autumn, this understory tree from Japan grows 20 to 30 feet tall with a slightly wider spread. ‘Aconitifolium’ grows about half the size of the species with deeply divided leaves that turn crimson in fall. ‘Ed Wood’ features finely dissected leaves up to 10 inches across with yellow, orange, and red fall color. markturner

30 the American Gardener Magnificent Maples

Just before dropping their leaves in the fall, maples put on a short but dazzling display.

by caroline bentley and viveka neveln

hat Would autumn in northern temperate regions be like without Wmaple trees? Not as flamboyant, surely. While maples offer year- round interest to landscapes and gardens, most shine brightest in the fall, thanks to the fiery pigments in their leaves.

the word “maple” may conjure visions of pancakes and waffles doused with syrup, but this sweet treat comes from just one of the 120 or so species in the genus Acer. Granted, the North american native sugar maple (Acer saccharum) is one of the most popular maples—it’s the state tree of four states—for good reason: in addition to syrup, its large leaves turn brilliant yellow, orange, and red in fall. however, this diverse genus has many more members that are equally deserving of admiration—and are a more appropriate size for smaller gardens. Most maple species are native to North america, Europe, and asia, so are widely adaptable throughout temperate regions. Ranging from towering shade trees to compact, multi-stemmed, shrublike plants, maples lend themselves to just about any landscape. Many make good specimen trees, boasting fine-textured leaves, ornamental bark, or eye-catching fruits. others make stately street trees with rounded crowns and architec- turally interesting branch structures. But most put on their best show in autumn. as days shorten in the fall, deciduous trees prepare to drop their leaves before winter. during this process, they stop making chlorophyll, the pigment responsible for making leaves appear green and enabling plants to capture sunlight for photosynthesizing energy. the lack of chlorophyll allows other pigments called carotenoids (orange) and xanthophylls (yellow) to show through. Reds and purples appear when sugars re- maining in the leaves are converted to pigments called anthocyanins. temperature, soil moisture, and light affect these pigments, which is why dry, cool but not freezing autumn nights and dry, sunny days result in the most intense show. here is a sampling of maple species that can add a splash of vibrant color to your fall garden. m

Caroline Bentley is a freelance writer based in Alexandria, Virginia, and Viveka Neveln is associate editor of The American Gardener.

September / October 2012 31 Acer circinatum

Sources oregon vine maple (Acer circinatum, Zones 6–9, 9–4) Forestfarm, Williams, OR. (541) 846-7269. www.forestfarm.com. This Pacific Northwestern native is a Greer Gardens, Eugene, OR. (800) 548-0111. www.greergardens.com. multi-stemmed small tree that grows to RareFind Nursery, Jackson, NJ. (732) 833-0613. www.rarefindnursery.com. 20 feet tall and nearly as wide. Its fall color Sooner Plant Farm, Park Hill, OK. (918) 453-0771. www.soonerplantfarm.com. varies from yellow-orange to red. Notable cultivars include ‘Monroe’, with deeply cut leaves, growing half the size of the Resources species; Pacific Purple® (‘JFS-Purple’), An Illustrated Guide to Maples by Antoine le Hardÿ de Beaulieu. Timber Press, with leaves that emerge bronze in spring, Portland, Oregon, 2003. deepen to purple in summer, and hold Dirr’s Encyclopedia of Trees & Shrubs by Michael A. Dirr. Timber Press, the color into fall; and diminutive ‘Sun- Portland, Oregon, 2011. glow’, which grows around three feet tall Maples for Gardens: A Color Encyclopedia by C. J. van Gelderen & D. M. van and wide with small, seven-lobed leaves Gelderen. Timber Press, Portland, Oregon, 1999. that change from peach to light orange in Timber Press Pocket Guide to Japanese Maples by J. D. Vertrees with spring, to medium green in summer, to Peter Gregory. Timber Press, Portland, Oregon, 2008. red and purple in fall. The Maple Society. www.maplesociety.org. joshmccullough

32 the American Gardener ivy-leaved maple or vine-leaf maple (Acer cissifolium, Zones 4–8, 8–1) This rare species is a small, broadly spreading tree with smooth, gray bark. Native to Japan, it reaches 20 to 30 feet tall and wide. The medium green trifoliate, or three-leaflet, leaves, which feature reddish-purple petioles, turn yellow and red in fall.

Acer griseum

paperbark maple (Acer griseum, Zones 4–8, 8–1) From central China, this 30-foot-tall tree sports exfoliating reddish-brown bark year round. In spring, its trifoliate leaves emerge red-brown with a whitish downy Acer cissifolium covering, then become bluish-green with silvery undersides in summer. They turn

left:markturner right:. aleksandra szywala bronze and red in autumn.

September / October 2012 33 More Maples with Magnificent fall color Botanical name Height/Spread Fall color/other features Origin USDA Hardiness/ (Common name) (feet) AHS Heat Zones Acer buergerianum 20–30/20–30 yellow, orange, red/new leaves emerge China, 5–9/9–5 (trident maple) bronze to purple; drought resistant Korea A. davidii 20–50/20–50 yellow, purple/new leaves emerge with China 5–7/7–5 (David maple) a red down A. leucoderme 25–30/25–30 yellow, orange, red/multi-stemmed habit; southeast U.S. 5–9/8–3 (whitebark maple) tolerates dry soils A. maximowiczianum 30/20 yellow, red, purple/young leaves emerge Japan, China 6–9/9–6 (Nikko maple) bronze A. pensylvanicum 20/20 yellow/young leaves emerge with pink tinge; eastern U.S. 3–7/7–1 (striped maple, young stems are green with white stripes; moosewood maple) shade tolerant A. pseudosieboldianum 15–25/15–25 orange, red/stems are red to purple Asia 5–7/7–1 (purplebloom maple, Korean maple) A. shirasawanum ‘Aureum’ 15–20/15 orange, yellow/leaves emerge bright Japan 5–7/7–5 (Shirasawa’s maple) yellow-green in spring and change to yellow by summer A. tegmentosum 20–30/15–20 yellow/pale green leaves and greenish-purple Asia 4–7/7–1 (Manchu striped maple) stems with white stripes A. truncatum 20–25/20–25 yellow, orange, red/new leaves emerge reddish Asia 4–8/8–1 (purpleblow maple, purple; resistant to leaf scorch; heat and Shantung maple) drought tolerant

Acer palmatum var. dissectumdissectum

japanese maple (Acer palmatum, Zones 6–8, 8–2) Highly variable in form, size, and color, Japanese maples are either single-stemmed small trees or multi-stemmed shrubs. The deeply divided leaves emerge red-orange in spring, mature to green by summer, and change to yellow, orange, purple, or red in fall. Threadleaf Japanese maples (A. palmatum var. dissectum) boast finely dissected leaves

and a domed, cascading habit. judywhite/gardenphotos.com

34 the American Gardener amur maple (Acer tataricum ssp. ginnala, syn. A. ginnala, Zones 3–7, 7–1) This Asian native’s elongated, glossy, dark green, three-lobed leaves change to yellow, orange, and red in autumn. At maturity, it stands about 15 to 20 feet in height with a similar spread. Fragrant, yellow- ish-white flowers in spring are followed by showy, one-inch-long, winged red fruits in summer. (In parts of the Northeast and Midwest, Amur maple can be invasive due to prolific self-seeding.)

Acer tataricum ssp. ginnalaginnala

three-flower maple (Acer triflorum, Zones 5–7, 7–5) An Asian native, this species grows 20 to 30 feet tall and wide. Dark green trifoliate leaves turn yellow, orange, and red in autumn. The bark exfoliates in long strips of cream, tan, and gray.

top: billtop: johnson.susanroth a. bottom: Acer triflorum

September / October 2012 35 isit the Rutgers University ex- Developing disease-resistant dogwoods is only one of Elwin perimental farm in mid-May, Vand you’re likely to be drawn Orton’s major contributions to woody plant breeding. toward a dogwood tree that’s a towering, cascading mountain of white flower bracts spreading in thick waves up and over the green landscape. Remarkable in its own right, the a breeder apart by bOb hill 35-foot-tall dogwood is also a living arti- fact of one of the most significant woody plant breeding advances in American horticultural history. It’s the prototype of Constellation, one of the original six cultivars in the Stellar hybrid dogwood Elwin Orton series developed by legendary plant breeder Elwin R. Orton, Jr. The Stellar dogwoods—created from crosses between the Asian Kousa dogwood (Cornus kousa) and the native flowering dogwood (C. florida)—arrived just as the ubiquitous and beloved flowering dogwood was under assault by a perfect storm of pests and diseases, including borers, powdery mildew, and anthracnose. A better tree—one that could survive all of the above—was needed. Into the breach came the Stel- lar series, the result of about 25 years of research, cross-breeding, constant evaluation, and tough love at Orton’s hands. “Dr. Orton has made enormous contributions to the woody plant industry; notably the work he did with dogwoods,” says Phil Normandy, woody plant curator at Brookside Gardens in Wheaton, Maryland. “This is somebody who managed to create the plant equiv- alent of a mule by bridging the genetic issues in these two plants [flowering dogwood and Kousa dogwood] that are not all that closely related, even though they are in the same genus.” Breeding SucceSS Before his retirement in 2008, Orton, 82, spent his entire career—nearly a half century—at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey. His work developing hollies, dogwoods, pyracanthas, and sumacs earned him a reputation as one of America’s leading woody plant breeders, not to mention almost 20 national and regional awards from horticultural societies, nursery and landscaping organizations, and garden clubs. Among the honors have been two Elwin Orton admires the original planting of his hybrid dogwood selection Constellation, one

awards from the American Horticultural of six original disease-resistant dogwoods in what became the Stellar series. michaelhayman

36 the American Gardener Society (the Scientific Award in 1992 and geneticist D.F. Jones needed a graduate “I realized then,” he says, “that peo- the Luther Burbank Award for extraor- student for work on hybrid corn. ple who work in basic genetics are too dinary achievement in plant breeding in Orton received a master’s degree in intelligent for me. I decided I’m going 2007), the Distinguished Service Medal vegetable breeding at Ohio State and to stick with what I know and look for from the Garden Club of America in was six credits short of a doctorate when work in plant breeding.” 1989, and induction into the New Jersey he transferred to the University of Wis- Orton applied for a job as an orna- Nursery & Landscape Association Hall consin, Madison. He made the change mental plant breeder with the New Jer- of Fame in 2010. Recognition has also because he felt he needed more basic sey Agricultural Experiment Station at come to his plants in the form of Gold training in genetics, so he opted to work Rutgers, and was hired. “I hadn’t had Medals from the Pennsylvania Horti- with Royal Alexander Brink, another ge- one course in ornamentals,” says Orton, cultural Society for Ilex ‘Harvest Red’ neticist renowned for his work in hybrid- “but I just thought I’d like to do it. (1991), Cornus Aurora and Cornus Ruth izing corn. Orton earned his doctorate There was a wealth of woody ornamen- Ellen (1993), and Cornus Venus (2007). in plant genetics with a minor in plant tals out there and it was not a big field at Orton’s career as a plant breeder was pathology, but the fit still wasn’t right. the time.” the product of an entire life spent in agriculture and horticulture. He grew up in an extended family of farmers near the little town of North East, Pennsylvania, a prime cherry, grape, and dairy farm area in what’s actually extreme northwestern Pennsylvania. His determination, high expectations, work ethic, and occasional outspokeness—along with a wry, self-effacing sense of humor—were all homegrown. The summer after high school he found work at a local farmer’s co-op- erative stacking boxes of grapes and pumpkins. He moved on from there to stapling fruit boxes. “When we got real busy,” he says, “I was working 16 hours a day at 85 cents an hour and I was able to put myself through college.” Orton attended Penn State Univer- sity in State College, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in horticulture with a specialty in pomology—the develop- Among the introductions resulting from ment, cultivation, and physiological Orton’s work with hollies are ‘Jersey traits of fruit trees. But as he approached Princess’, left, an American holly selection, graduation he realized the degree would and ‘Harvest Red’, above, which is a hybrid offer him limited opportunities, espe- winterberry holly. cially since his parents had lost the family farm investing in real estate just as the When Orton arrived at Rutgers on Great Depression hit. February 1, 1960, the university’s orna- “In pomology they just taught you mental horticulture program was flour- what you already knew if you came from ishing under the guidance of William E. a farm,” he says. “I didn’t have the capi- Snyder, whose announced mission was tal to go out and start a fruit farm, and I to create the best horticulture depart- didn’t want to just be a hired hand.” ment and plant research program on the The one Penn State class that really East Coast. Orton ultimately stayed for interested him taught basic plant breed- 48 years. “I didn’t realize at the time I ing and genetics. “It was exciting to was signing onto a job for life,” he says. see what you could cross and what you could get, how things could work out,” Working With hollies he says. One of his Penn State professors Orton’s first assignment at Rutgers was convinced him to go to Ohio State Uni- to breed improved American hollies (Ilex

courtesymarkmillerof learn2grow / (2) versity in Columbus, where noted corn opaca) using the university’s extensive

September / October 2012 37 orton’s stellar series These dogwoods are listed roughly in order of when they start blooming, with the earliest at the top. The earliest ones begin flowering at around the end of the usual bloom period for flowering dogwoods, which is late April to early May in most temperate regions.

Selection Height/Width Key characteristics Year introduced (Cultivar name) (feet) Ruth Ellen (‘Rutlan’) 15–20/20–30 spreading habit with white floral bracts that create a profuse display 1990 Stardust (‘Rutfan’) 10–20/20–25 wide-spreading, low-branching form with white floral bracts 1990 Constellation (‘Rutcan’) 25–35/15–25 upright form with large white floral bracts that don’t overlap 1990 Celestial (‘Rutdan’) 20–25/15–20 upright habit with abundant white floral bracts with greenish tinge 1990 Aurora (‘Rutban’) 20–25/15–20 upright form with creamy white floral bracts that overlap slightly, 1990 dark red fall foliage Stellar Pink (‘Rutgan’) 15–25/15–25 upright to rounded form with pale pink, overlapping floral bracts 1990 holly collection, which included more cess’, ‘Dan Fenton’, ‘Jersey Delight’, which required another five or six years. than 200 species and cultivars, as a re- and ‘Portia Orton’ (named for his wife Those suffering spider mite injury were source. His initial mission was to cross of 48 years). tossed out in the fall; those with winter the relatively hardy American holly—a Orton also worked with deciduous injury tossed out in the spring. native of the eastern and southern Unit- hollies, crossing the Japanese winterber- After about 10 more years of evalu- ed States—with the less hardy English ry holly (Ilex serrata) with winterberry ation, in 1984 ‘Beehive’ was the only holly (I. aquifolium), with the goal of holly (I. verticillata), an American native, selection introduced from the 21,000 developing plants that would have the in an attempt to produce moderate-sized seedlings. A compact, mounded form hardiness of the former and the beauti- shrubs with larger and more attractive with light green leaves, it’s still being ful foliage and fruits of the latter. The fruits and better fall foliage color. His propagated and sold. bottom line was to create a new line of success with introductions ‘Harvest Red’ Orton introduced four other Japa- plants that would boost holiday sales for and ‘Autumn Glow’, and then ‘Raritan nese hollies, including ‘Midas Touch’, the New Jersey cut holly industry. Chief’, a pollinator for the two “female” which has leaves with yellow variegation, It takes decades to hybridize, test, and selections, may have helped influence and ‘Jersey Pinnacle’, a hardy, upright properly evaluate new shrub or tree cul- the subsequent wave of breeding work selection with dark green foliage. tivars, so any breeding project requires with winterberries. patience and passion. Furthermore, suc- Another of Orton’s holly projects was Tackling DogwooDs cess is not guaranteed, especially when an effort to develop a compact selection In the early 1970s, Orton began working crossing different plant species that of Japanese holly (I. crenata)—a popular with dogwoods (Cornus spp.). His first don’t bloom at the same time, as was foundation plant—that was resistant to challenge was to develop suitable replace- the case with American holly and En- spider mites and exhibited less winter ments for the native flowering dogwood, glish holly. In one early attempt, Orton damage to its evergreen foliage than the which was beginning to reveal its suscep- resorted to enclosing an American holly ones being sold at the time. tibility to an array of insects and diseases. in a makeshift greenhouse to warm it up The process by which Orton de- As one of the most popular small speci- and stimulate flowering early to coincide veloped his selection ‘Beehive’—a men trees in much of the United States, with that of the English holly. He had to cross between cultivars ‘Convexa’ and this was really bad news not only for gar- enclose the greenhouse in cheesecloth to ‘Stokes’—is a good illustration of the deners, but for the nursery industry. prevent any chance of insects introduc- kind of perseverance and determination Orton had been told it was impos- ing foreign pollen to the flowers before that woody plant breeders must have sible to cross the Kousa dogwood with they could be hand-pollinated. After all to be successful. The trial began with the flowering dogwood, but with typical this work, 26 interspecific hybrid seed- 21,000 seedlings grown in three-inch determination he says, “I decided I was lings were obtained from Orton’s holly peat pots. A year later, the seedlings going to try it anyway.” crosses, each one sterile, and “with no were moved to beds and planted eight to In the late 1960s he collected flow- desirable horticultural characteristics.” 10 inches apart. After a few more years ering dogwood pollen and froze it. A Although the initial interspecif- they were scooped up by a front end month later, when the Kousa dogwood ic breeding efforts were not a success, loader and dumped unceremoniously came into bloom, he hand-pollinated Orton’s on-the-job training in holly on the ground to be evaluated for com- the flowers using a flat toothpick with a breeding eventually helped him devel- pact shape, size, roots, and foliage. The rounded end. “Luck was with me, and it op desirable, market-ready selections best of them were planted out for fur- worked,” says Orton. “There was some of American hollies, including the ther evaluation in a two-acre field. From sterility in some of the hybrids but a red-fruited, winter-hardy ‘Jersey Prin- there only 40 were selected for trials, large percentage of them were fertile.”

38 the American Gardener The hybrid seeds took a year to ger- lan’), and Constellation (‘Rutcan’). (For minate. Once the young plants were Sources descriptions of all these selections, see large enough, Orton planted them in an Fairweather Gardens, Greenwich, NJ. chart, page 38.) The series as a whole outdoor plot, then waited eight to nine (856) 451-6261. has a reputation of being good, hardy, years until most of them flowered. “I al- www.fairweathergardens.com. heavy-blooming, disease-resistant plants, most gave up hope,” he recalls. Forestfarm, Williams, OR. (541) but they do take longer to put forth their To ensure the plants were truly dis- 846-7269. www.forestfarm.com. first blooms than either of their parents, ease resistant, Orton gave them tough Klehm’s Song Sparrow Farm & Nurs- and they produce only occasional fruits love. “We never used fungicides, insec- ery, Avalon, WI. (800) 553-3715. with sterile seeds. All thrive in USDA ticides, or anything,” says Orton of the www.songsparrow.com. Hardiness Zones 5 to 8 and AHS Heat dogwood trials, his voice rising into its Woodlanders, Inc., Aiken, SC. (803) Zones 8 to 3. characteristic, exclamation-point-pitch 648-7522. www.woodlanders.net. “Orton came up with a group of plants at the end of a sentence. “Never!” that really filled a niche,” says Norman- After more testing, re-testing, and dy. “They bloom in between the parent evaluation, it wasn’t until the early Resources species, have intermediate foliage, and hy- 1990s—almost 25 years after his initial Dogwoods by Paul Cappiello and brid vigor, which means they grow rapid- pollination—that the first Stellar series Don Shadow. Timber Press, Port- ly. They are also easy to propagate, so they selections began reaching the market. land, Oregon, 2005. are a commercial success.” Listed as C. 5rutgersensis or the Rut- Manual of Woody Landscape Plants Orton acquired trademarks and pat- gers hybrids, the six original Stellar series (6th ed.) by Michael A. Dirr. Stipes ents for each plant, with the royalties ac- selections were Stellar Pink (‘Rutgan’), Publishing, Champaign, Illinois, cruing to Rutgers. “Orton’s other genius Aurora (‘Rutban’), Celestial (‘Rutdan’), 2009. is that he insisted on the dogwoods being Stardust (‘Rutfan’), Ruth Ellen (‘Rut- patented and trademarked, because that

michaelhayman Orton with the prototype for his Saturn dogwood, which was developed at the same time as the Stellar series, but not introduced until 2007.

September / October 2012 39 way the money goes to Rutgers [to continue to fund the research program],” says Normandy. “That’s not the way most state-university-run plant breeding programs work, and it was considered radical at the time, but in hindsight it turned out to be good thing.” In 2007, a seventh seedling derived from Orton’s original hybridization was introduced as Saturn (‘KF1-1’), and last year Rutgers introduced Hyperion (‘KF111-1’), which is a second-generation hybrid that was backcrossed with the Kousa dogwood; it is also the only one of the Rutgers hybrid dogwoods that is not sterile and thus bears the dimpled, glob- ular fruits typical of Kousa dogwoods. Birth of Venus Producing the Stellar series was a remarkable achievement, but Orton was simultaneously working on another major dogwood breeding project. In 2005, to considerable fanfare, he introduced Venus (‘KN30-8’)—a big-bracted hybrid cross between the Kousa dogwood and Pacific dogwood (C. nuttallii) that produces spectacular, six-to-eight-inch- wide, creamy-white floral bracts that dwarf any other dogwood tree’s flowers. Venus is a testament to Orton’s horticultural vision. He had long been taken with the size and vigor of the Pacific dogwood even though its natural range was the shaded, wet mountains of the Pacific Northwest (USDA Zones 6–7). He already knew of the adaptability and A hybrid between Pacific dogwood and Kousa dogwood, Venus draws attention with its hardiness of the Kousa dogwood. Thus, unusually large, eye-catching white floral bracts. he reasoned, why not combine the attributes of those two? large, white floral bracts of C. nuttallii. Rutgers’ department of plant biology and So two plants from opposite sides of But Starlight hasn’t received the same pathology. the Pacific Ocean were hybridized in fanfare as Venus because it isn’t fully “Elwin’s gift to the world of gardens northern New Jersey. It took nine years winter-hardy in central New Jersey. has been, and will continue to be for before the seedlings from his original Orton says it has fared better in warmer many years, his wonderful dogwood crosses came into flower. He then back regions, including Tennessee, Oregon, hybrids,” says Paul Cappiello, executive crossed that dogwood with another and southern Germany. director of Yew Dell Gardens in Crest- Kousa—and watched it another 20 years wood, Kentucky, and one of Orton’s before releasing it. “I had 29 years in that Passing the torch former students. “His releases changed one,” Orton says. “I knew enough about Although Orton officially retired from the face of the garden—offering plants it I could have introduced it earlier, but I Rutgers in 2008, he continues to work with improved pest resistance, excep- was always slow in doing that.” on some breeding projects as professor tional vigor, and all-around great gar- Venus was actually preceded by an- emeritus. “In addition to Elwin Orton’s den-worthiness.” m other Kousa/Pacific dogwood selec- successful cultivar releases, he built a leg- tion called Starlight (‘KN4-43’), which acy of Ilex and Cornus genetic resources A former columnist for the Louisville Couri- Orton introduced in 2003. Starlight has that are at our disposal to develop the er-Journal, Bob Hill now runs Hidden Hill the glossy, dark-green foliage of C. kousa next generation of Rutgers hybrids,” says Nursery & Sculpture Garden in Jefferson-

as well as the vigorous growth habit and Thomas Molnar, assistant professor in ville, Indiana. courtesybaileynurseriesof

40 the American Gardener Hollin Meadows by holly bowers a school gardening success story

From improving the health and nutrition of students to raising test scores, the dynamic integration of gardening into the curriculum at a Virginia elementary school is an inspiring example for schools nationwide.

ucked inTo a quiet neighbor- Lady Michelle obama and Secretary of county, Maryland, was impressed by her hood in Alexandria, Virginia, Agriculture Tom Vilsack dropped by for visit during the 2012 symposium. “See- Tonly a few minutes from the a surprise visit that garnered international ing Hollin Meadows’s gardens gave me American Horticultural Society’s River media coverage. a vision of what our schools could look Farm headquarters, is Hollin Meadows like in a few years,” she says. “it seems Science and Math Focus School. on Ideas and InspIratIon they have all the infrastructure they need July 20, its outdoor classrooms hosted Jenny Brown, the school garden coor- to really make gardening an important students slightly bigger than usual when dinator for Greenkids in Montgomery instructional tool.” the Fairfax county elementary For Robin Rick of Marion, school welcomed the participants ohio, another symposium par- of this year’s national children ticipant, the garden in front of & Youth Garden Symposium the school spoke volumes about (ncYGS) for a day of tours and Hollin Meadows’s mission. “i presentations. liked the idea that a garden walk School gardens have gained was located in front of the school a great deal of support in the 20 for everyone to see and enjoy,” years since the American Hor- she explains. “For me it showed ticultural Society (AHS) began the commitment the school has holding the symposium, and made to nature and plants, and it Hollin Meadows is an outstand- was a statement about who they ing example of a school that has are and what is important in the successfully integrated gardens educational process.” into its curriculum. in the seven The front garden that Rick years since the first plants went admires is the native Virginia into the ground, the gardens have Wildlife Habitat, the first garden grown to 14,000 square feet and space created at the school. in the have become an important part fall of 2004, Shawn Akard, an of the classroom experience. enthusiastic parent, approached The visit by the 250 sympo- the school’s principal, Jon Gates, sium attendees was not the first about creating this garden and national attention the school has many others at the school. Gates received. The u.S. department was impressed with her vision: of Agriculture named Hollin Meadows Beans are just one of the vegetables Hollin “She wanted to transform the school a Silver School for its programs promot- Meadows students grow in the school’s grounds so that plants and learning were

top: courtesytop: kirkbrown.davidof bottom: ellis ing a healthy lifestyle, and in 2009 First Outdoor Education Program. everywhere,” he says.

September / October 2012 41 The form and texture garden along Hollin Meadows’s back wall, above left, enables students to touch a wide variety of plants, while the Native Virginia Wildlife Habitat, left, offers a calming environment at the front of the school. Above: Hollin Meadows students and volunteers introduce 2012 symposium participants to their gardens.

collaborative effort. Gates credits not on- are a part of the curriculum at Hollin ly parents, but also other residents of the Meadows. “It felt like the garden was surrounding neighborhood, who became part of the system rather than a building excited when they saw what was going on and grounds project,” Asbell explains. and volunteered their own resources and “The staff understands the power of ex- expertise. “We’re lucky to be in an area periential education.” that’s full of outdoorsy folks,” he says. While every garden space at the school Gates attributes the success of making “The school is really an extension of the complements various core academic this original vision happen to connecting neighborhood.” subjects, the potential for the gardens what he calls the Three Ps: passion, plan- to leverage learning across other disci- ning, and people. Peggy Bowers, then Bringing it Outside plines is demonstrated especially well in the horticulturist at the AHS’s River Hollin Meadows’s outdoor program has a school-wide planting project. In the Farm headquarters, was instrumental in grown monumentally from that first gar- fall, students plant lettuce seeds and care helping create a site plan to turn Akard’s den. The area behind the school has been for their own plants. They get a science dream into a reality. Hollin Meadows’s transformed from a blank courtyard into lesson watching their lettuce grow, they PTA secured donations of plants and a widely used learning space. The form keep garden journals to work on their hardscaping from local garden centers, and texture garden along its walls offers verbal skills, and they take measurements and the wildlife habitat was planted in some children their first opportunity to of their plants and make graphs as a math the spring of 2005. Akard then became observe a variety of flowers in bloom or exercise. The lettuce is harvested in time the first Outdoor Education Coordina- touch many different leaves. In the cor- to make salad for the school’s annual tor, in charge of incorporating the gar- ner, the Literary Garden embraces the Thanksgiving luncheon. After putting den into the curriculum. In 2009, she Dewey Decimal System in an outdoor in the work to grow their own food, the received the AHS’s Jane L. Taylor Award reading space. students are actually excited to eat the for her outstanding contributions to chil- Symposium attendee Chris Asbell, salad, explains Diane Moery. dren’s gardening. a teacher in New Hampshire who has Moery is the chair of the Hollin Mead- In addition to Akard’s involvement, started his own school garden program, ows Partnership for Science and Math

the gardens were, and continue to be, a was inspired by how much the gardens Education, a nonprofit group dedicated right:left(2):ahsstaff. courtesy kirkbrown of

42 the American Gardener to raising money to support the continu- and 40 percent qualify for reduced-price Garden Potential ance of the school’s Outdoor Education meals, but there have been real results in After the 2010 to 2011 school year, the Program. She explains this approach to closing the achievement gap. In 2010, Fairfax County Public School System garden-based learning as simply “taking this gap between cultural groups in eliminated funding for Hollin Mead- the existing Fairfax County curriculum science and math dropped to just four ows’s math and science focus in the face and bringing it outside.” Students plant percent, down from 21 percent in 2008. of shrinking property tax revenues. Other gardens as part of social studies units and In addition, more Hollin Meadows sources of funding, such as stimulus sup- examine the parts of a plant under a mi- students passed the state standards test port and Title I funding, have also been croscope in the Science Lab instead of in reading than any of the other Title reduced or cut. This means that the entire studying a diagram. The Science Lab, I (low-income) schools in the Fairfax Outdoor Education Program, including headed by science resource teacher Ja- County Public School District during the gardens and the Science Lab, is at son Pittman, really takes advantage of the 2009 to 2010 school year. risk. Moery hopes that the Hollin Mead- the gardens to provide all students with While the school is employing a vari- ows Partnership will be able to fundraise hands-on instruction and give them an ety of means to improve academic perfor- enough to not only save the program, but early foundation in science. mance, Gates believes that garden-based inspire other schools as well. “We believe

Hollin Meadows students harvest the lettuce they planted, left, to make salads for their annual Thanksgiving lunch, right.

For the 2012 NCYGS participants, learning does play a significant role. in this program and think it should be in the Science Lab and Outdoor Education “Kids are naturally curious and motivat- more schools,” she says. Program certainly left a strong impres- ed to learn about the things that they’re Already they’ve noticed seeds sprout- sion. Kirk Brown, a keynote presenter interested in,” he explains. “In the garden ing at other Fairfax County schools. A for this year’s symposium, calls the pro- there are so many things to be curious nearby middle school is considering gram at Hollin Meadows “a true coming about that it becomes a place where kids installing a school garden as part of the together of cause and effect.” He says, really want to learn.” Harnessing that in- renovations it is undergoing. And two “They are putting feet on the ground, terest in the garden and using it to make elementary schools in the area have gar- literally, in programming their educa- connections to other subjects has con- dens now, which Moery believes is partly tion around the concept of nature and tributed greatly to the school’s academic due to Hollin Meadows showing that it horticulture and empowering students to success. could be done. “A school doesn’t have to grow their own food.” Though the gardens weren’t created have 14,000 square feet of garden space as a way to improve scores, they have cer- to get kids outside,” she stresses. “We’ve HealtHy Bodies, HealtHy Minds tainly been a benefit. The recent test re- used what we have and figured out how Hollin Meadows has made huge strides sults “prove that having hands-on expe- to turn it into a hands-on lesson.” m in academic achievement as well as health riences and interpreting the curriculum a benefits. The 600 students represent 35 little bit differently does make a positive Holly Bowers in an editorial intern with

ahsstaff countries and 18 language backgrounds, difference,” Moery says. The American Gardener.

September / October 2012 43 homegrownc harvest

Tasty and Ornamental Jostaberries by Kris Wetherbee

planted my first jostaberry bush over 20 years ago and was won over I in that very first year. the long-lived bush is thornless, with a vigorous growth habit that tops out at four to six feet in height. the glossy, gooseberrylike leaves are very ornamental well into the fall. the real treasure, however, is the shim- mering purple-black fruit. The German-bred jostaberry (Ribes 5nidigrolaria is a complex hybrid between three different Ribes species: black currant (R. nigrum), North American coast gooseberry (R. divaricatum), and European gooseberry (R. uva-crispa). Jostaberries have the disease-resistance and sweetness of gooseberries along with Jostaberries are ready to harvest when the thornless nature and richer flavor of they have turned deep reddish purple, left. black currants. The fruit is intermediate Flowers, above, are bicolored. in size between gooseberries and black currants, with a flavor best described as a consists of applying compost or aged Fruit is produced on one-year-old delightful mingling of grape, blueberry, manure in late winter, followed by a wood and fruiting spurs of older wood. and kiwi. two- to four-inch layer of organic mulch the result is a productive shrub—yield- in early summer to help keep roots cool ing about 12 pounds per plant—that GROWING GUIDELINES and soil moisture even. bears for many years. Only light annual Jostaberries can be grown in USda Har- While the plants are reasonably pruning is needed. you can start pruning diness Zones 3 through 8 and have sur- drought tolerant, an inch of water per in the second winter or early spring after vived temperatures down to –40 degrees week will encourage high-quality fruit planting. Cut out broken or drooping Fahrenheit. It has good heat tolerance and larger yields. After harvest, my branches, then cut the oldest one or two and needs only 1,000 hours of winter plants receive only monthly watering canes to the ground to encourage larger chilling (temperatures above freezing but and do just fine. berries and new replacement shoots. under 45 degrees F) to set fruit, so it can be grown in warmer regions and more temperate areas of the South, although Planting Basics plants yield best where summers are mild. GETTING STARTED Jostaberries are generally sold as one- or two-year-old bareroot For maximum production, grow jos- plants or as potted plants. They are also easily propagated from hardwood stem taberries in full sun and moist, loamy, cuttings. Cut the stem just above a node, and stick them in the ground, keeping well-drained soil with a pH of 6 to 7. the soil moderately moist until cuttings take root. It’s that simple. Plants benefit from afternoon shade in PLANTING Set out bareroot plants in late winter or early spring. Potted plants can regions where summers are hot. An area be planted anytime during the growing season. Before planting, mix compost or protected from harsh winter winds and aged manure into the planting hole. Set plants so that the top of the root ball late frost is ideal. is one to two inches below the soil line to encourage maximum stem formation. Jostaberry grows easily in most soils SPACING Space plants about six feet apart in well-drained, slightly acidic soil. with little to no need for fertilizer. How- DAYS TO HARVEST Depending on your growing climate and weather, berries are ever, adding three to five inches of com- ready to harvest from early June to mid-July, starting with a light harvest the sec- post to the planting hole will give new ond year after planting and larger harvests beginning the third and fourth year.

plants a great start. My annual routine left:rick wetherbee, right: courtesy kenharrisof

44 the American Gardener jostaberries and rust Sources Concern over the spread of white pine blister rust, a devastating disease of white Miller Nurseries, Canadaigua, NY. pine that requires both pine and a susceptible Ribes host to complete its life (800) 836-9630. cycle, led to legal restrictions on the sale and cultivation of Ribes species in the www.millernurseries.com. early 20th century. Although jostaberries are resistant to the disease, restrictions One Green World, Molalla, OR. remain in several states. The following states (or counties within states) still have (877) 353-4028. some restrictions on the importation and/or cultivation of jostaberries: Maine, Mas- www.onegreenworld.com. sachusetts, West Virginia, New Jersey, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Virginia, Raintree Nursery, Morton, WA. Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio, Delaware, and Connecticut. If you garden in one (360) 496-6400. of these states, check with your state department of agriculture or your local Ex- www.raintreenursery.com. tension agent before planting jostaberries. (For more about restrictions on growing Ribes, view the web special linked to this article on the AHS website). —Rita Pelczar, Contributing Editor nearly black. That’s also when the berries are most loaded with vitamin C. No rush, though, on harvesting as the berries have PEST AND DISEASE PREVENTION soap spray or by blasting them with a long shelf life, but if you wait too long, Jostaberries are relatively pest- and dis- water. Sawflies can be controlled by cul- the birds may beat you to them. ease-free. They are especially resistant to tivating around shrubs in early spring The berries are great for fresh eating powdery mildew, blackcurrant leaf spot, and again in fall to help reduce the over- and excellent in preserves, sauces, pies, gall mites, and white pine blister rust (see wintering population. juice, or jelly. Any excess freezes well and sidebar above for more about jostaberries makes an especially tasty winter treat in and rust). ENJOYING THE HARVEST muffins and other baked goods. m Sawflies and aphids may be the only The berries, which hang in clusters of pests you will encounter, though I have three to five, start off green. Harvest be- A regular contributor to The American never had issues with either. Aphids are gins from early June to mid-July, when Gardener, Kris Wetherbee gardens in easily controlled with an insecticidal they have turned deep reddish-purple to Oakland, Oregon.

September / October 2012 45 Gardenc SolutionS

Planting Trees Properly by Scott Aker

to give you instant shade and structure for your landscape, research has shown that smaller trees often quickly surpass large specimens planted at the same time. on the other hand, it’s a good idea to choose a size that is large enough to withstand damage caused by animals or extreme weather conditions. Generally a tree with a trunk half-an-inch to three inches in diameter—professionals refer to trunk diameter as the “caliper”—is a good place to start for most tree species. finally, be sure you are selecting a healthy specimen. Check the root ball and avoid trees that are badly pot bound. Pass on trees that have a lot of small, upright shoots coming off the trunk or lower branches—this indicates stress. And make sure the bark on the trunk is free of wounds, sunken areas, or other damage. InItIal care When you get your tree home, don’t delay planting. Start by taking the tree out f you’re thinking about planting ed where it lacks enough room to develop of its pot or removing all the twine, bur- a tree, fall is the best time to do this a well balanced canopy in old age is sure lap, and wire that might be surrounding I for most species, apart from broad- to result in problems down the line. Plant the root ball. Now find the place where leaf evergreens, which should be plant- trees a minimum of 10 feet away from the roots meet the trunk. Potted trees ed in spring in temperate regions. Tree homes and structures so the roots don’t usually have this point buried below sev- planting might seem pretty easy—you cause foundations or walls to heave. eral inches of soil, and field grown trees dig a hole, place the tree in it, and fill With the exception of a few species that often have soil thrown up against the in around the roots with soil, right? But like “wet feet,” avoid planting trees in trunk by cultivators. Carefully excavate a tree is a long-term investment, so at- low spots where water tends to collect. the top layer of the soil until the main tention to detail in the planting process for many of the more common tree roots that arc away from the trunk are will help your new tree establish more species, several different sizes may be clearly visible. quickly and prevent problems long into available at your local nursery. Larger If your tree was in a pot, slice through the future. trees cost more, and generally establish the bottom of the root mass with an old themselves more slowly, so it may be pruning saw or sharpened shovel to cut Background check best to choose one of the smaller sizes. any roots that have grown in an arc or cir- Before going to a nursery, do due dili- If you live in a part of the country that cle around the inside of the pot. Don’t gence with a good tree reference to make is prone to drought or you have poor be timid—if you don’t disrupt these sure you are choosing a species that is soil, it is advantageous to plant a small- roots now, they might girdle (encircle) appropriate for the site you have in mind. er tree since it will have a much short- the trunk, and after many years of growth Make sure you know a tree’s ultimate er establishment period. While you kill your tree just as it is reaching matu- height and spread; a beautiful tree plant- might be tempted to plant a larger tree rity. Professionals often “butterfly” the root mass of potted trees by cutting the

When planting a tree, ensure the base of the trunk is barely above the top of the planting hole. bottom half of the root ball into two flaps hollybowers

46 the American Gardener Gardening Q&A with Scott Aker you are planting it in, then it’s not a good choice for the site. controlling nutsedge Mulch the tree with two to four inch- I have a small vegetable garden that has been pretty productive, but now I es of mulch, but don’t place any mulch have a weed problem that I can’t seem to get under control. It’s some kind of within six inches of the tree trunk. Wood grass that is yellow-green in color. I pull it, but it returns days later. What can chips are one of the best mulches for I do to get it under control? newly planted trees because they don’t bind together into a water-repellent You are probably dealing with yellow nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus), shown below in blanket as more finely shredded mulches flower. It is difficult to control because it sends out rhizomes (underground stems) sometimes can. Disregard what you may deep below the soil surface. have heard about wood chips robbing Small corms that form at the the soil of nitrogen; the surface to mass end of each rhizome sprout in- ratio is such that wood chips tie up only to new plants. I have success- a small amount of nutrients at the very fully eliminated it by carefully surface of the soil. digging up the plants as soon Unless you are planting in an ex- as they emerge, but this re- tremely windy site, I don’t advise stak- quires close monitoring for at ing because some play in the trunk helps least one or two years to com- roots to establish faster. Even if you are pletely get rid of it. Repeat- placing the tree in a windy area, make ed treatment with herbicidal sure the stake supports allow for a little soap may be successful if you movement of the trunk. Pruning at this are prompt in treating any sprouts that appear, but in general the herbicides available time should be limited to removing any to homeowners aren’t terribly effective in controlling yellow nutsedge. You might also damaged or dead branches. be able to quell it by covering the entire bed with black plastic sheeting for a year to starve the plants of light. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate Water your newly planted trees regularly throughout the fall and into winter until iris borers I planted some bearded irises along the side of my home last fall. They get a half day of sun, and only a few of them bloomed this spring. Now the foliage is collapsing and the rhizomes are turning into mush. Can I save them?

It sounds like you have an infestation of iris borers, which appear just after the flowers fade and burrow downward into each fan of iris leaves. When they reach the rhizome, they feed on it, causing it to get mushy. Dig up your irises now and divide them. Cut the foliage back to within two to three inches of the rhizome and destroy any divisions that have soft rhizomes or mushy, soft tissue at the point where you cut the leaves. Plant the healthy divisions in well-drained soil in a site that gets full sun, and mulch them lightly so the rhizomes remain near the soil surface. New foliage should start emerging this fall. Thoroughly clean up all old leaves in early spring each year to eliminate any borer eggs that might have been laid on them in the previous year. —S.A. E-mail your gardening questions to Scott Aker at [email protected]. Water trees regularly for the first year or two until they are well established.

that can be bent away from each other removed when you dug the hole, slop- the ground freezes. If you live in an area when the tree is planted. ing the fill away from the trunk. Use the that has a mild climate, water your new Now that the root ball of your tree is pointed end of a shovel to tamp down trees any time the soil is dry an inch be- prepared for planting, dig a hole that is the soil and fill in any air spaces around low the surface. But if your soil drains an inch or two less than the height of the the roots. You can also trickle water into slowly, make sure you don’t let the soil root ball but several inches wider than the planting hole to help settle the soil. around the tree get waterlogged. Once the widest dimension of the root ball. Before going any further, confirm that a tree is well established—after a year or Loosen the soil on the edges and bottom the main roots you exposed are barely two—you should only need to water it of the hole. Place your tree in the hole below the surface of the fill soil. during extended droughts. m and view the trunk from all sides to en- I don’t recommend adding fertilizer or sure that it is not leaning to one side. Fill soil amendments to the planting hole. Ba- Scott Aker is a Washington, D.C.-based

left:courtesyweedlabarchive, ohiostate universityof ohiostate www.bugwood.org. / right: holly bowers in around the root ball with soil that you sically, if the tree can’t survive in the soil horticulturist.

September / October 2012 47 48 The true‘PinkChampagne’blueberries to growers for propagation. terloper that was accidentally distributed in- the was it and type, blue standard a by contaminated was growing were ries the USDA plot where the pink blueber- out turns It spring. past this (USDA), Agriculture of Department U.S. the by developed originally selection ed pink-fruit- a blueberry, Champagne’ after the much touted release of the ‘Pink There’s plenty of blushing going around BlueBerry Brouhaha ing a new cultivar of Japanese snowbellJapanese of cultivar new a ing The USDA has had better luck introduc- snowBell Cultivar developed More Frost-tolerant Japanese in 2011, appears to be the real deal. oped by the USDA that was introduced devel- selection blueberry pink-berried contacting your vendor. plants earlier this year, the USDA advises the of any purchased you if so pagne’, Cham- ‘Pink on refunds offering are ers retail- some that is word The year. the of end the by propagators to available it identified, and the USDA hopes to make known what type of blueberry it is.” the wholesaler for the plant. “It’s just un- Plant Propagators in Elma, Washington, Briggs of Wilkins Heather explains ry,” Horticultural News and Research Important to American Gardeners “The plant that we have we that plant “The So far ‘Pink Lemonade’, another Lemonade’, ‘Pink far So been now has genotype correct The the American Gardener a blueber- a is Showers’, visit ‘Spring about information more For white flowers give off a strong fragrance. bell-shaped, their spring, the In tall. feet 20 to up habits conical tight their of because lines utility under or ders, bor- mixed landscapes, residential small Hardiness Zones 5 to 8. less susceptible to frost damage in USDA it making species, the than time break the tree. ‘Spring Showers’ has a later bud kill even can and foliage early damages freezing Late States. United the in es snowbell struggles with late-spring freez- Japanese Philippines, the and wan, with improved frost-tolerance. snowbell Japanese of features namental or- the combines Arboretum, National 2011 introduction, developed at the U.S. (Styrax japonicus), ‘Spring Showers’. The Because botanical gardens often focus often gardens botanical Because Boost CliMate Change awareness new prograM helps puBliC gardens ‘Spring Showers’Japanesesnowbell gardener Japanese snowbells are perfect for perfect are snowbells Japanese Tai- Korea, China, Japan, to Native c www.usna.usda.gov. ’ s the effects of climate about visitors cate edu- to positioned uniquely are they science, plant and conservation on

notebook than usual because of the changes to its to changes the of because usual than crement. Its body contains less nitrogen ex- its and grasshopper the in changes chemical to leading plants, hydrate-rich hopper is frightened, it eats more carbo- spiders actually affects soil productivity. grasshoppers caused by predators such as the journal the study published in the June 2012 issue of A ecosystem. entire their affect can this waistline, their affecting than rather but University, Yale and Jerusalem of port scientists at the Hebrew University re- too, food, comfort eat Grasshoppers plant growth stressed grasshoppers May slow org for more information. Visit begins. program the once involved become will 250 least out to YOUtopia, and he projects that at reached already have gardens public 20 than more Sclar, to According website. through social media and a forthcoming spring, will also engage people nationally our overall impacts on its severity.” you can contribute positively in limiting our changing climate, and also learn how to adapting in practices management best of examples observe involved, cies spe- plant the see can “You APGA. the of director executive Sclar, Casey says about gardens each year. APGA-affiliated visit who people lion climate change awareness of the 70 mil- The program also focuses on raising the enhancing their sustainability programs. by impact climate own their reduce to commitment a make to gardens public tions, aims to do. It calls for participating solu- climate for support increasing to dedicated organization an ecoAmerica, Public Gardens Association (APGA) and program jointly created by the American a YOUtopia, what just That’s change. The study showed that when a grass- YOUtopia, which is set to launch next “Public gardens are the place to learn experience climate change,”climate experience and Science reveals that stress in stress that reveals www.ecoamerica.

left: courtesy of briggs plant propagators. right: courtesy of floral and nursery plants research unit, usda-ars u.s. national arboretum courtesy of fauna & flora international South Africaneedsaname. This newlydiscoveredirisrelativefrom est diversity of bulbous plants in the in plants bulbous of diversity est rather neglected field of conservation.” ed money to support this under-funded, of the portunity to raise the profile of the plight plains, “This auction presents a great op- system where the plant was discovered. endangered critically the of conservation the support will auction the from proceeds All (FFI). OLCT and Fauna & Flora International the by sponsored auction online an in African genus the to belonging relative iris plish-pink The naming rights to one of those, a pur- science. to unknown previously were that plants of species four astonishing an discovered Africa South in (OLCT) Trust Conservation Lowlands Overberg the from scientists 2011, November In iris species Now opeN NamiNg auctioN for Newly DiscovereD www.sciencedaily.com. have on ecosystems. To learn more, visit will environment the in changes duced human-in- that effects the into tigation that the findings will lead to more inves- hopes Heecosystem.” the of parts nent compo- the all conserving of necessity the of understanding greater a gaining are“We Jerusalem. of University brew He- the of Halwena Dror says world,” living the of understanding our for es compounds that plants use to grow. dead plants and animals into the simpler which these microbes break down other at rate the slows turn in This soil. the in microbes to available is nitrogen less decomposes, and dies it when so diet, The renosterveld is home to the high- ex- Rose Mark Executive Chief FFI consequenc- tremendous has “This renosterveld and raise much-need- renosterveld, the lowland eco- Hesperantha, are being sold

visit October 31, 2012. For more information, of the delicate flower. The auction closes as well as a bronze casting and a painting scientists— discovering the for reserved usually honor iris—an the to rights ing trict on the southern tip of South Africa. dis- Overberg the in remains coverage original the of percent six are found nowhere else. Today less than world, as well as hundreds of species that the invasive species with natives from an past, a better method might be to replace natives, which has not worked well in the with species invasive replacing simply than rather example, For management. ecosystem effective more to lead could happen relatively fast.” This research also can that process ongoing an it’s that is study this from messages important the ogy and leader of the project. “But one of Lankau, UGA assistant professor of biol- Richard says tense,” past the in usually it’sevolution, about talk people “When tive and invasive species may be possible. na- between equilibrium that show they for long periods of time. cohabitated have plants two the where areas in sinigrin to resistance greater showed however, Clearweed, effects. its withstand to able been not have plants new to the United States, so most native relatively is that chemical a sinigrin, produces it because advantage petitive eastern half of the country. It has a com- the through rampantly spread has tard mus- garlic ago, years 150 about Europe liaria petiolata). mustard garlic invasive of tolerance ila) clearweednativeparticular, In invasives. with compete to evolving be to appear species plant native Some hope: of glimmer a raises my ofSciences the in recently published (UGA) Georgia of University the at research However, have. may invaders the advantages ary evolution- various of because species introduced aggressive against chance a stand don’t often plants native Many Native aND iNvasive plaNt species first eviDeNce of co-evolutioN amoNg The highest bidder will receive nam- receive will bidder highest The These results are encouraging because Introduced to the United States from Proceedings oftheNationalAcade- appears to have developed better developed have to appears www.irisauction.com. www.irisauction.com. renosterveld (Pilea pum- (Al- September / October 2012 49

Russian Academy of Sciences reported Sciences of Academy Russian

at at the Institute of Cell Biophysics of the

have have been brought back to life. Scientists

permafrost since the Pleistocene Epoch Pleistocene the since permafrost

parts parts that were preserved in the Siberian

It’s not quite quite not It’s

Flowers Flowers Coaxed From ICe age Plants

study, study, visit

exist. exist. For more information on Lankau’s area area where the two have had time to co- name, but is moving the company to Norton, Massachusetts. December 31.SeedHoldings willcontinuetosellseedsundertheFerry-Morse first WestCoastdistribution centerandwarehouse,willclosecompletelyby employees laid off.The White City location, openedin 2009 as the company’s which only opened in 2010, has already been completely closed and its 50 Fremont, Indiana,andWhite City,Oregon.ThedistributioncenterinFremont, ly atvariousfacilitiesaroundthecountry,including company’ssitesin sold toSeedHoldingsinMay,afteryearsofdecline.Layoffs beganimmediate- seed companyin1856,hadbeenownedbyJiffyProducts since2005,butwas its workersbytheendofthisyear.Ferry-Morse, whichbegan asa mail-order The Ferry-MorseSeedCompanyisslatedtocloseitsfactories andlayoffallof Ferry-Morse SeedCompanyChangesHandsandClosesFacilities the online August 2012 issue, visit http://avantgardener.info. When TomPowell,founderofTheAvantGardenernewsletter,decidedtoretire The American Daylily winners, visit ed whitebloomsthroughoutthegrowingseason.”FormoreinformationonAll- ‘Lady Elizabeth’,whichproducesa“heartydisplayofbeautiful,diamond-dust- tional varietieshave been giventhesealof approval, withthemostrecentbeing announced itsfirstwinner,‘Black-EyedStella’,in1994.Sincethen,18addi- evaluation acrossanetworkoftestsitesinvariouszones,All-AmericanDaylilies explains marketingandpublicrelationsmanagerJoRoberson.Afteryearsof available. “Werealizedthatsomethinghadtobedonehelptheconsumer,” the demandforsomekindoftestingsystemthousandsvarieties daylilies All-American Dayliliesiscelebratingaquarter-centuryofspotlightingthebest National DaylilyProgramCelebrates25Years PeoPle and Places in the News Derek Fell the American Gardener Avant GardenerGoesDigital

(Hemerocallis spp.)available.Theprogramlaunchedin1987tomeet

www.pnas.org . .

Jurassic Park, Jurassic but plant but online subscriptions. For more information and to view online subscriptions.Formoreinformationandtoview garden experts, and will be starting a new campaign for profiles. Fellwillalsobeginfeaturinginterviewswith evaluations of new products and techniques, and garden the newsletter’straditionalfocusonhorticulturalnews, images. Thesechangesaside,Fellplanstocontinue format intoadigital-onlyversion,completewithcolor 2012 issue, for which he converted the two-color paper editor-in-chief. Fell’stenure began withthe August garden writerDerekFellbecameitsnewpublisherand research was in limbo. That is, until Pennsylvania-based his widely read monthly digestof horticultural news and this yearafternearly50yearsofpublishing,thefuture

www.AllAmericanDaylilies.com.

the Ice Age plants, scientists found that that found scientists plants, Age Ice the

discovered. discovered. When comparing these with

grows in the area where the seeds were seeds the where area the in grows

counterpart of of counterpart

duced duced viable seeds that grew in the lab.

later, these plants flowered and pro- and flowered plants these later,

to be around 31,800 years old. A year A old. years 31,800 around be to

Silene stenophylla Silene fruit tissue, estimated tissue, fruit

regenerate viable plants from preserved from plants viable regenerate

in February 2012 that they were able to able were they that 2012 February in

Narrow-leafed Narrow-leafed campion, the modern

Silene stenophylla, Silene still

Written by Editorial Intern Holly Bowers. Holly Intern Editorial by Written

si.edu si.edu

to native orchid species. Visit Visit species. orchid native to

Flower Flower Society to create an online guide

contracting contracting with the New England Wild

cational website later this year, and it is it and year, this later website cational

of of the country.

eventually restoring orchids in each part part each in orchids restoring eventually

developing protocols for conserving and and conserving for protocols developing

fungi associated with those orchids, and and orchids, those with associated fungi

orchids, maintaining a collection of the of collection a maintaining orchids,

managing a seed collection of all native all of collection seed a managing

tion partnership entails establishing and and establishing entails partnership tion

tible tible to changing environments.

dent dent on them, they are especially suscep-

health health and because orchids are so depen-

fungi. Fungi are indicators of ecosystem ecosystem of indicators are Fungi fungi.

world,” world,” because of their relationship with

“canaries in the coal mine of the plant the of mine coal the in “canaries

According to Whigham, orchids are the the are orchids Whigham, to According

nian Environmental Research Center. Research Environmental nian

research plant ecologist at the Smithso- the at ecologist plant research

about,” says Dennis Whigham, senior Whigham, Dennis says about,”

get get our efforts around and do something

loss, loss, which is where NAOCC comes in.

those species are threatened by habitat by threatened are species those

can can be found in every state. Over half of

chid chid species in North America, and they

America. America. There are about 250 native or-

restoration of orchids native to North to native orchids of restoration

to the conservation, cultivation, and cultivation, conservation, the to

servation Center (NAOCC), dedicated (NAOCC), Center servation

form the North American Orchid Con- Orchid form the American North

other public and private organizations to

forces forces with the U.S. Botanic Garden and

The Smithsonian Institution is joining is Institution Smithsonian The

orChId orChId ConservatIon

new new PartnershIP FoCuses on natIve

telling telling what may yet be unearthed.

and as the permafrost melts, there is no is there melts, permafrost the as and

have have been discovered in North America,

pools. More preserved squirrel burrows squirrel preserved More pools.

surface, may be a source for new gene new for source a be may surface,

which covers 20 percent of the earth’s the of percent 20 covers which

raises raises the possibility that the permafrost,

subsequent regeneration of these plants these of regeneration subsequent

a squirrel burrow. The discovery and discovery The burrow. squirrel a

125 feet below the tundra, preserved inpreserved tundra, the below feet 125

than than the modern campion.

number number of buds but were slower to root

the latter actually produced twice the twice produced actually latter the

NAOCC will be launching an edu- an launching be will NAOCC

The first phase of this new conserva- new this of phase first The

“This “This is a group of plants that we can

The Ice Age plants were discovered were plants Age Ice The

for for more information.

www.srec. m

courtesy of derek fell rita pelczar (3) green water. make repositioningeasy,withouthavingtoturnoffthe beds withlow-growingshrubsandgroundcovers;itswheels sits directlyontheground,andisgoodforwateringlawnsor six-foot (fullyextended)heights.TheWheelbaseSprinkler from shorterplants.Thetripodsareavailableinthree-and plants inmyvegetablegardensotheydon’tblockmoisture pod Sprinklerthatallowsmetoraisetheheightabovetaller clogging their nozzle. I like the adjustable aluminum Tri- a well—andtheydon’tseemtobebotheredbyhardwater which maybeimportantifyourwater,likemine,comesfrom year, efficientwateruseismoreimportantthanever.Rainfor- With much of the country receiving below normal rainfall this WATERING SMART on earth-friendly products and supplies. Here she focuses on products for maintaining and enjoying the outdoor garden. Contributing editor Rita Pelczar reportsonproductsshehasfoundusefulorinnovativeinhergarden,withanemphasis www.rainforestsprinklers.com.

garage ® pressure aslow20psi— ate efficientlyevenwithwater your garden size. 20 to1,900squarefeetsuit Coverage canbeadjustedfrom some othertypesofsprinklers. puddling thatcanoccurwith manner to prevent runoff and rainlike moistureinaneven designed to distribute gentle, dens. Thesesprinklersare beds, andfallvegetablegar- lawns, recentlyestablished good optionsforwateringnew Contech Enterprises,Inc.,are est EcologicalSprinklersfrom SOLAR BIRDBATH the fountainwhere itgetsdi- the needforwires.Position uses solar energy, eliminating a reservoirthroughnozzle, which cyclesthewaterfrom ble-tiered styles. The pump, is availableinsingle-ordou- of its gentle bubbling flow. It tracts birds with the sound a goodchoicebecauseitat- bath fromPlow&Hearthis well. TheSolarFountainBird- to providewaterforbirdsas plants in your garden, be sure While you’rewateringthe

by RitaPelczar Rainforest sprinklersoper- in hanging baskets. can beusedtosupportlanterns foroutdoorlightingorplants 16-inch hanger.Inaddition to birdfeeders,thesehangers imum weightforthe eight-inch hanger,sevenpoundsforthe to maximize your feeding stations; there is a 10-pound max- two or three of the hangers on the post at different heights of thebirdfeederpreventshangerfromslipping.Place height you desire, and adjusting them is easy. The weight that easily slip over the pole and can be positioned at the Quick ConnectHangerscomeineight-and16-inch sizes 20-inch extensionpoleisavailabletoaddextraheight.The in anticipation of the leaner winter months ahead. Finding Speaking ofbirds,fallisagoodtimetoputupbirdfeeders HANGING AROUND larly frequent visitors. seeming tohavegreatfun.Mymourningdovesareparticu- splash inthefountain—sometimestwoandthreeatatime, a widevarietyofbirdsperchontheedgeandtakesip,or the birdswillstillstopbyforadrink).I’veenjoyedwatching tain doesn’t operateoncloudydaysoratnight(although cloth orspongetokeepitworkingefficiently,andthefoun- solar panel,whichsitsinthereservoir,withanon-abrasive instant waterfeature.Youwillneedtoperiodicallycleanthe rect sunlightandkeepitfilledwithwateryouhavean lives in North Carolina. lives inNorthCarolina. Gardener , RitaPelczar American A contributingeditorforThe www.leevalley.com. www.plowandhearth.com. September / October top ofthepoleanda finial tipfits into the surface. Anattractive set from the mounting provide a2¼-inchoff- mounting brackets that or railingusingtwo any wooden fencepost It can be attached to pacity of30pounds. pole has a weight ca- powder-coated steel option. Thesturdy, Ltd., offerapractical from LeeValleyTools, Quick ConnectHangers Mount GardenPoleand challenge, butthePost your feederscanbea the rightlocationfor 2012 m 51

bookc reviews

Recommendations for Your Gardening Library

How Carrots Won the Trojan War: Curious (but True) American Grown Stories of Common Vegetables Michelle Obama. Crown Publishers, New York, New York, 2012. 272 Rebecca Rupp. Storey Publishing, North Adams, Massachusetts, pages. Publisher’s price, hardcover: $30. 2011. 376 pages. Publisher’s price, softcover: $14.95. fOR The PAsT 40 years, i’ve been educating the American This delighTful compilation of historical facts tells the public about the joy and benefits of growing edibles; at times story of how 20 common garden vegetables—from asparagus it has felt like a cry in the to turnips—entered cultivation, the wilderness, so imagine my routes they took to get to the West, delight when Michelle the things people felt and believed Obama began champion- about them along the way, and the ing food gardening. As first impact they have made upon human lady, she has already had an history. far from a dry read, the book enormous influence on how presents all this information with a Americans garden simply healthy serving of wry wit. And like by getting her own hands the title of the book, chapter head- dirty. her passion for im- ings can’t help but pique a reader’s proving our children’s diet interest; for example, “Asparagus and health drove her to cre- seduces the King of france,” “Corn ate both the kitchen garden Creates Vampires,” and “Peas Almost at the White house and this book. Poison general Washington.” American Grown is the story of that high-profile garden and To a garden nerd like myself, Rebecca Rupp’s book pro- what she as a novice gardener and the White house garden vides numerous delectable vegetable facts that you can casually staff learned about growing edibles along the way. Woven into drop into conversation with unsuspecting acquaintances. You the chapters are stories about community and school gardens might have known, for example, that some people are terribly and local food production across the country. The book even allergic to fava beans (the greek philosopher and mathemati- includes no-fuss healthy recipes, some of which feature stealth- cian Pythagoras, who volubly shunned them, may have been ily added nutrition (i can’t wait to try the Cauliflower Mac and one). But who knew that, according to ancient tradition, fall- Cheese with my grandson). ing asleep in a flowering bean field can render you “irrevocably Though not a traditional “how-to” gardening book, it still insane?” Or that, according to Norse myth, peas were sent to provides all the critical information you need to grow your own earth by the thunder god Thor as a punishment for mankind? vegetables, small fruits, and herbs, including tips for creating Or that Catherine de’ Medici, who came from florence, italy, good soil, composting, harvesting, winter gardening, and garden was so fond of spinach that “to this day the phrase ‘florentine’ plans for all four seasons. The first lady is upfront about what attached to anything edible means ‘with spinach’”? went wrong, even with help from her professional staff. i think According to Rupp, there are approximately 43 million you’ll find it reassuring information if you’re just getting started. home vegetable gardens in North America, altogether gener- from the school children who helped the first lady break ating annually around 21 billion dollars worth of food. How ground for the White house kitchen garden to the wonder-filled Carrots Won the Trojan War is not just a clever volume of young faces pictured throughout the book, involving children in well-researched horti-nerdery, it drives home the importance gardening is a key theme of American Grown. My own experi- of vegetable gardening to people around the world. even if you ence has been that children easily fall in love with gardens and don’t grow your own, at the very least you’ll never look at the quickly become knowledgeable. My 12-year-old grandson enjoys vegetables on your plate or in the grocery store the same again. showing adults how to harvest carrots while my seven-year-old As for how carrots won the Trojan War, you’ll just have to neighbor can proudly demonstrate how to tell when a blackberry read the book to find out, won’t you? is ripe. if, as many of us believe, we need to help the next gener- —Rand B. Lee ation become more connected to the garden, their food, and the planet, this book is a big step in the right direction. Garden writer Rand B. Lee often indulges in his favorite vegetable, The color photographs highlight the delights of the garden ‘Cosmonaut Volkov’ tomatoes, in Aurora, Colorado. and the recipes and stories are inspiring. it’s a book you can

52 the American Gardener curl up with in a chair with a cup of your own homegrown for Challenging Conditions, Chance goes a step further by point- mint tea and wile away an afternoon. It’s also a book that will ing out that “you don’t have to live in the american West to be get you up and out into the garden—hopefully with the kids able to grow hardy cacti and succulents. Gardeners who live in or grandkids—once you’ve finished sipping. parts of the world that experience wet winters with unreliable —Rosalind Creasy snowfall can grow many of these plants.” this comprehensive book takes the mystery out of cultivating these magnificent Rosalind Creasy is a garden and food writer, photographer, and plants native to the dry regions of north and south america. landscape designer with a passion for beautiful vegetables and eco- leading off the book, Chance shares his personal experience logically sensitive gardening. and offers practical advice in chapters such as “How and Where to Plant,” “the Right Way to Water,” and “Growing Plants Cacti & Succulents for Cold Climates from Cuttings and seeds.” then he discusses a broad array of Leo J. Chance. Timber Press, Portland, Oregon, 2012. 328 pages. dryland plants—organized into chapters for cacti, succulents, Publisher’s price, hardcover: $39.95. and companion plants— that he has grown and experimented with for decades in his Colorado gardens. almost every plant Plantsmen lIke leo J. Chance have been integral to bring- entry includes an informative color photograph, most taken ing a waterwise style of gardening from the fringes of horticul- by Chance, that illustrates its characteristics. (In the interest of ture to the mainstream. However, full disclosure, I was among a handful of photographers who as a retailer of ornamental plants contributed images to the book.) for Western gardens, the greatest this book is an invaluable tool for reinforcing the message challenge I face is breaking old that it is indeed possible to create eye-catching, low-water gar- habits or perceptions people have dens. so, if heat waves and droughts have you rethinking your about gardening in this region. own garden, I recommend that you get your hands on this Our nursery tries to encourage essential guide to the techniques and plants that can take these and model a sustainable garden tough conditions in stride without sacrificing appeal. m aesthetic that is both beautiful — Kelly Grummons and appropriate for arid regions. In Cacti & Succulents for Cold Kelly Grummons is a co-owner of Timberline Gardens, Inc. in Climates: 274 Outstanding Species Arvada, Colorado, and of www.coldhardycactus.com.

September / October 2012 53 54 by JoEllenMeyersSharp JC Raulston Arboretum of Architects in 2011, is designed to pro- Institute American the of Chapter lina Caro- North the from award chitecture ents in an underground organ. nutri- store that plants specialized 200 trees and shrubs. spp.). But there’s plenty more to see than spp.), magnolia, and spicebush maple including collections, significant eral of the Southeast, the arboretum has sev- plants of the Piedmont and other regions landscape trade. and nursery the for plants den-worthy gar- of selections expand and develop, research,to way a as arboretum the ed start- 1996, in accident traffic a in died students, and volunteers. Raulston, who labor of love on the part of faculty, staff, a is arboretum the University, State na Caroli- North at professor horticulture region’s rich horticultural heritage. thecelebrates Arboretum Raulston JC A n n www.ncsu.edu/jcraulstonarboretum. Raleigh, NC27606.(919)515-3132. JC RaulstonArboretum,4415BerylRoad, Additional Information www.hr.duke.edu/dukegardens. Sarah P.DukeGardens,Durham,NC. www.gardenconservancy.org. Montrose, Hillsborough,NC. Other sitesworthvisitingnearRaleigh: November throughMarch. through October,8a.m.to5p.m. Admissionandparkingarefree. Open daily,8a.m.top.m.April The The native for showplace a as Known noteda founder, late its for Named the American Gardener spp.), buckeye spp.), (Acer , which won an ar- an won which Lath House, highlights Geophyte Border North Carolina, the 10-acre the Carolina, North Raleigh, of area developed ly n

unlikely gem set in a high- a in set gem

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The PerennialBorderattheJCRaulstonArboretumputsonalush,colorfulshowinsummer. evokes mountains and streams. pebbles and rocks, plants, of placement Japanese Garden, where the traditional the to visitors leads spirits, evil confuse fountain entertains yet another sense. a of sound the while visitors, welcome color and texture, fruit, fragrance, with sian style, is a feast for the senses. Plants greens and stone walls. ever- by framed plants gray and silver, white, features Castle, Sissinghurst modeled on the famous one at England’s suburban yards. specially designed for smaller urban and plantings and gardens water of amples Model Gardens with their tempting ex- saema, ferns, hostas, and hydrangeas. ari- including plants, hardy marginally of types 700 over of collection eclectic vide the appropriate microclimate for an A wooden zigzag path, designed to designed path, zigzag wooden A The The For “try this at home” ideas, visit the Paradise Garden, done in a Per- Klein-Pringle WhiteGarden, c ’ s

guide

gardens in Indianapolis, Indiana. Garden writerJo EllenMeyersSharplives anyone who loves plants. for destination must-visit a and tional inspira- truly is Arboretum Raulston JC beautiful the memorial, part and and other evergreens. hollies amid fragrance and flowers with the enliven camellia iris ter apricot Flowering trip. a worth is Arboretum Raulston warm colors and back again. Border 18-foot-wide 300-foot-long, the informs theory color Jekyll’s trude Ger- possibilities. garden with ination imag- the fuel that combinations plant of vignettes past visitors guides way the is Part laboratory, part display garden, display part laboratory, Part JC the flies, snow the when Even gardens inspiring most the of One , where a path- a where Mixed Border, daphne, and daphne, (Iris unguicularis), , where cool colors flow into flow colors cool where , win- (Prunus mume), Winter Garden Perennial m

courtesy of Jc raulston arboretum regionalc happenings

Horticultural Events from Around the Country

Northeast southeast CT, MA, ME, NH, NY, RI, VT Botanical gardens and arboreta that AL, FL, GA, KY, NC, SC, TN participate in AHS’s Reciprocal Admissions SEPT. 26. Grasses. Workshop. UVM Program are identified with the RAP symbol. SEPT. 27–29. the Landscape show. Horticultural Research Center. AHS members showing a valid membership Trade show. Florida Nursery, Growers, and Burlington, Vermont. (802) 864-3073. card are eligible for free admission to the Landscape Association. Orlando, Florida. www.friendsofthehortfarm.org. garden or other benefits. Special events may (800) 375-3642. www.fngla.org. not be included; contact the host site for RAP SEPT. 27. autumn Can Be another details or visit www.ahs.org/rap. RAP OCT. 6. Native Plant sale. “Wow” season in Your Garden. Workshop. The State Botanical Garden of Georgia. Massachusetts Historical Society. Welles- Athens, Georgia. (706) 542-1244. ley, Massachusetts. (617) 933-4900. www.botgarden.uga.edu. www.masshort.org. RAP SEPT. 30. the tent symposium: sources of Inspiration. Plant sale and OCT. 9. From the Garden to the Kitchen: In- RAP OCT. 13. Landscaping with Indigenous presentations. Adkins Arboretum. Ridgely, corporating edible Plants in the Landscape. Plants. Workshop. Heritage Museums & Maryland. (410) 634-2847 ext. 0. Presentation. Brookgreen Gardens. Murrells Gardens. Sandwich, Massachusetts. www.adkinsarboretum.org. Inlet, South Carolina. (843) 235-6000. (508) 888-3300. www.heritagemuseums www.brookgreen.org. andgardens.org. OCT. 6. explore hardy Native orchids Field trip. Tour. Mt. Cuba Center. RAP OCT. 16. Plants from around the RAP OCT. 13 & 14. orchid show. The Niaga- Hockessin, Delaware. (302) 239-4244. World in our everyday Lives. Symposium. ra Frontier Orchid Society. Buffalo and Erie www.mtcubacenter.org. The State Botanical Garden of Georgia. County Botanical Gardens. Buffalo, New Athens, Georgia. (706) 542-6156. York. (716) 827-1584. OCT. 7. Garden day. Tour and tips. The Scott www.botgarden.uga.edu. www.buffalogardens.com. Arboretum of Swarthmore College. Swarth- more, Pennsylvania. (610) 328-8025. OCT. 19–21. american Chestnut summit. RAP OCT. 20. Practical Pruning Workshop. www.scottarboretum.org. The American Chestnut Foundation. Crowne Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Brooklyn, New Plaza Resort. Asheville, North Carolina. York. (718) 623-7200. www.bbg.org. OCT. 8. special tour and herb Gardening (828) 281-0047. www.acf.org. Workshop. Tudor Place Historic House and OCT. 25. 2012 Invasive Plant symposium. Garden. Washington, D.C. (202) 965-0400. RAP OCT. 20 & 21. Chrysanthemum show. Connecticut Invasive Plant Working Group. www.tudorplace.org. North Carolina Chrysanthemum Society. Storrs, Connecticut. (860) 928-4074. North Carolina Arboretum. Asheville, www.hort.uconn.edu. RAP OCT. 13 & 14. arborFest. Plant sale North Carolina. (828) 665-2492. and activities. State Arboretum of Virginia. www.ncarboretum.org. OCT. 26. Picturing the New american Gar- Boyce, Virginia. (540) 837-1758. den. Lecture. The Garden Conservancy. www.blandy.virginia.edu. Looking ahead New York, New York. (845) 265-2029. RAP NOV. 3. Mature tree Care. Class. www.gardenconservancy.org. OCT. 19. Perennial Plant Conference. Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Pennsylvania Horticultural Society and Birmingham, Alabama. (205) 414-3950. Looking ahead Longwood Gardens. Swarthmore College. www.bbgardens.org. RAP NOV. 3–18. Fall Chrysanthemum show. Swarthmore, Pennsylvania. (610) 388- The Botanic Garden of Smith College. 5238. www.perennialplantconference.org. North CeNtraL Northampton, Massachusetts. IA, IL, IN, MI, MN, ND, NE, OH, SD, WI (413) 585-2740. www.smith.edu/garden. RAP OCT. 20. Garden design symposium: Nature’s Inspiration. Green Spring Gardens. RAP THROUGH OCT. 28. Integrated Pest NOV. 16 & 17. “the Garden home in all Alexandria, Virginia. (703) 642-5173. Management. Exhibit. Olbrich Botanical seasons.” Symposium. Connecticut Hor- www.greenspring.org. Gardens. Madison, Wisconsin. (608) 246- ticultural Society. Hartford, Connecticut. 4550. www.olbrich.org. (860) 280-3130. www.cthort.org. Looking ahead RAP NOV. 3. Inspiration for the Winter RAP THROUGH NOV. 11. expressions of Nat- MId-atLaNtIC Garden. Talk and tour. U.S. National Arbo- ural Beauty. Art exhibit. Chicago Botanic PA, NJ, VA, MD, DE, WV, DC retum. Washington, D.C. (202) 245-4523. Garden. Glencoe, Illinois. (847) 835-5440. www.usna.usda.gov. www.chicagobotanic.org. SEPT. 30. Mid-atlantic regional Gesneriad show, sale, and symposium. The Gesneriad NOV. 15. trees Matter symposium. RAP SEPT. 29 & 30. the art of Bonsai. Society. University of Delaware Botanic Gar- Brookside Gardens. Silver Spring, Workshop. Morton Arboretum. Lisle, Illinois. dens. Newark, Delaware. (302) 653-6449. Maryland. (301) 962-1400. (630) 719-2468. www.mortonarb.org. www.gesneriadsociety.org. www.montgomeryparks.org.

September / October 2012 55 OCT. 6. Divide and Conquer: Making More Into the Clouds at Dumbarton Oaks Plants. Workshop. Taltree Arboretum and Gardens. Valparaiso, Indiana. (219) 462- The forecasT for the gardens at Dumbarton oaks in Washington, D.c., this 0025. www.taltree.org. fall is cloudy with a good chance of wow. “cloud Terrace,” an art installation by OCT. 20. Ohio Valley Garden Conference. landscape artists andy cao and Xavier Perrot, features a hand-sculpted wire mesh Southwestern Indiana Master Gardener cloud suspended over the Association. Evansville, Indiana. arbor Terrace, raining drop- (812) 490-2199. www.swimga.org. lets of 10,000 swarovski crystals. an oval pool surrounded RAP OCT. 20. The Forever Garden: Seed Processing. Workshop. Minnesota Land- by bluestone pebbles mirrors scape Arboretum. Chaska, Minnesota. (952) the crystals overhead. The re- 443-1400. www.arboretum.umn.edu. sult is a space that is contin- uously changing as light hits Looking ahead the crystals at different times NOV. 3. Annual Conference. Indiana Native Plant and Wildflower Society. Indianapolis, of day. Indiana. E-mail: [email protected]. cao and Perrot specialize www.inpaws.org. in creating moving, dreamlike art experiences. Their work NOV. 17. Holiday Greenery Workshop. The “Cloud Terrace” installation at Dumbarton Oaks has been featured around the Northern Plains Botanic Garden. Fargo, North Dakota. (701) 281-2568. world from Parisian court- www.npbotanicgarden.com. yards to Guangming central Park in shenzhen, china. “cloud Terrace” is the latest in a series of art installations at Dumbarton, following a 2009 sculpture in- SOuTH CenTrAl stallation by charles simonds that played with the idea of the natural and the con- AR, KS, LA, MO, MS, OK, TX structed, and Patrick Dougherty’s immense twig and branch sculptures in 2010. RAP SEPT. 28 & 29. Fall native Plant Sale. “cloud Terrace” will be on view through December 1. for more information, The Crosby Arboretum. Picayune, visit www.doaks.org. Mississippi. (601) 799-2311. www.crosbyarboretum.msstate.edu.

Celebrating America’s First Natural Historian OCT. 4–7. The Texas Hill Country–A Changing landscape. Symposium. Native Plant In 1712, Mark catesby arrived in Virginia from england, embarking on the first of Society of Texas. Kerrville, Texas. two expeditions dedicated to cataloging and collecting flora and fauna of the new (830) 997-9272. www.npsot.org. World. Because of this work, catesby is credited with being america’s first natural historian and RAP OCT. 6. Growing Herbs in South Texas. illustrator. To celebrate his legacy, the catesby Workshop. South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center. Corpus Christi, Texas. Memorial Trust has organized the catesby Ter- (361) 852-2100. www.stxbot.org. centennial Program, taking place from november 4 through 9. OCT. 6 & 7. Plant Sale. Hilltop Arboretum. spanning richmond, Virginia; Washington, Louisiana State University. Baton Rouge, Lou- D.c.; and Kiawah Island and charleston in south isiana. (225) 767-6916. www.lsu.edu/hilltop. carolina, this multifaceted program will take par- RAP OCT. 12–14. Fall Plant Sale and Gar- ticipants to locations rarely visited by tourists, dening Festival. Lady Bird Johnson Wild- such as the smithsonian Institution Libraries in flower Center. Austin, Texas. (512) 232- Washington, D.c. here they will be able to see a 0100. www.wildflower.org. first-edition copy of catesby’s monumental book RAP OCT. 26 & 27. Orchid Show & Sale. The Natural History of Carolina, Florida and the Shreveport Orchid Society. Barnwell Bahama Islands, the first color-illustrated record Memorial Garden & Art Center. Catesby’s illustration of a blue of american flora and fauna. Shreveport, Louisiana. (318) 673-7703. grosbeak and magnolia The program also features an eclectic line-up www.barnwellcenter.com. of speakers on such topics as catesby’s historical SOuTHWeST context, his artwork, and his impact on natural science. Because catesby touched AZ, NM, CO, UT on so many subjects in his work, the organizers wanted to “inspire a dynamic conversation about artistic appreciation, scientific passion, and historical context,” SEPT. 17–OCT. 17. Fall Fiesta of Flowers. Flo- says the trust’s colleen Troy. ral display. ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden. for more information, contact the catesby Memorial Trust at (888) 925-9922 Albuquerque, New Mexico. (505) 768- 2000. www.cabq.gov/biopark/garden. or visit http://catesbytrust.org. —Holly Bowers, Editorial Intern SEPT. 27. Bark: An Intimate look at RAP courtesytop: cao/perrot studio.courtesybottom: catesbymemorial of trust and touchoint communications, ll

56 the American Gardener the World’s Trees. Lecture and tour. Denver Botanic Gardens. Denver, Colorado. (720) The Desert Botanical Garden Turns Heads 865-3500. www.botanicgardens.org. As the sAying goes, two heads are better than one, but for the Desert Bo- SEPT. 29. Rocky Mountain African Violet tanical garden (DBg) in Phoenix, Arizona, four are even better as it hosts the Council Annual Sale. Plant sale. Tagawa Gardens. Centennial, Colorado. (303) 690- American premiere of Philip haas’s 4722. www.tagawagardens.com. exhibit “the Four seasons.” each season is represented by a 15-foot- SEPT. 29 & 30. Dahlia Show. Utah Dahlia tall sculpture of a human head Society. Salt Lake City, Utah. (801) 486- composed entirely of fiberglass veg- 3074. www.dahliashows.com. etation, inspired by the work of gi- RAP OCT. 2. Put Your Roses to Bed. Work- useppe Arcimboldo, a 16th-century shop. The Hudson Gardens & Event Center. italian Renaissance painter famous Littleton, Colorado. (303) 797-8565 ext. for arranging fruits and vegetables in 306. www.hudsongardens.org. such a way that the final composi- OCT. 6. Connecting Plants and People. tion resembled a portrait head. Garden tour. Tohono Chul Park. Philip Haas’s large fiberglass sculptures the DBg is the first stop in the Tucson, Arizona. (520) 742-6455. represent the four seasons. United states for the exhibit, which www.tohonochulpark.org. will then travel to other gardens. to celebrate the premiere, the DBg will reopen its newly renovated Center for Des- OCT. 12–16. Garden Writers Association Annual Symposium. Westin La Paloma. ert Living trail in november, featuring an edible garden. A new restaurant at the Tucson, Arizona. (806) 832-1870. garden also emphasizes the garden-to-table (or artwork) theme. www.gardenwriters.org. “the Four seasons” will go on display at the DBg’s stardust Foundation Plaza beginning on october 26. For more information, visit www.dbg.org. RAP OCT. 20. Pumpkin Walk. Guided tour —Holly Bowers, Editorial Intern and activities. The Arboretum at Flagstaff. Flagstaff, Arizona. (928) 774-1442 ext. 110. www.thearb.org.

OCT. 20 & 21. Annual Orchid Show & Sale. WeST COAST RAP NOV. 3. Native Plant Sale. Fullerton Orchid Society of Arizona. Phoenix, Arizona. CA, NV, HI Arboretum. Fullerton, California. (657) (602) 843-0223. www.orchidsocietyaz.org. 278-3407. www.fullertonarboretum.org. RAP SEPT. 29. Fall Organic Vegetable Gar- OCT. 30. Drugstore of the Desert. dening. Workshop. Descanso Gardens. La NOV. 3 & 4. Grow Like a Pro Indoor Gardening Presentation. Tucson Botanical Gardens. Cañada Flintridge, California. (818) 949- expo. Long Beach Convention Center. Long Tucson, Arizona. (520) 326-9686. 4200. www.descansogardens.org. Beach, California. (250) 729-2677. www.tucsonbotanical.org. www.indoorgardenexpo.com. OCT. 4 & 5. The Growing Classroom: An NORThWeST Introduction to Garden-Based Learning. CANADA AK, ID, MT, OR, WA, WY Workshop. Life Lab. Santa Cruz, California. (831) 459-3833. www.lifelab.org. SEPT. 29. Compost & Spring Bulb Sale. RAP OCT. 6 & 7. harvest Festival. Idaho VanDusen Botanical Garden. Vancouver, Botanical Garden. Boise, Idaho. (208) 343- RAP OCT. 5 & 6. Fall Plant Sale. South British Columbia. (604) 257-8335. 8649. www.idahobotanicalgarden.org. Coast Botanic Garden. Palos Verdes www.vandusengarden.org. Peninsula, California. (310) 544-1948. RAP OCT. 10. Sustainable Gardens. www.southcoastbotanicgarden.org. RAP SEPT. 30. Troubleshooting Townhall for Workshop. Leach Botanical Garden. the 2012 Garden. Discussion. The Horticul- Portland, Oregon. (503) 823-1671. RAP OCT. 13. Fall Plant Sale. University ture Centre of the Pacific. Victoria, British www.leachgarden.org. of California Santa Cruz Arboretum and Columbia. (250) 479-6162. www.hcp.ca. California Native Plant Society, Santa Cruz RAP OCT. 19–21. Fall Tree and Shrub Sale. Chapter. Santa Cruz, California. (831) 427- OCT. 10–13. Communities in Bloom Nation- Kruckeberg Botanic Garden. Shoreline, 2998. http://arboretum.ucsc.edu. al Awards and Symposium on Parks and Washington. (206) 546-1281. Grounds. Edmonton, Alberta. (514) 694- www.kruckeberg.org. OCT. 13. historic Rose Garden Symposium. 8944. www.communitiesinbloom.ca. Historic Rose Garden at Sacramento Histor- OCT. 25. Gardens and the Community. ic City Cemetery. Sacramento, California. OCT. 19 & 20. horticulture lectures and Lecture. Portland Japanese Garden. (916) 448-0811. www.cemeteryrose.org. workshops. David Douglas Botanical Garden Portland, Oregon. (503) 223-1321. Society. Prince George, British Columbia. www.japanesegarden.com. OCT. 20. Digging Deeper: Revitalizing the (250) 564-6578. www.ddbotgarden.bc.ca. Urban Garden. Seminar. Alameda County RAP NOV. 3. Rethinking Idaho Landscapes Master Gardeners. The Garden Center at RAP OCT. 26 & 27. Orchid Society Annual Symposium. Idaho Botanical Garden and Lake Merritt. Oakland, California. (510) Show. American Orchid Society. Royal University of Idaho. Boise, Idaho. (208) 639-1275. http://acmg.ucdavis.edu. Botanical Gardens. Hamilton, Ontario. 343-8649. www.idahobotanicalgarden.org. (905) 527-1158. www.rbg.ca. courtesyphilipof haas m

September / October 2012 57 pronunciationsc and planting zones

Most of the cultivated plants described in this issue are listed here with their pronunciations, USDA Plant Hardiness Zones, and AHS Plant Heat Zones. These zones suggest a range of locations where temperatures are appropriate—both in winter and summer—for growing each plant. USDA Zones listed are still aligned with the 1990 version of the USDA’s map. While the zones are a good place to start in determining plant adaptability in your region, factors such as exposure, moisture, snow cover, and humidity also play an important role in plant survival. The zones tend to be conservative; plants may grow outside the ranges indicated. A USDA zone rating of 0–0 means that the plant is a true annual and completes its life cycle in a year or less.

Acer circinatum AY-ser sir-sih-NAY-tum (USDA Hardiness Zones 6–9, Helianthus maximiliani hee-lee-AN-thus maks-ih-mil-ee-AN-eye AHS Heat Zones 9–4) (4–9, 9–4) A. cissifolium A. sis-ih-FO-lee-um (4–8, 8–1) H. occidentalis H. ahk-sih-den-TAL-iss (4–9, 9–4) A. griseum A. GRIS-ee-um (4–8, 8–1) H. salicifolius H. sal-iss-ih-FO-lee-us (5–9, 9–4) A. japonicum A. jah-PON-ih-kum (5–7, 7–1) Helleborus 5hybridus hel-eh-BOR-us HY-bri-dus (6–9, 9–6) A. palmatum A. pal-MAY-tum (6–8, 8–2) Ilex aquifolium EYE-leks ah-kwi-FO-lee-um (7–9, 9–7) A. palmatum var. dissectum A. pal-MAY-tum var. dis-SEK-tum (5–8, 8–2) I. crenata I. kreh-NAY-tuh (5–7, 7–5) A. saccharum A. sak-AH-rum (4–8, 8–1) I. opaca I. o-PAH-kuh (5–9, 9–5) A. tataricum ssp. ginnala A. tuh-TAR-ih-kum ssp. jih-NAY-luh I. serrata I. sair-RAY-tuh (5–7, 7–5) (3–7, 7–1) I. verticillata I. vur-tih-sih-LAY-tuh (5–8, 8–5) A. triflorum A. try-FLOR-um (5–7, 7–5) Ipomoea batatas ih-po-ME-uh buh-TAH-tus (11–11, 12–1) Allium thunbergii AL-ee-um thun-BER-jee-eye (5–9, 9–5) Iris unguicularis EYE-ris un-gwik-yew-LAIR-iss (7–9, 9–7) Anemone hupehensis uh-NEM-o-nee hoo-pee-EN-sis (4–8, 8–1) Panicum virgatum PAN-ih-kum veer-GAY-tum (5–9, 9–1) A. 5hybrida A. HY-brih-duh (4–8, 8–1) Physostegia virginiana fy-so-STEE-juh vir-jin-ee-AN-uh (4–9, 8–3) Baptisia australis bap-TIZ-yuh aw-STRAY-liss (3–9, 9–1) Polystichum polyblepharum pah-LIS-tih-kum pah-lih-BLEF-ah-rum Brassica juncea BRASS-ih-kuh JOON-see-uh (0–0, 8–1) (6–8, 8–5) Calendula maritima kuh-len-DJEW-lah muh-WRIT-ih-muh (0–0, 8–1) Prunus mume PREW-nus MOO-may (6–8, 8–6) Carex muskingumensis KAIR-eks mus-king-yew-MEN-sis (3–8, 8–1) Ribes uva-crispa RY-beez yoo-vuh-KRIS-puh (5–9, 9–2) Chelone glabra chee-LO-nee GLAB-ruh (3–8, 9–1) Ricinus communis rih-SY-nuss com-YEW-niss (0–0, 12–1) C. lyonii C. ly-O-nee-eye (3–9, 9–3) Sorbus alnifolia SOR-bus al-nih-FO-lee-uh (4–7, 7–4) C. obliqua C. o-BLEEK-wuh (3–9, 9–3) S. americana S. uh-mair-ih-KAN-uh (3–5, 6–1) Chrysogonum virginianum krih-SOG-on-um vur-jin-ee-AN-um (5–8, 8–5) Sorghastrum nutans sor-GASS-trum NOO-tanz (4–9, 9–1) Consolida ajacis kon-SOL-ih-duh uh-JAY-sis (0–0, 9–1) Symphyotrichum ericoides sim-fy-o-TRY-kum eh-rih-KOY-deez (5–8, 8–5) Cornus florida KOR-nus FLOR-ih-duh (5–8, 8–4) S. laeve S. LEEV (4–9, 9–2) C. kousa C. KOO-suh (5–8, 8–5) S. novae-angliae S. NO-vee-ANG-lee-ay (3–9, 9–1) C. nuttallii C. nuh-TAL-lee-eye (6–7, 7–1) S. oblongifolium S. ob-lon-jih-FO-lee-um (4–9, 9–4) C. 5rutgersensis C. rut-gur-SEN-sis (5–8, 8–3) Tricyrtis formosana try-SUR-tiss for-MO-san-uh (6–9, 9–4) Dianthus barbatus dy-AN-thus bar-BAY-tus (3–8, 9–1) T. hirta T. HUR-tuh (4–9, 9–1) D. chinensis D. chy-NEN-sis (9–11, 12–1) T. latifolia T. lat-ih-FO-lee-uh (3–8, 8–1) Eupatorium coelestinum yew-puh-TOR-ee-um suh-LESS-tin-um Vernonia baldwinii vur-NO-nee-uh bald-WIN-ee-eye (5–9, 9–5) (3–8, 8–1) V. fasciculata V. fuh-sik-yoo-LAY-tuh (4–9, 9–4) E. rugosum E. roo-GO-sum (4–8, 8–4) V. gigantea V. jy-GAN-tee-uh (5–9, 9–5) Eurybia divaricata yew-REE-bee-uh dih-vair-ih-KAY-tuh (3–9, 9–1) V. lettermannii V. let-ur-MAN-ee-eye (4–9, 9–3) E. macrophylla E. mak-ro-FIL-luh (3–9, 9–1) V. missurica V. mih-ZUR-ih-kuh (3–8, 8–1) Gentiana andrewsii jen-she-AN-uh an-DREW-zee-eye (3–7, 8–1) V. noveboracensis V. no-vay-bor-uh-CHEN-sis (4–8, 8–3)

58 the American Gardener gardenc market classified ad Rates: all classified advertising must be prepaid. $2.75 per word; minimum $66 per insertion. copy and prepayment must be received by the 20th of the month three months prior to publication date. display ad space is also available. to place an ad, call (703) 768-5700 ext. 120 or e-mail [email protected]. fertilizers seeds

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The American Horticultural Society thanks the following sponsors for making the 2012 National Children & Youth Garden Symposium a success.

The Burpee Foundation

September / October 2012 59 plant cin the spotlight

Korean Mountain Ash Delivers Four-Season Interest by Nancy McDonald

n 1998, a dear old apple tree died in my yard in Grand Marais, Mich- Iigan. My husband, Ira, and I cast about for an attractive replacement: a shade tree no more than 40 to 50 feet tall and 20 to 30 feet across at maturity, re- joicing in full sun, well-drained soil, and moderate water. I considered American mountain ash (Sorbus americana), which is native and abundant in Michigan, but I eventually chose Korean mountain ash (S. alnifolia, USDA Hardiness Zones 4–7, AHS Heat Zones 7–4), native to cool areas of central China, Korea, and Japan; the tree has been a delight ever since. The common name for the genus Sor- bus is mountain ash, which stems from a superficial resemblance of the pinnate- ly compound leaves of most species to those of true ash (Fraxinus spp.). But Korean mountain ash, above, is especially unlike most of its brethren, the Korean appealing in fall with its tan dem display of species bears simple leaves that resemble colorful foliage and fruits, left. elm leaves in size and outline. tree’s pleasing branching form is most prone to diseases and insect pests. In the Four-SeaSon Charm obvious during this season. Depending right climate, it adapts to a broad range Plant this mid-size shade tree where you on the local bird population, the scarlet of soil types and pH as long as it is in full can see it from the house, because it’s berries may persist well into winter. sun and has good drainage. If you live in a attractive in all seasons. The simple, oval, Our relatively young tree is still in its city, I wouldn’t recommend it, however, alternate leaves appeal from early spring columnar phase, with branches starting because it doesn’t tolerate pollution well. when they unfold light green, through nearly at the ground. As the tree ages, If deer are a problem, protect the dark green in summer, to rich, deep gold it will spread out to a pyramidal shape trunk of a young tree for the first few in autumn. and maintain low branches unless we winters with a well-staked enclosure of Two- to three-inch clusters of fuzzy prune them up. Eventually the canopy wire mesh. The only pruning needed white flowers bloom in late spring, which will form a dense oval. The growth rate is removal of dead wood. If you must is late May here in northern Michigan, is medium to fast, depending on climate, remove live wood, do so when the tree followed by loose clusters of berries that resulting in a fine specimen shade tree. is dormant in late winter to help pre- are bright orange-red by late summer vent fireblight, a fungal disease that it and persist through fall. Flowering and Keeping it happy is susceptible to if it is stressed. Luckily, fruiting in mountain ashes may be heavi- Korean mountain ash thrives in cool Korean mountain ash is the most dis- er every other year, but even in off years, regions; in warmer climates, it’s more ease-resistant of its genus. As long as it’s there are some clusters. The berry clus- planted in the right spot, it will thrive. m ters on Korean mountain ash are smaller and looser, and to my eye more graceful, Source Formerly editor of American Cottage than those of their American cousins. Forestfarm, Williams, OR. (541) Gardener, Nancy McDonald is an Winter unveils a subtler beauty. The 846-7269. www.forestfarm.com. emergency medical technician in Grand

smooth, silvery gray-brown bark and the Marais, Michigan. joseph g. strauch, jr. left: aleksandra szywala. right:

60 the American Gardener AMerIcAn HorTIcuLTurAL SocIeTy 2013 seed exchange Try something new! Share your favorite varieties!

e a part of the members-only aHS Seed exchange program by sharing seeds from your Bgarden with other members of the Society. those who donate seeds get first pick from the list of seeds, which will be available on the aHS’s website (www.ahs.org) in mid-January. If you prefer, you may request that the list be mailed to you. For more details, see the reverse of this page.

You must be an aHS member to participate. If you aren’t already a member, or need to renew your membership, visit www.ahs.org/join or call the membership department at (800) 777-7931 ext. 119.

Tips for ColleCTing seeds To share Depending on the seed type, there are several methods you can use to separate the seeds from the plant. Most garden seeds fall into one of the three following categories: n Many seeds, such as those that form in pods, remain on the plant for a long time after maturity. Harvest them after they have dried on the plant, or cut off stalks or stems and bring them in to dry before removing the seeds. n Seeds of many ornamental annuals, herbaceous perennials, and herbs scatter easily when ripe. They should be watched closely for maturity and picked on a dry day. Separate the seeds from the plant by running them through a screen or shaking them in a paper bag. Another method is to tie a ventilated paper bag around the flower heads to catch seeds as they scatter. n Seeds encased in a fleshy fruit, like tomatoes, need to be separated from the pulp. In the case of fruit containing a single seed, the pulp can often simply be pulled off. In the case of a fruit with many seeds, you may need to scrape out the fruit’s seedy section, add some water, and let the mix sit for a day or two. Then put the mixture in a strainer and run water through it until the seeds are clean. Spread the seeds out on a glass or glazed ceramic plate and let them dry. Large seeds need about a week to dry; smaller seeds are usually dry after four days. Store the seeds in a well-ventilated, cool, dry place. AmericAn HorticulturAl Society 2013 seed exchange

Look for the AHS 2013 Seed Exchange List on If you have seeds you would like to donate to the 2013 Seed www.ahs.org in mid-January! Exchange Program, here’s what you need to do:

The list of available seeds will be posted on the AHS website n Seeds must be cleaned and dried as thoroughly as possible (www.ahs.org) in mid-January. To be notified when the list before packaging. (See “Tips for Collecting Seeds” on the is available and stay up to date on other AHS activities, other side of this page.) we suggest visiting the AHS website to subscribe to the n Collect enough seeds of each variety to fill 75 orders. For free AHS e-newsletter. very small seeds, one order would be enough to fill the tip of a teaspoon; for large seeds such as beans, it would be five to If you would like to receive a paper copy of the seed exchange 10 seeds. catalog, please send a self-addressed, stamped, business-size n Complete a Donor Information Sheet (below) for each envelope to 2013 AHS Seed Exchange Catalog Request, type of seed donated. Photocopy as many sheets as needed. 7931 East Boulevard Drive, Alexandria, VA 22308. n To help us with cross-referencing, also label each package of seeds with the common and botanical names of the plant. n Mail seeds in a box or padded envelope marked HAnD Please note: Due to Federal regulations, the AHS can only CAnCEl to: 2013 AHS Seed Exchange Program, 7931 East accept seed donations from, and send seeds to, members living Boulevard Drive, Alexandria, VA 22308. in the United States. n Seed donations must be postmarked by november 1, 2012. Note: AHS members who have donated seeds according to these guidelines will receive first preference in getting their orders filled.

Due to insufficient supply or other reasons, not all donated seeds may appear in the catalog; these seeds are donated to nonprofit organizations and schools, upon request. If you would like to obtain seeds for your local school or organization, please contact us for availability.

2013 AHS Seed Exchange Program Donor Information Sheet Please complete a sheet for each type of seed donated. Photocopy this sheet as needed.

Seed is: q Annual q Herb q Tree/Shrub q Vine q Perennial q Vegetable/Fruit

Common name: ______q I appreciate the AHS’s efforts to Botanical name: ______reduce paper usage by making the seed catalog available online, but I prefer Mature height: ______Flower color(s): ______to have a copy mailed to my home. Growth habit: ______I’ve enclosed a self-addressed, stamped business-size envelope. Comments on germination, maintenance, appearance, and/or use:

______Seed donations must be postmarked ______by November 1, 2012. Please write the common and botanical ______names of the plant and your name, city, Submitted by: ______and state on each package of seeds. Mail clean, dry seeds in a box or padded Street address: ______envelope marked hand cancel to: City/State/Zip code: ______2013 AHS Seed Exchange Program 7931 East Boulevard Drive Daytime phone: ______Alexandria, VA 22308 E-mail: ______

where gardeners go to grow.

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