Volume 4y Number 2 e Tutk^s C9i The newsletter of the dela ware na ttve plant Society Summer 200 1 In This Issue A Call For Articles Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 A Call for Articles New Members Letter From the President Letter From the Editor Plant-animal Highlight Resources and Reviews Native Plant Community Highlight Feature Article Feature Article continued Letter From President continued Native Plant Highlight Native Plant Highlight continued Though ts from the edge of the garden Resources and Reviews continued Event Highlight Page 7 Upcoming Events Page 8 " Membership Application How Can / Get Involved? If you would like to write an article for The Turk’s Cap, we would love to print it. With like minded individuals as an audience. The Turk’s Cap is a great venue for plant or habitat oriented writings. We’ll take just about anything from gardening tips to book reviews to poetry. Of course, it has to be about native plants, or issues related to native plants; Just a minor constraint. Your imagination is the real key. Contact Eric Zuelke for more information at (ezuelke(2)j uno.com), or Keith Clancy at 302.674.5187. A White, Puffy Cloud Welcome To Our Newest Members April through June Nancy Adamson Dave Carter & Marjorie Crofts Jennifer Clark Elizabeth Pertzoff The Delaware Native Plant Society is open to everyone ranging from the novice gardener to the expert botanist. One of the primary goals of the society is to involve as many individuals as possi- ble. The DNPS is working on several signifi- cant projects at this time. We are active in a refor- estation project at Prime Hook State Wildhfe Area. A second initiative underway is tlie establishment of a native plant nursery. We have four beds in this nursery and it looks great so far. We encourage eve- ryone to participate in these, as well as other DNPS endeavors. For more information on how to get in- volved, call 302.674.5187, or E-mail at dnplant@aol.com. Or visit the DNPS website at Letter From The President It wasn’t a complete failure, although for the amount of effort we put into the project, I am sure most would say it was. I refer to the fruits of our seed planting labors this past April at the St. Jones Reserve. At that time, members planted thousands of seeds of hickories, oaks, black wal- nuts, persimmons, tulip trees and a few others, with the anticipation that many seedlings would soon be sprouting. Our big mistake was not making the seed- bed vannint proof. A return visit several weeks later to install fencing revealed nut-pilfering in a Continued on page 5 The DNPS Vision T he puipose of the Delaware Native Plant Society (DNPS) is to participate in and encourage the preservation, conservation, restoration, and propagation of Delaware’s native plants and plant communities. The Society provides information to government officials, business people, educators, and the general public on the protection, management, and restoration of native plant ecosystems. The DNPS encourages the use of native plants in the landscape by homeowners, businesses, and local and state govemments through an on-going distribution of information and knowledge by various means that includes periodic publications, symposia, conferences, workshops, fieldtrips, and a statewide membership organized by the DNPS. The Tuh-k's Cap, Volume 4, Number 2 Letter From The Editor Ah, the beach, what a fine place I’ve had a record breaking beach season so far this summer, 5 trips to Rehoboth and one to Cape Henlopen. For me that’s a lot considering my limited opportunities for loung- ing time. Some people just don’t dig the beach scene, but the people watcher and miiigler in me loves it. One thing I’ve pon- dered upon in the past during my drives down Route 1 13 and Route 1 is the roadside vegetation that Del DOT has put into some of it’s roadside wildflower areas. What did they plant? Why? Will it get better? Well, if you’ve ever wondered the same things, then this issue’s feature article will answer all your questions. And once you get to the beach, take a moment to stroll along the edge of the vegetated backdune portion of the beach (but not m the dunes!) to see some of the plants noted in our plant community liiglilight. During that stroll you may even see some of the sedges talked about in the native plant higlilight. After your botanizing excursions, surely you’ll want to jump in the water and splash around a bit to cool off. While you’re tliere, boogie boarding, body surfing and gettin’ flipped all over the place by the waves, take a moment to analyze the complex interdependent relationships between the phytoplank- ton and zooplankton that mold the framework of the marine food chain. I did in my plant-animal highlight (what a nerd; get a life). The beach is great place to study all kinds of plant, animal and human diversity. Enjoy it! cVi oooo Eric Zuelke, Editor o o o o o o Plant-animal Highught But they’re so tiny! One of the joys of summer is playing in the water. Any water will do, but I particularly enjoy ponds, streams and the ocean. Wliat amazes me the most sometimes is the incredi- ble world of activity that happens unbeknownst to just about everyone who plays in these habitats. If you’ve ever taken a drop of pond or ocean water and looked at it thiough a micro- scope you've entered into a world tliat is not unlike that of our terrestrial world, it's just wet and veiy tiny. Plankton makes up part of this world. The plankton is a whole community of its own made up of animals and plants drifting along in the water mass. The plant component is the phytoplankton (examples include bacteria, blue-green algae, green algae, golden-brown algae, Xanthophyceae and fungi), the animal component is the zooplankton (Protozoa, rotifers, Cladocera [Daphnia-like swim- mers] and copepods). The members of this community have niches like those of terrestrial plants and animals, such as pri- mary producers (the photosynthetic algae and cyanobacteria), herbivores, carnivores, detritivores (those that live on detritus or scraps) and decomposers. One avenue of research on these organisms has led to discoveries that directly relate to people who live along coast- lines. This research has focused on marine species and how consumption by herbivorous zooplankton and predation by car- Page2 nivorous zooplankton affects the population sizes of the prima- ry producing phytoplankton and how that relates to the for- mation of red tides or what scientists now refer to as Harmful Algal Blooms, or HAB's. Red tide is a type of HAB that is the result of mass breeding of a number of different species of phy- toplankton. It's a natural phenomenon and is unrelated to hu- man activity, though there is some research that suggests that red tides may develop after precipitation events that lead to surface run-off of phosphates into tidal waters. Most algae are non-toxic, but some can be toxic. Scientists have discovered that zooplankton such as copepods will avoid consuming toxic prey and this may enhance bloom formation, in that HAB's are a result of higher growth rates and lower mortality. One of the other water-borne problems tliat we deal widi here in Delaware is Pfiesteria. A toxic dinoflagellate (a protozoan with animal-like chai'acteristics and a flagellum) called F’fiesteria piscicida is responsible for tliis. Most dino- flagellates are non toxic and plant-like, others, including Pfiesteria, are more animal-like and acquire some or all of their energy by eating other organisms. Pfiesteria nomially exists in a number of non-toxic body forms, feeding on algae and bacte- ria in the water. However, they do become toxic in the pres- ence of fish, particularly schooling fish like Atlantic menhaden, triggered by their secretions or excrement in the water. At that point, Pfiesteria cells shift body forms and begin emitting a powerful toxin that stuns the fish. Other toxins ai'e believed to break down fish skin tissue, opening bleeding sores or lesions. The toxins or lesions are frequently fatal to the fish. As fish are incapacitated, the Pfiesteria cells feed on their tissues and blood. Pfiesteria is not infectious; thus, fish are not killed by an infection but by the toxins released. Toxic outbreaks of Pfiesteria are typically very short and they change back into non-toxic forms very quickly. The tiny world of plankton is fascinating and complex. The fine line between plant and animal that many of these organisms walk on and the myriad body foiTns they assume are things to hold as treasures of the earth's biodiversity. oooo Eric Zuelke, Editor cVi o o o o o o Resources AND Reviews Book on growing native plants “The Landscaping Revolution - Garden with Mother Nature, Not Against Her” by Andy Wasowski with Sally Wasowski, 2000, Contemporary Books, 166 pages, ISBN #0-8092-2665-0 This is an interesting book written in a fun and engag- ing style. The Wasowski’ s ai‘e well known in the field of native plants and landscaping. Some of the chapters in the book are: ♦ The Birth of the Lemon Landscape ♦ There’s Gotta Be a Better Way! ♦ Tlie Natives are Friendly ♦ Homogenize Milk, Not Landscapes ♦ Converting Your Yard . . . and Your Neighbors Continued on page 6 The Tuh-k's Cap, Volume 4, Numbeh* 2 Native Plant Community Highught Hudsonia tomentosa/Panicum arum var. amarulum Dwarf-shrubland Woolly Beach Heather/Bitter Panicgrass Dwarf Shrubland Introduction This maritime beach heather community is found on Atlantic coast sand dunes. The unstable substrate is influenced by wind- deposited sand and supports no soil development; large patches of sparsely vegetated or unvegetated sand are common. The community is characterized by Hudsonia tomentosa (beach heather) occurring as discrete patches that may coalesce into a dense mat on older, more stabilized dunes. A number of other shrubs such as Myrica pensylvanica (bayberry), Myrica cerifera (wax-myrtle), Pinus rigida (pitch pine) saplings, and Prunus maritima (beach plum) may occur but are low in abundance and cover. Schizachyrium scoparium ssp. littorale (little bluestem), Ammophila breviligulata (beach grass), Spartina patens (salt- meadow cordgrass), and Panicum amarum var. amarulum (bitter panicgrass) are common grasses of this community, and Toxicodendron radicans (poison ivy) is a common vine. Other herbaceous associates include Lechea maritima (pinweed), Chamaesyce polygonifolia (seaside spurge), Gnaphalium obtu- sifolium (fragrant cudweed), Helianthemum canadense (Canada frostweed), Solidago sempervirens (seaside golden- rod), and Diodia teres (rough buttonweed). Distribution This community may be locally abundant on protected dune sys- tems from Broadkill Beach on the Delaware Bay, and from Cape Henlopen, discontinuously to Fenwick Island on the Atlantic Ocean. The community ranges from northern New York to North Carolina. Conservation Status While this dynamic community is continually subjected to the powerful forces of wind and water, the greatest threat to its in- tegrity is coastal development. Because of the intense demand for seaside recreation and development, the remaining coastal dunes in private ownership are rapidly disappearing beneath luxury vacation homes. Fortunately, the state of Delaware has been very proactive in protecting much of its beachfront. Approximately 60% of Delaware’s 25 miles of Atlantic Coast beach falls within three state parks: Cape Henlopen, Delaware Seashore and Fenwick Island. oooo Peter Bowman, DE Natural Heritage Program Ecologist Pages Feature Article Lessons from Delaware’s highways: landscapes for THE REGION The Delaware Center for Horticulture and the Univer- sity of Delaware initiated the research project "Enhancing Dela- ware Highways" (EDH) based on the premise that beautiful native vegetation and natural areas can coexist with highways. The original purpose was to trial regional strategies on a small scale with research plots throughout the state. The EDH project was initially funded by the National Urban Community Eorest- ry Advisory Council and is now fully supported by the Dela- ware Department of Transportation (DelDOT). The plant spe- cies, methodologies and design strategies tested in the pilot plots will be documented into a series of roadside manuals for DelDOT. These manuals will guide both current management and new installation projects, and Delaware roadsides will be enhanced by these regional vegetation strategies in future years. Initially, the EDH project collaborators worked to become familiar with Delaware’s roadside ecology. Such a pro- cess is described in local plantsman Hal Bruce's book 'How to Grow Wildflowers and Wild Shrubs and Trees in Your Own Yard.' Mr. Bruce was preeminently qualified as a horticulturist and taxonomist, serving those functions at Winterthur Museum through the 1960’s. Ironically, the perspective of his book turns out to be an enthralling descriptive ecology of Delaware road- sides. After his Winterthur assignment, Mr. Bruce had occa- sion to commute daily from Newark to Georgetown for years as a University of Delaware Professor and much of the book’s experience is drawn from those travels. Instead of describing what you might expect-the boredom and monotony of traveling the same roads day after day-he narrates his intimate knowledge of the character of the changing seasons, and the succession of bloom and beauty he discovered on his daily trips. A similar process has guided the development of EDH strategies. Three dozen research sites were selected from New- ark to Delaware Seashore State Park that are representative of the ecological habitats of the state's roadsides. The key to re- gional landscape design is to understand the site and match the plant palette to the habitat or the ecology of the site. By visiting research sites in every season, evaluating the environmental factors, inventorying flora of each site, and documenting obser- vations of the many miles of roads traveled in the process, the project team weighed installation and management decisions. This type of ecological understanding can be gained by careful- ly reading Mr. Bruce's book. Designing the landscape from the driving perspective is a unique challenge. Like Hal Bruce, we found it helps to im- The Tu h-k's Cap, Volume 4, Numbeh- 2 Page 4 agine the travel conidors with the successional beauty of sea- sonal vegetation in a time-lapse sort of way. This article will provide a taste of the plant palette recommended for roadside plantings and describe some of the strategies for vegetation management. The goals of EDH read like the goals of personal and commercial gardening ventures any of us might face. Road- side vegetation should provide year-round interest and beauty, simple design, low cost maintenance, environmentally sound (i.e., using native species only), durability in adverse conditions and sustainability over a long period. Roadsides contain ecolog- ical niches that mirror many of the most adverse conditions you may encounter in your own garden or landscape. The primary aim of the project, besides saving mainte- nance dollars and beautifying our travel corridors, has been to promote the advantage of using local indigenous plants; plants ecologically adapted to the region. Seasonal interest is acliieved with seasonal plant char- acter; the successional beauty of spring flowering ti*ees and shrubs, summer flowering forbs, and the autumn color of deciduous trees and other woody plants. A huge challenge facing the project is to overcome the public perception of wildflowcrs. Wildflowers have come to mean plants that are not regionally appropriate or sustainable like bachelor buttons, oxeye daisy, bluebonnets, or cosmos. Too often, we try to borrow beauty from other regions that is not ecologically or economically practical or sustainable in our region. For example, the cosmos plantings that are presently in place require annual fumigation and reseeding for success. Instead of relying on the traditional wildflower plant- ings, an EDH strategy is to mimic naturally occurring commu- nities, incorporating warm season grasses in mixes with a few reliably flowering forbs to provide beauty. The roadside-appropriate plants with spring interest tend to be shrubs or trees. Early flowering forbs are generally shade dwellers in the eastern deciduous forest and are not habi- tat appropriate for roadside conditions. We found many acci- dental compositions of beauty along our roadsides, including some early bloomers on tlie inventoried sites, one of the earliest being A melanchier canadensis, or eastern servicebeixy. One of the first native white-floweiing shiubs to bloom, this excellent landscape plant adorns the forest edge even before dogwood and redbud. Other plants such as redbud (Cercis cemadensis) and red chokeberry {Aroniaaihiitifolid) flower in early spring at a time when the praiiie plants have very little interest. The brilliance of redbud really has no equal. The magenta buds are borne right on the older wood, providing a fascinating curiosity and then the flowers open to welcome spring. Some of the plants in our experimental roadside pal- ette are chosen to fit limiting environmental factors such as lack of fertility or abundance of moisture. Summersweet or sweet pepperbush {Clethra alnifolia) naturally creates an understory hedge fringing many miles of swampy woodland along DE highways. This plant and several others in our palette will thrive with excessive moisture to the exclusion of some of the undesirable invasives such as multiflora rose or autumn olive. Clethra has eye-catching yellow foliage in the fall and responds wonderfully to cultivation, rewarding the gardener with showy fragrant ptinicles of white flowers in late summer, as well as being very attractive to butterflies. Another white spring flow- ering shrub, Virginia sweetspire {Itea virginica) is a habitat mate of Clethm. It blooms a month earlier and like Clethra, is an excellent plant for wet spots in the garden but also tolerates dry conditions. Delaware's only truly native magnolia, sweet bay {Magnolia virginiana), named for its beautiliil, fragrant flower, has one of the widest distributions of the genus. Like many plants with wide distributions, it is adaptable and remarkably drought tolerant despite its natural preponderance for swampy sites. The fringe tree {Chionanthus virginicus) is a small flowering free that may be found in scattered locations, in moist woods, tlii'oughout the coastal plain and occasionally in the piedmont. We have reintroduced this plant in tlie 1-95 corridor area hoping to take advantage of its beautiful fragrant flower and proven adaptability in urban environments. Many plant treasures were identified already existing naturally along the roadsides like the deciduous hoUy, known as winterbeny {Ilex verticil lata). This is anotlier plant indigenous to wet sites and becoming very populai' as an ornamental shrub. It is obvious why, with an outstanding berry feature that often lasts until February. Plants that have colonizing habits are useful for road- side planting because they out-compete other woody plants. This group includes sumac {Rhus spp.) and groundsel bush or tree {Bacchans halimifolia). Both have outstanding ornamental features and actually can be contained without too much trouble in a naturalistic setting. Michael Dirr, an authority on woody plants and author of the book often used as the woody plant identification ‘bible’, says no native is as flamboyant as sumac in the autumn and when groundsel bush is in full bloom, you find yourself saying, "what is that amazing white cloud"? In the category of herbaceous plants, goldenrods {Solidago spp.) are an important provider of regional color. Other members of the sunflower family that can lend wonderful accents to our roadsides are native species of bonesets, thor- oughworts {Eupatorium spp.) and garden asters, like New Eng- land aster {A sternovae-angliae). It is amazing that many of these fine garden plants spring up on their own on roadsides. Regionally native plants are not always better for eve- ry garden situation. However, we are advocating a policy of natives fhst because tliere are an overwhelming number of rea- sons that naturally occurring plants and plant communities make sense on roadsides and in our gardens. Besides being cul- turally and ecologically appropi'iate, mterestmg and beautiful, native plants speak to our regional heritage. Regional native plants fit into the sunounding context; they look like they be- long. There is a value connected to selecting from the regional gene pool of native plants that cannot be overemphasized. The ecological value of provenance, that is, geogi'aphic origin of germplasm, is coming to the forefront as an important criteria to consider in plant selection. The nursery industry should be ap- plauded for moving toward regional plant material and urged to continue efforts to propagate, grow, specify and promote re- gionally and locally appropriate plants. Gary Schwetz, DE Center for Horticulture, DNPS member Page 5 The Tuh-k's Cap, Volume 4, Number 2 Letter From The President Continued from page 1 major way. Hickory nuts and black walnuts were split in two, theii' meat gone and their remains shewn upon the soil. It was quite depressing, but a lesson was surely learned and one that will not be repeated. Members returned in late May to weed and again it was disheartening to see the seedbed bursting forth with weeds but no tree seedlings. Another visit in early July and more weeds. Wall-to-wall were the weeds within the fenced-in seed- bed. Nothing but crabgrass, Johnson grass, pigweed, lamb’s quarters, cat’s-ear, cursed crowfoot, madder, pepperwort, morn- ing glories, jimson weed, nightshade, and others too numerous to mention. I knew there just had to be a native ti*ee seedling in there somewhere; trying to reach the light but surrounded by and being choked by the prolific weeds. So, methodically I started weeding, careful not to pull up anything that looked like a woody plant. After an hour of depressing weeding I almost lost it when I spied a single hickory seedling! Yes, our efforts were not in vain. I was just a little sad that there wasn’t any DNPS members around to share my excitement. After another hour and a half of weeding, 1 was able to turn-up a handful of additional hickory seedlings. But, I’d only gotten through about Va of the seed bed and it was time to leave. So, I plan to return next week to do more weeding and am hopeful I will discover additional tree seedlings struggling to survive. I hope that some members will be able to join me. Moreover, the last couple of months have been quite an eye-opener for me; in order for our nursery to be a success more work and more attention has got to be given to its opera- tion. An all volunteer effort only works if there are enough ded- icated members able to offer their services on a regulai' weekly schedule. The fault lies entirely with me and my difficulty in finding the necessaiy time and encouraging others to join me. Therefore, I am just now in the process of looking into funding that may be available to pay for a nursery manager at least on a V 2 time basis tlu'ough the growing season. If anyone has any ideas on funding sources please contact me. The rescued plants beds are doing much better. All of these plants are putting forth new growth and look quite vigor- ous. In addition, the seedbed that Eric Zuelke and 1 planted last fall with almost 2000 hickory nuts and acorns has had some success. Thus far, about two dozen seedlings have emerged. Well, I did say “some” success. In a related project, our seeding efforts at Prime Hook State Wildlife Area was quite profitable, as nearly 300 seed- lings have sprouted. It will be necessary to install tree tubes around these very soon, and I hope to schedule one morning in the next few weeks to do so. On another note, the Flora of the Delaware: an anno- tated checklist, by William McAvoy and Karen Bennett, is hot off the presses and available for $14.00 + $3.00 shipping from the Delaware Natural Heritage Program (call 302.653.2880 for ordering information). This is an invaluable resource, with up- to-date infoiTnation on the flora of Delaware. The checklist con- tains a total of 2175 taxa with 610 of these considered to be aliens or non-natives. It gives information on each species habi- tat preferences and whether it is found on the coastal plain or piedmont, or both. The Flora of Delaware is a great reference to use if you want to check whether or not a plant is native to Del- aware. Also, on the horizon is a DNPS publication: Dekmare Native Plants for Landscaping and Restoration: Recommended species for the property owner and land steward. Some of our members have been active in the writing and production of this booklet that I hope will be available for sale (for just $5 a copy) within the next few weeks. I would like to especially thank Ma- ria Trabka for her hard work and diligence to this project. This booklet will provide an abundance of information about a select group of native plant species. It will also include a list of nurse- ries that either specialize in native plants or at least have availa- ble some native plants. And speaking of native plants, on August 4, 2001 the DNPS will be offering a kayak outing to explore the wonders of Prime Hook Creek. This will be a great opportunity to learn about the flora and vaiious habitats found along this meander- ing stream. It is also a gi'eat way to travel along a stream. If you have never gone kayaking this is your opportunity to try it; if you do you’ll be hooked. On August, 25, 2001 we will be visit- ing DSU for a tour of the new Claude E. Phillips Herbarium. And close on the heals of this trip will be a September 8, 2001 trip to an organic farm on Maryland’s eastern shore (details within this newsletter). Well, it’s too nice a day to be whiling away on the computer much longer. So, until next time all the best with your native plant endeavors. Sincerely, Keith Clancy o o o o o o Native Plant Highught The sedge family (Cyperaceae) The plant family Cyperaceae, or the sedge family is a group of plants that is often avoided by many people. This avoidance, and sometimes fear, is due in part to the difficulty sometimes encountered in tiyuig to correctly identify certain species in certain genera. Technical manuals are usually needed and a familiarity with the botanical terms used to describe the morphological features of sedges are required. In addition, spe- cies m the sedge family do not have a showy, colorful appear- ance as the wildflowers do and thus are often overlooked in the field. Delaware contains an impressive diversity of sedges, where 227 total taxa exist. The sedge family is the third largest family of plants in the state (i.e,, the total number of species and varieties) and contains the largest genus in the state, Carex, with 116 taxa. The sedge family in Delaware is represented by 15 genera: Bulbostylis (1 taxon), Carex, Cladium (1 taxon), Cyperus (34 taxa), Dulichiiim (1 taxon), Eleocharis (23 taxa), Eriophorum (2 taxa), Fimbristylis (5 taxa), Fuirena (2 taxa), KylUnga (3 taxa), Rhynchospora (23 taxa), Schoenoplectus (10 taxa), Schpus (7 taxa), Scleria (4 taxa), and Tticophorum (1 taxon). This diversity of sedges in Delaware is primarily due to diversity in habitat; from upland forests and coastal dunes, to tidal and nontidal wetlands and swamps. Page 6 The Tuh-k's Cap, Volume 4, Numbeh- 2 The majority of sedges in Delaware are found growing in the Coastal Plain physiographic province, where 1 06 taxa are restricted to this region. In contrast, 35 taxa are restricted to the Piedmont province. Eleven (11) species of sedges in Delaware are not native to the state and one non-native species is consid- ered to be invasive {Carex kobomiigi). When considering the overall natural distribution of sedges in the eastern U.S., 64 species of sedges in Delaware are at or near their northem lim- its of distribution and 62 species of sedges in Delawai'e are at or near their southern limits. The sedge flora of Delaware is pri- marily perennial (201 taxa), compared to 26 taxa that are annu- als. A high percentage (53%) of the sedge flora of Dela- ware is rare or uncommon. One hundred twenty-one (121) taxa are considered to be rare or uncommon in the state and 12 are known from only a single occurrence or population. In addition, 20 are historical, meaning they have not been reported for 20 or more years. Furthennore, seven (7) species are thought to be gone, or extirpated in the state. One species, Rhynchospora knieskernii, is listed as threatened by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. There are several species of sedges that are available in the nursery trade and would make great additions to back- yard ponds, or a poorly drained corner of ones property. Some of these species include: Carex comosa (bristly sedge), Carex stricta (tussock sedge), Dulichium arimdlnaceum (three-way sedge), Eleochans c/ uad mug u lata (squarestem spike-rush), Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani (long-stem bulrush, synonym = ScUpiis validus), and Scirpiis cyperimis (cottongrass bul- rush). In the next addition of The Turk ’s Cap, we will discuss an- other feared and dreaded family of plants, the Poaceae, the grass family. 0 o o o o o Resources AND Reviews Continued from page 2 Wasowski points out that the people we need to reach with the message are the average homeowners, who, as a rule do not consider himself or herself to be a “gardener.” He reports that while the “native landscaping” movement is still in its infancy, a lot of progress has been made since the early 1980s. The na- tive plant movement represents the cutting edge of gardening. Where will tlie revolution be in tlie next 10-20 years? Accord- ing to Dr. David Nortlihigton, former executive director of the Lady Biid Jolinson Wildflower Center, native landscapes will, by the second decade of the new century, be the norm. “The concept of using regional native wildflowers, grasses, slirubs, vines and trees in our home and commercial landscapes will,” he says, “have turned tlie corner. It will no longer be thought of as an interesting but esoteric notion, appealing only to a select audience.” 1 would recommend reading this book for its humor, good information and optimism. ******** Rick Mickowski, DNPS member Lawnless landscapes I thought you might be interested in my latest article in the June 2001 issue of Audubon magazine, "Dawn of a New Lawn." It describes the history of the conventional land-centered land- scape and the move toward more environmentally friendly native landscapes. ******** Andy Wasowski New publication coming soon! “Delaware Native Plants for Landscaping and Restoration: recommended species for the property owner and land steward” This small booklet contains a select list of Delaware native spe- cies that are recommended for landscaping and restoration ac- tivities. Information is given on each species light (shade versus sun) and moisture preferences (dry or wet), its habit, form, flowering time and color, height, and whether its found on the piedmont or coastal plain or both. In addition, there is a list of native plant sources and selected references related to growing native plants. Tliis book sells for $5 (shipping included) and can be obtained by mailing a check to the DNPS at P. O. Box 369, Dover, DE 19903. Or for more information call (302) 674-5187 or dnplant(g)aol.com. ******** DE Native Plant Society Eve:nt Highught DNPS ANNUAL MEETING: AN ENJOYABLE AFFAIR The Annual meeting held on April 2L' at the St. Jones Reserve was quite a fun time. The morning was consumed with the fervent pulling of weeds by all who attended. We ended up cleaning out all the beds of those nasty non-natives and undesir- ables, allowing our beautiful trees and shrubs to flourish once again. At the same time, some attendees planted buckets and buckets of seeds of oaks, hickories, and tulip-poplar in our new- est bed. After enduring aching backs from all the weeding and pulling and planting, we retired to the air conditioned building to partake of a delicious pot luck lunch, which included vege- tarian chili, salads, and chocolate brownies among others. Dur- ing lunch we ran our business meeting. After the meeting and lunch, DNPS member and state botanist, William McAvoy gave a very educational presentation on the orchids of Dela- ware. We concluded our event with a breath of fresh air on a walking tour of the smooth cordgrass saltmarsh behind the St. Jones Center. The event was a wonderful success and fun was had by all. We hope to see you at this ^ event next year. ******** Eric Zuelke and Keith Clancy o o o o o o Thoughts From The: Edge: Of The: Garden The Flora of Delaware update. This checklist by William McAvoy (DE Natural Heritage Program (DNHP) botanist) and Karen Bennett (DNHP Coordinator) is now available. The cost is $14.00 + $3.00 Shipping chaiges. Call 302.653.2880, or see Vol. 3 No. 1 issue of The Turk’s Cap for more information. The Tuh-k's Cap, Volume 4, Number- 2 Page/ 1 Saturday, 04 August 2001 - “Creating Cards with Nature Workshop at Adkins Arboretum,” 9 am TO 12:30 PM, OPTIONAL PICTURE MAKING PROGRAM IN THE AFTERNOON. IN THIS SET OE MORNING (CARD- MAKING) AND AETERNOON (PICTURE-MAKING) WORKSHOPS, CANDACE GERBER WILL PROVIDE PRESSED PLANTS, DECORATIVE PAPER, CARD STOCK AND FRAMING MATERIALS SO THAT PARTICIPANTS CAN IMMEDIATELY START TO CREATE THEIR OWN WORKS. CANDACE IS AN ARTIST AND NATURALIST LIVING IN AN UPLAND MIXED FOREST NEAR Tallahassee, Florida. Morning program, $40 for members, $45 for non-members. Afternoon PROGRAM, $30 FOR MEMBERS, $35 FOR NON-MEMBERS. LIMIT 20. Saturday, 04 August 2001 - From 9 am to 3 pm, explore the botanical wonders and beauty of Prime Hook Creek by kayak. Meet at Prime Hook Creek at Rte 1. If you do not own a kayak (RESERVATIONS NEED TO BE MADE BY JULY 27) PLEASE CONTACT THE DNPS TO RESERVE A KAYAK. FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO RESERVE A KAYAK, CALL 302-674-5187 OR EMAIL DNPL ANT (2) AOL.COM. Saturday, 18 August 2001 - Learn about native plants and other wildlife while canoeing the Miles Creek. Meeting site and time to be announced at sign up. Wear rubber footgear, bring LUNCH AND WATER. PACK EXTRA GEAR IN WATERPROOF BAG. CALL ADKINS ARBORETUM AT 410-634-2847 TO SIGN UP. $5 MEMBERS, $8 NON-MEMBERS. Saturday, 25 August 2001 - Field trip to the Claude E. Phillips Herbarium at Delaware State University from 10 AM to 1 1:30 AM. The herbarium is housed in a new $1.9 million dollar facility that was dedicated in May of 2000 and is the only large-scale, public herbarium on the peninsu- la. The Herbarium is located on the campus of Delaware State University, which is on Rt. 13 in Dover, across from the Dover Mall and Dover Downs. For more information, call 302-674-5187 OR EMAIL DNPLANT(0) AOL.COM. Saturday, 08 September 2001 - 10 aM to ?, Organic Gardening Held Trip to the Hastings Farm, NEAR MARDELLA SPRINGS, MD. A JOINT FIELD TRIP WITH THE MARYLAND NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY. THE HAS- TINGS FARM IS about TEN ACRES AND THE FAMILY HAS BEEN ORGANIC FARMING FOR 18 YEARS. THEY GROW FRUIT AND VEGETABLES FOR SALE, RETAIL AND WHOLESALE. MOST OF THEIR PRODUCE GOES TO THE WESTERN Shore because there is a greater market there for organic foods (what’s wrong with the East- ern Shore folks?). In addition to their acreage, they have one greenhouse in which they grow their own transplants as well as flowers for hanging baskets, etc. They have one chicken house AND A STOCKED POND ON THE FARM ALSO. Directions: From Maryland, proceed on Route 50 to Mardella Springs light. Follow di- rections BELOW... From Delaware (one possible route), drive south on Route 13 to Delmar. Turn RIGHT (WEST) ON ROUTE 54. PROCEED ALL THE WAY TO THE TRAFFIC LIGHT ON ROUTE 50 AT MARDELLA Springs. From the traffic light on Route 50 at Mardella Springs, Maryland, proceed east toward Salisbury about 3/4 mile. Turn right onto Athol road and proceed almost 4 miles, (Do not be con- fused BY THREE WAY STOP SIGN AT HURLEYS NECK ROAD - A LEFT TURN WILL KEEP YOU ON ATHOL ROAD.) Turn right onto Baptist Church Road. Proceed 1 mile to Rose Point Farm. DO NOT take first en- trance. Proceed another tenth of a mile to the entrance with a mailbox with the name Hastings AND NUMBER 7920. Tuesday, 11 September 2001 - 7 PM to 9 PM, Native Plant Society bimonthly meeting. We will HAVE A PRESENTATION HRST , AND SHORT BUSINESS MEETING AFTERWARDS. OUR SPEAKER WILL BE DR. Robert Naczi, curator of the Claude E. Phillips Herbarium at Delaware State University, who WILL GIVE A SLIDE PRESENTATION ON PITCHER PLANTS (SARRACENIA SPP,). THE MEETING WILL BE HELD AT THE Aquatic Resources Education Center, 4876 Hay Point Landing Rd., Smyrna, DE. The Tuh-k's Qp, Volume 4, Numbeh- 2 Page 8 I Mernbep-sbip Application I K., , Member Information I Delaware native Plant Society , I Name: Business Name or Organization: Address: City and Zip Code: Telephone (home/work): E-mail address: Individual $15.00 Full-time Student $10.00 Family or Household $18.00 Contributing $50.00 Business $100.00 Lifetime $500.00 Donations are also welcome $_ Membership benefits include: * The DNPS quarterly newsletter. The Turk’s Cap * Native plant gardening and landscaping infonnation * Speakers and field trips Total Amount Enclosed: $ Make check payable to: DE Native Plant Society P.O. Box 369, Dover, DE 19903 Delaware Native Plant Society P.O. Box 369 Dover, Delaware 19903 Complimentary Copy