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GARDENER
The Magazine of the American
A Horticultural Societyy September
September // October
®
October 2017
2017
intriguing
Arisaemas
birthdays , anniversaries ,
A perfect gift for
hostess thank-yous , or any occasion!
Winter Autumn
F E A T U R E S D E P A R T M E N T S
6 MEMBERS’ FORUM
40 GARDEN SOLUTIONS
End-of-season garden maintenance.
page
page 14
14 42 HOMEGROWN HARVEST
Versatile cilantro and coriander.
An Oregon garden celebrates 20 years of bringing the therapeutic 58 PRONUNCIATIONS AND HARDINESS
power of nature to pediatric patients, their families, and hospital AND HEAT ZONES
staff at Legacy Emanuel Medical Center.
60 PLANT IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium).
SAXON HOLT
ON THE COVER: Native to moist woodlands east of the Rocky Mountains, Jack-in-the-pulpit
(Arisaema triphyllum) is highly variable in growth habit and flower color. 61 2018 SEED EXCHANGE DONATION FORM
Photograph by Graham Rice, GardenPhotos.com
Board of Directors
CH AIR Amy Bolton Falls Church, Virginia
FI RST VICE CH AIRM AN Jane Diamantis McDonald, Tennessee
SE COND VI CE CH AI RM AN Mary Pat Matheson Atlanta, Georgia
SE CRE T ARY Nancy Hargroves Manakin Sabot, Virginia
T RE ASU RER J. Landon Reeve, IV Woodbine, Maryland
I M M EDI ATE PAST CHAI R Harry A. Rissetto, Esq. Falls Church, Virginia
E XECU T IVE COM M IT T EE Marcia Zech Mercer Island, Washington
Skipp Calvert Alexandria, Virginia Q Tim Conlon Dubuque, Iowa Q Laura Dowling Alexandria, Virginia
Terry Hayes Woodinville, Washington Q Rachel Muir Arden, North Carolina Q Nancy Ross Englewood, Florida
I N T E R I M E XECU T IVE DI RECT OR Holly H. Shimizu PRE SI DE NT E M ERI T US Katy Moss Warner
O N LY Y O U C A N President’s Council
P R E V E N T W I L D F I R E S . The President’s Council is comprised of dedicated members whose annual support makes many of the Society’s programs possible,
from youth gardening activities to horticultural awards programs.
FOUNDER’S CIRCLE ($25,000+) Mr. and Mrs. Richard Davison Q Mr. and Mrs. George Diamantis Q Mr. and Mrs. Klaus Zech
LIBERTY HYDE BAILEY CIRCLE ($10,000-$24,999) Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Conlon Q Mrs. Elisabeth C. Dudley Q Ms. Catherine M. Hayes Q
Mr. and Mrs. Frank Nicolai Q Mr. and Mrs. Harry A. Rissetto, Esq. Q Dr. Erich E. Veitenheimer and Mr. Andrew Cariaso
HAUPT CIRCLE ($5,000-$9,999) Mrs. Barbara J. Becker Q Ms. Amy Bolton and Mr. Philip Schoene Q Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Calvert, III Q Mr.
and Mrs. Neil Morris Q Ms. Julianne Mueller Q Mr. J. Landon Reeve, IV Q Mr. C. Hugh Stephens
SUSTAINER’S CIRCLE ($2,500-$4,999) Mrs. Leslie S. Ariail Q Mr. and Mrs. Taylor Burke, III Q Mr. James R. Cargill, II Q Mr. and Mrs. Andy
Daniel Q Mr. and Mrs. Scott Ernest Q Mr. Joseph R. Errington and Mr. William Pullen Q Dr. Inger Fair Q Dr. Amy Goldman Fowler Q Mr.
Thomas Gibian and Ms. Christina Grady Q Dr. and Mrs. William O. Hargrove Q Ms. Julie Overbeck Q Dr. David D. Parrish Q Mr. and Mrs.
Donald H. Ross Q Mr. and Mrs. Osamu Shimizu Q Ms. Katherine J. Ward
COUNCIL MEMBER’S CIRCLE ($1,000-$2,499) Mr. and Mrs. Robert Baillie Q Mr. and Mrs. Charles W. Barnes, III Q Dr. and Mrs. William E.
9 out of 10 wildfires are Barrick Q Dr. Nancy J. Becker and Mr. Gregory L. Wilson Q Mrs. Katherine M. Belk Q Dr. Sherran Blair Q Mr. and Mrs. Jack J. Blandy Q
caused by humans. Mrs. Joan April Blazich Q Mr. and Mrs. Robert L. Bogle Q Mr. and Mrs. Michael T. Bradshaw Q Ms. Ellyn Brooks Q Dr. and Mrs. Joseph P.
9 out of 10 wildfires can Cameron Q Mrs. Barbara L. Carr Q Dr. and Mrs. Tom Currey Q Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Davis Q Dr. Karen Davis and Mr. Richard Davis Q Mr.
be prevented. and Mrs. Walter T. Eccard Q Ms. Katherine B. Edwards and Mr. John A. Ronveaux Q Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Farrell Q Mrs. Cherie H. Flores
Q Dr. and Mrs. John A. Floyd, Jr. Q Ms. Mary Ann Franklin Q Dr. and Dr. Ciril and Suzanne Godec Q Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Hanson Q Mr.
and Mrs. Herbert F. Hargroves Q Mrs. Martha Harris Q Mrs. Rebecca Hartness Q Mr. and Mrs. Albert Huddleston Q Mrs. Virginia Korteweg
Q Ms. Mary A. Lambert Q Mr. and Mrs. Michael L. Lee Q Mrs. Carolyn Marsh Lindsay Q Ms. JoAnn Luecke Q Dr. and Mrs. Louis B. Lynn Q
SMOKEYBEAR.COM
Ms. Mary T. McConnell Q Mr. and Mrs. Robert Murray Q Mr. and Mrs. Al Osman Q Mr. Duane Partain and Ms. Jane Scheidecker Q Mr. and
Mrs. William Paternotte Q Mrs. Lynn C. Rhomberg Q Mr. and Mrs. James A. Runde Q Mr. and Mrs. Doug Scovanner Q Mr. Carroll L. Shry
Q Mr. Richard P. Simmons Q Mrs. Regina Smith Q Ms. Kathleen A. Smithgall Q Mr. and Mrs. Paul W. Tickle Q Mr. and Mrs. Harry Tunis Q
Mr. and Mrs. Tom Underwood Q Mr. Joe Viar, Jr. and Ms. Bonnie Christ Q Mr. and Mrs. John P. Vikesland Q Mr. and Mrs. Robert D. Volk
Q Mr. and Mrs. Michael Volpe Q Mr. and Mrs. Charles F. Walton Q Ms. Katy Moss Warner Q Mrs. Dudley B. White Q Dr. John A. Wott
HONORARY PRESIDENT’S COUNCIL (in memoriam) Ms. Louise Fruehling Q Mrs. Enid Haupt Q Mrs. John A. Lutz Q Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Miller
Q Ms. Wilma L. Pickard
Corporate Members
The Care of Trees Q Chapel Valley Landscape Company Q Corona, Inc.
The Espoma Company Q Osmocote
Horticultural Partners
America In Bloom Q Bellingrath Gardens & Home Q The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation Q Cox Arboretum Metropark
Q Friends of Fellows Riverside Gardens Q The Gardeners of America/Men’s Garden Clubs of America
I
T HAS BEEN a busy and eventful summer for the American Horticultural Society E DI T ORI AL I NT E RN
(AHS). In early July, nearly half of our staff was in the Pacific Northwest, where Stephanie George
we participated in the International Master Gardener Conference in Portland, CONT RIBU TI N G E DIT OR
Oregon, and celebrated the AHS’s 25th annual National Children & Youth Garden Rita Pelczar
Symposium (NCYGS), in Vancouver, Washington. Both events brought together CONT RIBU TI N G W RIT E R
people from all walks of life who share a passion for gardening and plants. While learn- Carole Ottesen
ing from and networking with each other, participants E DI T ORI AL ADVI SORY BOARD
quickly developed a warm camaraderie that transformed CH AI R Ethne Clarke
these events into a family reunion of sorts. Colorado Springs, Colorado
This was especially true of the NCYGS. Many famil- Linda Askey
Birmingham, Alabama
iar faces helped us mark its silver anniversary with fond
reminiscences about past symposiums. It became abun- Julie Chai
Mountain View, California
dantly clear what a profound effect this annual event
Mary Irish
has had on our attendees and the students they serve. San Antonio, Texas
Again and again we heard from participants about how Panayoti Kelaidis
the symposium re-affirms that the work they are doing Denver, Colorado
to connect kids to plants is important, powerful, and Charlie Nardozzi
making a difference in myriad ways. We couldn’t agree Burlington, Vermont
more! Amazing things happen when the next generation Denny Schrock
gets involved in caring for the planet through gardening. Ames, Iowa
Summer was equally eventful at our River Farm headquarters in Virginia. One Jessica Walliser
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
highlight was having our 25-acre property designated as a Certified Wildlife Habitat
by the National Wildlife Federation. Supporting pollinators, birds, and other bene- Kris Wetherbee
Oakland, Oregon
ficial creatures is a key part of River Farm’s purpose, so we’re thrilled to have this rec-
ognition, which will in turn help us increase awareness among our visitors. This also CON TACT U S The American Gardener
ties into our national efforts on behalf of pollinators, given their alarming decline in 7931 East Boulevard Drive
recent years. For example, River Farm is also a registered garden for the Million Pol- Alexandria, VA 22308
(703) 768-5700
linator Garden Challenge, a campaign of the National Pollinator Garden Network
(NPGN). This group of organizations and businesses—including the AHS—are E DIT ORIAL editor@ahsgardening.org
working together to encourage creation of gardens that support pollinators. ADVERT ISI N G advertising@ahsgardening.org
We are about a third of the way to the goal of one million registered gardens, and we
know there are plenty of gardens out there yet to be registered. Please take a moment
The American Gardener (ISSN 1087-9978) is published bimonthly
to visit www.millionpollinatorgardens.org and add your garden to the count! You can (January/February, March/April, May/June, July/August, September/
learn more about the AHS’s involvement with the NPGN on page 10 of this magazine. October, November/December) by the American Horticultural Soci-
ety, 7931 East Boulevard Drive, Alexandria, VA 22308-1300, (703)
You’ll also find information in this issue about plants that can increase the wild- 768-5700. Membership in the Society includes a subscription to
The American Gardener. Annual dues are $35; international dues
life value of your garden. For instance, consider growing a few of the native woody are $55. $10 of annual dues goes toward magazine subscription.
species that have dense, suckering growth habits (page 14). These ground-covering Periodicals postage paid at Alexandria, Virginia, and at additional
mailing offices. Postmaster: Please send Form 3579 to The American
plants help create essential habitat for a variety of creatures. For shady spots, try some Gardener, 7931 East Boulevard Drive, Alexandria, VA 22308-1300.
of the arisaemas described in our article about this genus, starting on page 30. Their Botanical nomenclature is based on The American Horticultural
Society A–Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants, on A Synonymized Check-
unique blooms attract the not-so-flashy yet important pollinators such as beetles and list of the Vascular Flora of the United States, Canada and Greenland
and on the Royal Horticultural Society Index of Garden Plants. Opinions
flies. These pieces and much more await you, so turn the page and dig in. expressed in the articles are those of the authors and are not necessar-
ily those of the Society. Manuscripts, artwork, and photographs sent
for possible publication will be returned if accompanied by a self-ad-
Happy gardening, dressed, stamped envelope. We cannot guarantee the safe return of
unsolicited material. Back issues are available at $8 per copy.
Copyright ©2017 by the American Horticultural Society.
Holly H. Shimizu Printed in the U.S.A.
Interim Executive Director
FACEBOOK:
www.facebook.com/american BIG FOLIAGE SUGGESTION
horticulturalsociety
After reading Cole Burrell’s article on
Q Find seasonal gardening tips, beautiful plants with bold foliage (July/August
gardens around the world, 2017), I wanted to mention that a worthy
photos of native plants
blooming in our members’ alternative to bear’s breeches (Acanthus
gardens, and more. Message us mollis) is Acanthus hungaricus (aka A. bal-
with photos of your home garden. canicus), which is quite hardy in my USDA
Zone 5b garden in Lexington, Massachu-
setts [shown in the photo, right]. I started it
TWITTER: some 25 years ago with seed from the Den-
www.twitter.com/AHS_Gardening
ver Botanic Garden and it has gone from
Q Follow @AHS_Gardening for strength to strength since. It is a robust
breaking garden news and plant, reaching two or three feet across in
eye-catching photos. Join
us here once a month for time, which should be taken into account
#plantchat, when we host when choosing a site. It divides readily and
a one-hour open discussion with an is easy to grow from seed, however, and
expert garden guest, along with our critters don’t seem to bother it.
corporate member, Corona Tools. Jim Jones
If you miss a #plantchat, read the
transcripts on our website at Lexington, MA
www.ahsgardening.org/plantchat.
WRITE US! Address letters to Editor, The American Gardener, 7931 East Boulevard Drive, Alexandria, VA
22308. Send e-mails to editor@ahsgardening.org (note Letter to Editor in subject line). Letters we print
INSTAGRAM:
may be edited for length and clarity.
www.instagram.com/am_hort_society
QEnjoy photos from our
A Gift
travels around the U.S., along
with year-round views of the
gardens at River Farm, our
PINTEREST:
www.pinterest.com/amhortsociety
Q We’re always creating
new boards with images and
information to supplement
our articles in The American
Gardener. Check out the boards to see
what we’re highlighting in this issue! This Holiday
Other popular boards include Container
Gardening, Gardens to Visit, and Season
Upcycling.
Adopt
FLICKR:
www.flickr.com/photos/ -A-
the_american_horticultural_society
Q View images from
Manatee ®
from Sea to
online-auction Shining
Sea
OPEN
OCT. 12–26
Thank
You!
The American Horticultural Society
would like to thank the following
organizations and individuals for
their generous support of our 2017
Biltmore Estate & Gardens annual Gala:
Look for more tour packages and information on accessing the auction at
www.ahsgardening.org/online-auction
CONTACTS FOR
AHS PROGRAMS,
MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS &
News from the AHS
DEPARTMENTS
September / October 2017
PROGRAMS • EVENTS • ANNOUNCEMENTS
For general information about your membership,
call (703) 768-5700. Send change of address
notifications to our membership department at
7931 East Boulevard Drive, Alexandria, VA
22308. If your magazine is lost or damaged in
the mail, call the number above for a replace-
GROWING GOOD KIDS CHILDREN’S BOOK AWARDS
ment. Requests for membership information SINCE 2005, the Junior Master Gardener Program and the American Horticul-
and change of address notification can also be tural Society (AHS) have honored engaging, inspiring works of plant, garden and
e-mailed to membership@ahsgardening.org.
ecology-themed children’s
THE AMERICAN GARDENER To submit a letter to literature through the annual
the editor of The American Gardener, write to
The American Gardener, 7931 East Boulevard
“Growing Good Kids–Excel-
Drive, Alexandria, VA 22308, or send an e-mail lence in Children’s Literature
to editor@ahsgardening.org. Awards.” The awards selection
DEVELOPMENT To make a gift to the Ameri- committee includes AHS staff
can Horticultural Society, or for information members, Junior Master Gar-
about a donation you have already made, call
(703) 768-5700 ext. 127, or send an e-mail dener specialists and coordina-
to development@ahsgardening.org. tors, teachers, youth leaders,
E-MAIL LISTS To subscribe to specific e-mail
and kids. The commit-
lists for updates on programs and events, visit tee’s goal is to recognize
http://connect.ahsgardening.org/email. children’s books that are
INTERNSHIP PROGRAM The AHS offers in- especially effective at pro-
ternships in communications, horticulture, moting an understanding
and membership. For information, send an
e-mail to internships@ahsgardening.org. In-
of, and appreciation for,
formation and application forms can also be gardening, nature, and
found in the Gardening Programs area of www. the environment.
ahsgardening.org.
The 2017 winners of
NATIONAL CHILDREN & YOUTH GARDEN the Growing Good Kids Book awards are: Secrets of The
SYMPOSIUM For information about the Society’s
annual National Children & Youth Garden Sym-
Vegetable Garden, by Carron Brown, illustrated by Gior-
posium, e-mail education@ahsgardening.org, or dano Poloni; Because of an Acorn, by Lola M. Schaefer
visit www.ahsgardening.org/ncygs. and Adam Schaefer, illustrated by Fran Preston-Gannon;
RECIPROCAL ADMISSIONS PROGRAM The AHS Sleep Tight Farm, by Eugenie Doyle, illustrated by Becca
Reciprocal Admissions Program offers mem- Stadtlander; Good Trick, Walking Stick, by Sheri Mabry
bers free admission and other discounts to 300
botanical gardens and other horticultural des- Bestor, illustrated by Jonny Lambert; and The Night Gar-
tinations throughout North America. A list of dener, by Terry Fan and Eric Fan.
participating gardens can be found on www. This year’s winners received their awards in July during
ahsgardening.org/rap. For more information, call
(703) 768-5700 ext. 119. the AHS’s National Children & Youth Gardening Sym-
posium in the greater Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver,
RIVER FARM The AHS headquarters at River
Farm is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays year- Washington, area. To learn more about the Growing Good
round (except Federal holidays), and 9 a.m. to Kids awards and view previous winners, visit www.jmgkids.us/bookawards.
1 p.m. Saturdays from April through September.
direct, and life-long relationship with nature and the outdoors. $1,000+ Gifts
One of OAK’s signature initiatives is the Every Kid in a Park
program, in which every fourth grader in America can obtain a Mrs. Barbara J. Becker Mr. Duane Partain and
pass for free entry into more than 2,000 federally managed sites Mr. Jack J. Blandy Ms. Jane Scheidecker
nationwide for an entire year. The program’s goal is to inspire Mrs. Barbara L. Carr Mr. and Mrs. Paul W. Tickle
a new generation to become stewards of our nation’s cultural Mr. and Mrs. Donne and Mr. and Mrs. Harry Tunis
and natural heritage. Beth Colton Ms. Katherine J. Ward
To learn more about OAK and how to become involved, Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Mr. and Mrs. Klaus Zech
Conlon
visit www.outdoorsallianceforkids.org.
Dr. and Mrs. Tom Currey Burke & Herbert Bank
“This certification reflects the AHS’s commitment to en- ton, D.C.-area developer, he served on the Board from 1990
couraging environmentally-friendly gardening practices on a to 1996 and was also a longtime River Farm neighbor. Also on
national scale,” says Associate Director of Gardens and Facili- August 14, AHS Board member Thomas E. Johnson died at
ties Dan Scott. “River Farm models how gardeners can attract age 62. A prominent Washington D.C.-area architect specializ-
and support wildlife through its four-acre meadow, wildlife ing in the preservation of historic buildings, Johnson had been
garden, and diverse mix of plants.” on the Board since 2014.
For more information about this certification program, visit
www.nwf.org/Garden-For-Wildlife.aspx. News written by AHS staff.
by Stephanie George
P
EOPLE WHO work with plants survey carried out by Seed Your Future
tend to be pretty passionate about in 2016, just 48 percent of Americans be- A TEAM EFFORT
their jobs, but putting the idea of tween the ages of 18 and 35 are familiar In addition to reaching out to educators
a career involving horticulture in people’s with the term “horticulture,” while about and others who guide career-seekers, Seed
minds in the first place can be quite chal- 72 percent of Your Future encourages those already
lenging. This is reflected in the fact that those over 35 working in the field to use the hashtag
around 40 percent of currently available are more likely #ILoveMyPlantJob on social media. This
horticulture positions remain unfilled. to recognize the campaign is helping to change the “per-
“There’s a huge demand that’s just not word. Among vasive negative perception of horticulture
being met,” says Susan Yoder, executive the respondents jobs,” Yoder says. A glance through a few
director of Seed Your Future, a national who were famil- of these tagged images yields smiling fac-
organization that promotes horticulture iar with horti- es in settings from fields and greenhouses
as a career. There simply aren’t enough culture, only 26 to laboratories and classrooms. “When
people, she explains, who can grow food, percent saw it as kids see people loving what they do for a
conserve plant species, and create engag- a viable, fulfill- living, it helps open their minds to con-
TOP: COURTESY OF NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY
ing green spaces. “The bottom line is that Susan Yoder ing, and respect- sidering those careers,” Yoder says.
in this changing world we’ve got to have ed career path. Yoder feels optimistic about the collec-
people who can ensure the future of our Reflecting on her own career path, tive impact her work is having. “Attitudes
environment,” says Yoder, an American Yoder says that it was influenced by her towards gardening and other plant-related
Horticultural Society (AHS) member who affinity for the outdoors and shaped with professions are changing, and it’s exciting to
lives in Indianapolis, Indiana. the help of people who encouraged her work with organizations like Seed Your Fu-
to pave her own way. She started out ture and the AHS that are leading the way,”
SPREADING THE WORD sharing her love of nature with kids at the Yoder says.
Some of the problem appears to stem from camps and after school programs where
a lack of awareness about the opportuni- she worked. “After college,” she says, Stephanie George is an editorial intern for
ties in horticulture. According to a phone “I discovered that a career in nonprofit The American Gardener.
C
OMMON staghorn sumac Native shrubs that slowly spread to form small colonies offer a
(Rhus typhina) may get short
shrift from gardeners because it variety of landscape benefits. BY ANDREW BUNTING
tends to be rather nondescript in spring
and summer. But once cooler weather
arrives in fall, this native shrub stands
out along the roadways of the Northeast, right site. Many make excellent ground- able, often depending on the type of site in
Mid-Atlantic, and Upper Midwest when covers, others are useful for erosion con- which they are growing and competition
dense colonies of it are cloaked in bright trol on slopes and hillsides, and several from other plants.
red to orange foliage. will thrive in challenging conditions like
Aside from its stunning fall color, I seasonally moist soil or heavy shade. They GREAT GROUNDCOVERS
mention this sumac because it’s a familiar also tend to work well in informal gar- One of my favorite suckering shrubs is
example of a stoloniferous, or “suckering,” dens, and many—particularly regional yellowroot (Xanthorrhiza simplicissima,
shrub that spreads slowly via underground natives—offer nectar, food, or cover that USDA Hardiness Zones 3–9, AHS Heat
stems—known as stolons—to eventually supports a wide variety of wildlife. Zones 9–3), which only reaches about 18
form fairly dense masses. Some may view Shrubs with this growth habit range in inches tall and forms dense clumps under
species that have this growth habit in a size from those that essentially serve as low the right conditions. Native to the Appa-
SAXON HOLT
negative light, but in my experience these groundcovers to larger ones growing six to lachians from New York to Alabama and
plants offer a number of benefits in the 10 feet tall. Their spread is similarly vari- Florida, yellowroot is grown primarily
I came across yellowroot growing in tough Illinois, where I work, it has proven to grant, goosenecklike spikes of white flow-
rocky conditions, indicating its exceptional be one of the best native groundcovers ers in early June. The narrow leaves turn
drought tolerance. for tough environments, tolerating heat, plum-purple in the fall and even the red-
TOP LEFT: BRINDA MANDELLA. BOTTOM LEFT AND RIGHT: JOSH MCCULLOUGH
central and northern Califor- summersweet (Clethra alnifolia, Zones
nia. It is covered with fragrant 4–9, 9–1), native to the Eastern Seaboard
burgundy flowers from April to August. Its flowers and habit are similar to that from Maine to Texas. Its sweetly-scented,
of its eastern relation Carolina allspice (Calycanthus floridus, Zones 5–9, 9–4), erect, bottlebrush flowers open in August,
which is another excellent stoloniferous shrub. adding late-summer color and fragrance.
In the Pacific Northwest, salal (Gaultheria shallon, Zones 7–9, 9–7) serves as These blooms are also pollinator magnets,
a good colonizing groundcover, according to Richie Steffen, horticulturist at the making this plant an excellent choice for
Elisabeth C. Miller Botanical Garden in Seattle, Washington. Native along the wildlife gardens. Most cultivars have
Pacific Coast from British Columbia to California, it grows four to eight feet tall white flowers, including the diminutive
with equal spread and has attractive shiny evergreen foliage. Clusters of white to ‘Hummingbird’ and the floriferous selec-
pale pink flowers bloom in spring, followed in summer by edible black berries. tion ‘Sixteen Candles’, but ‘Ruby Spice’
While salal is adaptable in sites ranging from full shade to some sun, Steffen says and ‘Hokie Pink’ offer deep-pink flower
it tends to do best “when grown in part shade, with a light clipping in late spring options. Like Virginia sweetspire, sum-
after bloom to help keep it dense.” —A.B. mersweet thrives in full sun and is a good
option for sites with moist soil.
able to a fairly wide range of soil moisture are Kodiak®Black, which has burgun- Smooth witherod is one of the few vibur-
and is happiest in full sun but will tolerate dy-black foliage, and Kodiak®Orange, nums that thrives in poorly-drained soils. It
a bit of shade. Cool Splash® is a selection which has pinkish-orange foliage. tolerates part shade, but flowering, fruiting,
WINTER INTEREST
Several of the suckering shrubs I’ve de-
scribed provide multi-season interest, but
be sure to also include plants with win-
Resources
Manual of Woody Landscape Plants
(6th ed.) by Michael A. Dirr, Stipes
Publishing, Champaign, IL, 2009.
Native Trees, Shrubs & Vines by
William Cullina, Houghton Mifflin,
Boston, MA, 2002.
but there are lots of smaller cultivars avail- Suckering plants will continue to expand Andrew Bunting is assistant director of the
able. ‘Winter Red’ reaches eight feet tall in the width of the shrub mass as they garden and director of collections at the Chi-
and sets an abundance of shiny red fruits grow. There are some measures whereby cago Botanic Garden in Glencoe, Illinois.
A
NY GARDEN that is enclosed by a fence or some type of wall needs a gate for access. Gates are
primarily made of wood or metal, and for pure functionality, you can find a number of options
at the local home improvement center, but why not use this opportunity to also make a state-
ment about you and your garden? Of all the elements in an average garden, a gate is perhaps the easiest to
customize to make an instant impact. By simply choosing the right gate, you can turn your garden from
drab to vibrant or ordinary to full of personality. On the following pages you’ll see examples of how some
gardeners across the country have done just that.
Mary Yee is managing editor and art director for The American Gardener.
DOREEN WYNJA
Including an arbor over a gate allows it to do double duty. This cottage-style garden in the coastal town of Mendocino, California, features
a classic white picket fence with a matching gate and arbor over which roses have been trained.
Aside from style and color, another consideration for a gate is its suitability to a region’s
climate. This turquoise gate to the back patio of Ann Butler’s house in Tucson, Arizona,
contrasts with the pink adobe walls in a color combination popular in the Southwest. Butler,
who wanted something low maintenance, chose wrought iron for the gate. “We have a lot
of sun and heat in Tucson,” she says, “and, unlike wood, wrought iron stands up to both.”
For privacy, a wire screen that has been spray-painted to match is riveted to the back of
the gate. The gate’s sharp-angled lines complement the lines of the walls as well as the
plantings of Mexican fence-post cactus (Pachycereus marginatus).
The landscape at Terra Nova, shown here in early summer, features a colorful mix of the nursery’s wide variety of introductions.
Plants by Montague Free. Soon, he became the early ’80s gave us the Me Generation. “Dan is a gardener, and that makes a huge
hooked on plants. In the duplex he rented “It was go, go, go,” he sighs. “People didn’t difference.”
with five roommates, he installed racks of have time for nurturing. The houseplant
fluorescent lights in the basement to grow business dissolved.” TERRA NOVA IS BORN
hundreds of houseplants. He fell back on a summer landscaping Heims had been breeding plants on the side
Although Heims majored in broadcast job with the county park district and later for a while, but in 1992, he officially launched
communications, it was his minor in bota- started his own design–build–maintenance Terra Nova Nurseries with his business part-
ny that truly excited him. His horticultural company. In all, he landscaped for 20 years. ner, Ken Brown. The company’s goal was
mentor, McAllister Ruff, had a profound Landscaping taught him lessons that would to generate new plants using convention-
impact on his career path. “I loved that serve him well in the next phase of his ca- al breeding methods and propagate them
man,” he tells me unabashedly. “He was reer. Most importantly, he learned what via tissue culture. With tissue culture, they
sweet, generous—the kindest man you ever made a good landscape plant and where could rapidly produce plants that were slow
met.” Besides being a horticulturist, Ruff improvements in plants were needed. He to multiply by traditional means.
Terra Nova’s begonia breeding program has produced cultivars with spectacular foliage such as ‘Garden Angel Plum’, above left. Thanks to tissue
culture, the nursery can quickly propagate a large supply of it and other cultivars, above right.
albells (Northern Exposure™), selections raise thousands of seedlings, seeking a erable outlay of money, to introduce a
of pyrethrum or painted daisy (Tanace- plant that’s naturally problem-free. In Terra Nova plant. “We spend easily a
tum coccineum) that don’t flop (Radiant™), this way, mildew-resistant Pulmonar- million dollars a year on research and de-
and meadow rue (Thalictrum aquilegi- ia ‘Trevi Fountain’ came to be. Other velopment,” Heims says.
folium) cultivars with smoky gray stems times, he’ll simply notice an intriguing When he gets it right, he feels it. “I
(Nimbus™). Begonia breeding for both mutation that has occurred. “Sport fish- know I have a great plant when I fall in
flower and foliage effect has been intense, ing” is the term he coined to describe the love with it every time I see it,” he says.
and naturally compact coleus selections search for these chance mutations. He “Like [Heuchera] ‘Champagne’—every
featuring spectacular patterns is another then sends new selections to trial gardens time I see that plant I just go, ‘Ahh.’ Those
focus. Improved Plectranthus is in the around the country to determine their colors she pulled out!”
pipeline, too. performance in various climates. It takes She is Janet Egger, from the Terra No-
about three years, along with a consid- va breeding team. Heims frequently ex-
FORMULA FOR SUCCESS presses his appreciation for the members
How does Heims go about developing To find retail sources for Terra No- of this team—Egger, Chuck Pavlich, and
a new plant? He often starts with the va plants near you, visit its website at Harini Korlipara—and he’s also thankful
plant’s worst problem—powdery mil- www.terranovanurseries.com/gardeners/ for the more than 100 workers—from
dew on lungworts (Pulmonaria spp.), for retail_sources.php. propagators to salespeople—who keep
instance. He’ll breed for resistance and things running smoothly at the nursery.
BY GENE E. BUSH
O
F ALL THE plants I have
grown over my many years as
a gardener, arisaemas (Arisae-
ma spp.) are undoubtedly the most fasci-
nating. These mysterious and captivating
plants look exotic but are hardy and easy
to grow. I can’t imagine my southern
Indiana shade garden without them.
When I first began collecting arisae-
mas some 25 years ago, only a couple of
the 150 or so species in the genus were
readily available. But, thanks to the efforts
of plant fanatics such as Tony Avent of
Plant Delights Nursery and Barry Yinger
of the former Asiatica Nursery, dozens of
exotic species are now relatively easy to
obtain from popular garden catalogs. The
Internet and specialty plant exchanges are
providing further sources of previously
hard-to-find selections.
If you haven’t already succumbed to
the temptation to try arisaemas in your
garden, there’s no time like the present.
But I offer fair warning, once you’ve start-
ed, it’s hard to stop at just one or two!
GROWING ARISAEMAS
Among species, there is a broad range of
winter hardiness; most do well in USDA
Hardiness Zones 4 to 9 and AHS Heat
Zones 9 to 1. But hardiness and heat tol-
erance are not the only considerations in
choosing a species. Before selecting an ari-
saema for your garden, determine wheth-
er it emerges early, mid-season, or late.
Species break dormancy at varying times
in spring through summer, and although
a species may be hardy, if it begins growth
too early, it can be injured by a late freeze.
In southern Indiana, we often get a warm
spell during February that lasts seven to 10
days, and then it’s back to winter. Arisae-
mas that emerge during those mild days
are often damaged.
The best time to plant new arisaemas
is while the rhizome or tuber is dormant.
I have found over the years that arisae-
mas are quite tolerant of transplanting.
Plant tubers four to six inches deep in
free-draining organic soil.
Because arisaemas are sensitive to fer-
tilizers, caution is advised. A light annual
dressing of compost, composted manure,
or a balanced fertilizer is sufficient. Each
fall, I mulch with chopped leaves that
In late summer to fall, the clustered berries of arisaemas turn from green to red or orange. break down to provide additional nutri-
Here the berries of Arisaema tortuosum, a tall Himalayan species, create a spectacle above ents and organic matter.
the bold foliage in a mixed border at the Bellevue Botanical Garden in Washington.
NORTH AMERICAN SPECIES
moist, woodland habitats, and most are Inside the spathe, the inconspicuous Three arisaema species are found in
native to temperate zones, which makes true flowers form on a slender club called North America, but one (A. macro-
them adaptable to a wide range of gar- a spadix. In some species, a band of male spathum) is endemic to the highlands of
dens in the United States. flowers forms near the top of the spadix, central Mexico and is not hardy enough
Arisaemas are herbaceous plants followed by a sterile band and then a band for me to cover here.
that grow from—depending on spe- of female flowers. If pollen from the male The arisaema most familiar to Amer-
cies—tubers or rhizomes. Despite what flowers reaches the female flowers—and ican gardeners is Jack-in-the-pulpit (A.
you might assume after seeing them in sufficient energy is available in the tuber— triphyllum, USDA Hardiness Zones 4–9,
“bloom,” arisaemas are really mostly seeds will form inside fleshy berries. Most AHS Heat Zones 9–1). Native to moist
about foliage. In addition to one to three plants are pollinated by flies and beetles. woodlands in most states east of the Rocky
“true” leaves that develop on each plant, Berries are produced in tight clusters, usu- Mountains, this was the first arisaema in
what is generally thought of as the flower ally turning a brilliant waxy red by fall. my collection. Its common name stems
MARK TURNER
is actually a modified leaf that curls into When it comes to reproduction, some from the fancied resemblance of its inflo-
a tube, broadening at the tip to form a arisaemas behave in rather unusual ways. rescence to a preacher (the spadix) stand-
hood called a spathe. Plants can be monoecious as previously ing in a covered pulpit (the spathe).
PROPAGATING ARISAEMAS
If you intend to collect seeds from your arisaemas, it is best to have three or more
plants of each species in your garden. This is especially true for dioecious types
because both mature male and female plants must bloom at the same time for
pollination to occur. It may take some years for the plants to establish a cycle
where one remains male and the others become female.
Harvest berries once they are mature, then clean them by squeezing the pulp
from the seeds and washing them in a container of water to which a few drops
of dishwashing liquid has been
added. Be sure to wear a pair of
rubber gloves while doing this,
because the pulp can stain fin-
gers and some people experience
skin irritation.
Sow seeds outdoors in fall
where you want them to grow and
cover them lightly. Or sow them
in containers and set them out-
side in a shaded spot to ride with
the local weather over winter.
Most of the seed will germinate
the following spring, but it can
take up to five years before the Another fancifully named arisaema, green
first blooms appear. And remem- dragon has a long spadix that extends well
ber that seed-propagated plants out of the spathe.
may display some variation from
the parent. serration along the edges and is mottled
LEFT: BILL JOHNSON. RIGHT: JOSEPH G. STRAUCH JR.
Resources
Aroids: Plants of the Arum Family by
Deni Bown. Timber Press, Portland,
OR, 2000.
The Genus Arisaema: A Monograph for
Botanists and Nature Lovers by Guy
and Liliane Gusman. A.R. Gantner
Verlag Kommanditgesellschaft,
Germany, 2003. (Distributed in
the United States by Timber Press,
Portland, OR.)
The International Aroid Society,
www.aroid.org.
Zones 5–9, 9–1), native from Yemen to beauties continues to grow. Each year, I find
western China, produces two leaves, each more arisaemas that I must have, and the
with five to 11 leaflets. The spathe is short hunt is on to expand my collection.
and rounded, its hood strongly reflexed
over the tube with a point that resembles Gene E. Bush is a shade garden correspon-
a beak. The hood bends to form “ears” dent, writer, consultant, and speaker who can
on each side, hence the common name. be found at www.shadegardenexpert.com.
It does somewhat resemble a yellow owl This is an updated version of an article that
sitting on a branch. The plant is tall and was published in the November/December
thin, with narrow, skeletonlike leaves. 2005 issue of this magazine.
I
N 1997, a children’s garden at the Leg- Each one of Legacy’s gardens is “in- addition to everyone else, Legacy took a
COURTESY OF EMANUEL LEGACY MEDICAL CENTER (2)
acy Emanuel Medical Center in Port- tended to offer therapeutic benefit to all,” team approach to its planning and design.
land, Oregon, opened to patients, explains Teresia Hazen, coordinator of the Clinicians and other hospital staff, current
visitors, and hospital staff. It was one of Legacy Therapeutic Gardens Program. and former patients, horticultural therapy
Legacy’s first therapeutic gardens, and This includes patients of varying ages and volunteers, and school teachers were all
among the earliest garden of its kind in the degrees of ability, their visitors, medical involved. They worked with landscape
United States, and even the world. Today, personnel, and the general public. architects to identify features to include
it is an integral part of Legacy’s Therapeu- or modify for the purposes of offering
tic Gardens Program, which comprises MULTI-FACETED DESIGN children opportunities for rehabilitation,
12 gardens around eight medical center To ensure that the children’s garden could education, play, and restoration. “This
campuses in the Pacific Northwest. appropriately serve pediatric patients in collaboration and cooperative work is es-
sential to develop gardens that serve spe- in a more relaxed setting than a hospital provide access to the garden tucked into a
cial needs populations,” says Hazen, “as room. It supports a variety of therapeutic courtyard. These entrances lead to a circu-
well as promote wellbeing for everyone.” activities, from cognitive exercises to help- itous pathway that allows visitors to nav-
The design also incorporated character- ing patients regain motor skills. It also of- igate the garden in their own way. A sign
istics identified by the American Horticul- fers a pleasant respite from the more sterile encourages walking laps around the path
tural Therapy Association as fundamental hospital environment for doctors, nurses, for exercise and relaxation, noting that 16
to therapeutic gardens (see box on page 38 and other staff, who often take breaks in the laps equals one mile. Wide and level enough
for more about these guidelines).The re- garden. Through all four seasons, this out- to accommodate comfortable wheelchair
sulting 9,000-square-foot children’s garden door haven seamlessly meets these diverse and stroller access, the path runs past several
has become a powerful tool for assisting the needs by leveraging nature’s positive effects raised beds and containers that bring color-
healing process and coping with stressful upon human health. ful plants within easier reach.
medical situations. Accessible around the Encouraging people to interact with na-
clock, it provides a safe place for indepen- A GARDEN FOR ALL ture through touch and their other senses is
dent exploration and for families to interact From inside the medical center, three doors an important element of this garden, so the
plant palette is carefully selected with this in
mind. Signage points out particular plants
visitors can touch or smell or sometimes
even taste. Scheduled activities such as a
TOP LEFT AND BOTTOM: COURTESY OF EMANUEL LEGACY MEDICAL CENTER. TOP RIGHT: VIVEKA NEVELN
that they can feel at home in,” says Brian BETTER HEALTH THROUGH GARDENS regular calls for consultation from across
Bainnson, a landscape architect with Port- In the 20 years since the children’s garden the country.” Receiving well-deserved rec-
land-based design firm Quatrefoil that has at Legacy Emanuel opened, awareness ognition for the garden’s therapeutic effi-
worked on the garden. of nature’s beneficial impact on human cacy is no doubt gratifying, but far more
That homey, welcoming feeling also health has grown exponentially. Reams significant is the appreciation from the
comes across through the benches and of research confirm that interacting with people who directly benefit.
other seating options around the garden. the natural world is good for us in myriad “One physician told me that while
Those unable to explore quite so actively ways. In tandem with this, the relatively he is at work, he goes out of his way
may choose to rest in a chair under the young field of horticultural therapy has to walk through the garden as often as
pavilion. And those wishing to simply also become more widely recognized for possible,” says Bainnson. “It is one of
decompress for a few moments may sit its contributions to health and wellbeing. the things that keeps him going even on
in a quiet nook off the main pathway. Perhaps because of all these develop- tough days. I think that says a lot about
In 2014, a terrace garden overlooking the ments, “the movement for therapeutic why this garden and others like it are so
children’s garden was added, providing gardens seems to have reached a tipping important.” Hazen agrees, noting that
even more access to the lush scenery. The point,” says Hazen. Many health care fa- “something magical happens when peo-
views can be enjoyed from the inside, cilities now have such gardens on their ple spend time in well-designed thera-
too, thanks to corridors filled with large campuses, including green spaces specifi- peutic gardens.”
VIVEKA NEVELN
windows that surround the courtyard. cally for children. And because of Legacy’s
And “patients do request a room with a longtime success in serving a diverse hos- Viveka Neveln is associate editor of The
garden view,” says Hazen. pital population, Hazen says, “we receive American Gardener.
Gifts through your estate can provide important benefits to you and the
Society. Gifts may be made by will or trust, through which you may
direct either a specific dollar amount (e.g. $250,000), a percentage
(e.g. 25%), or the remainder after provisions for your loved ones.
Through your gift you can:
I
N MANY PARTS of the country the
growing season is starting to wind
down, but there’s still plenty of
work to do before we hang up our tools
for the winter. The following is a list of
tasks that should be accomplished now
to help ensure your garden is healthy and
ready to go when spring arrives.
perennials such as narrowleaf ironweed should be cut back now. Phlox and bee- have been significantly damaged over
(Vernonia lettermannii), stonecrop or balm (Monarda spp.) that have developed the winter.
tenance will give you a big advantage scrape out the seeds, and roast them.
next season. Instead of battling pests, Then freeze the cooked flesh in sealable
diseases, and weeds, you can spend more plastic bags. —S.A.
time planting and enjoying your garden
when it starts growing again. Send your gardening questions to
Scott Aker at saker@ahsgardening.org
Scott Aker is head of horticulture and (please include your city and state with
Use a mower to collect both leaves and grass education at the U.S. National Arboretum submissions).
clippings for the compost pile. in Washington, D.C.
F
EW CULINARY herbs elicit as
strong opinions as cilantro (Co-
riandrum sativum). Described by
detractors as soapy, bitter, and stinky, and
by fans as fresh, crisp, and clean, cilan-
tro’s characteristic flavor derives from a
class of organic compounds, known as al-
dehydes, that is also responsible for some
of our most-beloved aromas and flavors,
such as vanilla, fresh-cut grass, and citrus.
If you are among those unconvinced of
cilantro’s flavorful attributes, perhaps its
designation as the 2017 Herb of the Year
by the International Herb Association
may prompt you to give it another try.
Savor cilantro leaves for long enough
and hints of its family tree creep through:
Exhaling through my nose after nibbling
on a leaf brings flashes of celery, carrot,
and parsley. I once belonged to the hate-
it club, but then, I also used to detest
coffee, dark chocolate, and grapefruit. If
I may say, I’m much wiser now.
GROWING GUIDELINES
Considered rather exotic until the last few
decades, cilantro is a common ingredient Cilantro lends its unmistakable, assertive flavor to many international cuisines. Here it is both
an integral ingredient in a Mexican-inspired rice dish as well as an attractive garnish.
PLANTING BASICS in Mexican, Caribbean, and Asian cuisine. Cilantro thrives in cool weather and
Getting Started Germination ranges from Fresh cilantro is now widely available in also has a short life cycle, so to extend
10 days at 70 degrees Fahrenheit, to 21 the produce sections of most food stores. your harvest, make additional sowings
days in cooler temperatures. If collect- If you enjoy this annual herb, however, it every two to three weeks until day tem-
ing your own seed, remove seeds from is effortless to grow in your garden. peratures are regularly above 75 degrees
the pod to increase germination rates. Like many culinary herbs, cilantro Fahrenheit. Sow again in late summer
In cooler climates, sow seeds in full sun; grows best in slightly acidic, well-drained for a fall crop. Plants also self-sow—in
in warmer climates, provide afternoon soil in a sunny location, although in my Maryland garden, I always get plen-
shade to prolong the harvest. warm regions a bit of afternoon shade is ty of volunteers for a fall crop from my
Spacing Sow seeds one-quarter to helpful. In areas with long, cold winters, spring sowing, with some left over to
one-half inch deep and an inch apart, seeds can be started indoors a few weeks germinate the following spring.
thinning to about four inches apart for prior to the last frost, but don’t wait too Once summer heat arrives, cilantro
foliage, or eight inches apart for seed. long to plant outdoors, because cilantro begins bolting—getting ready to go to
Days to Harvest Leaves are ready to har- develops a taproot that can make suc- seed. Clusters of small, frothy, white-
vest 40 to 55 days after planting; seeds cessful transplanting difficult. In most to-pale lilac flowers bloom in umbels
ISTOCKPHOTO.COM
ripen in 90 to 150 days, depending on areas, seeds can be sown directly out- on stalks clad in finely textured foliage.
growing conditions and variety. doors in spring about the time of your These are succeeded by development of
last frost date. round seedpods. Bolting affects the eat-
Sources
Cilantro’s edible white flowers set seeds that become the spice known as coriander. Harris Seeds, Rochester, NY.
www.harrisseeds.com.
ing quality of the leaves, so if you are only RECOMMENDED VARIETIES Johnny’s Selected Seeds, Winslow,
growing cilantro for its leaves, choose ‘Calypso’ High-yielding and one of the ME. www.johnnyseeds.com.
heat-tolerant varieties and protect plants slowest-to-bolt selections; well suited for Nichols Garden Nursery, Albany, OR.
from afternoon sun to prolong foliage hot-weather regions; open-pollinated. www.nicholsgardennursery.com.
production as long as possible. ‘Confetti’ An award-winning variety Richters Herbs, Goodwood, ON,
Like many culinary gardeners, I with milder-tasting feathery leaves that is Canada. www.richters.com.
grow cilantro both for foliage and for its slow to bolt and has high yields.
seeds—the sweet, lemony alter-ego that ‘Cruiser’ Bolt-resistant and compact.
is known as coriander. Harvest seeds ‘Leisure’ Good choice for hot-weather inville, Washington. “The flowers are
once the seedheads have mostly dried regions; has large leaves and high yields. incredible and don’t taste either like ci-
and turned brown by cutting and invert- ‘Pokey Joe’ Slow to bolt , with mild leaf lantro or coriander. And the seeds, when
ing the mature umbels in a paper bag to flavor; also produces well-formed roots. they’re green, are intensely citrusy.”
allow the seeds to fall as each pod dries ‘Santo’ Fast-growing variety, cultivated Weber encrusts tuna loins in freshly
and splits open. primarily for its dark green leaves. ground seed before searing them.
Cilantro’s long taproots are a staple
PESTS AND DISEASES of Thai cuisine, so don’t toss them when
Though they don’t bother my cilantro, you pull your plants. Whether ground
insects such as aphid and whiteflies may into paste as part of a curry, or chopped
occasionally appear. Use insecticidal soap together with garlic and white pepper-
to remove them. corns before being whisked into fish
Bacterial leaf spot from infected seeds sauce for a marinade, the roots bring an
TOP: NANCY J. ONDRA. BOTTOM: GRAHAM RICE, GARDENPHOTOS.COM
can afflict some crops. Initial symptoms ap- earthy flavor to recipes.
pear as dark, soggy spots on foliage, which Weber says it’s hard to break people’s
turn dark brown and eventually merge into preconceived notions about how cilantro
larger patches. Disease advances more rap- should be used, but he suggests experiment-
idly during wet weather and can persist in ing. Adding it to unexpected dishes often
the soil for several years. Because the respon- yields pleasing results—and may even con-
sible pathogen is specific to cilantro, the best vert the most stubborn disbeliever.
way to avoid the disease is crop rotation.
Powdery mildew is occasionally a prob- Michelle Z. Donahue is a freelance garden
lem, but proper spacing that promotes good and science writer who lives and gardens in
airflow helps to minimize its occurrence. ‘Confetti’ features finely-cut leaves. Frederick, Maryland.
A
S OKLAHOMA’S second-largest to the project. Located approximately eight The garden’s first major installation was
city, Tulsa has everything a bus- miles northwest of downtown Tulsa, the the A.R. and Marylouise Tandy Floral
tling metropolis can offer, from garden has developed into a serene place Terraces, built in 2015 and named in rec-
art to music and sports. But until the cusp for urbanites and other visitors to enjoy its ognition of the locally-based foundation
of the 21st century, it lacked a major public natural beauty and cultivated collections. that funded it. Each of the four terraces is
garden. This began to change in 1999, when themed and packed with vibrant plantings.
University of Oklahoma professor and stu- GETTING ESTABLISHED At the ground level is the Lawn Terrace,
dent duo Barry Fugus and Pat Woodrum Although the garden officially opened in followed by the Rose Terrace, the Pe-
came up with the idea of creating a garden 2009, it did not truly get on its feet until rennial Terrace, and the Mediterranean
as a space in which the community could 2012, when a master plan for its development Terrace. These display over 8,000 per-
enjoy nature. Within a year they recruited was implemented. “It’s a relatively young in- manent plants and several seasonal instal-
nearly 800 members to a formative board, stitution, and people are still discovering it,” lations, such as plantings of 10,000 bulbs
COURTESY OF TULSA BOTANIC GARDEN
and soon after, this group raised more than notes Lori Hutson, communications and that creates a riot of spring color.
$10 million for initial development of what outreach director, who remembers the early A six-foot-wide cascade of water runs
became the Tulsa Botanic Garden. days when there was no electricity or run- through the terraces down a chader—a
In 2004, a 170-acre plot of land sur- ning water on the property, and all the plants series of small stone steps—creating a
rounded by dense woodland was donated had to be watered by hand. shimmering effect. “It’s a compelling de-
The vibrant spring bulb display at the A.R. and Marylouise Tandy Floral Terraces is one of the largest in the country.
sign that’s made completely from Okla- which encircles the seven-acre lake in the a sensory walk, a tree fort, and a rolling
homa stone and takes inspiration from center of the gardens, winding through meadow, complete with trails that wind
the Art Deco heritage in Tulsa,” says various collections with ever-changing through grasses, flowering perennials,
Todd Lasseigne, president and CEO of palettes of color and texture. and larger-than-life insect whirligigs.
the garden. Younger visitors, particularly, will
Just west of the Terraces is the Cross enjoy the Children’s Discovery Gar- PART OF THE COMMUNITY
Timbers Trail. The cross timbers is an den. Opened just last year, it is a colorful In addition to the diverse gardens already
ecosystem particular to Oklahoma where space for learning and exploration. The in place, several more are in the works,
the tallgrass prairies of the west converge focal point of the garden is the Stream including a Japanese Garden, an In-
with the deciduous forests of the east. Valley. Its water source emanates from digenous Garden, and an Edibles and
This trail allows visitors to have an im- a 15-foot stone face sculpture, titled Natives Garden. Regular community
mersive experience in this unique habitat. Spring Giant, that Hutson calls “truly programs such as gardening talks, plant
There’s also the Lakeside Promenade, one of a kind.” The garden also includes walks, and drop-in activities for families
encourage visitor engagement with these
spaces. Partnerships with several local
Additional Information universities and allied nonprofit organi-
Tulsa Botanic Garden, 3900 Tulsa Botanic Drive, Tulsa, OK, 74127. (918) 289-0330. zations have made the gardens a valuable
www.tulsabotanic.org. resource for research and conservation
efforts, such as a recent study on lichens.
Q Hours: Year round from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday. And students of all ages often come to the
gardens for class assignments, field trips,
WEBERGROUP, COURTESY OF TULSA BOTANIC GARDEN
‘American
‘American Dream’
Dream’ corn
corn ‘Onyx
‘Onyx Red’
Red’ pepper
pepper
2018 ALL-AMERICA SELECTIONS WINNERS tomato diseases. A determinate type, it experts at some 80 trial sites located
All-America Selections (AAS), a non-profit grows only three feet tall and two feet throughout the United States and Can-
organization dedicated to testing new culti- wide, making it a good choice for contain- ada. Entries are judged based on factors
vars of vegetables and ornamental annuals, ers. It produces abundant clusters of fruits such as earliness of bloom, and harvest,
has announced the first round of winners in 90 days from seed. The fruits are slight- disease and pest tolerance, superior color
for the 2018 judging season. In the edibles ly bigger than cherry or grape tomatoes or flavor, flower form, and overall per-
category, judges selected ‘American Dream’ and have a balanced acidity-to-sweetness formance. For more information about
corn as the top national trial choice. This ratio that reportedly gives them a pleas- AAS, visit www.all-americaselections.org.
new selection from Illinois Foundation ing flavor whether eaten fresh, canned,
Seeds, Inc., is quick to germinate and pro- or cooked. ‘Red Racer’ is bred by Earth- NATURAL PLANT DEFENSE SYSTEM COULD
duces yellow and white kernels on the sev- Work Seeds and distributed by Garden LEAD TO SAFER PEST CONTROL
en-inch-long cobs in 77 days. The six- to Trends Wholesale. Plants turning insects into cannibals might
seven-foot-tall plants don’t require staking, New plant submissions to AAS are sound like something you’d encounter in a
and are resistant to northern corn leaf blight. evaluated by nearly 100 independent science fiction story, but it’s actually an ev-
Another winner is the ornamental eryday occurrence in the plant world. This
pepper, ‘Onyx Red’. This cultivar, bred is the essence of a common plant defense
by Takii & Co., Ltd., grows only six mechanism that researchers are now look-
to 10 inches tall and maintains a neat, ing to as inspiration for safe and effective
rounded shape throughout the growing pest control methods.
season. Its striking black foliage, purple When physically damaged, some plants
COURTESY OF ALL-AMERICA SELECTIONS (3)
flowers, and contrasting bright red fruits will release methyl jasmonate, a volatile
add splashes of color to beds, borders, organic compound that is bitter and un-
and containers. It blooms from late pleasant to herbivorous insects, such as cat-
spring to frost and sets fruit prolifically. erpillars. Their aversion to this compound
The third winner in the national is so strong that once a plant releases it, cat-
ranking is a cocktail tomato named ‘Red ‘Red Racer’ tomato erpillars will begin to eat each other rather
Racer’ that is resistant to several common than the plant. Not only does this protect
One of the benefits that TGOA/MGCA offers its members is the opportunity for TGOA/MGCA
and AHS members to participate in our annual photography contest. From these entries, photos
are chosen for our annual calendar. We encourage all men and women to become a member of
TGOA/MGCA and enjoy all the benefits of a worthwhile organization. For more information
about TGOA/MGCA or to order calendars for $7.00 postpaid, please call or email:
Website: www.tgoa-mgca.org
fruits attracted a variety of invertebrates. in the Botanical Journal of the Linnaean tree named Tropidogyne pikei. The genus
Among the invertebrates, Japanese for- Society, read the summary by Science has been assigned to the Cunoniaceae, a
est cockroaches (Blattella nipponica) Daily in August at www.sciencedaily.com/ family of trees that is common through-
were the most frequent consumers of releases/2017/08/170803091907.htm. out the Southern Hemisphere.
the fruits, feeding primarily at night. To learn more, visit www.bioone.org/
Through painstaking inspection of the NEW TREE SPECIES IS 100 MILLION YEARS OLD doi/10.18476/pale.v10.a10.
roaches’ feces, the researchers found vi- In the 1993 movie, Jurassic Park, dino-
able seeds of M. humile. saur DNA preserved in amber is used News written by Editorial Intern Steph-
Considering that there are over 4,600 to revive the giant prehistoric beasts. anie George with Associate Editor Viveka
known cockroach species, the researchers While scientists are nowhere near Neveln.
A
T THIS TIME of year, autumn
leaves are beginning to add
their brilliant colors to my
North Carolina garden. This seasonal
display is always a joy to behold, but it
is also a reminder that I’ll be needing a
rake before long. There are other uses for
rakes besides leaf collection, of course—
from grading a new bed to spreading
mulch or gravel and leveling soil to sow
grass seed. And there are different types
of rakes suited to each job. The follow-
ing are a few that have come in handy
around my garden.
The Groundskeeper II Rake from
Gardener’s Edge (www.gardenersedge.
com) is a sturdy, lightweight option for
both raking leaves and spreading mulch.
The wire tines are very flexible because
each one is spring-loaded and connect-
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Monarchs and Milkweed Of Naked Ladies and Forget-Me-Nots: The Stories Behind
Anurag Agrawal. Princeton University Press, Princeton, NJ, 2017. the Common Names of Some of Our Favorite Plants
283 pages. Publisher’s price, hardcover: $29.95. Allan M. Armitage. Self-published, Athens, GA, 2017. 219 pages.
Publisher’s price, softcover: $20.
OBSERVING THE array of butterflies during a summer stroll
through a wildflower garden is always a visual delight. Likely in- QUITE SIMPLY, Allan Armitage is an incredible yarn-spinner.
cluded in this winged assemblage is the And this is a delightful collection of
beloved monarch butterfly (Danaus stories behind common plant names,
plexippus), with its highly-recognizable presented in his wildly humorous style.
vibrant wing coloration. We watch as a It’s a book that will appeal even to those
male monarch lightly lands on a fragrant typically oblivious to the plant world.
blossom of common milkweed (Asclepias Armitage notes in the preface that
syriaca), and begins sipping the sweet nec- his original proposed title for the book
tar. Next, a female monarch dips close to had been “Of Naked Ladies and Sleepy
a milkweed leaf and lays an egg destined Dicks,” and it’s hard not to get a kick
to become a voracious caterpillar. While out of the origins of some of the naugh-
this may appear like a perfect alliance be- ty names in the plant world, including
tween plant and butterfly, there is more than meets the eye. naked ladies (Lycoris radiata), hairy balls (Gomphocarpus physo-
In Monarchs and Milkweed, Anurag Agrawal, who is a biologist carpus), and horny goat weed (Epimedium sp.).
at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, describes the “coevolu- But the stories behind these titillating common names rep-
tionary arms race” between monarchs and milkweeds. The reader resent only a few of the dozens of fascinating anecdotes about
learns that, while the monarch is dependent on milkweed as the plant names Armitage has researched. As a now-retired Univer-
sole food source for its caterpillars, the plant gains nothing from this sity of Georgia horticulture professor, he of course includes a
association, not even the benefit of pollination. And, yet, milkweed liberal sprinkling of serious botany, history, and a few growing
persists. Its “one-two punch” is in the toxic steroids, called carde- tips in each narrative.
nolides, it produces. Contained in the milky liquid that oozes from Under the heading of “Raising the Nap,” for example, Ar-
wounds in the plant, cardenolides are deadly to most animals, but mitage romps through the history of teasel (Dipsacus sativus), a
monarchs have evolved to tolerate much of this toxicity. Addition- weedy plant whose bristly seedheads “hurt when I touched
ally, toxins that enter a monarch caterpillar’s body are quickly “se- them,” he says. He chronicles the plant’s long history of use
questered” and used to repel potential enemies. But don’t think for for teasing or carding wool fiber, first in England and France,
a minute that milkweed is down for the count! Much more about and later in the United States. Machines with teasel heads were
this complex “tit-for-tat” relationship is revealed as pages are turned. used into the mid-20th century, he says, when they were finally
Agrawal addresses a wide range of related topics—from the replaced by units with metal teeth.
monarch’s life cycle, to historic research, other invertebrates Then there’s the eyeball plant, one of the common names for
that are part of the milkweed complex, taste aversion, and even Spilanthes acmella. It is also known as the toothache plant because
mimicry of the monarch’s coloration by other butterflies. The when the leaves and flowers—a source of spilanthol—are chewed,
author’s accessible writing style will appeal to both the scientist they cause significant salivation. Some dentists believe salivation
and lay person. Helpful illustrations and photographs assist in is important for tooth health, and “a daily mouth rinse” of the
clarifying the narrative. extract has been recommended for gum health.
There is an informative chapter on monarch migration, offer- Even those with no interest in either growing these plants
ing facts and theories about their amazing journey. And, while the or learning about their sometimes astonishing lore are sure to
alarming fluctuation in monarch populations in recent years is ad- enjoy this book for the many marvelous, personal, and invari-
dressed, I’m pleased to report that Agrawal expresses confidence that ably funny anecdotes Armitage recounts.
monarchs will be adorning our gardens for generations to come. —Linda Yang
—Kathryn Lund Johnson
Linda Yang, former New York Times garden writer, is author
Kathryn Lund Johnson is a freelance writer and nature photographer of four books, including The City Gardener’s Handbook (Storey
who resides in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Publishing, 2002).
The Long, Long Life of Trees (Yale The Food Forest Handbook (New
University Press, 2016, $21.99) by Society Publishers, 2017, $39.95) by
Fiona Stafford is a poetic tribute to Darrell Frey and Michelle Czolba is a
trees and their beauty, characteris- manual for gardeners, designers, and
tics, and diverse histories. The book naturalists who want to create their own
goes beyond our utilitarian need for home-scale food forest. One of the old-
trees and delves into the emotional est methods of gardening, food forests
and spiritual connections we have have become popular again alongside a
with them. Stafford explores the renewed interest in permaculture. This
human relationships with 17 com- guide includes thorough and clear in-
mon trees from ash and apple, to structions for starting, tending, and har-
pine, oak, cypress, and willow. vesting a food forest, along with helpful
illustrations and tempting recipes.
Leslie Buck’s unique memoir, Cut-
ting Back: My Apprenticeship in The Tree Doctor (Firefly Books, 2017,
the Gardens of Kyoto (Timber Press, $19.95) by Daniel and Erin Prendergast
2017, $24.95), traces the story of the provides comprehensive information
then 35-year-old garden designer, who on tree identification, tips for choos-
left a secure life behind to learn prun- ing the right tree, proper planting and
ing from one of the most renowned pruning techniques, and advice on how
landscaping companies in Kyoto. In- to get the most value out of your trees.
formative and inspiring, the book The book is an invaluable resource for
will appeal to both gardeners and anyone from homeowners with trees on
non-gardeners. As much as Buck’s their property to landscape profession-
story is about Japanese garden aesthet- als. Urbanites will appreciate the par-
ics, it is also about stepping out of your ticular attention given to planting and
comfort zone and taking a chance. caring for trees in a city setting.
David George Haskell’s The Songs The Living Forest (Timber Press,
of Trees (Viking, 2017, $28) makes a 2017, $40), a photographic exploration
powerful argument for restoring our of the beauty of forests, features 200 vi-
severed relationship with the natu- brant images by Robert Llewellyn that
ral world. Haskell repeatedly visits a reveal the small and large, seen and
dozen trees around the globe from unseen. Accompanying essays by Joan
the Amazon to the Rocky Moun- Maloof provide inspired and scientific
tains, keenly observing each tree’s insight. By immersing readers in the
connection with the environment serene, dreamlike world of the forest
and natural communities around ecosystem, The Living Forest is sure to
it. This book may inspire readers to make future strolls through the woods
reflect on how the natural world has a much richer experience.
enriched their own lives, and how
they might return the favor. —Stephanie George, Editorial Intern
Looking ahead
RAP NOV. 6. Southern Landscape Design.
Class. LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens.
Baton Rouge, LA. (225) 763-3990.
www.burdenhorticulturesociety.com.
SOUTHWEST
AZ, CO, NM, UT
FROM OCTOBER 21 to 23, the San Diego Botanic Garden (SDBG) in Encinitas, OCT. 14.Cider Festival. Albuquerque BioPark
Botanic Garden. Albuquerque, NM. (505)
California, will host its 35th annual Fall Plant Sale, billed as the largest plant 768-2000. www.cabq.gov/culturalservices/
sale in the San Diego area. Plant lovers from all levels of expertise will enjoy this biopark.
chance to browse a massive selection of plants including California natives, herbs,
succulents, annuals and perennials, fruit trees, bromeliads, and sub-tropicals. RAP OCT. 14. Rare and Imperiled Plants of
“The selection is truly amazing,” says Julian Duval, SDBG president and CEO. Colorado. Workshop. Betty Ford Alpine Gar-
dens. Vail, CO. (970) 476-0103.
“Every public garden in the country has plant sales, but I know of no other that www.bettyfordalpine gardens.org.
is like ours.” And because the sale is the garden’s biggest fundraiser, all the plants
are donated by local nurseries and individuals. RAP OCT. 18. Bulb Forcing. Workshop. Red
In addition to shopping for plants, attendees can find new and gently used Butte Garden and Arboretum. Salt Lake
gardening items in the Botanic Attic, browse an offering of used books, or snack City, UT. (801) 585-0556. www.redbutte
garden.org.
on baked goods at the Bakery Shoppe. Admission to the garden is $14 for adults,
$10 for students, seniors, and active military, $8 for children ages three to 12, OCT. 19. Thriving Hive: Winterizing the Hive.
and free for children under three. Because the garden participates in the AHS’s Class. USU Botanical Center. Kaysville, UT.
Reciprocal Admissions Program, AHS members receive free admission. More (801) 593-8969. www.usubotanicalcenter.
information can be found at www.sdbgarden.org. org.
—Stephanie George, Editorial Intern RAP OCT. 22. Pumpkin Walk and Fall Fest.
The Arboretum at Flagstaff. Flagstaff, AZ.
(928) 774-1442. www.thearb.org.
RAP OCT. 26. Plant Health and Sustainabil- RAP OCT. 5–22. Pumpkinville. Festival.
ity Symposium. Michigan State University Myriad Botanical Gardens. Oklahoma City, Looking ahead
Horticulture Gardens. East Lansing, MI. OK. (405) 445-7079. www.oklahomacity NOV. 15. The Art of Watering. Class.
(517) 355-5191 ext. 1328. www.hrt.msu. botanicalgardens.com. Desert Botanical Garden. Phoenix, AZ.
edu/our-gardens. (480) 941-1225. www.dbg.org.
RAP OCT. 7. Urban Gardening: Permacul-
RAP OCT. 28. Using Native Grasses in Your ture for Small Spaces. Class. Botanical
WEST COAST
Landscape. Class. Minnesota Landscape Research Institute of Texas. Fort Worth, TX.
CA, HI, NV
COURTESY OF SAN DIEGO BOTANIC GARDEN
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I
HAVE A single little blue- until new growth begins
stem (Schizachyrium sco- emerging in late spring. The
parium, USDA Hardiness timing of this differs from
Zones 3–9, AHS Heat Zones region to region, but is gen-
9–1) plant growing in a large erally between February and
container, and the graceful April. Divide clumps in early
movement of the foliage de- summer if they become too
lights me from spring through large or floppy.
early winter. So I can imagine In the garden, little blue-
how breathtaking it must have stem is not usually bothered by
been when acres of it flourished browsing deer, yet in its natu-
across the Kansas and Nebraska ral environment it is a valued
prairie, where it dominated the food source for wildlife from
landscape for centuries. bison to birds. Its fine foliage,
The blue-green foliage of even at the base of the plant,
this upright, clump-forming provides nesting material for a
grass emerges in late spring, variety of birds and mammals.
adding a steely hue to perenni- Levels of irrigation, soil
al borders or meadows. In late fertility, and even climate can
summer, a series of attractive affect the mature size of lit-
seasonal changes begin with tle bluestem. In my meadow
the foliage color transitioning garden in the Sierra foothills,
to apricot and even a bit of where it gets deep irrigation
purple. Soon most of the foli- every two weeks, little blue-
age is, depending on selection, stem grows to three feet. In
somewhere between coral and fertile garden soil, or where it
red. By fall, pink—or in some receives more irrigation, plants
cases purple—is the dominant hue, con- The pale blue foliage of little bluestem ‘The can reach four to five feet tall.
trasting nicely with the silvery seedheads. Blues’ turns a warm cinnamon hue in autumn.
In winter, the foliage gradually bleaches LANDSCAPE USES
to tan or off white. and compact ‘Carousel’, which tops out What little bluestem lacks in height and
Selections of little bluestem with a at two-and-a-half feet. bulk, it makes up for with an elegant up-
range of different sizes, habits, and color right habit and dramatic color and move-
attributes are available. Among these are CARING FOR LITTLE BLUESTEM ment. It serves as a landscape focal point
‘The Blues’, with pale blue foliage; co- With a native range that covers much of for months, so avoid crowding it with oth-
lumnar ‘Standing Ovation’; ‘Twilight North America, little bluestem thrives in er grasses or tall perennials. I recommend
Zone’, which has blue foliage with pur- full sun and is adapted to a broad range planting several little bluestems spaced
ple highlights; ‘Smoke Signal’, which of soil types, from clay to sandy loam, three to four feet apart to create a distinc-
is upright with deep purple fall foliage; and moisture levels. Its tolerance for pe- tive drift within the larger landscape.
riods of drought and utility for erosion I consider little bluestem one of the
control in disturbed landscapes can be most versatile and beautiful of America’s
Sources attributed to its network of fibrous roots, native grasses. Whether in a container,
American Meadows, Shelburne, VT. which can extend five feet into the soil. a perennial border, or a meadow, it’s a
www.americanmeadows.com. Because little bluestem has great valuable addition to any garden.
NANCY J. ONDRA
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