50th Anniversary Issue

Primroses Fall 1991 Volume 49, No. 4 American Primrose Society - Fall 1991

PRIMROSES In this issue Quarterly of the American Primrose Society Anniversary Issue 1 AMERICAN PRIMROSE SOCIETY Thank you 2 Fall 1991 Memories of Florence Bellis 3 Anniversary Issue Volume 49, Number 4 A Green Edged Auricula 'Etna Tale1 5 A visit with Susan Watson 6 In celebration of 50 years. Editor: Maedythe Martin Watson Memorial 7 951 Joan Crescent, Reminiscences 8 The American Primrose Society became a reality some years after the idea Victoria, B.C. CANADA V8S 3L3 by Beth Tait first occurred to founding members. Keen primula growers had struggled to Designer: Rebecca Nolle A little reminiscence 10 organize formally for two or three years before the society actually registered by Rosetta Jones and the first show was held in 1941. Shortly after that show, a way was found EDITORIAL DEADLINES Remembrances 11 to reproduce the bulletins, which were mimeographed and distributed to Winter issue ... December 1 by Loie Benedict members starting in 1942. These were war years, and the effort Spring issue ... March 1 Peter Klein 12 to make the society a reality must have been tremendous. Summer issue ... June 1 by Cyrus Happy Fall issue ... September 1 OW times in the APS 14 Fifty years later the society is commemorating its golden anniversary with by Herb Dickson this special edition of the quarterly bulletin Primroses. In this issue are Down memory lane 16 reminiscences of long-time members of the American Primrose Society and a PHOTOGRAPHIC CREDITS by Izetta M. Renlon tribute to some of the plants that have been produced in the Pacific Northwest Photographs were taken by Howard Larkin 19 area by members of the society. Only primroses and auriculas that have stood Cy Happy except where noted in photo- by Dorothy Springer the test of time and are still grown by Society members today have been graph credits. Color photograph Section 21 included. It is nice to talk of wonderful plants that have been grown, but more satisfactory to admire ones that are still available today. Many of the black and white photos for Plant profiles 29 Primrose folk 34 this issue were taken from the editors Society members and Chapters have cooperatively pitched in to raise and box of historical black and white A look at the ads 37 Rom the Mailbox 39 donate the extra funds needed to cover the cost of color photographs of these photos which are not always credited. From the Seed Exchange 40 splendid primrose and auricula plants. May this inspire all of the current Portrait photos were taken from old News from the Chapters 42 members to continue with enthusiasm and energy to grow and develop fine quarterlies. If credits were missed, Vickie Sauer of Primrose Lane 43 primroses and auriculas that will be the rivals of the outstanding plants devel- please accept the editor's apologies. by Barbara Flynn oped within the society in the first fifty years. Notes from the Editor 44 The editor wishes to sincerely thank all those who have helped with this PRIMROSES (ISSN 0162-6671) is Board of Directors meeting 46 keepsake edition of Primroses. published quarterly by the American Officers « ,...48 Primrose, Primula and Auricula Society, 6620 NW 271st Ave., HiUsboro, OR 97124. Second-Class postage paid at HiUsboro OR and Maedythe Martin, additional mailing offices. Editor POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Primroses, 6620 NW 271st Ave., Hillsboro, OR 97124 American Primrose Society - Fall 1991 I American Primrose Society - Fall 1991 Memories of Florence Bellis Acknowledgements and thanks arc made Donations from the Chapters have assisted by Richard Critz to the following for their kind financial directly with the additional cost of produc- support in producing this special anniver- ing four of the eight color photos and the I knew that during my first trip to the West sary issue of the American Primrose extra color printing cost associated with the Coast after becoming editor of the Ameri- Society quarterly bulletin Primroses. color photographs. The Eastside Chapter in can Primrose Society quarterly in 1989, my particular has donated funds to sponsor a wife Carolyn, and I had to meet Florence * June Skidmore, in memory of full color page. Bellis. Since we were making a big thing Brian Skidmore. of this trip — visits to British Columbia, to * Washington State Chapter of the Appreciation is expressed on behalf of the the Seattle area and into Oregon — we American Primrose Society, Gene American Primrose Society. You have all decided to spend a day going to Florence's Reichle, President. participated in producing a momento for a house on the Oregon coast It was a long * Oregon Primrose Society, Thelma special time in the Society's history. way down from Portland to Lincoln City; Gcnheimer, President. and as we turned into North Oar Drive, we * Valley-Hi Chapter, Oregon, Etna Tale, Special thanks are extended to Flip Fcnili, both decided to make the visit brief. After President. Cy and Rita Happy and Thea Oakley for all, Florence was not well, and this was just * Eastside Primula Society, Washington, their efforts in raising corporate donations. a courtesy call. Thca Oakley, President. * Tacoma Primula Society, Washington, Little did we know! Florence's house was Candy Strickland, President. small and so cute, but it was badly in need * Goldsmith Seeds, Gilroy, California. of paint and repairs. Her car, tightly * Doretta Klaber Chapter wedged into the tiny carport, had not been Florence Bellis's portrait as it appeared driven in a while — in fact, the place in the Bulletin in 1953. looked deserted, and the lady herself was long in appearing when we knocked. But Great Stories, Good Information We talked at length about Florence's book, funny, almost as soon as she opened the There are some wonderful stories of primroses, Issues not available: Waste Not, Want Not, which she was just door, the three of us were drawn together as auriculas and the members who grew them in Vol.1 No. 1,2,3,4 Vol. 14 No. 1 completing and which she wanted so if by magnets. this treasure trove of society history. Or order a Vol.2 No. 1,2 Vol. 25 No. 3 desperately to have published. Interest- cultural chart — lots of information on one large Vol.3 No. 3 Vol. 33 No. 1 ingly, just the day before I had talked with chart you can hang on the wall. Vol.6 No. 3, 4 Vol. 34 No. 1 We found so much to share, and the Richard Abel of Timber Press and was able Vol. 10 No. 3 Vol. 35 No. 3 afternoon passed as if on wings. The Critz* to make the connections that eventually a. Quarterlies from 1945 through 1981 / .50 ea. Vol.12 No. 2, 3 Vol.36 No. 1,2 are not your regular outgoing people (we're resulted — after many arduous months of b. Quarterlies from 1982 through 1989 / 2.00 ea. Vol. 13 No. 1 Vol. 42 No. 1 shy) and I take it Florence was generally of revising and polishing — in the publication c. Index, Vol. 1 through Vol. 34 / 2.00 ea. the same temperament, but during the of Florence's scintillating, wise and al- d. Culture Charts / 1.00 each Order from the Secretary— course of that day all of us opened up e. Postage: together beautiful Gardening and Beyond. Ann Lunn depths and walked together down avenues Copies (a - e) ordered 6620N.W. 271st Ave. USA Other Countries of sharing we would never have thought Hillsboro, OR 97124 possible with strangers. And strangers we continued on page 4 1-5 $1.50 $2.00 USA. 6-15 2.00 3.50 did not remain, for a warm and lasting love 16-25 3.00 5.00 sprang into being that day that is among the 26-50 4.00 15.00 most treasured memories of my life. Greater than 50 8.00 30.00 American Primrose Society - Fall 1991 American Primrose Society - Fall 1991

Memories continued making and we all feasted together and talked some more. We talked about the founding of the A Green-Edged society. Florence had a delightfully After that wonderful day I only saw Auricula 'Etha Tate' humorous way of telling a story; and her Florence in person one other time, but we by Etha Tate remembrances, comments and asides had corresponded regularly and voluminously us in gales of laughter. for the remaining two or three years of her The 1942 American Primrose Society show with her plants. She was a director for a life. I wish I had the power to convey to We talked about the Quarterly, of which was held in the auditorium of the American number of years, treasurer for three years, you the respect and affection which I had she was the founding editor, and which she Public Service Building in Portland, and president in 1952. I remember after and have for that gallant, talented — and, got out for its first 10 years. I told her of Oregon. Ivanel (Ivie) Agee and I attended. one of the big Primrose Society shows yes rather lonely and often misunderstood my plans for the magazine and received the It was a beautiful show — big floral Mary called everyone together to present — woman. My hope is that she is enjoying encouragement and support I so needed to gardens, tables full of primroses — and the awards and trophies. This was the first a glorious hereafter, as known as she was keep purposefully at this exciting job. garden club arrangements all around the time it had happened. She insisted that this knowing. *J* balcony. be a part of every show after that. <* We talked about Florence's life and work at Richard Critz was editor of Primroses from Bamhaven and before, about her research Mrs. Rae Selling Berry had a beautiful There have been so many enthsiastic 1988 to 1989. He lives in Newtown Square, on primulas preceding the founding of her display including exhibition auriculas. Ivie members of the society from Oregon over PA, a part of the country perhaps less business, about her joys and sorrows, her said, "I'm going to have some edged the years. Who better to send us a story hospitable to primroses than the west coast, marriages and friends. We talked and auriculas someday." She hybridized many from Oregon primula enthusiasts than but that has only encouraged him in his on- talked — and it was all so indescribably auriculas after that, as well as other Etha, a prime mover of this dedicated going fascination with them. We thank him satisfy ing and rich. Until suddenly we primroses. Two show auriculas were group who is hosting and organizing the for sending us this touching reminiscence. realized it was time to eat So what did she named for good friends: a green edged National Show on behalf of the society at do but heat up a pot of soup she had been named 'Etna Tate' for me, and a yellow self the symposium 'Primula Worldwide' to be called 'Mary Zach' after another friend. held in Oregon in 1992.

Mary Zach was a devoted member of the Etha Tate presents this little reminiscence Primrose Society and a great grower. She on behalf of both herself and the Oregon had a big bed of 'Buttercup' which was the members. envy of all. She was also very generous

SEED of DOUBLE ACAULIS and DOUBLE AURICULA NEW SEED CROP IN AUGUST Minimum order - 50 seeds - $5.00

Rosetta Jones E. 170 Dunoon PI. Phone: 206-426-7913 Shelton, WA 98584 The green edged auricula 'Etha Tate.' 6 American Primrose Society - Fall 1991 American Primrose Society - Fall 1991

Hotel Vancouver. Vic Cosley was also a John Kerridge talked to Susan Watson in A Visit with founding member of the alpine club. When the nursing home where she lived in North I moved from Brunswick Beach I gave him Susan Watson Vancouver just a few days before she died all my primrose stock. on September 30,1991. We are grateful to by John Kerridge him for his persistance in finding a time to The Brunswick Beach property was out on talk to her when she felt well enough. Did you ever cross any primroses? the way to Horseshoe Bay. We had five acres. There was nothing when we first Susan's contribution to the society through moved there. But we macadamized the Yes, I'm sure I did. (Thea Foster, former the Dictionary will always be remembered. road. After a while, bus loads of people editor, attributes 'Butterbair, a cheerful It is a treasure to have this little insight into came, even a group from New York City. «?* yellow julie hybrid, to Susan Watson. It the early development of the Pictorial was developed by her in the late 1960s Dictionary from its originator so shortly (Smith & Fletcher published a 'Summary of sometime after she moved to Vancouver. before she died. See note in the spring 1990 issue of the the Genus Primula' in the Transactions of quarterly, p. 54.) the Royal Society of Edinburgh from 1941 through 1949.) I remember when Linda Eickman devel- oped pink primroses. She was the first to get good, clear pink ones. I published a picture of one of hers in the Quarterly. I was editor of the Quarterly, so I never published anything about my own develop- MEMORIAL ments. (Susan Watson was editor from The editor of the Bulletin, Susan Watson, from Susan Bellamy Watson died September 30,1991 in North Vancouver, 1952tol956.) a tribute to her on Her retirement by Florence B.C. She was editor of the American Primula Society Quarterly for four Bellis. (Fall 1956 issue.) years, 1952 to 1956. She also formulated and patented 'Sturdy/ a You were the editor of the Quarterly? fertilizer product (0-10-10) for encouraging strong roots on seedlings. The Dictionary took me two years. It was Yes, but I was even more interested in the hard work, but I enjoyed it Mostly I used She was a founding member of the Canadian Primula and Alpine Society, Dictionary (Pictorial Dictionary of the Smith and Fletcher as a reference. I used now known as the Alpine Garden Club of B.C. and was an honorary life Cultivated Species of the Genus the Woodward Library at the University of member of this society. Primula). I needed it, for reference as British Columbia — I lived there, almost. I editor. I had started it on my own by visited it every day. An avid gardener before her health failed, she was also a great cook and keeping a looseleaf notebook for each hostess, a talented embroiderer and a lover of classical music and art. primula. When it was done, it was well There's an article in the Fall 1956 issue of After she was confined to a wheelchair, she and her daughter made two recognized in the United Kingdom by the Quarterly about my time as editor. trips to Europe to visit famous art galleries. Harold Fletcher at the Edinburgh Botanic Garden. I corresponded with Sir W. Wright Was there a Chapter of the American She will be sorely missed and remembered by her family and many Smith, too. He was quite shy, as I remem- Primrose Society in Vancouver? friends. ber. Yes, the Vancouver group was a Chapter. From notes kindly taken at her memorial service in Vancouver by a friend, My husband, Jim Watson, started the Nan Sherlock. Canadian Primula and Alpine Society in the American Primrose Society - Fall 1991 American Primrose Society - Fall 1991

hand pollinate them. That's how'American Reminiscences Beauty' (red self show auricula) and 'Anna by Beth TaU Francis1 (yellow self show auricula) originated. You were on the executive of the Ameri- How did you get started growing prim- can Primrose Society? roses and auriculas? I had some different colored Cowichans, too — light blue and orange. I was treasurer for 12 years. (Beth was I bought them from John Shuman in treasurer from 1962 to 1973.) I'd send out Seattle. He had auriculas from Frank One year we had a flood. The water was packages of seed to the new members, and Michaud up in Canada. There were all seven feet deep in places. It took out the they*d write back. I'd be up answering kinds — alpine, edged shows and selfs. lath house and all the plants. I lost every letters until two in the morning. I also corresponded with C.F. Hill in primrose and auricula plant. I just never England, and he sent me offsets of named had the heart to start up with them again Grace Conboy and Susan Watson used to auriculas. after that. * come down from Canada. Susan had the Dictionary printed up there in Canada. Once I sent for 50 julies from Ireland. They Beth. Tail made a significant contribution to (The Pictorial Dictionary of the Culti- arrived at Hoboken, New Jersey, the point the society, both as treasurer and in vated Species of the Genus 'Primula.') of entry, and by the time I got them, they Beth Tail, owner of Primrose Acres. growing and developing show standard Then she sent it down here to me. But the were mush. Maybe one, 'Burgundy Wine/ plants. But more than that, she spread her post office wouldn't release it, because it survived. I planted the seed in flats, probably 30 or 40 enthusiasm for primulas and auriculas to had been printed outside the United States. others. Thanks to Beth and to Don Keefe, It sat there for about three months, while we Alice Hills Baylor had a catalog of julies at each year. They'd come up thick as fleas. The seed went in on the soil mix in the who arranged this interview, for providing tried everything we could think of to get it the time, and I ordered some of them. In us with some of her memories. released. Finally they sent me a notice they fact I sent some julies to Dr. Haro in Japan flats, then I'd cover them with paper towels. were going to burn it in 1959 or 1960. I corresponded with him I'd water over the paper towels with warm regularly then. I've often wondered if the water three days in a row. In about a week I couldn't think what else to do. So I took a Sakata julies came from those plants. up would come the first little while tails friend, and we got in the station wagon and sprouting out of the seeds. I used to love to see them. went to the post office. "I still can't release Where did you grow all the primroses and it/' the man at the post office said. I just auriculas? looked him in the eye and said, "Would you There were so many beds of primulas and auriculas out there — probably 3,000 like to take a walk?" He looked back at me There were rows and rows of primroses and plants. One day I noticed an older lady was for a moment and then said "I believe I auriculas, all under laths right outside here. standing there in the middle of all those would/ We didn't waste any time: we I grew a lot of my own seed and seed from primrose plants, crying. I asked her what loaded the Dictionary into the station the Society and Florence Bellis, too, though was wrong and she said, "I think I've died wagon and left she was Florence Levy then. You know and gone to heaven." how they measured out the seed at Bamhaven in those days? Lew Levy used a You raised a number of new varieties? shell from a 22 short bullet He soldered on a handle, and they used the bullet case as a Yes, I'd take the plants from those beds in little scoop. You got a lot of seed in one the lath house into the greenhouses and scoop. Frank Michaud. 10 American Primrose Society - Fall 1991 American Primrose Society - Fall 1991 11

A Little Reminiscence Remembrances by Rosetta Jones by Loie Benedict

About 40 years ago a notice in the evening Barnhaven issue of the Quarterly. The flowering of paper about a display of primroses at this rarity really pleased her. She had Frederick & Nelson in downtown Seattle I remember the first time that I visited special frames for growing her alpine started my long association with the Barnhaven. The nursery was called treasures that she raised from seed, some American Primrose Society. Barnhaven because the house was an old from the great expeditions to China and remodelled bam on stilts above a stream. other exotic locations. I was working in an office nearby, so the On the hill above the creek was an old next day on my lunch hour I went to apple orchard where primroses were Japanese Primroses Fredericks and found a beautiful display of growing. It was very attractive. polyanthus primroses such as I had never Carl Starker had really unusual plants and seen before. On duty at the display were The primulas were lifted from the orchard was also a flower arranger of note. I visited Dorothy Stredicke (later Dickson) and ground and brought down near the stream his garden twice. He was a sardonic man, Ralph Balcom. I learned much later that where there was a wickiup. The beds were but lots of fun, and could be very amusing. Carl Starker and Dorothy had made a quick at waist height and could be reached from He went in for Primula seiboldii in great trip down to California to get plants in both sides. The primulas were planted in variety and raised some really splendid bloom. This was February and no plants in blocks of the same color for pollination. forms that he showed at the Portland The flower petals were stripped off before primrose shows. the flowers even opened, so that the beds Rosetta and Allen Jones. presented a curious sight Pink Polyanthus

Seattle had flowers! It was a bit of a cheat, In the stream bed candelabras and bell- I remember how exciting it was to see but it sure made for a beautiful display! flowered types, 'Asian primroses/ as Linda Eickman's first pink polyanthus at Florence Bellis called them, were growing the Portland show. These were the I went to the next meeting of the Washing- along with magnificent specimen of beginning of the 'Warm Laughter' and ton State Chapter of the American Primrose Meconopsis betonicifolia nearby. 'Crown Pink' strains. Later, of course, I Society which was held in the meeting grew plants from her seed. This was a real house at the Arboretum. Dorothy came to Mrs. Berry milestone and a color breakthrough in the be my very best friend. I miss her still. <* polyanthus group. <* Rae Selling Berry was deaf but read lips Rosetta has been a dedicated and valued very well. She had lots of yappy dogs that Mention Loie s name and watch people's member of the society for the better part of would nip at visitors' heels as her guests faces light up. A plantswoman of the first two decades. Her work in hybridizing walked about the garden. Of course, Rae order, and still growing strong, Loie lives double acaulis is well recognzed by primula couldn't hear them yap. near Auburn in her wonderful garden full growers of the Pacific Northwest. Thanks, of plant treasures. She was on the board of Rosetta, for sending this little historicial Rae had only the best of European-raised the society for many years, and a judge for vignette. auriculas before anyone else in the North- society shows. Thanks to her, and to Gerry west was growing them. I recall one of my Flintoffwho recorded these memories, for pictures of her Primula cuneifolia ssp. sharing these special remembrances. saxifragifolia was published in an early Dorothy Dickson presiding at a display table. 12 American Primrose Society - Fall 1991 American Primrose Society - Fall 1991 13

Pete purchased a packet of edged show Peter auricula seed about 1950, probably from by Cyrus Happy Cyril Haysom. He was not pleased with the resulting seedlings but he crossed the best How can I describe Peter Klein? Himalayan woodlands. After several of them, a gray, with a green. From that failures he had requested and received fresh cross came a green-edged show auricula, Self-educated farm boy from northeast green seed still in the pod from Jack Drake the 1957 Bamford Trophy winner, now Illinois, Illinois farmer with wife and a boy in Scotland. He planted them immediately called'Peter Klein.' and a girl, widower with two small and watered them every morning with children, employee of Seattle-Tacoma warm water for ten days. In 21 days they Another edged show auricula from that Shipbuilding Corporation during World had germinated. On one visit I was shown cross won in 1958. I used pollen from War II, or operator of a small nursery in resting buds; on the next visit the buds were 'Peter Klein' green to produce the seed I Tacoma after the war until his death in July bursting with flowers. sold worldwide in the 1960s. Some of the of 1957? current British greens look much like 'Peter One May he showed me how to make leaf Klein' with wide green edge and nearly Throughout his life Peter Klein was a keen cuttings of P. scapigera by gently pulling closed tube. observer of nature, especially flowers. He off the older leaves. When they came away was a devout Catholic; and no matter how easily, there would be a tiny bud at the base From Florence Bellis (then Levy) at financially strapped, he always provided of the stem from which would come a new Bamhaven he got seed of gold laced flowers for the altar at SL Ann's in Tacoma. plant polyanthus and started producing choice plants. His instinct for selecting parent By his example and his urging, his garden- He loved to find plants that would cross, plants brought him success with these ing friends learned how much more there and he got up early to experiment. Peter plants too. was to gardening beyond planting a packet did his pollinating at dawn when the pistil Peter Klein and his dog, Buster. of seeds. For many of us he opened the was most moist and receptive. In 1954 he Peter Klein knew the old florist rule, window to the world of rare and exciting found he could get seed by putting "Second best plants make the best seed Finally double seedlings appeared. The plants and the creation of new ones. P. darkei pollen on P. rosea 'Delight.' parents." From this came the popular hybrid P. first was a lovely blue. These new doubles were then used as pollen parents, and his During the 1950s I stopped often on my 'Peter Klein.' Peter died of cancer at age 65 on July 17, strain of doubles was established. way home from work to see what was new 1957. The results of his encouragement, at Pete's. On one of my first visits I Pete read most of the literature on double insight and hybridizing live on. <* remember telling him about Meconopsis primroses before he started to create some Pete then started on double Julianas (the first, a yellow, appeared in 1953) and also sherriffae pictured in the latest Royal of his own. The experts all claimed doubles President, Cy Happy was fortunate in his on a double Jack-in-the-Green program, Horticultural Society bulletin. Without were completely sterile, the pollen and long association with Peter Klein. We are which was in process when he died. Pete's saying anything, he took me into the back seed-producing parts being replaced by grateful to Cyfor writing up these remem- daughter, Lucille Cilenti, saved Pete's seed greenhouse and showed me a pot of it in petals. Pete felt otherwise. He pulled the brances for those of us who never knew in her refrigerator for many years. Herb full bloom — lustrous soft pink poppy-like blossoms of 'Quaker's Bonnet1 apart all one Peter Klein. flowers. season. The last few had pollen-bearing and Dorothy Dickson grew some of the julie/jack seed five or six years later and tissue on the edges of a few petals. He put This happened again with Primula the pollen on a few selected singles. produced 'Jay Jay/ which happens to be a sonchifolia, the difficult petiolarid from the The resulting seedlings were all single. good seed parent for producing more They were crossed with the white-edged doubles. purple 'Marie Crousse.' These seedlings were also all single and were crossed with 'Burgundy Beauty' pollen. American Primrose Society - Fall 1991 15 14 American Primrose Society - Fall 1991

I was full of ideas for publicity. Cy and were brought by Ralph Balcom and John Old Times in the I wrote articles for magazines, got informa- Shuman, who were two good growers of tion out to the garden clubs in Washington show auriculas at that time. I will always American Primrose Society and Oregon, were interviewed on radio, got remember the suburb plant of the alpine by Herb Dickson notices published in local papers and auricula 'Argus' grown by John Shuman. announcements in all flower publications. It got the trophy for best plant in show. Back in the early 1950s I was working as We emphasized that this was the first a correctional officer at the federal peniten- national primrose show in the area. Since 19551 have exhibited at many shows tiary on McNeil Island, and living at the and won many trophies but no one has ever bachelor officers' quarters on the island. Come show day, the Tacoma paper said the been able to corner me into being show For something to do, I grew some polyan- show would open at 11 am instead of at 1 chairman again. Cy and I were a good thus in beds around the quarters. I had pm as all our other publicity said. A crowd team. We worked well together on that recently joined the Tacoma Primrose of two or three hundred assembled outside show, and we still work well together 36 Society. the car bam on the street At 11:30 some years later. <* broke through the temporary door and Even though I knew very little about swarmed in. We were not through judging. Herb Dickson could be characterized as the primroses, I thought I had some nice plants. It took me and two others to push the crowd backbone of the Primrose Society. His I asked at the society meeting which two outside again so the judging could continue. enthusiasm for primroses and auriculas is I should bring, as I had to hand carry the Within an hour when the show actually still as strong today as it was in the 1950s. plants to the boat to get off the island, and opened, it was estimated there were 2,000 And Herb has maintained some named from the boat to the bus and on the bus to Herb Dickson as pictured in the Winter 1957 people ready to flood into the show. By the varieties of plants in cultivation through the show. I was advised to bring any color issue of the Primrose Quarterly, end of the day over more than 5,000 people care and dedication to his nursery stock, but yellow. Being a natural rebel, I took a had attended. Even the turnout for the Advisor to our society, he is a source of banquet and annual meeting that evening information, and we want to say thanks for yellow one that I liked. Evidently other property for the show. It was an old transit was more than we had planned. the stories in his reminiscences provided for people liked it, too. It won the trophy as the barn which had a big parking lot. It was this issue. best polyanthus in the show. That was right downtown, only one block from the Auriculas were the big new thing at that 1954. bus depot. show. Beside Denna Snuffer's first new double auriculas, beautiful auricula plants In 1955 Tacoma was hosting the first This was the first national show in the national show to be held outside the Oregon Tacoma area and everybody was enthusias- area. I was young and full of vigor, with tic and willing to pitch in and work. It took time on my hands. The Society talked me a lot of work to clean up that old bam. into being show chairman. Cy Happy was Then we had to lay out the floor displays, president of the Tacoma Primrose Society, arrange for the tables for the show plants and worked at the bank in the daytime. I and competition winners, and set up the MT. TAHOMA NURSERY was working nights at the prison. Many plant sales area. The Tacoma Parks Rick Lupp (206) 847-9827 were the trips I made to the bank where Cy Department put on a wonderful display. ALPINES, WASHINGTON STATE NATIVES, and I discussed primroses and the show at SPECIES PRIMULAS, TROUGHS, AND TROUGH PLANTS his teller's window. Cy was able to get us There was no heat in the building: good for Custom Propagation permission for the use of some bank the plants, but bad for the people working at Nursery: Open By Appointment Only the show. Mail Order: U.S. & Canadian Only Send $1.00 For Plant List 28111-112th Avenue E., Graham, Washington 98338 16 American Primrose Society - Fall 1991 American Primrose Society - Fall 1991 17

Down Memory Lane by Izetla M. Renton

Way back in the olden days around 1910 Elsa Frick, out in the University District, I remember seeing my first primrose plants had a fascinating nursery and she carried 20 in the garden of a dear old lady. She was or more kinds of asiatic primroses and called a woman doctor and was an ex- several European ones, as well as some tremely intelligent midwife. She traded julie hybrids. She also had the true Primula seed and plants by mail all over the United juliae species, a tiny creeper, growing right States and other countries. Her plants along the ground. I've never seen this form included a few common kinds grown from since I lost mine nine years ago. seed — white and pink, and some cowslips and oxslips as well, as I recall. Another The American Rock Garden Society memory I have from the years before members around Seattle grew lots of World War I is that my godmother grew different primulas in their gardens. Back in several kinds of primroses in her garden. the 1930s 400 gardeners went up to Victoria for a meeting that lasted a week. Then, in the 1920s, I came to live here in We made our headquarters at the Empress the Snoqualmie Valley, and primrose Hotel and we visited Butchart Gardens and gardens were plentiful. Around Kirkland private gardens and took in the flower show and Juaneta there were several growers, and at the Willows. We saw hundreds of the primrose shows in the spring were fairy primroses of many different kinds. lands of color. Herb and Dorothy Dickson carried lots of Our very dear friends, Nor and Hattie kinds of primroses in their nursery at Reimstetters, owned Flower Acres, a Tukwilla, on the edge of Renton, in the The barn at Barnhaven . nursery specializing in rhododendrons, 1960s. azaleas and primroses. They came up with the nursery. One winter it flooded and just purest blues imaginable; Harvest Yellow, Every spring we went down to Oregon to a pale yellow double acaulis which was the about wiped out the nursery. The loss was from creamy yellow to deep gold; Winter visit the different nurseries. Many of them envy of the primrose nursery across the tremendous in dollars but also in plants, the White with the loveliest clear white street owned by a man named Day. Mr. were extensive. Carl Starker at Jennings result of years of work. flowers. These I remember from along in Day wanted that primrose real bad. Nor Lodge on the edge of Portland carried the 1940s. Reimstetter didn't want to sell it, so he put a acaulis primroses, alpine auriculas, several Florence was developing the Bamhaven price of $500 on all the stock he had. Well, juliae hybrids and some Primula sieboldii strains at that time that were to become Then in the 1950s she came up with Coral Mr. Day bought it But the first year he hybrids. known and grown all over the world. She Salmon, Apricot and the Desert Sunset divided it so severely he lost the whole lot. used what is known as line breeding and strain, three gold rimmed chocolate, coffee And then I met Florence Bellis (then Levy) saved just the strongest ones with the and cocoa shades. A little later on, I remember Fred Huey was at Bamhaven. Rorence was a warm clearest colors. I remember the Grand also just outside of Juaneta. He had the friendly person and had a fascinating Canyon strain, which was brown shades; The start of these, I understood, came from Hopkins Nursery, which had lots of nursery. She and Lew Levy, her husband at the Indian Reds, which produced reddish- the Mustead primroses produced by primroses. And up on what was known as that time, lived in a renovated red bam. purple shades; Marine Blue strain with the Gertrude Jekyll in England in the 1880s. Finn Hill, Beth Tait had a lovely collection There was a little creek ran right through of primroses in her nursery. continued on page 18 18 American Primrose Society - Fall 1991 American Primrose Society - Fall 1991 19

Memory Lane continued edge. And some are fragrant It has been a wonderful experience. No, I don't sell Howard Larkin Of course, Florence spent years improving them. I occasionally give one to a special by Dorothy Springer the strains she is remembered for today. In friend. But my garden is full of them. 1956 or 1957 she started to work on the Howard Larkin was growing primroses as street car bams all the way to the New York Cowichan strain. Then, in 1958, she began I am fortunate in having a garden in a hardy as perennials in Tacoma, Washington Times. The Times, in turn, actually sent to get pink: appleblossom pink, raspberry protected place where I don't get the cold in the 1940s, long before commercial out a reporter to cover the show. and a really true pink. She had started to wind in winter or the hot wind in early growers discovered the value of primroses work on the doubles in 1960 and we know summer that blows over the pass. I live as spring bedding plants. Each year placards announcing the Tacoma what wonderful success she had with them. right up against the main Cascade Moun- show sprang up in all the nurseries, libraries Until she finally sold the nursery property, tains, but in a protected spot The moun- Until he purchased his first plants from Dr. and wherever Howard could convince a I never missed a spring visit to Bamhaven. tains come out to a point of rocks that sends Tollefson of Steilacoom, Washington, merchant to display one. The thirty foot the winds and sleet and snow on down the Howard had never seen a primrose. Dr. banners which stretched across the streets in Peter Klein was also making a name with valley, leaving my garden degrees warmer. Tollefson grew his plants as a hobby and downtown Tacoma to announce the show doubles. Then after his death, William only sold his excess plants. But Howard were also Howard's idea. Graves moved in. He was interested in My sister lives four miles from me out in got some. Those first few plants gave primroses. Well, he worked away from the main valley of the Snoqualmie Pass and Howard a case of primrose fever and started Seed from Vetterle and Reinelt started home and just couldn't provide the constant can't keep primroses going from year to a new grower on a hobby of his own. Howard off in a new direction: growing attention they needed. The plants were left year in her garden. primroses himself from seed. He bought sitting in a shade house in the flats and he In the mid-1940s, Howard's mother read in the packets in single color lots instead of in failed to water them. He lost the whole I guess we've wandered long enough in the newspaper of an upcoming meeting of mixed colors, and grew the plants in color bunch. memory lane, so I'll close this with a wish the Tacoma Primrose Society. Howard's groups in his large yard near 6th and that all your gardens are thriving and doing interest was caught and he attended. This Prospect in Tacoma. When the yard When Florence sold the property known as well. <5» began his long relationship with that group. became too small, he moved his plants Barnhaven and went to the Oregon coast to Several years ago the Society presented him across town to Pacific Avenue. But the live, she took the best plants of the doubles It is indeed a treat to have such a lovely with an honorary life membership for his commute was too far so he rented a field on as well as some of the best of her other miscellanea of remembrances as Izetta has many years of service, the west slope in the suburb of University plants with her. She continued to produce sent. This remarkable member of the Place. And there he grew primroses by the seed of the double acaulis primroses. Jared society had a nursery business of her own Howard's reports as treasurer of the hundreds. Sinclair in England carried on with her in the Snoqualmie area for years. Still Tacoma Society, which he gave for over 10 hybridizing work in England. Her strains going strong despite her venerable accumu- years, consisted of only a twinkle in the eye Plants from the field were sold with the have gone on for 20 years or more. lation of years, she is an active member in and a brief "there's about x number of large rootball wrapped in tin foil, three the Washington State Chapter and a fund of dollars in the treasury." But he was always plants to a shoe box. These colorful boxes About the time Florence left Barnhaven, information. Thanks for these treasures, very exact with the actual figures, contra- of primroses, along with Howard's other I, too, was working on double primroses. Izetta. dicting his tongue-in-cheek method of specialty, gorgeous blue violas, became I used some of Florence's plants and the reporting. familiar harbingers of spring. knowledge she so kindly passed on to me, and I have had wonderful success. I have While he was Show Publicity Chairman, continued on page 20 grown hundreds of them, in all colors of the Howard sent the news of the Tacoma rainbow. Some have one shade of color Primrose Society show to be held in the edged with another shade, or with a silver American Primrose Society - Fall 1991 21 20 American Primrose Society - Fall 1991

Howard Lor kin continued got some of this, he was off on another growing adventure. But by now, the Then Howard met Marie! On a visit to commercial growers were flooding the Boston Harbour Nursery near Olympia, primula market with very early blooming Howard discovered a few plants of the flashy pot-grown plants. The beautiful In celebration of 50 years. famous old double primrose * Marie auriculas in their foil wrappings bloomed The fiftieth anniversary issue of Crousse.' These few plants were carefully loo late in the season to attract much the American Primrose Society tended and divided until there were over interest when gardeners were buying bulletin commemorates the 2,000 plants growing in the hillside field. petunias and marigolds. * founding of the society by capturing in color some of the 'Marie Crousse* was also sold wrapped in His current primrose crop consists of one fine and garden worthy plants foil, three big plants to a shoe box. 'They plant in a pot, but Howard can still developed by members of the sold like hotcakes," Howard said. People immediately locate his very first blue society. AH the plants shown on bought them a dozen or more at a time. ribbon. It was awarded to one of his blue these pages are still cherished Curiously, not one was ever brought to a polyanthus which also got the award for Tacoma primrose show. But a bad Best Plant in Show. That was in 1954, the and grown today in gardens of American Primrose Society Northwest winter, plus the poor soil in the year the Tacoma show was held in the old members. field, eventually left Howard bereft of Crawford restaurant on St. Helen's Avenue Marie. in downtown Tacoma. 'Rapps Double Purple.' Profile on page 29.

The English firm of Gordon Douglas had seed of alpine auriculas and, when Howard

American Rock Garden Society

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To join send $25 to Jacques Mommens, PO Box 67, Millwood, Now York, 10546 White edged show auricula 'Snow Lady.' Profile on pages 29-30. 22 American Primrose Society - Fall 1991 American Primrose Society - Fall 1991 23

V

•W i^& Green edged auricula 'Peter Klein.' Profile on pc

'Dusty Double.' Profile on page 30. Double auricula 'Brownie.' Profile on page 31. 24 American Primrose Society - Fall 1991 American Primrose Society - Fall 1991 25

'American Beauty' a red show self. Profile on page 31. 'Cornmeal' a show auricula. Profile on pages 31 -32. American Primrose Society - Fall 1991 26 American Primrose Society - Fall 1991 27

Many years of hybridizing and selecting brings breath taking displays during auricula time at Herb Dickson's Chehalis, Washington nursery. Herb Dickson with his auriculas.

Show self auricula 'Mary Zach.' Profile on page 32. Primula X Juliana 'Julie Jack.' Profile on page 32. 28 American Primrose Society - Fall 1991 American Primrose Society - Fall 1991 29

Plant Profiles Information about the primroses and auriculas featured in the color photographs.

PRIMULA MARGINATA In either case, the result was a splendid One of the most striking primula plants is auricula very heavily dusted with meal, Primula marginata. The edge of the leaves earning the name * Snow Lady/ Slow to is regularly outlined with farina, and when produce offsets, the plant has been consis- it also happens to be significantly toothed, tently grown by dedicated auricula fanciers the jagged silver edge is very striking. Add from the 1950s up to today. The flower has to this large, semi-double, lilac blue flowers clearly defined zones between the paste, the and the result is the handsome plant on the dark ground and the meal covered petals, cover. and can only be faulted in that the flower does not always open flat The originator of this beautiful plant is Ivanel (Ivie) Agee. The story of *Snow Lady's presentation for naming by Ivanel Agee in 1950 is recorded RAPP'S DOUBLE PURPLE* in the summer Quarterly 1963, page 98. Hose-in-Hoseprimrose 'Feathers.' White Primula 'Peter Klein.' Profile on page 33. This double auricula is one of the most Profile on pages 32-33. handsome but also most reliable garden A second mystery is the known existence of doubles in the Pacific Northwest Many of two clones of this auricula. One has been us have been growing it for 15 years or so. grown in the Portland area, Mrs. Berry's As a result, it is found all over the Seattle/ home town. This plant is chiefly distin- Tacoma area. guished by the number of offsets it pro- duces. In order to have a plant with some Al Rapp, the originator, started with garden vigor and form, the many offsets would auricula seed from Beth Tail which have to be stripped away. produced some plants with semi-double flowers. It was in the third generation that Another form is found in the Victoria area. true doubles finally started showing up. This also has been grown for many years One of these was this deep purple, attractive and has appeared regularly on the show plant. There are always lots of offsets each benches of the Vancouver Island Rock and year, and the plant does well in the garden Alpine Society. One can only speculate or in a pot or frame. that it originated with the Hibbersons, friends of Mrs. Berry with whom she 'SNOW LADY' visited. They lived in a small cottage which The white edged show auricula *Snow had wide low rock walls in the front Lady' was first grown in the early 1930s containing raised beds in the top to save from seed from England. But the source of less agile backs. In these beds they grew the seed was always kept a secret by Mrs. the choice alpine plants for which they were Rae Berry the grower. No one knew if she so well known. They also sold seed of kept the source a secret because she just edged auriculas in the 1950s. The Victoria didn't want to tell, or whether it was to clone is either a sibling plant from the prevent the person from being bothered. Primula'Peter Klein.' Profile on page 33. continued on page 30 American Primrose Society - F«U 1991 American Primrose Society - Fall 1991 31

Plant Profiles continued admire the full effect of the generous 'BROWNIE' green house for pollinating. Named dusting of meal, you'll have to cover the. Rosetta Jones has been hybridizing double auriculas obtained from Frank Michaud at original seed that resulted in the Portland plant through the worst of the winter rains. acaulis primroses since the 1960s with Alpenglow Nursery in Vancouver, B.C., 'Snow Lady* or is a progeny of the original Cy still has this plant in his garden, and it wonderful success. Her plants have a and seedling show auriculas from Haysom plant. has been spread successfully to interested robust character and the flower stalks are and Douglas seed, all obtainable in the growers in the Vancouver Island Rock and upright and short The form of the plants is 1950s, were likely the parents of this fine 'Snow Lady' does produce pollen and has Alpine Garden Society due to Cy's excellent, for the flowers all face upward on self. been used in hybridizing. Because of the generosity in bringing an offset to the editor the strong stems. The colors range widely heavy meal it can best be grown to show in Victoria more than 10 years ago. and the plants come true from seed in a A testimony to the plant's endurance, standards under some form of protection suprizingly high proportion. 'American Beauty* is still grown in the from the rain. GREEN EDGED A URICULA SeattleA'acoma area, by Herb Dickson 'PETER KLEIN' In the last few years Rosetta has branched among others, and in Victoria, B.C. into hybridizing double auriculas. 'DUSTY DOUBLE* Given the right conditions, this green edged The old-fashioned character of this auricula show auricula will flourish and produce 'Brownie' is one of the results. Very full, 'CORNMEAL' is evident in the pointed petals, the flowers well filled flower stems. 'Peter Klein* was with a slightly frilled turn to the petals, it is 'CommeaT was unexpected. Cy Happy, which don't open flat, and the unusual named by its originator when he was finally an arresting and yet an old fashioned the hybridizer, had been hand pollinating color: lavendar green, striped with silver, able to produce a premier quality green auricula colon a russet brown. and selling show auricula seed for a few with meal dusted over everything. Most edged auricula that met his standards. As years, but had stopped in the early 1970s. mature flowers show an almost red striping mentioned in the article about Peter Klein The parents of this double auricula are Some leftover seed in the refrigerator, among the other lavender and silver colors. in this issue, he was using seed from Cyril seedlings from Earl Welch*s double strain which had probably been there for a while, The effect is indeed striking. Haysom in England. although some genes of Denna Snuffer's turned up this handsome and robust edged wonderful doubles may be included in there auricula. It'shard to call it a grey-edged, as well. Out of the double auricula Cy Happy, the hybridizer, corresponded The handsome flowers have a good tube, because the meal, of which there is a liberal with Miss Winnifred Wynne in Ireland with a narrow band of black body color. seedlings, a plant with brown flowers dusting, has a distinctly yellow cast showed up, and Rosetta worked with this to from the early 1950s until her death in the This is a useful characteristic in hybridiz- 1960s. On one occasion, she sent him ing, as the narrow band of black body color get her fine double auricula 'Brownie* in a "That*s why I called it 'Cornmeal*,*' Cy subsequent generation. auricula blossoms in the mail so he could appears to dominate in seedlings. Without said. see what the flower looked like. One of it, you can end up with very untidy black these was the old striped double, 'Mrs. selfs where the black ground color has 'AMERICAN BEAUTY' The pollen parents were whatever edged Dargen.' There was a bit of viable pollen taken over the whole petal tissue and no 'American Beauty* lives up to its name: it's show auriculas Cy had in his collection at on one of the blossoms and it allowed Cy to green edge is left. But the narrow ground red, bright and beautiful. Its clear middle the time. The collection in the late 1960s use 'Mrs. Dargen* as one of the pollen and the green edge in 'Peter Klein* will range red color is the most striking charac- probably included some edged auricula parents of 'Dusty Double.* carry through to the next generations of teristic of this show self auricula. There is seedlings grown from English seed from seedlings. Pollen, however, is scarce. good balance in the flower between the Haysom. Cy won the Bamford Trophy Cy had grown three seeds of double ground color and the central white paste. with one of these seedlings in 1955. Mrs. auriculas received from the Royal Horticul- The flowers are surrounded by very round Rae Selling Berry*s white-edged 'Snow tural Society, and among them was a lettuce green leaves, and the plant will The plant has good form and strong, sturdy Lady* was in his collection, as were some browney-green double, which was fertile. provide an acceptable number of offsets upright stems to display the flowers. In named green and grey edged auriculas from Pollen from 'Mrs. Dargen,* put onto this each year. most years there is usually a good number England obtained through Frank Michaud unprepossessing double resulted in the of pips on each stem. of Alpenglow Nursery in Vancouver, B.C. 'Dusty Double.' This edged auricula is still grown in the Seattle-Tacoma area by Herb Dickson, Beth Tail, the hybridizer of 'American The pollen parents probably did not include Like any good garden auricula, this plant is among others. Beauty*, describes, in her reminiscences, Peter Klein's green edged, because it is hardy, makes lots of offsets, and performs how she would bring auricula seedling in well in the open garden. If you want to bloom in from the frame house beds to the continued on page 32 32 American Primrose Society - Fall 1991 American Primrose Society - Fall 1991 33

Plant Profiles continued In this case the flower wasn't double, but it WHITE PRIMULA PETER KLEIN' had the characteristic ruff of leaf tissue Fred and Helen Clarke that lived in Tacoma such a shy pollen producer. And they surrounding the flower that from Elizabe- could not stop growing primroses and didn't include auriculas from the Ireland than times has identified the Jack-in-the- auriculas. They had Primula X Juliana trip in 1974, because it was grown before Green form. Much the same dark magenta hybrids, all the old named varieties, laid out then. color as 'Wanda/ a julie known worldwide in rows as if they were lettuces in the from the early part of the century, 'Julie vegetable garden. Besides julies, Uiey grew 'CommeaT makes offsets generously, and Jack' is now considered by some to be a some of the species, and Helen Clarke produces filled flower stalks without too more vigorous grower. sometimes hybridized these. much extra care and attention. Cy still has it in his cold frame, and it is also grown in It has the same mat-forming habit of all One of the primula species she grew was P. Victoria for over 10 years. P. juliae progeny with the creeping 'Peter Klein,' the cross between P. darkei rootstalk gene and will produce an attrac- and P. rosea 'Delight,' the improved 'MARYZACW tive patch of low growing dark green leaves variety that had larger, darker pink flowers Ivanel Agee did a lot of hybridizing of both in a short time. Add to this the generous than the species. Helen back-crossed P. Fred and Helen Clarke in their garden. primroses and auriculas. She was looking quantity of flowers produced each spring, Peter Klein' to P. darkei, and among the for yellow self show auriculas, and with and you have a plant worthy of wider seedlings there were a few plants with pure Mary Zach, she got them. recognition. faded purple color. The plants with white flowers. feathery petals and sepals began to appear Ivie came to the primrose shows with #3 'Julie Jack' is grown throughout the Pacific two or three generations later. The This cross that results in white P. 'Peter and #4 yellow self auriculas. Both were Northwest, and will occasionally turn up in 'Feathers' in the color photograph is a clear Klein' is reliable and can be made by prize winners, but #3 was better. She nurseries. There is an interesting story of a white with shades of green and white on the anyone. The recessive gene for some named it for her friend Mary Zach. sister plant to 'Julie Jack' by Herb Dickson sepals. albino plants will surface in a few of the in the 1984 spring issue of the quarterly. progeny. And the larger flower size which The pip is flat with excellent proportions. The 'Shag' is one of a group of interesting is characteristic of P. 'Peter Klein' remains The color is a clear bright yellow. The 'FEATHERS' PRIMROSE primrose anomalies. Also appearing are rather than reverting to the smaller flowers plant is heavily mealed. It reliably makes Peter Atkinson was mentioned in the Primula polyanthus Jack-in-the Greens with characteristic of P. darkei. some offsets each year. 'Mary Zach* is still spring 1991 issue of Primroses. His various widths of calyxes and Jackanapes- grown in the Portland area and also in the wonderful old primrose anomalies look like on-Horscback, which we understand to PRIMULA 'PETER KLEIN' Seattle-Tacoma area by Herb Dickson and plants from 16th century prints. One in mean a Jack polyanthus that has small leaf This hybrid between Primula rosea and others. particular, the 'Feathers' or 'Shags' forms at the base of the pedicel stems at the P. darkei is an easier garden plant than primrose was described by Bernard Smith top of the polyanthus flower head. This is either species. 'JVUEJACK' in the Auricula and Primula Society in addition to the ruffs around each flower. The Primula juliae hybrid 'Julie Jack* or (Southern Section) Yearbook in 1984, as The clear pink flowers arc larger than those The 'Franticke or foolish cowslip,' a 'J. J.' as it is affectionately known, is one of "a polyanthus with a calyx of leaf forma- of/3, darkei and contrast well with the the most handsome and reliable Julie tion, but with the corolla shaped into long, Jackanapes-on-Horseback is the next goal bright green, toothed foliage. primroses to come out of hybridist's hands narrow petals." Thought to be extinct, that Peter is working towards. This has in the Pacific Northwest As was men- something very like this description has petal tissue color on the leaf tufts at the top Peter Klein first crossed these two species. *> tioned in the Peter Klein article, * J. J.' was been re-created by Peter. of the pedicel. It would appear it is only a one of the products of Peter's program of matter of time until Peter also has this hybridizing double/*. X Julianas. The whole family of anomalies started with unusual primrose recreated. a ragged, white acaulis that had Jack-in-the- Green tendencies. This was crossed with a hose-in-hose Juliana, of a most unattractive, 34 American Primrose Society - Fall 1991 American Primrose Sx>ciety - Fall 1991

Primrose folk by Cy Happy

My association with the primrose folk Mrs. Karnopp and Ella Torpen were keen began in 1949 or 1950 at a Tacoma auricula growers in Portland. Mrs. Torpen primrose show. had a collection of English named-variety show auriculas. I met some of the growers and was wandering along the display tables. Frank Michaud in New Westminster, B.C., Suddenly there was an unforgettable was our main source of named show and primrose—a solid cushion of blue two feet alpine auriculas in those days. He had across with a neat border of green leaves all contacts in England who kept him supplied. around. The tag stated the grower was Alpines were $4 to $5 and shows were $8 Howard Larkin, and all these years later he to $10 each in the 1950s. is still coming to meetings. No memories of APS would be complete Cyrus Happy III in his garden in 1957. During the next few years I met other without including Dean Collins, who growers around the Pacific Northwest at edited the weekly Sunday garden supple- meetings and shows. On trips to Portland, ment for the Portland Journal. He brought the existence of APS. I wonder what Denna Snuffer raised thousands of garden Oregon, I saw Florence and Lew Levy's together people with similar gardening happened to her beautiful Spode plates auriculas from many seed sources. The nursery and converted bam home. interests, resulting, among others, in the depicting show and alpine auriculas. new seedlings would include a few showing formation of APS. some signs of doubling. These would then My personal impression of Florence was Dr. Matthew Riddle of Portland, a highly be included in the breeding program. that she was a weaver of spells through her Dean and Mrs. Rae Berry were the first respected medical researcher, devoted his use of words, music and aura of growing honorary life members. Dean made spare time to producing miniature polyan- The doubles started coming about 1959. things. A slender, attractive woman with gardening an exciting and intellectual thus. His best known plant was "Red Denna came to the Seattle show with a long red hair, she could charm anyone even pursuit Riddle.1 Does anyone still have it? white edged red and a white, camellia in her gardening clothes all spattered with perfect mud. Mrs. A.C.U. (Rae) Berry was an interna- The push to produce double auriculas came tionally known collector of rare and newly from Derma Snuffer of Bay City, Oregon, The Balcoms, John and Win Shuman and a Susan Worthington (later Watson), who discovered plants, especially primulas. She and Ralph Balcom of Seattle. few others formed the Show Auricula died this October at age 84, was another subscribed to the collecting trips of the Floriculturist group. Their goal was to hold slender, dynamic woman. Over several plant explorers, bought seeds and plants Ralph started with a few plants that to the standards set down for us by Dan years she produced the Pictorial Dictio- from all over the world, traveled in search produced extra petals. He labeled all his Bamford, the Lancashire expert who gave nary of primulas while she was also of American primulas and, with helpers like better plants *'D" plus some number. D-6, a us the Bamford Trophy. This old copper editing the quarterly, a job she took over Lou Roberts, grew what she had collected. lavender-pink bloom, was one of the first kettle had been an auricula trophy in from Florence in 1951. Susan and Dale and is still grown. D-141 was his dominant Worthington were active growers. Auricula Her garden high on a hill over Portland was double seed producer, a soft lavender- continued on page 36 Dale's Red is still around. ideal. It offered a variety of exposures and white. excellent air circulation. Mrs, Berry was the focal point for Pacific Northwest When his record book ended, he was primrosers for the first several decades of recording the D-500s. Many of his plants are still grown. 36 American Primrose Society - Fall 1991 American Primrose Society - Fall 1991 37

Primrose Folk continued Early spring brought denticulatas, julies and P. rosea. By July stately P.florindae and A Look at the Ads Northern England for more than 100 years P. helodoxa had taken over. This charming Advertisements that weave a history of the society through the decade. and has now been a trophy for almost 40 garden is now owned and maintained—but years in this country. never could be as the Skupens did—by Browsing through the quarterlies of the Tacoma's Metropolitan Park District American Primrose Society published in the 1950s one comes across advertisements that Almost 40 years ago John and Clara weave a history of the society through me Skupen bought an old mill site located in Candelabras also were promoted by Maude decade. the lower end of a gulch emptying into Hannon of Portland. Her beautiful Pagoda Puget Sound in Tacoma's north end. By strain is still one of the best There's a tiny ad in the Winter 1951 issue that themselves they cleared seven small announces auriculas for sale by Peter Klein, A streams, built ponds, trails, bridges and In 19551 asked Herb Dickson to be show modest notice to fit the man who contributed so flower beds and moved mountains of chairman for the Tacoma club's first many fine plants to our heritage of primroses rotting sawdust onto their beds and trails. national show. The floor space was 50 by and auriculas in the Pacific Northwest. 200 feet—a big show—and we filled it with The color break that led to clear pink polyan- BLUE WHALE Plants loved it Small economy-sized plants and a huge crowd. SUNDRIED SPHAGNUM MOSS Enriched wilh thus was the work of Linda Eickman, a nurse Dohydralod Whale Soluble — Whale Baleen While Bon* and Marine Marl rhododendrons and azaleas grew to be who took up hybridizing primroses in her giants. Clara tried candelabra primrose Herb brought together all the elements that retirement. The ad from the October 1953 issue seed with great success. would make the show a smash hit. This is shows Linda at work with her plants, and provides all readers of the Quarterly with the how he still is—full speed ahead. Thf Whatr Baltrn and Whale Bone hai-t brrn Ihorou0Mv P. japonica was superb. She rogued out the When Herb married Dorothy Stredicke, we information that seed is available so that they, colors she did not like and spread seed of had two of our very best under one roof. too, can grow the new pink polyanthus. those she did. Her favorites were coral and Besides a large collection of shrubs, trees copper shades. Much seed was washed and alpine plants, Herb continues to display Florence Levy who remarried and became Florence Bellis is famous worldwide for her Ask Your Garden Store or Nursery downstream and added to the effect. a nice selection of exhibition auriculas. In primrose hybrids. Sure enough, there in the ACME PEAT PRODUCTS LTD. recent years he has been putting vigor and July 1954 Quarterly is an ad for Silver Dollar Blue Whale Ad from October 1953. The Skupens' greatest talent was their color into garden auriculas with great polyanthus described in Florence's inimitable ability to create vistas. On a hazy or cloudy success, rich language: "Desert Sunset shaded, Coffee, day the garden was a photographer's Cocoa and Spice, striped and unstriped Dale Worthington, married Jim Watson and paradise. Scene after scene was perfectly I've left out many of my old gardening Victorians." As always, the descriptions moved to Vancouver B.C. It was during this period that she was working on the Pictorial arranged—subdued background, brilliant pals—Fred and Helen Clarke, Thelma themselves make you want to have the whole spectrum in your garden. Dictionary of the Cultivated Species of the foreground, reflections, carefully placed Nelson, Lee and Dorothy Campbell, Ivy Genus Primula. logs and rocks. and Orval Agee, Jim Menzies, Ruth Bartlett An interesting personal story lay behind the full Huston, Wilbur Graves, Ross and Helen page ads that appeared on the back cover of the Another Canadian connection is the Canadian Willingham, Bob Putnam and others. What Quarterly consistently through this whole Primula and Alpine Society, whose notice a great group of people and what great decade. Blue Whale, "a garden product of appears in the Summer 1963 issue. This group contributions all of them have made! *> sundried sphagnum moss enriched with was an affiliated member of the American dehydrated whale solubles, creating a rich Primrose Society in these years, but later organic mix," as the ad informs us, was from became the Alpine Garden Club of British the Acme Peat Company owned by Jim Watson Columbia. Jim Watson was one of the founding of Vancouver, B.C. members of the Canadian Society. And the third Canadian connection was Susan Worthington, editor of the Quarterly Alpenglow Gardens, a nursery located just until 1956 would have met Jim Watson during south of Vancouver, B.C. in New Westminster. this time. By the early 1960s, she had divorced continued on page 38 38 American Primrow Society - Fall 1991 American Primrose Society - Fall 1991 39

Ads continued commended and encouraged. And, of course, every American Primrose Society member can From the Mailbox Frank Michaud had brought over from England support the society and the member growers by Letters from our readers named show and alpine auriculas, and was one developing and enriching their own interest and of the few sources of named auriculas for sharing their enthusiasm with others. August 2,1991 growers in the Pacific Northwest all through the 1950s and 1960s. Keep watching the ads in the back of the quarterly, but more than that, take time to write ... I have just returned from a trip to the Big Along with the auriculas, he had species to the authors of articles that are of special Horns — three weeks, actually — and we interest to you. Or grow a few extra plants of had such a good time. Managed to find primulas and many other fine alpine plants for Octobers, 1991 sale in his nursery. His ads appeared regularly primroses from seed — those unique ones, for Primula parryi in full bloom in the most in the Quarterly, such as the one from the which our society is so well known — not the unlikely place or so I thought October 1953 issue listing named auriculas bedding variety available from the local Reading the Primroses magazine for Summer 1991,1 was very interested to read from England. supermarket. You'll be pleased with the Saw so many other really great plants — the article about Peter Atkinson and his satisfaction and benefits that will return to you especially the tiny Clematis tenuiloba — next challenge being to produce a double The joy of a gardening interest lies in growing from this worthwhile occupation. # what a sweetie! Took a picture and just and sharing the plants. As we can see from the gold laced polyanthus. drool whenever I look at it The seed, if ads in the quarterlies in earlier times, there were you can ever get any, will never germinate, many active members growing and sharing TREASURE FROM ENGLAND-SHOW AURICULAS Three years ago I bought a packet of gold- like most clematis. Usually it needs a cold primula and auricula plants and seeds. laced seed from Barnhaven and was lucky period, a warm one and another a cold one. enough to get a double among my seed- There are still a few active members doing this Who knows — seed have a mind of their lings. In the autumn I split the plant and important task today and they are to be AI.PIJVK Al'RICUI.AS own.... last year I had three plants, which flowered well. Unfortunately, I never thought to take Sincerely, a photograph when it was in bloom, but hopefully I shall rectify that in 1992. I am Karen Schellinger keeping my fingers crossed. md Dwarf Shrubs. This list is free for the asking. AvonMN ALPENGLOW GARDENS - MICHAUD & COMPANY 1504 rt in- i .ni.Kl.i Hifhwaj, R.R. IB, New Westminster, B. C. Only 17 Miles from tin Bnrilrr at m.mii n .j.limtiini My back garden is approximately 27 meters A tempting list of auriculas from long and 11 meters wide and is laid down Alpenglow in 1953. entirely to alpines and dwarf conifers which are my passion, along with primroses and Round Robin dwarf irises. I have quite a large collection "Join a Round Robin, exchange ideas and of double primroses and, as I am not into information, become friends..." technical hybridizing, I planted the double primroses around the ordinary gold and So how do you join a Round Robin? Just silver laced polyanthus and hope they will write to Elizabeth van Sickle, at the address have cross-pollinated. I am waiting for below. Its unlikely you'll get to join one of about 70 seedlings to flower in the spring. I the highly successful ones now on their The ad for pink primroses. feel this is an extremely interesting part of rounds, but Elizabeth will match new gardening and raising seed — not knowing applicants for Robins with others sharing what will appear.... your interests, and you can start your own successful APS Round Robin.

tl per pkl; fi/tS uilh eomple'e ieedi« Inforntaii-e. lUuilraled Catalog upon 'itjtust. Yours sincerely, BARNHAVEN CieiKjm, Owgra Send your letters to: Elizabeth van Sickle 654 Marine Drive Barnhaven nursery's offerings in 1954. Brian Davis Sequim,WA 98382 Walsall, West Midlands - England 40 American Primrose Society - Fall 1991 American Primroic Society - Fall 1991 41

From the Seed Exchange... To the Seed Exchange: Members share their knowledge Find enclosed the seed o/ Primula incana, native to a few isolated locations in the northern Great Plains. A relic of the wetter post-glacial period when much of North Dakota was covered in spruce forest, Primula incana now persists along the shoreline of at least one I am excited this year to be able to offer through Wallowa Mountains in Oregon there is a alkali lake in Burke County, North Dakota. At present, this colony of several hundred fantastic patch of P. cusickiana which grows the Seed Exchange some seed of Primula plants is the only known population in the state. incana of the Farinose Section. It has not been and blooms but because of the difficulty of offered for many years. finding the rugged location, we will never have I had the good fortune to discover this site in 1986. Since then I have been involved in the the pleasure of seeing it effort to both protect and study the population. Bringing the plant into cultivation is one of Very little is said in Kris Fenderson's book A the goals of this effort. Synoptic Guide to the Genus Primula about The same is true of Primula incana. Mistreat- Primula incana but there was quite a bit of ment, as referred to by Susan Watson and Rae Primula incana is hardy in USDA Zone 2 without reliable snow cover and is tolerant of full information in the Pictorial Dictionary. Selling Berry in the Dictionary, where they tell sun if the moisture supply is adequate. Its native soil is very sandy loam with a good of plants ploughed under by horses' hooves and organic content. The alkali tolerance qf Primula incana has allowed the plant to colonize Several years ago Larry Bailey wrote an article also munched as breakfast by these same an otherwise rather barren location. In the garden it does will in soils of neutral Ph. in the quarterly voicing his concern about the animals, has left us with very few plants in their lack of care in gathering seed and plants from native homes. The seed from this population absolutely requires cool, moist stratification at 32-40 their natural habitat. He felt we would lose degrees for a period of 90 days. Any period of time shorter than 90 days has produced these wild primula in years to come through Now we find a dedicated person — Shan partial and erratic seed germination. Seed sown outdoors has continued to germinate carelessness and greed today. I know that in the Cunningham in Minot, North Dakota — who after three years. has discovered a colony of Primula incana in Burke County, N.D. Thanks to him, the colony Shan Cunningham is being protected and studied.

I asked his permission and enclosing excerpts from his letter, both so you may appreciate his efforts and also read his recommendations on germinating seed and growing the plants. It is a real treat to discover individuals who realize the value of protecting our native plants and who take the time and energy to do it. Thanks, Shan. *

Candy Strickland Seed Exchange Coordinator

A Reminscence of the Seed Exchange Primula incana. For many years, Ross and Helen Willingham put out the seed exchange list and mailed out seeds Photo by S. Cunningham faithfully every spring. The accompanying photograph shows them hard at work. 42 American Primrote Society - Fall 1991 American Primrose Society - Fall 1991 43

News from the Chapters Vickie Sauer Eastside carpets. Darlene said it will cross with Primula A potluck picnic was held at Don and Mary denticulata. and the resulting plants will bloom of Primrose Lane Nursery Keefe's on July 26, 1991. Wedding news: Don in the summer. Good questions indicated lots of by Barbara Flynn and Mary were married on June 30. A report interest from the audience. from the board meeting, potluck picnic and Vickie Sauer and her husband Don make now meet the Willinghams with whom she plant sale at Herb Dickson's was made by Thea The Washington Chapter also attended the joint their home in Renton, Washington, with had been corresponding. She helped them Oakley. meeting to hear Jay Lunn speak on native daughter Dianne and grandson Damon, with the seed exchange for several years American primulas. daughter-in-law Teresa and grandson and built up a stock of primulas which Don and Mary had more than 100 primulas in Bruce, plus four chihuahuas and two cats. became the foundation for her Primrose bloom at the time of the picnic. Most were Jay's slides were superb and his presentation members of the vernales section, plus a few was exceptionally interesting. Native species They have five other grandchildren, but lost Lane Nursery. Trie Scottish Rock Garden candelabras, Primula capitata mooreana, P. found in Idaho, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, New their son Bruce in a tragic accident several Club was also a grand source of seed. denticulata and P. vialii. There is a report on Mexico, Oregon and California were all years ago. They have lived here for the picnic by Barbara Flynn, below. discussed and shown in their native habitat. seventeen years. Vickie's love of primroses Vickie's favorite primulas are the Julies and Breathtaking scenery gave us a flavor of the goes back a lot farther. Cowichans, but she has grown all sorts at The regular September meeting and a harvest uninhabited environment where these American some time or other. Her best hybrids came dinner, another potluck event was held on jewels of the primrose family are found. When her five children were quite small, from a Gold Laced crossed with a dark red September 9. the family moved to a house in Oregon with Cowichan. The offspring were a brilliant Tacoma Chapter an overgrown yard. The children were hot pink now, unfortunately, lost Her There was a special combined Washington The September program was a presentation on State/ Seattle/ Eastside Chapter meeting held in pentstemon by Betty Davenport. The October exploring and found a stunning little toughest plant is a marginata obtained many Renton on September 13. Jay Lunn, treasurer meeting was a talk on grapes by Dave Johnson. lavender flower. Neither they nor Vickie years ago from the Agees and still going of the American Primrose Society, gave a talk Tips on getting primroses through the winter knew what it was at that time and thought strong. Vickie also introduced 'Early Girl* and presented slides on his trips searching for were also shared. they had found a really rare plant From a which she saw in Earl Welch's garden and native primulas growing in their natural habitats neighbor they found it was a primula. gave him a name for it in the western United States. Members from the Tacoma Chapter were also Vickie cared for it and divided it and soon encouraged to attend Jay's special lecture on had quantities of the little plant. In sharing Vickie is a talented watercolor artist Seattle North American primulas. it she met other plant people in the Eugene however, she has gone into a new field and The Seattle Chapter was also invited to the area and joined the local Primrose Society. has closed her nursery. This job, combined potluck picnic at Don and Mary Keefe's, as weB Doretta Klaber as to the joint meeting on September 13 Upcoming events include a Primrose Sowing with arthritis, makes it difficult to do featuring Jay Lunn. Workshop in February. May will be garden This was the turning point for Vickie. She everything she would like, but she still tours to see primroses in bloom. June is the found out about the seed exchange and enjoys the friendships primulas have At the upcoming meeting on October 17 Roy annual meeting. Interest has been expressed in went mad! She started to correspond with brought her-friendships that glow as Preston will talk on the indoor primulas, the the Julianas (Primula X pruhonica). If anyone other enthusiasts, including Doretta Klaber brightly as the flowers she loves. <* Obconicas. has any to exchange, please contact Anita and Ross and Helen Willingham. From Kister. these generous people she learned how to Washington State Chapter get maximum germination of her precious The last meeting before the summer, held on Members are encouraged to attend the sympo- seeds, how to grow them, then how to June 14 featured a super program by Darlene sium Primula Worldwide in Portland. (West Heller on Primula capitata mooreana. The coast APS members would most certainly like hybridize and, eventually, how to show plant is a native of northern India and comes in to meet any Doretta Kalber Chapter members them. She later became an accredited judge. all shades of purple. It was used by Persian who could attend. A warm welcome is carpet weavers as a stylized pattern in their extended. Editor) In 1975 Vickie moved to Renton. This was especially meaningful to her as she could 44 American Primrose Society - Fall 1991 American Primrose Society - Fall 1991 45

annual meeting in the fall will be held in (that is thrums and pins to the rest of us) are Notes from the Editor conjunction with a symposium where Derek explained, with results of studies to show why Telford will speak on alpine auriculas and Alan crosses of pins and thrums, as opposed to Primula X Juliana Enthusiasts Primula marglnata Collection Edmondson will give an illustrated talk on thrums and thrums, will result in stronger Following Don Keefe's article in the 1991 There has always been an excellent collection of primulas. There will also be a plant sale. plants. This information could save you a spring issue of the quarterly, Don has had four Primula marginata in Victoria. The owner is Wouldn't we give anything to be there! number of generations of weak seedlings. letters expressing an interest in plant swaps. Albert de Mezey, a long time member of the They range from all over the country: two from Vancouver Rock and Alpine Garden Society. The report of the 1991 shows indicates they You can obtain a list of Shire Publications by Alaska, one from the midwest and one from the were superb, due in part to more normal spring writing to them: Shire Publications Ltd., east coast. Don says he's been so busy Talking to Albert the other day, I asked him weather. A superb array of P. allionii in all its Cromwell House, Church Street, Princes answering letters, swapping plants and getting where the plants originated. He grew them forms and hybrids was presented. Risborough, Aylesbury, Bucks., HP17 9AJ, married that he's tuckered out from seed, he said. And where did the seed United Kingdom. come from? From the American Rock Garden There is also news of two books written by Good Luck at the Book Sales Society seed exchange. The donor was Mrs. members of the British Society, one on If We've Missed Anyone... Don't give up. You, too, may find a primrose Rae Selling Berry, from Portland. Isn't that an auriculas and one on primulas, that have run In doing an issue of remembrances there are book treasure at one of the book sales when you interesting coincidence? into difficulty as they reached the stage of bound to be important people who were missed. are least expecting it. A member has had great publication. A sad story, when one considers I apologize. But if your memory is twigged by good luck this last year. At an arboretum sale Albert remembers getting the seed in the 1950s the anticipated calibre of these works, given the reminiscences here and you recall another good that included used books she was fortunate and grew about eight different varieties of effort and knowledge of the authors. However, story or someone you think should be men- enough to find K. C. Corsar's Primulas in the marginata, which are still there tucked in among the Society plans to do something about it. We tioned, please take the time to write down your Garden, a classic British work for the amateur the rocks in a tall stone north-facing wall on the will watch for further developments in the next thoughts and send them to me. They can be grower dating from the 1940s. Imagine her side of a dell in his garden. newsletter. included in the next issue. «8» delight when she opened the front cover and found the fly leaf with the former owner's name Sakurasoh on the Stage A Suitcase Full of Seeds inscribed; Florence Levy, Gresham, Oregon. Here's an idea. Imagine having a collection of Just had a brief word with June Skidmore, back named Primula seiboldii, known in Japan as from her trip to England, carrying a suitcase full Later, in the summer on a trip to Vancouver, Sakurasoh. And then imagine putting them on of fresh primula and alpine garden seed. As the CHEHALIS RARE PLANT NURSERY B.C. she found a copy of Doretta Klaber's book small formal staging to display them to best North American agent for Field House Alpines 2568 Jackson Hwy., Chehalli. WA 98532 Primroses and Spring in a second-hand book advantage. Truly an achievement. in Nottinghamshire, and a friend of Valerie Herb Dtekson, Prop. store there. Woolley, one of the partners of the nursery, After 30 years of selecting and breeding, Izetta Ren ton tells me she imported named June now has lots of seed to fill North American I have developed an improved strain of So keep a sharp look out at any of the places varieties of/*, seiboldii from Japan some years orders. Both of these primula enthusiasts are Garden Auricula with a complete palett of where used books turn up. You can never have ago, and still has a few. Peter Atkinson is also American Primrose Society members. If you color Garden Auricula too many books on primroses. interested in making this kind of collection. Do don't have a list, you can write to June. Her Mixed, Yellow, Blue, White Brown, Red, Petite Hybrids we have a special interest group in the making? address is in the list of Officers inside the back Picotee - a new flower form with only Jackanapes-on-Horseback in Color cover. an outer fringe of color A quick word with Peter Atkinson at the lecture Certainly the visit by Mr. Kooichi Oogaki and Exhibition Alpine by Jay Lunn brings us the latest update: Peter is Mr. Tsuneo Torii from Japan to the symposium Some Theories Behind Hybridizing Primula All the above $2.00 per packet of 75 seeds Primula Worldwide in Portland next spring will Are you interested in creating some of your own working on Jackanapes-on-Horseback, but with Primula Flohndae $1-00 per packet flower petal color on the leaves that appear at present a unique opportunity to find out more primula seed by hand pollinating some of your Mixed Candelabra $1.00 per packet the top of the flower stalk or pedicle. No doubt information about Sakurasoh directly from the choice plants? John Kerridge has alerted me to Hand pollinated Show Auricula there is a fancy name for this particular variety experts. a very concise but useful treatise on the subject. Red Self, Yellow Self, Green Edge of the old English primrose, but we'll be It's in the Shire publication Primulas of the .10 cents per seed, any amount satisfied if we can even see one, without News from England British Isles by John Richards. Hand Pollinated Double Auricula Mix knowing its name. Good luck, Peter. The Society is now receiving the yearbooks and .25 cents per seed newsletter of the Auricula and Primula Societies There is information on the hybrids created in 50 cents postage & handling in US & Canada in England. The Summer newsletter of the the wild, and how these have led to some of our Other foreign orders $1.00 postage & handling Midland and West Section reports that the garden hybrids. The theories of heterostyly Washington residents add 7 5% sales tax MINIMUM ORDERS $5.00 46 American Primrose Society - Fall 1991 American Primrose Society - Fall 1991 47

American Primrose Society A Synoptic Guide to the Genus Primula "Schultz-lnstant" Board of Directors Meeting The Board of the American Primrose Society 1992 Dues Reminder by G.K. Fenderson met on July 13,1991 at Herb Dickson's home 1992 membership renewals are due in Chehalis. It was held in conjunction with the November 15th. The annual rate for both A basic reference to the genus Primula, with The summer picnic. domestic and foreign membership, approximately 1375 species, synonyms and individual or household, is $15.00 U.S. per hybrids included. Natural Minutes and Treasurer's Report were presented. year ($16.00 for renewals postmarked after Way to There are funds donated for the revision of the January 1st); $40.00 for three years; or ISBN 0-935868-24-0. v. + 213 pp. 7" x 10" pictorial dictionary. There is a question of the $200.00 for an individual life membership. hardbound with dustjacket; 56 line Bug-Free disposition of these funds. The issue was put on Membership is based upon the calendar drawings, 1 black & white photograph. Plants. the agenda for the October meeting. year. The year your membership expires is shown in the upper right-hand comer of Available in North America Primula Note Cards for the Symposium the address label affixed to the envelope ($40.00 postpaid) from the author: John Kerridge showed some paintings done by used to mail your quarterly 'Primroses.' P.O. Box 571 NATURAL Mary Comber-Miles of primroses and auriculas. South Acworth, New Hampshire 03607 PYRETHRINS Two of these will be printed as note cards and We prefer that foreign members make will be available at the Symposium. payment in the form of an international Available outside the USA from Wheldon money order. However, payment may be & Wesley, Codicote, Hitchin, Herts, SG4 Kills: Aphids * Whiteflies * Gnats Seed Exchange made by persona] check in currencies of 8TE and from the Royal Horticultural • Mealy Bugs • Red Spiders • Moths Society. * Spider Mites » Mosquitoes Etc. The annual statement and the budget for the Australia, Austria, Canada, Great Britain, Available at leading Garden Centers and Plant Departments Seed Exchange were distributed. Candy Germany, New Zealand, Norway and Garden Clubs: SEND FOR OUR FUND RAISING OFFER Strickland reported that there would be a loss if Switzerland. Checks payable from foreign Schultz Co. 14090 Riverport Drive. Maryland Heights. MO 63043 the companion plants seed was not included. funds should be in an amount based upon These seeds were eliminated from the seed the current exchange rate, plus five per exchange at the last board meeting. The issue cent. was discussed but no action was taken. Make checks payable to the American Membership Drive Primrose Society and mail to: Two board members raised the question, "How Jay G. Lunn, Treasurer do we attract new members, particularly young 6620 N.W. 271st Ave. S R. & M. Craven people?" No action was taken. Hillsboro,OR 97124 U.S.A. Craven's English Primroses and Auriculas Judging We are once again pleased to offer to our American customers a large range of collector's At this year's national show, a controversy primula seed, including a selection of American, European and Asiatic species. Also hand arose concerning the award of the Banford pollinated show and double auriculas, border auriculas, Barnhaven primroses, Wandas and Trophy. The consensus was that a judging more. symposium was needed to clarify the require- Primula 'Wanda' 'Cornish Primroses' (New for 1992) ments for such trophies. A sparkling new color in our Wanda series, now available as seed. Dark green/bronze foliage is complemented by rich primrose yellow flowers. An unbelievable combination. Quarterly Memorial Very^hardy. These seed are in short supply. 20 seeds L 4.00 per packet The editor is proposing to do the fall issue as a (Belated acknowledgement) Primula 'Wanda' 'Snow Shower' 50th anniversary issue which will include color Pictorial Dictionary Fund Another magical mix of dark green foliage with pure white flowers. Show bench material. photographs. The board agreed to leave In Memory of Florence Bellis Very hardy. Also in short supply. 20 seeds L 4.00 per packet decision-making on this issue to Maedythe If interested, please send two dollar bills for our list to: Martin. Flip Fenili agreed to assist her by Mrs, Vivian R. Kalmbach Craven's Nursery, Hall Bam Gardens, Windsor End, Beaconsfield, Bucks. England HP9 2SG soliciting corporate sponsors for funds to help meet the additional expenses of a color issue. 48 American Primrose Society - Fall 1991

AMERICAN PRIMROSE SOCIETY

OFFICERS PRIMULA WORLDWIDE President - Cyrus Happy m, 11617 Gravelly Lake Dr., Tacoma, WA 98499 An international symposium Vice-President - Dr. John Kerridge, 2426 W 47th Ave., Vancouver, B.C., Canada V6M 2N2 Immediate Past President, National Show Counselor - Flip Fenili, 7102 Citrine Lane SW, Tacoma, WA 98498 APRIL 1O-12, 1992 Recording and Corresponding Secretary - Ann Lunn, 6620 NW 271st Ave., Hillsboro, OR 97124 PORTLAND, OREGON Treasurer - Jay Lunn, 6620 NW 271st Ave., Hillsboro, OR 97124 PRESENTED BY DIRECTORS THE AMERICAN PRIMROSE SOCIETY 1994 Rosetta Jones, E 170 Dunoon PI.. Shelton, WA 98584 THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY Dorothy Springer, 7213 South 15th, Tacoma, WA 98465 & THE BERRY BOTANIC GARDEN 1993 Bill Brown, 43 Middle Road, Blue Point, NY 11715 Don Howse, 41370 SE Thomas Rd., Sandy, OR 97055 FOR MORE INFORMATION: 1992 EthaTate, 10722 SE 40th Ave, Milwaukie, OR 97222 ANN LUNN, REGISTRAR Karen Schellinger, 31335 Kalla Lake Rd., Avon MN 97068 6620 N.W. 271ST AVENUE HILLSBORO, OREGON 97124 U.S.A. EDITOR and foreign, are $15.00 U.S. per calender year Maedythe Martin, 951 Joan Cres., Victoria, ($16.00 for renewals postmarked after January B.C. Canada V8S3L3 1st); $40 for three years; or $200.00 for an individual life membership. Submit payment to ADVISOR the Treasurer. Membership renewals are due Who hasn't been delighted on a dreary spring morning to discover the Herb Dickson, November 15th and are delinquent at the first of season's first primula bloom peeking up from behind a rock or fern? Now we have 2568 Jackson Hwy., Chehalis, WA 98532 the year. an excuse to dream of another wonderful year of gardening! Multiply this emotion a thousandfold, and you have an idea of what to expect from attending "Primula PRIMULA CONFERENCE CHAIRMAN Membership includes a subscription to the Greg Becker, Quarterly Primroses, seed exchange privileges, Worldwide," the international symposium taking place April 10-12,1992. Please P.O. Box 3723, Eureka, CA 95501 slide library privileges and the opportunity to register early so you won't miss this unique opportunity. join a Round Robin. Primula enthusiasts of all levels of gardening expertise will converge on the ROUND ROBIN Greenwood Inn in Portland. That wiU be base for infonnaUve presentations, Elizabeth van Sickle, PUBLICATIONS national APS flower show, garden tours, book sales, exhibits, banquets and 654 Marine Drive, Sequim, WA 98382 Back issues of the quarterly are available from breakfasts. OW and new primula species and cultivars will be discussed. Discover- the secretary. ies will be highlighted and tost forms revisited. Speakers will present techniques SEED EXCHANGE for growing and hybridizing—divulging their professional secrets. Esther (Candy) M. Strickland, Manuscripts for publication in the Quarterly are 8518 28th Ave. E, Tacoma WA 98445 invited from members and other gardening When you read your registration brochure, you will notice the quality and experts, although there is no payment. Please expertise of keynote speakers and clinic leaders and the broad spectnun of topics to SHOW JUDGES include black and white photographs if possible. be covered. Symposium participants will receive a whole new perspective on the AIRapp, Send articles directly to the Editor, Maedythe use of primulas and their companion plants in the garden. 4918 79th Ave W., Tacoma, WA 98467 Martin, 951 Joan Cres., Victoria, B.C., Canada More than 8,000 registration brochures have been sent worldwide, and V8S313 registration will be on a first come, first served basis. Please plan now to participate SLIDE LIBRARIAN in the symposium—and all of its activities—to make new friends and learn Gerry Flintoff, Advertising rates per issue: full page, $60; half together. 154 NE 194th St., Seattle WA 98155 page,$30; quarter page, $15; eighth page and Greg Becker, minimum, $10. Artwork for ads is the Conference Chairman MEMBERSHIP responsibility of the advertiser, and camera Due for individual or household membership in ready copy is appreciated. Submit advertising the American Primrose Society, both domestic to the Editor. 50th Anniversary Issue

Primroses Fall 1991 Volume 49, No. 4

Cover Dedication IN MEMORY OF BRIAN SKIDMORE 1928 TO 1990.

Primula marginata, the cover photograph of this special anniversary issue was one of Brian Skidmore's favorites of all the primula and auricula that he grew. Brian, treasurer of the American Primrose Society from 1983 to 1989, is sadly missed by all his friends in the Society.

June Skidmore has donated funds in his memory for the color photograph on the cover of this keepsake edition of the Society's quarterly bulletin. The American Primrose Society acknowledges June for this thoughtful commemoration.