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in  2016 


https://archive.org/details/greenscene3516edpr 


Growingnn^  m ™ 

CHESTER  COUNTY 

page  28 


Cathedral 

Village 


Above  photo  shows  our  latest 
amenities  to  support  resident 
activities:  Surrounding  a new 
professional,  six-hole  putting 
green  is  this  butterfly  garden 
complete  with  a natural  rock 
waterfall  and  shaded  seating 
area.  The  putting  green  is 
maintained  daily  so  that  it  is 
always  ready  for  residents  and 
their  guests. 


600  East  Cathedral  Road 
Philadelphia,  PA  19128 
(215)  984-8622 
www.cathedralvillage.com 


1979  - 2006 
Twenty-seven  Years . . . 
and  the  Vision  Continues . . . 

Cathedral  Village  still  offers  the  traditional  CCRC  contract,  the 
most  extensive  available  in  the  retirement  industry.  The  contract 
provides  a Value  to  our  residents,  measured  in  the  number  and 
quality  of  services  received  for  the  monthly  fee,  that  is 
unparalleled  and  ...  it  covers  more  today  than  it  did  27  years  ago. 

Years  of  Innovative  planning  by  the  Board  of  Directors  and 
Management  have  gone  into  Cathedral  Village.  The  outstanding 
array  of  services  and  quality  of  care  provided  by  all  departments, 
including  Dining,  Health  Care  with  Outpatient  Services  and 
Unlimited  Nursing  Care,  Health  Club  fitness  and  exercise 
programs,  Horticultural  activities  and  workshops,  Village 
College  classes,  and  Art  and  Music  facilities  have  resulted  in 
unusually  high  Resident  Satisfaction. 

The  Vision  of  Cathedral  Village  continues.  It  is  an  on-going 
process  that  accommodates  changes  in  cultural  trends  and  in 
residents’  lifestyles. 


We  invite  you  to  visit,  question,  and  compare! 
Come  in  Monday  through  Friday  between  9 and  4. 
Appointments  are  necessary  on  weekends. 


A Nonprofit,  Nondenominational  CCRC  • Accredited  since  1983 
Affiliated  with  the  Jefferson  Health  System 


Table  of  Contents 


GREEN  SCENE  (USPS  955580), 

Volume  35,  No.1,  is  published  bi-monthly 
(February,  April,  June,  August,  October, 
December)  by  The  Pennsylvania  Horticultural 
Society,  a non-profit  member  organization  at 
100  N.  20th  St„  Philadelphia,  PA  19103-1495. 
Single  Copy:  $5.00  (plus  $2.00  shipping). 
Second-class  postage  paid  at 
Philadelphia,  PA  19103. 

POSTMASTER:  Send  address  change  to  GREEN 
SCENE,  100  N.  20th  St.,  Philadelphia,  PA  19103. 
© Pennsylvania  Horticultural  Society,  2007 


GREEN  SCENE  subscriptions  are  part 
of  the  membership  benefits  for: 

Frelinghuysen  Arboretum,  Morristown,  NJ 
Horticultural  Society  of  New  York 
Phipps  Conservatory,  Inc.,  Pittsburgh,  PA 
Staten  Island  Botanical  Garden,  Inc,  New  York 


PHS  Membership  Information 

Linda  Davis,  215-988-8776 


Display  Ads 

Manzo  Communications,  LLC 
610-527-7047  manzocomm@aol.com 


Classified  Ads 

Joe  Soprani,  215-988-8809 
gsads@pennhort.  org 


Ask  A Gardener  Phone  Line 

215-988-8777,  Monday  through  Friday, 
9:30  to  12  [closed  in  December] 
askagardener@pennhort.  org 


FEATURES 


28  Native  Beauties 

Jane  G.  Pepper  takes  us  out  to  bucolic 
Chester  County  to  visit  Yellow  Springs 
Farm,  where  you’ll  find  native  plants 
galore.  In  2000,  owners  Catherine  and 
Al  Renzi  bought  this  plot  of  land  in  the 
country  and  proceeded  to  launch  a 
native-plant  nursery.  Seven  years  later, 
they  now  sell  about  5,000  plants  a year 
to  a growing  list  of  happy  customers. 


OLUMN 

The  Potting  Shed 


34  Show  Plants 

Springing  Back  to  Life 

38  The  Backyard 


The  Pennsylvania  Horticultural  Society  motivates  people  to 
improve  the  quality  of  life  and  create  a sense  of  community 
through  horticulture. 


PRINTED  ON  RECYCLED  PAPER 


Pete  Prown 

Associate  Editor 

Jane  Carroll 

Assistant  Editor 

Daniel  Moise 


The  Pennsylvania 
Horticultural  Society 


Web  Site 

www.pennsylvaniahorticulturalsociety.org 


President 

Jane  G.  Pepper 


22 


32 


Botanical  Bouquets 

One  Dozen  Roses 


Advertising  Coordinator 

Joe  Soprani 

Art  Design 

Baxendells’  Graphic 
Publications  Committee 
Rob  Cardillo 
Stephanie  Cohen 
Joe  Henderson 
Harry  E.  Hill,  ex  officio 
Anne  Kellett 
Adam  Levine 
Jennifer  Lin 
Rhoda  Maurer 
llene  Sternberg 

Printer 

ALCOM 


10  The  Glass  Garden 

Many  of  us  marvel  at  those  elegant 
Wardian  Cases  at  the  Flower  Show,  each 
brimming  with  exotic  hot-house  plants 
and  foliage.  In  this  piece,  Elise  du  Pont 
shows  us  how  to  create  these  magical 
“gardens  under  glass,”  whether  for  the 
Show  or  simply  for  your  own  personal 
enjoyment. 

16  It’s  a Snap! 

We  re  happy  to  bring  you  the  winners  of 
this  year’s  Green  Scene  Garden  Photo 
Contest.  From  exuberant  flower  beds  to 
smiling  faces,  these  images  deftly  capture 
the  work,  passion,  and  joy  of  gardening. 


Work  in  the  Winter  Garden 

Even  when  cold  weather  sets  in,  there’s 
much  to  do  in  the  winter  landscape.  In 
this  story,  llene  Sternberg  talks  to  the 
hard-working  professional  gardeners  at 
Chanticleer  (in  Wayne,  PA)  and  learns 
what  tasks  they  tackle  in  the  so-called 
“off  season.”  From  tool  repairs  to 
grounds  cleanup,  their  work  will  give 
you  fresh  ideas  for  your  own  winter 
projects. 


100  N.  20th  St. 
Philadelphia,  PA  19103-1495 
215-988-8800 


Chair 

Harry  E.  Hill 


Executive  Vice  President 

J.  Blaine  Bonham,  Jr. 


Letter  from  the  Editor 


What's  an 

EXPERT  GARDENER?” 


eing  at  the  helm  of  a gardening  magazine,  I meet  “expert 
gardeners  all  the  time.  Tall  ones,  short  ones,  degreed  ones, 
amateur  ones.  This  line  of  thought  emerged  recently  when 
I was  outside  planting  shrubs  and  was  greeted  by  a new  neighbor.  We 
chatted  a bit  and,  as  is  often  the  case  when  I divulge  the  name  of  the 
organization  for  which  I work,  1 was  greeted  by  oobs  and  ahs,  as  well  as 
the  inevitable  comment,  “Golly,  you  must  be  an  expert  gardener.” 

Alas — I’m  not.  While  1 know  a goodly  amount  of  botanical  Latin 
(thanks  to  my  Green  Scene  labors)  and  have  gardened  for  many  years, 
I’m  far  from  an  expert.  The  real  experts,  I’ve  found,  are  a more  varied 
and  interesting  lot.  For  example,  there  are  the  official  experts,  including 
horticulturists  and  botanists  bearing  degrees  from  institutions  of  high- 
er learning.  They  are  the  scholars  of  the  gardening  world,  dedicated  to 
the  mastery  of  academic  gardening  knowledge.  They  eat  Latin  nomen- 
clature for  breakfast  and  try  to  stay  current  with  the  never-ending  name 
changes  that  occur  in  the  plant  world  (as  well  as  having  to  remember 
the  myriad  new  varieties  introduced  each  spring).  These  professionals 
attempt  to  blend  the  best  of  garden  knowledge  and  garden  practice  into 
one  skill  set. 

Another  schooled  variety  of  gardener  I sometimes  encounter  is  the 
arborist.  This  is  a person  who  has  devoted  his  or  herself  to  the  care  and 
cultivation  of  trees,  whether  it’s  planting  the  right  tree  on  someone’s 
property  or  removing  a 100-year-old  giant  whose  best  days  are  behind 
it.  In  the  latter  case,  being  an  arborist  can  be  a dangerous  line  of  work. 
When  scaling  a 70-foot  tree  with  ropes,  it’s  good  to  be  an  expert. 

There  are  many  other  fields  of  professional  horticulture  I could  men- 
tion for  their  expertise  (such  as  landscape  architecture,  forestry,  and 
public-garden  management),  but  there  are  plenty — and  I mean, 
plenty — of  top-notch  gardeners  who  hold  no  degrees.  Take,  for  exam- 
ple, a professional  landscaper.  Granted,  some  land- 
scapers know  only  how  to  mow  grass  and  fire 
up  a gas-powered  weed  whacker,  but  good 
ones  are  also  knowledgeable 
about  planting  trees  and 
shrubs,  weeding  beds, 
and  applying  the  correct 
amount  of  mulch  to  woody 


NEW  COVER  DATES 

What  happened  to  the  December 
issue  of  Green  Scene ? No,  you 
didn’t  miss  an  issue.  We’re 
“re-serializing”  the  magazine, 
starting  with  the  January/February 
2007  issue  you’re  holding  right 
now  (formerly  known  as  the 
December  ‘06  issue).  Henceforth, 
Green  Scene  will  bear  the  follow- 
ing cover  dates:  January/February, 
March/April,  May/June, 
July/August,  September/October, 
and  November/December. 

If  you  have  questions,  please  call 
215-988-8767  or  email 
greenscene@pennhort.org. 


Photo  by  Dori  O ' 


plants  (as  opposed  to 
those  who  build 
unsightly  and  harmful 
“mulch  mountains”). 

To  home  and  business 
owners,  as  well  as 
landscape  architects 
and  designers,  good 
landscapers  are  worth 
their  weight  in  gold. 

Another  group  of  pros  who  may  or  may  not  have  degrees  are  nursery 
owners  and  members  of  their  staff.  (I  say  “may  not”  because  it’s  not  a 
professional  requirement — unlike  landscape  architects  who  need  a 
degree  to  legally  practice  their  craft.)  Fortunately,  in  the  nursery  world, 
a degree  is  not  necessary  to  successfully  earn  the  mantle  of  expert  gar- 
dener. In  my  experience,  many  of  the  nursery  owners  and  employees 
I’ve  met  over  the  years  are  bona  fide  experts  who  are  learned  about  both 
plants  and  the  art  of  placing  them  in  the  best  spot.  I’m  generally  pleased 
with  the  advice  I receive  from  nursery  staff;  they’re  usually  knowledge- 
able, well-meaning  people  who  can  help  you  find  the  right  plant. 

Perhaps  I’m  biased,  but  some  of  my  favorite  garden  experts  show  up 
each  March  in  Hall  B at  the  Philadelphia  Flower  Show.  Many  of  these 
people  are  just  regular  folks  with  a deep  passion  for  plants.  Some  of 
them  are  business  men  and  women,  others  are  city  folk  and  country 
folk,  and  many  just  grow  flowers  for  fun.  But  in  their  free  time,  they 
voraciously  read  books  and  journals  about  specific  plant  genera  and  join 
relevant  plant  societies.  Many  are  what  I’d  call  the  “black  belt”  experts 
of  horticulture,  and  I learned  long  ago  not  to  underestimate  them.  They 
know  more  about  plants  than  I mrwill  and  can  cite  reference  books  on 
their  chosen  subjects  until  the  sun  goes  down.  Trust  me — those  plants 
you  see  in  Hall  B are  grown  by  many  of  the  best  “garden  experts”  in  the 
region  and  beyond.  It’s  definitely  one  of  my  favorite  spots  at  the  Flower 
Show  each  year. 

The  gardeners  who  impress  me  the  most,  however,  may  not  be  pro- 
fessionals or  Show  exhibitors.  They  are  home  gardeners  who  have 
taken  their  tiny  plots  to  new  creative  heights.  Each  spring  and 
^ summer,  I drive  to  various  gardens  in  the  city  and  suburbs,  fol- 
lowing a “hot  tip”  from  another  gardener  or  a PHS  colleague. 
There’s  always  a thrill  when  I discover  a secret  garden  created  by  a 
skilled  amateur,  someone  who  just  loves  the  process  of  gardening, 
understands  plants,  and  has  a highly  developed  artistic  eye.  Admiring 
their  horticultural  feats,  I often  say,  “You  should  write  a book!”  to  which 
they  return  a shy  smile  and  politely  decline.  But  while  they’d  disagree,  I 
count  these  quiet  masters  among  the  finest  garden  experts  I’ve  ever 
encountered. 

And  who  knows?  Maybe  you,  too,  are  one  of  them.  As  I’ve 
learned  over  the  years,  garden  experts  sometimes  appear  where  I 
least  expect  to  find  them. 

email:  greenscene@pennhort.org 


Glenmede 


on  your  legacy  begins 


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for  you,  contact  us.  ”■ 


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WWW.GLENMEDE.COM 


■W  \ 


Martina  Martin 


Phlox  (Phlox 
paniculata)  with 
black  swallowtaj 
butterfly.  I 


Agastache 
foeniculum  with 
Coreopsis . 
verticillata,  and 
various 
Solidago  sp. 


MARTINA’S  GARDEN 


J rilliant  bluebirds  and  noisy 
I a Carolina  wrens  eagerly  swoop  to 

I </  feeders  perched  on  the  railing  of 

Martina  Martin’s  deck.  Hummingbirds 
hover,  sipping  rhe  nectar  that  helps  meet 
their  ravenous  need  for  energy.  Amid  the 
lively  chatter  and  flapping  wings,  Martina 
and  her  big  cat  Harley  settle  into  their 
morning  routine  of  welcoming  these  daily 
visitors. 

Martina’s  lifelong  interest  in  nature 
inspired  her  to  volunteer  at  the  Schuylkill 
Wildlife  Rehabilitation  Clinic  15  years  ago. 
Later,  a class  at  the  Cape  May  Bird 
Observatory  sparked  her  desire  to  create  a 
backyard  habitat.  Retired  from  a busy 
career  as  a rheumatologist,  Martina  finally 
was  able  to  begin  work  on  this  project 
when  she  and  husband  John  settled  into  a 
new  Media,  PA,  home  in  2002. 

Limited  gardening  experience  didn’t  stop 
Martina  from  thinking  big.  She  knew  the 
essentials  of  creating  a beneficial  habitat 
and  the  importance  of  indigenous  plants  in 
sustaining  local  wildlife.  When  a friend 
told  her  about  Redbud  Native  Plant 
Nursery  in  Glen  Mills,  PA,  Martina  con- 
tacted owner  Catherine  Smith,  who 
designed  a habitat  garden  for  her  incorpo- 
rating fruiting  trees  and  shrubs  as  well  as 
flowers  that  provide  nectar  and  seeds. 

The  cranberry  viburnum  ( Viburnum 
trilobum)  is  one  of  Martina’s  favorites: 
“The  flowers  are  beautiful,  and  the  berries 
are  outstanding.  I’ve  seen  cedar  waxwings 
on  them;  they  are  one  of  my  favorite  birds.” 
Another  shrub  chosen  for  its  tasty  fruit  is 
elderberry  (Sam bums  canadensis ),  which 
attracts  more  than  40  bird  species.  “It  was  a 
huge  surprise  to  find  how  fragrant  the 
milkweed  ( Asclepias  syriaca)  blossoms  are; 
they’re  heavenly,”  she  says.  “And  the  butter- 
fly weed  (Asclepias  tuberosa)  is  just  so  lovely 
in  July  with  its  orange  flowers,  but  in  addi- 


tion, it  hosts  my  monarch  caterpillars.” 

Martina’s  meadow  hums  with  life  as 
asters,  coreopsis,  and  towering  ironweed 
sway  in  the  breeze.  “When  I moved  here 
this  was  just  dirt,  dust,  and  mud,”  she 
recalls. 

A wildlife  habitat  doesn’t  have  to  be  as 
ambitious  as  Martina’s  garden,  as  long  as  it 
includes  five  key  elements:  food,  water, 
shelter,  places  to  raise  young,  and  earth- 
friendly  landscaping  practices.  “You  can 
start  small  and  add  as  much  as  you  want,” 
says  Martina.  Any  outdoor  space,  from  a 
small  city  balcony  to  a suburban  property, 
can  provide  the  basic  necessities  for 
wildlife.  For  example,  a water  source  can  be 
as  simple  as  a birdbath  or  shallow  dish. 

Decide  what  critters  you  want  to  attract 
and  select  plants  that  help  create  the  envi- 
ronment they  need.  “Goldfinches  love  pur- 
ple coneflower  (Echinacea  purpurea)  and 
Joe-Pye  weed  (Eupatorium  sp.).  Phlox 
(Phlox  paniculata),  which  are  just  so  gor- 
geous, are  great  for  butterflies,”  Martina 
says. 

Restoring  biodiversity  to  our  own  back- 
yards is  critical  for  wildlife  survival  in  urban 
and  suburban  settings  where  development 
has  eliminated  most  natural  areas.  “I’m  sad 
that  we  re  destroying  so  much  of  the  natu- 
ral ecosystem,”  says  Martina.  Then,  enjoy- 
ing the  abundant  display  of  colorful 
winged  creatures  that  flutter  by,  flourishing 
in  the  haven  she  created,  she  adds,  “This  is 
my  contribution.” 

The  National  Wildlife  Federation’s 
“Backyard  Wildlife  Habitat  Program”  offers 
tips  on  gardening  for  wildlife.  You  can 
even  have  your  property  certified  as  a 
Backyard  Wildlife  Habitat  site.  Visit 
www.rtwf.  org/backyard/. 


GREEN  SCENE  • january/february  2007 


7 


Photo  by  Kirill  Rozhdestvenskiy,  Dreamstime.com 


The  Potting  Shed 


FLORAL  ARRANGEMENTS 

from  the 

PHILADELPHIA 
FLOWER  SHOW 

Class:  Defined  Space 

Title  Theme:  Runway 

Arrangers:  Karen  Milbourne-Messer  and 
Booker  Messer 

Plants:  Anthurium 

Ribbon:  Blue 

Judges’  Comment:  “A  powerful  and 
energetic  design.” 

For  information  about  entering  the  2007 
Philadelphia  Flower  Show,  visit 
www.  theflowershow.  com 


Coming  to  Dinner 


Set  another  place  at  your  yuletide  table, 
because  Rudolph  might  be  coming  this 
year!  Each  December  at  PHS,  staff  assem- 
ble for  a holiday  workshop  to  create 
wreaths  and  centerpieces  for  their  domestic 
holiday  decorations.  We  couldn’t  help  but 
grin  at  this  clever  reindeer  centerpiece  cre- 
ated last  year  by  senior  project  coordinator 
Margaret  Funderburg  and  thought  we’d 
share  the  fun. 

Margaret  took  a shallow  plastic,  rectan- 
gular container  and  fitted  a block  of  Oasis 
in  the  center.  Then  she  covered  it  densely 
with  freshly  cut  yew  tips.  Other  materials 
included  saucer  magnolia  branches  for  the 
antlers,  a pair  of  magnolia  leaves  for  the 
ears,  pinecones  for  the  eyes,  and  a red  plas- 
tic ball  for  the  nose. 

What  could  be  easier.. .or  more  festive? 


The  Gardener’s  Bookshelf 


By  Daniel  Moise 


The  Life  Cycles  of  Butterflies 

By  Judy  Burris  & Wayne  Richards 
(151  pp.,  $16.95) 

The  brother-sister  team  of 
Richards  and  Burris  presents  a 
detailed  look  at  23  commonly  found 
butterflies  at  each  phase  of  develop- 
ment, from  egg  to  winged  wonder. 
Readers  will  benefit  from  the  full- 
color  photos  that  handsomely  display 
the  intricate  distinctions  among  the 
species.  Also  of  use  are  the  field  notes, 
breeding-range  maps,  and  gallery  of 
host  plants. 


Closely  Observed 

By  Andrea  Baldeck 
(176  pp.,  $49.95) 

A collection  of  178  black-and-white 
photos,  Closely  Observed  asks  readers 
to  slow  down  for  a moment  and 
appreciate  the  delicate  details  of  the 
botanical  world.  Photographer  and 


Judy  Burn*  & Wayne  Richards 


Wildflowers  in  the  Field 
and  Forest 

By  Steven  Clemants  and 
Carol  Gracie  (445  pp.,  $35) 

The  latest  addition  to  the  Field 
Guide  series  (past  editions  featured 
caterpillars  and  dragonflies)  is  a 
dense  but  user-friendly  directory  of 
1,450  species  of  wildflowers. 
Extensive  information  is  provided 
for  each  variety,  including  color- 
coded  maps  that  indicate  where  and 
when  a flower  best  blooms.  Note: 
this  guide  is  Northeast  specific. 


PHS  member  Andrea  Baldeck  has  an 
eye  for  detail,  and  common  flora 
seen  through  her  lens  appear  in  a 
whole  new  light.  It’s  no  surprise  that 
roses  and  orchids  make  for  beautiful 


muses,  but  even  cabbage  is  captivat- 
ing in  this  coffee-table  tome. 


Living  Monet  — 

The  Artist’s  Gardens 

By  Doris  Kutschbach 
(144  pp.,  $35) 

From  water  lilies  to  wheat  stacks, 
Claude  Monet’s  paintings  of  nature 
are  among  his  best-known  works. 
Art  historian  and  author  Doris 
Kutschbach  explores  and  celebrates 
the  artist’s  outdoor  interests  with  her 
new  book,  Living  Monet.  Featuring 
reproductions  of  his  paintings,  an 
abundance  of  photos,  and  even 
recipes  from  his  kitchen,  readers  will 
acquire  a fuller  perspective  of  Monet’s 
daily  life  and  of  the  gardens  at 
Giverny. 


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redbud native  p!ant  nursery 

www.redbudnativeplantnursery.com 

GREEN  SCENE  • january/february  2007 


9 


THE  ELUSIVE 

WARDIAN 

CASE 


Growing  Under  Glass  with  Elise  du  Pont 


Story  by  Daniel  Moise 
Photography  by  Pete  Prown 


n Victorian-era  America,  no  parlor  or 
drawing  room  was  complete  without  a 
Wardian  case,  commonly  called  a terrar- 
ium. Named  for  their  inventor,  Nathaniel 
Ward,  the  ornate  glass  cases,  often  shaped 
as  houses,  were  used  to  create  controlled 
environments  for  plants.  And  though  they 
might  not  be  as  much  in  vogue  now  as  they 
once  were,  many  people  still  find  great  joy 
in  designing  their  own  tabletop  greenhous- 
es. One  such  enthusiast  is  Elise  du  Pont, 
wife  of  former  Delaware  governor  Pete  du 
Pont.  She’s  devoted  much  time,  effort,  and 
energy  to  creating  these  cases  and  tests  her 
mettle  each  March  at  the  Philadelphia 
Flower  Show. 

Planning  for  the  Flower  Show  is  a 
process  that  requires  several  months  of 
work  at  Patterns,  her  home  near 
Wilmington,  Delaware.  After  nurturing  a 
host  of  miniature  plants  through  the  spring 
and  summer,  Elise  gathers  together  her 
most  trusted  advisors  to  discuss  the  layout 
and  design  of  her  entries.  Although  the  end 
results  vary  greatly  from  year  to  year,  Elise 
operates  by  a certain  set  of  criteria.  She 
says,  “We  always  try  to  incorporate  a good 
mix  of  plants,  but  we’re  careful  to  adhere  to 
a particular  culture.  After  all,  you  don’t 
want  a desert  plant  next  to  a jungle  plant.” 

Construction  of  the  display  typically 
starts  with  a rare,  standout  species.  “I  per- 
sonally believe  that  each  case  should  have  a 
clear  focal  point,  something  that  will  catch 
the  judges’  eyes  and  set  the  tone,”  says 


Elise.  Then,  other  specimens  follow  suit. 
Her  overall  objective  is  to  construct  a dis- 
play that  appears  refined  and  harmonious, 
yet  lush  and  dynamic — not  an  easy  balance 
to  master.  “The  whole  thing  is  very  artistic, 
so  there’s  really  no  one  way  to  go  about  it. 
Different  sets  of  judges  look  at  things  dif- 
ferently, so  you  never  know  what  the  reac- 
tion will  be,”  she  adds. 

In  the  weeks  before  the  big  show,  cases 
may  be  reconfigured  multiple  times.  Since 
the  growth  or  bloom  of  a certain  species 
may  not  be  up  to  snuff,  Elise  plans  ahead 
and  has  alternates  in  reserve  to  call  upon. 

Once  the  roster  is  finalized,  the  plants 
undergo  a rigorous  grooming  regimen. 
Elise’s  experiences  have  shown  that  good 
grooming  can  make  the  difference  between 
a blue  ribbon  and  a “better  luck  next  year.” 
The  majority  of  the  grooming  occurs  in  the 
du  Pont  home  prior  to  transporting  the 
entries  to  the  Show  floor.  There,  unruly 
branches  are  gently  snipped  away,  unattrac- 
tive leaves  are  tweezed,  and  every  inch  of 
the  plants  are  scrutinized  for  imperfections. 
“I  appreciate  as  much  feedback  as  possi- 
ble,” Elise  says,  “So  I'll  grab  anyone  within 
five  miles  and  ask  for  their  input.” 

But  when  it  comes  to  Wardian  cases, 
grooming  extends  beyond  the  plants  them- 
selves. Each  glass  pane  of  the  mini-green- 
houses must  be  thoroughly  washed  and 
rinsed — luckily,  they’re  removable.  Soap 
and  water  is  usually  sufficient  to  keep  the 
glass  spotless  and  shiny;  Elise  is  wary  of 


10 


GREEN  SCENE  • january/february  2007 


Wardian  Cases 


harsher  chemical  cleaners  for  fear  the 
residue  could  harm  the  plants.  She  also 
stays  away  from  lint-leaving  paper  towels. 
Instead,  she  uses  a squeegee  for  scrubbing 
and  a razorblade  for  removing  stubborn 
spots. 

The  week  of  the  Show  is  always  a high- 
light of  Elise’s  year.  Not  only  can  she  share 
her  hard  work  with  thousands  of  people, 
but  it  also  gives  her  the  opportunity  to 
observe  the  competition.  “Once  they  estab- 
lished a special  class  for  Wardian  cases,  we 
really  had  to  step  it  up.  More  people  enter 
now  than  before,  so  it’s  always  exciting  to 
see  who’ll  come  out  on  top  she  says. 

And  though  you  can’t  win  them  all,  Elise 
certainly  has  a fair  share  ol  blue  ribbons  to 
her  name.  In  fact,  a small  partition  adjacent 
to  her  greenhouse  is  seemingly  wallpapered 
with  primary-colored  ribbons — a testa- 
ment to  her  labor  of  love.  While  the  major- 
ity of  this  collection  comes  courtesy  of  PHS 
and  the  Philadelphia  Flower  Show,  several 
represent  distinction  from  other  horticul- 
tural organizations. 

Still,  all  the  accolades  haven’t  lessened 
Elise’s  drive.  She  often  tries  new  sorts  of 
soil,  experiments  with  drainage  techniques, 
and  takes  classes  at  Longwood  Gardens  to 
keep  on  her  toes.  “What  can  I say?”  she 
adds  with  a shrug.  “I’m  a plantaholic.” 


Elise  du  Pont  at  home. 


12 


Left  One  of  Elise’s  entries  at 
the  Flower  Show. 


Below  The  greenhouse  at  Patterns,  the  home  of 
Elise  and  Pete  du  Pont. 


Wardian  Cases 


www.Aston-Simms.com 


Quality 
products  and 
services  for 
the  home 
and  garden. 


YOUR  OWN  HOUSE 


If  you’d  like  to  enter  the  world  of  Wardian  cases,  allow 
Jessica  Story  to  impart  advice  from  her  many  years  of  experi- 
ence. Jessica  is  head  grower  at  Meadowbrook  Farm 
(www.gotomeadowbrook.com),  a garden  center  in  Abington 
Township,  PA,  and  a nonprofit  affiliate  of  the  Pennsylvania 
Horticultural  Society. 

• Select  the  right  case  for  your  home.  Meadowbrook  Farm 
offers  a variety  of  Wardian  cases  ranging  from  $25  to  $300. 
For  a less  formal  look,  fishbowls  or  glass  globes  work  just 
as  well. 


• To  plant,  put  a 3/4-inch  layer  of  gravel  in  the  bottom  of  your 
case  or  terrarium.  Add  a layer  of  chipped  charcoal  to  keep 
the  soil  sweet,  and  top  it  off  with  about  two  inches  of  sterile 
potting  soil. 


www.Aston-Simms.com 


Above:  Wardian  cases  in  Elise’s  living  room. 


GF  GLASS 

• Choosing  the  right  plants  is  extremely  important.  Be  sure  to 
select  species  that  thrive  in  moist,  closed  conditions.  Ferns 
and  houseplants  such  as  peperomias,  fittonias,  marantas, 
and  begonias  do  well.  Avoid  the  cactus  and  other  such 
species  that  do  poorly  in  high  humidity. 

• Arrange  your  specimens  as  though  in  a landscape,  using 
rocks  or  pieces  of  wood  if  desired.  Be  mindful  of  proportions 
to  obtain  the  best  appearance. 

• Since  the  glass  covering  traps  so  much  moisture,  water 
lightly.  You  may  go  for  weeks  without  watering. 

• Place  your  case  in  bright  shade,  not  in  direct 
sunlight. 

• Overall,  terrariums  require  relatively  little  maintenance,  but 
make  sure  the  more  vigorous  species  do  not  overtake  the 
others  in  mixed  plantings.  ^ 


i 


I 


i 


The  Barnes  Foundation 


X V<'Y 

m 

■ f ■ 


Paul  Cezanne,  Terracotta  Pols  and  Flowers, 
1891-1892,  BF235. 


Visit  the  Barnes  Foundation  this  winter 
and  enjoy  an  unparalleled  aesthetic 
experience  inside  the  Gallery  and 
outside  in  the  Arboretum. 


The  Barnes  Foundation's  collection  of  French 
Impressionist,  Post-Impressionist,  and  early  Modem 
paintings  is  unsurpassed  in  breadth,  quality,  and  depth. 
The  collection  also  includes  important  examples  of  African 
sculpture,  American  paintings  and  decorative  arts.  Old 
Master  paintings.  Native  American  art,  Asian  art,  and 
ancient  artifacts,  which  provide  a rich  context  for  the  study 
of  art  and  aesthetics. 

The  Arboretum,  which  features  an  exceptional  collection 
of  rare  trees  and  woody  plants  from  all  over  the  world,  a 
fem  collection,  formal  gardens,  and  a lilac  grove,  provides 
an  unparalleled  environment  for  horticulture  education. 
The  12-acre  Arboretum,  which  surrounds  the  gallery 
building,  reflects  and  enhances  the  beauty  of  the  art  inside. 


For  information  on  visiting  the  Barnes  Foundation  please  call  610-667-0290. 

To  learn  about  art  and  horticulture  classes  and  workshops  ottered  at  the  Barnes, 
please  contact  the  Education  Department  at  610-667-0290,  ext.  2259,  or  the  Arboretum  at  610-667-0290,  ext.  1071. 


THE  BARNES  FOUNDATION 

300  North  Latch's  Lane,  Merion,  PA  19066  610-667-0290  www.barnestoundation.org 


Potted  Amaryllis 

Exquisite  and  Foolproof 

Amaryllis  are  tropical  bulbs  that  open 
their  large,  trumpet-shaped  blooms  in 
lustrous  colors  during  the  dreariest  days 
of  winter.  Our  huge,  healthy  bulbs  are 
guaranteed  to  produce  at  least  2 stems, 
each  with  no  less  than  4 blooms,  for  a 
ravishing  display  (as  shown  above  by  the 
Nymph  Amaryllis  Trio).  Best  of  all,  these 
carefully  prepared  giants  require  only 
light  and  water  to  perform,  making 
them  the  ideal  gift  for  anyone  who 
enjoys  beautiful  flowers. 

Our  holiday  gift  selection  includes 
more  than  200  items  of  comparable 
quality  and  charm — fragrant  wreaths, 
greens,  and  trees  cut  and  shipped  at  the 
last  minute  to  assure  freshness,  spring- 
flowering bulb  collections  prepared  for 
forcing,  Paperwhite  Narcissus,  unusual 
houseplants  such  as  Jasmine,  Abutilon, 
and  Olivia,  plus  other  attractive  gifts 
with  natural  beauty  and  simplicity. 
Gardeners  appreciate  our  gift  certifi- 
cates, which  provide  access  to  a vast 
offering  and  a compelling  discount. 

To  review  our  holiday  catalogue, 
please  visit  whiteflowerfarm.com.  Your 
selections  will  be  delivered  with  complete 
instructions  and  your  greetings  enclosed. 
Satisfaction  is  guaranteed.  Kindly 
mention  Source  Code  63050.  We  look 
forward  to  serving  you. 

White  Flower  Farm 

whiteflowerfarm.com 


GREEN  SCENE  • january/february  2007 


15 


PHOTO  FINISH 


Winners  of  the  2006  Green  Scene  “Garden  Photo  Contest” 


Shutters  were 
snapping  madly  this 
summer  as  Green 
Scene  readers 
prepared  for  the 
2006  Garden  Photo 
Contest.  Friends, 
family,  and  flowers 
were  all  part  of  our 
“People  in  the 
Garden”  theme, 
bringing  the 
welcome  addition 
of  smiling  faces  to 
the  competition. 


As  usual,  the  quality 
of  the  images  was 
uniformly  excellent, 
proving  that  our 
entrants  certainly 
know  how  to 
handle  their  digital 
cameras,  film  SLRs 
and  friendly 
“point  ‘n’  shoot” 
models.  Now... off  to 
the  winner’s  circle! 


; ■ ityFiMlf  'T'  '*  w' 


tom*  tv  *'■%*  ’ 

, . .f  - 

• • -i 

\ • ■ 


16 


GREEN  SCENE  • january/february  2007 


1st  Prize  courtesy  of: 


◄ 1st  PLACE  winner 


NAME:  Diana  Keat 

PRIZES:  Nikon  Coolpix  L4  Digital  Camera  (courtesy  of  Ritz  Camera) 

SHOOTER’S  COMMENTS:  “Chinese  gardeners  are  both  meticulous  and 
tenacious.  I photographed  this  man  working  hard  in  107°  temperatures  in  a public  garden 
near  l-Cheng,  on  the  property  of  the  Three  Gorges  Dam." 


LTHA 


QfJTTUT 

& IMAGE 


2nd  PLACE 
WINNER 

NAME:  Patricia  Danzon 
PRIZES:  The  Philadelphia 
Flower  Show  coffee  table 
book 

SHOOTER’S 

COMMENTS: 

“This  photo  shows  a little 
cottage  garden  set  within 
the  larger,  grander  gardens 
of  St.  James’s  Park  in 
Central  London.  I took 
many  pictures  of  the  wider 
vistas,  impeccable 
flowerbeds,  ducks,  and 
pelicans  that  inhabit  this 
park,  but  this  cottage 
garden  is  my  favorite 
image.” 


3*o  PLACE  WINNER 

NAME:  James  Creighton 
PRIZES:  A one-year  PHS 
Membership 

SHOOTER’S  COMMENTS: 

“It  took  three  nights  of  shooting  to 
get  just  the  right  image  of  the  frog. 

It  looks  so  surreal.” 


17 


Photo  Contest 

HONORABLE  MENTION  WINNERS 


HONORABLE  ► 
MENTION 

Fanny  Lynn  Esh 


HONORABLE 

MENTION 


Brian  Wengenroth 


18 


GREEN  SCENE  • january/february  2007 


◄ HONORABLE 
MENTION 

Jane  Irvin-Klotz 


HONORABLE  MENTION  ▲ 

Mary  Ann  Watson 


GREEN  SCENE  • january/february  2007 


19 


Photo  Contest 


HONORABLE  MENTION  Y 

Laurie  Van  Sant 


HONORABLE  MENTION  A 

June  McKenney 

20  ! GREEN  SCENE  • january/february  2007 


HONORABLE  MENTION  A Ar 

Gene  Castellano,  Jr. 


AMERICAN  PHILOSOPHICAL  SOCIETY 

Scholarly  Publishing  Since  1771 


THE  LIBRARY 


OF 

^BENJAMIN  FRANKLIN 


Edwin  \ Volt  2nd  oo  Kevin  J.  Hi)t» 


The  Library  of  Benjamin  Franklin 

EDWIN  WOLF  2nd  and  KEVIN  J.  HAYES 

Memoirs  of  the  American  Philosophical  Society  — Vol.  257 
ISBN:  978-0-87169-257-3,  $100.00 

Beginning  in  the  late  1950s,  Edwin  Wolf  2nd  embarked  on  a bibliographic  odyssey  to  reconstruct  the 
“lost”  library  of  Benjamin  Franklin.  Franklin’s  library,  the  largest  and  best  private  library  at  the  time  of 
his  death  in  1790,  was  sold  by  his  grandson  in  the  last  eighteenth  century  to  Robert  Morris  Jr.,  who 
subsequently  sold  it  in  the  early  nineteenth  century.  None  of  the  catalogues  of  the  collection  survive, 
and  the  contents  of  the  library  were  virtually  unknown  until  1956,  when  Wolf  discovered  the  unique  shelf- 
marks  Franklin  used  to  identify  his  books.  Wolf’s  work  to  reconstruct  a catalogue  of  the  library  continued 
for  the  next  thirty  years  but  was  unfinished  at  the  time  of  his  death.  As  the  tercentenary  of  Franklin’s  birth 
approached,  Kevin  J.  Flayes  took  up  the  work  and  has  continued  to  discover  titles  that  were  part  of  the 
library.  Everything  found  to  date,  close  to  4,000  entries,  has  been  compiled  here. 

The  Temple  of  Night  at  Schonau 

JOHN  A.  RICE 

Memoirs  of  the  American  Philosophical  Society  — Vol.  258 
ISBN:  978-0-87169-258-0,  $70.00 

Between  1796  and  1800  Baron  Peter  von  Braun,  a rich  businessman  and  manager  of  Vienna’s  court 
theaters,  transformed  his  estate  at  Schonau  into  an  English-style  landscape  park.  Among  several  buildings 
with  which  he  embellished  his  garden,  the  most  remarkable  and  celebrated  was  the  Temple  of  Night,  a 
domed  rotunda  accessible  only  through  a meandering  rockwork  grotto  that  led  visitors  to  believe  that  their 
destination  lay  somewhere  deep  underground.  A life-size  statue  of  the  goddess  Night  on  a chariot  pulled  by 
two  horses  presided  over  the  Temple,  while  from  the  dome,  which  depicted  the  night  sky,  came  the  sounds 
of  a mechanical  musical  instrument  that  visitors  likened  to  music  of  the  spheres. 

Only  the  ruins  of  the  Temple  of  Night  survive,  and  it  has  received  little  scholarly  attention.  This  book 
brings  it  back  to  life  by  assembling  the  many  descriptions  of  it  by  early  nineteenth-century  eyewitnesses. 
Placing  the  Temple  within  the  context  of  the  eighteenth-century  English  landscape  park  and  of  Viennese 
culture  in  the  fascinating  period  of  transition  between  Enlightenment  and  Biedermeier,  Rice’s  book  will 
appeal  to  anyone  interested  in  the  history  of  garden  design,  architecture,  theater,  and  music. 

Portrait  of  Elizabeth  Willing  Powel 

DAVID  MAXEY 

Transactions  of  the  American  Philosophical  Society — Vol.  96,  Part  4 
ISBN:  978-0-87169-964-0,  $24.00 

Drawing  on  original  manuscript  sources,  David  Maxey  has  produced  a persuasive  study  of  a late 
eighteenth-century  portrait  and  its  subject.  Fie  has  focused  attention  on  an  enigmatic  painting  that  has 
long  puzzled  art  historians,  and  the  person  portrayed  in  it — a woman  of  talent  and  verve,  whose  life  has 
remained  undeservedly  obscure. 

Elizabeth  Willing  Powel  occupied  an  influential  position  in  Philadelphia  society  during  and  after  the 
Revolution.  She  presided  over  a salon;  spoke  her  mind  freely;  and  maintained,  for  a period  of  forty  years, 
an  extensive,  illuminating  correspondence.  She  was  the  trusted  confidante  of  the  country’s  first  president, 
whom  she  did  not  hesitate  to  instruct  on  where  duty  summoned  him. 

Personal  loss  touched  her  deeply,  and  at  a critical  moment,  the  Philadelphia  limner  and  sign  painter, 
Matthew  Pratt,  was  commissioned  to  capture  on  canvas  the  grief  she  experienced.  What  happened 
thereafter  to  the  portrait  Pratt  painted  becomes  an  essential  part  of  the  mystery  that  David  Maxey  has 
successfully  undertaken  to  solve. 


Send  Orders  To: 

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DIANE  PUBLISHING  COMPANY  Fax:  610-461-6130 

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WINTER  CHORES  in  a 
PLEASURE  GARDEN 


22 


GREEN  SCENE  • january/february  2007 


Chanticleer,  the  secret  treasure 
tucked  away  on  a quiet  road  in 
Wayne,  PA,  closes  at  the  end  of 
October  and  doesn’t  unveil  its  glories  to  the 
public  again  until  April  1.  But  does  that  mean 
the  worker  bees  are  asleep  in  the  hive  for  five 
fallow  months?  Hardly.  There’s  more  industri- 
ous buzzing  around  in  this  35-acre  “pleasure 
garden”  than  one  could  possibly  imagine.  The 
staff  is  variously  planting  and  moving  bulbs, 
zipping  around  on  wheeled  vehicles,  mowing, 
weeding,  clipping,  cleaning,  and  mulching,  all 
amid  the  emerging  sweeps  of  daffodils  and 
greening  lawn,  babbling  stream,  and  tranquil 
pond.  And  that’s  not  counting  the  hammering, 
sawing,  painting,  and  paving! 

The  four  office  people  and  eleven  gardeners 
(more  during  spring  and  summer)  at 
Chanticleer  take  enormous  pride  in  their 
efforts  and  are  always  eager  to  show-and-tell 
their  handiwork.  Whether  working  independ- 
ently or  as  a team,  “Chanticleerians”  are  some 
of  the  most  motivated,  diligent,  and  multi-tal- 
ented gardeners  around.  This  is  largely  because 
the  1913  Thomas  Sears-designed  Adolph 
Rosengarten  estate  has  undergone  a major  ren- 
ovation since  the  Chanticleer  Foundation  was 
established  in  1993,  and  directors  (first  Chris 
Woods  and  now  Bill  Thomas)  have  allowed  the 
staff  to  exercise  their  genius  and  imaginations 
to  create  a romantic,  one-of-kind  garden. 

1 asked  these  gardeners  to  tell  me  what  they 
did  on  their  winter  “vacation”  last  year,  and  I 
was  stunned  by  how  much  they  accomplished 
while  I lolled  around  watching  Dr.  Phil,  wait- 
ing for  spring  to  return. 

Jonathan  Wright,  one  of  four  gifted  flower 
arrangers  (Lisa  Roper,  Doug  Croft,  and  Laurel 
Voran  being  the  others),  worked  on  curly  wil- 
low twig  sculptures  and  other  container  dis- 
plays for  the  courtyards.  He  used  cold  frames 
to  warm  up  blue  Himalayan  poppies  (you 
know,  that  flower  none  of  us  mere  mortals  can 
grow  here),  bringing  these  heat-sensitive  plants 
into  bloom  while  the  weather  was  still  cool.  He 
also  spent  hours  sorting,  identifying,  and  cap- 
tioning over  6,000  images  of  Chanticleer  taken 


by  photographer  Andrea  Jones  over  the  past 
three  seasons,  and  visited  London  to  study 
form  and  structure  of  gardens  in  winter  and 
consult  an  authority  on  cyclamen  at  Wisley. 

Horticulturists  Przemek  Walczak  and  Joe 
Henderson  designed  and  crafted  a new  iron 
fence  for  the  front  gate.  “It  is  a magnificent 
metal  meadow,”  says  Joe.  “I’m  also  working  on 
a bench  for  the  wildflower  slope  and  a gateway 
to  the  walkway  along  the  creek.  The  walk, 
which  I’m  going  to  line  with  some  native  azal- 
eas, will  connect  to  the  Asian  woods  across 
from  Lisa’s  path  that  now  ends  at  the  water.” 
Przemek  also  tends  the  stream  garden,  does 
stonework,  woodwork,  and  tree  care — and 
tutors  others  in  pronouncing  his  name. 

Dan  Benarcik  made  picnic  tables.  “We 
picked  up  and  moved  our  woodworking  facili- 
ty, packing  and  hauling  large  pieces  of  equip- 
ment, determining  the  layout  of  dust- 
collection  systems,  wiring,  lighting  and  all  that 
technical  stuff  you  don’t  think  about  before  a 
piece  of  garden  furniture  comes  out  the  door,” 
he  says.  He  made  new  chairs,  built  a bamboo 
fence,  and  helped  plan  the  national  meeting  of 
the  Garden  Writers  Association.  “Aside  from 
that,  plant  orders  occupy  a big  part  of  the  win- 
ter time,”  he  says.  Grounds  manager  Peter 
Brindle  and  Dan  are  state-licensed  pesticide 
applicators  and  held  their  annual  staff  training. 
There  were  also  pruning  and  tree  workshops. 
Benarcik  attended  the  Tropical  Plant  Industry 
Expo  in  Florida,  returning  to  volunteer,  as 
many  staffers  do,  at  the  Philadelphia  Flower 
Show. 

Among  other  deeds,  Laura  Aiken  planted 
thousands  of  bulbs.  Laurel  Voran  tucked 
40,000  bulbs  in  among  the  winter  shrubs, 
painted  an  “underground  world  of  chipmunks” 
mural  in  the  Apple  House,  and  designed  and 
built  a new  plant  list  box  that  looks  like  a 
mushroom.  She’s  also  in  charge  of  a propaga- 
tion greenhouse  and  overall  pest  control. 

Last  winter,  facilities  manager  Ed  Hincken 
and  groundskeeper  Bryan  Christ  helped  design 
the  new  Asian  Woods  restroom,  a masterpiece 
of  craftsmanship  debuted  at  a gala  heralded  by 


Story  by  llene  Sternberg 


GREEN  SCENE  • jcmuary/february  2007 


23 


Winter 


an  invitation  asking  attendees  to  “please  help 
Chanticleer  welcome  the  first  flush  of  spring. 
The  Asian  Woods  is  Lisa  Roper’s  domain.  She 
built  a stone  terrace  and  curved  retaining  wall 
overlooking  the  stream  and  designed  and  laid 
the  path  and  bamboo  fence  for  the  new  privy. 
(She  visited  Kyoto,  Japan  for  inspiration.)  In  a 
spare  moment  or  two  she  planted  20,000  Scilla 
and  Chionodoxa  in  the  Orchard  Lawn  to  add  to 
the  100,000  already  there.  Craftsman  Doug 
Randolph,  who  designed  and  built  the  Asian 
Woods  bridge  and  the  stone  couch  and  chairs 
near  the  ruins,  finished,  refinished,  and  rebuilt 
other  furniture,  including  two  masterfully  con- 
structed wood  benches  outside  the  new  rest- 
room, so  guests  can  wait  their  turn  in  style. 

Doug  Croft  manages  Chanticleer’s  website 
and  tends  the  cut-flower  and  “Tennis  Court” 
gardens.  He  also  redesigned  the  vegetable  gar- 
den. “As  soon  as  the  gates  close  at  the  end  of 
October,  I start  cleaning  the  beds,”  he  says.  “I 
lift  any  tubers  that  I want  to  keep,  then  start 
planting  bulbs  for  the  following  year  and  hope 
to  get  them  in  before  the  ground  gets  too  wet 
or  freezes,  at  which  time  I start  on  my  dormant 
and  formative  pruning. 

“On  horribly  cold  or  wet  days,  I peruse  the 
seed  catalogs,  deciding  what  we’ll  grow  next 
year,"  Doug  adds.  “I  try  to  squeeze  in  some 
time  to  prepare  the  trellises.  As  soon  as  the 
seeds  arrive,  I spend  time  in  the  greenhouse 
sowing  our  cool-season  vegetables  and  some  of 
the  easy  annuals.  Most  of  our  seed  will  be 
grown  at  Meadowbrook  Farm.  Oh,  and  those 
darn  leaves  that  keep  blowing  in... well,  I keep 
on  raking  them.” 

Ilene  Sternberg  is  the  co-author  of  Best 
Garden  Plants  for  Pennsylvania  (with  Alison 
Beck)  and  a frequent  contributor  to  Green 
Scene. 

Chanticleer  is  located  at  786  Church  Road 
in  Wayne,  PA  (phone:  610-687-4163,  web: 
chanticleergarden.org).  PHS  members  receive 
reduced  admission  to  the  gardens  with  their 
membership  card. 


24  GREEN  SCENE  • januory/february  2007 


Above:  The  pond. 

Right:  Laurel  Voran 
and  Janet  Hall 
working  on  leaf 
cleanup  and  fall 
cutbacks  in  the 
Gravel  Garden. 


Below:  View  of  Chanticleer 
House  from  Pond  Garden. 


Left  Lisa  Roper  laying  new  pathway 
to  the  Asian  Woods  restroom. 


Above:  Dan  Benarcik 
building  chairs  in  the 
woodshop. 


Left:  Laurel  Voran  modifying 
bed  lines  and  amending  soil 
at  the  Ruin  and  Gravel 
Garden. 


gr  j i 

b.-  . Mi  m 

''  1 IB 

Left:  Joe  Henderson 
building  frames  for 
the  Meadow  Fence. 


25 


Winter 


1 2 THINGS  TO  DO  IN  YOUR  WINTER  GARDEN 


Here  are  just  a few  things  you  could  be  doing  while  waiting 
for  spring  to  arrive  (aside  from  watching  Dr.  Phil): 


1.  Move  leaf  debris  (preferably 
chopped)  from  lawn  to  flower 
beds. 

2.  Reassess  and,  perhaps,  redesign 
your  garden  when  all  the  “bones” 
are  most  apparent  in  winter.  If 
massing  and  spacing  are  badly 
arranged,  or  if  the  ground  forms 
and  general  proportions  are 
wrong,  winter  will  expose  the 
mistakes.  Move  rocks  and 
garden  ornaments  to  more 
aesthetically  pleasing  locations  if 
necessary. 

3.  Prune  suckers,  water  sprouts, 
and  crossing  branches  from 
trees.  Prune  or  cut  back  late- 
blooming  shrubs  that  form  buds 
on  new  wood.  Avoid  trimming 
spring-flowering  plants,  such  as 
azaleas,  Pieris,  forsythia, 
viburnum,  weigela,  and  lilacs 
until  after  flowering,  or  you  may 
sacrifice  bloom. 

4.  Submit  catalog  and  web  orders 
early  while  the  choices  abound. 


5.  Read.  Research  the  histories  and 
natural  habitats  of  plants  you 
have  or  are  considering  to  help 
you  discern  their  optimum 
growing  conditions. 

6.  Plant  a pot  of  grass  seed  for 
indoor  cats  to  nibble.  (Give  them 
tiny  mowers  and  instruct  them  to 
keep  their  lawn  edges  well 
trimmed.) 

7.  Clean,  sharpen,  oil,  and  organize 
hand  tools.  Paint  handles  a 
bright  color  so  you  can  find  them 
in  the  garden. 

8.  Have  machines  repaired  now  to 
spare  you  spring  headaches  or 
being  on  a waiting  list  at  the 
shop  for  mower,  chainsaw,  or 
other  power-tool  repairs. 

9.  Dig  up  and  compost  plants  that 
were  ghastly  choices — a good 
way  to  bury  your  mistakes  (and 
so  much  kinder  to  kill  them  in 
their  sleep). 


10.  Conduct  a bagworm  check.  The 
pointy  1 -to-2-inch  cocoons  of 
these  destructive  moth  larvae 
may  be  dangling  merrily  from 
your  arborvitae  right  now,  ready 
to  devour  host  plants  in  late 
spring.  Although  they  are  fond  of 
evergreens,  search  for  them  also 
on  beech,  maples,  lindens, 
locusts,  sycamores,  and  even 
roses.  Pick  off  and  destroy  them 
now  before  an  infestation  war- 
rants spraying. 

11.  Get  at  those  persistent  weeds 
that  are  still  active  in  winter.  While 
the  ground  is  moist  and  still  soft, 
uproot  them  before  they  spread, 
but  avoid  walking  over  the  same 
areas  of  frozen  or  wet  lawn  or 
you  may  find  bald  spots  in 
spring.  (I  think  it’s  called  grass 
pattern  baldness.) 

12.  Volunteer  to  help  at  the 
Philadelphia  Flower  Show!  ^ 


26 


GREEN  SCENE  • january/february  2007 


OUTDOOR 

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CHESTER  COUNTY 

CHARM 

Growing  Native  Plants  at  Yellow  Springs  Farm 


Salamander  studies  in  the  spring 
house,  Nubian  goats  in  the 
front  field,  and  an  array  of 
native  plants  are  a few  of  the  pleasures  I 
found  one  hot  August  day  at  Yellow  Springs 
Farm. 

Owners  Catherine  and  A1  Renzi  are  ded- 
icated conservationists,  and  together  they 
are  pursuing  their  passions  on  eight  acres  in 
Chester  County.  Catherine  took  a cir- 
cuitous route  to  her  present  activities. 
Trained  in  art  and  architecture,  she  has 
worked  in  an  architectural  firm,  run  a small 
gift  business,  and  before  she  and  A1  pur- 
chased Yellow  Springs  Farm,  she  was  a 
financial  planner.  Al  trained  as  a biologist 
and  thought  he  would  become  a scientist. 
With  business  school  degree  in  hand,  he 
decided  to  join  a growing  local  company 
and  was  in  the  biotech  field  for  two 
decades.  Today  he  has  a “day  job”  in  health 
care  consulting. 

When  she  was  a kid,  Catherine  loved  rid- 
ing and  always  appreciated  the  opportuni- 
ties she  had  to  roam  through  open  country 
on  her  horse. 
When  she  was 
12,  she  remem- 
bers saying  to 
herself  as  she 
rode  in  Chester 
County,  “This  is 
a place  I would 
like  to  return  to 
one  day.”  After 
she  and  Al  mar- 
Story  by  Jane  G.  Pepper  r‘e^  'n  2000, 


they  decided  to  look  for  a property  in 
Chester  County.  Their  criteria  for  this  new 
home  included  historic  buildings  and  land 
they  could  protect  from  development  with 
a conservation  easement.  After  searching 
for  more  than  a year,  they  found  a proper- 
ty with  eight  acres,  a house  built  in  1851, 
and  a former  dairy  barn  of  a similar  age. 
The  house  was  not  “a  disaster,”  but  follow- 
ing the  house  inspection  they  did  receive  a 
sixteen-page  report  of  issues  “to  be 
addressed  sooner  rather  than  later.”  The 
former  owners,  Catherine  said  gratefully, 
had  done  some  of  the  behind-the-scenes 
work,  such  as  repairing  the  roof  and  chim- 
neys and  replacing  the  heating  and  septic 
systems. 

The  Renzis  knew  from  their  research  that 
their  property  was  smaller  than  their  local 
conservation  organization,  the  French  and 
Pickering  Creeks  Conservation  Trust, 
would  usually  accept  for  a conservation 
easement,  but  they  decided  to  make  their 
pitch  to  the  Trust  based  on  the  diversity  of 
habitats  on  the  property.  Over  two  seasons, 
botanists  from  the  Trust  surveyed  their 
land,  which  includes  a meadow,  pond,  and 
woodland,  and  indeed,  they  found  a signif- 
icant diversity  of  flora  and  fauna,  including 
more  than  300  plant  species. 

The  total  watershed  area  for  the  French 
and  Pickering  Creeks  is  69,770  acres,  of 
which  21,000  have  been  protected,  8,250 
by  the  Conservation  Trust  through  pur- 
chases, conservation  easements,  and  pub- 
lic/private partnerships.  Part  of  the  Trust’s 
mission  is  to  monitor  and  maintain  the 


28 


GREEN  SCENE  • jonuary/february  2007 


Native  Plants 


stewardship  of  120  easements  on  preserved 
land.  By  donating  a conservation  easement 
on  their  property  to  the  Conservation 
Trust,  Catherine  and  Al  have  given  up  in 
perpetuity  the  right  to  divide  the  property 
or  place  any  kind  of  development  on  it. 
“This  kind  of  easement,”  says  Catherine, 
“is  the  strongest  land  protection  tool  we 
have  available  as  homeowners.  " Most  of  the 
land  in  their  section  of  Chester  County  is 
of  “exceptional  value”  as  a watershed,  giv- 
ing it  the  highest  amount  of  protection 
from  degradation.  This  designation  raises 
the  bar  for  developers  and  builders,  accord- 


ing to  Catherine,  ensuring  that  they  have  to 
meet  higher  standards  for  issues  such  as 
water  discharge. 

When  they  bought  the  farm,  Catherine 
and  Al  alternated  between  fixing  the  house 
and  clearing  the  vines  and  brush  that 
surrounded  it.  With  some  of  the  clearing 
complete,  it  was  time  to  start  planting. 
That  is  when  they  discovered  it  was  harder 
than  they  had  expected  to  find  the  native 
plants  they  wanted  to  increase  the  diversity 
on  the  property.  Hence  the  birth  of  Yellow 
Springs  Farm  Native  Plant  Nursery  in 
2002. 


That  first  winter,  when  the  hoop  house 
collapsed  to  the  ground  after  a heavy  snow 
storm,  they  doubted  the  wisdom  of  their 
decision.  They  had  selected  a Canadian 
manufacturer  for  the  greenhouse,  figuring 
their  product  would  withstand  hard  win- 
ters, but  the  combination  of  snow  followed 
by  an  ice  storm  was  too  much  for  the  struc- 
ture. Subsequent  winters  have  been  kinder, 
and  now  the  Renzis  offer  more  than  200 
native  species  to  customers,  who  last  year 
purchased  approximately  5,000  plants  on 
location  and  by  mail-order.  “We  are 
surprised  and  delighted  by  the  demand,” 


Below:  Hibiscus  coccineus  (Swamp  hibiscus) 


Below:  A Springhouse  on  the  property. 


P 

Right:  A walled  garden  with  pasture  beyond  it. 


says  Catherine.  Customers  find  their 
way  to  Yellow  Springs  Farm  by  appoint- 
ment, when  the  Renzis  hold  an  Open  Day 
(listed  on  their  website  www.yellowsprings 
farm.com),  or  through  mail-order  (also 
available  through  the  website,  where  you 
will  find  native  wildflowers,  grasses  and 
ferns,  trees  and  shrubs,  as  well  as  plugs  for 
meadow  installations). 

Besides  running  the  nursery,  Catherine’s 
interests  lie  in  communicating  to  others  the 
passion  she  and  Al  share  for  native  plants. 
She  offers  design  and  consulting  services  to 
homeowners  and  community  groups,  to 
Scout  troops  embarking  on  conservation 
projects,  and  to  members  of  garden  clubs 
and  organizations  such  as  the  Morris 
Arboretum  of  the  University  of 
Pennsylvania. 

On  Yellow  Springs  Farm,  Catherine  and 
Al  garden  almost  completely  organically. 
Pesticides  are  not  on  their  shopping  list,  the 
fertilizers  they  use  in  the  nursery  are  envi- 
ronmentally friendly,  and  they  use  herbi- 
cides only  very  carefully,  with  a paint 
brush,  when  the  need  is  extreme.  Recently, 
they  received  certification  by  the  National 
Wildlife  Federation  as  a Backyard  Wildlife 
Habitat  ( www.nwf.org/backyardwildlife- 
habitatt). 

I didn  t see  the  salamanders,  which  are  the 
subject  of  a University  of  Delaware  census, 
but  1 did  meet  Dora,  Rosebud,  Rebecca,  and 
Rena,  the  wonderfully  noisy  Nubian  goats 
that  clamor  for  attention  when  you  wander 
down  from  the  barn.  The  older  goats,  Dora 
and  Rosebud,  were  gifts  from  a friend. 
When  they  were  ready  to  breed  Rosebud, 
the  Renzis  hired  the  services  of  a buck  for 
$25  in  the  Lehigh  Valley.  That  weekend  was 
unproductive  but  after  spending  another 
$25  and  the  next  weekend  driving  back  to 
the  buck’s  farm,  the  mating  worked,  and  sev- 
eral months  later  Rebecca  and  Rena  were 
added  to  the  family. 

In  keeping  with  the  Renzis’  tradition  of 
experimentation,  there  may  be  a new  busi- 
ness in  the  offing  once  the  goats  are  in  full 
milk  production.  Apparently  goat’s  milk 
can  be  valuable  to  premature  babies  that  are 
allergic  to  cow’s  milk.  Next  time  you  visit 
the  neo-natal  unit  at  your  local  hospital, 
you  may  find  Al  and  Catherine  making  a 
milk  delivery. 


Right:  A view  of  the  nursery  area. 


-4* 


Botanical  Bouquets 


By  Jane  Godshalk 


DESIGNING  with  ONE 

DOZEN  ROSES 


God  gave  us  memories  so  we  might  have  roses  in  December"  — J.M.  Barrie 


It’s  easy  to  find  a dozen  roses  at  your  local  grocer 

or  produce  market,  even  at  this  chilly  time  of  year. 

Here’s  a floral  design  you  can  make  with  roses  and 

greens  from  your  garden,  using  a wooden  clemen- 
tine box. 

You  will  need: 

• Scissors  or  clippers 

• 1 clementine  box  (Paint  it  dark  brown  or  dark 
green.  Those  colors  will  make  the  box  recede 
and  flowers  dominate.) 

• 1 large  plastic  bag 

• 2 blocks  of  floral  foam 

• 10  clementines 

• 5 skewers  (cut  in  half) 

• 12  roses 

• 6 stems  hypericum  or  other  berries 

• Your  choice  of  greens  such  as  boxwood,  pine, 
laurel,  skimmia,  pachysandra,  galex 


Variation: 

Another  way  to  use  your  clementine  box 
with  greens  is  to  place  your  rose  stems  a 
little  higher  and  add  pine  cones  and 
winterberry  holly  ( Ilex  verticillata) . 


Step  3:  Cut  large  plastic  bag  in  half  and  line  the  box 
with  it.  Place  the  soaked  foam  in  the  lined  box. 


Step  6:  Group  clementines  in  threes  around  the  base 
of  the  design. 


32 


Step  1 : Gather  the  necessary  supplies. 


Step  2:  Soak  floral  foam  by  placing  it  on  top  of  a 
bucket  of  water  and  letting  the  water  gradually  soak  in. 
Do  not  push  the  foam  or  dry  pockets  will  be  created. 


Step  4:  Cut  the  greens  to  4-  to  6-inch  lengths  and  Step  5:  Put  skewers  into  the  clementines. 

place  in  the  foam.  Group  the  foliage  to  create  textural 

contrast. 


Photography  by  Margaret  Funderburg 


Photos  by  Ken  Selody  & Ray  Rogers 


By  Ray  Rogers 

The  Ugly  Ducklings 


I _L  mid-December,  and  my  potted  clumps  of 

miniature-flowered  amaryllis  (Hippeastrum 
L.  cvs.)  look  like  abandoned  heaps  of  brown- 

skinned onions.  Their  dead  and  dying  leaves  offer  no  indica- 
tion of  the  happy,  strappy  foliage  and  masses  of  eye-catching 
flowers  that  will  emerge  in  late  February  and  early  March,  just 
in  time  for  the  Philadelphia  Flower  Show.  Right  now  they 
look,  to  put  it  diplomatically,  unpromising. 

How  did  they  arrive  at  this  sad  state?  Very  deliberately,  fol- 
lowing a cultural  regimen  that  has  taken  me  20  years  of  exper- 
imentation and  dumb  mistakes  to  master.  At  the  close  of  the 
Show  in  March,  I return  the  pots  to  the  greenhouse  and  enjoy 
the  remaining  flower  display.  Liberal  watering  in  a sunny  spot 
through  the  end  of  April  maintains  abundant  foliage,  and  then 
it’s  time  to  begin  my  fertilizer  routine.  On  paper  it  prescribes 
a weekly  drenching  of  water-soluble  Miracle  Gro  10-52-10, 
but  in  practice  it  probably  averages  a big  dose  every  10  days  to 
two  weeks. 

Around  the  end  of  May,  heat  and  strong  light  make  the 
foliage  look  stressed  (because  I can’t  keep  up  with  the  water 
needs  of  the  plants,  whose  roots  completely  fill  the  pots). 
Then  it’s  time  to  move  them  to  a shadier  but  still  bright  spot. 
Notice  I didn't  say  “move  them  outside.”  Long  ago,  in  my  pre- 
greenhouse days,  I learned  the  pitfalls  of  growing  amaryllis 
outdoors  during  frost-free  weather,  namely  an  erratic  water 
supply,  leaf-shredding  hailstorms,  battalions  of  hungry  slugs, 
and  Narcissus  bulb  flies,  whose  larvae  tunnel  out  the  insides  of 
the  bulbs  and  turn  them  into  to  slimy,  disgusting  goo.  This 
fate  befell  my  now-venerable  pot  of  ’Pamela’,  which  was 
reduced  to  a sad  clump  of  three  puny  bulbs  (it  recovered  and 
has  been  enlarging  ever  since).  “Never  again,”  I vowed.  The 
systemic  insecticide  I now  use  sees  to  that  (and  to  those  infer- 
nal mealybugs,  seething  masses  of  which  terminated  my 
prizewinning  pot  of  ‘Pamela’  X ‘Scarlet  Baby’). 

Throughout  summer  and  into  early  fall,  the  clumps  pro- 
duce an  exuberant  mass  of  foliage  and  sometimes  a bloomstalk 
or  two.  I stop  fertilizing  in  September,  and  in  early  October  I 
begin  to  reduce  their  water.  By  mid-November  I place  the  pots 
in  my  cool,  dark  basement,  where  they  remain,  unwatered, 
until  late  January,  when  it’s  time  to  pull  off  the  dead  leaves  and 
take  the  pots  back  to  the  greenhouses  for  resumption  of  heat, 
light,  and  moisture.  Then  the  clumps  explode  into  renewed 
growth  in  the  race  to  bloom  in  time  for  the  Show.  Of  course, 
the  timing  isn't  guaranteed,  so  February  will  see  me  (some  say 
obsessively)  shuttling  the  pots  between  more  or  less  heat  and 
light,  depending  on  how  poky  or  precocious  they  are  this  time 
around. 


Here’s  what  else  is  happening  with  my  showplants  in  mid-December: 

• The  pots  of  daffodils  have  rooted  in  and  are  biding  their  time  under  my  front 
porch.  Routine  checks  of  their  watering  needs  keep  them  happy — and  me  bent 
over  and  cold. 

• My  cacti  and  deciduous  succulents  are  either  fully  or  nearly  dormant  or  are  in 
surprisingly  active  growth  (especially  Haworthia  sp.).  Dormant  plants  need 
only  a once-monthly  dribble  of  water,  while  active  growth  requires  regular  but 
judicious  watering. 

• My  hardy  herbaceous  perennial  and  woody  plants  are  now  quite  dormant  and 
sit  forgotten  either  under  the  front  porch  or  outside  in  a cold  frame.  Their 
wake-up  calls  will  begin  in  a few  weeks. 

• The  geraniums  ( Pelargonium  sp.)  are  in  active  growth  and  will  remain 
so  until  the  heat  of  late  spring  arrives.  Determined  pinching  should  produce 
dense,  symmetrical  mounds  of  foliage. 


Left  Top:  After  a few  months  of  dormancy  and  a thorough  removal  of 
dead  and  tired  leaves,  it’s  time  to  wake  up  the  amaryllis. 

Left  Middle:  Amaryllis  grow  quickly  when  given  appropriate  levels  of 
heat,  light,  and  moisture.  It’s  up  to  the  exhibitor  to  get  things  just  right. 

Left  Bottom  The  author  is  not  infallible:  here’s  what  the  big  pot  of  the 
intrepid  ‘Pamela’  looked  like  soon  after  the  2006  Philadelphia  Flower 
Show  closed  (it  should  have  bloomed  during  the  Show). 


THE  FINER  THINGS 
IN  LIFECARE. 


• 100%  and  50% 
recoverable 
entrance  fee 


Waverly  Heights  is  a nationally  accredited 
Continuing  Care  Retirement  Community  located  in 
a lovely  residential  setting  on  the  Philadelphia  Main 
Line.  Call  us  for  information  or  a personal  tour. 


• Fitness  Center, 
Pool,  Dining 
Options  and 
many  other 
services 
and  amenities. 


plans. 

• Over  200 
apartments 
and  villas. 

• Assisted  Living 
and  Skilled 
Nursing 


610-645-8764  • www.waverlyheightsltd.org 
1400  Waverly  Road,  Gladwyne, 


WAVERLY 

HEIGHTS 


PA  19035-1296 


2007  PHILADELPHIA 

FLOWER 


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Private  guided  tours  of  the  largest 
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• VIP  early  entrance  and  tour  with 
a group  of  8-12  visitors,  before 
the  Show  opens  to  the  public 

• Shopper’s  Delight  discount  card 
for  merchandise  at  official 
Flower  Show  Shoppe 

• Celebrity  Flower  Arrangement 
Demonstration 

• Goody  Bag  PLUS  extra 
Flower  Show  admission  ticket 

• $85  per  member 

Tours  available  March  5—9 . Deadline 

for  reservations  is  January  20,  2007. 
Send  name  and  mailing  address  to 
earlymorningtours@pennhort.org; 
call  215-988-8775  or 
go  to  www.theflowershow.com 
to  download  an  order  form. 

Reservations  are  limited. 


Produced  by  Presenting  Sponsor 

■ X TaB  PENNSYLVANIA  AIVIV 

HORTICULTURAL  socibtt  ■ I M V — D/AI\llX 


GREEN  SCENE  • january/february  2007 


35 


Classified  Ads 


ANTIQUE  BOOKS 


RARE  & PREVIOUSLY  OWNED  BOOKS 
ON  HORTICULTURE  & BOTANICAL 
PRINTS  - Bought  and  Sold 

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37  Lochwood  Lane 
West  Chester,  PA  19380 
610-436-9796 
Email:  GrannyPol@aol.com 


BOTANICAL  LIGHTING 


Botanical  Lighting 

Specializing  in  tasteful 
architectural  and  landscape  lighting. 

Please  view  our  on-line  gallery: 

botanicallighting.  com 

or  call:  609-953-5334 

Serving:  Pennsylvania  • New  Jersey  • 
Boston  • Maryland  • Washington  DC 


GARDEN  GIFTS 


Yellow  Springs  Farm  Native  Plant  Nursery 
Packaged  Butterfly,  Shade,  Deer  resistant 
theme  gift  gardens 
Plants  - shipped  spring  2007 
Gift  certificates,  butterfly  baths,  books,  other 
specialty  items  - shipped  now 
Shop  Online 

www.yellowspringsfarm.  com 
610-827-2014 


GARDEN  PROPERTY 


Newly  remodeled  4 bedroom  saltbox  style 
home  with  custom  cabinetry  and  millwork 
throughout  the  house  • 2.8  secluded  acres  of 
naturalistic,  4-season  landscape  near  West 
Chester,  PA  • Specimen  trees,  conifers,  shrubs, 
bog  garden,  rock  garden,  perennial  borders 
P.O.  Box  #713, 470  Boot  Road,  Downingtown, 
PA  19335 
484-319-8666 

www.  countrygardenhomeforsale.  com. 


GARDEN  STRUCTURES 


HERITAGE  STONE  & MARBLE 

We  are  an  installation  and  restoration 
company  who  emphasizes  long  lasting 
quality  with  outstanding  craftsmanship. 
FLAGSTONE,  BRICK-patios  and  walkways, 
COBBLESTONE-edging  and  paving, 
STONE  walls,  RETAINING  walls,  MARBLE, 
GRANITE-floors,  walls,  countertops. 
215-699-561 1 Upper  Gwynedd,  PA 


GREENHOUSE  AND  CONSERVATORY 
CONSTRUCTION 

Solar  Innovations,  Janco, 

Lord  & Burnham  and  more. 

Call  Robert  J.  LaRouche  at 
Glass  Enclosures  Unlimited 

610-687-2444 


THE  SUNWORKS  CORPORATION 

• Greenhouse  Sales:  Residential,  Commercial 

and  Institutional. 

• Installations:  Of  greenhouses  from  any  man- 
ufacturer, shading  and  ventilation  systems. 

• Maintenance:  Reglazing,  reskinning,  paint- 

ing, cleaning.  Emergency  repairs. 

Call  302-655-5772,  ask  for  John  Klein 

PATIOS  & WALKWAYS 

Flagstone  - Pavers  - Brick 
Robert  J.  Kleinberg 
Landscape  Design  & Construction 
610-259-6106 
See  our  work  online 
100’s  of  pictures  at 
www.kleinberg.com 


THUJA  X ‘GREEN  GIANT’ 


Screening  Alternative  to  Leyland  Cypress 
&.  New  England’s  Dying  Hemlocks 


Reblooming 

Hydrangea 


O Plants  8"-3  1 /2ft.  tall 
$3.00  to  $45.00  each 

• New  USDA  Release 

• Pennsylvania  Gold 
Medal  Plant  Award 

• Tough,  Fragrant.  Tall. 
Skinny  Evergreen 

• Deer.  Bagworm  & 
Disease  Resistant 

• Fast  Growing. 

3'  to  5'  / Year 

• Zone  4-9 


VALLEY  FORGE  AMERICAN  ELM 


• The  Most  D.E.D 
(Dutch  Elm  Disease) 
Resistant  American  Elm 
Ever  Tested 

• New  U.S.D  A Release 

- also  - 

PRINCETON 
AMERICAN  ELM 

3'  size  - $20  each 


Many  pictures  and  information  on  our  website 
www.botanyshop.com  • Joplin.  MO 
or  call  888-855-3500  for  prices  and  information 


MOSTARDI 

NURSERY 


Your  garden  is  your  sanctuary...come  to 
Mostardi’s  for  distinctive  plants,  expertise 
and  inspiration. 


JR 


4033  West  Chester  Pike  (Route  3)  • Newtown  Square.  PA  19073 
610-356-8035  • www.mostardi.com 


LARGE  SPECIMEN  TREES 


LANDSCAPE  DESIGN 


LINDA  CORSON 
LANDSCAPE  DESIGN 

• Consulting 
• Plans 

• Supervision 

Registered  Landscape  Architect 
Member  ASLA  215-247-5619 

David  Brothers  Landscape  Services 
Bean  Road  Nursery 

Architects,  Builders  and  Nurserymen 
Providing  the  Fine  Art  of  Garden 
Construction 

and  Landscape  Restoration 

215-247-2992  610-584-1550 

610-525-3232 


DONALD  PELL  GARDENS 
Creating  & maintaining  gardens 
with  expert  horticultural  craftsmanship.  View 
our  portfolio  of  landscape  designs  online  at 
www.donaldpell.com  or  call 
610-917-1385  for  a brochure  and 
consultation. 


SED  design 

LANDSCAPE  ARCHITECTS 

Master  Plans  and  Garden  Design, 
Water  Gardens,  Pools  & Lighting 

610-584-5941 

seddesignstudio.com 


20’  Colorado  Blue  Spruce  and  American  Holly 
‘Menantico,’  ‘Old  Heavy  Berry,’ 
‘Janice  Arlene’  Lampost,  Ilex  x aquipernyi 

INDIAN  ORCHARDS 

610-565-8387 


LARGE  TREES 

Tree  Transfers  Inc. 

Large  Tree  Transplanting  and  Sales 
Large  Screening  & Specimen  Plant  Material 
Garden  Restoration.  Ponds,  Waterfalls  & Patios 
215-635-2310 

Serving  the  Delaware  Valley  since  1987 

MULCH 


PINE  NEEDLE  MULCH 

Won’t  change  soil  pH 
Wholesale  and  retail 
FLOWERS  BY  THE  YARD 
610-701-9283 
renee52@ccis.net 


BALED  PINE  NEEDLE  MULCH 

Pick  up/Delivery/Spreading  service 
Cedar  Run  Landscapes 
Call  for  brochure 
1 -800-LANDSCAPE 
www.CedarRunLandscapes.com 


Statement  of  Ownership  Management  and  Circulation  (Act  of  October  23, 1962;  Section  4369.  Title  39,  United  States  Code) 

1 . Date  of  Filing;  September  26,  2006.  2.  Title  of  Publication:  The  Green  Scene.  3.  Frequency  of  issue:  bimonthly. 

4-5.  Location  of  Known  Office  of  Publication  and  Headquarters:  100  N.  20th  Street,  5th  floor,  Philadelphia,  Pa  19103- 
1495. 6.  Names  and  Addresses  of  Publisher  and  Editor:  Publisher  - The  Pennsylvania  Horticultural  Society,  Philadelphia, 
Pa  19103-1495;  Editor:  Pete  Prown,  100  N.  20th  Street,  5th  floor,  Philadelphia,  Pa.  19103-1495.  7.  Owner:  The 
Pennsylvania  Horticultural  Society,  Philadelphia,  Pa.  19103.  8.  Known  bondholders,  mortgages  and  other  security 
holders  holding  one  percent  or  more  of  total  amount  of  bonds,  mortgages  or  other  securities:  None.  9.  Extent  and 
Nature  of  Circulation: 


A.  Total  No.  Copies  Printed 

Average  No.  Copies 
Each  Issue 

Preceding  1 2 Months 
12,575 

Single  Issue 
During  Nearest  to 
Filing  Date 

12,505 

(net  press  run) 

B.  Paid  Circulation: 

1 . Sales  through  dealers  and 
carriers,  street  vendors  and  counter  sales 

50 

50 

2.  Mail  subscription 

12,064 

12,081 

C.  Total  Paid  Circulation 

12,114 

12,131 

D.  Free  Distribution  by  mail,  carrier  or 
Other  means,  samples,  complimentary 
And  other  free  copies 

18 

16 

E.  Free  Distribution  outside  the  mail 
(carriers  or  other  means) 

3 

2 

F.  Total  Free  Distribution  (sum  of  D and  E) 

21 

18 

G.  Total  Distribution  (sum  of  C and  F) 

12,135 

12,197 

H.  Copies  not  distributed: 

1 . Office  use,  left  over,  unaccounted, 
spoiled  after  printing 

380 

242 

2.  Return  from  news  agents 

0 

0 

Total  (sum  of  G,  Hi  and  H2) 

12.515 

12,149 

Percent  Paid  and/or  Requested 
(C  divided  by  G times  100) 

96.50% 

97.15% 

I certify  that  the  statements  made  by  me  above 
Pete  Prown.  Editor 

are  correct  and  complete. 

NURSERY 

Triple  Oaks  Nursery  & Herb  Garden 

• Great  Plants  • Display  Gardens  • Programs 
Franklinville,  New  Jersey 
www.tripleoaks.com 
856-694-4272 
greatplants@tripleoaks.  com 


PONDS 


PONDS  AND  WATERFALLS 

Design/Installation/Maintenance 
View  our  pond  video  at 

www.YourPond.com 
Cedar  Run  Landscapes 

1 -800-LANDSCAPE 


UNUSUAL  SPECIMENS 


RARE  & UNUSUAL  PLANTS 

• Specimen  plants  • Pond  plants  • Bonsai 

• Orchids  • Hardy  cacti  • Tropicals 

• Sculptured  trees  and  shrubs  • Perennials 

• Unique  Flower  and  gift  shop. 

MUTSCHLERS’  FLORIST  & RARE  PLANTS 

1-800-242-9438 

www.mutschlers.com 


CLASSIFIED  RATES 


Base  Rate $3.00  per  word 

(without  formatting) 

1 Line  $15.00  per  line 

Formatted  Words $5.00 

(ex.  Bold,  Italic  or  ALL  CAPS) 

Minimum  Charge $60.00 

Discount 10%  off  the  second 

consecutive  ad,  using  the  same  copy 

Please  note:  Green  Scene  does  not  guarantee 
advertisement  position,  and  we  reserve  the  right  to 
edit  copy  to  fit  available  space.  Green  Scene  ads  are 
scheduled  on  a first-come,  first-served  basis  until 
space  is  filled  for  a particular  issue. 

Please  calculate  your  ad  cost  based  on  number  and 
formatting  of  words,  and  enclose  a check  along  with 
your  copy  (call  for  assistance).  Green  Scene  will  bill 
any  difference  or  credit  upon  publication  of  your 
advertisement.  If  your  new  ad  arrives  very  close  to 
deadline,  we  may  deposit  your  check  until  ad  is 
scheduled.  If  we  can’t  schedule  your  ad,  your  check 
will  be  returned.  Make  checks  payable  to  the 
Pennsylvania  Horticultural  Society. 

Send  all  advertising  correspondence  to: 

Joe  Soprani 
Green  Scene 

The  Pennsylvania  Horticultural  Society 
100  N.  20th  Street,  5th  Floor 
Philadelphia,  PA  19103  -1495. 

If  you  have  any  questions,  please  call  215-988-8809. 


The  Backyard 


PAINTINGTHECITY 


GREEN 


by  Jane  G.  Pepper 


project.  Each  region  choos- 
es its  own  project.  In  past 
years,  employees  have 
worked  at  food  distribu- 


When the  alarm  went  off  last  October  7,  I just 
wanted  to  snuggle  under  the  covers.  It  was  cold 
and  wet  and  windy,  hardly  the  perfect  condi- 
tions for  a large  volunteer  tree  planting  scheduled  to  start  at 
8:30  am  at  471*1  & Aspen  Streets  in  West  Philadelphia. 

It  turned  out  to  be  a memorable  day.  Several  months  previ- 
ously, Pennsylvania  Department  of  Conservation  & Natural 
Resources  (DCNR)  Secretary  Michael  DiBerardinis  had 
secured  a commitment  from  Comcast  to  support  the 
Commonwealth’s  TreeVitalize  program  as  part  of  Comcast’s 
national  day  of  caring.  Philadelphia  Green  director  Maitreyi 
Roy  and  associate  director  Bob  Grossmann  started  discussions 
with  several  of  our  partners  about  the  possibility  of  reclaiming 
a weed-infested,  debris-strewn  site  in  the  Mill  Creek  section  of 
West  Philadelphia.  Located  between  the  Sulzberger  Middle 
School  and  the  beautiful  new  Philadelphia  Housing  Authority 
Lucien  Blackwell  Homes,  this  one-block  site  was  a communi- 


tion centers  and  painted 
school  classrooms.  In  the 
Philadelphia  region  this 
year,  Comcast  employees 
planted  approximately  300 
trees  in  five  counties  as 
their  contribution  to  their 
communities  and  also  to 
further  the  goals  of 
TreeVitalize  to  restore  tree 
cover  in  Southeastern 
Pennsylvania.  By  the  end 
of  the  morning  at  the  Mill 
Creek  site,  200  volunteers 
had  planted  73  trees.  After 
heavy  rain  the  night  before, 
the  ground  could  only  be 
described  as  soggy,  and  1 was  full  of  admiration  for  the  cheery 
enthusiasm  and  hard  work  of  the  volunteers  as  they  slogged 
through  the  mud  carrying  trees  and  shovels  and  pushing 
wheelbarrows  full  of  mulch. 

At  a ceremony  to  commemorate  the  planting,  Amy  Smith, 
Comcast’s  regional  senior  vice  president  of  operations  for  the 
Philadelphia  Metro  area,  presented  me  with  what  looked  like  a 
can  of  paint,  but  inside  was 
a $25,000  donation  from 
the  Comcast  Foundation 
to  the  Pennsylvania 
Horticultural  Society. 

Some  days  it  really 
pays  to  get  out  of 
bed — for  both  emo- 
tional and  financial 
reasons.  Our  thanks 
to  Comcast,  the 
Pennsylvania  DCNR, 
and  all  the  other  part- 
ners who  made  this  day 
such  a success. 


ty  eyesore. 

The  Philadelphia  Housing  Authority  agreed  to  clear  the  site, 
and  DCNR  was  ready  to  contribute  trees  through  TreeVitalize, 
including  flowering  cherries,  red  maples,  and  tulip  poplars. 
Volunteers  from  the  Urban  League  and  Comcast  supplied  the 
labor  to  plant  the  trees. 

Now  in  its  sixth  year,  Comcast  Cares  Day  is  a nationwide 
initiative,  held  on  the  first  Saturday  of  October,  to  enable 
Comcast  employees  to  volunteer  together  on  a community 


GREEN  SCENE  • january/february  2007 


„ere^e 
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*mH>*eAe*3’*»f*'' 
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, -«-v;»..-rVveYSl'°uU 


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ARBORS 


TRELLISES 


GATES 


ARCHWAYS 


OBELISKS 


TOWERS 


PAVILIONS 


PERGOLAS 


BENCHES 


FENCES 


RAILS 


RANSFORM 

YOUR 

GARDEN 


WELCOME  TO 

THE  PAINTED  GARDEN 

The  Painted  Garden,  Inc.  custom  designs  and  builds 
painted  iron  garden  structures  that  are  beautiful  to 
look  at  in  any  season,  with  or  without  vines. 

Our  hand-crafted,  unique  structures  are  skillfully 
engineered  to  last  a lifetime.  They  keep  their  beauty 
and  strong  focal  point  in  the  garden  all  year  round. 

You  will  joyfully  discover  that  they  change  and  are 
enhanced  by  each  season.  Even  in  the  snow,  the 
elegant  form  and  striking  color  will  be  a glad 
reminder  of  a dormant  but  never  forgotten  garden 
anticipating  a new  season  to  unfold. 

Our  unique  designs  offer  an  alternative  to  ordinary 
arbors,  trellises  and  gates,  and  transform  the 
ordinary  garden  into  an  extraordinary  place. 


kosV  &\cer&y, 

-fV\€ 

cues ye."  Sr«3s' ff{ 


CUSTOM  DESIGN, 
CUSTOM  BUILD 


Thc-J  Fainted  Garden Inc. 

WWW.THEPAINTEDGARDENINC.COM 
304  EDGE  HILL  ROAD,  GLENSIDE,  PA  19038 
SHOWROOM  BY  APPOINTMENT 

CALL  US  WITH  YOUR  ORDER 
OR  QUESTIONS  (215)  884-7378 


Wealth  can 
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the  future.  . 


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Management. 

First,  you  need  a vision  - c 
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or  visit  pnc.com. 


fa 

Iff  if 

i 

If  tJ 

III  § 

'’ll 

ti  1 

Ik  5 

ft  K 

©PNC 

WEALTH  MANAGEMENT 


PNC  is  a registered  service  mark  of  The  PNC  Financial  Services  Group,  Inc.  (“PNC").  Investment  management,  wealth  management,  fiduciary  services  and  FDIC-insured 
banking  products  and  services  are  provided  by  the  PNC  subsidiaries,  PNC  Bank,  National  Association  and  PNC  Bank,  Delaware  which  are  Members  FDIC.  PNC  does  r 

provide  ega  tax  or  accounting  advice  Investments:  Not  FDIC  Insured.  No  Bank  Guarantee.  May  Lose  Value 


2007  Philadelphia  Flower  Show 


live  Irish  Dancing 
at  the  Show!  page  16 


THE  PENNSYLVANIA  HORTICULTURAL  SOCIETY 


ft  1 

| 1 ll  i 

PilIiTR 

indoor  & 


Waterloo  gardens 


waterloogardens.com 


200  N.  Whitford  Road 
Exton,  PA  19341 
610.363.0800 


136  Lancaster  Avenue 
Devon,  PA  19333 
610.293.0800 


Nursery  | Greenhouse  | Perennials 
Garden  Accents  | Gardening  Supplies 
Gift  & Gourmet  Shop  | Flower  Shop 
Patio  & Garden  Furniture 
Seasonal  Christmas  Shop 
Professional  Landscaping  Services 


When  You  Move  to 

Cathedral  Village 


Leave  Your  Rocking  Chair  Behind  -Along  With... 


Your  worries  about  current  and  future  medical  care  and 
where  you  will  go  if  you  ever  need  nursing  care 
The  difficulty  and  cost  of  going  to  and  ffom  physicians’  offices 
The  frustration  of  dealing  with  medical  insurance  claims 


Twenty-seven  years  ago  Cathedral  Village’s  Board  of  Directors  and 
Management  addressed  these  concerns  with  programs  and  services  to  assure  that 
you  would  have  the  security  of  immediate  and  full  access  to  24-hour  medical  care.  As  a result: 


♦ Our  Outpatient  Department  is  staffed  with  professional  nurses  24-hours  daily  including 
weekends  and  holidays.  Our  staff  Physicians  are  here  five  days  a week  and  always  on  call. 

♦ A signal  from  one  of  your  apartment  pull  cords  or  a telephone  call  to  the  front  desk 
at  any  time  of  the  day  or  night  brings  response  from  our  24-hour  Security  staff  and  a 
Registered  Nurse.  If  a situation  needs  close  monitoring,  the  Outpatient  Department  and 
Bishop  White  Lodge  are  always  available. 

♦ Your  extensive  resident  contract  guarantees  an  unlimited  number  of  days  of  nursing  care 
in  Bishop  White  Lodge,  our  exceptional  skilled  nursing  facility. 

♦ Residents  who  are  referred  to  specialists  or  hospitals  for  medical  treatments  are  transported 

to  and  from  their  appointments  by  our  uniformed  Security  personnel  at  no  additional  charge. 
It  is  all  included  in  the  monthly  fee. 

♦ At  the  end  of  the  day,  our  Health  Insurance  staff  takes  care  of  all  the  details  of  submitting 
or  questioning  insurance  claims,  relieving  you  of  that  frustration! 

Now  What  About  That  Rocking  Chair ? 

With  so  much  more  leisure  time,  residents  can  enjoy  our  Pool  and  Fitness  Center,  Village 
College  Classes,  Horticultural  Programs  in  our  nationally  recognized  Greenhouse,  Painting 
and  Sculpting  in  the  Art  Studios,  Woodworking,  Bridge,  our  professional  Putting  Green, 
Concerts,  Lectures  and  much  more. 


That  Doesn’t  Leave  Much  Time  for  Your  Rocking  Chair! 


We  invite  you  to  visit,  question,  and  compare! 

Come  in  Monday  through  Friday  between  9 AM  and  3 PM. 
Appointments  are  necessary  on  weekends. 

Cathedral 

Village 


600  East  Cathedral  Road  • Philadelphia,  PA  19128 
www.cathedralvillage.com 

(215)  984-8622 


A Nonprofit,  Nondenominational 
Continuing  Care  Retirement  Community 


Accredited  Since  1983 
Affiliated  With  the  Jefferson  Health  System 

EQUAL  HOUSING 
OPPORTUNITY 


GREEN  SCENE  subscriptions  are  part 
of  the  membership  benefits  for: 

Frelinghuysen  Arboretum,  Morristown.  NJ 
Horticultural  Society  of  New  York 
Phipps  Conservatory,  Inc.,  Pittsburgh,  PA 
Staten  Island  Botanical  Garden,  Inc,  New  York 


Ask  A Gardener  Phone  Line 

215-988-8777,  Monday  through  Friday, 
9:30  to  12  [closed  in  December] 
askagardener@pennhort.  org 


GREEN  SCENE  (USPS  955580), 

Volume  35,  No.2,  is  published  bi-monthly 
(January,  March.  May,  July,  September.  November) 
by  The  Pennsylvania  Horticultural 
Society,  a non-profit  member  organization  at 
100  N,  20th  St.,  Philadelphia,  PA  19103-1495. 
Single  Copy:  $5.00  (plus  $2.00  shipping). 
Second-class  postage  paid  at 
Philadelphia,  PA  1 91 03. 

POSTMASTER:  Send  address  change  to  GREEN 
SCENE,  100  N.  20th  St„  Philadelphia,  PA  19103. 
© Pennsylvania  Horticultural  Society,  2007 


100  N.  20th  St. 
Philadelphia,  PA  19103-1495 
215-988-8800 


Chair 

Harry  E.  Hill 


President 

Jane  G.  Pepper 


Executive  Vice  President 

J.  Blaine  Bonham,  Jr. 


PHS  Membership  Information 

Linda  Davis,  215-988-8776 


Display  Ads 

Manzo  Communications,  LLC 
610-527-7047  manzocomm@aol.com 


Classified  Ads 

Joe  Soprani,  215-988-8809 
gsads@pennhort.  org 


12 


Legends  Come  to  Life 

Whether  you’re  Irish  or  not,  you’ll  love 
the  2007  Philadelphia  Flower  Show  with 
its  colorful  theme  “Legends  of  Ireland.” 
From  castles  to  knot  gardens  to  daring 
plantings,  the  upcoming  Show  comes 
alive  in  this  exciting  preview. 


The  Irish  Ideal 

UK  garden  expert  Michael  Warren  is 
well-versed  in  the  ways  of  Irish  gardens 
and  is  always  pleased  to  reminisce  about 
his  favorites  places.  Learn  more  about  the 
stunning  properties  he  describes  as  “inspi- 
rational’’ and  the  hard-working,  innova- 
tive Celtic  caretakers  that  nurture  them. 


COLUMNS 


20 


46  The  Backyard 


The  Pennsylvania  Horticultural  Society  motivates  people  to 
improve  the  quality  of  life  and  create  a sense  of  community 
through  horticulture. 


Main  cover  photo  by  the 
Pennsylvania  Horticultural  Society 


f j PRINTED  ON  RECYCLED  PAPER 


The  Potting  Shed 


42 


Show  Plants 

Entering  "Show  Mode” 


38 


Botanical  Bouquets 

Branching  Out 


30  The  Clivia  Craze 

From  South  Africa  to  the  Slovak 
Republic,  Mike  Riska  has  been  across  the 
globe  to  observe  his  favorite  flowering 
plant — the  clivia — in  its  native  setting. 
Here,  writer  Betsie  Blodgett  sits  down 
with  Riska  to  learn  about  his  travels,  as 
well  as  more  about  these  hot-colored 
flowers.  If  you  want  to  see  some  clivias 
yourself,  stop  by  the  Flower  Show’s 
“Grow  It”  section  (located  in  Hall  B) 
and  thrill  at  their  magic. 


Editor 

Pete  Prown 

Associate  Editor 

Jane  Carroll 

Assistant  Editor 

Daniel  Moise 

Advertising  Coordinator 

Joe  Soprani 

Art  Design 

Baxendells’  Graphic 

Printer 

ALCOM  Printing  Group,  Inc. 


FEATURES 


The  Pennsylvania 
Horticultural  Society 

Web  Site 

www.pennsylvaniahorticulturalsociety.org 


Letter  from  the  President 


we  plan  each 
Flower  Show, 
we  seek  the 
perfect  balance  between  the  beau- 
ty of  flowers,  plants  and  gardens 
combined  with  a little  whimsy 
and  a whole  wheelbarrow  full  of 
practical  information.  This  year,  I 
believe  we  have  hit  the  perfect 
combination  on  all  counts!  The 
displays  will  be  lush  and  beauti- 
ful, and  full  of  great  ideas  for  gar- 
deners. 

If  you  thought  Ireland  was  all 
about  green,  just  wait  until  you 
see  what  Show  designer  Sam 
Lemheney  and  guest  designer 
Chris  Woods  have  in  store  for 
you  in  this  year’s  themed  exhibits. 

The  gorgeous  castles,  knots  and 
spirals  of  Ireland  will  definitely  be 
on  display  combined  with  the 
splendid  plant  palette  our 
exhibitors  will  offer,  from  rhodo- 
dendrons to  Irish-bred  daffodils 
and  delphiniums,  not  to  mention 
roses,  daylilies  and  all  kinds  of  cut  flowers. 

For  those  who  love  the  whimsical  side  of  life,  there  will  be  sprites 
and  faeries  hanging  out  in  the  sculptural  forest  known  as  the  Ealain 
Wood  and  legends  galore  throughout  the  displays.  And,  Flower 
Show  visitors  will  enjoy  a dazzling  spectacle  of  entertainment.  This 
year,  along  with  live  music  and  cocktails  in  The  Flive  lounge,  our 
partner  Tourism  Ireland  has  brought  Ragus,  one  of  Ireland’s  hottest 
artistic  troupes,  whose  performances  will  be  interspersed  by  those 
of  local  Irish  groups,  all  taking  place  daily  on  the  Castle  Stage. 

Practical  information  on  gardening  will  be  at  an  all  time  high. 
Garden  creators  are  planning  to  offer  a special  how-to-do-it  tidbit 
at  each  display  for  visitors  to  try  at  home.  Look  for  these  nuggets 
at  each  garden  display. 

The  Philadelphia  Flower  Show  is  a spring  extravaganza  with  a 
great  cause.  Once  it’s  gone  from  the  Convention  Center,  we  return 
to  our  offices  at  20lh  & Arch  Streets  to  plan  a host  of  activities  for 
the  whole  year.  Proceeds  from  the  Show  are  combined  with  rev- 
enues from  government  contracts  and  contributions  from  founda- 


tions, corporations  and  individ- 
uals to  fund  PHS’s  Philadelphia 
Green  program,  the  nation’s 
most  ambitious  urban  greening 
program.  Through  Philadelphia 
Green,  PHS  has  been  working 
for  more  than  three  decades  with 
hundreds  of  organizations  and 
thousands  of  people  throughout 
the  city  to  transform  derelict 
land  into  beautiful  spaces,  to 
restore  parks  and  to  plant  trees, 
bringing  a renewed  sense  of 
hope  and  a healthy  dose  of  reli- 
able gardening  advice  to  resi- 
dents throughout  Philadelphia 
and  the  region. 

Ir  is  rewarding  work  and 
we  invite  you  join  our  efforts. 
To  learn  more,  please  visit 
www.pennsylvaniahorticultural- 
society.  org. 

A hearty  thanks  to  our 
delightful  corps  of  volunteers, 
members,  exhibitors  and  part- 
ners. We  are  grateful  for  the  sup- 
port of  so  many  who  make  the  Show  a success.  At  the  top  of  the 
list  of  Show  supporters  is  PNC  Bank,  the  Show’s  Presenting 
Sponsor.  For  16  years,  we  have  benefited  greatly  from  the  produc- 
tive relationships  that  develop  with  such  a longstanding  partner- 
ship. Many  thanks  to  our  Premier  Sponsors'.  Subaru  of  America, 
Inc.  who  has  served  in  this  capacity  since  2001,  and  Tourism 
Ireland  for  its  creative  participation  in  the  development  of  this 
year’s  presentation.  Special  thanks  also  to  our  Official  Sponsors: 
Acme  Markets,  Bartlett  Tree  Experts,  EP  Henry,  Fiskars, 
Monrovia,  Philadelphia  International  Airport,  and  Smith  & 
Nephew;  to  our  Media  Partners:  WPVI-TV  6ABC  and 
Philadelphia  Newspapers,  Inc.,  and  Caterer:  ARAMARK  for  their 
generous  support. 

Best  wishes  and  please  enjoy  the  Show. 

Jane  G.  Pepper 
PHS  President 


©PNCBANK 

2007  PHILADELPHIA 


> % 


f -W  -'PS 


- i ' 5‘* 


Produced  by  WWW.  t h ef  lO  WC  TS  h O W.  CO  CTl  Premier  Spomori 

Pennsylvania  Convention  Center 

IIORTICl  LTl'H \L  snuru  SUBARU  Inland 


6 


GREEN  SCENE  • march/april  2007 


' ' f ' 


Sfwf  robert 
n^ontgomery 

v-/  annsranpn  in 


ROBERT  MONTGOMERY  LANDSCAPES 


eautiful  homes  and 
gardens  are  the  expression  of 
imaginative  and  functional 
design  concepts,  not  merely 
good  intensions.  Our  award- 
winning designers  and 
professional  craftsmen  work 
closely  with  each  individual  to 
bring  out  the  fullest  potential 
of  every  property.  Our  staff 
is  trained  to  attend  to  the 
smallest  detail,  from  placement 
of  a perennial  in  a flower 
border  to  that  graceful  curve 
of  a rock  wall  or  terrace. 

A leader  in  the  successful 
design  and  management  of 
large  residential  landscape 
projects  in  the  Delaware 
Valley,  Robert  Montromery 
Landscapes,  Inc.  assures  that 
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Chester  Springs,  Pennsylvania  19425 
610.594.1810 


Recognized  Excellence  in 

Landscape  Design 

Contracting 


I 


the  ANTIQUE 
SECRETS 
of  SKELETON 
LEAVES 

Story  by  Francine  Kirsch 


While  it’s  hard  to  believe  that  skeleton  leaves 
could  be  anything  but  artificial,  especially 
given  all  the  colors  they  come  in  today,  these 
gauzy — and  natural — delights  were  first  used  for  flower 
arranging  1 50  years  ago.  Dried  foliage,  from  which  all  but 
the  veining  and  ribs  have  been  removed,  were  sometimes 
also  called  “phantom  leaves”  in  the  19th  century.  But 
Victorian  ladies  could  not  buy  them  in  cellophane  pack- 
ages— they  had  to  make  them. 

First  the  leaves  were  gathered,  preferably  in  June  or  July. 
Among  those  most  recommended  were  the  leaves  of  ivy, 
holly,  ferns,  orange  or  lemon  trees,  wisteria,  lilacs,  and 
honeysuckle.  As  one  book  of  the  period  noted,  they  should 
ideally  “be  at  once  laid  between  the  leaves  of  a book;  and, 
as  soon  as  possible  after,  subjected  to  a certain  amount  of 
pressure.” 

When  dry  and  flat,  the  leaves  were  submerged  in  a pan 
of  rainwater  by  placing  a china  plate  on  top  of  them.  The 
pan  was  left  outdoors,  preferably  in  sunlight,  for  two 
weeks.  Then  the  leaves  were  removed  individually  for 
“cleaning.”  Everyone  agreed  that  this  was  the  worst  part  of 
the  process.  Warned  one  writer,  “The  stench  is  often 
unbearable.  Wrote  a second,  “The  leaves  themselves  are 
absolutely  so  disgusting  in  their  filthy  sliminess,  that  if  it 
were  not  for  the  exquisitely  beautiful  results  one  would 
determine  at  once  to  have  done  with  it.” 

Working  gingerly  with  a soft  brush  on  a pane  of  glass, 
the  lady  removed  all  the  green  matter  from  both  sides  of 
the  leaf.  Then  she  bleached  it  by  brushing  on  buttermilk 
or  chloride  of  lime.  Once  the  excess  moisture  was  pressed 
out,  the  skeleton  leaves  were  made  ready  for  arranging  by 
“graceful  curling." 

A finished  arrangement  might  be  placed  under  the  ubiq- 
uitous Victorian  glass  dome  or  in  a “recessed  frame"  (shad- 
ow box).  In  a frame  “the  recess  should  be  lined  with  dark- 
colored  velvet”  to  contrast  with  the  leaves.  So  many  sup- 
plies for  arranging  and  mounting  were  available  that  S.J. 
Pardessus  & Co.,  a New  York  City  retailer  of  glass  Wardian 
cases,  even  offered  an  entire  catalog  of  them  in  the  1870s. 

Much  artistic  inspiration  could  be  gleaned  from 
the  fabulous  skeleton  leaf  arrangements  shown  in 
stereoscopic  (three-dimensional)  photographs.  Famous 
Americans — like  Admiral  Dewey,  Charles  Seward, 
Civil  War  generals,  and  Presidents  Garfield  and 
McKinley — made  favorite  centerpieces  for  them. 

In  Britain,  Lady  Dorothy  Nevill  applied  isinglass  (a 
transparent  gelatin  derived  Irom  fish  bladders)  to  skeleton 
leaves  to  make  them  “paintable."  She  recalled  that  “one  of 
the  best  skeleton  leaves  I illuminated  was  for  Lord 
Beaconsfield  ( aka  Prime  Minister  Benjamin  Disraeli).” 
And  as  late  as  1934,  lamed  English  flower  arranger 
Constance  Spry  mounted  skeleton  magnolia  leaves  onto  bare 
branches  for  an  unusual — and  sophisticated — touch. 


m 


8 


GREEN  SCENE  • march/april  2007 


The  Potting  Shed 


78%  of  all  cut  flowers  sold  in 
the  US  are  imported,  primari- 
ly from  Latin  America,  mostly 
from  Colombia  and  Ecuador. 

Americans  buy  about  1 0 mil- 
lion cut  flowers  per  day. 

Americans  buy  more  roses, 
carnations,  and  chrysanthe- 
mums than  they  do  all  other 
flowers  combined. 

‘Star  Gazer  is  the  most  popu- 
lar lily  ever  to  hit  the  cut- 
flower  market.  Last  year, 

13.8  million  stems  were  sold 
through  Dutch  auction  hous- 
es. However,  the  man  who 
hybridized  it,  Leslie  Woodriff, 
never  made  a dime  for  his  cre- 
ation. 


the  BAD 

AND  THE 

BEAUTIFUL 

Amy  Stewart  nips 
a few  buds  in  her 
new  book 

Flower  Confidential  is  a new 
“tell-all  book  about  the  flower 
business — a global,  $40  billion- 
per-year  mega-industry.  In  its 
pages,  author  Amy  Stewart  tells 
the  tale  of  how  that  demure  pack 
of  posies  at  your  florist  or  super- 
market actually  got  there. 
As  these  “fast  facts”  from  the 
book  reveal,  these  flowers  have 
often  traveled  thousands  of  miles 
and  passed  through  many 
hands  to  reach  that  vase  on 
your  dining  room  table. 


• Rose  breeders  spend  seven 
years  developing  a new  variety 
for  market.  An  Australian 
team  has  been  working  for  1 0 
years  on  a blue  rose,  using  a 
pigment  gene  from  petunias. 

• Since  1997,  almost  3,500 
flower  shops  have  closed. 

Only  21  percent  of  flower 
purchases  are  now  made  at  a 
florist;  roughly  half  are  now 
made  at  supermarkets. 

• During  the  two  weeks  leading 
up  to  Valentine’s  Day,  12  to 
15  million  stems  of  Latin 
American  flowers  will  arrive 
each  day  at  Miami 
International  Airport. 

• Americans  buy  180  million 
roses  on  Valentine’s  Day.  Over 
a third  of  orders  will  be  placed 
on  February  13th... and  anoth- 
er 22  percent — that’s  39.6 
million  roses — are  called  in  on 
the  holiday  itself! 


FLORAL 
ARRANGEMENTS 


5388 


from  the 

PHILADELPHIA 
FLOWER  SHOW 


Class:  1 25 

Title  Theme:  Treasures  from  the  Deep 


Arranger:  Pamela  Danner  (Four  Lanes 
End  Garden  Club) 


Plants:  Mums,  begonia,  protea, 
eucalyptus  seeds,  thistle,  foxtail  lily 


Ribbon:  Blue 


Judges’  Comment:  “A  delightful 
representation  of  the  deep.” 


Some  of  the  world’s  most 


were  discovered  here  this 
evening  by  TOM  and  HELEN 
from  Philadelphia. 

Oh  look,  some  Indian  Rhubarb. 


Mount  Stewart  House  in  County  Down.  Anyone  arriving  here,  or  at  any 
of  our  hundreds  of  great  stately  homes  and  gardens,  will  soon  discover 
that  Ireland  possesses  many,  many  more  colors  than  just  green.  To  find 
out  more  call  1800  SHAMROCK  or  visit  www.discoverireland.com 


Your  very  own  Ireland  £ 

Discover  it  at  discoverireland.com 


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THE 

COLORS 
OF  IRELAND 


Come  Take  an  Irish 
Journey  at  the  2007 
Philadelphia  Flower 
Show 


shopping  experience.  “Being  the  nation’s 
premier  flower  show  is  a distinction  we  take 
very  seriously,’’  says  Show  design  director 
Sam  Lemheney. 

Not  willing  to  rest  on  well-earned  laurels, 
Sam  and  his  team  have  spent  countless 
hours  to  ensure  that  this  Show  will  soar.  By 
teaming  up  with  Tourism  Ireland  and  guest 
landscape  designer  Chris  Woods  (director 
of  the  VanDusen  Botanical  Garden  in 
Vancouver,  Canada),  Sam  was  able  to  make 
the  “Legends”  theme  come  to  life.  He  says, 
“More  than  ever  before,  this  year’s  collabo- 
rative effort  has  allowed  us  to  think  bigger 
and  be  more  ambitious.” 

Visitors  to  the  Show  will  enter  a vast, 
four-part  display  with  a Celtic  theme.  The 
inspiration  for  these  exhibits  largely  stems 
from  Sam’s  journey  to  Ireland  in  the  spring 
of  2006.  Camera  and  notepad  in  hand, 
Sam  trekked  around  the  green  isle  hoping 
to  find  his  muse.  “When  most  people  think 
of  Ireland,  they  think  green — I did  too 
before  I visited,”  he  says.  “And  while  the 
green  countryside  is  stunning,  there’s  also  a 
remarkable  amount  of  color.  I'll  never 
forget  the  fields  of  light  and  airy 
Queen  Anne’s  lace  or  the  hills  of  heather 
just  waiting  to  bloom." 

The  shades  and  hues  Sam  spotted  will  be 
present  throughout  the  Show.  Rather  than 
emulate  one  particular  garden  or  site,  how- 


Visitors  to  the  Philadelphia 
Flower  Show  have  been  trans- 
ported to  some  pretty  fantastic 
places  through  the  years.  From  the  shores 
of  Puerto  Rico  to  the  streets  of  Paris,  the 
Show  prides  itself  on  exploring  the  culture 
(and  horticulture)  of  the  world’s  most 
dynamic  locales.  The  tradition  continues 
this  year  with  “Legends  of  Ireland.”  From 
March  4 through  1 1 , the  Pennsylvania 
Convention  Center  will  be  transformed 
into  Tir-Na-nOg  (pronounced  teer-nah- 
noag),  the  mythical  land  of  the  young. 

In  addition  to  the  world-class  horticul- 
ture for  which  it’s  known,  this  year’s  Show 
will  welcome  several  first-time  exhibitors, 
expanded  individual  entries,  and  a 
Marketplace  providing  a one-of-a-kind 


By  Daniel  Moise 


ever,  the  displays  borrow  from  a diverse 
assembly  of  sources.  “Were  essentially  illus- 
trating 400  years  of  Irish  garden 
design — both  traditional  and  contempo- 
rary,” says  Chris  Woods.  “Meshing  them 
together  will  be  the  fun  part." 

The  first  component  is  the  Living  Wall, 
which  serves  as  the  entryway  to  the  Show. 
By  using  ivy,  moss,  and  other  greens  in 
ancient  Celtic  knot  patterns — a common 
element  of  the  exhibits — the  design  team 
has  set  the  stage  for  what’s  to  come. 
Thematically,  the  giant  gateway  serves  as  a 
portal  to  a world  of  mystery  and  wonder. 

Once  on  the  other  side,  visitors  will  find 
themselves  in  a towering  forest — quite  a 
feat  for  an  indoor  event.  The  Ealain  Wood 
(pronounced  ell-ee-enn,  the  Irish  word  for 
art)  is  one  ol  the  tallest  Flower  Show  attrac- 
tions in  recent  years.  Trees  made  of 
muslin  will  rise  into  the  Convention 
Center  rafters,  while  real  specimens  of  lin- 
dens and  smoke  trees  line  the  path.  Six  vari- 
eties of  daffodils  will  be  peppered  about  the 
wood,  each  of  which  was  bred  in  Ireland. 


Above: 

Tollymore 
Forest  Park 


Left: 

Powerscourt 


13 


The  Flower  Show 


i 

i 


The  uncommon  beauties 
boast  memorable  cultivar 
names  like  ‘Verona’, 
‘Tibet’,  ‘Broughshane’,  and 
‘Birthday  Girl’.  Adding  to 
the  illusion  of  otherworld- 
liness will  be  the  “surpris- 
es” lurking  in  the  shadowy 
canopy.  “I’d  tell  you 
more,”  Sam  says  with  a 
smile,  “but  why  spoil  the 
fun?” 

The  final  two  por- 
tions of  the  main  dis- 
play will  embrace  the  more 
formal  settings  Sam  discov- 
ered on  his  trip  to  the 
Emerald  Isle.  The  Spiral 
Knot  Garden  will  be  a 
60-inch  conical  planter 
with  full-blossomed  flowers 
arranged  in  iconic  Irish 
symbols.  At  the  structure’s 
peak,  a large  fountain  in 
the  shape  of  a harp  will 
send  water  cascading  down 
the  sides.  Two  additional 
fountains,  inspired  by 


GREEN  SCENE  • march/april  2007 


Celtic  illuminated  manuscripts,  will  flank 
the  garden  and  be  covered  with  lavender 
and  pink  and  white  roses.  “I  think  this  gar- 
den is  sure  to  elicit  an  emotional  response, 
Woods  says.  “I  want  it  to  make  people’s 
hearts  sing." 

The  centerpiece  of  the  Show  will  be  the 
Castle  of  the  Emerald  Kingdom.  Staying 
true  to  Irish  architecture,  the  stately  struc- 
ture isn’t  boxy  and  fortress- 


14 


This  is  the  generation  your  legacy  begins 


We  know  you  want  your  family  to  inherit  more  than  just  your  wealth.  You  want 
to  preserve  a way  of  life,  so  your  grandchildren  can  have  the  same  joys 
and  opportunities  you  had.  For  half  a century,  we  have  focused  specifically  on 
helping  exceptional  families  protect  and  grow  the  wealth  they  worked  to  build. 
We  would  be  pleased  to  put  this  experience  to  work  for  you. 

Glenmede 


1 -S66-445-3663 


WWW.ELENMEDE.COM 


The  Flower  Show 


like;  rather  there  are  many  dimensions, 
angles,  and  shapes  in  play.  The  tiered 
landscaping  surrounding  the  castle  will 
consist  of  linden  and  willow  trees,  daf- 
fodils, rhododendrons,  fuchsia,  dichon- 
dras,  persimmons,  and  more. 

While  the  displays  may  seem  larger 
than  life,  Sam  firmly  believes  that  people 
can  look  to  the  Flower  Show  for  inspira- 
tion for  their  own  gardens.  “1  don’t  expect 
anyone  to  build  a castle  in  the  backyard, 


but  there  are  valuable  techniques  and  tricks 
to  be  garnered  in  terms  of  balance,  color, 
and  arrangement,”  he  says. 

PHS  president  Jane  Pepper,  a native  of 
the  U.K.,  couldn’t  be  more  excited  about 
this  year’s  Show.  She  says,  "It’s  been 
thrilling  to  watch  ’Legends  of  Ireland  blos- 
som into  something  so  extraordinary.  As 
we’ve  started  to  say  around  the  office,  ‘Erin 
go  Bragh /”’ 


I 

Great  Ways  to  Spend  Your  Day 


To  get  the  most  out  of  your  day  at  the 
Flower  Show,  it  pays  to  plan  ahead.  First, 
scope  out  the  week’s  myriad  events  and 
presentations  on  the  Flower  Show  website, 
www. theflowershow.com. 

You  won’t  want  to  miss  the  Irish 
entertainers  that  have  been  recruited  to 
regale  Show  visitors.  Every  hour  on  the 
hour,  catch  mini-concerts  at  the  Castle’s 
rear  courtyard  stage.  The  popular  per- 
forming group  Ragus  will  cross  the 
Atlantic  to  showcase  the  traditional  music, 
dance,  and  song  of  their  native  land. 
Additional  acts  can  be  seen  and  heard 
each  evening  in  The  Hive  lounge. 
Located  off  the  Grand  Hall  Concourse, 
the  cozy  cranny  will  also  offer  food 
samplings  from  local  restaurants  and  a 
cash  bar. 


So,  start  planning 
your  itinerary  now  to 
fully  experience  all  that 
the  Flower  Show  has 
to  offer. 


Back  on  the  Show  floor,  the  Gardener’s 
Studio  returns  this  year  with  free  demon- 
strations presented  by  regional  gardening 
experts.  This  is  the  perfect  place  to  learn 
something  new  and  rest  those  tired  feet. 

The  Gardener’s  Studio  is  located  in  the 
center  of  the  exhibition  halls. 

Another  can’t-miss  educational  opportuni- 
ty is  the  Lectures  & Demonstrations 

series.  Celebrated  speakers  will  tackle  a 
spectrum  of  horticultural  topics  including 
flower  arranging,  container  gar- 
dening, pest  control, 

Ikebana,  growing 
orchids,  and  much, 
much  more.  Country 
Gardens  magazine  is 
hosting  a full  day  of 
lectures  on  Sunday, 

March  4,  and,  in  recogni- 
tion of  the  “Legends” 
theme,  Irish  speakers  will 
be  on  hand  on  Saturday, 

March  1 0.  There  are  8 to 
1 2 lectures  each  day  in 
Rooms  201 B and  201 C 
(located  on  the  Grand 
Hall  Concourse),  all  of 
which  are  listed  online. 


AMERICAN  PHILOSOPHICAL  SOCIETY 


Scholarly  Publishing  Since  1771 


THE  LIBRARY 


OF 

«■ BENJAMIN  fRANKLIN 


Edwin  Wolf  2nd  and  Kevin  J.  Hayes 


The  Library  of  Benjamin  Franklin 

EDWIN  WOLF  2nd  and  KEVIN  J.  HAYES 

Memoirs  of  the  American  Philosophical  Society  — Vol.  257 
ISBN:  978-0-87169-257-3,  $100.00 

Beginning  in  the  late  1950s,  Edwin  Wolf  2nd  embarked  on  a bibliographic  odyssey  to  reconstruct  the 
“lost”  library  of  Benjamin  Franklin.  Franklins  library,  the  largest  and  best  private  library  at  the  time  of 
his  death  in  1790,  was  sold  by  his  grandson  in  the  last  eighteenth  century  to  Robert  Morris  Jr.,  who 
subsequently  sold  it  in  the  early  nineteenth  century.  None  of  the  catalogues  of  the  collection  survive, 
and  the  contents  of  the  library  were  virtually  unknown  until  1956,  when  Wolf  discovered  the  unique  shelf- 
marks  Franklin  used  to  identify  his  books.  Wolf’s  work  to  reconstruct  a catalogue  of  the  library  continued 
for  the  next  thirty  years  but  was  unfinished  at  the  time  of  his  death.  As  the  tercentenary  of  Franklin’s  birth 
approached,  Kevin  J.  Hayes  took  up  the  work  and  has  continued  to  discover  titles  that  were  part  of  the 
library.  Everything  found  to  date,  close  to  4,000  entries,  has  been  compiled  here. 


The 

Temple  of  Night 
at  Schcimu 


ARCHITECTURE.  MUSIC.  AND  THEATER  II 
LATE  EIGHTEENTH -CENTURY  VIENNESE  G A 


The  Temple  of  Night  at  Schonau 

JOHN  A.  RICE 

Memoirs  of  the  American  Philosophical  Society  — Vol.  258 
ISBN:  978-0-87169-258-0,  $70.00 

Between  1796  and  1800  Baron  Peter  von  Braun,  a rich  businessman  and  manager  of  Vienna’s  court 
theaters,  transformed  his  estate  at  Schonau  into  an  English-style  landscape  park.  Among  several  buildings 
with  which  he  embellished  his  garden,  the  most  remarkable  and  celebrated  was  the  Temple  of  Night,  a 
domed  rotunda  accessible  only  through  a meandering  rockwork  grotto  that  led  visitors  to  believe  that  their 
destination  lay  somewhere  deep  underground.  A life-size  statue  of  the  goddess  Night  on  a chariot  pulled  by 
two  horses  presided  over  the  Temple,  while  from  the  dome,  which  depicted  the  night  sky,  came  the  sounds 
of  a mechanical  musical  instrument  that  visitors  likened  to  music  of  the  spheres. 

Only  the  ruins  of  the  Temple  of  Night  survive,  and  it  has  received  little  scholarly  attention.  This  book 
brings  it  back  to  life  by  assembling  the  many  descriptions  of  it  by  early  nineteenth-century  eyewitnesses. 
Placing  the  Temple  within  the  context  of  the  eighteenth-century  English  landscape  park  and  of  Viennese 
culture  in  the  fascinating  period  of  transition  between  Enlightenment  and  Biedermeier,  Rice’s  book  will 
appeal  to  anyone  interested  in  the  history  of  garden  design,  architecture,  theater,  and  music. 


Portrait  of  Elizabeth  Willing  Powel 

DAVID  MAXEY 

Transactions  of  the  American  Philosophical  Society  — Vol.  96,  Part  4 
ISBN.  978-0-87169-964-0,  $24.00 

Drawing  on  original  manuscript  sources,  David  Maxey  has  produced  a persuasive  study  of  a late 
eighteenth-century  portrait  and  its  subject.  He  has  focused  attention  on  an  enigmatic  painting  that  has 
long  puzzled  art  historians,  and  the  person  portrayed  in  it — a woman  of  talent  and  verve,  whose  life  has 
remained  undeservedly  obscure. 

Elizabeth  Willing  Powel  occupied  an  influential  position  in  Philadelphia  society  during  and  after  the 
Revolution.  She  presided  over  a salon;  spoke  her  mind  freely;  and  maintained,  for  a period  of  forty  years, 
an  extensive,  illuminating  correspondence.  She  was  the  trusted  confidante  of  the  country’s  first  president, 
whom  she  did  not  hesitate  to  instruct  on  where  duty  summoned  him. 

Personal  loss  touched  her  deeply,  and  at  a critical  moment,  the  Philadelphia  limner  and  sign  painter, 
Matthew  Pratt,  was  commissioned  to  capture  on  canvas  the  grief  she  experienced.  What  happened 
thereafter  to  the  portrait  Pratt  painted  becomes  an  essential  part  of  the  mystery  that  David  Maxey  has 
successfully  undertaken  to  solve. 


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The  Flower  Show 


■ 


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I 


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Monrovia  plants  are  guaranteed  to  make  your  garden  thrive! 

To  discover  your  personal  garden  style  visit 
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Available  at  fine  garden  centers  nationwide 


^MONROVIA 


Show  Information 


Dates:  March  4 - 11,  2007 
Theme:  Legends  of  Ireland 

Website: 

www.  theflowershow.  com 

Phone  Information: 

215-988-8899 
(recorded  info) 

LOCATION 

Pennsylvania  Convention 
Center 

1 2th  & Arch  Streets 
Philadelphia,  PA  19107 

HOURS 

Sundays,  March  4 & March  11 
8 am  - 6 pm 

Monday,  March  5 through 
Friday,  March  9 
10  am  - 9:30  pm 

Saturday,  March  10 
8 am  - 9:30  pm 

Best  viewing  hours  are  after 
4 pm.  Box  Office  closes  one 
hour  before  Show  closing  on 
all  days. 

PRODUCER 

The  Pennsylvania  Horticultural 
Society 

PRESENTING  SPONSOR 

PNC  Bank 

TICKETS 

Tickets  may  be 
purchased  online 
until  March  1st 

Purchased  in  Advance 

(good  any  day,  available  online 
and  at  Sales  Outlets *) 

• Adults $22 

• Children  (ages  2-12) $12 

Purchased  at  the  Door 

Adults 

• Sunday,  March  4 

(Opening  Day) $28 

• Monday,  March  5 through 

Friday,  March  9 $24 

• Saturday,  March  1 0 & 

Sunday,  March  1 1 $26 

Children  (ages  2-12) 

• March  4 - 11 $13 


Family  Fun  Pak 

The  Family  Fun  Pak  ($13  sav- 
ings off  regular  admission)  is 
available  for  $55  and  includes 
2 adult  and  2 child  (2-12  years) 
tickets  plus  a year-round  mem- 
bership in  the  Pennsylvania 
Horticultural  Society.  This 
offer  is  available  only  at 
www.  theflowershow.  com. 

*Sales  Outlets:  Flower  Show 
tickets  are  available  at  partici- 
pating PNC  Bank  branches; 
AAA  Mid-Atlantic  braches; 
Acme  Markets;  Philadelphia- 
area  Borders  Books  & Music; 
Giant  Food  Stores;  SEPTA  tick- 
et-sales outlets;  and  participat- 
ing garden  centers,  nurseries 
and  florists.  Check  availability 
with  individual  outlets;  service 
charges  may  apply. 

Show  revenues  support  the 
Pennsylvania  Horticultural 
Society’s  outreach  efforts, 
including  its  acclaimed 
greening  program, 

Philadelphia  Green.  Visit 
www.philadelphiagreen.org. 


©PNCBANK 


Official  Sponsors 

ACME 


BARTLETT 

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CPHEMRY 

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MONROVIA' 


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Media  Sponsors 


e 

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Catering 

” ARAMARK 


WINTERTHUR 


' Ur/Hna  into  t Summer l/ 


Winterthur  Museum  & Country  Estate  is  an  American 
treasure  inside  and  out,  home  to  Henry  Francis  du  Pont’s  fabulous 
175-room  mansion  furnished  with  elegant  antiques  and  surrounded  by 
1,000  acres  of  spectacular  grounds  and  ever-changing  gardens.  Nestled 
in  the  beautiful  Brandywine  Valley,  Winterthur  is  located  on  Route  52, 
less  than  an  hour  south  of  Philadelphia. 

800.448.3883  • winterthur.org 


“One  of  the  1 0 great  places 
to  inhale  the  flower  scents 
of  Spring”— USA  Today 


WY 


Story  & Photography 
by  Michael  Warren 


One  Englishman's  View 
of  Ireland’s  Garden  Style 
and  Unique  Plant  Palette 


When  I think  of  Irish  gardeners,  the  term 
“plantaholic”  comes  to  mind,  though  I mean  that 
in  the  nicest  way.  The  introduction  of  so  many 
new  plants  onto  the  market  seems  to  have  bred  a race  of  Celtic 
gardeners  who  delight  in  having  the  latest  introductions  for 
their  own  gardens  and  who  take  great  pleasure  in  introducing 
them  to  their  friends.  Of  course,  there  are  still  a few  Englishmen 
who  believe  they  are  the  only  people  who  can  garden  properly, 
but  that  perception  is  wrong.  Not  only  are  the  Irish  keen  on 
their  new  plants,  but  they  skillfully  arrange  their  plantings  to 
display  them  in  the  most  tasteful  manner. 

I always  consider  it  a great  privilege  to  visit  and  enjoy  other 
people’s  gardens,  and  I have  visited  many  charming  gardens  in 
Ireland.  They  are  created  with  much  toil  and  care,  lovingly  nur- 
tured to  perfection  over  a long  period.  When  I visited  the  fol- 
lowing gardens,  I found  them  full  of  interesting  plants  but 


Below:  Mount  Usher  Gardens  is  a 
“Robinsonian”  garden  of  20  acres. 
Five  thousands  different  species 
of  plants  enjoy  this  garden  in 
a valley  along  the  Varty  river. 


Right:  The  grand  gardens 
of  Powerscourt  have  an 
impressive  traditional, 
double-herbaceous  border. 
Here  is  a portion  with  stat- 
uesque deep  blue  Aconitum, 
peony,  golden  daylilies, 
Phlomis , and  popular 
Persicaria  ‘Red  Dragon’. 

designed  and  landscaped  in  different  ways,  as 
the  owners  saw  fit. 

First  was  Carmel  Duigan’s  “cottage  gar- 
den in  Shankill  (Co.  Dublin),  which  has  a 
patio  area  at  the  rear  of  her  bungalow  and 
steps  leading  up  to  a higher  garden.  A seat  on 
the  patio  offers  an  unusual  perspective,  as 
normally  one  would  look  down  on  a garden 
from  a standing  position.  I describe  it  as  a 
cottage  garden  because  of  its  informal 
design,  with  opium  poppies  ( Papavar  som- 
niferum)  adding  colour  here  and  there  where 
they  have  chosen  to  grow,  no  doubt  left  in 
strategic  positions  to  best  effect  amongst 
perennials  and  shrubs. 

Anna  Nolan’s  garden  in  Cabinteely  (Co. 
Dublin),  on  a sloping  site  with  different  lev- 
els, is  packed  full  of  perennials,  grasses, 
clematis  and  shrubs.  The  spectacular  grass 
Hakonechloa,  undulating  in  the  breeze, 
contrasts  beautifully  with  a crimson  Acer 
palmatum  'Dissectum  Atropurpureum’. 
Agapanthus  and  Verbena  bonariensis,  blue 
and  mauve,  grows  in  a bed  with  a see- 
through  effect,  whilst  Dierama  Angels 
Fishing  Rods’  waves  its  delicate  pink  bells  as 
it  moves  on  the  slightest  breeze.  The  shel- 
tered sitting  area  is  a clever  design,  with  a 
series  of  walls  softened  everywhere  with 
plants — a great  joy  to  see. 

Dublin’s  Airfield  Garden,  an  urban  farm 
and  garden  with  a learning  center  for  chil- 
dren and  adults,  incorporates  many  styles  of 
gardening.  There  is  a formal  garden,  with 
vegetables  and  herbs  in  raised  beds,  and 
informal  ornamental  borders  full  of  colour, 
including  perennials,  grasses  and  summer 
bulbs  such  as  Crocosmia  against  a backdrop 
of  an  ornamental  greenhouse. 

Right:  Anna  Nolan’s  secluded 
back  garden  slopes,  so  sunken 
gardens  of  alpines  are  at  the  top 
on  the  patio  edge.  The  sloping 
bed  is  filled  with  these  contrast- 
ing foliage  plants,  grasses  and 
lady’s  mantle. 


The  garden  of  Helen  Dillon  in  Ranelagh 
has  to  be  described  as  inspirational.  All  the 
gardens  I visited  in  Ireland  were  tended  by 
practical,  ‘hands-on’  gardeners,  and  Helen’s 
is  no  exception.  I sat  transfixed  on  the  edge 
of  my  chair  at  the  presentation  she  gave, 
detailing  how,  over  the  years,  she  has 
changed  her  gardening  style  many  times.  As 
it  is  now,  it  is  hard  to  imagine  how  it  could 
be  improved,  but  I can  envisage  changes 
in  the  vears  to  come.  A knowledgeable 
plantswoman  and  designer,  Helen  is  full  of 
ideas  and  is  not  shy  to  make  changes,  to 
experiment,  to  admit  when  an  idea  does  not 
work,  and  to  abandon  a scheme  and  the 
plants,  too.  “Try  them,  like  them,  keep 
them,  dislike  them,  discard!’’  is  her  motto. 

The  patio  area  adjacent  to  her  house  in  a 
warm  sheltered  pocket  has  many  containers 


grouped  together  to  good  effect.  Many  are 
filled  with  succulents  and  tender  plants  that 
need  to  be  taken  inside  for  winter  protec- 
tion. From  here,  steps  lead  up  to  two  long 
borders  divided  by  a small  brook,  edged 
with  splendid  limestone  paving.  The  source 
of  water  is  a shallow  pool  at  the  far  end. 
Beyond  this  feature,  there  are  other  interest- 
ing areas  of  mixed  planting,  but  for  me 
the  fiery  border  full  of  cannas,  dahlias, 
lythrums,  knautia,  helenium,  persicaria  and 
lilies  was  just  stunning  in  the  sunshine. 

Finally,  a visit  to  Belvedere  in  Mullingar 
(Co.  Westmeath),  an  old,  established  estate 
with  a traditional  walled  garden  on  a sunny, 
sloping  site,  evoked  memories  of  country 
house  parties  of  centuries  past.  Renovated 
some  years  previously,  the  garden  is  quietly 
maturing  again  under  the  hands  of  a new 


Ireland’s  Gardens 


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GREEN  SCENE  • march/april  2007 


Above:  Helen  Dillon  is  not  only  an  entertaining 
writer  and  lecturer,  but  an  extremely  talented 
gardener.  Here  is  a hot,  fiery  border  of  hers, 
nicely  tiered  with  the  lower  knautia  and 
lythrums,  then  dahlias,  bold  cannas  and  lilies 
for  height. 


generation  of  gardeners.  New  young  trees 
were  planted  amongst  mature  material,  but 
at  the  time  ot  my  visit  in  summer,  the  tradi- 
tional herbaceous  borders  were  still  the  best 
feature.  Familiar  old  perennials,  such  as  ligu- 
larias,  miscanthus,  dahlias,  echinops  and 
achillea,  are  still  being  grown  to  good  effect. 

The  gardens  of  Ireland  have  always  been  a 
haven  for  plants  more  tender  than  we  are 
able  to  grow  in  England;  that  has  not 
changed.  What  has  changed  is  that  we  have 
both  moved  up  the  temperature  scale.  We 
hear  so  much  about  global  warming  these 
days.  This  subject  can  be  controversial,  but  I 
myself  am  convinced  that  something  is 
changing  in  our  weather  patterns.  Today,  we 
here  in  England  can  grow  more  tender 
plants  than  we  could,  say,  30  years  ago,  and 
Irish  gardeners  can  now  grow  even  more 
tender  plants  than  before.  Through  the 


22 


iotim  ru*n 


PRODUCT, 


Natural  Gardening  Solutions 


\h..  4 


’'UwL  ** 


L »5 


FOB  ACID  LOVINC  PLOT* 


!l..rf..PALO"^ 


MATUPAL  panics 


We  Grow  Beautiful  Gardens 


atu  rally 


For  over  50  years,  Holly-tone  has  been  the  leading  choice  for 
feeding  azaleas,  camellias,  rhododendron,  evergreens  and 
other  acid-loving  plants.  Holly-tone's  proprietary  blend  of 
natural  organics  has  provided  generations  of  gardeners  with 
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Mediterranean  Garden  Society,  I see  such 
gardens  being  created  in  the  most  unlike- 
ly places  on  the  globe. 

Ultimately,  keen  gardeners  will  always 
adapt  to  changing  conditions.  Like  many 
Irish  gardeners  I’ve  met,  we  should 
learn  to  face  any  challenge,  overcome  it, 
and  next  year  will  always  bring  even 
more  promise  of  the  ‘best  year  yet’  for 
your  garden. 

Since  1968.  Michael  Warren  has  worked 
with  many  well-known  figures  in  the 
horticultural  world  and,  with  his  wife 
Lois,  established  the  Photos 
Horticultural  Picture  Library.  He  is 
currently  the  national  president  of  the 
Garden  Writers  Guild  and  is  a Fellow  of 
the  Institute  of  Horticulture  in  Great 
Britain. 


Helen  Dillon 
Lecture  at  the 
Flower  Show 


You  can  read  more  about  several  of  the 
gardens  featured  in  this  article  at 
www.  dublingardens.  com . 


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famous  gardeners  and  an  expert  on 
gardening  in  small  spaces,  lecturer 
Helen  Dillon  will  present  “An  Irish 
Garden”  at  the  2007  Philadelphia 
Flower  Show,  “Legends  of  Ireland.” 

This  special  event  will  be  held 
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7:30  pm  at  the  Pennsylvania 
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streets,  Room  1 03-A  and  B,  West 
Entrance.  The  lecture  will  be  fol- 
lowed by  a wine  reception  and  musi- 
cal entertainment.  The  cost  is  $65 
and  includes  Flower  Show  admis- 
sion ($55  for  PHS  members).  Hand- 
stamped  Show  re-entry  will  be 
issued  at  the  reception  upon 
request. 


Advance  reservations  are  required  and  can  be  made  by  calling  Betsy  Gullen 
at  215-988-8778  or  via  email  at  bgullen@pennhort.org. 


Below  Belvedere  is  a large  estate  with  yet 


another  walled  garden,  common  on  many 
larger  gardens  in  Ireland.  The  herbaceous 
border  within  its  walls  skillfully  places 
purple  Verbena  bonariensis  and  red 
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OLIVIAS 


Wherever  clivias 
grow,  so  goes 
Mike  Riska. 

Riska’s  clivia  expeditions 
have  taken  him  to  South  Africa 
to  see  them  growing  in  the 
wild  and  to  conferences  in 
California.  But  he  also  has  a 
knack  for  finding  them  in 
unexpected  places,  like  his 
second  cousin’s  home  in  the 
Slovak  Republic. 

“There  was  a Clivia  craze  in 
Europe  in  the  1800s,  and  these 
are  plants  that  have  been 
passed  on  through  families,”  he 
explains.  “1  saw  them  in  restau- 
rants and  all  over  the  place.” 

A founding  member  and 
director  of  the  North  American 
Clivia  Society,  Riska  is  crazy 
about  the  genus  discovered  in 
South  Africa  nearly  200  years 
ago.  “I  got  started  with  clivias 
about  1999,  says  Riska,  who  is 
also  executive  director  of  the 
Delaware  Nature  Society. 
“After  that,  I went  all  out." 

“All  out”  for  Riska  means 
maintaining  a collection  of 
about  3,000  clivias  (including 
seedlings)  and  developing  a 
finely  tuned  system  of  moving, 
fertilizing,  and  watering  the 
plants  for  peak  bloom — hope- 
fully to  coincide  with  the 
Philadelphia  Flower  Show.  “I 
take  pride  in  being  able  to 
make  them  flower  every  year, 
because  it  doesn’t  happen  all 
the  time,”  he  says  of  his  blue- 
ribbon  specimens. 

Riska’s  fascination  with 
clivias  has  grown  steadily  over 
the  years,  although  he  insists 
it’s  nowhere  near  the  fever  level 
attributed  to  Dendrobium  and 
Cattleya  orchid  enthusiasts. 
“I’m  glad  I didn’t  get  involved 
with  orchids,  he  says.  “Where 
do  you  start  and  where  do  you 
stop?” 


■I 


30 


GREEN  SCENE  • march/april  2007 


His  wife  Angie  might  dis- 
agree. “She  supports  me,  but 
she  thinks  I’m  a little  out  of 
control,'  he  laughs.  His  collec- 
tion has  taken  over  the  porch, 
most  available  windowsills,  and 
the  attic  of  their  1790s  home 
in  Delaware,  as  well  as  a garage 
and  an  unheated  pit  house. 
Riska  even  collects  Clivia 
memorabilia  and  has  framed 
floral  stamps  from  other  coun- 
tries, including  South  Africa, 
China,  and  North  Korea. 

Riska  claims  that  despite 
their  reputation  for  being  fussy 
and  demanding,  clivias  are 
remarkably  foolproof.  A win- 
dowsill and  some  basic  knowl- 
edge about  their  cultivation — a 
cool  temperature,  light  and 
fluffy  growing  medium,  a light 
hand  with  water,  and  some  bal- 
anced liquid  fertilizer — is  all 
you  need  to  get  started.  Riska’s 
clivias  even  spend  their  sum- 
mer outside  where  they  thrive 
in  bright  shade. 

“Once  you  know  how  to 
grow  them,  they’re  easy,’  he 
insists.  “You  can't  kill  them.  In 
fact,  the  more  you  fuss  over 
them,  the  worse  they  do.  The 
orange-flowered  Clivia  miniata 
is  the  most  commonly  available 
species.  (Meadowbrook  Farm 
has  a number  in  stock  starting 
at  a reasonable  $18;  rarer 
species,  however,  can  cost  $500 
and  up.)  Riska  advises  buying 
clivias  from  a trusted  source 
and  avoiding  online  auction 
sites. 

Beyond  keeping  them  alive, 
Riska  admits  there  is  a knack  to 
getting  clivias  to  flower  on 
demand.  (Clivias  do  not  flower 
every  year  under  normal 
household  growing  condi- 
tions.) When  he  decided  to 
enter  the  Philadelphia  Flower 
Show  four  years  ago,  he  knew 


A Visit  with 
Clivia  Aficionado 
Mike  Riska 


Photography  by  Pete  Prown 


‘Victorian  Peach’ 


he  needed  a plan  to  coax  them  into 
peak  bloom  the  first  week  in  March. 
He  hit  the  right  combination  of  light 
exposure,  moisture,  fertilizer  and  tem- 
perature the  first  time  out.  He  entered 
two  clivias  in  the  2004  Show  and  both 
won  blue  ribbons.  The  next  year,  he 
rented  a panel  van  to  transport  eight 
plants,  and  last  year  he  entered  13. 
Others  have  been  following  his  lead; 
the  2007  Show  will  feature  nine  more 
Clivia  classes  to  accommodate  the 
growing  number  of  entries. 

Riska  can  speak  at  great  length 
about  Clivia  lovers  around  the 
world — Japanese  growers  perfecting 
miniature  clivias;  Chinese  hybridizers 
growing  them  exclusively  for  their  var- 
iegated leaves;  and  Belgian  nurseries, 
where  they’re  trying  to  develop  clivias 
that  can  reliably  flower  from  seed 
in  three  years  rather  than  the  usual  five 
or  so.  He  foresees  clivias  becoming 
disposable,  like  the  ubiquitous 
Phalaenopsis  orchid  that’s  now  avail- 
able everywhere  from  Trader  Joe’s  to 
Home  Depot.  “They  will  be  like 
orchids — buy  them,  enjoy  them,  and 
then  toss  them  after  they’ve  finished 
flowering,’’  he  says. 

Riska  has  even  ventured  into  grow- 
ing his  own  plants  from  seed.  “If  you 
have  the  time  in  your  life  and  you  have 
the  room,  you’re  going  to  get  some 
nice  mutations,”  he  says.  “And  it’s 
always  a surprise,  because  you  never 
know  what  you’re  going  to  get.” 

And  after  that?  “Hybridizing 
— I think  that’s  where  I’m  headed,”  he 
says.  “Hybridizing  them,  enjoying 
them,  and  passing  them  on  to  others.” 
He  pauses.  “Maybe  I need  a summer 
shade  house,  too.” 


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RESOURCES 


Mike  recommends  the  book 
OLIVIAS,  by  Harold  Koopowitz  (2002, 
Timber  Press,  Inc.),  which  he  says 
“changed  everything”  for  clivia  neo- 
phytes and  experts  alike.  A copy 
is  available  for  loan  in  the 
PHS  McLean  Library. 

The  Clivia  Society,  based  in 
South  Africa,  has  an  annual  member- 
ship fee  of  $25.  “You  get  a yearbook 
that’s  worth  every  penny,”  Mike  says. 
(www.  cliviasociety.  org) 

Closer  to  home,  there’s  the  North 
American  Clivia  Society 
based  in  California 

(www.  northamericancliviasociety.  org). 
Mike  would  like  to  start  a local  clivia 
group  to  meet  informally,  encourage 
members  to  enter  the  Flower  Show, 
and  exchange  plants.  If 
interested,  please  contact  Mike  at 
mike@delawarenaturesociety.  org.  ^ 


34 


GREEN  SCENE 


THE 


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GREEN  SCENE  • march/april  2007 


A summer  home  for  the  Robin  family.  A little  shade  for 
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I t*  iiVw\  p 

1 f -t  r ' | i \ 

GREEN  SCENE  • march/april  2007 


37 


Botanical  Bouquets 


By  Jane  Godshalk 

Beauty 


From  Branches 


"If  flowers  bring 


us  joy,  trees  give  us  strength" 


FLOWER 

ARRANGING 

TIP 

Open  lilies  contain 
pollen,  which  is  beautiful 
when  fresh  on  the 
blossom.  Once  it 
matures,  however,  it  can 
stain  the  flower’s  petals 
and  also  your  clothes 
and  tablecloths.  It  is  a 
good  idea  to  remove 
the  pollen  with  a damp 
paper  towel  as  soon 
as  possible. 


In  the  long  winter  season,  a pleasing  floral  arrangement 
can  bring  us  both  the  joy  of  flowers  and  the  strength  of  bare 
branches. 


ARRANGEMENT  1: 

You  will  need: 

• Scissors  or  clippers 

• Twine,  raffia  or  string 

• Branches,  6 to  8 stems  of  birch,  willow  or  other 
branches,  fewer  stems  if  larger  branches 

• 1 to  2 stems  of  winter  foliage,  magnolia,  rhododendron 
or  other  evergreen  leaves 

• 1 to  2 stems  of  large,  showy  flowers,  such  as  lilies 

• Vase  with  a neck  or  collar 

Step  1 : Collect  your  materials  and  bunch  the  branches 
together,  trimming  ends  so  that  all  branches  are  about  the 
same  length — 24  inches  should  be  a good  length  depend- 
ing on  the  size  of  your  vase. 

Step  2:  Tie  your  branches  into  a bundle  in  two  places  near 
the  center  at  about  the  distance  of  the  vase  opening. 

Step  3:  Attach  your  branches  to  the  lip  of  the  vase  by  tying 
two  more  strings  around  the  branches  and  then  wrapping 
them  around  the  top  of  the  container.  Make  sure  to  leave 
enough  space  on  at  least  one  side  of  the  bundle  for  your 
foliage  and  flowers. 

Step  4:  Insert  your  foliage  into  the  vase  and  trim  any  leaves 
that  seem  too  big,  in  poor  condition,  or  in  the  wrong  place. 

Step  5:  Add  your  blossom  or  blossoms,  placing  them  to 
their  best  advantage.  Pay  attention  to  where  you  will  view 
the  design. 

ARRANGEMENT  2: 

A stem  of  magnolia  is  cut  at  the  end  of  a branching  point 
and  is  placed  in  a glass  cylinder  to  support  the  addition  of 
one  lily.  The  lily  is  tied  to  the  branch  to  keep  it 
upright — simple! 


Select  from  800  Dutch  flower  bulb  varieties  for 
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GREEN  SCENE  • march/april  2007 


39 


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GREEN  SCENE  • march/april  2007 


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Show  Plants 


By  Ray  Rogers 


Rush  Hour! 


Final  Preparations  for  the  Flower  Show 


With  only  a few  weeks  remaining  until  the  opening  day  of 
the  Philadelphia  Flower  Show,  most  exhibitors  are  in  full- 
blown “Show  mode.” 

As  opening  day  approaches,  I’m  concentrating  on  two 
major  aspects  of  preparing  my  entries:  cajoling  them  into  per- 
forming at  just  the  right  time  (in  other  words,  growing  them) 
and  making  them  look  their  very  best  [grooming  them).  So 
exactly  what  is  happening  now?  In  a word,  everything. 

ALL  IN  THE  TIMING 

Because  hardy  bulbs  often  look  their  best  for  only  a day  or 
two  at  the  Show,  timing  is  critical.  After  removing  the  pots 
front  winter  storage — not  all  at  once,  since  there  are  three  sep- 
arate judging  days  and  1 like  to  have  some  pots  available  for  all 
of  them — and  gradually  exposing  them  to  increased 
light,  heat,  and  water,  the  plants  are  now  growing  strongly  and 
flower  buds  are  beginning  to  appear. 

However,  if  the  greenhouses  have  been  running  cooler  or 
warmer  than  usual,  it  the  days  have  been  notably  sunny  or 
dark,  or  if  I’ve  forgotten  to  water  the  bulbs,  then  the  bulbs 
could  bloom  too  soon,  too  late,  or  never.  Fortunately,  I have  a 
bag  of  tricks  at  my  disposal,  gleaned  from  years  of  successes 
and  failures  and  from  conversations  with  other  exhibitors.  The 
tricks  work  for  most  of  my  plant  entries,  not  just  the  bulbs. 

The  author’s  plants  being  prepped  forjudging. 


SLOWING  BLOOMS  DOWN 

If  a potential  entry  is  coming  along  too  quickly,  moving  it  to 
a cooler  spot  should  slow  it  down.  Possible  sites  include  areas  of 
a greenhouse  farthest  from  the  heater  or  on  the  north  side; 
under  a greenhouse  bench  or  large,  leafy  plant;  on  the  cold 
gravel  floor  in  a cooler  greenhouse;  outside  under  cover  (for 
hardy  plants,  providing  the  weather  is  not  severe);  or  in  my 
refrigerator.  Yes,  I don't  eat  at  home  much  the  week  before  the 
Show,  because  bulbs  and  other  cold-tolerant  plants  consume 
just  about  every  possible  cubic  inch  of  space  in  the  fridge. 

SPEEDING  BLOOMS  UP 

Some  plants  move  along  too  slowly,  requiring  the  opposite 
approach  (along  with  calming  potions  for  me).  Warm, 
growth-accelerating  spots  for  them  include  areas  downwind 
from  the  greenhouse  heaters,  along  the  south  or  southwest 
sides  of  the  greenhouses,  suspended  close  to  the  top  of  the 
greenhouses  where  warmer  air  collects,  on  heat  mats  normally 
used  for  rooting  cuttings,  in  the  warmest  greenhouse  at  the 
nursery,  and  sometimes  in  my  home  (no,  not  in  the  oven). 

WATERING  TO  CONTROL  BLOOM  TIME 

It’s  fairly  easy  to  control  watering  needs:  since  I may  not  be 
able  to  get  over  to  the  nursery  every  day,  roomy  saucers  and 

the  occasional  frantic  call  to 
water  the  big  pots  of  amaryl- 
lis help  a great  deal.  Standing 
plants  in  saucers  of  cold 
water  can  hold  back  growth 
and  bloom,  and  frequent 
applications  of  warm  water 
might  encourage  the  tight 
flower  buds  on  a particularly 
promising  entry  to  open  just 
in  time. 

THE  FINAL 
COUNTDOWN 

If  you’re  thinking  that  I 
run  around  frantically  at  the 
nursery  for  several  weeks 
ahead  of  the  Show,  you're 
overestimating  my  passion; 
my  “rush  hour'  spans  only 
the  two  weeks  before  the 
Show.  Not  only  do  I move 
plants  repeatedly  from  warm, 
sunny  spots  to  cooler,  shadier 
places  or  vice  versa,  but  I also 
need  to  scrub  or  replace  dirty 


42 


GREEN  SCENE  • march/april  2007 


pots,  choose  more  attractive  show  pots  for 
my  best  entries  and  carefully  move  the 
plants  into  them,  stake  formal  plants  and 
pots  of  bulbs,  and  top-dress  the  potting  mix. 

The  night  before  each  of  the  three  entry 
days,  I pack  everything  in  boxes  for  trans- 
porting to  the  Show.  Then  I return  home  to 
prepare  the  white  entry  cards  and  organize 
my  bag  of  pens,  grooming  tools,  Exhibitor’s 
Guide,  and  other  necessary  items.  After  a 
few  hours’  sleep  I head  back  to  the  nursery, 
pack  the  van  (sometimes  in  subfreezing 
weather  or  pouring  rain),  drive  to  the 
Pennsylvania  Convention  Center,  unpack 
the  van,  cart  the  entries  upstairs,  perform 
last-minute  grooming,  and  submit  the 
entries — all  during  those  few  hours  that  feel 
like  minutes.  Then,  I await  the  results. 

Call  me  crazy,  but  I hope  to  find  myself 
stuck  in  this  kind  of  rush  hour  for  many 
years  to  come. 


-THE  Inn  at 

(Lswontchanin 

ryiLlAQE 


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Hi 


GREEN  SCENE  • march/april  2007 


43 


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44 


GREEN  SCENE  • march/april  2007 


UNUSUAL  SPECIMENS 


RARE  & UNUSUAL  PLANTS 

• Specimen  plants  • Pond  plants  • Bonsai 

• Orchids  • Hardy  cacti  • Tropicals 

• Sculptured  trees  and  shrubs  • Perennials 

• Unique  Flower  and  gift  shop. 

MUTSCHLERS’  FLORIST  & RARE  PLANTS 
1-800-242-9438 

www.mutschlers.com 


CLASSIFIED  RATES 


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(without  formatting) 

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Discount 10%  off  the  second 

consecutive  ad,  using  the  same  copy 

Deadlines 

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If  you  have  any  questions,  please  call 

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' yf  Y 

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* ' <■  I o H 


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“For  expert  advice  in  all  realms  of 
horticulture,  gardeners  have  come 
to  depend  upon  the  handbooks 
produced  by  Brooklyn  Botanic 
Garden." 

—Booklist 


$9-95  each,  complete  with 
color  photos  and  pages  of 
expert  information. 

Available  in  book  stores. 


iooo  Washington  Avenue 
Brooklyn,  NY  11225 


The  Tree  Care  Primer 

This  is  a must-have  guide  for  gardeners  who  want  to  provide  the  best 
age-appropriate  care  for  trees  with  practical  tips  for  tree  selection, 
planting,  pruning  and  health  care. 

Native  Alternative  to  Invasive  Plants 
In  this  fully  illustrated  encyclopedia,  gardeners  will  discover  hundreds 
of  spectacular  native  plants  for  every  region,  chosen  as  alternatives  to 
invasive  plants  harming  the  American  landscape. 

To  order,  call  77 8-623-7286  or  purchase  handbooks  from 
BBG’s  online  store:  shop.bbg.org 


Brooklyn 

Botanic 

Garden 


45 


The  Backyard 


A LETTER  FROM  THE  GARDEN 


For  more  than  three  decades,  PHS’s  Philadelphia 
Green  program  has  been  helping  Philadelphia  resi- 
dents turn  neglected  vacant  lots  into  beautiful  com- 
munity gardens  brimming  with  vegetables,  flowers,  and  neigh- 
borhood pride.  Of  its  many  initiatives,  the  Garden  Tenders 
“Basic  Training”  course  was  created  in  1995  to  teach  groups  of 
gardeners  how  to  create  and  maintain  their  own  gardens. 

Community'  gardens  are  often  catalysts  for  revitalization  in 
urban  neighborhoods.  Research  has  revealed  the  many  benefits 


of  these  gardens,  including  increased  property  values  of  sur- 
rounding homes. 

But  for  PHS  project  coordinator  Sally  McCabe,  head  instruc- 
tor of  Garden  Tenders,  all  the  research  in  the  world  could  not 
be  more  gratifying  than  a recent  email  she  received  from  a 
Garden  Tenders  graduate.  “When  an  email  like  this  pops  up  in 
your  inbox,  it  can  really  re-charge  your  professional  battery',’ 
says  Sally.  “It  reminds  us  why  we  do  what  we  do.” 


Sally  McCabe 
Garden  Tenders 


delpbi-0 


. onliZed  I bad  never 

r. * T r— =-  -• ; :r: -RE 

, One  issue  was  a . . times  to  cie  market,  auc 

dren  there,  une  We  tried  a tew  house  on  tne 

It  «s  discing  «>  ^ wwtuaUy  decided  to  ««  « R „ot  quite  sure  t« 

borhood-it  rea  V unrelated 

en  — 

se  it  sold  in  wo  «eeks. 


tx.  c0\d  in  two 
our  house.  It  whtch  we’ve  now 

In  We  or^  ^ e.9ht  years,  „e 

been  WW  ptanting  street 

“re  ^ ToreTorkin,  your  Tree 

trees  and  are  s0  great. 

Tenders.  Both  PHS  Pr°^  ^ ^ s0  much 
They  are  part  of  w a fortunate 

ubout  Philo***10'  L ire 

t0  be  raising  «y  ,0"  >' 


) uc  1 ^ ^ 

Belatedly,  thanks  for  ail  Your 
Charlie  Cooper 


Sally 


The  adventure  begins.  Again. 


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Photo  shows  residents'  six-hole 
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this  comfortable  pergola,  a 
rock  waterfall,  and  butterfly 
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Philadelphia,  PA  19128 
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Cathedral  Village  still  offers  the  traditional  CCRC  contract,  the 
most  extensive  available  in  the  retirement  industry.  It  provides  a 
Value  to  our  residents  in  quantity  and  quality  of  services  received 
that  is  unparalleled  and  ...  it  covers  more  today  than  it  did  28  years  ago. 

Years  of  Innovative  planning  by  the  Board  of  Directors  and 
Management  have  resulted  in  an  outstanding  array  of  services  and 
quality  of  care.  This  includes  12-hour  a day  Dining  Services, 
24-hour  Outpatient  Services  including  weekends  and  holidays, 
free  medical  transportation,  unlimited  days  of  Nursing  Care, 
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A Nonprofit,  Nondenominational  CCRC  • Accredited  Since  1983 
Affiliated  With  the  Jefferson  Health  System 


Getting  Lil*  Jimmy  Outdoors 

With  the  proliieration  of  electronic 
entertainment  and  the  Internet,  today’s 
kids  are  simply  not  going  outside 
enough.  Jane  Carroll  explains  how  our 
environmental  future  depends  on  getting 
kids  motivated  to  care  for  and  protect 
our  outdoor  spaces. 


F 


EATURES 

Petunia  Fever! 

Today’s  petunias  bloom  more 
abundantly  and  lushly  than  ever.  Join 
Jo  Ann  Gardner  as  she  shows  us  some 
of  the  latest  petunia  cultivars  and 
innovations,  and  shares  growing  tips. 


32 


Summer  can  be  brutal  on  flowering 
plants  in  containers.  In  this  article,  Ellen 
Spector  Platt  shares  her  knowledge  about 
low-water,  “xeric”  container  gardens,  all 
of  which  can  stand  the  heat  ...and  then 
some. 


18  Come  See  Beautiful 
Gardens 

Each  spring,  PHS  sponsors  its  annual 
Garden  Visits  around  the  region.  This 
year,  the  tours  will  occur  in  Bucks 
County  and  northern  Chester  County. 
As  a preview,  read  about  a few  of  the 
great  gardens  you’ll  see  in  Doylestown, 


COLUMNS 

8 Potting  Shed 
36  Botanical  Bouquets 


PA. 


Pete  Prown 


Associate  Editor 

Jane  Carroll 

Assistant  Editor 

Daniel  Moise 

Advertising  Coordinator 

Joe  Soprani 

Art  Design 

Baxendells'  Graphic 

Printer 

ALCOM 


Tlie  Pennsylvania 
Horticultural  Society 

Web  Site 

www.pennsylvaniahorticulturalsociety.org 

100  N.  20th  St. 

Philadelphia,  PA  19103-1495 
215-988-8800 

Chair 

Harry  E.  Hill 

President 

Jane  G.  Pepper 

Executive  Vice  President 

J.  Blaine  Bonham,  Jr. 


PHS  Membership  Information 

Linda  Davis,  215-988-8776 

Display  Ads 

Manzo  Communications,  LLC 
610-527-7047  manzocomm@aol.com 

Classified  Ads 

Joe  Soprani,  215-988-8809 
gsads@pennhort.  org 

Ask  A Gardener  Phone  Line 

215-988-8777,  Monday  through  Friday, 
9:30  to  12  [closed  in  December] 
askagardener@pennhort.  org 


GREEN  SCENE  (USPS  955580), 
Volume  35,  No.3,  is  published  bi-monthly 


38  Show  Plants 

Growing  Zonal  Geraniums 


The  Pennsylvania  Horticultural  Society  motivates  people  to 
improve  the  quality  of  life  and  create  a sense  of  community 
through  horticulture. 

Main  cover  photo  by  Pennsylvania 
Horticultural  Society  (P.  Verin) 

£*»  PRINTED  ON  RECYCLED  PAPER 


(January,  March,  May,  July,  September,  November) 
by  The  Pennsylvania  Horticultural 
Society,  a non-profit  member  organization  at 
100  N.  20th  St..  Philadelphia,  PA  19103-1495. 
Single  Copy:  $5.00  (plus  $2.00  shipping). 
Second-class  postage  paid  at 
Philadelphia,  PA  19103. 

POSTMASTER:  Send  address  change  to  GREEN 
SCENE,  100  N.  20th  St.,  Philadelphia,  PA  19103. 
© Pennsylvania  Horticultural  Society,  2007 


GREEN  SCENE  subscriptions  are  part 
of  the  membership  benefits  for: 

Frelinghuysen  Arboretum,  Morristown,  NJ 
Horticultural  Society  of  New  York 
Phipps  Conservatory.  Inc.,  Pittsburgh.  PA 
Staten  Island  Botanical  Garden,  Inc,  New  York 


GETTING  KIDS 
OUTSIDE 

Many  of  us  have  fond  memories  of  spending  time  outdoors 
as  a child.  Before  it  was  politically  incorrect  to  play  “army,” 
my  childhood  pal  Andrew  and  I used  to  conduct  military 
maneuvers  in  the  woods  behind  my  house.  Armed  with  stick  rifles,  we'd 
dive  behind  rocks,  leap  over  logs  and  do  anything  to  avoid  “enemy  fire.” 

Heck,  we  were  only  10  years  old,  but  we  were  outdoors,  running 
around,  and  having  a great  time  in  nature’s  vast  playground. 

Thirty  years  later,  I take  my  kids  out  behind  my  Delaware  County 
house  for  more  politically  correct  activities,  such  as  heading  down 
toward  Ridley  Creek  to  skip  stones,  watch  the  deer,  and  generally  have 
fun  (though  I must  confess  to  the  occasional  bamboo-stick  sword 
fight).  My  children  love  these  adventures  and,  more  importantly,  it 
helps  balance  out  the  remainder  of  their  electronic  lives,  which  are 
crammed  with  cable  TV,  video  games,  and  the  ubiquitous  computer. 

In  this  issue,  you  can  read  Jane  Carroll’s  insightful  article  on  the  cri- 
sis facing  today’s 
children,  many  of 
whom  have  little 
or  no  concept  of 
the  natural  world 
waiting  beyond 
their  Nintendo 
consoles.  Beyond 
highlighting  how 
important  out- 
door time  is  for  a 
child’s  develop- 
ment, this  article 
talks  about  devel- 
oping children’s 
sense  of  nature’s 


“value.”  Indeed,  how  will  young  people 
eventually  take  care  of  our  environment, 
both  locally  and  globally,  if  they  don’t  even 
know  about  it? 

It  should  come  as  no  surprise  that  my  co- 
workers at  the  Pennsylvania  Horticultural 
Society  share  this  ideology.  Each  of  the  par- 
ents I spoke  with  tries  to  buck  the  trend 
and  provide  their  children  with  an  infor- 
mal, hands-on  environmental  education. 
For  example,  author  Jane  Carroll  (also 
Green  Scene  associate  editor)  recruits  her 
four-year-old  daughter,  Mae,  pictured 
below,  to  help  plant  seeds  in  their  backyard 
garden.  Jane  notes,  “Now  that  she’s  getting 
older,  Mae  is  starting  to  see  the  connection 
between  the  seeds  we  plant  and  the  flowers 
that  bloom  a few  weeks  later.  We  also  go  on 
walks  through  the  woods  near  our  house, 
and  she  likes  lifting  rocks  and  watching  all 
the  bugs  crawl  around  underneath.  It’s  a 
learning  experience  in  many  ways.” 

As  part  of  her  work  for  Philadelphia 
Green,  landscape  architect  Lisa  Hanes 
spends  a good  deal  of  the  work  day  at  dif- 
ferent gardens,  parks,  and  public  spaces 
throughout  the  city.  That  doesn’t  stop  her, 
however,  from  spending  Saturday  after- 
noons at  the  Green  Thumb  community  garden  in  University  City’  with 
her  five-year-old  son,  Isaac.  “Beyond  physical  activity,  I think  the  time 
he  spends  outside  is  good  for  his  mental  health,”  she  says.  “It’s  calming, 
freeing,  and  introduces  a lot  of  life  lessons.” 

As  the  proud  parent  of  two  young  boys  (pictured  above), 
Philadelphia  Green  program  manager  Claire  Baker  doesn’t  always  find 
family  time  outdoors  calming,  but  she  assures  me  it’s  never  dull.  “My 
sons  like  to  help  pick  tomatoes  from  our  garden — even  the  ones  that 
aren’t  ripe  yet.  Once  they  get  started  they  don’t  want  to  stop.  And  when 
I ask  them  to  water  the  garden,  they  usually  end  up  wetter  than  the 
flowers.  But  the  important  thing  is  that  they’re  outside  and  having  fun; 
they  value  this  outdoor  time.” 

Environmental  Initiatives  program  manager  Michael  Leflf  says  that 
some  of  his  fondest  memories  are  of  the  times  he  and  his  three  sons  have 
gone  hiking,  biking,  and  camping.  “All  the  distractions  and  obligations 
of  everyday  life  fade  away  when  you’re  in  the  middle  of  the  forest,  so  the 
time  we  spend  there  is  really  special,”  he  says.  Although  it  is  important 
to  Michael  that  he  passes  on  an  appreciation  of  nature,  he  may  have 
gotten  more  than  he  bargained  for.  “My  13-year-old  son,  Alex,  recent- 
ly suggested  that  our  family  backpack  across  the  entire  Appalachian 
Trail!”  Michael  says.  “I  told  him  that  while  I appreciate  his  enthusiasm, 
we  should  probably  stick  to  something  a bit  more  moderate." 

Michael  adds,  “We’ve  recently  made  it  a family  tradition  to  spend 
Martin  Luther  King  Day  cleaning  up  a creek  not  too  far  from  our 
home — in  a way  we’ve  adopted  the  land  as  our  own.  I think  it’s  taught 
my  sons  the  importance  of  stewardship.  They’ve  even  started  to  invite 
other  families  and  friends  to  join  us." 

Now  that’s  a good  message. 

email:  greenscene@pennhort.org 


GREEN  SCENE  • may/june  2007 


ROBERT  MONTGOMERY  LANDSCAPES 


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Contracting 


Koi  Story 


By 


0 I t’s  a brisk  morning  in 

I October,  and  were 
I standing  amid  green- 
houses and  several  acres  of 
open  ponds  ar  the  Nisei 
Koi  Farm  in  South  Jersey. 
Even  though  big  trucks  rumble  by  on  the  nearby  New  Jersey 
Turnpike,  you  wouldn’t  know  it  by  looking  at  the  contented  koi 
swimming  in  their  giant  indoor  tanks,  some  of  which  hold  85,000 
gallons  of  clear  water.  Always  hungry,  they  eagerly  follow  visitors 
from  one  end  of  the  tank  to  the  other,  hoping  for  a quick  snack 
from  above. 

“Nisei  means  ‘second  generation’  in  Japanese,”  says  farm  owner 
Joe  Zuritsky,  who  is  also  Chairman  and  CEO  of  Parkway 
Corporation,  which  owns  and  operates  parking  facilities  in 
Philadelphia  and  other  cities.  “Our  koi  are  all  grown  from  pure 
Japanese  parentage,  so  ours  are  the  ‘second  generation’  and  are  of 
very  high  quality.  Last  year,  we  bred  about  20,000  koi.  This  year,  it 
might  be  more  like  25,000.” 

Joe  has  been  fascinated  by  this  water-garden  favorite  for  almost 
four  decades,  first  as  a hobbyist,  then  as  an  amateur,  and  now  as  a 


GREEN  SCENE  • may/june  2007 


professional  breeder  and  seller.  He’s  visited  Japan — the  mecca  for 
koi  breeding — about  40  times  and  has  many  close  contacts  over 
there,  including  his  mentor,  Toshio  Sakai.  Says  Joe,  “Mr.  Sakai  won 
the  Grand  Champion  Award  at  the  combined  All-Japan  show  a 
couple  of  years  ago  for  a koi  he  produced  that  was  one  meter  long 
(40  inches).”  He  achieved  that  size  by  cross-breeding  koi,  which  is 
itself  a carp,  with  a huge  common  carp  ( Cyprinus  carpio ) from 
which  koi  originated  about  200  years  ago." 

Joe’s  koi  begin  their  lives  in  vast  “mud  ponds"  on  the  43-acre 
farm.  These  clay-lined  ponds  average  150  x 50  feet  in  size  and  are 


8 


fenced  in  and  covered  with  wires  to  prevent  attacks  from  hungry 
birds,  such  as  the  notorious  great  blue  heron.  The  fish  breed  and 
live  in  these  ponds,  often  growing  dramatically  in  size  over  the 
course  of  a single  season.  During  a few  festive  days  each  fall,  the  koi 
are  harvested  from  the  ponds  with  seine  nets  and  sold  to  collectors 
from  across  the  country.  “We  ship  koi  to  our  customers  by  cargo 
plane,  using  cardboard  boxes  lined  with  Styrofoam,”  says  Joe. 

Koi  are  specifically  bred  to  highlight  certain  ornamental  colors, 
shapes,  and  even  scale  patterns,  all  of  which  can  affect  a fish’s  mar- 
ket value.  “A  small  koi  might  sell  for  $50  or  $100,  but  one  that’s 
two  feet  long  or  larger  and  is  elegantly  patterned  and  colored  can 
command  tens  of  thousands  of  dollars  in  Japan,”  says  Joe. 
“Japanese  buyers  often  prefer  the  traditional  red  and  white  fish, 
while  Americans  might  go  for  the  interesting  metallic  pale  yellow 
ones  or  those  with  sparkly  scales  that  glitter  in  the  sun — that  vari- 
ety is  called  gin-rin." 

Joe  and  his  team  keep  their  koi  in  top  condition  by  running 
their  indoor  water  supplies  through  enormous  “bio-filters”  that 
clean  the  water,  in  one  tank  pumping  about  144,000  gallons  of 
water  per  hour.  Koi  are  also  susceptible  to  invisible-to-the-eye  par- 
asites, so  they  are  examined  and  treated  to  eliminate  them. 
Properly  cared  for,  these  fish  can  live  for  an  extraordinary  length  of 
time.  “In  the  best  conditions,”  says  Joe,  “koi  can  live  to  be  50  years 
old  and  sometimes  much  older.” 

“They’re  just  wonderful  creatures,”  he  adds.  “They  will  swim  to 
you  when  you  approach  the  pond  and  some  even  like  to  be  petted. 
I find  them  endlessly  fascinating,  especially  the  amazing  but  pre- 
dictable changes  in  color,  pattern,  and  body  shape  that  occur  over 
the  first  5 to  10  years  of  a koi’s  life.” 

For  more  information,  contact:  Nisei  Koi  Farm 

104  East  Quillytown  Road 
Carneys  Point,  New  Jersey  08069 
phone:  856-299-7564 
www.  quality  koi.  com 


The  Potting  Shed 


i 


Phyllis  Williams  knows  a thing  or 
two  about  potted  plants.  In  fact, 
sitting  by  the  window  in  her 
Gladwyne  kitchen  is  a 40-year-old 
Confederate  jasmine  ( Trachelospermum  jas- 
minoides)  that  she  first  entered  in  the 
Philadelphia  Flower  Show  in  1965. 

For  the  past  12  years  or  so,  however, 
Phyllis  has  devoted  most  of  her  horticultur- 
al energies  to  growing  orchids.  Why 
orchids?  “Well,  I’ve  tried  everything  else,” 
she  quips.  To  fuel  her  passion,  she  had  a 
small  greenhouse  built  right  off  her  bed- 
room. There,  Phyllis  houses  her  collection  of 
several  hundred  specimens,  which  she  sprays 
with  water  regularly  to  keep  the  humidity 
levels  up.  The  greenhouse  has  its  own  hot- 
water  heater  and  high-powered  lights  to 
help  her  orchids  get  through  the  winter  in 
the  tropical  conditions  they  prefer. 

Phyllis  grows  a variety  of  orchids,  includ- 
ing some  that  are  more  difficult  to 
grow,  such  as  dendrobiums,  epidendrums, 
and  oncidium.  Many  of  her  prize  treasures 
were  originally  purchased  from  Flower  Show 
exhibitor  Waldor  Orchids  in  South  Jersey,  as 
well  as  Stewart  Orchids  (now  located 
in  Mississippi).  When 
asked  which  species  is 


her  favorite,  she  says,  “Whichever  orchid  is 
in  bloom  is  my  favorite,  but  I do  enjoy  the 
fragrant  ones,  like  Oncidium  ‘Sharry  Baby’.” 

Phyllis’  top  piece  of  advice  for  new  orchid 
growers  is  to  “see  the  flower  in  full  bloom 
before  buying  the  plant;  otherwise  you 
might  end  up  with  something  you  didn’t 
expect.”  She  also  recommends  getting  a 
good,  thorough  book  from  PHS’s  McLean 
Library  or  taking  a class  before  attempting 
orchid-growing.  She’s  taken  many  classes  at 
Longwood  Gardens  through  the  years,  par- 
ticularly enjoying  those  taught  by  Mike 
Owens. 

Beyond  her  beloved  orchids,  Phyllis  has  a 
long  history  with  the  Pennsylvania 
Horticultural  Society,  as  did  her  husband 
John  G.  Williams,  who  was  president  of  the 
PHS  Council  in  the  mid  1960s.  “My  hus- 
band was  a leader  at  PHS  when  it  took  con- 
trol of  the  Flower  Show  in  1964,”  she  says, 
proudly.  “He  was  very  skilled  at  getting 
everyone  to  work  together.” 

Phyllis  is  also  a three-time  sweepstakes 
winner  at  the  Philadelphia  Flower  Show:  “I 
love  everything  about  the  Show — the  plants 
and  especially  the  people.  I guess  some  folks 
are  born  with  the  plant  gene.  I just  got  a big 
dose  of  it.”  *Ay 


Quietly 
Growing 
Orchids  in 
Gladwyne 

By  Daniel  Moise 


I've  been  visiting  Bartram's 
for  more  than  20  years  and 
it  has  never  looked  better. 

Adam  Levine.  Author 
A Guide  to  the  Great  Gardens 
of  the  Philadelphia  Region 


Philadelphia,  PA  215.729.5281 

www.bartramsgarden.org 


Bartram’s  Garden 


Radnor,  Pa. 

(T.E.  Schools) 

4 BR,  2 bath 
contemporary 
1 plus  acre  Sylvan  retreat  at  end  of 
quiet  cul-de-sac 
Southern  exposure 
Large  living  room 
Full  deck  and  patio  overlooking 
mature,  low-maintenance  garden 
with  a canopy  of  mature  trees 
Native  plants,  wildflowers  and 
uncommon  rhododendrons/azaleas 
along  paths.  High  500s. 


Please  contact  Phil  Brickley 


610-952-2521  • phil@philbrickley.com 


Coldwell  Banker  Preferred 


610-975-5900 


ARBORS 


ARCHWAYS 


TOWERS 


PAVILIONS 


(215)  884-7378 
WWW.THEPAINTEDGARDENINC.COM 
304  EDGE  HILL  ROAD,  GLENSIDE.  PA  19038 
SHOWROOM  BY  APPOINTMENT 


Lewes, 


Mary  vessels 

visit  Historic  Lewes,  delaware  and  tour  our 
“hidden"  -private  gardens,  at  the 
17th  Annual  Lewes  garden  Tour  sponsored  by 
the  Lewes  Chamber  of  Commerce  on 
Saturdayjune  l&th  from.  1 0 AM  to  5 PM. 
Mention  this  ad  and  reserve  your  discounted 
garden  Tour  ticket  for  -f  12 .00. 


For  more  Information  contact  the 
Lewes  Chamber  of  Commerce  at 
277.46s.3g37  or  visit 
www.teweschamber.com 


'NantucJ'jet-.style'  on  the  Delaware  Coast 


Coastal  Retreat  and  Event  destination 


Canal 
Square  . 


Inquire  about  our  Spring  Summer  Packages 

122  Market  street  ...Lewes,  t>e  ± %)58 
Ph  302.644.3377  ...Resv  222.644  .l^ll 
www.thelnnatcanalsguare.com 


The 


PETUNIA 


Since  their  introduction  in  the 
late  1 800s,  petunias  have  been  a 
mainstay  of  the  summer  garden, 
appearing  in  bright  displays  with  marigolds 
and  other  common  annuals.  By  the  1950s 
they  were  synonymous  with  summer  bed- 
ding plants,  the  sort  you  picked  up  at  the 
local  nursery,  pushed  out  of  their  contain- 
ers, plunked  into  the  ground,  and  forgot 
about,  except  for  some  tiresome  deadhead- 
ing and  trimming.  They  were  limp  in  rain, 
melted  in  humid  conditions,  and  became 
sprawly  by  mid  to  late  summer,  but  that 
was  to  be  expected. 

Then  in  the  1970s,  the  petunia  image 
began  to  change  with  the  introduction 
of  the  ‘Madness’  series,  large-flowered 
Grandiflora  types  that  were  significantly 


Petunia  ‘Purple  Wave’ 
and  Zinnia  ‘Profusion  Orange' 


DEVOLUTION 


more  weather  tolerant  and  bloomed  more 
prolifically  than  others  in  this  class.  ‘Sheer 
Madness’,  an  especially  abundant  bloomer, 
produced  large,  show-stopping,  dark-veined 
pink  flowers.  Some  credit  these  introduc- 
tions with  launching  a plant  breeding  fren- 
zy that  continues  to  give  us  ever  more  per- 
fect plants  that  can  take  heat  and  humidity, 
are  disease  resistant  and  self-cleaning,  and 
need  little  if  any  trimming.  Not  “just  petu- 
nias” anymore,  these  summer  standards 
have  been  reinvented  as  choice  plants  for 
landscaping  and  containers. 

Petunia  hybrids  are  thought  to  be 
descended  from  two  South  American  wild- 
flowers:  Petunia  axillaris  from  Brazil  with 
2-inch-wide,  softly  waved  and  nocturnally 
fragrant,  white  or  buff  trumpets  on  lax 


stems;  and  the  Argentina  native  P.  integrifo- 
lia  with  smaller,  more  tailored,  star-like 
flowers,  1 1/2  inches  wide  and  deep  on 
spreading  stems  to  about  10  inches.  Short- 
lived perennials  in  their  native  habitat, 
these  are  usually  grown  as  annuals  in 
North  America. 

Until  recently  petunias  were  divided  into 
two  classes — grandifloras  and  multifloras. 
Grandifloras  bear  up  to  5-inch-wide,  single 
or  double,  frilled,  fringed,  veined,  striped 
or  starred  flowers  in  shades  of  red,  pink, 
blue,  purple,  a few  yellows,  and  white  on 
sprawling  stems.  The  ‘Supercascades’,  an 
improvement  over  the  earlier  ‘Cascades’, 
are  still  popular  for  hanging  baskets. 
Color  range  includes  ‘Blush’,  ‘Salmon’, 
‘Burgundy’,  bi-colored,  and  veined  ‘Daddy’ 


types  as  well  as  pure  white. 

Multifloras  have  single  or  double  flowers 
on  more  compact  plants.  Their  smaller 
blooms  are  tightly  massed  and  are  not  as 
affected  by  adverse  weather  as  the  showier 
grandifloras.  The  bushy  ‘Primetime  and 
‘Celebrity’  series  are  improved  multifloras 
known  as  Floribundas,  whose  larger  flowers 
are  often  starred,  ruffled,  veined,  or  have 
cream  or  white  throats.  The  pink,  cream- 
throated  ‘Celebrity  Chiffon  Morn’  was  a 
1995  AAS  winner.  The  ‘Primetime 
Buttercream’  I grew  last  summer  had  great 
color — soft  cream  with  a yellow 
throat — and  was  striking  combined  with 
purples,  but  as  the  season  advanced  it  lost 
its  compact  form  without  trimming. 
Milliflora  or  miniature-flowered  petunias, 
such  as  ‘Fantasy’,  bear  masses  of  attractive 
| 1-  to  1 1 /4-inch-wide  flowers  on  bushy 
° plants  and  also  require  trimming. 

* These  advances  set  the  stage  for  the  dra- 
g matic  appearance  in  the  mid  1990s 
c of  the  ‘Wave’  petunias  from  Ball 
| FForticultural — the  first  seed-grown  pros- 
trate petunia — and  the  vegetatively  propa- 
gated Proven  Winners  ‘Supertunias’.  In  a 
class  of  their  own,  these  plants  incorporate 
previous  breeding  improvements,  such  as 
early  and  prolific  bloom  on  weather-  and 
disease-resistant  plants  in  a steadily  improv- 
ing range  of  colors.  Flowers  never  need 
deadheading  or  trimming,  except  to  limit 
spread  if  desired,  and  plants  take  not  only 
heat  and  rain  in  stride  but  humidity  as  well 
(an  important  point  for  southern  growers). 
Of  course,  they  must  be  grown  in  sun  to 


By  Jo  Ann  Gardner 


GREEN  SCENE  • may/june  2007 


13 


Petunias 


Lush,  Low-Maintenance 
Container  Plantings 

Many  of  the  new  vigorous  trailing 
petunias  are  most  beautiful  grown 
alone  in  containers.  A favorable 
location,  fertilizer-amended  soil,  and 
steady  moisture  at  the  plant’s  roots 
will  assure  lush  growth  throughout 
the  season.  You  can  spend  more 
time  enjoying  them  if  you  follow  this 
guide. 

1.  Choose  a container  with  proper 
drainage  holes  (omit  standard 
drainage  material  such  as  pottery 
shards)  and  place  it  in  partial  shade 
where  plants  will  receive  at  least 
five  hours  of  sun.  In  such  a protect- 
ed site,  self-watering  containers 
that  hold  at  least  a gallon  of  water 
can  reduce  watering  to  once  a 
week. 

2.  Fill  containers  with  pre-mois- 
tened  potting  soil  that  includes  fer- 
tilizer, including  some  slow-release 
fertilizer. 

3.  Make  a planting  hole  and  add 
one  teaspoon  of  potassium-based 
water  granules.  These  take  up 
water  in  a few  seconds,  providing 
an  immediate  reservoir  that  roots 
can  draw  on  for  moisture.  Water 
never  has  time  to  leach  through  the 
soil  as  may  happen  with  sodium- 
based  granules.  Remember,  gran- 
ules reduce  rather  than  eliminate 
the  need  for  watering. 

4.  Lightly  fork  in  slow-release  fertil- 
izer like  Osmocote  around  the  plant, 
according  to  directions,  then  water 
in  with  a water-soluble  fertilizer  like 
Miracle  Grow. 

5.  Halfway  through  the  summer — 
and  later,  too,  where  summers  are 
long  and  hot — water  again  with 
water-soluble  fertilizer.  ^ 


14 


The  Perfect  Touch 
For  Spring 


UPF 

rating  50+ 
‘‘excellent 
sun 

protection "7s*- 


/ 


EVERY  DAY  IS  SO 
FULL  OF  LIFE. 

Waverly  Heights  is  a nationally  accredited 
Continuing  Care  Retirement  Community  located 
in  a lovely  setting  on  the  Philadelphia  Mam  Line. 

For  information  or  a personal  ^r--.£p:r^ 

tour,  call  610-645-8764  or  CV 

visit  our  website  at:  WAVERLY 

www.waverlyheightsltd.org  heights 

A Continuing  Care  Retirement  Community 


1400  Waverly  Road,  Gladwyne,  PA  19035-1296 


Unique,  Norman  Rice  contemporary  rancher  • blends  seamlessly  into 
the  Wissahickon  Watershed  • protected  valley  with  creek  views 
• 2+acres  • excellent  well  • beautiful  naturalized  landscaping 
• organic  garden  • greenhouse  • complete  privacy  • in  Gwynedd  Valley 


GREEN  SCENE  • may/june  2007 


15 


partial  shade  and  watered  and  fertilized  reg- 
ularly. 

^XTiat  are  the  best  of  the  best?  That 
depends  on  their  uses.  The  'Waves’  are  hard 
to  beat  for  tight,  packed  bloom  even  as 
stems  spread  over  the  summer.  Showy 
masses  of  bright  (perhaps  too  bright)  pinks, 
rose,  blue,  and  purple  precision-cut  flowers 
are  riveting  as  they  spill  over  window  boxes 
and  containers.  The  aptly  named  2002 
AAS  winner  'Tidal  Wave’,  with  looser, 
more  graceful  silver-white  to  silver-lilac 
trumpets  on  long  spreading  stems  to  4 feet, 
represents  a new  class,  the  Hedgifloras, 
which  if  spaced  1 8 to  24  inches  apart  rap- 
idly cover  the  ground  with  mounds  of 
bloom  that  don't  open  up  in  the  center.  If 
spaced  12  inches  apart,  plants  grow  upward 
from  2 to  3 feet  to  create  an  astonishing 
wall  of  bloom.  'Easy  Waves’  are  more 
upright  and  bushy.  The  mounding  ‘Easy 
Wave  Salmon’  is  a striking  border  plant. 
'Double  Waves’,  actually  semi-double  but 


full  in  appearance  and  like  the  Multiflora  in 
size,  are  improvements  over  other  doubles 
for  their  self-cleaning  habit.  'Double  Wave 
Blue  Velvet’  blooms  profusely  along  cascad- 
ing stems  and  looks  smashing  in  an  urn. 

The  major  trend  in  petunia  breeding 
favors  smaller-flowered  trailing  types  for 
containers.  The  'Supertunia  Minis’  are 
among  the  best  for  maintaining  form  and 
flower  production.  Irresistible  flower  colors 
include  'Mini  Appleblossom’,  'Mini  Rose 
Veined’  and  the  ethereal  'Mini  Silver’. 
Some  of  my  favorite  Supertunias  have  larg- 
er, looser  flowers.  Bred  by  a hobby  breeder 
in  Nova  Scotia,  ‘Supertunia  Bordeaux’  is 
one  of  the  finest  petunias  I have  grown  over 
the  past  30  years.  Its  ruffled  Grandiflora- 
type  flowers  are  2 1/2  inches  wide  and  have 
dark  purple  veins  over  warm  lilac;  they 
grow  on  stems  that  spread  with  undimin- 
ished vigor  all  summer  without  trimming. 
This  plant  was  stunning  in  a large  tub  in 
my  silver  herb  garden.  The  semi-double 


veined  lilac-rose  'Supertunia  Priscilla’  has 
a branching  habit  that  shows  off  well  in 
a hanging  basket.  ‘Supertunia  Vista 
Bubblegum’  (a  precise  color  description) 
produces  endless  2-inch  blooms  on  plants 
less  tightly  packed  than  ‘Waves’.  It  created 
a graceful  curtain  of  bloom  scrambling  up 
a chicken-wire  support  against  my  house. 

Gardeners  have  rediscovered  the  charm 
of  wild  and  semi-wild  petunias  whose  more 
widely  spaced  flowers  and  lax  habit  give 
them  an  unsophisticated  cottage  garden  air. 
These  are  more  easygoing  in  terms  of 
watering  and  fertilizing  than  fancy  petu- 
nias, but  they  do  need  midsummer  shear- 
ing. Older  ‘Balcony’  and  'Old-fashioned 
Vining’  petunias  (still  available  from  spe- 
cialty seed  sources)  are  close  to  the  wild  P. 
axillaris.  Two-  to  nearly  3-inch-wide  fluted 
trumpets  self  sow  with  abandon  even  in 
Zone  4,  returning  every  year  in  window- 
boxes,  in  the  ground,  even  between  bricks. 
Their  silky,  blowsy,  fragrant  flowers  bloom 
in  every  hue  of  purple  and  from  bright  pur- 
ple-rose through  pastel  pinks  and  white 
flushed  purple.  ‘Rainmaster’  is  a desirable 
white  selection.  P.  integrifolia  is  a more 
refined,  vegetatively  propagated  selection 
of  the  species.  This  high-fashion  container 
plant  is  favored  for  its  smaller,  pert  star 
flowers  in  white  or  deep  rose  on  vining 
stems. 

What  do  we  want  in  petunias?  Neatly 
tailored  flower  machines  or  more  relaxed 
plants  with  a looser,  more  lissome  habit,  or 
something  in  between?  The  petunia  race  is 
on  and  all  gardeners  have  to  do  is  wait  for 
the  latest  introductions.  I await  the  day 
when  the  new  captures  the  simple  beauty  of 
the  old  without  sacrificing  the  strides 
breeders  have  made  in  updating  an  old  gar- 
den favorite.  'A#' 


Jo  Ann  Gardner  and  her  husband  Jigs 
operate  a small  farm  with  extensive  gar- 
dens in  the  Adirondacks.  Her  latest  book, 
with  Karen  Bussolini,  is  Elegant  Silvers: 
Striking  Plants  for  Every  Garden  (Timber 
Press). 


'#  - 


htifjj 

^3  * 3 


Barnes  Foundation 
Horticultural  Classes 
2007-2008 


The  Barnes  Foundation 

ARBORETUM  SCHOOL 

OPEN  ENROLLMENT  FOR  2007  CLASSES  AND  WORKSHOPS 


In  1940,  Laura  Barnes  established  the  Arboretum  School 
to  provide  students  of  horticulture,  botany,  and  landscape 
architecture  the  opportunity  to  work  under  professional 
guidance. 

The  Arboretum  School  of  the  Barnes  Foundation  offers 
one  and  two-day  workshops  during  the  summer.  Each  fall 
the  Foundation  accepts  twenty-five  new  students  for  its 
three-year  program  in  ornamental  horticulture  which  offers 
a comprehensive  curriculum  of  botany,  plant  propagation, 
practical  horticulture  techniques,  and  landscape  design. 

A well-trained  faculty  provides  expert  instruction 
and  guidance  in  the  horticultural  arts  and  sciences. 

Students  learn  and  practice  in  the  12-acre  arboretum  and 
in  the  state-of-the-art  greenhouse  in  Merion. 

The  curriculum  develops  skilled  horticulturalists  through 
a combination  of  classroom  lecture,  self-directed  learning, 
and  hands-on  practice. 


CD 


-1— ) 


For  more  information,  a full  course  description,  and  registration,  please  call  610-667-0290,  ext.  3825  or  ext.  1071. 

& 

t 

Ml 

THE  BARNES  FOUNDATION 

300  North  Latch's  Lane,  Merion,  PA  19066  www.barnesfoundation.org  | 

JL 

16 


GREEN  SCENE  • may/june  2007 


This  is  Aie  generation  your  legacy  begins 


We  know  you  want  your  family  to  inherit  more  than  just  your  wealth.  You  want 
to  preserve  a way  of  life,  so  your  grandchildren  can  have  the  same  joys 
and  opportunities  you  had.  For  half  a century,  we  have  focused  specifically  on 
helping  exceptional  families  protect  and  grow  the  wealth  they  worked  to  build. 
We  would  be  pleased  to  put  this  experience  to  work  for  you. 


Glenmede 


AjmvASTK'A 


1 -B66-445-3663 


WWW.GLENMEDE.CaM 


Come  to  the 
2007  PHS 
Garden  Visits 

By  Daniel  Moise 


II  there’s  anything  more  fun  than  tending  a garden,  it’s 

I getting  the  chance  to  tour  someone  else’s 

garden — even  better  if  it’s  a private  garden  that  only  a 
few  lucky  souls  get  to  see.  That’s  part  of  the  fun  of  the  PHS  Garden 
Visits.  Each  year,  PHS  organizes  these  self-guided  tours  through 
impressive  gardens  in  the  Philadelphia  region. 

This  spring,  PHS  members  and  their  friends  can  tour  gardens  in 
the  rolling  hills  of  northern  Chester  County  (May  20)  and  in 
Doylestown  in  Bucks  County  (June  3).  As  a tempting  teaser,  here 
is  a preview  of  a few  garden  gems  in  Doylestown.  Enjoy. 


Photographs  by  Margaret  Funderburg 
and  Pete  Prown 


18 


GREEN  SCENE  • moy/june  2007 


THE  BARTELL  GARDEN 

There’s  a lot  ol  history  at  Sycamore 
Spring,  the  verdant  three-acre  proper- 
ty that  the  Bartell  family  has  called 
home  for  the  past  25  years.  Dating 
back  to  1733  when  the  land  was 
deeded  to  one  of  William  Penn’s  sons, 
the  wooded  estate  has  many  charm- 
ing fixtures  that  evoke  a different  era. 
The  stone  bridge  over  the  brook,  the 
rustic  dinner  bell  out  back,  and  the 
antique  cars  that  reside  in  a hand- 
some three-story  barn  all  contribute 
to  the  enduring  legacy  Doris  and 
Michael  Bartell  are  thrilled  to  be  a 
part  of. 


Of  course,  preserving  history  takes 
a lot  of  hard  work,  and  the  intrepid 
couple  always  seems  to  have  a project 
in  the  works.  Putting  together  a free- 
standing stone  wall — easily  12  feet 
long  by  4 feet  high — was  a particular- 
ly daunting  undertaking  and  resulted 
in  a trip  to  the  arthritis  specialist  for 
Michael.  “It  wasn’t  easy,  but  building 
that  wall  was  certainly  rewarding,’’  he 
says. 

As  for  the  horticulture,  Sycamore 
Spring’s  gardens  are  certainly  note- 
worthy. Most  impressive  is  the  herb 
garden.  With  a selection  that  includes 
basil,  dill,  tarragon,  parsley,  rosemary, 


LEF  I ! Bartell  Garden 
CENTER:  Van  Dyke  Garden 
RIGHT  Bean  garden 


GREEN  SCENE  • may/june  2007 


19 


1 


I 

I 


BARTELL  GARDEN  (RIGHT  & ABOVE) 

Doris  and  Michael  Bartell  and  their  beautifully  landscaped 
pool  area.  Also,  a lovely  garden  view  from  indoors. 


BEAN  GARDEN  (LEFT  & BELOW) 

Enjoy  a classic  formal  style  at  the  Bean  garden. 


thyme,  and  more,  the  culinary  possi- 
bilities are  just  about  endless. 

But  one  word  of  caution:  beware  of 
the  dog,  or  in  this  case,  dogs.  Visitors 
must  be  sure  to  show  affection  to 
Bumble  and  Cricket,  the  exceptional- 
ly friendly  Welsh  Pembroke  Corgis 
that  reign  over  Sycamore  Spring.  As 
natural  herders,  the  cuddly  canines 
will  be  glad  to  usher  you  about  the 
lawn. 


THE  BEAN  GARDEN 

In  contrast  to  the  sprawling  woods 
of  the  Bartell  backyard,  the  cozy  and 
carefully  planned  courtyard  of  the 
Bean  family  includes  rows  of 
boxwood  flanking  the  graveled  path- 
ways that  lead  to  a tasteful  fountain. 
Edged  with  a white  post  fence,  the 
courtyard  is  a secluded  spot  well-suit- 
ed for  reading  or  quiet  reflection.  The 
beauty  doesn’t  end  there  though; 
around  back  is  deep-set  lawn  that  has 
hosted  a fair  share  of  croquet  games 
and  Easter-egg  hunts  (for  the  Bean’s 
brood  of  14  grandchildren). 

Although  she  tends  to  alternate  her 
attention  between  the  two  sections  of 
the  property,  Gisela  Bean  confesses 
that  the  backyard  has  slightly  more 
appeal  for  her.  “The  trees  out  back 
are  so  colorful  and  varied,  I enjoy 
coming  out  here  with  a cup  of  coffee 
to  sit  down  and  take  it  all  in.” 

THE  VAN  DYKE  GARDEN 

When  visiting  the  garden  of  a well- 
known  landscape  architect,  expecta- 
tions tend  to  run  a bit  high. 
Fortunately,  the  garden  of  Carter  Van 
Dyke  does  not  disappoint.  Blending 
traditional  New  England  style  with 
modern  rwists,  the  multifaceted  gar- 
den has  something  for  all  sensibilities. 

In  both  my  practice  and  personal 
gardening,  I try  to  create  something 
contextual  with  the  landscape  and  the 


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GREEN  SCENE  • may/june  2007 


21 


VAN  DYKE: 

Spring  splendor  in 
Carter  Van  Dyke’s 
stylish  garden.  Note 
the  vintage 
“one-room  library”  in 
the  upper  right,  now  a 
focal  point  in 
Carter’s  design. 


architecture.  The  goal  is  to  have  the 
garden  look  as  though  it’s  always  been 
there,”  Carter  says. 

Indeed  the  house,  lawn,  and  all  the 
various  nooks  and  features  of  the 
property  seem  well-coordinated  yet 
distinct.  Each  step  offers  new  vantage 
points  to  appreciate  the  incredible 
variety  of  flowers,  including  peonies, 
cleomes,  and  stunning  poppies. 

But  while  most  gardens  have  flow- 
ers, how  many  have  a library?  The 
charming  one-room  Dolington 
Library  served  the  people  of  Upper 
Makefield,  PA,  for  several  decades, 
but  by  the  late  1920s  it  was  eclipsed 
by  a newer  building.  After  serving  a 
number  of  purposes  for  nearly  75 
years,  the  small  cottage-like  building 
was  moved  to  its  permanent  home  in 
the  Van  Dyke  garden.  “It’s  something 
I’m  very  proud  of — it  adds  a real  focal 
point  to  the  plantings,”  Carter  says 
with  a smile, 


To  learn  more  about  the  PHS  Garden 
Visits,  check  out  upcoming  issues  of 
PHS  News , or  visit  the  website  at 
www.pennsylvaniahorticulturalsoci- 
ety.org/ Calendar.  Click  on  May  20th 
and  June  3rd  for  specific  tour  details. 


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designed  to  provide  more  natural  movement  for  a full  range  of  gardening  activities  from 
watering  to  weeding.  Ask  your  orthopaedic  surgeon  if  the  JOURNEY  Knee  is  a good 
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To  request  a free  JOURNEY  Knee  Information  Kit  including  a list  of  orthopaedic  surgeons 
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I 


Contain  Your 
Thirst 


Save  Water  by 
Planting  Succulents 
& Other  Xeric  Plants 


have  lived  under  water  rationing,  and  it’s  scary.  When  drought  hits,  the  water 
commission  first  outlaws  sprinkling  lawns,  then  flower  beds,  and  finally  pro- 
hibits all  outdoor  watering.  Household  water  use  must  also  be  curtailed  or 
heavy  fines  are  imposed.  Rationing  reminds  us  that  water  is  a limited  resource. 

When  I was  looking  for  a theme  for  the  garden  I tend  on  the  18th  floor  of  my 
apartment  building,  I decided  to  plant  succulents  and  other  “xeric”  plants  that  can 
thrive  with  very  little  water.  It’s  an  all-container  garden,  so  my  goal  was  to  design 
an  eye-catching  space  to  break  up  the  empty  middle  of  a 100-by-50-foot  terrace.  I 
wanted  containers  that  could  withstand  the  freezing  winter  (Zone  6 with  heavy 
winds)  and  some  perennials  that  will  return  each  year.  I’m  the  laziest  gardener 
around  and  reject  unessential  chores  like  dragging  big  containers  to  storage  because 
they  can’t  winter  over. 

Containers.  The  hunt  was  on!  I searched  and  found  low  bowls  made  of  iron- 
stone pottery  that  suited  my  needs:  three  different  sized  bowls  (22-,  24-,  and  26- 
inch  diameter)  plus  a tall  barrel,  all  in  the  same  high-fired  clay  with  drainage  holes 
in  the  bottom.  But  I wanted  different  height  levels  to  add  interest  to  the  design, 
and  the  three  sizes  did  not  vary  quite  enough.  (See  tip  #1  for  my  solution.) 


Photography  by  Alan  & Linda  Detrick 


Author  photo  by  Ellen  Zachos 


Tip  #1:  To  vary  the  height  of  containers,  simply  pile 


Whence  Cometh  the  Plants.  With  water  conserva- 
tion in  mind,  I scoured  plant  catalogs  and  garden  cen- 
ters for  succulents  and  found  a nice  variety.  From  my 
own  living  room  windowsills,  I grabbed  a pencil  cactus 
(. Euphorbia  tirucalli)  and  carrion  flower  (Stapellia  gigan- 
tea)  to  summer  outdoors.  My  friend  Ann  needed  to 
divide  her  Montauk  daisy  ( Nipponanthemum  nippon- 
icum),  so  I was  happy  to  provide  a new  home  for  some 
of  her  divisions.  My  friend  Ellen  offered  the  climbing 
hoya  ( Hoya  kerry),  extracting  the  promise  that  1 would 
take  it  in  for  the  winter  and  not  treat  it  as  an  annual. 

Planting.  When  positioning  the  containers,  I 
looked  at  the  placement  from  all  angles  of  the  patio.  I 
assembled  the  plants  and  a sandy  potting  soil,  like  cac- 
tus mix  or  other  potting  soil,  to  which  I added 
builder’s  sand.  Excellent  drainage  is  important  here,  so 
in  the  bottom  of  each  container  I placed  an  inch  or  so 
of  pebbles,  pot  shards  or  Styrofoam  popcorn  covered 
with  a piece  of  porous  black  garden  cloth.  Then  I 
added  the  soil  and  plants  and  watered  them  in. 

The  plants  tell  me  how  much  water  they  need.  New 
plantings  always  need  some  help  until  they  root  well 


them  on  top  of  something  else.  In  this  small  garden  I 
had  seven  containers  to  start  with,  but  inverted  one  of 
the  22-inch  pots  to  use  as  a base  for  another  of  the 
same  size.  A trash-picked  seatless  chair  gave  me  a 
framework  to  raise  another  container  and  at  the  same 
time  provided  a trellis  for  a climbing  hoya  in  the  contain- 
er at  back.  Containers  can  also  stand  on  flat  rocks,  a 
few  bricks,  unused  birdbaths,  or  any  other  secure 
pedestal. 


Use  small  stones  or  broken  pot  shards  to 
create  good  drainage.  -s 


Tip  #2:  If  a plant  has  been  growing 
indoors  under  relatively  low  light  condi- 
tions, when  you  take  it  outdoors  let  it 
acclimate  to  the  intense  sun  by  putting 
it  in  a semi-shade  location  for  the  first 
week  or  so.  Most  garden-center  plants 
have  already  made  that  adjustment, 
but  plants  from  your  living  room  defi- 
nitely have  not. 


HHI 


Xeric  Containers 


and  then  require  watering  only  once  a week  or  every 
10  days  depending  on  rain  and  temperatures.  I allow 
the  natural  elements  to  take  over,  watering  only  when 
plants  show  the  first  signs  of  leaf  shrinkage. 

I dug  in  the  plants  with  the  soil  balls  almost  touch- 
ing so  the  containers  would  look  full  from  the  begin- 
ning. Bv  the  end  of  the  season  the  portulacas  had  over- 
grown some  of  the  hens  and  chicks,  and  the  large 
sedums  had  almost  crowded  out  some  of  the  shorter 
plants.  I’d  do  it  all  the  same  way  again,  because  the 
grouping  looked  fabulous  for  five  months. 

WINTER  VACATION 

As  frost  approached,  I gave  the  hardy  plants  no  extra 
care;  I left  them  to  fend  for  themselves  and  they  did 
just  fine.  By  the  second  year  they  had  spread  to  crowd 
the  room  devoted  to  some  of  the  portulacas.  But  I 
wasn’t  eager  to  lose  my  tender  succulents,  so  I dug 
them  up  and  repotted  them  in  terracotta  containers  to 
spend  their  winter  vacation  indoors  near  a south-fac- 
ing window.  Come  spring,  the  agave  and  the  pencil 


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GREEN  SCENE  • may/june  2007 


Indoors,  the  succulents  winter-over  happily  in  a 
south-facing  window.  Notice  the  tall  bloom 
spikes  on  the  kalanchoe,  a result  of  intense 
light  from  summering  on  the  terrace. 


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GREEN  SCENE  • may/june  2007 


27 


Xeric  Containers 


cactus  had  grown  too  big  to  re-plant  in  the  shallow 
bowls,  so  they  went  out  on  the  terrace  in  their  own 
terracotta  pots.  But  I returned  the  wax  plant,  the 
thorny  aloe,  the  carrion  plant,  and  the  kalanchoes 
to  the  ironstone  bowls.  The  second-year  design 
looks  quite  different  as  plants  grow  and  spread  and 
crowd  out  the  space  for  annuals. 

I thrill  to  find  single  portulaca  plants  that  have 
reseeded  from  last  year’s  display  between  the 
pavers,  sometimes  30  to  40  feet  away  from  the 
succulent  garden.  I leave  them  as  a reminder  that 
nature  has  its  own  gardening  plan  and  point  them 
out  to  the  children  who  play  on  the  roof  and  ask 
me  questions  as  I garden  there. 

Ellen  Spector  Platt  is  editor  of  Container  Gardens 
magazine  and  author  of  nine  books  on  flowers 
and  herbs.  Her  website  is 
www.  ellenspectorpla  tt.com. 


MY  PLANTS 

Annuals  and  tender  plants: 

1.  agave  (Agave  desmettlana) 

2.  thorny  aloe  (Aloe  marlothii) 

3.  pencil  cactus  (Euphorbia  tirucalli) 

4.  rope  hoya  (Hoya  carnosa) 

5.  wax  plant  (Hoya  kerry) 

6.  kalanchoe  (Kalanchoe  daigremontiana) 

7.  kalanchoe  (Kalanchoe  thrysiflora) 

8.  portulaca  (Portulaca  grandiflora  ‘Sundial  Yellow’  and 
‘Margarita  Strawberry’) 

9.  apricot  purslane  (Portulaca  grandiflora) 

10.  carrion  flower  (Stapelia  gigantea) 

11.  carrion  flower  (Stapelia  variegata) 

Hardy  plants: 

12.  ice  plant  (Delosperma  nubigenum) 

13.  Montauk  daisy  (Nipponanthemum  nipponicum) 

14.  sedum  (Sedum  cauticola) 

15.  sedum  (Sedum  ‘Autumn  Fire’) 

16.  sedum  (Sedum  ‘Vera  Jamison’) 

17.  sedum  (Sedum  ‘Frosty  Morn’) 

18.  dragon’s  blood  (Sedum  spurium) 

19.  sedum  (Sedum  makioni  ‘Ogon’) 

20.  hens  and  chicks  (Sempervivum  sp.) 


28 


GREEN  SCENE  • may/june  2007 


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GREEN  SCENE  • may/june  2007 


29 


AMERICAN  PHILOSOPHICAL  SOCIETY 


Scholarly  Publishing  Since  1771 


The  Library  of  Benjamin  Franklin 

EDWIN  WOLF  2nd  and  KEVIN  J.  HAYES 

Memoirs  of  the  American  Philosophical  Society  — Vol.  257 
ISBN:  978-0-87169-257-3,  $100.00 

Beginning  in  the  late  1950s,  Edwin  Wolf  2nd  embarked  on  a bibliographic  odyssey  to  reconstruct  the 
“lost”  library  of  Benjamin  Franklin.  Franklin’s  library,  the  largest  and  best  private  library  at  the  time  of 
his  death  in  1790,  was  sold  by  his  grandson  in  the  last  eighteenth  century  to  Robert  Morris  Jr.,  who 
subsequently  sold  it  in  the  early  nineteenth  century.  None  of  the  catalogues  of  the  collection  survive, 
and  the  contents  of  the  library  were  virtually  unknown  until  1956,  when  Wolf  discovered  the  unique  shelf- 
marks  Franklin  used  to  identify  his  books.  Wolf’s  work  to  reconstruct  a catalogue  of  the  library  continued 
for  the  next  thirty  years  but  was  unfinished  at  the  time  of  his  death.  As  the  tercentenary  of  Franklin’s  birth 
approached,  Kevin  J.  Hayes  took  up  the  work  and  has  continued  to  discover  titles  that  were  part  of  the 
library.  Everything  found  to  date,  close  to  4,000  entries,  has  been  compiled  here. 


The 

Temple  of  Night 
at  Schonau 


ARCHITECTURE.  MUSIC  AND  THEATER  IMA 
LATE  EIGHTEENTH-CENTURY  VIENNESE  G/VEN 


The  Temple  of  Night  at  Schonau 

JOHN  A.  RICE 

Memoirs  of  the  American  Philosophical  Society  — Vol.  258 
ISBN:  978-0-87169-258-0,  $70.00 

Between  1796  and  1800  Baron  Peter  von  Braun,  a rich  businessman  and  manager  of  Vienna’s  court 
theaters,  transformed  his  estate  at  Schonau  into  an  English-style  landscape  park.  Among  several  buildings 
with  which  he  embellished  his  garden,  the  most  remarkable  and  celebrated  was  the  Temple  of  Night,  a 
domed  rotunda  accessible  only  through  a meandering  rockwork  grotto  that  led  visitors  to  believe  that  their 
destination  lay  somewhere  deep  underground.  A life-size  statue  of  the  goddess  Night  on  a chariot  pulled  by 
two  horses  presided  over  the  Temple,  while  from  the  dome,  which  depicted  the  night  sky,  came  the  sounds 
of  a mechanical  musical  instrument  that  visitors  likened  to  music  of  the  spheres. 

Only  the  ruins  of  the  Temple  of  Night  survive,  and  it  has  received  little  scholarly  attention.  This  book 
brings  it  back  to  life  by  assembling  the  many  descriptions  of  it  by  early  nineteenth-century  eyewitnesses. 
Placing  the  Temple  within  the  context  of  the  eighteenth-century  English  landscape  park  and  of  Viennese 
culture  in  the  fascinating  period  of  transition  between  Enlightenment  and  Biedermeier,  Rice’s  book  will 
appeal  to  anyone  interested  in  the  history  of  garden  design,  architecture,  theater,  and  music. 


Portrait  of  Elizabeth  Willing  Powel 

DAVID  MAXEY 

Transactions  of  the  American  Philosophical  Society  — Vol.  96,  Part  4 
ISBN  978-0-87169-964-0,  $24.00 

Drawing  on  original  manuscript  sources,  David  Maxey  has  produced  a persuasive  study  of  a late 
eighteenth-century  portrait  and  its  subject.  He  has  focused  attention  on  an  enigmatic  painting  that  has 
long  puzzled  art  historians,  and  the  person  portrayed  in  it — a woman  of  talent  and  verve,  whose  life  has 
remained  undeservedly  obscure. 

Elizabeth  Willing  Powel  occupied  an  influential  position  in  Philadelphia  society  during  and  after  the 
Revolution.  She  presided  over  a salon;  spoke  her  mind  freely;  and  maintained,  for  a period  of  forty  years, 
an  extensive,  illuminating  correspondence.  She  was  the  trusted  confidante  of  the  country’s  first  president, 
whom  she  did  not  hesitate  to  instruct  on  where  duty  summoned  him. 

Personal  loss  touched  her  deeply,  and  at  a critical  moment,  the  Philadelphia  limner  and  sign  painter, 
Matthew  Pratt,  was  commissioned  to  capture  on  canvas  the  grief  she  experienced.  What  happened 
thereafter  to  the  portrait  Pratt  painted  becomes  an  essential  part  of  the  mystery  that  David  Maxey  has 
successfully  undertaken  to  solve. 


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GREEN  SCENE  • may/june  2007 


31 


"When  I planted  the  flowers,  I loved  the  feeling.” 


The  quote  above  is  from  a student  reflecting  on  his  first  year  with  Green 
City  Youth,  one  of  the  Pennsylvania  Horticultural  Society’s  newest  pro- 
grams serving  Philadelphia  children.  Richard  Louv,  author  of  the  influen- 
tial 2005  book  Last  Child  in  the  Woods , no  doubt  would  approve. 


YOUTH  m, he  GARDEN 

I Cultivating  the  Environmental  Stewards  of  Tomorrow 


A LOST  CONNECTION 

As  Louv  contends,  today’s  American 
children  spend  significantly  less  time  expe- 
riencing nature  than  any  previous  genera- 
tion in  the  country’s  history.  Louv  writes 
that  baby  boomers  “may  constitute  the  last 
generation  of  Americans  to  share  an  inti- 
mate, familial  attachment  to  the  land  and 
water.”  Most  adults  now  in  their  forties  and 
older,  he  explains,  had  relatives  with  some 
connection  to  farming,  or  they  played  near 
farmlands  or  in  woodlands  at  the  suburban 
rim,  but  many  children  growing  up  today 
lack  this  proximity  to  nature. 

There  are  numerous  reasons  for  this  dis- 
turbing trend.  For  starters,  about  80  per- 
cent of  Americans  now  live  in  metropolitan 
areas,  too  many  of  which  lack  sufficient 
park  space.  Development  in  outer-ring  sub- 
urbs, where  population  is  surging,  is  rapid- 
ly eating  up  woodlands  and  farmlands. 

Time  is  another  factor.  More  children  are 
growing  up  in  single-parent  households  or 
in  homes  where  both  parents  work,  so 
instead  of  going  outside  to  play  near  their 
homes,  they  are  enrolled  in  daycare  or 
after-school  programs  that  keep  them 
indoors  or  in  enclosed  play  areas.  Today’s 
children  also  spend  large  amounts  of  time 
playing  with  computers,  video  games,  and 
other  electronic  gadgets.  At  the  same  time, 
kids  are  under  more  pressure  to  excel  aca- 
demically and  to  fill  their  “free  time”  with 
extra-curricular  activities. 

WHY  KIDS  NEED  NATURE 
AND  NATURE  NEEDS  KIDS 

Aside  from  a nostalgic  wish  for  our  chil- 
dren to  be  able  to  meander  across  meadows 
or  swing  from  the  branches  of  a tree,  what 
are  the  consequences  of  this  lost  connection 
to  nature? 


The  future  stewardship  of  our  planet  is 
literally  in  the  hands  of  the  next  generation, 
and  children  exposed  to  nature  from  an 
early  age  are  more  likely  to  grow  into  adults 
who  care  about  the  environment.  But  the 
relationship  is  a two-way  street,  for  kids 
need  nature,  too. 

Physical  health  is  a major  concern,  espe- 
cially regarding  the  epidemic  of  obesity 
among  today’s  kids.  Overweight  children 
are  at  greater  risk  for  diabetes  and  other 
serious  conditions,  and  physical  activity  is 
one  way  to  prevent  those  outcomes.  But 
Louv  points  out  that,  ironically,  children’s 
girth  is  expanding  despite  the  fact  that 
more  kids  than  ever  before  are  enrolled  in 
organized  sports.  He  says  one  possible 
explanation  is  that  “the  physical  and  emo- 
tional exercise  that  children  enjoy  when 
they  play  in  nature  is  more  varied  and  less 
time-bound  than  organized  sports.” 

Children  out  of  touch  with  the  natural 
world  also  suffer  emotionally.  Several  stud- 
ies suggest  that  contact  with  nature  may 
help  prevent  or  lessen  the  symptoms  of 
attention-deficit  disorder,  reduce  stress,  and 
guard  against  depression. 

PHS:  REACHING  OUT 
TO  YOUTH 

Recognizing  the  breach  between  today’s 
youth  and  the  natural  world,  PHS  recently 
developed  a five-year  strategic  plan  that 
includes  the  goal  of  reaching  out  to 
younger  audiences,  including  school-age 
children.  “It  is  vital  that  PHS  have  a mean- 
ingful youth  program  that  connects  to  its 
mission,”  says  PHS  education  director  Eva 
Ray.  “We  want  children  to  understand  that 
they  have  an  impact  on  their  green  envi- 
ronment, now  and  in  the  future.” 

PHS’s  Kids  Grow  Expo  has  been  engag- 
ing young  children  in  the  joys  of  gardening 
and  nature  since  1975.  The  annual  event 
promotes  environmental  awareness  with 
activities  and  interactive  displays,  service- 
learning projects,  and  a horticultural  com- 
petition. Kids  Grow  Expo  attracts  hun- 
dreds of  school  groups  from  Philadelphia 
and  the  surrounding  region. 

Schools  are  an  obvious  place  where  more 
can  be  done  to  engage  children  with 
nature,  but  time  and  resources  are  often  in 


“Studies  suggest 
that  contact  with 
nature  may 
help  prevent  or 
lessen  the  symptoms 
of  attention-deficit 
disorder,  reduce  stress, 
and  guard  against 
depression.” 


Youth  in  the  Garden 


FUNDERS  & PARTNERS 

PHS  is  grateful  to  the  following  funders  and 
partners  of  its  youth  programs: 

Burpee  Foundation 
Delaware  Valley  Earth  Force 
Fairmount  Park  Commission 
Hamilton  Family  Foundation 
Lincoln  Financial  Group  Foundation 
National  Recreation  Foundation 
Pennsylvania  Dept,  of  Conservation  & 
Natural  Resources 
Philadelphia  Dept,  of  Recreation 
William  Penn  Foundation 
Temple  University  Ambler  College  EarthFest 
Youth  Works 

WEBSITES 

• AHS  Children  & Youth  Gardening 
Symposium 

www.  ahs.  org/youth_gardening 

• Children  & Nature  Network 
www.  cnaturenet.  org 

• Cornell  University  Garden-Based 
Learning  Program 

www.  hort.  Cornell,  edu/gbl/ 

• Pennsylvania  Assoc,  of 
Environmental  Educators 
www.paee.net/ 

BOOKS  (in  the  PHS  McLean  Library) 

• Cornell,  Joseph  Bharat,  Sharing  Nature 
with  Children:  A Parents'  and  Teachers’ 
Nature-Awareness  Guidebook 

• Kiefer,  Joseph  & Martin  Kemple 
Digging  Deeper:  Integrating  Youth 
Gardens  into  Schools  & Communities 

• Louv,  Richard,  Last  Child  in  the  Woods: 
Saving  our  Children  from  Nature- Deficit 
Disorder 


short  supply.  PHS’s  Green  City  Youth  pro- 
gram helps  fill  the  gap.  Working  with  five 
Philadelphia  schools,  Green  City  Youth 
brings  teachers,  students,  and  community 
greening  activists  (associated  with  PHS’s 
Philadelphia  Green  program)  together  and 
engages  them  in  horticultural  activities. 
The  hands-on,  service-learning  curriculum 
encourages  students  to  conceive  and  devel- 
op greening  projects  in  their  own  neigh- 
borhoods. 

About  150  students  took  part  in  Green 
City  Youth  during  its  first  year.  Projects 
included  habitat  gardens,  tree  plantings, 
and  a self-made  video  promoting  the 
importance  of  community  greening. 

Sulzberger  Middle  School  science  teacher 
Crystal  Martin  is  participating  in  Green 
City  Youth  for  the  second  year.  “My  stu- 
dents have  really  learned  what  greening 
is — that  it’s  more  than  just  potted  flowers,” 
she  says.  “They’ve  taken  ownership  of  their 
community  and  how  it  looks. 

PHS  has  designed  a complementary  pro- 
gram called  Green  City  Teachers.  Through 
workshops  and  seminars,  the  program 
helps  give  Philadelphia  educators  the  tools 
to  incorporate  horticulture  and  environ- 
mental education  into  their  classroom  cur- 
riculums.  “We  had  teachers  calling  wanting 
to  get  involved  with  Green  City  Youth,” 
says  PHS  community  education  manager 
Patricia  Schrieber.  “We  can’t  accommodate 
all  the  schools  at  that  level,  but  by  reaching 
out  to  teachers,  we  can  serve  more  chil- 
dren.” 

For  teenagers,  PHS  created  the  Summer 
Youth  Environmental  Stewardship 
Program.  An  offshoot  of  Philadelphia 
Green’s  successful  Parks  Revitalization 
Project,  the  program  provides  six  weeks  of 
paid  employment  to  youth  in  Philadelphia 
who  take  part  in  stewardship  activities  in 
parks  and  recreation  centers.  It  has  a special 
focus  on  environmental  education,  service- 
learning, job  readiness,  and  leadership 
development. 

Going  forward,  the  program  will  develop 


a health  component  called  the  Youth 
Environmental  Health  Corps.  Project  coor- 
dinator Takkeem  Morgan  worked  with  the 
young  people  during  the  first  year  and  pro- 
posed the  idea.  “The  kids  were  excited  to 
be  working  for  positive  change,”  he  says, 
“but  some  had  trouble  seeing  the  connec- 
tion to  their  own  lives.  We  want  them  to 
grasp  the  link  between,  for  example,  clean 
air  and  asthma,  to  help  them  see  the  impact 
on  their  own  health  and  the  health  of  their 
neighborhood.” 

Gardening  is  another  way  to  get  kids 
interested  in  nature.  It  gives  them  direct, 
hands-on  experience  and  helps  them 
understand  where  their  food  comes  from. 
PHS  has  helped  many  Philadelphia  teach- 
ers develop  school  gardens.  Kindergarten 
teacher  Chuck  Lafferty  is  a graduate  of  the 
PHS  training  programs  Tree  Tenders  and 
Garden  Tenders.  In  1998,  he  helped  start  a 
community  garden  adjacent  to  his  school, 
Longstreth  Elementary  School  in 
Southwest  Philadelphia.  When  he  began  to 
integrate  gardening  into  his  classroom  cur- 
riculum, it  was  an  instant  hit  with  the  stu- 
dents. “In  other  schools,  students  might 
grow  a potted  plant  on  a windowsill,”  says 
Chuck.  “Here,  we  allow  them  to  plant  it  in 
the  garden,  see  how  it  grows,  and  watch  it 
change  with  the  seasons.” 

Philadelphia  is  home  to  some  500 
community  gardens.  In  an  effort  to  culti- 
vate younger  gardeners  and  provide  oppor- 
tunities for  outdoor  learning,  several  PHS- 
supported  community  gardens  have  created 
partnerships  with  nearby  public  schools. 

“The  key  to  the  future  of  our  commu- 
nity gardens  and  other  green  spaces,"  says 
PHS  executive  vice  president  J.  Blaine 
Bonham,  Jr.,  “is  to  engage  young  people  in 
taking  an  active  role.  By  working  now  to 
get  them  involved  in  horticulture,  we  hope 
to  not  only  build  a long-lasting  constitu- 
ency, but  also  to  ensure  that  the  natural 
resources  of  our  region  will  have  cham- 
pions to  protect  them  far  into  the 
future.” 


34 


GREEN  SCENE  • may/june  2007 


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Arranging  with  Tu 


ins 


3.  Wrap  stems  in  damp  newspaper  and 
place  in  container  with  water  up  to 
necks  for  at  least  3 hours. 


1.  The  tulip  is  great  for  cutting  and 
comes  in  many  colors. 


2.  Cut  stem  at  a sharp  angle  to 
increase  the  surface  area  of  the  stem, 
which  then  allows  more  water  to  be 
absorbed. 


The  first  tulips  were  discovered  in  Turkey  in  the 
16th  century,  but  the  Netherlands  made  them 
famous  a century  later.  During  the  “tulip  mania” 
craze  in  ly^-century  Holland,  a single  blossom  could  cost 
as  much  as  a house.  In  The  Botany  of  Desire,  Michael  Pollan 
suggests  that  the  tulip  uses  its  great  beauty  to  seduce  us  into 
propagating  and  planting  it,  thus  encouraging  the  continu- 
ation and  improvement  of  its  species.  Whatever  the  reason, 
tulips  have  become  one  of  the  most  popular  garden  flowers. 
Many  varieties  can  now  be  purchased  as  cut  flowers  or 
planted  as  bulbs  to  be  cut  from  your  garden. 

TULIPS  FROM  THE  GARDEN 

Picking  and  conditioning  tulips 

• Cut  your  tulips  in  the  early  morning  or  evening  to  ensure 
the  longest  life.  Cut  the  stems  at  an  angle  and  leave  at 
least  one  set  of  leaves  to  produce  a bloom  next  year. 

• Re-cut  the  stems,  again  at  an  angle,  1 to  2 inches  and 
roll  them  carefully  in  damp  newspaper  to  keep  the 
stems  straight. 

• Place  in  a bucket  or  container  filled  with  tepid  water 
(about  1 00  degrees)  up  to  their  heads  for  at  least  2 to  3 
hours. 


5.  The  petals  of  one  or 
more  tulips  may  be 
reflexed  (i.e.,  its  petals 
opened  by  hand)  to  create 
a dramatic  effect  and  give 
variation  in  form.  Try  this 
when  the  flower  is 
warmed,  either  by  light  or 
by  hand,  and  gently 
turn  each  petal  backward 
to  create  an  open  flower. 


H4.  In  a square  glass 

vase,  tulip  foliage 
can  support  the 
stems  in  a design. 
Grouping  colors 
makes  an  appealing 
display. 


6.  A series  of  vases  creates  a simple  and  easy  way  to  decorate  a long  table. 


TULIPS  FROM  THE  STORE 

• Tulips  are  available  from  stores  from  late  autumn 
through  late  spring. 

• Look  for  good-sized  blossoms  that  are  upright,  not 
droopy,  in  form. 

• If  stems  are  drooping,  follow  conditioning  instructions 
for  garden  tulips. 

TIPS  FOR  DESIGNING  WITH  TULIPS 

Tulips  are  heavy-drinking  flowers.  Make  sure  to  check 
their  water  daily  and  add  more  if  needed.  They  will  last  in 
a vase  from  3 to  7 days  depending  on  the  freshness,  variety, 
and  conditions  of  the  room.  Flowers  prefer  a cool  temper- 
ature with  not  too  much  direct  sunlight. 

Tulips  will  continue  to  grow  after  arranged,  sometimes 
up  to  2 inches  over  a three-  to  four-day  period.  They  are 
heliotropic  and  will  follow  the  light,  so  a strong  light  over- 
head will  encourage  upright  stems  and  blossoms,  a light 
source  from  the  side  will  attract  the  stems  toward  it.  Enjoy 
this  magic! 


7.  Branches  make  a good  support  for  longer  tulips  or  in  a vase  with  a wide 
opening.  Here  are  Bradford  pear  branches  cut  into  24-inch  stems.  (Shorter  tulips  will 
need  shorter  branches.)  If  a stem  is  still  drooping,  tie  the  flower  head  to  one 

of  the  branches  with  string  or  raffia. 


hosted  by — burpee’s  fordhook  farm,  doylestown,  pa 


Spring  Planting  Open — new  and  favorite  plants  for  your  garden 
May  18-19,  2007;  1 0 am  to  5 pm 

Summer  Garden  Open — plants  to  highlight  your  summer  garden 
August  3-4, 2007;  1 0 am  to  5 pm 

Fall  Viburnum  Open — Viburnums  and  new  flowering  and  fruiting  shrubs 
September  2 1 -22,  2007;  1 0 am  to  5 pm 


Admission:  $5/person  each  day 
Call  for  Info:  2 1 5.674.4900  x 1 40 1 


visit  HERONSWOOD.COM 

for  updates  & additional  information 


Show  Plants 


By  Ray  Rogers 

Geraniums:  Ribbons  & Recollections 


really  like  geraniums  (Pelargonium  sp.),  and  have  known 
and  grown  them  for  a long  time.  Some  of  my  earliest  mem- 
ories recall  planting  neatly  spaced  trios  of  pungently  scent- 
ed, bright  red-flowered  young  plants  in  front  of  family  head- 
stones in  observation  of  what  was  once  commonly  known  as 
Decoration  Day  (now  widely  called  Memorial  Day). 

Those  resilient  plants  were  selections  of  large-growing  zonal 
geraniums,  reliable  workhorses  that  still  play  a worthy  role  in 
summer  bedding.  However,  they  are  not  the  sorts  that  captured 
my  exhibitor’s  eye  several  years  ago  and  still  figure  into  my 
entries  for  the  Philadelphia  Flower  Show.  What  I dote  on  are 
the  miniature  and  dwarf  zonals  (which  grow  from  three  inches 
to  about  a foot  tall),  the  intriguing  scented-leaved  species  and 
their  kin,  and  the  sometimes  difficult  succulent  species.  One 
reason  for  their  popularity  as  Philadelphia  Flower  Show  plants 
boils  down  to  one  shared  trait:  they  grow  and  bloom  more 
readily  in  the  cooler  weather  of  the  fall  and  winter  months  pre- 
ceding the  Show  than  during  the  advancing  heat  of  spring  and 
summer. 

So  now  that  May  is  here,  instead  of  lavishing  water  and  fer- 
tilizer on  my  geraniums  over  the  next  few  months.  I’ll  be  drag- 
ging the  hose  around  less  for  them  and  easing  up  on  applying 
fertilizer.  They’ll  be  kept  growing,  of  course,  but  not  vigorous- 
ly, partially  to  avoid  the  stem  and  root  rot  that  can  terminate 
them  in  the  doldrums  of  July  and  August.  But  come 
September,  as  day  length  wanes  and  the  nights  turn  cool,  my 
geraniums  will  rev  up  and  grow  strongly  for  several  months. 
Frequent  watering — three  times  weekly — and  generous 
biweekly  or  weekly  doses  of  fertilizer  will  support  lush  growth. 

OK,  of  course  it’s  not  quite  that  simple.  Not  all  of  them 
require  the  same  amount  of  water  (some  of  the  succulent 
species  do  quite  well  with  a drink  every  10  days  or  so,  if  that), 
and  the  fertilizer  they  receive  depends  on  whether  they  are 
grown  for  flowers,  attractively  variegated  foliage,  or  simply 
their  abundant  leaves.  Flowering  types  bloom  heavily  and  most 
variegation  patterns  develop  best  when  given  plenty  of  phos- 
phorus, so  I mix  up  batches  of  Miracle  Gro  10-52-10  for  those. 
Geraniums  prized  primarily  for  less-colorful  foliage  grow  lush- 
ly  when  given  plenty  of  nitrogen,  so  they  receive  Miracle  Gro 
lawn  food  (having  an  analysis  of  36-10-10). 

With  ample  water  and  fertilizer,  plenty  of  sunny  days  (not 
always  the  case,  though)  and  cool  nights  (the  greenhouses  run 
at  50°  to  55°F  at  night),  by  Show  time  my  geraniums  look  lush 
and  robust. ..but  not  simply  as  a result  of  being  allowed  to  grow 
as  they  will.  Almost  any  geranium  grown  for  competition  ben- 

‘Bird  Dancer’  ranks  at  the  top  of  the 
author’s  list  of  favorite  geraniums  because 
it  can  be  grown  as  an  impressive  little 
standard  (as  shown  here)  or  as  a perfectly 
shaped  mound  of  foliage. 


efits  from  some  timely  and  considered  pinching  of  the  shoots. 
While  many  of  the  species  may  need  only  a wayward  shoot  or 
two  cut  back  to  prevent  lopsidedness,  the  scented-leaved  types 
and  fancy-leaved  dwarf  and  miniature  zonals  look  their  best 
when  presented  as  compact  mounds,  so  they  require  more 
attention.  Standards  must  be  routinely  pinched  and  turned  to 
produce  an  impressively  rounded  head  of  foliage.  To  compli- 
cate matters,  pinching  of  flowering  pelargoniums  must  be 
timed  to  produce  the  maximum  number  of  flowers:  too-early 
pinching  often  results  in  flowers  past  their  peak  at  Show  time, 
while  shoots  pinched  too  late  might  bear  promising  buds  but 
few  or  no  flowers. 

Like  people,  my  geraniums  can  have  a run  of  nasty  luck  or  a 
bad  day,  so  over  the  years  some  of  my  favorites  have  died  in  the 
middle  of  summer  or  yellowed  a few  weeks  before  the  Show 
opened,  perfectly  timed  flowers  have  been  ruined  by  hungry 
thrips,  and  major  branches  have  been  broken  off  while  being 
stripped  of  their  dead  leaves  during  grooming  sessions.  But 
others  have  stayed  the  course  over  a year  or  10  and  have  been 
awarded  those  colorful  pieces  of  ribbon  that  I and  every  other 
dyed-in-the-wool  exhibitor  covet. 


GREEN  SCENE  • may/june  2007 


Rob  Cardillo 


3 you  Ira 

Hii*J  U'l/d?}/)  pk]/)&,  u/ov>jr)  $d  lhr)v$  ]/)  you/*  ya/i]. 


Participating  PA  Preferred  Nurseries, 
Garden  Centers  and  Landscape  Contractors... 


Baker  Creative,  Inc.  Wyncote 


Hanover  Nursery  Hanover  Township  Plantique,  Inc.  Allentown 


Cedar  Run  Landscapes,  Inc. 

North  Wales 

Creative  Landscapes,  Inc.  Bethlehem 

Dallas  Nurseries  & Landscape,  Inc. 

Dallas 

Derstine  Landscaping  & Turf  Care 

Souderton 

Dundee  Gardens  Wilkes-Barre 

Edge  of  the  Woods  Native  Plant 
Nursery  Fogelsville 

Edward’s  Landscaping  Service,  Inc. 

Forty  Fort 

Elk  Landscape  Management,  Inc. 

Pineville 


Huntsville  Nursery,  Inc.  Dallas 
J.S.  Cuthbert  Company  Yeadon 

Joanne  Kostecky  Garden  Design,  Inc. 

Allentown 

Martin  Brooks,  Inc.  Doylestown 

Mostardi  Nursery  Newtown  Square 

Nature’s  Accents  Landscape 
Services,  Inc.  Hamburg 

O’Brien  Landscapes  Unlimited  & 

H20  Systems  Morrisville 

L.S.  Perennial  Landscapes  Churchville 

Palazzi  Landscape  Gardening 
“Since  1921”  Newfoundland 


ProMark  Landscaping,  Inc. 

Zieglerville 

Realty  Landscaping  Corporation 

Newtown 

Shearon  Environmental  Design 
Company,  Inc.  Plymouth  Meeting 

Tall  Timbers  Nursery,  Inc. 

Allentown 

The  Rhoads  Garden,  Inc. 

North  Wales 

Jim  Walck  Lawn  & Shrub 

Drums 

W.D.  Wells  & Associates,  Inc. 

West  Grove 


Garrett  Churchill,  Inc.  Willow  Grove  Pharo  Garden  Centre  Bethlehem 


For  more  information  about  this  program  or  participating  companies, visit  www.GardenPA.com. 


'PA  Preferred  and  the  PA  Preferred  logo  are  registered  trademarks  of  the  Pennsylvania  Department  of  Agriculture 


Classified  Ads 


ANTIQUE  BOOKS 


RARE  & PREVIOUSLY  OWNED  BOOKS 
ON  HORTICULTURE  & BOTANICAL 
PRINTS  - Bought  and  Sold 

Polly  Goldstein 
37  Lochwood  Lane 
West  Chester,  PA  19380 
610-436-9796 
Email:  GrannyPol@aol.com 


BOTANICAL  LIGHTING 


Botanical  Lighting 

Specializing  in  tasteful 
architectural  and  landscape  lighting. 

Please  view  our  on-line  gallery: 

botanicallighting.com 

or  call:  610-519-1212 

Serving:  Pennsylvania  • New  Jersey  • Boston 
Maryland  • Washington  DC 


GARDEN  STRUCTURES 


HERITAGE  STONE  & MARBLE 

We  are  an  installation  and  restoration 


GREENHOUSE  AND  CONSERVATORY 
CONSTRUCTION 

Solar  Innovations,  Janco, 

Lord  & Burnham  and  more. 

Call  Robert  J.  LaRouche  at 
Glass  Enclosures  Unlimited 

610-687-2444 


THE  SUNWORKS  CORPORATION 

• Greenhouse  Sales:  Residential,  Commercial 

and  Institutional. 

• Installations:  Of  greenhouses  from  any  man- 
ufacturer, shading  and  ventilation  systems. 

• Maintenance:  Reglazing,  reskinning,  paint- 

ing, cleaning.  Emergency  repairs. 

Call  302-655-5772.  ask  for  John  Klein 


PATIOS  & WALKWAYS 

Flagstone  - Pavers  - Brick 
Robert  J.  Kleinberg 
Landscape  Design  & Construction 
610-259-6106 

See  our  work  online  • 100’s  of  pictures  at 

www.kleinberg.com 


LANDSCAPE  DESIGN 


company  who  emphasizes  long  lasting 
quality  with  outstanding  craftsmanship. 
FLAGSTONE.  BRICK-patios  and  walkways, 
COBBLESTONE-edging  and  paving, 
STONE  walls,  RETAINING  walls,  MARBLE, 
GRANITE-floors,  walls,  countertops. 
215-699-5611  Upper  Gwynedd,  PA 


LINDA  CORSON 
LANDSCAPE  DESIGN 

• Consulting 
• Plans 

• Supervision 

Registered  Landscape  Architect 
Member  ASLA  215-247-5619 


CLASSIFIED  RATES 


Base  Rate  $3.00  per  word 

(without  formatting) 

1 Line  $15.00  per  line 

Formatted  Words  $5.00 

(ex.  Bold,  Italic  or  ALL  CAPS) 

Minimum  Charge $60.00 

Discount 10%  off  the  second 

consecutive  ad,  using  the  same  copy 


Deadlines 

January  Issue  (by  November  1) 
March  Issue  (by  January  1) 

May  Issue  (by  March  1 ) 

July  Issue  (by  May  1) 

September  Issue  (by  July  1) 
November  Issue  (by  September  1) 


David  Brothers  Landscape  Services 
Bean  Road  Nursery 

Architects.  Builders  and  Nurserymen 
Providing  the  Fine  Art  of 
Garden  Construction  and 
Landscape  Restoration 

215-247-2992  610-584-1550 

610-525-3232 


DONALD  PELL  GARDENS 

Creating  & maintaining  gardens  with  expert 
horticultural  craftsmanship. 

View  our  portfolio  of  landscape  designs  online 
at  www.donaldpell.com  or  call 
610-917-1385  for  a brochure  and  consultation. 


SED  design 

LANDSCAPE  ARCHITECTS 

Master  Plans  and  Garden  Design, 
Water  Gardens,  Pools  & Lighting 

610-584-5941 

seddesignstudio.com 


LARGE  SPECIMEN  TREES 


Large  Specimen  Trees 

20’  American  Holly  and  Colorado  Blue  Spruce 
Delicious  Homegrown  Fruits  and  Vegetables 
Mid-June  through  October 

INDIAN  ORCHARDS 

610-565-8387 


LARGE  TREES 


Tree  Transfers  Inc. 

Large  Tree  Transplanting  and  Sales 
Large  Screening  & Specimen  Plant  Material 
Garden  Restoration.  Ponds,  Waterfalls  & Patios 
215-635-2310 

Serving  the  Delaware  Valley  since  1987 


MISCELLANEOUS 


Green  Team  Gardeners 

Assurance  of  Fine  Gardens 
Landscape  Design,  Installation,  & Maintenance 
Vicki  Fox:  215-482-1058 
VickBrick@mac.com 


PLEASE  note:  Green  Scene  does  not  guarantee  advertisement  position,  and  we  reserve  the  right  to 
edit  copy  to  fit  available  space.  Green  Scene  ads  are  scheduled  on  a first-come,  first-served  basis  until 
space  is  filled  for  a particular  issue. 

Please  calculate  your  ad  cost  based  on  number  and  formatting  of  words,  and  enclose  a check  along 
with  your  copy  (call  for  assistance).  Green  Scene  will  bill  any  difference  or  credit  upon  publication 
of  your  advertisement.  If  your  new  ad  arrives  very  close  to  deadline,  we  may  deposit  your  check 
until  ad  is  scheduled.  If  we  can’t  schedule  your  ad,  your  check  will  be  returned. 

Make  checks  payable  to  the  Pennsylvania  Horticultural  Society. 

Send  all  advertising  correspondence  to:  Joe  Soprani,  Green  Scene 

The  Pennsylvania  Horticultural  Society,  100  N.  20th  Street,  5th  Floor,  Philadelphia,  PA 

19103-1495. 

If  you  have  any  questions,  please  call  215-988-8809. 


MULCH 


PINE  NEEDLE  MULCH 

Won’t  change  soil  pH 
Wholesale  and  retail 
FLOWERS  AND  MORE,  INC. 
610-701-9283 
renee52@comcast.net 


BALED  PINE  NEEDLE  MULCH 

Pick  up/Delivery/Spreading  service 
Cedar  Run  Landscapes 
Call  for  brochure 
1 -800-LANDSCAPE 

www.CedarRunLandscapes.com 


NURSERY 


Triple  Oaks  Nursery  & Herb  Garden 
• Great  Plants  • Display  Gardens  • Programs 
Franklinville,  New  Jersey 
www.tripleoaks.com 
856-694-4272 
greatplants@tripleoaks.com 


PONDS 


PONDS  AND  WATERFALLS 

Design/Installation/Maintenance 
View  our  pond  video  at  www.YourPond.com 
Cedar  Run  Landscapes 
1 -800-LANDSCAPE 


UNUSUAL  SPECIMENS 


RARE  & UNUSUAL  PLANTS 

• Specimen  plants  • Pond  plants  • Bonsai 

• Orchids  • Hardy  cacti  • Tropicals 

• Sculptured  trees  and  shrubs  • Perennials 

• Unique  Flower  and  gift  shop. 

MUTSCHLERS’  FLORIST  & RARE  PLANTS 
1-800-242-9438 

www.mutschiers.com 


Select  from  800  varieties  of  the  finest  Dutch 
bulbs  for  your  family's  garden  at  the  best  prices. 
Visit  www.johnscheepers.com  for  our 
84-page  color  catalog  and  website  specials. 

I John  Scheepers 

V - 23  Tulip  Drive  • PO  Box  638 
Ban  Lam.  CT  06750 

(860)  567-0838  PA9i 

www.johnscheepers.com 

Serving  America’s  finest  gardens  for  over  90  years. 


The  Plants  of 

Pennsylvania 


For  your  reference 


THE  PUNTS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA 

An  Illustrated  Manual 
Second  Edition 

Ann  Fowler  Rhoads  and  Timothy  A.  Block 
Illustrations  by  Anna  Aniiko 

"Finally,  an  illustrated  guide  to  the  flora  of  Pennsylvania  written  by  highly 
respected  authorities!  A highly  technical  but  user-friendly  manual;  every  seri- 
ous amateur  and  professional  naturalist  in  Pennsylvania  will  want  a copy." 

— Larry  J.  Schweiger,  President,  Western  Pennsylvania  Conservancy 
2007  | 1,088  pages  | 2,645  line  drawings,  4 maps  | Cloth  | $69.95 


TREES  OF  PENNSYLVANIA 

A Complete  Reference  Guide 

Ann  Fowler  Rhoads  and  Timothy  A.  Block 
Illustrations  by  Anna  Anisko 

“An  authoritative  and  accessible  guide." — Journal  of  the  Torrey  Botanical 
Society 

2004  I 416  pages  | 247  color,  521  b/willus.  | Cloth  | $49.95 


UNIVERSITY  OF  PENNSYLVANIA  www.pennpress.org 

PRESS  800-537-5487 


GREEN  SCENE  • may/june  2007 


41 


te^zelem®' 


it’s  easy  to  take  your  garden  to 


"You've  never  seen  a new  collection  of  annuals 
quite  like  this.  Unique  varieties.  Incredible  color. 
Startling  results.  All  the  elements  for  a truly 
successful  garden.  Choose  from  countless 
combinations  of  amazing  annuals,  all  from 
" one  simple  resource:  Garden  Elements.” 


■i/l&foecc (t\ 

Host  of  “Rebecca’s  Garden’ 


Simple  Solutions  for  Garden  Success. 


mygardenelements. 


.com 


AMERICAN  PLANT  FOOD  CO.,  INC. 

(301)  469-7690 

BLOOMERS  HOME  & GARDEN 

(856)  589-0200 

BLUE  MOUNT  NURSERY,  INC. 

(703)  729  6600 

BRU-MAR  NURSERY  & GIFTS 

(410)  990-9898 

BUCKS  COUNTRY  GARDENS,  LTD. 

(215)  766  7800 


CAROUSEL  GARDENS  NURSERY 

(215)  598-0202 

CHAPON'S  GREENHOUSES 

(412)  881-1520 

CORKY'S  GARDEN  PATH 

(570)  586-9563 

DAMBLY'S  GARDEN  CENTER 

(856)  767  6883 

DUNDEE  GARDENS 

(570)  735-5452 


ESBEN SHADE'S  GARDEN  CENTERS 

(717)  626-7000 

GARY'S  GARDEN  MART 

(410)  544-8787 

GLYNDON  GARDENS,  LLC 

(410)  833-2791 

GOOD  EARTH 

(301)  774-2631 

JOHNSON'S  FLORIST  & 

GARDEN  CENTERS 

(301)  946-6704 


MARTIN'S  FLOWERS  & SHRUBS,  INC. 

(724)  379-4684 

MOSTARDI  NURSERY  & 
GREENHOUSE,  INC. 

(610)  356-8035 

PRIMEX  CENTERS,  INC. 

(215)  887-7500 

SHILOH  NURSERIES,  INC. 

(717)  767-6738 


STONY  BRIDGE  LANDSCAPING  4 
GARDEN  CENTER 

(717)  274-3595 

TILLEY'S  NURSERY,  INC. 

(610)  282-4784 


WINTERTHUR 


Photography  by  Russ  Kennedy  and  Jeannette  Lindvig 


^^ednesdays 

at  ^^^lnterthur 


Demonstrations,  Talks 
& Guided  Walks  in  the 
Winterthur  Garden 


vJow  through  October  31,  2007 

1 1:30  am 


Hone  your  gardening  skills  with  Winterthur’s  expert  horticulture 
staff!  Weekly  workshops  include  tips  on  rhododendrons,  garden 
pest  identification,  ferns,  attracting  wildlife  to  your  garden,  hikes 
through  a great  American  garden  in  bloom,  and  so  much  more. 
For  a complete  list  of  topics,  visit  winterthur.org/wednesdays 
or  call  800.448.3883. 


Included  with  admission.  Members  free.  No  Wednesday  programs  in  August. 


Winterthur  Museum  & Country  Estate  is  nestled  in  the 
beautiful  Brandywine  Valley  on  Route  52,  less  than  onep 
hour  south  of  Philadelphia. 


I 


II 


Wealth  can 
make  a 
profound 
difference  on 

the  future. 

/ 


It’s  time  for  PNC  Wealth 
Management. 

First,  you  need  a vision  - 
plan  that  addresses  your 
unique  concerns.  Let  PNC 
serve  your  wealth 
management  needs, 
powered  by  one  of 
America’s  most  trusted 
financial  service  firms. 


©PNC 

WEALTH  MANAGEMENT 


PNC  is  a registered  service  mark  of  The  PNC  Financial  Services  Group,  Inc.  ("PNC").  Investment  management,  wealth  management,  fiduciary  services  and  FDIC-insured 
banking  products  and  services  are  provided  by  the  PNC  subsidiaries,  PNC  Bank,  National  Association  and  PNC  Bank,  Delaware  which  are  Members  FDIC.  PNC  does  not 

provide  legal  tax  or  accounting  advice  Investments:  Not  FDIC  Insured.  No  Bank  Guarantee.  May  Lose  Value 


jWINC 

kkKl 


\ SPRING 

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JULY  /AUGUST  2007  • $5.00 


W CITY  PARKS 


sterious 


Garden 


THE  PENNSYLVANIA  HORTICULTURAL  SOCIETY 


1979  - 2007 
Twenty-eight  Years . . . 
and  the  Vision  Continues . . . 


Cathedral 

Village 


Photo  shows  residents’  six-hole 
putting  green  surrounded  by 
this  comfortable  pergola,  a 
rock  waterfall,  and  butterfly 
garden.  The  state-of-the-art 
greenhouse  is  the  center  for 
personal  and  group  horticul- 
tural activities,  seminars  and 
classes. 


600  East  Cathedral  Road 
Philadelphia,  PA  19128 
(215)  984-8622 
www.cathedralvillage.com 


Cathedral  Village  still  offers  the  traditional  CCRC  contract,  the 
most  extensive  available  in  the  retirement  industry.  It  provides  a 
Value  to  our  residents  in  quantity  and  quality  of  services  received 
that  is  unparalleled  and  ...  it  covers  more  today  than  it  did  28  years  ago. 

Years  of  Innovative  planning  by  the  Board  of  Directors  and 
Management  have  resulted  in  an  outstanding  array  of  services  and 
quality  of  care.  This  includes  12-hour  a day  Dining  Services, 
24-hour  Outpatient  Services  including  weekends  and  holidays, 
free  medical  transportation,  unlimited  days  of  Nursing  Care, 
Health  Club  fitness  and  exercise  programs.  Horticultural  activities 
and  workshops,  Village  College  classes,  and  Art  and  Music  pro- 
grams. All  have  resulted  in  unusually  high  Resident  Satisfaction. 

The  Vision  of  Cathedral  Village  continues.  It  is  an  on-going 
process  that  accommodates  changes  in  cultural  trends  and  in 
residents'  lifestyles. 


We  invite  you  to  visit,  question,  and  compare! 
Come  in  Monday  through  Friday  between  9 and  3. 
Appointments  are  necessary  on  weekends. 


A Nonprofit,  Nondenominational  CCRC  • Accredited  Since  1983 
Affiliated  With  the  Jefferson  Health  System 


Editor 

Pete  Prown 

Associate  Editor 

Jane  Carroll 

Assistant  Editor 

Daniel  Moise 


Advertising  Coordinator 

Joe  Soprani 

Art  Design 

Baxendells’  Graphic 


Printer 

ALCOM  Printing  Group,  Inc. 


The  Pennsylvania 
Horticultural  Society 


10 


A Backyard  Bog 

If  you’re  looking  to  add  excitement  to 
your  garden,  transform  a portion  of  your 
property  into  a bog  garden.  Joe 
Henderson  describes  some  eccentric  and 
exotic  plants,  including  carnivorous 
species  that  are  guaranteed  to  intrigue 
your  horticultural  palette. 


F 


EATURES 


Web  Site 

www.pennsylvaniahorticulturalsociety.org 


100  N.  20th  St. 
Philadelphia,  PA  19103-1495 
215-988-8800 


Chair 

Harry  E.  Hill 


22 


26 


Birds  and  Boxes 

Tucked  away  on  a quiet  street  in 
Northwoods,  PA,  is  the  property  of 
Howard  and  D-J  Brosius.  Daniel  Moise 
showcases  the  couple’s  inventive  garden 
accessories,  including  raised  planters  and 
“living”  birdhouses  that  make  this  back- 
yard garden  one-of-a-kind. 


Edible  and  Beautiful 

Sure  they  taste  good,  but  vegetables  have 
ornamental  merits  as  well.  Learn  how 
sweet  potatoes,  kale,  and  Swiss  chard  can 
give  gardens  newfound  flair,  as  Eric  Hsu 
reveals  his  recipe  for  success. 


President 

Jane  G.  Pepper 


Executive  Vice  President 

J.  Blaine  Bonham,  Jr. 


PHS  Membership  Information 

Linda  Davis,  215-988-8776 


Display  Ads 

Manzo  Communications,  LLC 


610-527-7047  manzocomm@aoi.com 


16  Spider  Sense 

Daylilies  are  divine,  but  why  not  spice 
up  your  garden  with  daring  “spider” 
varieties?  As  author  Jessie  Keith  tells  us, 
these  long-petaled  flowers  offer  great  col- 
ors, shapes,  and  even  an  air  of  mystery. 


COLUMNS 

6 The  Potting  Shed 
32  Botanical  Bouquets 


Classified  Ads 

Joe  Soprani,  215-988-8809 
gsadsQpennhort.  org 

Ask  A Gardener  Phone  Line 

215-988-8777,  Monday  through  Friday, 
9:30  to  12  [closed  in  December] 


Parallel  Designs 

34  Show  Plants 

Spotlight  on  Hardy  Plants 

38  The  Backyard 

A Riverside  Ramble 


The  Pennsylvania  Horticultural  Society  motivates  people  to 
improve  the  quality  of  life  and  create  a sense  of  community 
through  horticulture. 


Main  cover  photo  by  Rob  Cardillo 
PRINTED  ON  RECYCLED  PAPER 


askagardener@pennhort.  org 


GREEN  SCENE  (USPS  955580), 

Volume  35,  No.4,  is  published  bi-monthly 
(January,  March,  May,  July,  September,  November) 
by  The  Pennsylvania  Horticultural 
Society,  a non-profit  member  organization  at 
100  N.  20th  St.,  Philadelphia,  PA  19103-1495. 
Single  Copy:  $5.00  (plus  $2.00  shipping). 
Second-class  postage  paid  at 
Philadelphia,  PA  19103. 

POSTMASTER:  Send  address  change  to  GREEN 
SCENE,  100  N.  20th  St.,  Philadelphia,  PA  19103. 
© Pennsylvania  Horticultural  Society,  2007 


GREEN  SCENE  subscriptions  are  part 
of  the  membership  benefits  for: 

Frelinghuysen  Arboretum,  Morristown,  NJ 
Horticultural  Society  of  New  York 
Phipps  Conservatory,  Inc.,  Pittsburgh,  PA 
Staten  Island  Botanical  Garden,  Inc,  New  York 


-rom  Park  to  Park 


I 

I 


Every  year,  PHS’s  Philadelphia  Green 
program  sponsors  a wonderful  citywide 
event  called  Spring  into  Your  Park. 
This  day  brings  together  hundreds  of  volunteers  in 
62  parks  across  the  city  to  revitalize  their  neighbor- 
hood parks.  The  cleanup  was  held  on  April  21st, 
and  the  weather  was  perfect — a far  cry  from  last 
year’s  rainy  deluge. 

Philadelphia  Mayor  John  Street  made  an  appear- 
ance in  Nicetown  Park  and  noted,  “My  fourth 
grandchild  was  just  born  and  it  made  me  think, 
‘What  kind  of  world  are  we  going  to  leave  for  him?’ 
So  we  need  to  do  the  right  thing  today.  Our  goal  is 
not  just  to  clean  up  this  park,  but  to  educate  anoth- 
er generation  of  children  at  the  same  time.” 

For  me.  Spring  into  Your  Park  is  a chance  to  get 
out  from  behind  my  desk  and  spend  time  touring 
Philadelphia  with  my  camera.  That  day,  I stopped 
at  several  West  Philadelphia  parks  (Conshohocken- 
Windemere,  Carroll,  Cedar,  Muhammed,  and 
Morris),  capturing  enthusiastic  volunteers  planting 
trees  and  annual  flowers,  picking  up  litter,  and  hav- 


ing a great  time  engaging  with  their  community. 
But  instead  of  writing  about  my  experiences,  I 
thought  I’d  let  my  camera  do  the  talking.  Here  are 
a few  snapshots  from  this  inspiring  event. 

email:  greenscene@pennhort.org 


4 


GREEN  SCENE  • july/august  2007 


This  is  tke  generation  your  legacy  Legins 

We  know  you  want  your  family  to  inherit  more  than  just  your  wealth.  You  want 
to  preserve  a way  of  life,  so  your  grandchildren  can  have  the  same  joys 
and  opportunities  you  had.  For  half  a century,  we  have  focused  specifically  on 
helping  exceptional  families  protect  and  grow  the  wealth  they  worked  to  build. 
We  would  be  pleased  to  put  this  experience  to  work  for  you. 

Glenmede 


1 -866-445-3663 


WWW.GLENMEDE.CDM 


Left:  A restored  1940  playhouse  by  the  bay 


A quick  fix  for  sandy  soil  is  to  take  cheap 
bags  of  potting  soil  and  add  composted  veg- 
etable scraps,  eelgrass,  and  2 cups  of  Espoma’s 
Plant-Tone  to  each  bag.  Another  is  a spring 
“tonic”  at  planting  time  consisting  of  4 cups 
soy  meal,  2 cups  blood  meal  (nitrogen),  3 
cups  bone  meal  (phosphorus),  2 cups  kelp 
meal,  and  4 cups  green  sand  (potassium). 
This  mixture  decomposes  slowly  and  does 
not  deposit  excessive  amounts  of  nitrogen  in 
the  water. 

Sandy  seashore  soils  usually  tend  to  be  slight- 
ly alkaline.  However,  Japanese  pines  growing  all 
around  continually  blow  acidic  needles  into  our 


6 i GREEN  SCENE  • july/august  2007 


ardening  in 
shore  loca- 


From 

SAND 

»SOIL 

Improving 
Growing  Conditions 
in  Shore 
Gardens 


By  Gretchen  F.  Coyle 


tions  requires 
special  attention  to  the  soil 
because,  in  general,  there’s 
very  little  of  it.  Instead, 
gardeners  are  faced  with 
fast-draining,  nutrient- 
poor  sand  by  the  bucket- 
ful. When  visitors  ask 
about  our  bay-front  prop- 
erty and  garden  in  New 
Jersey,  I smile  and  say, 
“Here,  there  is  only 
sand — our  soil  must  be 
made."  As  such,  secret 
recipes  for  good  soil  in 
coastal  areas  are  as  varied  as 
the  gardeners  themselves. 

On  a sandy  peninsula 
in  Beach  Haven  23  years 
ago,  we  dumped  nearly  3 
feet  of  commercial  topsoil 
into  raised  beds  for  grow- 
ing vegetables  and  non- 
native flowers.  Lacking  in 
nutrients,  the  soil  did  not 
hold  water,  which  imme- 
diately leached  through 
the  sand.  So  we  imported 
a few  truckloads  of  mush- 
room soil  and  mixed  it  in  for  “body.”  Within 
a few  weeks  our  beds  changed  color,  and 
earthworms  protruded  from  every  shovelful. 

Seashore  gardeners  have  to  find  creative 
ways  to  enrich  the  soil,  continually  adding 
natural  ingredients.  A “beach  mixture”  wash- 
es up  on  our  bay  beach,  consisting  of  eel 
grass,  seaweed,  reeds,  dead  crabs,  and  fish  car- 
casses. Used  as  mulch,  it  protects  seedlings 
from  strong  wind,  retains  moisture,  and  pro- 
tects clematis  roots  from  the  strong  sun.  It 
takes  about  two  years,  however,  for  this  mix- 
ture to  fully  break  down. 

Grass  clippings  from  non-chemically  treat- 
ed lawns  are  another  welcome  addition,  as  are 
leaves  from  the  mainland,  which  are  mixed  in 
and  left  to  decay,  forming  a rich  humus.  Farm 
manure  has  been  used  sparingly. 

Our  spring  ritual  is  adding  “beach  mix- 
ture” and  lime.  Friends  tie  up  plastic  bags  of 
leaves  and  leave  them  to  warm  on  the  ground, 
producing  soil  faster  than  compost.  We  use 
salt  hay,  regular  hay,  peat  moss,  pine  needles, 
and  coffee  grounds. 


raised  beds.  Lacking  the  patience  to  conduct 
yearly  soil  tests,  we  live  by  the  “bird  rule”:  if 
birds  pull  out  large  earthworms  and  scatter 
mulch  all  over,  the  soil  is  good. 

Most  seashore  gardeners  are  also  concerned 
about  the  environment,  especially  about 
water  quality,  so  we  try  to  avoid  using  chem- 
icals that  might  run  off  gardens  and  pollute 
the  water.  Natural  ingredients  are  abundant 
on  the  beaches,  so  we  happily  fill  trash  cans 
with  whatever  washes  ashore. 

Seashore  soil  needs  yearly  care  and  upgrad- 
ing, but  with  a little  extra  effort,  coastal  gar- 
deners can  experience  the  beauty  of  the  bay 
and  ocean — and  beauti- 
ful gardens,  too! 


Gretchen  F.  Coyle 
gardens  in  Beach 
Haven,  NJ,  and 
has  contributed  to 
Green  Scene 
since  1995. 


Left:  Gardening  in 
raised  beds  at 
the  shore 

Below:  Our  backyard 
protected  from 
the  salt  air  and  wind 


Heat-Loving  SunPatiens 

By  Jo  Ann  Gardner 


What  are  we  to  think  of  an 
oversized  impatien  that 
grows  best  in  sun  and  sulks 
in  shade?  When  we  add  a preference  for 
extreme  heat  and  humidity  to  its  profile,  we 
know  we  are  in  the  presence  of  an  extraor- 
dinary new  garden  plant. 

SunPatiens  are  the  result  of  painstaking 
work  by  plant  breeders  at  Sakata  Seed  to 
produce  a flowering  plant  that  would  stand 
up  to  Japan’s  hot,  humid  summers— hotter 
even  than  Florida’s. 

A cross  between  New  Guinea  impatiens 
and  a wild  species,  SunPatiens  have  more 
vigor  than  either  parent.  Growing  1 8 to  30 
inches  tall,  they  are  shrubby  with  glossy, 
sharply  pointed  green  leaves.  But 
flowers — an  abundance  of  them  all  summer 
without  interruption — are  what  SunPatiens 
are  all  about.  The  first  colors,  introduced  in 
2006,  were  mostly  hot:  ‘Tropical  Mango’ 
(red),  Tropical  Punch’  (magenta),  and 
‘Tropical  Orange’  (bright  orange).  Tropical 
Ice'  is  a clean  white;  its  flowers  are  out- 
standing against  arching,  dark  green  foliage. 

Gentler  colors  have  been  introduced  this 
year:  ‘Vigorous  Lavender’  (soft  lavender)  and 
‘Spreading  Salmon  Variegated’  (light 
salmon),  which  has  the  bonus  of  chartreuse- 
and-green  variegated  foliage  and  a more 
compact  habit  suitable  for  a hanging  basket. 

Sold  only  through  Home  Depot  stores, 
SunPatiens  can  be  grown  as  annuals  in  all 
but  the  hottest  regions  of  the  country 
(mature  plants  survive  light  frosts).  Site 
plants  where  they  receive  morning  or  after- 
noon sun,  or  sun  all  day.  A little  too  much 


shade  and  they  will  stretch,  so  it’s  better  to 
err  on  the  sunny  side.  Mulch  and  potassium- 
based  water  crystals,  or  Zeba,  a cornstarch- 
based  product,  will  help  maintain  soil  mois- 
ture and  reduce  the  need  for  watering. 

In  the  ground,  use  SunPatiens  as  a focal 
point  among  other  sun  and  heat  lovers  such 
as  marigolds,  petunias,  portulacas,  and  zin- 
nias. Or  grow  them  as  a striking  hedge  along 
a sunny  path.  SunPatiens  offer  many  design 
possibilities  for  container  gardens,  where 
plants  of  different  heights,  forms,  textures, 
and  colors  are  put  together  as  if  they  were 
growing  in  beds  or  borders.  Before  the  first 
hard  frost,  pot  up  a few  to  winter  over  on  the 
windowsill.  SunPatiens  thrive  indoors. 

Yet  no  matter  how  temperatures  soar  or 
humid  conditions  prevail,  these  heat-lovers 
keep  on  producing  a massed  display  of 
blooms.  In  return  they  ask  to  be  watered 
regularly  (SunPatiens 
are  not  as  demanding 
as  New  Guinea 
impatiens  in  this 
regard),  pruned 
only  when  needed 
for  shapeliness,  and 
given  a light  application  of 
all-purpose  fertilizer  once  a 
season.  These  are  modest 
requests  for  such  a dazzling 
summer  flower.  ^ 


Jo  Ann  Gardner  also  wrote  the  article  on 
new  petunia  varieties  in  the  May  issue. 


GREEN  SCENE  • july/august  2007 


7 


Enter  the  2007 

GREEN  * 


Enter  the  Green  Scene 
“Garden  Photo  Contest” 
and  win  this  Nikon  Coolpix  L10 
digital  camera,  provided  by 
Ritz  Camera. 


% 


V.  nTLAOCLTHIvCiHA 

'<  rBtLiDcrrauni^onKin 
mi  loonuon  run 


We  want  to  see  your  best  Garden  shots,  Flower  close-ups,  and  other  Nature  and  Landscape  shots!  The  contest’s  judges — all 
professional  photographers  and  gardeners  from  the  Delaware  Valley— will  be  looking  for  knock-out  images  that  capture  the 
essence  of  gardening  and  the  beauty  of  nature.  Winning  photos  will  be  published  in  the  January/February  2008  issue  of  Green 
Scene  magazine  and  on  the  PHS  website. 

Photos  can  be  shot  in  any  format,  but  must  be  submitted  as  4 x 6 or  5 x 7-inch  prints  with  your  name  and  phone/email 
address  on  the  back.  No  submissions  by  email  or  on  CD  will  be  accepted.  The  deadline  for  entries  is  September  15,  2007. 


For  more  information,  please  visit  the  PPIS  website  at 

www.pennsylvaniahorticulturalsociety.org  or  email  greenscene@pennhort.org  with  questions. 

SEE  PAGE  37  FOR  CONTEST  RULES!  A 

— 

ENTRY  FORM  (please  fill  out  completely) 


Name: 


Address: 

City: State: Zip:  

Phone: Email: 

ENTRY  FEES 

Amount  (check  one): 

1 photo  ($15)  □ 2-5  photos  ($25)  □ 6-10  photos  ($40)  □ 

Payment  option:  Check  □ (payable  to  PHS)  Credit  Card  □ Credit  card  type:  Visa  □ MasterCard  □ AmEx  □ 

Card  number: Card  expiration  date:  


Please  mail  your  entries  to:  GREEN  SCENE  GARDEN  PHOTO  CONTEST,  The  Pennsylvania  Horticultural  Society,  100  N.  20th 

Street,  Philadelphia,  PA  19103-1495 


The  contest  is  open  to  photographers  18  years  and  older.  To  be  eligible,  all  mailed-in  entries  must  be  postmarked  on  or  before  September  15,  2007. 


Warranty  and  Permission 

By  sending  this  photograph(s)  to  the  Pennsylvania  Horticultural  Society’s  Green  Scene  Garden  Photo  Contest,  I warrant  that  I am  the 
sole  author  of  this  photo(s).  I grant  the  Pennsylvania  Horticultural  Society  the  right  to  publish  this  photo  in  its  publications  and  elec- 
tronic newsletters;  on  its  website;  and  in  collateral  publications,  including,  but  not  limited  to,  promotional  materials.  I understand  that 

beyond  granting  PHS  these  rights,  I retain  all  other  rights  to  this  photograph. 


Printed  Name 


Signature 


Find  Big  Daddy  and 
Lemon  Daddy™  at 
These  Fine  Independent 
Garden  Centers: 

Brock  Farms 

4189  Route  9 
Freehold,  NJ  07728 
732-308-0498 

DiSabatino  Landscaping 

471  B & O Lane 
Wilmington,  DE  19804 
302-764-0408 

Distinctive  Gardens  LLC 

1531  Telegraph  Road  Marshallton 
West  Chester,  PA  19380 
610-436-4511 

The  Farm  at  Green  Village 

403  Green  Village  Road 
Green  Village,  NJ  07935 
973-377-8703 

Gateway  Garden  Center 

7277  Lancaster  Pike 
Hockessin,  DE  19707 
302-239-2727 

J.  Franklin  Styer  Nurseries 

914  Baltimore  Pike 
Concord,  PA  19331 
610-459-2400 

Waterloo  Gardens 

200  N.  Whitford  Road 
Exton,  PA  19341 
610-363-0800 

Waterloo  Gardens 

1 36  Lancaster  Avenue 
Devon , PA  19333 
610-293-0800 

For  a List  of  All  Participating 
Plants  that  Work®  Garden 
Centers  Near  You,  Visit: 

www.plantsthatwork.com 


Big  Daddy  Hydrangea  Lemon  Daddy™  Hydrangea 

When  it  Comes  to  the  Garden 
Father  Grows  Best 

Always  pay  attention  to  Daddy.  Especially  when 
it  comes  to  the  robust  garden  performance  of  Big 
Daddy  Hydrangea  and  Lemon  Daddy™  Hydrangea 
from  Novalis®  Plants  that  Work®. 

Reliable  even  in  the  heat  and  humidity  of  the 
South,  these  hydrangeas  make  handsome  additions  to  any 
garden  with  sturdy  branches  and  thick  shiny  leaves.  Once 
established,  they  need  no  special  care. 

With  his  amazing  good  looks,  Big  Daddy  sports 
gigantic  12-14”  flowerheads,  blooming  pink  in 
alkaline  soil  and  blue  in  acidic  soil. 

Lemon  Daddy™,  a brand  new  plant  introduction  for 
spring  2007,  provides  a shocking  contrast  in  your  shade 
garden  with  glowing  lemon-yellow  foliage.  And  he’s  a real 


show-off  with  the  same  huge  flowers  as  Big  Daddy. 


So  keep  it  all  in  the  family  this  spring.  Take 
your  Daddy  home  from  fine  independent 
garden  centers  everywhere. 


4 


* 


V c X, 


v 


ANOVAtlS 


Where  Color  Comes  to  Life 


For  a complete  list  of  participating  independent  garden  centers  close  to  you,  visit 

www.nlantsthatwork.com 


Story  by 
Joe  Henderson 


Photography  by  Rob  Cardillo 


Spiranthes  cernua  var.  adorata 


mj 

M 

r 

BEAUTIFUL 

BOG 


GARDENS 

My  love  of  bog  and  water-loving  plants  began  when 
I was  young.  My  parents  were  avid  gardeners  who 
wanted  a farmstead  but  ended  up  with  a house  full 
of  children.  Nevertheless,  they  instilled  a life-long  interest  in 
horticulture  in  all  of  us  Henderson  kids. 

Grueling  outings  were  mandatory.  On  one  occasion,  my 
brothers  came  back  from  the  Pine  Barrens  of  New  Jersey  with 
great  tales  of  the  ‘pygmy  forest”  and  carnivorous  pitcher  plants 
growing  amid  thick  sphagnum  moss  that  could  swallow  me 
whole.  I was  entranced. 

A CHILD  IN  THE  BOG 

Despite  growing  up  in  urban  Wilmington,  Delaware,  images  of  that 
New  Jersey  swamp  stayed  with  me.  I imagined  screaming  insects  being 
plucked  from  the  air  by  adept  hunters,  dare  I say,  on  the  fly.  I fantasized 
wild  scenes  of  wanton  destruction  with  carnivorous  plants  waging  war 
against  insidious  mosquitoes,  yellow  jackets,  deer  flies,  and  other  blood- 
thirsty vermin.  When  time  permitted,  my  family  took  me  to  see  bog 
plants  in  the  wild,  and,  though  it  was  not  as  fraught  with  fantastical  may- 
hem as  I had  imagined,  1 was  infatuated  with  the  wet,  sloshy  landscape 
of  the  Pine  Barrens. 

To  my  child’s  mind,  it  was  akin  to  a lost,  prehistoric  land:  bracken  and 
dense  scrub  on  the  forest  floor  and  dwarfish-looking  pine  and  oak  trees 
overhead.  On  family  hikes,  we  would  come  upon  tannin-stained  water, 
deep  cinnamon  in  color,  where  tributaries  splayed  out  to  meet  the  river. 
There  I first  found  my  love — the  pitcher  plant.  Its  modified,  deep  bur- 
gundy leaves  were  standing  at  attention,  looking  eerily  like  insatiable 
gaping  mouths  waiting  to  be  fed.  That  was  enough  for  me. 


GREEN  SCENE  • july/august  2007  11 


RESOURCES 


Lilypons 

www.  lilypons.  com 
800-999-5459 

Meadowbrook  Farm 

www.gotomeadowbrook.com 

215-887-5900 

Plant  Ideas 

www.plantideas.com/bog/ 

Van  Ness  Water  Gardens 

www.vnwg.com 

800-205-2425 


Left:  A pitcher  plant  in  a 
container  with  moss 

Below:  Springtime  blooms  of 
pitcher  plants  brighten  this 
small,  home-made  bog  garden 
lined  with  native  rocks. 

Right:  Sarracenia 
‘Judith  Hindle’ 


Pitcher  plants  and  other  bog  plants,  of 
which  there  are  many,  grow  in  special 
places  with  other  special  plants.  In  the  Pine 
Barrens  youll  find  purple  pitcher  plant 
( Sarracenia  purpurea),  sundew  ( Drosera 
sp.),  bladderworts  (Utricularia  sp.),  sphag- 
num mosses,  orchids  ( Pogonia  ophioglos- 
soides  and  Cypripedium  sp.),  cranberry 
( Vaccinium  macrocarpon ),  and  blueberry 
( Vaccinum  corymbosuni).  Listening  to  all 
the  names  makes  you  feel  kind  of  dizzy 
with  anticipation. 

BOG  IN  A POT 

Recreating  a slice  of  this  environment  on 
your  own  property  is  surprisingly  easy.  If 
you  are  more  ambitious,  think  of  creating 
an  entire  garden  that  calls  to  mind  your 
idea  of  a primeval  bog,  complete  with  all 
the  accoutrements — stumps,  ferns,  mosses, 
pitchers,  and  reflective  water.  Voila! 

The  first  step  in  developing  a bog  is  to  do 
a bit  of  research.  The  first  question  is  how 
big  can  I make  id  Working  at  Chanticleer 
in  Wayne,  PA,  I have  had  the  good  fortune 
to  plant  a rather  large  bog  garden:  60  feet 
by  30  feet.  Having  a large  area  allows  room 
for  many  challenging  and  fantastic  plants 
that  highlight  and  accent  the  pitcher 
plants. 

For  home  gardeners,  I suggest  starting 
out  small. 

For  starters,  a shallow  pot  about  1 8 to  24 
inches  across  will  do  nicely.  Create  a list  of 
favorite  plants  that  might  like  this  environ- 
ment. My  list  starts  with  pitcher  plants, 
botanically  known  as  Sarracenia,  named  by 
an  early  plant  explorer  after  Dr.  Sarrazin,  a 
noted  French-Canadian  physician.  There 
are  many  species  as  well  as  cultivated  forms 
of  Sarracenia. 

Another  New  Jersey  favorite  is  American 
cranberry  (or  craneberry,  so  called  because 
the  flower  looks  like  a crane’s  head).  It  has 
fine,  dark  green  foliage  that  turns  a deep 
burgundy  color  in  the  fall  and  wiry,  run- 
ning stems.  It  makes  a nice  contrast  to  the 
coarse  leaves  of  Sarracenia.  When  pollinat- 


GREEN  SCENE  • july/august  2007 


13 


J 


ed,  its  small  white  flowers  give  rise  to 
the  familiar  fruit.  Another  easy  and 
very  satisfying  plant  is  ladies’  tresses 
(Spiranthes  cernua  var.  odorata ),  of  which 
a good  cultivar  is  Spiranthes  ‘Chadds 
Ford’.  Patrol  for  excessive  growth  with 
the  cranberry  and  Spiranthes , as  they  can 
be  a bit  rambunctious. 

THE  PERFECT  PEAT 

The  next  step  is  to  gather  your  grow- 
ing medium.  Bog  plants  like  moist 
roots,  so  the  potting  mixture  must  never 
dry  out.  In  the  wild,  Sarracenia  grows  on 
hummocks  of  moss  and  roots,  with  the 
crown  of  the  plant  above  the  water,  not 
in  the  water.  In  the  Pine  Barrens,  the 
water  table  is  quite  high,  which  keeps 
low-lying  parts  of  the  barrens  wet.  These 
are  the  conditions  in  which  bog  plants 
thrive — wet,  acidic,  sandy  soils  with  a 
good  amount  of  organic  material. 

The  growing  medium  should  have  a 
mix  of  peat  moss  and  sand.  A ratio  of  2 
parts  peat  to  3 parts  sand  is  ideal.  Use 
builders’  sand  as  it  is  coarser  than  other 


AND 


RAILS 


ARBORS  ■ Vv 
TRELLISES  A 


GATES  frj 


ARCHWAYS 


OBELISKS 


TOWERS 


PAVILIONS 


PERGOLAS 


BENCHES 


FENCES 


SELECT  FROM  OUR  POPULAR  LINE 


OF  PRODUCTS  OR  LET  US 


CUSTOM  DESIGN/BUILD  TO 


YOUR  SPECIFIC  NEEDS. 


The_j  Painted  Garden^,  Inc. 

(215)  884-7378 
WWW.THEPAINTEDGARDENINC.COM 
304  EDGE  HILL  ROAD,  GLENSIDE,  PA  19038 
SHOWROOM  BY  APPOINTMENT 


types.  Place  a tray  of  water  underneath 
your  bog  container  to  keep  the  mix 
moist  but  not  sodden.  The  tray  should 
be  deep,  rising  to  a third  of  the  way  up 
the  side  of  the  pot.  Alternatively,  put  a 
liner  in  the  bottom  of  the  pot  to  hold 
in  the  water,  keeping  the  water  level 
approximately  2 inches  from  the  rim  of 
the  planter. 

My  friend  Carol  Lim,  who  has  sever- 
al container  bogs,  suggests  adding  a 
few  handfuls  of  charcoal  in  the  bottom 
of  the  container.  Protect  the  plants 
from  winter  extremes  and  place  in  full 
sun  during  the  growing  season. 

DO  YOU  WATER 
BOG  PLANTS? 

Yes,  indeed  you  do!  For  watering, 
Carol  uses  a tonic  of  oak  leaves  steeped 
in  rain  water  until  the  water  turns  dark, 
but  not  foul.  Tap  water  can  be  alkaline 
and  full  of  minerals,  but  if  you  fear 
mosquitoes  breeding  in  your  rain  bar- 
rel, let  tap  water  sit  a day  or  two  to  let 
chlorine  dissipate.  If  you  can  get  it,  live 
sphagnum  moss  is  a good  indicator  of 
the  conditions  in  your  bog.  If  it  lives, 
conditions  are  good;  if  not,  well,  there’s 
your  answer.  Dried,  long-fiber  sphag- 
num is  a good  substitute.  You  can  use 
it  to  top  dress  and  if  conditions  are 
right,  it  may  sprout  from  dormant 
spores. 

For  me,  bogs  conjure  all  sorts  of  asso- 
ciations and  emotions,  from  my  earliest 
childhood  memories  of  fantastic  land- 
scapes to  the  intrigue  of  their  singular 
growing  environment.  Bogs  are  also  a 
very  special  community  of  plants.  I 
hope  that  by  helping  gardeners  under- 
stand the  needs  and  requirements  of 
mini  bogs,  I’ll  also  help  them  under- 
stand the  larger  picture  of  the  rare  plant 
communities  that  grow  around  us.  'A*' 


Joe  Henderson  is  a horticulturist  and 
gardener  at  Chanticleer  in  Wayne,  PA 
(www.  chan  ticleergarden.  org) . 

Photos  taken  at  Aquascapes 
Unlimited,  Bedminster  Organics,  Culp 
garden,  and  the  Mt.  Cuba  Center. 


14 


GREEN  SCENE  • july/august  2007 


WINTERTHUR 


Gardenfair 


Save  the  date!  September  14-16,  2007 


A spectacular  autumn  sale  featuring  everything  from  one-of-a-kind  selections  of  unique  plants  to 
antiques,  expert  gardening  information,  celebrity  lecturers,  demonstrations,  entertainment,  and  more. 
This  event  benefits  educational  programming  at  Winterthur. 


WINTERTHUR 

MUSEUM  & COUNTRY  ESTATE 

Located  in  Delaware’s  beautiful  Brandywine  Valley  on  Route  52,  less  than  an  hour  south  of  Philadelphia. 


For  more  information,  please  visit  winterthur.org  or  call  800.448.3883. 


SuDernatura 


With  over  40,000  registered 
daylilies,  the  genus  Hemerocallis 
is  a veritable  cornucopia  of 
cultivars.  So,  why  not  reach  beyond  the 
confines  of  ditch  lilies  ( Hemerocallis 
fulva ),  lemon  lilies  ( Hemerocallis  lilioas- 
phodelus),  and  the  ubiquitous,  ever- 
blooming  ‘Stella  D'oro?  There  are  plenty 
of  unusual  forms  and  variants  of 
Hemerocallis  that  break  the  mold.  Some 
flowers  are  circular  in  circumference,  star- 
like,  or  triangular  in  shape,  but  for  me, 
the  creme  de  la  creme  of  visual  elegance 
and  beauty  are  spider  daylilies. 

AMAZING 

ARACHNID-LIKE 

ANGIOSPERMS 

Spider  daylilies  have  an  almost  ethereal 
floral  form.  Their  flowers  are  divinely 
sinewy  because  their  petals  are  four  to  five 
times  as  long  as  they  are  wide  (from  the 
widest  point  on  the  petal).  They  look  like 
they’ve  been  worked  through  a taffy  pull. 
Some  cultivars  have  the  added  appeal  of 
petals  that  recurve  back,  curl,  or  cascade 
down  into  flirtatious  curlicues.  Two  beau- 
ties with  curled  tips  are  the  golden  yellow 
‘Dancing  in  the  Sunlight’ — a new  intro- 
duction from  Lancaster,  Pennsylvania, 
hybridizer  Don  Herr — and  the  award- 
winning ‘Yabba  Dabba  Doo’,  which  has 
lightly  curled  petal  tips,  a chartreuse-yel- 
low throat,  and  medium-purple  petals. 


Some  spider  cultivars  fit  the  visual 
ideal  more  than  others.  Lean,  linear,  rib- 
bon-like  petals  are  the  most  stylish, 
while  wider  petals  give  flowers  a heavier 
appearance  comparable  to  the  difference 
between  a graceful  garden  spider  and  the 
goliath  tarantula.  ‘Kindly  Light’,  an  old- 
fashioned  lemon-yellow  spider  with  9- 
inch  blooms,  has  the  most  classically 
lithe  spider  form.  The  rich  scarlet  and 
gold  ‘Scarlett’s  Web’  and  spring  green 
and  pale  lavender  ‘Skinwalker’  are  also 
svelte  selections. 

Size  matters  with  these  flowers,  and 
bigger  blossoms  are  certainly  more 
arresting.  Many  gardeners  enjoy  the 
creamy  lavender,  burgundy,  and  butter- 
cup yellow  of  ‘Tennessee  Flycatcher', 
whose  flowers  can  span  10  inches  or 
more.  ‘Pink  Super  Spider'  is  also  a mon- 
strous 10  inches  across  and  has  wide 
pink  petals  and  a creamy  green  throat. 
Believe  me,  when  these  colossal  flowers 
make  their  garden  debut,  your  friends 
will  want  them,  too.  One  flower  will 
make  any  vase  shine  for  a day.  Talk  about 
impressive! 

Spider  colors  cover  the  full  daylily 
palette  of  burgundies,  yellows,  oranges, 
reds,  pinks  and  purples,  with  petals  and 
throats  displaying  various  bi-colored  pat- 
terns. Theoretically,  any  funky  color 
combination  can  arise  if  you  get  the 
genetics  right.  One  of  the  more  uncom- 
mon color  variants  is  ‘Grey  Witch  , 


16 


GREEN  SCENE  • july/august  2007 


Top  left: 

‘Grey  Witch’ 

Top  right:  Unnamed  spider  lily 
among  other  variants 

Left: 

‘Scarlett’s  Web’ 

Bottom  left: 

‘Dancing  in  the  Sunlight’ 

Bottom  right: 

‘Summer  Fireworks’ 


which  has  petals  of  cool  lavender,  a dark 
purple  eye  and  yellow-green  rhroat.  The 
curious  color  of  the  super-skinny  8 1/2- 
inch  ‘Skinwalker’  also  represents  a stark 
change  from  the  norm.  Technically  its 
petals  are  creamy  bright  green  and  pale 
lavender,  but  they  also  have  plenty  of 
peachy  skin  tones. 

BLOOM  TIME 

Hemerocallis  can  bloom  in  early  to  late 
summer  depending  on  the  cultivar,  so 
one  can  design  a plan  with  spiders 
blooming  throughout  much  of  the  sea- 
son. For  example,  in  our  area  the  tanger- 
ine ‘Orangeman’  can  bloom  as  early  as 
late  May,  while  the  orange  and  red 
‘Stoplight  flowers  into  late  summer. 
Remontant  (re-blooming)  varieties  like 
the  pale  pink  and  yellow  ‘Ouachita 
Beauty’  and  dark  red  ‘Aabachee’  are  also 
available  and  worth  seeking  out. 

If  buying  for  continued  floral  display, 
look  for  cultivars  that  bloom  heavily. 
These  make  the  season  extra  bright. 
Vigorous  selections  like  the  prolific 
crimson  and  yellow  ‘Summer  Fireworks’, 
another  Don  Herr  hybrid,  have  masses 
of  blooms  and  extended  bloom  times. 

AWARD  WINNERS 

Since  1989  the  American 
Hemerocallis  Society  has  honored  a sin- 
gle registered  spider  daylily  with  a special 
award  called  the  Harris  Olson  Spider 
Award.  Winners  are  trialed  and  voted 
upon  by  a large  panel  of  judges,  so  only 
the  best  of  the  best  win.  Plants  are 
judged  on  floral  form,  color,  vigor,  and 
floriferousness,  among  other  criteria. 
The  2006  winner  (the  most  recent)  is 
‘Holly  Dancer’,  which  has  rich  crimson 
flowers  with  a green  throat. 

SPIDER  IMPERSONATORS 

Many  spider-like  daylilies  are  catego- 
rized as  “unusual  forms  rather  than  spi- 
ders because  their  petal  length  does  not 
quite  make  the  cut,  and  they  have  strik- 
ing petal  abnormalities  like  cascading 
curls  and  quill-like  petals.  Two  outstand- 
ing unusual  forms  are  ‘Thin  Man’,  with 
bold  red  and  yellow  flowers  that  are  both 


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curled  and  slightly  pinched,  and  ‘Desert 
Icicle’,  which  has  refreshing  curly  petals  of 
lemon  cream  and  mint.  The  giant,  13-inch 
spider-like  blooms  of  ‘Webster’s  Pink 
Wonder’  are  also  highly  garden  worthy  for 
their  luscious  pink  lemonade  color  and 
grand  size. 

New  and  unusual  spider  daylilies  can  be 
very  costly  because  they  tend  to  be  bred  by 
select  nurseries  and  propagated  in  small 
quantities,  but  not  all  will  break  the  bank. 
Cultivars  that  have  been  around  for  a few 
years  are  usually  reasonable.  So,  find  a 
sunny  well-drained  spot  in  your  garden  and 
plant  a few  spiders  this  season.  ^ 


Special  thanks  to  Don  Herr  for  letting 
the  author  waddle  through  his  garden 
taking  daylily  photos  while  seven 
months  pregnant. 

For  more  information  on  daylilies,  contact 
the  American  Hemerocalis  Society 
at  www.daylilies.org  or  the 
Delaware  Valley  Daylily  Society  at 
http:  //daylily.  net/ gardens/ dvds.  htm . 


20 


GREEN  SCENE  • july/august  2007 


Home  of  the  Lewis  W.  Barton  Arboretum  and  Nature  Preserve 
Member,  Greater  Philadelphia  Gardens 


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GREEN  SCENE  • july/august  2007 


21 


22 


GREEN  SCENE  • july/august  2007 


Building 
GARDENO 
BOXES  O l 

BIRDHOUSES 


“The  fun  of  garden  accessorizing  is  the  element  of  surprise,”  says  D-J  Brosius.  “You 
walk  along  and  come  upon  something  that’s  completely  unexpected.”  D-J  and  her 
husband  Howard  have  clearly  adopted  this  philosophy  at  Chipping  Hill,  their 
Northwoods,  PA,  property.  Perhaps  the  most  arresting  objects  found  there  are  those 


that  Howard  and  D-J  have  created  with  their  own  hands,  such  as  garden  boxes,  bird- 
houses,  and  clever  wall  sculptures  made  from  old  garden  tools. 


Left:  A funky  yet  functioning  birdhouse  made  from  recycled  materials  Center:  Howard  and  D-J 
Right:  Another  “bird  condominium” 


BUILDING  A BETTER  BOX 

Of  particular  interest  are  their  “gar- 
den boxes.”  In  a garden  that’s  wood- 
ed and  dense,  it  was  all  too  easy  for 
some  of  the  couple’s  favorite 
species — such  as  dwarf  hostas — to  be 
overshadowed  by  larger  plants  that 
were  unwilling  to  share  root-space 
and  sunlight,  hence  the  idea  for 
boxes.  When  placed  in  a sunny  spot 
and  filled  with  nutrient-rich  soil, 
these  garden  boxes  make  for  perfect 
planters,  giving  prominence  to  the 
diminutive  plants. 

To  build  the  planters,  the  couple 
buys  lumber  from  a local  home-supply 
store.  The  dimensions  can  vary 
depending  upon  space  constraints,  but 
Howard  says,  “The  key  is  to  buy 
enough  to  create  two  boxes,  not  one.” 
Although  it’s  not  immediately  notice- 
able, the  planter  is  actually  tiered,  with 
the  larger  of  the  two  boxes  resting  atop 
the  other.  Howard  uses  an  electric 
screwdriver  (to  avoid  splintering)  and 
deck  screws  to  fasten  them  together. 

Drainage  is  extremely  important. 
Howard  recommends  providing  1/4- 
inch-thick  spaces  between  the  bot- 
tom boards  of  both  boxes  to  allow 
water  to  drain.  For  the  summer 
months,  he  places  the  completed 
planter  on  blocks  or  bricks  to  encour- 
age greater  drainage.  In  winter,  the 
planters  sit  directly  on  the  ground  to 
minimize  exposure  to  the  cold. 

Once  the  basic  structure  of  the 


GREEN  SCENE  • july/august  2007 


23 


I 

f 


; 


planter  is  complete,  Howard  likes  to  add 
some  decorative  touches,  such  as  finial  balls 
at  each  of  the  four  corners.  Although  he 
could  leave  it  bare,  he  likes  to  paint  his 
planters  a mixture  of  brown  and  gray;  a 
shade  that  blends  with  the  landscape. 
Vibrant  colors  would  work  as  well,  but  the 
couple  feels  it  would  take  focus  away  from 
the  plants. 

Through  the  years  Howard  has  devised  a 
formula  for  what  he  considers  the  perfect 
soil.  It’s  a three-part  blend  of  standard 
store-bought  potting  soil,  composted 
mushroom  soil  substrate  (a  type  of  fertile, 
post-harvest  mushroom  soil),  and  a sam- 
pling from  the  compost  pile.  This  hardy 
humus  guarantees  good  growing. 

While  the  boxes  can  host  a wide  range  of 
species,  the  Brosius  family  gravitates 
toward  miniature  hostas.  Howard  can  easi- 
ly rattle  off  a list  of  his  favorite  varieties, 
many  of  which  boast  memorable  names 
such  as  “Radio  Waves”  and  “Spilt  Milk.” 
He  says,  “Many  people  are  reluctant  to  buy 


hosta  because  you  invariably  lose  some  to 
pests.  Frankly,  I enjoy  the  challenge.” 

Before  he  knew  it,  boxes  were  peppered 
throughout  the  property — lining  pathways, 
framing  benches,  and  adding  newfound 
depth  and  contrast.  Plants  that  might  oth- 
erwise be  overlooked  receive  a second 
glance  simply  by  being  two  feet  off  the 
ground,  and  the  many  shades  of  green 
come  together  nicely.  Says  D-J,  “I  love  the 
fact  that  so  many  of  the  items  in  the  back- 
yard are  of  our  own  design  and  device.  It 
really  makes  the  property  an  extension  of 
our  home.” 


Top  to  bottom: 

The  early  stages  of  box  assembly 

D-J’s  wall  sculpture  adds  flourish 
to  the  side  of  a tool  shed 

A “living  birdhouse”  with  moss 
and  sedums  growing  on  the  roof 

A homemade  planter  featuring 
miniature  hostas 


24 


any  pre-made  or  store-bought  model  with  a 
pitched  roof  will  suffice.  Howard  first 
applies  “mud  pies”  of  compost  and  wet  soil 
across  the  roof  and  layers  the  sheet  moss  on 
top.  To  secure  it,  he  pulls  plastic  deer  net- 
ting tightly  across  the  roof  and  staples  it 
under  the  eaves.  He  then  cuts  tiny  holes 
into  the  netting  and  gently  affixes  the  small 
succulents  in  the  hole.  Given  the  nature  of 
sedums,  the  plants  quickly  take  root  and 
send  out  offshoots  in  all  directions  (hence 
the  name  “hens  and  chicks”). 

No  two  birdhouses  look  quite  the  same; 
in  fact,  each  one  takes  on  a new  appearance 
daily  as  the  plants  thrive  and  bloom.  D-J 
says,  “Lots  of  people  have  birdhouses  in 
their  gardens,  I just  think  we’ve  put  a new 
spin  on  an  old  classic.” 

The  birds  seem  to  approve  as  well.  Each 
of  the  existing  establishments  is  quite  pop- 
ular among  the  winged  warblers,  inspiring 
Howard  to  make  each  subsequent  bird- 
house  larger  than  the  one  before.  D-J  jokes 
that  Howard  no  longer  builds  birdhouses, 
but  bird  condominiums. 


BUILDING  A GARDEN 
BIRDHOUSE 

One  of  the  appealing  attributes  of  a 
woodland  garden  is  the  wildlife  it  invites. 
And  although  the  deer  and  chipmunks 
sometimes  view  the  Brosius  backyard  as 
their  own  buffet,  Howard  and  D-J  are  very 
welcoming  of  all  sorts  of  critters.  In  fact, 
their  property  has  been  certified  by  the 
National  Wildlife  Federation  as  a wildlife 
habitat. 

Chief  among  the  animals  found  on  their 
property  are  birds.  With  nearly  a dozen 
birdhouses  around  the  grounds,  it’s  the 
avian  equivalent  to  a major  metropolis. 
What  set  the  dwellings  apart  from  the  stan- 
dard mold  are  their  roofs.  Adorned  with 
golden  sphagnum  peat  moss,  the  birdhous- 
es appear  to  have  thatched  roofs,  like  nurs- 
ery-rhyme cottages.  Rising  from  the  moss 
are  thick  and  fleshy  succulents  known  as 
“hens  and  chicks”,  a species  of  sedum 
( Sempervivum  sp.). 

The  look  is  distinctive,  and  recreating  it 
is  surprisingly  easy  to  do.  Although 
Howard  prefers  to  assemble  his  own  bird- 
houses  (usually  with  leftover  lumber  from 
his  other  gardening  projects),  practically 


Mill/ 


F'V 

jy£4» 


Barnes  Foundation 
Horticultural  Classes 
2007-2008 


The  Barnes  Foundation 

ARBORETUM  SCHOOL 

OPEN  ENROLLMENT  FOR  2007  CLASSES  AND  WORKSHOPS 


In  1940,  Laura  Barnes  established  the  Arboretum  School 
to  provide  students  of  horticulture,  botany,  and  landscape 
architecture  the  opportunity  to  work  under  professional 
guidance. 

The  Arboretum  School  of  the  Barnes  Foundation  offers 
one  and  two-day  workshops  during  the  summer.  Each  fall 
the  Foundation  accepts  twenty-five  new  students  for  its 
three-year  program  in  ornamental  horticulture  which  offers 
a comprehensive  curriculum  of  botany,  plant  propagation, 
practical  horticulture  techniques,  and  landscape  design. 

A well-trained  faculty  provides  expert  instruction 
and  guidance  in  the  horticultural  arts  and  sciences. 

Students  learn  and  practice  in  the  12-acre  arboretum  and 
in  the  state-of-the-art  greenhouse  in  Merion. 

The  curriculum  develops  skilled  horticulturalists  through 
a combination  of  classroom  lecture,  self-directed  learning, 
and  hands-on  practice. 


For  more  information,  a full  course  description,  and  registration,  please  call  610-667-0290,  ext.  3S25  or  ext.  1071. 


THE  BARNES  FOUNDATION 

300  North  Latch’s  Lane,  Merion,  PA  19066  www.barnesfoundation.org 


GREEN  SCENE  • july/august  2007 


25 


ORNAMENTAL 


Momordica  charantia  ‘Palee’  (green  gourd) 


Cucumis  sativus  ‘Diva’  (cucumber) 


Cucumis  melo  ‘Savor’  (melon) 


Capsicum  annuum  ‘Ancho  21 1 ’ (pablano  pepper) 


Lycopersicon  esculentum  ‘Wonder  Light’  (yellow  tomato) 


In  May  1917,  an  editorial  entitled  “A  Vegetable  Year”  in  House  Beautiful  urged  the  inclusion  of  vegetables  in 

ornamental  gardens,  coyly  suggesting: 


There  is  no  reason  why  a suitor  should  not  bring  to  his  lady-love  a wonderful  bouquet 
of  tender,  pearly  scallions,  ruby  radishes,  and  lettuce  leaves  in  various  shades  of  buttery 
yellow  and  glossy  green,  except  that  after  presenting  it  to  her,  and  after  her  admiration 
had  subsided  a little,  they  could  fashion  the  bouquet  into  a salad  and  eat  it  together, 
which  would  be...  a material  symbol  of  their  unity  of  heart. 


Still,  vegetables  have  not  received  their  due  and  for  too  long  have 
been  relegated  to  military  rows  in  a separate  plot — far  from  color- 
ful flowers  and  shrubs.  But  vegetables  can  be  striking  additions  to 
gardens  and  containers.  Rosalind  Creasy’s  Edible  Landscaping,  cou- 
pled with  the  slow  food  movement  (which  combats  the  spread  of 
fast  food  and  promotes  local  cuisines),  has  broadened  the  choices. 
A visit  to  the  long  border  flanking  the  Robison  York  State  Herb 
Garden  at  Cornell  Plantations,  designed  by  curator  Diane  Miske, 
would  convert  any  naysayer.  At  Chanticleer,  a pleasure  garden  in 
Wayne,  PA,  where  visual  theatrics  are  all-important,  the  vegetable 
garden  meshes  together  the  geometry  of  the  French  potager  with 
the  casual  playfulness  of  American  gardens. 

Purple  sets  the  tone  for  many  vegetables:  think  purple  cauli- 
flower, tomato  ‘Krim’s  Black’,  blue  potatoes,  and  of  course,  egg- 
plants. With  their  purple  flowers,  lacquered  black  fruits,  and  dark 
foliage,  eggplants  are  splendid  in  containers.  Enhance  their  appeal 
by  potting  them  in  glazed  violet  urns  with  good  drainage. 
Generous  fertilizing  for  container  plants  is  a must  for  these  heavy 
feeders.  Be  vigilant  for  flea  beetles  whose  telltale  symptoms  are  pin- 
sized holes  in  the  leaves. 

Kales  can  provide  that  regal  purple,  too,  but  some  gardeners 
overlook  them,  more  likely  to  plant  them  with  chrysanthemums  in 
autumn.  Doug  Croft,  who  oversees  the  vegetable  garden  at 
Chanticleer,  loves  them  for  their  early  spring  color  and  texture.  He 
is  particularly  keen  on  'Redbor’,  pairing  it  with  the  crinkled,  blue- 
green  leaves  of  ‘Lacinato’  (‘Nero  di  Toscano’).  The  appeal  of  this 
cultivar  lies  in  its  frilly  leaves  arranged  like  a vegetable  pagoda. 
Vdien  nights  begin  to  cool,  the  leaves,  dew  with  morning  mois- 
ture, turn  a delicious  plum  color.  In  one  container  at  the  Scott 
Arboretum,  this  kale  is  mixed  with  Colocasia  esculenta  ‘Illustris’, 
Plectranthus  ‘Mona  Lavender , and  Strobilanthes  dyeranius , for  a 
lovely  study  in  purple.  In  fertile  soil,  these  plants  may  grow  rapid- 
ly to  more  than  2 feet  high  and  will  require  staking. 

William  Woys  Weaver  speaks  highly  of ‘Lacinato’  (listed  as  Black 
Tuscan  Palm  Tree  Kale)  in  his  tome  Heirloom  Vegetable  Gardening, 
calling  it  “truly  one  of  the  most  beautiful  kales  to  grace  any  kitchen 
garden....  There  is  probably  no  more  spectacular  combination  than 


to  see  this  gray-black  kale  inter-planted  with  vivid  green  Silesia  let- 
tuce.” ‘Redbor’  and  ‘Lacinato’  can  be  harvested  and  prepared  in  the 
same  manner  as  broccoli,  cauliflower,  and  Brussels  sprouts.  Those 
who  are  not  keen  on  the  purple  leaves  of  ‘Redbor’  should  try 
‘Winterbor  instead. 

Salad  greens  are  wonderfully  versatile,  fitting  just  as  easily  on  the 
city  dweller’s  balcony  as  in  the  sprawling  vegetable  gardens  of  large 
estates.  They  can  be  grown  in  containers  near  the  kitchen  door, 
where  the  gardener-cook  can  snip  leaves  for  salads  or  cooking. 
Their  colorful  foliage  and  variable  heights  make  them  interesting 
partners  for  other  plants.  Chanticleer  horticulturist  Jon  Wright  has 
deftly  combined  salad  crops  with  cool-season  annuals  in  hanging 
spheres.  In  urns,  sweet  peas  twirl  around  loosely  spaced  willow 
branches  under-planted  with  salad  crops.  Croft  is  enthusiastic 
about  the  lettuces  ‘Merlot  and  ‘Revolution’,  which  always  draw 
visitors’  attention  for  their  deep  red  leaves. 

If  you  can  prevent  cabbage  moth  larvae  from  skeletonizing  the 
leaves  (try  using  a fleece  cover  over  young  plants),  cabbages  can  be 
wonderful  garden  centerpieces.  Amy  Goldman,  who  gardens  in 
Rhinebeck,  New  York,  particularly  likes  Savoy  types  for  their  frost 
hardiness  and  cool,  sunset  hues.  Her  sentiments  were  shared  by  a 
writer  in  the  American  Agriculturist  in  May  1 882:  “Savoy  cabbage 
is  as  much  superior  to  the  common  hardheaded  kinds  as  the  least 
cultivated  grape  is  superior  to  the  ornamental  fox-grape  of  the 
woods.  ‘January  King’  not  only  has  superb,  crisp  flavor,  but  also  a 
blue  violet  leafy  color  with  pink  veins.  Deeply  crimped  leaves  are 


Photography  by  Rhoda  Maurer 


GREEN  SCENE  • july/august  2007 


27 


Gt&isv* 


the  hallmark  of  ‘Ormskirk’,  which  can  be 
harvested  as  late  as  Christmas.  Once 
known  as  large  drumhead  savoy,  ‘Des 
Vertus’  is  a French  variety  that  produces 
green,  4-  to  6-pound  heads  and  has  a mild, 
sweet  taste. 

The  once  unassuming  Swiss  chard  ( Beta 
vulgaris  Cicla  Group)  has  undergone  a col- 
orful metamorphosis;  new  strains  like 
‘Bright  Lights’  have  vivid  stems  and  veins. 
In  a private  suburban  Chicago  garden, 
‘Bright  Lights’  was  cleverly  paired  with 
Asiatic  lilies  of  various  hues.  ‘Ruby  Red' 
seems  to  pulse  with  life  as  the  veins  appear 
to  course  through  the  leaves  like  blood. 
Unfortunately,  the  stems  do  not  retain  their 
color  when  cooked.  Upon  first  glance,  beets 
look  unassuming,  but  they  are  as  vibrant  as 
Swiss  chard.  I like  to  dress  up  salads  with 
the  young  leaves  of  ‘Bull’s  Blood’,  an  heir- 
loom variety  with  metallic,  garnet  foliage. 

Many  gardeners  grow  the  Malabar 
spinach  ( Basella  rubra)  as  an  ornamental 
vine.  Growing  as  fast  as  one  foot  a day  in 
hot  climates,  this  plant  (unrelated  to  true 
spinach)  revels  in  the  tropical  summers  of 
the  Mid-Atlantic  region.  ‘Rubra’  has  thick 
red  stems  that  recall  pokeweed  ( Phytolacca 
americand),  but  none  of  the  latter’s  poison- 
ous tendencies.  The  insignificant  white 
flowers  eventually  give  way  to  inky  black 
berries  used  for  food  coloring.  Malabar 
spinach  makes  a great  cascade  plant  in  con- 
tainers, but  its  unruly  growth  necessitates  a 
trellis  or  an  upright  support.  Harvest  the 
leaves,  rich  in  vitamins  A and  C,  to  eat 
either  raw  or  cooked. 

Another  ornamental  edible  with  kudzu- 
like  tendencies  is  sweet  potato  ( Ipomoea 
batatas) — no  stranger  to  anyone  who  has 
relied  on  ‘Margarita’,  ‘Sweet  Blackie’,  or 
‘Sweet  Caroline’  for  trailing  accents  in  con- 
tainers. Although  my  mother’s  appraisal  of 
the  tuberous  roots  from  these  cultivars  was 
not  positive,  the  leaves,  rich  in  vitamins  A, 
C,  and  B6  and  often  boiled  with  garlic  in 
Taiwanese  cuisine,  are  delicious. 

Classified  as  neither  a salad  nor  a fruit 
crop,  cardoon  ( Cynara  cardunculus)  is  usu- 
ally grown  for  its  filigreed  silver  leaves  and 
extraordinary  thistle-like  flowers.  Victorian 
gardeners  used  to  blanch  and  harvest  the 
stems  for  cooking  with  white  wine,  garlic, 
olive  oil,  and  butter.  (Handle  with  care  as 
cardoon  stalks  can  have  small,  nearly  invisi- 


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29 


THE  MORRIS  ARBORETUM  GARDEN  RAILWAY 


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ble  spines.)  Okra  is  another  vegetable  worth 
welcoming  into  the  flower  border.  Its  pale 
yellow  flowers  sometimes  blushed  with  rose, 
deeply  incised  leaves,  and  willowy  stems  are 
outstanding  attributes.  It  is  unfazed  by  the 
hot,  humid  summers  of  our  region  and 
remains  relatively  free  of  pests  and  diseases 
though  crop  rotation  can  be  helpful.  Croft 
recommends  under-planting  okra  with  pars- 
ley for  foliar  texture. 

Peppers  are  overlooked  for  their  showy 
merits.  Some,  particularly  chili  peppers, 
make  perfect  potted  plants  that  last  all  sum- 
mer, since  they  require  a long  growing  sea- 
son to  produce  and  ripen  fruit.  The  petite 
‘Aurora  (10  to  12  inches),  with  its  profuse 
quantities  of  yellow,  orange,  red,  and  purple 
fruits  that  look  like  blinking  Christmas 
lights,  makes  a stunning  statement  in  a con- 
tainer or  as  an  edging  plant.  ‘Bellingrath 
Gardens’,  named  in  honor  of  a famous 
Alabama  garden,  has  striking  dark  purple 
stems  and  satin-like  leaves  tinged  with 
green,  purple,  and  cream.  The  combination 
becomes  provocative  when  the  small  scarlet 
fruits  appear  later.  ‘Orozco’  has  black-purple 
foliage  and  multi-colored  fruits.  ‘Poinsettia’, 
a Japanese  cultivar  of  compact  size,  has  3- 
inch-long  red  fruits  held  upright  in  clusters. 
‘Trifetti’  (‘Purple  Tiger’  and  ‘Variegata’)  has 
the  same  tricolor  foliage  as  'Bellingrath 
Gardens’,  but  produces  1 -inch-long  purple 
fruits  that  eventually  turn  red.  I like  to  use 
peppers  for  their  piquant  flavors  in  stir-fry 
dishes;  chopped  pieces  go  well  with 
Sichuan-style  tofu  and  peppercorns.  Their 
spiciness  also  complements  the  sweet,  milk)" 
aroma  of  coconut  milk  in  curry  dishes. 

With  so  many  stunning  vegetables  to 
choose  from,  there  is  no  reason  why  garden- 
ers cannot  indulge  their  eyes  and  taste  buds 
simultaneously.  Rather  than  limit  your  gar- 
den palette  to  impatiens,  petunias,  or  gera- 
niums, why  not  add  eggplants,  peppers, 
salad  greens,  and  herbs?  Your  garden  will 
turn  into  an  edible  potpourri,  and  you  can 
offer  your  loved  ones  a nourishing 
“vegetable  bouquet.” 

Formerly  with  the  Scott  Arboretum,  Eric  is 
now  the  RHS  Fellow  pursuing  a Master  of 
Science  in  Taxonomy  at  University  of 
Reading,  UK.  He  used  to  grow  vegetables 
extensively  during  his  youth,  and  now  misses 
the  opportunity  to  harvest  them  fresh  for 
cooking. 


30 


GREEN  SCENE  • july/august  2007 


SOURCES 


Johnny’s  Selected  Seeds 

www.johnnyseeds.com 

207-861-3999 

Tomato  Growers  Supply 
Company 

www.  tomatogrowers.  com 
888-478-7333 

Territorial  Seed  Company 

www.  territorial-seed,  com 
541-942-9547 

Seeds  from  Italy 

www.  growitalian.  com 
781-721-5904 

Renee’s  Garden  Seeds 

www.  reneesgarden 
888-880-7228 

Bay  Flora 

www.  bayflora.  com 
fax:  888-549-2969 


The  Scott  Associates’ 


2007  Plant  Sale 


Fri . . Sept.  7 

4 -8  pm  Special 
Friends  Preview 
Donor  Passes  Req’d . 

Sat. , Sept.  8 

10  am — 1 pm 
Members  Only 
must  show  card 
1 -3  pm 

General  Admission 

Sun..  Sept.  9 

10  am — 3 pm 
General  Admission 


Assnri/V  i s m- 


• Choose  from  hundreds  of  varieties  of 
perennials,  trees,  shrubs  and  vines  - 
many  unusual  species  or  hard  to  find 

• 2007  Plant  Sale  Feature  - Hydrangeas 
in  all  of  their  glorious  variety'  and 
splendor 

• Wide  choice  of  exotic  houseplants  and 
tropicals. 

• Many'  plant  experts  on  hand  and  all 
eager  to  assist  you 

• Proceeds  will  help  build  the  new 
Education  Center  and  Greenhouse 

• Visit  our  website  for  Plant  Sale  news 
and  dates  of  lectures  and  arboretum 
tours  highlighting  our  Plant  Sale 
offerings. 

• Free  parking  and  general  admission 

• VISA  and  MasterCard  accepted 

• Ruin  or  shine! 


The  Sale  will  be  held  on  the 
Swarthmore  College  Cunningham  Field 
on  College  Avenue.  Follow  signs  on 
Rt.  320  in  Swarthmore,  PA  For  info,  call 
610-328-8025.  For  recorded  directions, 
call  610-328-8001 


Gateway  Garden  Center 

invites  you  to  our 

Annual  Water  Garden  Tour 

Saturday,  July  28  ~ 9 am  to  4 pm 

Join  us  on  this  self-guided  tour  of  the  area's  premier 
water  gardens.  Visit  Certified  Backyard  Habitats  and 
enjoy  learning  of  water  's  role  in  bringing  life  to  your 
garden.  Be  inspired  to  create  your  own  dream  garden! 

Proceeds  benefit  Delaware  Center  for  Horticulture 
and  Delaware  Nature  Society 

Gateway  Garden  Center:  7277  Lancaster  Pk.,  Hockessin,  Del. 
Information:  302-239-2727 

www.gatewaygardens.com 


GREEN  SCENE  • july/august  2007 


31 


32  GREEN  SCENE  • july/august  2007 


The  “parallel  style”  of  design 
uses  stems  placed  at  right 
angles  to  the  container  and  in 
groups  to  create  the  feeling  of  grow- 
ing in  a garden.  This  differs  from  the 
traditional  flower  arrangement, 
which  uses  flowers  placed  with  stems 
radiating  from  a central  point. 

STEP  1 : Materials 

Select  a low  container. 

• Use  a rectangular  clay  pot  or 
wooden  box  lined  with  heavy 
plastic. 

• Cut  and  soak  floral  foam  to  fit 
snugly  into  the  pot  and  cut  to 
top  of  rim. 

Select  four  or  five  kinds  of  flowers 
and/or  branches  with  linear  form. 

• Suggestions:  larkspur,  liatris, 
delphinium,  bamboo,  birch 
branches. 


Botanical  Bouquets 


By  Jane  Godshalk 


A Parallel  Design 


"If  you  are  seeking 
creative  ideas,  go 
out  walking.  Angels 
whisper  to  a man 
when  he  goes 
for  a walk." 
—Raymond  Inman 


Select  a few  flowers  for  your  main 
color. 

• Tulips,  narcissus,  astilbe,  lilies, 
phlox,  zinnia,  cosmos  (just  about 
any  garden  flowers  will  do). 

Select  a variety  of  low  plants  and 
flowers  for  color  at  the  base  of  your 
design. 

• Pachysandra,  galax,  scented 
geranium,  Dusty  Miller, 
boxwood,  succulents. 

STEP  2:  Org  anize  flowers  into 
groups.  Make  sure  that  stems  are  free 
from  foliage  and  side  branches. 

Here,  you  see  tall  stems  of  delphini- 
um, liatris,  and  birch  branches. 

• Medium  stems  of  lily,  astilbe  and 
freesia. 

• Short  stems  of  pachysandra, 
scented  geranium.  Dusty  Miller, 
small  roses,  and  one  succulent. 

STEP  3:  Arrange 

Place  linear  flowers  into  the  con- 
tainer at  right  angles  to  the  rim  of 
the  container. 

• Place  the  two  tallest  groups  on 
the  outside  of  the  arrangement  to 
give  a feeling  of  stability. 

Follow  with  the  medium-height 
flowers.  Add  your  low  material  in 
groups  at  the  base. 

• Colored  flowers  clustered  togeth- 
er will  create  a visual  interest  and 
some  smooth  green  leaves  or  a 
succulent  plant  will  give  a visual 
resting  place. 

STEP  4:  Walk  through  your  gar- 
den and  see  what  plants  and  flowers 
you  have  to  use  in  your  own  parallel 
design.  Don’t  forget  to  look  at 
groundcovers  for  interesting  color 
and  texture  at  the  base  of  your  design. 
A few  blossoms  from  the  store  are  a 
hne  addition,  too.  For  best  results, 
remember  to  cut  your  garden  materi- 
als in  the  early  morning  or  evening, 
and  give  them  a few  hours  to  harden 
in  a bucket  of  water  in  a cool,  dark 
place.  ^ 


^ txquisite  uecorygft 
orjhc  Garden  C Home 


Visit  the  area’s 
premier  garden 
ornament  showroom 
for  an  unrivaled 
inventory  of  antique 
& contemporary 
containers,  fountains, 
statuary  and  more! 

Elizabeth  Schumacher's 


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West  Conshohocken,  PA  19428 
610.825.5525 
www.gardenaccents.com 
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Tree  & Landscape  Services 


GREEN  SCENE  • july/august  2007 


33 


By  Ray  Rogers 


Hardy  Plants  for  the  Flower 
Show 


Right: 

Solomon  in  all  its 
splendor  at  the 
2007  Flower  Show. 

Below: 

At  season’s  end, 
the  big  pot  of 
Solomon's  seal  is 
anything  but  regal. 
The  top  growth  is 
dead,  and  soon  the 
plant  will  be 
reduced  to  a mass 
of  caterpillar-like 
rhizomes. 


When  it  comes  to  growing  for  the 
Philadelphia  Flower  Show,  I’m  something 
of  an  omnivore:  during  the  past  18  years 
my  eclectic  mix  has  included  herbs,  begonias,  various 
types  of  ivy,  gesneriads,  pelargoniums,  and  even  a few 
memorable  vegetables. 

Although  cacti,  other  succulents,  and  hardy  bulbs 
(especially  daffodils)  are  the  principal  players  in  my  cur- 
rent repertoire,  I confess  a longing  to  return  more  hardy 
plants  to  the  lineup.  Past  favorites  included  a formally 
trained,  richly  scented  clove  currant  (Ribes  odoratum ) and 
an  exuberantly  cascading,  snowy  Deutzia  ‘Nikko’  (a  PHS 
Gold  Medal  Plant),  as  well  as  woodland  gems  including 
the  umbrella-like  Asian  Syneilesis  palmata  and  lavender- 
misty  Thalictrum  kiusianum.  Alas,  most  of  them  are  gone, 
including  the  Boehmeria  megaphylla,  Houttynia  cordata 
‘Chameleon’,  and  Persicaria  virginiana  ‘Painter’s  Palette’, 
all  of  which  noted  horticulturist  Charles  Cresson  amus- 
ingly (and  fittingly)  dubbed  “Ray’s  weeds.” 

But  one  trouper  has  survived,  namely  my  super-sized 
and  cumbersomely  named  Polygonatum  odoratum  pluri- 
florum  ‘Variegatum’,  familiarly  known  as  variegated 
Solomon’s  seal.  It’s  been  with  me  for  a while  now,  in  spite 
of  repeated  pronouncements  that  I didn’t  want  it  any- 
more (I  once  offered  it  to  Ken  Selody  at  Atlock  Farm,  his 
nursery  where  I grow  all  of  my  show  plants)  and  that  it 
had  grown  too  large  to  manage. 

Fortunately,  Ken  knew  I didn’t  really  want  to  part  with 
it,  so  over  the  years  it  grew  unhindered  from  a small  divi- 
sion to  today’s  tangle  of  rhizomes  and  crowd  of  foliage  in 


a 1 4-inch  pot.  And  what  a workhorse  it  has  become:  over 
the  past  seven  Shows,  it  has  won  several  blue  ribbons  as  a 
hardy  herbaceous  perennial  in  bloom,  and  as  an  herb,  it 
took  two  rosettes  from  the  Philadelphia  Unit  of  the  Herb 
Society  of  America. 

Why  do  I enjoy  growing  the  Solomon’s  seal  and  other 
hardy  plants  as  show  plants?  Basically,  they  offer  a chance 
to  start  over  each  year  with  a potentially  better  plant.  The 
perennials  die  back  to  their  rootstocks  at  the  end  of  the 
growing  season,  and  the  woody  plants  drop  their  foliage, 
offering  a clean  slate  for  the  next  Show.  Despite  their  con- 
finement to  pots,  they  perform  much  like  their  compan- 
ions in  the  open  ground,  and  their  terra  cotta  quarters 
allow  me  to  control  the  moisture,  fertilizer,  light,  and 
winter  cold  they  require  to  thrive.  The  Solomon’s  seal 
grows  from  late  winter  to  fall  in  a shady  spot  outdoors  or 
in  a greenhouse,  and  then  a shady  spot  outdoors  (alter- 
nating between  the  two  Miracle  Gro  products  with  analy- 
ses of  10-52-10  and  36-10-10).  Before  cool  fall  tempera- 
s’ tures  induce  the  top  growth  to  die  down  as  the  plant  goes 
o dormant,  I stop  fertilizing  and  reduce  watering. 

| By  November  the  big  pot  is  moved  to  the  space  under 
° my  front  porch — where  my  daffodils  also  spend  the  win- 
ter— and  sleeps  unfrozen  and  lightly  watered  until  late 
January,  when  I heed  the  call  to  prepare  for  another  Show. 
It  spends  a few  weeks  gathering  itself  in  a greenhouse  and 
then  seemingly  erupts  almost  overnight  into  a mass  of 
foliage  and  flowers.  Soon  thereafter  judges  hopefully 
swoon,  and,  similarly  seduced,  I reconsider  my  previous 
vows  to  split  up  the  big  clump  and  make  life  a little  easi- 
er for  me  and  my  back. 

But  this  year  I think  I will  finally  bite  the  bullet:  this 
big  Solomon  will  fall  under  the  blades  of  my  trusty  prun- 
ing shears  and  be  divided  into  several  smaller  pieces.  It’s 
the  sensible  thing  to  do.  ^ 


34 


GREEN  SCENE  • july/august  2007 


Ray  Rogers 


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Specializing  in  tasteful 
architectural  and  landscape  lighting. 

Please  view  our  on-line  gallery: 

botanicallighting.com 

or  call:  610-519-1212 

Serving:  Pennsylvania  • New  Jersey 
Boston  • Maryland  • Washington  DC 


GARDEN  STRUCTURES 


HERITAGE  STONE  & MARBLE 

We  are  an  installation  and 
restoration  company  who  emphasizes 
long  lasting  quality  with  outstanding 
craftsmanship. 

FLAGSTONE,  BRICK-patios  and  walkways, 
COBBLESTONE-edging  and  paving, 
STONE  walls,  RETAINING  walls,  MARBLE, 
GRANITE-floors,  walls,  countertops. 

215-699-5611  Upper  Gwynedd,  PA 


GREENHOUSE  AND  CONSERVATORY 
CONSTRUCTION 

Solar  Innovations,  Janco, 

Lord  & Burnham  and  more. 

Call  Robert  J.  LaRouche  at 
Glass  Enclosures  Unlimited 

610-687-2444 


THE  SUNWORKS  CORPORATION 

• Greenhouse  Sales:  Residential, 
Commercial  and  Institutional. 

• Installations:  Of  greenhouses  from 
any  manufacturer,  shading  and 

ventilation  systems. 

• Maintenance:  Reglazing,  reskinning, 
painting,  cleaning.  Emergency  repairs. 
Call  302-655-5772,  ask  for  John  Klein 


PATIOS  & WALKWAYS 

Flagstone  - Pavers  - Brick 
Robert  J.  Kleinberg 
Landscape  Design  & Construction 
610-259-6106 
See  our  work  online 
1 00’s  of  pictures  at 
www.kleinberg.com 


LANDSCAPE  DESIGN 


LINDA  CORSON 
LANDSCAPE  DESIGN 

• Consulting 
• Plans 

• Supervision 

Registered  Landscape  Architect 
Member  ASLA  215-247-5619 


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If  you  have  any  questions,  please  call  215-988-8809. 


David  Brothers  Landscape  Services 
Bean  Road  Nursery 

Architects,  Builders  and  Nurserymen 
Providing  the  Fine  Art  of  Garden 
Construction 

and  Landscape  Restoration 

215-247-2992  610-584-1550 

610-525-3232 


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Creating  & maintaining  gardens  with  expert 
horticultural  craftsmanship. 

View  our  portfolio  of  landscape  designs 
online  at  www.donaldpell.com  or  call 
61 0-91 7-1 385  for  a brochure 
and  consultation. 


SED  design 

LANDSCAPE  ARCHITECTS 

Master  Plans  and  Garden  Design, 
Water  Gardens,  Pools  & Lighting 

610-584-5941 

seddesignstudio.com 


LARGE  SPECIMEN  TREES 


Large  Specimen  Trees 
20’  American  Holly  and 
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Delicious  Homegrown  Fruits  and  Vegetables 
Mid-June  through  October 
INDIAN  ORCHARDS 
610-565-8387 


LARGE  TREES 


Tree  Transfers  Inc. 

Large  Tree  Transplanting  and  Sales 
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Garden  Restoration,  Ponds, 
Waterfalls  & Patios 
215-635-2310 

Serving  the  Delaware  Valley  since  1987 


MULCH 


PINE  NEEDLE  MULCH 

Won’t  change  soil  pH 
Wholesale  and  retail 
FLOWERS  AND  MORE,  INC. 
610-701-9283 
renee52@comcast.net 


BALED  PINE  NEEDLE  MULCH 

Pick  up/Delivery/Spreading  service 
Cedar  Run  Landscapes 
Call  for  brochure 
1 -800-LANDSCAPE 

www.CedarRunLandscapes.com 


NURSERY 


800  varieties  of  Perennials 
150  varieties  of  Annual  flats  & 
Proven  Winners 

POPES’  GARDENS 

1146  Old  White  Horse  Pike,  Waterford,  NJ 
856-767-3343 

Unusual  Farm  Animals  on  Display 

www.popesgardens.com 


Triple  Oaks  Nursery  & Herb  Garden 

• Great  Plants  • Display  Gardens  • Programs 
Franklinville,  New  Jersey 
www.tripleoaks.com 
856-694-4272 
greatplants@trip/eoaks.  com 


OFFICIAL 


PHOTO  CONTEST  RULES 


(See  page  8 for  details) 

WHO  MAY  ENTER 

• Amateur*  photographers  ages  18  and  over  (‘those  who  earn  less  than  1/4  of  their 
annual  income  from  photography). 


• Employees  of  the  Pennsylvania  Horticultural  Society  and  its  affiliates  are  not  eligible. 


SUBMISSIONS 

• Photographers  may  only  enter  images  as  4x6-inch  or  5x7-inch  prints,  either  in 
color  or  black-and-white. 

• IMPORTANT:  On  the  back  of  each  image,  you  must  write  your  name,  address,  email 
and/or  phone.  Optional:  You  may  also  include  technical  information  about  the  photograph 
(camera  type,  f-stop,  speed,  film  type,  etc.),  as  well  as  background  information. 

• Original  images  may  be  shot  on  print  film,  slides,  or  digital  cameras,  but  all  submissions 
must  prints  as  stated  above  (no  slides  or  CDs  accepted). 

• All  photographs  must  be  previously  unpublished. 

• All  photos  must  have  been  taken  within  the  past  three  years  (since  August  1 , 2004). 

• Photos  may  eventually  be  mounted  on  cardboard  if  we  choose  to  display  them. 

• If  you’d  like  your  images  returned,  please  enclose  a SASE  with  your  submission. 

• Photos  that  violate  or  infringe  upon  another  photographer’s  copyright  are  not 
eligible  for  entry. 

• The  Pennsylvania  Horticultural  Society  is  not  responsible  for  loss  of  or  damage  to  any 
photographs  submitted  for  the  contest. 


ENTRY  FEES 

• Photographers  may  enter  1 photo  for  a fee  of  $1 5;  2 to  5 photos  for  a fee  of  $25; 
or  6 to  10  photos  for  a fee  of  $40.  Fees  are  non-refundable. 


PRIZES 


1st Nikon  Coolpix  L10  digital  camera  & publication  of  your  photo*. 

2nd  100  free  photo  DigiPrints**  & publication  of  your  photo. 

3rd One-year  PHS  Membership  & publication  of  your  photo. 


Honorable  Mentions  (10)  ....Publication  of  your  photo. 

‘Publication  will  occur  in  PHS’s  Green  Scene  magazine  (Jan/Feb  ‘08  issue)  and 
on  the  PHS  website. 

"From  your  Digital  Camera,  Media  Card  or  CD 

IMPORTANT  DATES 

• All  entries  must  be  postmarked  by  September  15,  2007. 

• All  winners  will  be  notified  by  November  1 5,  2007. 

FOR  MORE  INFORMATION: 

For  questions  about  the  contest,  please 
email  greenscene@pennhort.org  for  fastest  response. 

You  can  also  call  215-988-8871 . 


PONDS 


UNUSUAL  SPECIMENS 


PONDS  AND  WATERFALLS 

Design/lnstallation/Maintenance 
View  our  pond  video  at 

www.YourPond.com 
Cedar  Run  Landscapes 

1 -800-LANDSCAPE 


RARE  & UNUSUAL  PLANTS 

• Specimen  plants  • Pond  plants  • Bonsai 

• Orchids  • Hardy  cacti  • Tropicals 

• Sculptured  trees  and  shrubs  • Perennials 

• Unique  Flower  and  gift  shop. 

MUTSCHLERS’  FLORIST  & RARE  PLANTS 
1-800-242-9438 

www.mutschiers.com 


GREEN  SCENE  • july/august  2007 


37 


The  Backyard 


Strolling 


on  the 


SCHUYLKILL 


By  Daniel  Moise 


On  any  given  afternoon,  the  pathway  along  the 
Schuylkill  River  in  Center  City  Philadelphia  is 
bustling  with  joggers,  cyclists,  and  businesspeople  out 
for  a lunchtime  stroll.  Set  apart  from  the  busy  streets,  this  new 
park — known  as  Schuylkill  Banks — is  literally  a breath  of  fresh  air 
for  city  dwellers. 

Schuylkill  Banks  is  quickly  becoming  one  of  Center  City’s  most 
vital  open  spaces,  and  recently  the  Fairmount  Park  Commission 
and  Schuylkill  River  Development  Corporation  united  to  bring 
some  major  enhancements  to  the  landscape  along  the  trail.  Starting 
at  the  south  end  near  25th  & Locust  Streets  and  working  their  way 
north,  the  duo  has  cleared  debris,  installed  benches,  and  planted 
shrubs  and  trees. 

The  first  part  of  the  project  proceeded  smoothly;  however,  the 
second  leg — the  stretch  of  land  between  Race  Street  and  the 
Fairmount  Water  Works — presented  a distinct  set  of  challenges. 
This  section  of  the  trail  was  particularly  overgrown,  and  the  result- 
ing seclusion  attracted  illegal  activity.  Still,  the  site  had  undeniable 
potential,  and  the  partner  organizations  were  determined  to  make 


the  most  of  it.  At  this  juncture,  PHS,  through  its  Philadelphia 
Green  program,  became  involved. 

Removing  several  trees  was  the  first  step  in  the  revitalization 
process.  Dozens  of  species  considered  invasive  were  growing  on 
the  site,  such  as  self-propagating  mulberry,  tree  of  heaven 
(Ailanthus  sp.),  and  honey  locust.  With  those  trees  gone,  the 
native  species  would  be  able  to  flourish. 

“At  first  I feared  that  taking  out  so  many  trees  would  make  the 
area  look  barren,  but  instead  it  created  several  beautiful  vistas  of 
the  river  and  the  Philadelphia  Museum  of  Art,”  says  Linda 
Walczak,  PHS  senior  project  manager.  Removing  the  trees  also 
uncovered  a path  that  had  disappeared  long  ago  under  a tangle  of 
weeds  and  grass.  Recovering  the  riverside  walkway  was  a major 
contribution  to  the  project’s  ultimate  aim  of  making  the  area  more 
accommodating  to  the  public. 

But  the  new  walkway  is  just  one  of  several  ways  the  area  will  be 
enhanced.  Philadelphia  Green  and  its  partner  organizations 
recruited  Lager  Raabe  Skafte  Landscape  Architects,  Inc.  to  design 
this  section  of  the  park  and  incorporate  new  amenities,  including 
a fishing  pier.  Because  the  area  is  a common 
checkpoint  in  Fairmount  Park’s  bike-  and 
foot-races,  a plaza  will  also  be  built  to  func- 
tion as  a gathering  place.  A trellis  alongside 
the  plaza  will  display  the  name  of  this 
future  community  hotspot:  Schuylkill 
River  Park. 

Additionally,  Schuylkill  Banks  River 
Tours  are  now  available,  providing  people 
with  beautiful  views  of  the  city.  One  of  the 
tours,  a round-trip  to  historic  Bartram's 
Garden,  clearly  has  gardeners  in  mind. 

The  William  Penn  Foundation  provided 
financial  backing  for  the  tree  removal  and 
landscape  design,  and  the  Commonwealth 
of  Pennsylvania  is  funding  the  installation. 

Philadelphia  Green  director  Nancy 
O’Donnell  says,  “A  lot  of  people  use  the 
trail,  and  these  renovations  will  make  it 
better  and  safer  for  them.  At  the  same  time, 

I hope  newcomers  will  be  drawn  to  this 
stunning  site — it’s  going  to  be  great.’  ^ 


WHAT  DOES 
“SCHUYLKILL"  MEAN? 


gchoylki 


boons 


The  Schuylkill  River  was  named  by 
1 ^-century  explorer  Arendt  Corssen  of  the 
Dutch  West  India  Company.  Its  name  rough- 
ly translates  to  “hidden  river”  or,  perhaps 
more  accurately,  “hideout  creek,”  related  to 
the  modern  Dutch  word  Schuilkil. 


For  more  information  about  the  park, 
visit  www.schuylkillbanks.org.  For 
more  on  Philadelphia  Green,  visit 
www.philadelphiagreen.  org. 


© 2007  EP  Henry  Courtesy  of  Christie’s  Images,  Inc.  (2006) 


The  Aw  of 

Outdoor. 


Call  for  your  free  design  folio...  1-866-HENRY-55  ephenry.com/GS 


For  over  100  years,  EP  Henry  has  enhanced  lovely  homes  with  pool  decks 
patios,  walks,  walls  and  driveways.  Only  genuine  EP  Henry  products  offer 
superior  selection,  craftsmanship  and  lasting  beauty,  brought  to  you  by  the 
Mid-Atlantic’s  premier  Hardscaping”'  manufacturer. 


Our  exclusive  Contractor  Select'"  service  provides  you  with  qualified 
craftsmen,  trained  and  certified  to  install  your  masterpiece  - your 
assurance  of  beauty  that  lasts. 


Insist  On  the  best; 

€P  HEKRY 

FOUNDED  1903 


If  we  can  make  Gauguin  look  this  good,  just  imagine  what  we  can  do 
for  your  landscape. 


Paul  Gauguin 
llAllee  des  Alyscamps,  Arles 
1888 


Wealth  can 
make  a 
profound 
difference  on 
the  future. 


* f 


It’s  time  for  PNC  Wealth 
Management. 

First,  you  need  a vision  - 
plan  that  addresses  your 
unique  concerns.  Let  PNC 
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management  needs, 
powered  by  one  of 
America’s  most  trusted 
financial  service  firms. 
Call  us  at  1-888-762-6226 
or  visit  pnc.com. 


©PNC 


WEALTH  MANAGEMENT 


PNC  is  a registered  service  mark  of  The  PNC  Financial  Services  Group.  Inc.  ('PNC').  Investment  management,  wealth  management,  fiduciary  services  and  FDIC-insured 
banking  products  and  services  are  provided  by  the  PNC  subsidiaries,  PNC  Bank,  National  Association  and  PNC  Bank,  Delaware  which  are  Members  FDIC.  PNC  does  not 

provide  eg  a I . tax  or  accounting  advice  Investments:  Not  FDIC  Insured.  No  Bank  Guarantee.  May  Lose  Value 


1 ni  4 

Ski 

TTTn 

1 ^ 

jBl 

;.r  ^ « ■••••  ny 

1979  - 2007 

Enjoy  the  Best  of  Both  Worlds ! 


Cathedral 

Village 


The  Vision  our  Board 

of  Directors  and 

Management 

has  created 

is  a secure... 

exciting... 

and  vibrant 

community 

for  those  who 

will  appreciate 

The  Best  of  Both  Worlds! 


600  East  Cathedral  Road 
Philadelphia,  PA  19128 
(215)  984-8622 

www.cathedralvillage.com 


Spend  time  “potting”  your  favorite  plants  for  your  home  or  patio  and 
learn  “tricks  of  the  trade”  at  our  Horticulturist’s  weekly  seminars. 

Practice  your  “putting”  skills  on  our  Professional  Golf  Green  and  join 
in  competition  with  our  “other  putters.” 

Take  advantage  of  our  Fitness  Center  to  swim  and  exercise.  Attend  the 
many  Village  College  courses  offered  throughout  the  year,  or  take 
painting  and  sculpting  classes  in  our  Art  Studios. 

You  can  spend  as  much  time  as  you  wish  expanding  your  talents 
without  concerns  about  preparing  meals  every  day,  housecleaning, 
maintenance,  medical  appointments  or  transportation.  Most 
importantly,  you  have  guaranteed  security  about  your  current  and 
future  medical  care. 

This  is  the  Best  of  Both  Worlds  where  every  program  and  amenity  is 
designed  and  maintained  by  Cathedral  Village  management  and  staff 
to  enhance  your  lifestyle. 

We  invite  you  to  visit,  question,  and  compare! 

Come  in  Monday  through  Friday  between  9 and  3. 
Appointments  are  necessary  on  weekends. 


A Nonprofit,  Nondenominational  CCRC  • Accredited  Since  1983 
Affiliated  With  the  Jefferson  Health  System 


Contents 


FEATURES 


24  Solid  Gold 

For  30  years,  the  PHS  Gold  Medal  Plant 
Award  program  has  promoted  plants 
that  meet  the  highest  standards  of  beau- 
ty, performance,  and  longevity.  PHS  s Joe 
Ziccardi  introduces  this  year’s  crop  of 
inductees,  which  include  three  trees  and 
two  shrubs  ideal  for  the  Mid-Atlantic 


GREEN  SCENE  subscriptions  are  part 
of  the  membership  benefits  for: 

Frelinghuysen  Arboretum,  Morristown,  NJ 
Horticultural  Society  of  New  York 
Phipps  Conservatory,  Inc.,  Pittsburgh,  PA 
Staten  Island  Botanical  Garden,  Inc,  New  York 


Up  on  the  Roof 

When  this  old  world  starts  getting  you 
down,  go  to  the  roof  for  relief  and  relax- 
ation. As  more  and  more  Philadelphians 
are  learning,  rooftops  make  great  garden 
settings  with  unbeatable  views.  Laura 
Beitman  explores  this  lofty  trend. 


The  Pennsylvania  Horticultural  Society  motivates  people  to 
improve  the  quality  of  life  and  create  a sense  of  community 
through  horticulture. 


Main  cover  photo  by  Rob  Cardillo 


ft  PRINTED  ON  RECYCLED  PAPER 


10 


18 


A Taste  of  Britain 

Nestled  in  Chadds  Ford,  PA,  is  a home 
and  garden  that  capture  the  quiet  charm 
of  an  English  manor  house.  Daniel 
Moise  tours  the  property  that  can  only 
be  described  as  simply  smashing. 


Let  the  Sunshine  In 

As  summer  begins  to  fade,  Ilene 
Sternberg  explains  how  to  preserve  its 
warm  glow  by  adding  sunflowers  to  the 
garden.  There  are  5 1 varieties  to  choose 
from — which  one  is  right  for  you? 


The  Backyard 

A Free  Lecture  Series  for 
Gardeners 


region. 


28 


Botanical  Bouquets 

An  Autumn  Arrangement 


Show  Plants 

Prize-Winning  Succulents 


38 


OLUMNS 

The  Potting  Shed 


32 


34 


Gr(  m u 1 1- 


Editor 

Pete  Prawn 


Associate  Editor 

Jane  Carroll 

Assistant  Editor 

Daniel  Moise 

Advertising  Coordinator 

Joe  Soprani 

Art  Design 

Baxendells’  Graphic 

Printer 

ALCOM  Printing  Group,  Inc. 


Tire  Pennsylvania 
Horticultural  Society 

Web  Site 

www.pennsylvaniahorticulturalsociety.org 

100  N.  20th  St. 

Philadelphia,  PA  19103-1495 
215-988-8800 

Chair 

Harry  E.  Hill 

President 

Jane  G.  Pepper 

Executive  Vice  President 

J.  Blaine  Bonham,  Jr. 

PHS  Membership  Information 

Linda  Davis,  215-988-8776 

Display  Ads 

Manzo  Communications,  LLC 
610-527-7047  manzocomm@aot.com 

Classified  Ads 

Joe  Soprani,  215-988-8809 
gsads@pennhort.  org 

Ask  A Gardener  Phone  Line 

215-988-8777,  Monday  through  Friday, 
9:30  to  12  [closed  in  December] 
askagardener@pennhort.  org 


GREEN  SCENE  (USPS  955580), 

Volume  35,  No.5,  is  published  bi-monthly 
(January,  March,  May,  July,  September,  November) 
by  The  Pennsylvania  Horticultural 
Society,  a non-profit  member  organization  at 
100  N.  20th  St.,  Philadelphia,  PA  19103-1495. 
Single  Copy:  $5.00  (plus  $2.00  shipping). 
Second-class  postage  paid  at 
Philadelphia,  PA  19103 
and  additional  mailing  offices. 
POSTMASTER:  Send  address  change  to  GREEN 
SCENE,  100  N.  20th  St.,  Philadelphia,  PA  19103. 
© Pennsylvania  Horticultural  Society,  2007 


Letter  from  the  Editor 


Finding  INSPIRATION 


/row/i 

email:  greemcene@pennhort.org 


Late  summer  is  a strange  period  for  ornamental  gar- 
deners. For  the  veggie  gardener,  of  course,  it’s  the 
thrilling  apex  of  the  harvest,  but  for  flower  lovers,  it’s 
one  of  quiet  conflict.  While  many  flower  gardens  begin  to 
recover  from  summer’s  heat  for  a final  moment  of  glory,  the 
gardener  is  simply  pooped  from  four  months  of  heavy  labor. 
The  hard  part  is  finding  that  last  burst  of  energy  and  inspira- 
tion to  finish  out  the  blooming  season  on  a high  note  and  pre- 
pare one’s  garden  for  the  next  year.  I have  trouble  with  this 
every  year. 

To  get  some  pick-me-ups,  I canvassed  a number  of  garden- 
ing experts  and  “harvested”  these  tips  to  help  improve  our  late- 
summer  outlooks.  “In  the  waning  days  of  the  growing  season, 
1 have  more  time  to  think  about  the  garden,  mainly  about  what 
needs  fixing,"  says  garden  writer  Jo  Ann  Gardener.  “I  make 
notes ...  to  move  this,  replace  that,  combine  these.  Next  spring, 
I may  even  look  up  what  I’ve  written.  I also  take  cuttings  of 
favorite  tropicals  to  winter  over  on  my  windowsill.  I know 
some  of  them  won’t  make  it,  but  in  the  fall,  I’m  full  of  hope  for 
what  is  to  come.  Isn’t  that  what  keeps  us  going?” 

Erica  Sollberger,  a Philadelphia  Green  project  coordinator, 
adds:  “Take  a trip  out  to  your  favorite  pleasure  garden  or  gar- 


den center  and  see  what  is  blooming.  So  often  we  choose 
spring  and  early  summer-blooming  plants  in  abundance,  for- 
getting the  late-summer  bloomers  in  our  garden  plans,  such  as 
coneflowers,  goldenrod  and  Japanese  beauryberry  ( Callicarpa 
sp.).  Sometimes  a garden  visit  can  jog  our  minds  to  recall  flow- 
ers of  summers  past  that  we  have  admired  but  not  yet  added  to 
our  garden  collections.  Perhaps  we  just  need  a reminder  how 
beautiful  a garden  can  be,  even  in  the  heat  and  exhaustion  of 
late  summer.” 

Local  horticulturist  and  arborist  Eva  Monheim,  a popular 
speaker  at  PHS’s  City  Gardening  Series,  favors  the  subtle  glo- 
ries of  the  late-season  garden:  “Now  is  the  time  to  walk 
through  your  garden  and  making  notes  of  the  plants  that  did 
well  with  the  least  amount  of  effort  during  the  previous  four 
months.  I’m  always  looking  for  plants  that  look  dazzling, 
despite  the  varying  weather  conditions;  ones  that  produce 
abundant  flowers  and  fruits;  and  those  that  provide  great  color 
and  texture  contrast.  I also  check  on  the  latest  PHS  Gold 
Medal  Plant  Award  winners  to  discover  what  new  trees,  vines, 
and  shrubs  I can  plant  to  further  reduce  maintenance.” 

Finally,  we  hear  from  Jersey  shore  gardener  Gretchen  Coyle, 
who  imparts  these  bits  of  garden  wisdom:  “In  late  summer,  I 

do  a major  deadheading,  cut 
back  foliage,  and  pull  out 
whatever  looks  brown.  Then  I 
fertilize  with  Osmocote’s  new 
ready-mixed  fertilizer,  maybe 
put  pots  in  the  shade  for  a few 
days  to  recoup,  and  then  just 
hope  for  the  best.  And  by  late 
summer  my  gourds  and  pump- 
kins are  ready  to  pick.  There’s 
always  so  much  to  do  in  the 
garden.  Nature  doesn’t  let  me 
get  tired!” 


4 


GREEN  SCENE  • september/october  2007 


WINTERTHUR 


September  14-16,  2007 


A spectacular  autumn  sale  featuring  everything  for  the  great  American  garden! 
Shopping  • Gardens  • How-to  Demonstrations  • Lectures  • Floral  Tours 

lo  purchase  wristbands  or  for  more  information,  please  visit  gardenfair.org  or  call  800.448.3883. 

WINTERTHUR  MUSEUM  & COUNTRY  ESTATE 

Located  in  Delaware’s  beautiful  Brandywine  Valley  on  Route  52,  less  than  an  hour  south  of  Philadelphia. 

General  admission  and  early-bird  shopping  free  for  Winterthur  Members. 


\ 


The  Potting  Shed 


Grand  Greenhouses 
at  Duke  Farms 


Story  and  Photography  by  Pete  Prown 


Everyone  loves  a garden  greenhouse,  especially  when  it’s  cold  outside  and 
inside  there  are  blossoming  plants  galore.  Heiress  Doris  Duke  loved 
greenhouses,  too,  so  much  so  that  she  built  one  of  the  most  spectacular 
glass  structures  on  the  East  Coast,  each  room  of  which  sports  a themed  garden  from 
around  the  globe.  Lucky  lor  us,  the  greenhouses  at  Duke  Farms — located  in 
Hillsborough,  NJ,  near  Somerville — are  open  to  the  public  throughout  the  fall, 
winter,  and  spring. 

What  impresses  most  about  these  indoor  displays  is  the  level  of  horticulture.  Each 
garden  has  been  meticulously  groomed  and  is  filled  with  well-tended  plants,  from 
Italian  bottle-brush  and  Monkey  puzzle  trees,  to  annuals,  succulents,  and  hundreds 
of  blossoming  orchids  (from  Duke’s  collection  of  over  7,000  orchids).  One  show- 
stopper  is  the  1 8th-century-style  French  Garden,  featuring  an  elaborate  lattice  ceil- 
ing; classical  sculpture;  and  formal,  “parterre”  bedding  schemes. 

Other  themed  gardens  include  Italian,  English,  Chinese,  Japanese,  and  even  a 
tranquil  Indo-Persian  garden  complete  with  a geometric  design  and  water  channel 
down  its  central  axis.  Mrs.  Duke  was  heavily  involved  with  the  creation  of  each  gar- 
den, both  as  a designer  and  even  as  a weeder  (she  occasionally  liked  to  work  in  the 
beds  and  eavesdrop  on  visitors’  conversations  to  hear  what  they  thought  about  each 


Above:  The  Chinese 
Garden 


Right:  A view  of  the 
greenhouses 


Indo-Persian  Garden 


A garden).  And,  aside  from 

V traveling  the  world  for  horti- 

I cultural  inspiration,  she  also 
visited  the  du  Ponts  at 
Longwood  Gardens  to  glean 
ideas  on  how  to  lay  out  an 
indoor  display  garden. 

Duke  Farms  offers  an 
array  of  environmental  pro- 
gramming and  tours,  but  the 
horticultural  stars  of  the 
show  are  clearly  the  green- 
houses. If  stretched  end-to- 
end,  they  would  reach  a half- 
mile  in  length — that’s  about 
2,600  feet  of  impressive 
plantsmanship  and  charm- 
ing garden  design.  It’s  a sight 
that’s  well  worth  a visit. 


For  more  information  on 
Duke  Farms,  visit 
www.dukefarms.org  or 
call  908-722-3700. 


The  Gardener’s  Bookshelf 

By  llene  Sternberg  & Pete  Prown 


I 


Defiant  Gardens: 
Making  Gardens 
in  Wartime 


By  Kenneth  Helphand 
(304  pp„  $34.95) 

Kenneth  Helphand,  profes- 
sor of  landscape  architecture  at 
the  University  of  Oregon,  pre- 
sents an  extraordinary  account 
of  those  who  garden  under  the 
most  improbable  and  horren- 
dous conditions.  Using  histori- 
cal records,  personal  interviews, 
and  archival  photographs  and 
illustrations,  Helphand  has 
unearthed  stories  of  soldiers 
gardening  in  WWI  trenches, 
ghetto  gardeners  during  the 
Nazi  Holocaust,  and  Gulf 
War  “landscapers.”  The  book 
includes  accounts  of  American 
soldiers  in  Iraq  growing  corn 
and  of  one  soldier  hand-clip- 
ping  a tiny  plot  of  grass  he 
raised  outside  his  tent. 

Don’t  expect  a book  of  pret- 
ty garden  pictures.  Instead,  the 
author  offers  a compelling  trib- 
ute to  the  capacity  of  the 
human  spirit,  the  comfort  and 
hope  gardening  affords,  the 
need  to  nurture  living  things  in 
the  face  of  death,  and  a testa- 
ment to  the  irrefutable  bond 
between  Man  and  Nature.  This 
is  a unique,  poignant,  and 
thought-provoking  chronicle 
to  be  treasured  for  its  message. 


Conifers  for 
Gardens, 

An  Illustrated 
Encyclopedia 

By  Richard  L.  Bitner 
(448  pp„  $59.95) 

Longwood  Gardens  instruc- 
tor and  acknowledged  “cone 
head”  (pinecone,  that  is), 
Richard  Bitner  has  written  the 
first  comprehensive  book  on 
American  conifers  to  appear  in 
20  years.  A member  of  the 
PHS  Gold  Medal  Plant  Award 
Committee,  he  has  outdone  his 
predecessors  with  424  pages  of 
meticulously  researched  infor- 
mation on  1,370  species 
and  cultivars.  Well-organized, 
informative,  thorough,  and 
richly  illustrated  with  1,550  of 
Bitner’s  own  crisp  photo- 
graphs, Conifers  for  Gardens 
helps  us  choose  the  best  gar- 
den-worthy  selections  and  dis- 
cusses ornamental  attributes; 
culture;  diseases;  value  to 
wildlife  (including  attractive- 
ness to  “hoofed  browsers”);  tra- 
ditional uses  of  the  wood;  and 
the  best  dwarf  cultivars  for 
bonsai,  particularly  useful  to 
those  of  us  who  are  “down- 
sizing.” 


A Guide  to  the  Great 
Gardens  of  the 
Philadelphia  Region 

By  Adam  Levine  & Rob 
Cardillo 

(192  pp„  $21.95) 

The  Philadelphia  area  is 
often  recognized  as  one  of  the 
finest  gardening  regions  in  the 
USA,  and  this  stunning  book 
helps  confirm  that  notion. 
Author  Levine  and  photogra- 
pher Cardillo  offer  this  com- 
prehensive guide  to  area  gar- 
dens, from  Center  City  sites 
to  Longwood  Gardens  to  many 
smaller  gardens  you  may 
not  have  heard  about,  such 
as  Grumblethorpe  in 
Germantown.  The  book  has  a 
clean  layout  that  gives  a quick 
overview  of  each  garden,  a little 
history,  contact  information, 
and  an  insider’s  tip  in  the  “Off 
the  Beaten  Path”  sections. 
Great  Gardens  seems  so  handy 
that  you  might  want  to  leave  it 
in  your  glove  compartment  for 
spontaneous  garden  jaunts 
when  driving  around  our  hap- 
pily floriferous  region. 


GREEN  SCENE  • september/october  2007 


7 


The  Potting  Shed 


By  Christine  Herz 


USING  CONTAINERS  as  garden 


As  most  gardeners  know,  groups  of  containers  can  showcase  colorful  annuals. 
But  containers  also  create  focal  points  in  the  garden  or  function  as  transitional 
objects.  With  careful  placement,  containers  integrate  garden  beds,  fit  together 
distinct  garden  rooms,  or  announce  the  change  from  hardscaped-surface  to 
meandering  pathway.  More  than  just  mere  “pots,”  containers  add  color  and  tex- 
ture and  fill  their  multiple  roles  with  ease. 

Grouped  Containers 

A grouping  of  terra  cotta  pots  planted  with  gardenia,  jasmine,  and  princess 
flower  ( Tibouchina  urvilleana , also  known  as  glory  bush)  sit  by  the  edge  of  my  patio, 
signaling  the  transition  from  brick  patio  room  to  attached  walkway  and  beyond. 
The  flowers  stand  up  well  to  sweltering  August  heat  and  humidity. 

On  a low  wooden  deck,  containers  of  similar  annuals  arranged  on  different  lev- 
els interweave  the  deck’s  surface  with  a nearby  bench,  inviting  the  passerby  to  pause 
and  sit.  These  smaller  containers  not  only  anchor  the  bench  and  deck  to  the  gar- 
den, but  also  create  an  eye-pleasing  arrangement,  much  as  an  artist  would  arrange 
items  in  a still  life.  The  containers  soften  the  edges  of  the  deck’s  surface  and  pull  in 
the  surrounding  planting  bed. 

Next,  varieties  of  begonias  arranged  in  pots  of  three  alert  the  viewer  to  a shadier 
space  and  respite  from  the  heat  of  the  midday  sun.  Placed  alongside  a moss-out- 
lined  stone  path,  the  begonias  provide  a transition  from  bright  light  to  the  dense 
shade  of  mature  trees. 

Hanging  Planters  for  Vertical  Interest 

Hanging  baskets  create  interest  by  leading  the  eye  upward  and,  when  viewed 
from  a distance,  weaving  elements  of  the  house,  such  as  a porch  or  fence,  into  the 
adjoining  garden.  By  repeating  nearby  colors  and  textures,  hanging  containers 
relate  the  vertical  elements  to  what’s  down  in  the  garden  bed — much  as  the  water- 
colorist connects  and  softens  the  interrupting 
white  space  with  diluted  hues. 

"Focal  Pots"  Make  a Point 

A larger  eye-catching  pot  grabs  attention 
from  afar  and  creates  a focal  point  for  a gar- 
den scene.  When  viewing  the  backyard  gar- 
den from  the  door  or  upstairs  window,  the 
focal  pot  catches  your  eye.  It  may  be  planted 
with  combinations  of  striking  foliage  and 
showy  flowers,  or  with  just  one  plant  to 
emphasize  the  attractive  container,  whose  pri- 
mary purposes  are  drama  and  impact, 


RANSITIONS 


Christine  Herz  gardens  in  Audubon, 
New  Jersey. 


Garden 

Tables 

for  Historic  Properties 

Twelve  mortice,  five  plank. 
Six  or  eight  feet  long.  Dining 
or  potting.  Brown  mahogany, 
bronze  hardware.  Will  deliver 
regionally  or  ship  anywhere. 

FRENCH  GARDEN  CHAIRS  AVAILABLE 


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GREEN  SCENE  • september/october  2007 


Photos  by  Pete  Prown 


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reminds  me  so  much  of  a country  house  in 
the  Cotswolds,”  enthuses  Scottish-born  Jane 
Pepper,  president  of  PHS,  as  she  tours  the 
estate  of  Sheila  and  Dick  Sanford  near  the  Brandywine 
Creek.  Indeed,  the  house,  garden,  and  grounds  of  this 
Chester  County,  PA,  property  exude  a classic  English 
style,  right  down  to  the  crisply  edged  perennial  beds 
and  the  walled  potager  designed  by  the  late  British  gar- 
dening doyenne,  Rosemary  Verey.  While  the  house, 
garage,  and  stables  are  only  about  ten  years  old,  they 
look  as  if  they  were  built  more  than  100  years  ago. 

During  the  design  phase,  the  Sanfords  visited  many 
English  country  estates  seeking  inspiration.  “Despite 


having  no  English  ancestry,  we  wanted  to  capture  the 
essence  of  Gloucestershire  and  the  Cotswolds,  Sheila 
says.  “We  just  had  an  image  in  mind  and  became 
immersed  in  the  idea.” 

Dick  and  Sheila  hired  an  English  architect  to  help 
them  hone  their  vision  and  hammer  out  the  logistics. 
Presenting  the  blueprints  to  U.S.  contractors  proved  to 
be  more  complicated:  “They  kept  wanting  to  add  win- 
dows!” Sheila  laughs.  “I  had  to  remind  them  that  / 
wanted  it  to  look  old-fashioned.”  Even  more  challeng- 
ing, Dick  had  to  coax  the  Amish  builders  they  hired 
into  crafting  a deliberately  crooked  roofline  on  the 
garage. 


10 


GREEN  SCENE  • september/october  2007 


To  complete  the  aura  of  time-worn  authenticity, 
Sheila — who  has  taken  quite  a few  classes  at  Longwood 
Gardens — trained  ivy  to  grow  up  the  walls  of  the  house. 
She  adds  that  while  the  Boston  ivy  ( Parthenocissus  tri- 
cuspidata ) gets  decimated  by  beetles  each  summer, 
before  it  can  change  to  brilliant  red  in  the  fall,  the 
English  ivy  ( Hedera  helix ) has  so  far  held  up  well.  “The 
biggest  compliment  we  get  is  when  people  assume  our 
home  is  a century  old,”  she  says. 

Once  the  new  house  was  complete,  the  gardens 
became  the  Sanford’s  top  priority.  Rosemary  Verey  was 
the  creative  force  behind  most  of  garden  layout.  “Local 
designer  Bill  Frederick  suggested  we  ask  her  to  come 
look  at  our  garden,  and  we  were  totally  surprised  when 
she  said  yes.  What  was  wonderful  about  Rosemary  was 
that  she  supported  our  ideas  and  literally  spent  hours 
with  us,”  Sheila  says.  “She  had  such  strength.  Well  over 
70  years  old,  she  would  spend  winter  days  out  in  the 
cold  in  her  boots,  taking  notes  and  making  sketches.” 

“As  for  the  plantings,  Rosemary  suggested  using  sev- 
eral plants  that  grow  well  in  the  UK,  and  Bill  kept  her 
in  check  regarding  what  would  and  would  not  grow  in 
the  Delaware  Valley,”  Sheila  recalls.  While  there’s  no 
denying  Rosemary  was  a stickler  for  precision,  Sheila 
says  her  number-one  rule  for  gardening  was  to  have  fun. 
Sheila  also  cites  Carol  Lim  as  one  of  her  longtime  gar- 
den advisors,  picking  perennials  and  other  plants  for  the 
property. 

In  the  rear  of  the  house  is  the  walled  potager  featuring 
an  architectural  “folly,"  a whimsical  structure  popular  in 
England  in  the  18^  century  that  serves  as  an  outdoor 
conversation  piece.  The  Sanford’s  folly  is  used  as  a gar- 


in  the 

COUNTRY 

den  shed,  though  Sheila  expresses  frustration  at  the  color 
of  the  door.  “There’s  a specific  blue-purple  that’s  com- 
mon in  England.  I can  never  get  it  quite  right  no  matter 
how  many  times  I paint  it,”  she  laments.  Nearby  are  lead 
cisterns,  one  in  each  corner  of  the  garden.  Although  it’s 
nearly  impossible  to  tell,  one  of  them  is  an  antique  and 
the  rest  are  replicas.  In  keeping  with  the  style  of  the 
house,  Sheila  believes  the  more  weathered  they  are,  the 
better  they  look. 


GREEN  SCENE  • September/ October  2007  11 

! 


i 


Lush  lawns  surround  this  patio  space 


Photos  this  page  by  Mark  Turner 

This  multi-purpose  garden  also  includes  vegetables 
growing  along  carefully  constructed  grapevine  trellises. 
The  bounty  includes  ‘Brandywine’  heirloom  tomatoes 
and  Asian  bok  choy,  which  Sheila  grew  for  the  first  time 
this  season.  She  says  it  is  “easy  to  grow  and  unbelievably 
delicious,’’  and  questions  whether  she’ll  ever  grow 
finicky  (and  pest-ridden)  cabbage  again. 

Also  present  are  ‘Cardinal  Climber’  morning  glories. 
“I  showed  the  plant  to  Rosemary,  and  she  had  never 
seen  it  before,’’  says  Sheila.  “I  couldn’t  believe  that  I 
could  show  her  something  new.  She  even  wanted  to  take 
some  seeds!” 

From  behind  the  house,  one  can  also  enjoy  a stun- 
ning sweetgum  allee.  Sheila  originally  thought  a simple 
allee  of  grass  and  trees  would  be  a snap  to  grow  and 
maintain;  instead  she  has  found  that  sweetgums  are 
messy.  “The  fallen  seed  pods  are  a pain,’’  she  says.  “I 
know  sterile  trees  are  an  option,  but  they  lack  the  bril- 
liant color  of  the  fertile  ones,  which  is  especially  notice- 
able in  the  autumn.” 

On  the  south  side  of  the  property  is  a perennial  gar- 
den divided  into  three  sections  per  Rosemary’s  specifi- 
cations. Nearest  the  house  are  warm-colored  blossoms, 
featuring  red  and  orange.  Next  are  the  cooler  colors, 
mostly  blues  and  pale  yellows,  followed  by  the  pinks. 


12 


GREEN  SCENE  • September/ October  2007 


Rosemary  Verey  designed  this  walled  potager  garden 


A sitting  area  overlooking  the 
rolling  fields  of  Chadds  Ford 


All  materials  mill  imag i's  & The  Barites  Foundation  2006 


The  design  is  reminis- 
cent of  the  garden  at 
Rodmarton  Manor 
in  Gloucestershire. 

Clematis  and  Dutch- 
man’s pipe  ( Aristolochia 
sp.)  adorn  a bench  at 
the  end  of  the  garden. 

Around  the  corner  is 
a green  and  white 
garden  designed  by 
Bill  Frederick.  The 
Sandfords’  gardener, 

Ken  Profita,  considers 
this  parcel  his  pet  proj- 
ect, and  it  shows.  The 
turf-grass  lawn  is 
immaculate;  a visitor 
could  search  high  and 
low  and  wouldn’t  find  a 
weed.  This  garden  fea- 
tures seven-son  flower  ( Heptacodium  miconioides , a PHS 
Gold  Medal  plant),  which  has  gorgeous  white  flowers 
followed  in  fall  by  small,  purplish-red  fruits.  These  in 
turn  are  crowned  by  very  showy,  sepal-like  rose  calyces 
that  elongate  after  bloom  and  last  into  late  fall. 


Another  standout  here  is  Schizophragma 

hydrangeoides  ‘Moonlight  vine,  also  a Gold  Medal 

plant.  “If  it’s  a Gold  Medal  winner,  I buy  it,”  Sheila 
says,  pointing  to  a row  of  potted  ‘Green  Giant  arborvi- 
taes  she’s  about  to  plant,  praising  their  deer  resistance. 

The  Sanford  plant  list  includes  box- 
wood (notably  ‘Winter  Gem’),  sugar 
maples,  katsura,  mulberry,  and  chest- 
nut trees.  There’s  also  Golden  Catalpa 
‘Aurea’,  which  has  large  lime-green 
leaves,  and  amelanchier  with  its  bril- 
liant berries.  The  Kentucky  coffee 
trees,  despite  the  naysayers,  have 
thrived. 

Friend  and  former  neighbor  Helen 
Reed  gave  Sheila  a ‘Miss  Kim’  lilac, 
which  looks  lovely  in  the  spring.  When 
Helen  first  presented  the  plant  it  was 
only  a stick  in  a pot.  Sheila  says,  “I  was 
so  happy  to  have  her  over  to  the  house 
one  day  years  later.  I said,  ‘Helen  do 
you  recognize  this?  She  couldnt 
believe  this  big  blooming  shrub  was 
the  same  tiny  twig  she’d  given  me. 

Sheila  concludes,  “I’m  coming  along 
in  my  gardening.  The  most  important 
thing  I learned  from  Helen  was  to  be 
willing  to  wait  for  things  to  grow." 
And  at  this  sublime  estate  in  Chester 
County,  a sense  of  the  slow  passage 
of  time  is  evident  everywhere  one 
gazes.  *Ay 


The  Barnes  Foundation 


dT 

% 


Paul  Cezanne,  Terracotta  Pots  and  Flowers, 
1891-1892,  BF235. 


Visit  the  Barnes  Foundation  this  fall  and 
winter  and  enjoy  an  unparalleled  aesthetic 
experience  inside  the  Gallery  and 
outside  in  the  Arboretum. 


The  Barnes  Foundation's  collection  of  French 
Impressionist,  Post-Impressionist,  and  early  Modern 
paintings  is  unsurpassed  in  breadth,  quality,  and  depth. 

The  collection  also  includes  important  examples  of  African 
sculpture,  American  paintings  and  decorative  arts,  Old 
Master  paintings,  Native  American  art,  Asian  art,  and 
ancient  artifacts,  which  provide  a rich  context  for  the  study 
of  art  and  aesthetics. 

The  Arboretum,  which  features  an  exceptional  collection 
of  rare  trees  and  woody  plants  from  all  over  the  world,  a 
fern  collection,  formal  gardens,  and  a lilac  grove,  provides 
an  unparalleled  environment  for  horticulture  education. 
The  12-acre  Arboretum,  which  surrounds  the  gallery 
building,  reflects  and  enhances  the  beauty  of  the  art  inside. 


For  information  on  visiting  the  Barnes  Foundation  please  call  610-667-0290. 

To  learn  about  art  and  horticulture  classes  and  workshops  offered  at  the  Barnes, 
please  contact  the  Education  Department  at  610-667-0290,  ext.  3825,  or  the  Arboretum  at  610-667-0290,  ext.  1071. 


THE  BARNES  FOUNDATION 

300  North  Latch’s  Lane,  Merion,  PA  19066  610-667-0290  www.barnesfoundatlon.org 


14 


GREEN  SCENE  • september/october  2007 


eautiful  homes  and 
gardens  are  the  expression  of 
imaginative  and  functional 
design  concepts,  not  merely  good 
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GREEN  SCENE  • september/october  2007 


mm 


Enter  the  2007 

GREEN  * 


Enter  the  Green  Scene 
“Garden  Photo  Contest” 
and  win  this  Nikon  Coolpix  L10 
digital  camera,  provided  by 
Ritz  Camera. 


We  want  to  see  your  best  Garden  shots.  Flower  close-ups,  and  other  Nature  and  Landscape  shots!  The  contest's  judges — all 
professional  photographers  and  gardeners  from  the  Delaware  Valley — will  be  looking  for  knock-out  images  that  capture  the 
essence  of  gardening  and  the  beauty  of  nature.  Winning  photos  will  be  published  in  the  January/February  2008  issue  of  Green 
Scene  magazine  and  on  the  PHS  website. 


Photos  can  be  shot  in  any  format,  but  must  be  submitted  as  4 x 6 or  5 x 7-inch  prints  with  your  name  and  phone/email 
address  on  the  back.  No  submissions  by  email  or  on  CD  will  be  accepted.  The  deadline  for  entries  is  September  15,  2007. 


For  more  information,  please  visit  the  PHS  website  at 

www.pennsylvaniahorticulturalsociety.org  or  email  greenscene@pennhort.org  with  questions. 

SEE  PAGE  37  FOR  CONTEST  RULES! 

ENTRY  FORM  (please  fill  out  completely) 


Name: 

Address: 

City: State: Zip: 

Phone: Email: 


ENTRY  FEES 

Amount  (check  one): 

1 photo  ($15)  d 2-5  photos  ($25)  □ 6-10  photos  ($40)  □ 

Payment  option:  Check  □ (payable  to  PHS)  Credit  Card  □ Credit  card  type:  Visa  □ MasterCard  □ AmEx  □ 

Card  number: Card  expiration  date:  

Please  mail  your  entries  to:  GREEN  SCENE  GARDEN  PHOTO  CONTEST,  The  Pennsylvania  Horticultural  Society,  100  N.  20th 

Street,  Philadelphia,  PA  19103-1495 

The  contest  is  open  to  photographers  18  years  and  older.  To  be  eligible,  all  mailed-in  entries  must  be  postmarked  on  or  before  September  15,  2007. 

Warranty  and  Permission 

By  sending  this  photograph(s)  to  the  Pennsylvania  Horticultural  Society’s  Green  Scene  Garden  Photo  Contest,  I warrant  that  I am  the 
sole  author  of  this  photo(s).  I grant  the  Pennsylvania  Horticultural  Society  the  right  to  publish  this  photo  in  its  publications  and  elec- 
tronic newsletters;  on  its  website;  and  in  collateral  publications,  including,  but  not  limited  to,  promotional  materials.  I understand  that 

beyond  granting  PHS  these  rights,  I retain  all  other  rights  to  this  photograph. 


Printed  Name 


Signature 


P/:>os  'V- 


— — 


Late  summer  through  early  fall 
is  time  to  pay  homage  to  the 

humble  HELIANTHUS' 


Aztecs  and  Incans  did.  Pure  gold  sunflower 
representations  embellished  their  temples. 
Native  North  Americans  did,  too,  vener- 
ating the  flower  in  religious  ceremonies.  At  one  time 
or  another,  all  sunflower  parts  were  used  for  food; 
brewed  into  coffee-like  beverages;  smoked  like  tobac- 
co; employed  to  treat  snakebites,  wounds,  and  blis- 
ters; and  made  into  cloth  and  dye.  Early  settlers 
planted  sunflowers  around  their  homes  to  ward  off 
malaria.  Farmers  fed  seeds  to  livestock;  miners  drank 
sunflower  whiskey;  and  tubers  of  carb-rich  sunchoke, 
a.k.a.  "Jerusalem  artichoke”  (H.  tuberosus),  became 
an  edible  staple  for  both  animals  and  humans. 

Spaniards  brought  them  from  America  and  intro- 
duced them  to  Europe,  where  they  became  a major 
crop  in  Russia.  Van  Gogh  immortalized  them. 
France’s  Sun  King,  Louis  XIV,  made  them  a symbol 
of  his  reign,  and  l6th-century  English  herbalist  John 
Gerard  believed  sunflowers  "provoked  bodily  lust.” 
All  14  annual  and  37  perennial  Helianthus  species 
are  native  to  the  Americas.  The  perennials  grow 
under  wide-ranging  conditions:  swamp  sunflower 
(H.  angustifolius)  likes  boggy  wet  areas;  willowleaf 
sunflower  (H.  salicifolius)  is  more  drought  tolerant; 
and  tall,  sturdy,  multiflowering  Maximilian  {H.  max- 
imiliani)  prefers  hot,  dry  windswept  areas. 

Most  fascinating, 
though,  are  H.  annu- 
us.  Like  an  obedient 
troupe  of  smiley 
faces,  they  trace  the 
course  of  the  sun 
across  the  sky  from 
east  to  west,  reorient- 
ing overnight  to 


Story  by  & fa 
llene  Sternberg 


GREEN  SCENE  • september/october  2007 


18 


Photo  by  Alan  & Linda  Detrick 


await  sunup  again.  Actually,  in  these  domesticated 
annuals,  the  inflorescence  holds  its  face  obliquely 
toward  the  sun,  seldom  facing  it  directly  except  in 
early  morning  and  late  afternoon.  As  the  mesmeriz- 
ing pageant  takes  place,  the  leaves  also  turn,  keeping 
their  surfaces  perpendicular  to  incoming  rays,  maxi- 
mizing the  solar  radiation  available  for  photosynthe- 
sis. Heliotropism  (the  action  of  specialized  cells  regu- 
lating water  flow  in  the  stem  triggered  by  sunlight’s 
blue  wavelengths)  reorients  the  leaf  or  flower.  Once 
in  full  bloom,  the  heads  abandon  tracking  the  sun, 
usually  face  east  and  bow,  concluding  their  ballet. 
Although  it  seems  the  plant  is  perhaps  embarrassed 
by  its  performance,  it’s  actually  only  protecting  itself 
from  weather  and  hungry  birds. 

Beautiful  annual  cultivars  come  in  rich  reds,  bicol- 
ors, doubles,  and  semi-doubles  in  varying  heights  and 
flower  sizes  for  cutting  and  garden  display.  We  now 
have  longer-lasting,  pollen-free  choices:  ‘Chianti’, 
‘Angel’s  Halo’,  ‘Sunrich  Lemon’,  ‘Sunbeam’,  ‘The 
Joker’,  ‘Dorado’,  ‘Fantasia’,  ‘Ruby  Eclipse’,  ‘Lemon 
Eclair’,  and  ‘Moonshadow’.  While  most  sunflowers 
rapidly  grow  5 to  12  feet  tall,  dwarf  cultivars  are  ideal 
for  large  planters.  ‘Teddy  Bear’  grows  2 to  3 feet  tall, 
sporting  fluffy'  yellow  double  flowers.  ‘Music  Box 
grows  2 feet,  blooming  in  several  autumnal  colors, 
including  yellow,  cream,  orange,  and  mahogany. 

Like  ‘em  tall?  Tom  Heaton,  who  hybridized  an 
array  of  vivid,  long-stemmed,  pollen-free  cultivars, 
claims  his  King  Kong  of  all  sunflowers,  ‘Sunzilla’,* 


20 


GREEN  SCENE  • september/october  2007 


tops  traditional  biggies  like  'Russian  Mammoth’  or 
‘California  Greystripe’.  And  while  older  varieties 
often  become  top-heavy  and  fall  over  in  wet  or  windy 
weather,  ‘Sunzilla’  was  selected  for  a strong,  thick 
stalk  to  support  its  heavy  head.  It  can  reach  over  16 
feet,  producing  colossal  24-inch  seedheads. 

Heatons  recipe  for  gargantuan  sunflowers  is  quite 
specific:  sow  seed  directly  in  the  garden  (sunflowers 
develop  fast-growing  taproots,  often  4 feet  long,  that 
become  stunted  if  confined)  when  night  tempera- 
tures climb  above  50°F.  Late  May  to  early  June  is 
best;  later  planting  may  produce  shorter  stalks. 
Sunflowers  need  6 to  8 hours  of  direct  sunlight 
daily — even  more  to  reach  their  maximum  potential. 

In  a well-drained  location  about  2 to  3 feet  in  cir- 
cumference and  2 feet  deep,  work  a slow-release  gran- 
ular fertilizer  containing  trace  minerals  (Heaton  uses 
Osmocote),  composted  manure,  greensand,  dried 
seaweed,  and/or  other  enrichments  into  the  soil. 
Sunflowers  are  gluttonous  feeders,  depleting  soil’s 
nutrients  quickly. 

Ideal  spacing  is  20  inches  apart.  Closer  spacing 
may  yield  taller  stalks  but  smaller  heads,  while  plant- 
ing them  farther  apart  may  produce  larger  seedheads 
but  weaker  stems,  conceivably  unable  to  carry  their 
weight.  Press  groups  of  5 to  6 seeds  about  8 inches 
apart  and  1 inch  deep.  Encircle  groups  with  snail  bait 
and  loosely  cover  emerging  seedlings  with  protective 
netting  to  keep  birds  away. 

In  moist  soil,  seedlings  should  sprout  in  5 to  10 
days.  When  they’re  3 inches  tall,  pull  out  all  but  the 
strongest  3 or  4 in  each  group.  At  12  inches,  thin  to 
2,  and  when  2 feet  high,  retain  the  most  vigorous 
shoot.  This  gradual  thinning  guarantees  at  least  one 
viable  plant  if  predators  damage  others. 

While  plants  are  small,  water  root  zones  about  3 to 
4 inches  from  stems  with  2 gallons  of  liquid  fertilizer 
weekly.  As  they  enlarge,  carve  18-inch  moats  about  4 
inches  deep  around  plants.  Pour  several  gallons  of  fer- 
tilizer into  the  moats  weekly.  Avoid  spilling  fertilizer 
directly  on  stems  to  avoid  rot.  Staking  is  necessary 
only  under  excessively  windy  conditions.  Delay 
watering  if  gusty  weather  is  predicted  to  reduce  their 
chances  of  blowing  over. 

When  the  plants  are  mature  (mid-September 
through  October),  petals  fall,  center  florets  wither, 
seed  kernels  swell,  heads  droop,  and  the  back  of  disks 

*‘Sunzilla’  is  available  from  Renee’s  Garden, 
www.reneesgarden.com,  1-888-880-7228. 


GREEN  SCENE  • 


September/ October  2007 


I 


turn  lemon  yellow.  Split  some  seeds  with  a 
knife  to  check  if  they’re  filled.  Poorly  filled 
seeds  may  be  due  to  lack  of  pollinating 
insects.  Climb  a stepladder  and  cover  seed- 
heads  with  mesh,  burlap,  or  paper  bags  to 


keep  pillaging  birds  from  eating  seeds, 
unless  that’s  why  you  grew  them.  Cut  stalks 
at  the  base  when  ripened  seeds  develop 
hard  shells.  Hang  heads  with  12-inch  stems 
attached  in  a warm,  dry,  well-ventilated, 
rodent-  and  insect-free  place.  Keep  a perfo- 
rated paper  bag  or  cheesecloth  over  the 
heads  to  catch  falling  seeds.  If  you  plan  to 
eat  seeds  or  preserve  them  for  bird  feeders, 
wait  until  they’re  completely  dry,  then 
remove  them  by  hand.  Store  them  in  closed 
containers. 

While  gardeners  experiment  with  sun- 
flower colors  and  textures,  researchers  study 
them.  There  is  considerable  disagreement 
as  to  whether  sunflowers  and/or  their  seed 
hulls  are  allelopathic,  meaning  they  secrete 
toxins  that  inhibit  the  growth  of  plants 
growing  under  and  around  them.  Most 
observe  that  nothing  grows  under  birdfeed- 
ers  where  hulls  accumulate,  but  some  peo- 
ple compost  their  hulls  and  other  sunflower 
residue  and  claim  no  injurious  results. 

Findings  reveal  that  the  roots  of  some 
species  of  sunflower,  especially  H.  annuus 
and  H.  tuberosum , possess  the  ability  to  kill 
certain  weeds,  particularly  wild  mustard 
and  bindweed.  Unfortunately  some  desir- 
able plants  (beans,  radishes,  potatoes  and 
even  snapdragons)  don’t  thrive  where  an 
abundance  of  sunflowers  have  been  plant- 
ed. Sunflowers  are  also  allergic  to  them- 
selves, something  known  as  “autotoxicity. 
Thus,  if  you  plant  sunflowers  in  the  same 


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22 


place  as  the  year  before,  they  may  not  flour- 
ish. Allelochemicals  from  leaf  extracts, 
roots,  and  seed  hulls  are  all  suggested  as 
possible  culprits. 

Still,  there  are  many  reasons  to  grow  sun- 
flowers. Try  encouraging  some  brave  annu- 
al vines  to  grow  up  sunflower  stalks. 
Children  can  also  plant  and  play  in  sun- 
flower forests,  playhouses  or  teepees.  And 
wild  or  cultivated,  sunflower  seeds  nourish 
at  least  45  bird  species.  The  flower  heads 
serve  as  a feeding  perch — very  entertaining 
to  watch,  especially  when  glorious 
goldfinches  are  hungry.  However,  I’m  told 
that  feeding  parrots  a diet  exclusively  of 
sunflower  seeds  is  supposed  to  make  them 
mean. 

Finally,  according  to  the  Guiness  Book  of 
World  Records,  the  tallest  sunflower  on 
record  measured  25  feet,  5.4  inches,  while 
the  largest  head  was  a massive  32  inches  in 
diameter.  Okay,  maybe  that  wouldn't  be  an 
appropriate  flower  for  your  latest  tabletop 
arrangement,  but  it’s  a pretty  impressive 
posey  all  the  same.  Welcome  to  the  won- 
derful world  of  sunflowers. 


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GREEN  SCENE  • september/oefober  2007 


23 


The  Pennsylvania 
Horticultural  Society 
presents  the 
2008  Gold  Medal 
Plant  Awards 


OLD  MEDAL 


MAGIC 


Since  irs  initial  meetings  in  1978,  the  Gold  Medal  Plant  Award  program  of  the 
Pennsylvania  Horticultural  Society  has  recognized  trees,  shrubs,  and  woody  vines  of 
outstanding  merit.  The  program  was  conceived  by  noted  nurseryman  Dr.  J. 
Franklin  Styer,  who  realized  that  homeowners  and  gardeners  needed  to  know  about  superior 
woody  plants  for  their  landscapes.  These  plants  are  evaluated  and  chosen  for  superb  eye-appeal, 
performance,  and  hardiness  in  the  growing  region  of  Zones  5 to  7,  though  many  selections  are 
hardy  in  a broader  geographic  range. 

Three  lovely  trees  and  a pair  of  tough-as-nails  shrubs  have  earned  the  2008  Gold  Medal  Plant 
Award,  and  each  is  a terrific  plant  for  our  growing  region.  When  a gardener  acquires  a Gold 
Medal  champion,  he  or  she  can  be  assured  the  plant  will  be  pest  and  disease  resistant  and  easy 
to  grow  when  planted  and  maintained  by  recommended  methods.  Gold  Medal  Plants  are  also 
chosen  for  their  beauty,  whether  it  be  foliage,  flower,  form,  or  bark,  through  several  seasons. 


24 


GREEN  SCENE  • september/october  2007 


TREES 


Magnolia  vlrglniana  ‘Jim  Wilson’  Moonglow™ 

(Sweetbay  Magnolia)  — A mid-size  tree  with  lemon-scented 
blossoms  and  winter  hardiness 

Known  in  the  nursery  trade  as  ‘Jim  Wilson'  (after  the  longtime  host 
of  PBS’s  Victory  Garden),  Moonglow  is  a standout  magnolia  among 
the  many  cultivars  derived  from  the  parent  plant,  Magnolia  virginiana. 
Retaining  most  of  its  leaves  throughout  a normal  Mid-Atlantic  winter, 
this  almost-evergreen  native  magnolia  has  a very  upright  growth  habit 
(usually  multi-stemmed),  dark-green  foliage,  and  a long  bloom  period 
in  late  spring.  Moonglow  grows  to  35  feet  tall  by  18  feet  wide  with  a 
moderate  growth  rate  and  prefers  acid  soil  and  a part-sun  location.  Its 
fragrant,  creamy  white  blossoms  (2  to  3 inches  across)  lace  the  air  with 
a pleasant  lemony  scent.  Pest-resistance,  winter  hardiness  (Zones  5 to 
9),  and  adaptability  to  wet  sites — characteristics  shared  by  the 
species — add  to  its  versatility.  Better  yet,  its  fruits  contain  bright  red 
seeds  that  birds  eat  in  the  fall. 

The  selection  of  Moonglow  was  a painstaking  process,  according  to 
PHS  Gold  Medal  manager  Joe  Ziccardi.  “A  lot  of  variation  exists  in 
the  species,”  he  says,  “and  because  of  this,  the  GM  committee  evalu- 
ated many  strains  of  M.  virginiana.  The  committee  eventually  focused 
on  select  cultivars  including  Moonglow  and  ‘Henry  Hicks’.  While 
they  decided  that  Moonglow  has  the  characteristics  that  warrant  the 
Gold  Medal  Award,  they  all  agree  that  no  gardener  can  go  wrong  with 
any  Magnolia  virginiana .” 

Metasequoia  glyptostroboides  ‘Ogon’ 

(Yellow  Dawn  Redwood)  — Adds  dramatic  yellow  foliage  to 
the  spring  and  summer  landscape 

This  cultivar  with  bright-yellow  needles  is  smaller  than  the  popular 
species  of  dawn  redwood,  a majestic  living  fossil  that’s  become  very 
popular  in  our  region.  ‘Ogon’  (also  known  as  ‘Gold  Rush’)  contrasts 
well  with  blues  and  burgundies  in  the  landscape  and  turns  yellow  in 
the  fall  before  shedding  its  needles.  It  has  no  pest  or  disease  problems 
and  tolerates  soil  types  from  dry  to  boggy  and  acid  to  alkaline.  The 
fast-growing  tree  prefers  full  sun  and  will  grow  to  80  feet  tall  by  30 
feet  wide.  ‘Ogon’  is  hardy  in  Zones  4 to  8. 

Notes  Barry  Yinger  of  Asiatica  Nursery  in  Lewisbury,  PA,  “‘Ogon’ 
is  one  of  the  most  valuable  trees  for  bright  yellow  foliage  in  the  land- 
scape. The  feathery  new  growth  is  gleaming  yellow,  and  as  the  foliage 
ages,  it  becomes  chartreuse,  creating  a wonderful  contrast  with  the 
new  growth.  It  also  has  an  interesting  history.  It  was  selected  from 
seedlings  grown  from  irradiated  seed  at  the  Kobe  Municipal 
Arboretum  in  Japan,  where  it  grew  on  the  grounds  for  many  years.  In 
the  early  1990s,  it  was  propagated  by  the  Japanese  nurseryman 
Noboru  Sato.  He  gave  me  one  of  the  first  propagated  plants,  which  1 
brought  to  the  United  States.  The  Japanese  name  means  ‘gold 
bullion. ’” 


Gold  Medal  Plants 


Carpinus  japonica  (Japanese  Hornbeam)  — A shade- 
tolerant  small  tree  with  interesting  ornamental  fruit 

This  hornbeam  is  a small,  deciduous  tree  characterized  by  a round- 
ed, wide-spreading  habit.  Its  serrated  foliage  is  dark  green  in  the  sum- 
mer and  turns  yellowish  in  the  fall.  In  spring,  Japanese  hornbeam  is 
profusely  adorned  with  thumb-sized,  cone-shaped  nutlets  in  shades  of 
cream,  tan,  and  green,  which  turn  brown  upon  maturity  and  persist 
into  fall.  Its  exotic,  Asian  demeanor  makes  it  a desirable  understory  or 
small  accent  tree.  It  grows  25  feet  tall  by  15  feet  wide  in  full  or  part- 
sun  and  is  hardy  in  Zones  4 to  8. 

Notes  Andrew  Bunting,  curator  at  the  Scott  Arboretum  of 
Swarthmore  College,  “At  both  the  Arboretum  and  along  Swarthmore’s 
streets,  we  have  used  Carpinus  japonica  as  a small  street  tree  for  tough 
urban  situations.  It  is  perfect  as  a street  tree  because  it’s  maximum  size 
is  shorter  than  most  power  lines.  It  is  also  tolerant  of  urban  pollution, 
salt  spray,  poor  soils  and  compaction.  Ornamentally,  I like  it  for  its 
dark  green  corrugated  leaves,  smooth  gray  bark,  and  interesting,  pen- 
dulous fruits.  It  also  has  a nice  yellow  in  fall.” 


SHRUBS 

Cephalotaxus  harringtonia  ‘Duke  Gardens’  (Plum  Yew)  — 

A pest-resistant  shrub  to  replace  your  deer-munched  yews 
(Taxus  sp.) 


ing  and  relative  tolerance  to  wet  or  heavy  soils  makes  it  a good  alter- 
native to  low-growing  yews,  where  these  issues  are  problematic.  It  pro- 
vides an  evergreen  foil  to  winter  interest  plants  like  winterberry  holly 
and  Chinese  witchhazel.  Here  at  the  Morris  Arboretum  we  use  it  as  a 
shrubby  groundcover  on  a steep  bank.” 


THE  MORRIS  ARBORETUM  GARDEN  RAILWAY 


100  Northwestern  Avenue  in  Chestnut  Hill,  PA  • 215.247.5777  • www.morrisarboretum.org 


Discovered  in  Georgia's  Duke  Gardens  in  the  1950s,  this  plum  yew 
is  a small  spreading  conifer  that,  unlike  the  common  yew,  is  blissfully 
deer  resistant.  Its  dark  green  needles  and  rounded,  vase-like  shape 
make  it  useful  as  a small  accent  plant,  growing  2 to  3 feet  in  height 
and  3 to  4 feet  wide.  ‘Duke  Gardens’  is  identified  by  a more  disci- 
plined upright  habit  than  ‘Prostrata’  and  is  useful  as  a foundation 
plant  or  in  a mass  planting.  It’s  best  sited  in  light  shade  in  well-drained 
soil,  although  it  will  tolerate  heavy  shade. 

Says  Paul  W.  Meyer,  the  F.  Otto  Haas  Director  at  the  Morris 
Arboretum  of  the  University  of  Pennsylvania,  “'Duke  Gardens'  has 
wonderfully  clean,  glossy,  evergreen  foliage.  Its  low-growing  habit 
makes  it  useful  even  in  a small  garden,  and  it  performs  well  as  a clas- 
sic foundation  planting  under  windows.  Its  resistance  to  deer  brows- 


Buxus  sempervirens  ‘Dee  Runk’  (Boxwood)  — 

Makes  a striking  vertical  accent  with  cool  blue  foliage 

Need  an  “exclamation  point”  to  highlight  a new  planting?  If  verti- 
cal is  what  you’re  looking  for,  then  check  out  ‘Dee  Runk . This  box- 
wood is  an  upright,  conical  evergreen  shrub  with  blue-green  foliage. 
Deer  resistant  and  pollution  tolerant,  'Dee  Runk’  adapts  well  to  full 
sun  and  poor  soils  and  is  a reliable,  stately  choice  for  the  formal  gar- 
den or  founda- 
tions, as  a speci- 
men, or  in  con- 
tainers. It  grows 
to  1 0 feet  tall  by 


GREAT  AMERICAN 

TRAIN  STATIONS 

MAY  26  - OCTOBER  8 

Miniature  replicas  of  original  railroad  stations 

Model  trains  on  a 1/4  mile  track 
running  through  the  outdoor  garden 
FREE  with  general  admission 


3 feet  wide,  will  tolerate  a range  of  light  con- 
ditions, and  is  hardy  in  Zones  5 to  8. 

As  Steve  Mostardi  of  Mostardi  Nursery  in 
Newtown  Square  remarks,  “Other  than  its 
humorous  name  (which  the  Gold  Medal 
committee  members  had  a fun  time  with), 
‘Dee  Runk'  has  a number  of  useful  features 
and  improved  characteristics  which  make  it 
“best  in  class”  in  upright  boxwoods.  In  trials, 
it  proved  to  be  the  most  adaptable  to  sun  and 
heavy  soil  conditions.  ‘Dee  Runk’  also  toler- 
ates shade  and  is  deer-proof.  The  slender, 
upright  shape  is  just  right  for  foundation 
plantings  with  limited  space.  What  more 
could  a homeowner  ask  for?” 


For  more  information,  visit 
www.goldmedalplants.  org 


PHS  is  grateful  to  the  many  individuals  and  organiza- 
tions that  help  support  the  Gold  Medal  program.  The 
Gold  Medal  Plant  Award  Committee,  a volunteer 
panel  of  horticulturists,  nursery  owners,  landscape 
professionals,  and  home  growers,  meets  twice  yearly  to 
select  new  plants.  The  Chanticleer  Foundation  pro- 
vides financial  support  for  the  program  and  highlights 
Gold  Medal  Plants  at  Chanticleer  ...  A Pleasure 
Garden  in  Wayne,  PA.  Staff  and  members  of  the 
Pennsylvania  Landscape  & Nursery  Association  help 
force  plants  and  donate  plants  each  year  for  the  Gold 
Medal  exhibit  at  the  Philadelphia  Flower  Show. 


4033  West  Chester  Pike  (Rte.3) 
Newtown  Square,  PA  19073 
610-356-8035  • www.mostardi.com 


Gold  Medal  Garden... 


Start  with 

High  Performance  Plants 
from  Mostardi! 


We  stock  flowers,  shrubs  and  trees  that  are  recom- 
mended by  the  Pennsylvania  Horticultural  Society’s 
“Gold  Medal  Award"  program.  They  are  superior 
plants  that  will  provide  longer-lasting  beauty  all 
around  your  home.  Stop  by  today  and  check  out 
our  incredible  collection  of  greenery.  The  colors  are 
gorgeous.  The  values  are  exceptional.  And  the 
prices  are  surprisingly  low  for  such  high  quality.  But 
then,  that’s  what  you  should  expect  from  Mostardi 
plants.  They  are  good  as  gold! 


plo»,s  • Home*  cav 


GREEN  SCENE  • september/ocfober  2007 


27 


28 


paradise  on  the 

ROOF 


There  is  a whole  other  world  that 
exists  in  Philadelphia,  high 
above  the  sidewalk  and  pleasant- 
ly removed  from  life  below.  It’s  a place 
where  herbs  stretch  toward  the  hot  sun, 
flowers  blow  in  the  breeze,  and  patio  chairs, 
tables,  and  garden  decorations  sit  snugly 
against  the  backdrop  of  the  city  skyline. 

Increasingly,  Philadelphians  are  discover- 
ing the  charm  of  rooftop  gardens.  Whether 
expansive  or  cozy,  these  gardens  in  the  sky 
may  be  the  only  option  for  city  residents 
who  don’t  have  a yard.  But  before  you  build 
up,  consider  a few  major  factors. 

WEIGHT 

Sitting  in  a lawn  chair  and  looking  across 
South  Philadelphia  through  tinted  sun- 
glasses, Dennis  McGlade  says  his  first  step 
toward  creating  his  rooftop  garden  was  to 
call  an  engineer. 

His  four-story  row  home  near  Cianfrani 
Park  was  already  outfitted  with  a deck,  and 
he  wanted  to  double-check  how  the  roof’s 
weight  was  transferred  to  the  load-bearing 
walls  below.  The  engineer  determined  that 
the  deck  was  built  like  the  floor  of 
house — stretching  from  one  end  of  the 
home  to  another — and  plenty  strong 
enough  to  sustain  his  vision  of  colorful  pot- 
ted plants  and  parties  of  up  to  10  people. 
It’s  not  that  simple  for  everyone. 


“You  have  to  understand  the  load,”  says 
Dennis,  a longtime  resident  and  landscape 
architect  who  says  he  reserves  his  roof  gar- 
dening just  for  fun. 

His  deck,  a cornucopia  of  terra  cotta  and 
Chinese  egg  pots  overflowing  with  herbs, 
hardy  foliage,  and  colorful  annuals,  boasts  a 
marble-topped  table  with  a terra  cotta 
Roman-style  bust,  a cast-iron  table,  and  an 
umbrella. 

Dennis  grows  hardy  shrubs,  including 
shrub  roses,  gold  lace  junipers,  and  red  and 
yellow  twig  dogwoods  from  year  to  year.  For 
color,  he  adds  oleanders,  mandevillas,  and 
white  heliotropes  each  season. 

To  keep  things  moist,  he  uses  a battery 
powered  35-foot  soaker  hose  set  on  a timer 
twice  a day.  He  designed  the  garden  to 
block  out  the  unsightly  antennas  of  neigh- 
bors. Over  the  years,  Dennis  says  he  has 
simplified  the  garden  and  scaled  back  on 
the  parties:  “When  I first  started  I was  into 
flowers,  but  carrying  annuals  up  four  flights 
of  stairs  got  old  fast.  Now  I focus  on  hardy 
foliage  plants  that  don’t  require  as  much 
attention.” 

The  roof  garden’s  best  feature?  The 
breeze. 

“It’s  always  10  degrees  cooler  than  the 
street,”  says  Dennis.  “On  the  down  side, 
because  of  the  wind,  the  butterflies  don’t 
come  up  here.  I guess  they  get  blown  to 
New  Jersey.” 


“Increasingly, 
Philadelphians  are 
discovering  the 
charm  of  rooftop 
gardens.” 


GREEN  SCENE  • September/ October  2007 


29 


Weight:  Have  a structural  engi- 
neer or  architect  check  your  roof 
for  its  weight-bearing  capacity.  To 
lessen  the  weight  load,  use  plastic 
furniture,  lighter  potting  soil,  and 
foam  pots  instead  of  terra  cotta. 

Wind:  Pay  attention  to  the  type  of 
plants  you  want  to  use.  Banana 
trees  and  cannas  leaves  tend  to  rip. 
Place  some  plants  against  walls. 

Water:  Most  experts  recommend 
irrigation  systems  even  if  you  have 
a spigot  and  hose.  Roofs  may 
have  to  be  sealed.  If  hand  water- 
ing, you  need  to  water  every  other 
day.  Choose  plants  whose  water 
needs  are  compatible. 

Sun:  Choose  plants  like  olean- 
ders, mandevilla,  and  roses.  Many 
rooftop  gardeners  also  grow  veg- 
etables because  they  thrive  in  full 
sun. 

Design:  Make  use  of  your  best 
views,  and  if  you  don’t  like  a 
container  arrangement,  you  can 
always  move  things  around. 

Cost:  Like  any  garden,  set-up 
costs  can  be  steep,  but  remember 
that  you  will  enjoy  it  year  after  year. 


GREEN  SCENE 


WIND 

Restaurant  owners  Jim  Caiola  and  David 
Salama  learned  about  wind  the  hard  way.  Five 
years  ago,  they  built  their  fourth-floor  apart- 
ment and  rooftop  garden  above  Beau  Monde, 
their  French-style  creperie  in  the  Queen 
Village  neighborhood  of  Philadelphia. 

“We  wanted  real  terra  cotta,”  says  Jim,  a 
LaSalle  University  graduate  who  serves  as  the 


restaurant’s  general  manager.  “But  we  went 
to  plastic  when  two  broke  after  being 
knocked  down.” 

David,  originally  from  Bolivia,  designed 
the  outdoor  space,  which  he  says  is  a must 
for  living  above  the  business.  The  rooftop 
deck,  lined  with  a cast-iron  fence,  is  outfit- 
ted with  dozens  of  olive,  fig,  and  maple 
trees  (the  olive  and  fig  trees  are  brought 
inside  in  the  winter).  The  space  includes  a 
Chinese-style  “pagoda  on  a budget,” 
including  wooden  deck  chairs  and  a hot 
tub  framed  by  moon  flowers.  The  slow- 
growing  olive  trees  are  balanced  out  by  fast- 
growing topiaries.  For  color,  hydrangea 
bushes  fit  the  bill. 

“When  Dave  and  I met,  he  was  obsessed 
with  topiaries,”  Jim  says.  “When  we  were 
traveling  in  Italy,  I fell  in  love  with  olive 
trees  and  then  we  were  obsessed  with  olive 
trees.  Then  David  got  a maple  tree  and  we 
got  obsessed  with  maple  trees.  We  have 
eclectic  taste.” 

Dealing  with  the  wind  is  really  about 
plant  choice,  they  say.  It  was  just  too  windy 
for  banana  tree  leaves,  which  ripped.  But 
the  trial  and  error  was  worth  it. 

“Up  here,  I feel  not  only  outside  of  the 
restaurant  but  outside  of  Philly,”  Jim  says. 
“During  sunset,  the  view  of  Camden  turns 
into  Prague." 


The  beautiful  but  wind-challenged  garden  of  Jim  Caiola 
and  David  Salama  (pictured  above) 


Photos  this  page  by  Margaret  Funderb 


SUN 

Looking  through  his  floor-to-ceiling 
windows,  Craig  Drake  says  there’s  one 
major  difference  between  his  rooftop  gar- 
den and  others  in  Philadelphia.  He  actual- 
ly lives  in  his. 

A jewelry  manufacturing  executive,  Craig 
says  sunup  and  sundown  are  his  favorite 
times  of  day  in  his  adobe-style  penthouse 
apartment  in  Rittenhouse  Square. 

“I  like  every  spot,”  the  longtime  resident 
says.  “I  like  it  in  the  morning  when  the  sun 
is  just  starting  to  lick  the  end  of  the  deck. 
At  night,  I’m  here  all  the  time.  It’s  exciting 
when  the  sun  is  going  down.” 

In  honor  of  Craig’s  Brazilian-born  wife, 
the  garden  boasts  hot  colors,  such  as  the 
annuals  blue  salvia  and  bromeliads,  which 
are  indigenous  to  South  America. 

To  deal  with  stressful  conditions  like  heat 
and  wind,  the  garden  includes  tried-and- 
true  plants  like  junipers,  grasses,  gerani- 
ums, and  super  hardy  vinca  vine,  according 
to  Helen  Pettengill,  who  manages  the  gar- 
den for  Craig.  “I  try  to  combine  them 
beautifully,  playing  off  their  texture  and 
color,”  she  says.  “It’s  how  you  mix  them 
that  matters.” 

In  a long  bed,  she  combines  junipers, 
grasses,  and  varieties  of  sedums  (no  taller 
than  12  inches)  with  orange  cosmos  in 
between. 

Pettengill  recommends  staying  away 
from  delicate  plants  that  can’t  handle  the 
wi  nd,  making  sure  to  consider  height,  as 
well  as  choosing  colorful,  tropical  annuals 
that  can  withstand  the  intense  sun.  'A*' 


Laura  Beitman  is  senior  public  relations 
coordinator  at  the  Pennsylvania 
Horticultural  Society,  and  a freelance  writer. 


Top  Tough  plants  like  junipers  and  grasses  help  reduce  wind  damage  in  Craig  Drake’s  garden 
Bottom  A spacious  deck  garden  for  entertaining 


GREEN  SCENE  • sepfember/october  2007 


31 


Botanical  Bouquets 


Gather  a large  bunch  c 
sunflowers,  grasses 


By  Jane  Godshalk 


branches  and  othe 
bountiful  flower 


Harvest 

Bounty 

Autumn  is  the  time  to  revel  in  nature’s  abun- 
dance, and  there’s  no  better  way  to  celebrate 
the  harvest  than  to  create  a glorious  bouquet 
with  lively  sunflowers  (see  p.  1 8 for  more  about  sun- 
flowers). The  challenge  of  working  with  these  big 
blooms  lies  in  making  room  for  their  large  stems  and 
supporting  their  heavy  heads. 


STEP  1:  GATHERING 
MATERIALS 

• Clippers  or  floral  shears. 

• A large  basket,  pot,  or  bowl.  (If  not 
watertight,  line  with  a bucket  or 
waterproof  liner.) 

• Sunflowers  (10  to  20  stems, 
depending  upon  size  of  container 
and  size  of  flower  heads). 

• 8 or  more  woody  branches  about 
24  inches  tall  with  leaves  and  cross- 
ing stems  (ex.  beech,  smokebush, 
pear). 

• Grasses  and/or  wheat. 

• Filler  flowers,  such  as  celosia,  ama- 
ranthus,  wax  flower  or  liatris. 

STEP  2:  CONDITIONING 

• Harvest  all  materials  in  early  morn- 
ing or  evening. 

• Branches  and  sunflower  stems 
should  be  split  and  placed  in  warm 
water  for  4 to  6 hours  or  overnight. 
Strip  all  foliage  below  water  line. 

• Grasses  should  be  put  into  water  as 
soon  as  they  are  picked  and  will 
benefit  from  a dip  in  vinegar  or 
alcohol. 

• Cut  and  place  other  flowers  in 
warm  water  for  a few  hours  or 
overnight. 

STEP  3:  ARRANGING 

• Fill  pot  with  water. 

• Create  a sturdy  grid  with  crossing 
stems  and  leaves.  You  may  remove 
excess  leaves,  but  leave  all  branches 
for  support. 

Completed  design  contains  smoke- 

bush,  ornamental  pear,  sunflowers, 

wheat,  celosia  and  wax  flowers.  *A*' 


Shreiner 


Tree  Care  Specialists 

fall 

the  time  to 

PLANT  TREES 

334  South  Henderson  Road 
King  of  Prussia,  PA  19406 
www.shreinertreecare.com 

J 


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YOUR  SPECIFIC  NEEDS. 


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(215)  884-7378 
WWW.THEPAINTEDGARDENINC.COM 
304  EDGE  HILL  ROAD,  GLENSIDE.  PA  19038 
SHOWROOM  BY  APPOINTMENT 


GREEN  SCENE  • september/october  2007 


33 


Cacti  & Succulents 


Like  a lot  of  people,  I’m  mad  for  cacti  and  other 
succulents.  Their  sculptural  shapes  and  wildly 
diverse  flowers  intrigue  me,  so  they’ve  made  up  a 
large  portion  of  my  Philadelphia  Flower  Show  entries  for 
several  years.  In  fact,  most  of  my  year-round,  greenhouse- 
grown  plant  collection  consists  of  them. 

So,  with  the  approach  of  autumn’s  lower  light  levels  and 
cooler  temperatures,  they  will  all  begin  slowing  down  and 
going  dormant,  right?  Wrong.  A surprising  number  of 


PHSID 

PROUFERA 


JCCULEHT  S' 


Above:  Patient  hand- 
pollination  over  two  years 
and  plenty  of  water  and 
fertilizer  in  summer 
resulted  in  the  author’s 
rosette-winning  specimen 
of  Mammillaria  prolifera. 

Right:  Unlike  cacti  and 
some  other  succulents, 
aeoniums  grow  actively  in 
winter  and  rest  in  summer. 
That  fact  helped  the 
author  produce  this 
winning  specimen  of 
Aeonium  ‘Zwartkop’  at 
the  2007  Flower  Show. 


them — all  “other  succulents,”  not  cacti — are  about  to 
resume  active  growth  after  spending  the  warm  months  in 
semi-dormancy.  This  seemingly  unnatural  growth  pattern 
has  required  me  to  do  a little  research  and  observe  my 
plants  carefully. 

These  days,  conducting  research  is  often  a matter  of 
going  online  and  typing  in  a few  keywords.  That’s  how  I 
rediscovered  an  excellent  source  of  information  on  succu- 
lents. The  website,  www.highlandsucculents.com,  provides 
useful  information  on  the  fine  points  of  dormancy  and  pro- 
vides an  extensive  list  of  genera,  including  summer-dor- 
mant and  winter-dormant  members.  Simply  put,  summer- 
dormant  (or  winter-active)  plants  need  relatively  little 
water  and  fertilizer  from  about  April  to  September  in  the 
Delaware  Valley  area.  However,  they  benefit  from  ample 
amounts  of  water  and  fertilizer  from  October  to  March. 
The  opposite  applies  to  winter-dormant  succulents 
(including  virtually  all  cacti). 

But  plants  don’t  read  books  or  go  online,  so  a key  to  suc- 
cess with  cacti  and  other  succulents  (and  with  any  plant,  for 
that  matter)  is  to  “read  them:  watch  how  they  respond  to 
environmental  conditions  and  the  specific  care  you  provide 
them.  So,  while  some  of  my  summer-dormant  Haworthia 
and  Aloe  plants  grow  actively  during  cooler  weather  and 
take  a summer  rest,  others  remain  more  or  less  active 
throughout  the  year.  That  means  I must  pay  attention  to 
their  individual  needs  and  not  just  slavishly  follow  broadly 
drawn  rules.  (This  is  even  more  pertinent  to  those  of  you 
who  grow  indoors  under  lights,  where  some  plants  might 
never  go  dormant.) 

Speaking  of  broadly  drawn  rules,  please  allow  me  to  dis- 
abuse you  of  another  widely  held  misconception  about  this 
group  of  plants:  that  they  all  require  hot,  desert-like, 
intensely  sunny  conditions.  Not  so.  I’ve  watched  some 
South  American  Andean  cacti  turn  to  mush  in  high  sum- 
mer heat,  and  many  euphorbias,  haworthias,  and  holiday 
cacti  will  suffer  a major  case  of  sunburn  unless  shaded  from 
strong  sun.  Many  “wild  cacti  seedlings  spend  their  first 
few  years  in  the  shade  of  deciduous  plants,  so  it  helps  to 
provide  young  cacti  a shady  spot  in  summer.  As  for  their 
dormancy  patterns,  it  pays  to  learn  about  a specific  succu- 
lent’s heat  and  light  requirements  and  to  observe  the  plants 
under  your  conditions. 

All  told,  I hope  you  get  as  much  enjoyment  from  grow- 
ing these  plants  as  I do.  And,  as  this  is  my  final  column  for 
the  year,  I’d  like  to  say  that  it’s  been  terrific  fun  sharing 
some  of  my  “Show  Plants”  experiences  with  you.  See  you  at 
the  2008  Philadelphia  Flower  Show! 


34 


GREEN  SCENE  • september/october  2007 


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4 

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FULL  OF  LIFE. 


Waverly  Heights  is  a nationally  accredited 
Continuing  Care  Retirement  Community  located 
in  a lovely  setting  on  the  Philadelphia  Main  Line. 

For  information  or  a personal 
tour,  call  610-645-8764  or 
visit  our  website  at:  WAVERLY 

www.waverlyheightsltd.org  heights 

A Continuing  Care  Retirement  Community 


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GREEN  SCENE  • september/october  2007 


35 


Classified  Ads 


ANTIQUE  BOOKS 


GARDEN  CONCERT 


GREENHOUSE  AND  CONSERVATORY 
CONSTRUCTION 

Solar  Innovations,  Janco, 

Lord  & Burnham  and  more. 

Call  Robert  J.  LaRouche  at 
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RARE  & PREVIOUSLY  OWNED  BOOKS 
ON  HORTICULTURE  & BOTANICAL 
PRINTS  - Bought  and  Sold 

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West  Chester,  PA  19380 
610-436-9796 
Email:  GrannyPol@aol.com 


BOTANICAL  LIGHTING 


Botanical  Lighting 

Specializing  in  tasteful 
architectural  and  landscape  lighting. 

Please  view  our  on-line  gallery: 

botanicallighting.com 

or  call:  610-519-1212 

Serving:  Pennsylvania  • New  Jersey 
Boston  • Maryland  • Washington  DC 


Triple  Oaks  Nursery  & Herb  Garden, 
Franklinville,  NJ 

Sunday  - September  9th  - 1:30  p.m. 
Two  World  Class  Soloists 
Classical  Guitarist  Bert  Lams 
(' www.bertlams.com ) with  guest  musician 
Tom  Griesgraber 

An  afternoon  of  instrumental  music 
and  garden  tours 
$12  donation  - RSVP 
Information  & Directions: 
www.tripleoaks.com  - 856-694-4272 


GARDEN  STRUCTURES 


HERITAGE  STONE  & MARBLE 

We  are  an  installation  and  restoration 
company  who  emphasizes  long  lasting 
quality  with  outstanding  craftsmanship. 
FLAGSTONE,  BRICK-patios  and  walkways, 
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STONE  walls,  RETAINING  walls,  MARBLE, 
GRANITE-floors,  walls,  countertops. 
215-699-5611  Upper  Gwynedd,  PA 


PATIOS  & WALKWAYS 

Flagstone  - Pavers  - Brick 
Robert  J.  Kleinberg 
Landscape  Design  & Construction 
610-259-6106 
See  our  work  online 
100’s  of  pictures  at 
www.kleinberg.com 


THE  SUNWORKS  CORPORATION 

• Greenhouse  Sales:  Residential, 
Commercial  and  Institutional. 

• Installations:  Of  greenhouses  from 
any  manufacturer,  shading  and 
ventilation  systems. 

• Maintenance:  Reglazing,  reskinning,  paint- 
ing, cleaning.  Emergency  repairs. 

Call  302-655-5772,  ask  for  John  Klein 


LANDSCAPE  DESIGN 


LINDA  CORSON 
LANDSCAPE  DESIGN 

• Consulting 
• Plans 

• Supervision 

Registered  Landscape  Architect 
Member  ASLA  215-247-5619 


CLASSIFIED  RATES 


Base  Rate  $3.00  per  word 

(without  formatting) 

1 Line  $15.00  per  line 

Formatted  Words $5.00 

(ex.  Bold,  Italic  or  ALL  CAPS) 

Minimum  Charge $60.00 

Discount 10%  off  the  second 

consecutive  ad,  using  the  same  copy 


Deadlines 

January/February  Issue  (by  November  1) 
March/April  Issue  (by  January  1) 
May/June  Issue  (by  March  1 ) 

July/ August  Issue  (by  May  1) 
September/October  Issue  (by  July  1) 
November/December  Issue  (by  September  1) 


David  Brothers  Landscape  Services 
Bean  Road  Nursery 

Architects,  Builders  and  Nurserymen 
Providing  the  Fine  Art  of  Garden 
Construction 

and  Landscape  Restoration 

215-247-2992  610-584-1550 

610-525-3232 


DONALD  PELL  GARDENS 

Creating  & maintaining  gardens  with  expert 
horticultural  craftsmanship. 

View  our  portfolio  of  landscape  designs 
online  at  www.donaldpell.com  or  call 
610-917-1385  for  a brochure  and 
consultation. 


PLEASE  NOTE:  Green  Scene  does  not  guarantee  advertisement  position,  and  we  reserve  the  right  to 
edit  copy  to  fit  available  space.  Green  Scene  ads  are  scheduled  on  a first-come,  first-served  basis  until 
space  is  filled  for  a particular  issue. 

Please  calculate  your  ad  cost  based  on  number  and  formatting  of  words,  and  enclose  a check  along 
with  your  copy  (call  for  assistance).  Green  Scene  will  bill  any  difference  or  credit  upon  publication 
of  your  advertisement.  If  your  new  ad  arrives  very  close  to  deadline,  we  may  deposit  your  check 
until  ad  is  scheduled.  If  we  can’t  schedule  your  ad,  your  check  will  be  returned. 

Make  checks  payable  to  the  Pennsylvania  Horticultural  Society. 

Send  all  advertising  correspondence  to:  Joe  Soprani,  Green  Scene 

The  Pennsylvania  Horticultural  Society,  100  N.  20th  Street,  5th  Floor,  Philadelphia,  PA 

19103-1495. 

If  you  have  any  questions,  please  call  215-988-8809. 


SED  design 

LANDSCAPE  ARCHITECTS 

Master  Plans  and  Garden  Design, 
Water  Gardens,  Pools  & Lighting 

610-584-5941 

seddesignstudio.com 

LARGE  SPECIMEN  TREES 


Large  Specimen  Trees 

20’  American  Holly  and  Colorado  Blue  Spruce 
Delicious  Homegrown  Fruits  and  Vegetables 
Mid-June  through  October 

INDIAN  ORCHARDS 

610-565-8387 


LARGE  TREES 


Tree  Transfers  Inc. 

Large  Tree  Transplanting  and  Sales 
Large  Screening  & Specimen  Plant  Material 
Garden  Restoration,  Ponds, 
Waterfalls  & Patios 
215-635-2310 

Serving  the  Delaware  Valley  since  1987 


MULCH 


PINE  NEEDLE  MULCH 

Won’t  change  soil  pH 
Wholesale  and  retail 
FLOWERS  AND  MORE,  INC. 
610-701-9283 
renee52@comcast.net 


BALED  PINE  NEEDLE  MULCH 

Pick  up/Delivery/Spreading  service 
Cedar  Run  Landscapes 
Call  for  brochure 
t -800-LANDSCAPE 

www.CedarRunLandscapes.com 


NURSERY 


800  varieties  of  Perennials 
150  varieties  of  Annual  flats  & Proven 
Winners 

POPES’  GARDENS 

1146  Old  White  Horse  Pike,  Waterford,  NJ 
856-767-3343 

Unusual  Farm  Animals  on  Display 

www.popesgardens.com 

Triple  Oaks  Nursery  & Herb  Garden 

• Great  Plants  • Display  Gardens  • Programs 
Franklinville,  New  Jersey 
www.tr/pleoaks.com 
856-694-4272 
greatplants@tripleoaks.com 


OFFICIAL  GHFBN 

PHOTO  CONTEST  RULES 

(See  page  8 for  details) 

WHO  MAY  ENTER 

• Amateur*  photographers  ages  18  and  over  (‘those  who  earn  less  than  1/4  of  their 
annual  income  from  photography). 

• Employees  of  the  Pennsylvania  Horticultural  Society  and  its  affiliates  are  not  eligible. 

SUBMISSIONS 

• Photographers  may  only  enter  images  as  4x6-inch  or  5x7-inch  prints,  either  in 
color  or  black-and-white. 

• IMPORTANT:  On  the  back  of  each  image,  you  must  write  your  name,  address,  email 
and/or  phone.  Optional:  You  may  also  include  technical  information  about  the  photograph 
(camera  type,  f-stop,  speed,  film  type,  etc.),  as  well  as  background  information. 

• Original  images  may  be  shot  on  print  film,  slides,  or  digital  cameras,  but  all  submissions 
must  prints  as  stated  above  (no  slides  or  CDs  accepted). 

• All  photographs  must  be  previously  unpublished. 

• All  photos  must  have  been  taken  within  the  past  three  years  (since  August  1 , 2004). 

• Photos  may  eventually  be  mounted  on  cardboard  if  we  choose  to  display  them. 

• If  you’d  like  your  images  returned,  please  enclose  a SASE  with  your  submission. 

• Photos  that  violate  or  infringe  upon  another  photographer’s  copyright  are  not 
eligible  for  entry. 

• The  Pennsylvania  Horticultural  Society  is  not  responsible  for  loss  of  or  damage  to  any 
photographs  submitted  for  the  contest. 

ENTRY  FEES 

• Photographers  may  enter  1 photo  for  a fee  of  $1 5;  2 to  5 photos  for  a fee  of  $25; 
or  6 to  1 0 photos  for  a fee  of  $40.  Fees  are  non-refundable. 

PRIZES 


1st Nikon  Coolpix  L10  digital  camera  & publication  of  your  photo*. 

2nd  100  free  photo  DigiPrints**  & publication  of  your  photo. 

3rd One-year  PHS  Membership  & publication  of  your  photo. 


Honorable  Mentions  (10)  ....Publication  of  your  photo. 

'Publication  will  occur  in  PHS's  Green  Scene  magazine  (Jan/Feb  ‘08  issue)  and 
on  the  PHS  website. 

"From  your  Digital  Camera,  Media  Card  or  CD 

IMPORTANT  DATES 

• All  entries  must  be  postmarked  by  September  15,  2007. 

• All  winners  will  be  notified  by  November  15,  2007. 

FOR  MORE  INFORMATION: 

For  questions  about  the  contest,  please 
email  greenscene@pennhort.org  for  fastest  response. 

You  can  also  call  215-988-8871 . 1 8 


PONDS 


UNUSUAL  SPECIMENS 


PONDS  AND  WATERFALLS 

Design/lnstallation/Maintenance 
View  our  pond  video  at 

www.YourPond.com 
Cedar  Run  Landscapes 

1 -800-LANDSCAPE 


RARE  & UNUSUAL  PLANTS 

• Specimen  plants  • Pond  plants  • Bonsai 

• Orchids  • Hardy  cacti  • Tropicals 

• Sculptured  trees  and  shrubs  • Perennials 

• Unique  Flower  and  gift  shop. 

MUTSCHLERS’  FLORIST  & RARE  PLANTS 
1-800-242-9438 

www.mutschlers.com 


GREEN  SCENE  • september/october  2007 


37 


The  Backyard 


FOR  SMALL  GARDENS 


East  Oak  Lane  resident 
Alex  Pollack  thought 
he  had  been  involved 
with  everything  PHS  has  to 
offer.  He  was  a Tree  Tender.  He 
volunteered  at  the  Flower  Show. 

He  even  helped  out  at  the  Kids 
Grows  Expo.  So  when  PHS 
launched  the  City  Gardening 
Series  in  2002,  Alex  knew  he 
“had  to  give  it  a try.” 

The  City  Gardening  Series 
offers  free  lectures,  tours,  and 
demonstrations  designed  for 
people  who  garden  in  small 
spaces.  Chanticleer,  a pleasure 
garden  in  Wayne,  PA,  supports 
the  series,  which  has  expanded 
to  become  integral  to  PHS’s 
outreach  efforts.  “At  the  start  of 
the  program  we  had  40  classes  a 
year,”  says  Marilyn  Reynolds,  PHS  project  coordinator.  “We’ve 
now  doubled  that.” 

The  Free  Library  of  Philadelphia  co-hosts  the  series,  offering 
evening  classes  at  neighborhood  branches  citywide.  Topics 
include  growing  cacti,  designing  hanging  baskets,  container 
gardening,  and  starting  seeds,  to  name  just  a few. 

Men  and  women  with  extensive  horticultural  training  lead 
the  classes.  Marilyn  says,  “Our  roster  of  presenters  includes 
garden  writers,  landscape  architects,  and  horticulturists.  They 
are  skilled  speakers  who  know  how  to  share  their  knowledge 
with  amateurs.” 

In  addition  to  lectures  and  demonstrations,  there  are  also 
tours  of  popular  local  gardens.  Throngs  of  eager  people  board 
chartered  buses  for  daytrips  to  Triple  Oaks  Nursery  and  Herb 
Farm,  Awbury  Arboretum,  Pennsbury  Manor,  and,  of  course, 
Chanticleer. 

Anne  Sims,  visitor  services  manager  at  Chanticleer,  says,  “It’s 
always  great  having  the  City  Gardening  Series  folks  out  to 
Chanticleer;  they  are  an  engaging  and  animated  group.  On 
their  visits,  we  like  to  pass  on  tips  that  can  be  applied  to  their 
home  gardens.” 


Each  session  of  the  series  ends  with  a raffle  for  items  related 
to  the  day’s  topic.  The  prizes  often  include  books,  tools,  seeds 
and  plants. 

On  average,  30  people  attend  each  event.  Some  show  up 
occasionally,  while  others  wouldn’t  dream  of  missing  a single 
meeting.  These  individuals  are  affectionately  known  as  “the 
regulars.” 

Unsurprisingly,  Alex  Pollack  is  a “regular."  He  says,  “What 
keeps  me  coming  back  is  the  excellence  of  the  speakers.  They 
know  their  stuff,  and  I always  leave  having  learned  something 
new.” 

For  Marilyn,  her  favorite  aspect  of  the  series  is  how  it  brings 
people  together:  “I’ve  witnessed  friendships  form  among  peo- 
ple from  all  walks  of  life.  They  share  tips  and  information  and 
even  visit  one  another’s  gardens.”  ^ 

City  Gardening  Series  events  can  be  found  online  at 
www.pennsylvaniahorticulturalsociety.org  (click  on  “Calendar”). 
For  more  information,  email  citygardening@pennhort.org  or 
call  215-988-8872.  These  events  are  free  and  open  to  the 
public,  unless  otherwise  noted. 


38  GREEN  SCENE  • sepfember/october  2007 


* 


When  a local  Bartlett  Tree  Expert  strolls  under  your  favorite  oak, 
he  has  diagnostic  tree  science  in  the  palm  of  his  hand-a  computer 
link  to  the  Bartlett  Tree  Research  Laboratories.  He  also  has  hands- 
on  knowledge  of  local  weather,  soil  and  environmental  history. 
Innovations  in  arboriculture  by  Bartlett  have  helped  improve  the 
landscape  of  tree  care  since  1907. 

BARTLETT 

TREE  EXPERTS 


Please  call  877-BARTLETT  1.877.227.8538 
or  visit  our  website  www.bartlett.com 


bmmm 


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the  future. 


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©PNC 

WEALTH  MANAGEMENT 


PNC  is  a registered  service  mark  of  The  PNC  Financial  Services  Group,  Inc.  (‘PNC”).  Investment  management,  wealth  management,  fiduciary  services  and  FDIC-insured 
banking  products  and  services  are  provided  by  the  PNC  subsidiaries,  PNC  Bank,  National  Association  and  PNC  Bank,  Delaware  which  are  Members  FDIC.  PNC  does  not 

provide  legal,  tax  or  accounting  advice  Investments:  Not  FDIC  Insured.  No  Bank  Guarantee.  May  Lose  Value 


PLANTING 
SPRING  BULBS 

page  26 


1979  - 2007 

Enjoy  the  Best  of  Both  Worlds! 


Cathedral 

Village 


The  Vision  our  Board 

of  Directors  and 

Management 

has  created 

is  a secure... 

exciting. . . 

and  vibrant 

community 

for  those  who 

will  appreciate 

The  Best  of  Both  Worlds! 


600  East  Cathedral  Road 
Philadelphia,  PA  19128 
(215)  984-8622 

www.cathedralvillage.com 


Spend  time  “potting”  your  favorite  plants  for  your  home  or  patio  and 
learn  “tricks  of  the  trade”  at  our  Horticulturist’s  weekly  seminars. 

Practice  your  “putting”  skills  on  our  Professional  Golf  Green  and  join 
in  competition  with  our  “other  putters.” 

fake  advantage  of  our  Fitness  Center  to  swim  and  exercise.  Attend  the 
many  Village  College  courses  offered  throughout  the  year,  or  take 
painting  and  sculpting  classes  in  our  Art  Studios. 

You  can  spend  as  much  time  as  you  wish  expanding  your  talents 
without  concerns  about  preparing  meals  every  day,  housecleaning, 
maintenance,  medical  appointments  or  transportation.  Most 
importantly,  you  have  guaranteed  security  about  your  current  and 
future  medical  care. 

This  is  the  Best  of  Both  Worlds  where  every  program  and  ameniry  is 
designed  and  maintained  by  Cathedral  Village  management  and  staff 
to  enhance  your  lifestyle. 

We  invite  you  to  visit,  question,  and  compare! 

Come  in  Monday  through  Friday  between  9 and  3. 
Appointments  are  necessary  on  weekends. 


A Nonprofit,  Nondenominational  CCRC  • Accredited  Since  1983 
Affiliated  With  the  Jefferson  Health  System 


Contents 


Editor 

Pete  Prawn 


20 


Associate  Editor 


Jane  Carroll 


Assistant  Editor 

Daniel  Moise 


Art  Design 


Baxendells’  Graphic 


Printer 

ALCOM  Printing  Group,  Inc. 


The  Pennsylvania 
Horticultural  Society 


26 


Web  Site 

www.pennsylvaniahorticulturalsociety.org 


100  N.  20th  St. 
Philadelphia,  PA  19103-1495 
215-988-8800 


Chair 

Harry  E.  Hill 


President 

Jane  G.  Pepper 


Executive  Vice  President 

J.  Blaine  Bonham,  Jr. 


PHS  Membership  Information 

Linda  Davis.  215-988-8776 


Display  Ads 

Manzo  Communications,  LLC 
61 0-527-7047  mmanzo@manzomediagroup.com 


Classified  Ads 

Daniel  Moise,  215-988-8871 
gsads@pennhort.  org 


Pioneering  Women 

Philadelphia’s  gardening  legacy  would  be 
nothing  without  the  intrepid  women  of 
the  past  century  who  helped  shape  the 
gardening  scene  in  our  region.  Coupling 
vivid  stories  with  photos  of  a long-gone 
era,  Ilene  Sternberg  shines  a light  on  the 
contributions  of  these  horticultural 
heroines. 

Dealing  with  Deer 

Deer  may  be  elegant  and  adorable, 
but — as  gardeners  know — they’re  also 
major  pests!  Fortunately,  avid  bulb 
growers  John  McClain  and  Mitch  Prince 
have  discovered  secrets  for  keeping  deer 
at  bav  and  share  them  here. 


EATURES 


Cultivating  Cranberries 

Everybody  enjoys  a helping  of 
cranberries  while  partaking  in  the 
Thanksgiving  feast,  but  how  many  stop 
to  appreciate  the  storied  history  of  this 
tart  and  tantalizing  fruit?  Lorraine  Kiefer 
wades  through  the  bogs  of  southern 
New  Jersey  to  pay  homage  to  the 
brilliantly  red  berry. 

Gardening  from  the  Heart 

A great  garden  doesn’t  just  catch  your 
eye,  it  stirs  your  soul.  Tucked  away 
behind  a wall  of  wisteria  and 


10 


delphiniums,  the  Main  Line  home  of 
Daria  and  Andy  Pew  has  exactly  that 
effect,  as  practically  every  blossom  has  a 
story  behind  it.  Daniel  Moise  tells  the 
tale. 


COLUMNS 

6 The  Potting  Shed 


Ask  A Gardener  Phone  Line 

215-988-8777,  Monday  through  Friday, 
9:30  to  12  [closed  in  December] 
askagardener@pennhort.  org 


GREEN  SCENE  (USPS  955580), 


32  Basic  Botany 

Considering  the  Climate 

34  Botanical  Bouquets 

Warming  Up  to  Winter 

38  The  Backyard 

Playing  at  a Philadelphia  Park 


The  Pennsylvania  Horticultural  Society  motivates  people  to 
improve  the  quality  of  life  and  create  a sense  of  community 
through  horticulture. 

Main  cover  photos:  courtesy  of 
Temple  Univ.  Ambler  Archives. 

/ \ PRINTED  ON  RECYCLED  PAPER 


Volume  35,  No.6,  is  published  bi-monthly 
(January,  March,  May,  July,  September,  November) 
by  The  Pennsylvania  Horticultural 
Society,  a non-profit  member  organization  at 
100  N.  20th  St.,  Philadelphia,  PA  19103-1495. 
Single  Copy:  $5.00  (plus  $2.00  shipping). 
Second-class  postage  paid  at 
Philadelphia,  PA  19103 
and  additional  mailing  offices. 
POSTMASTER:  Send  address  change  to  GREEN 
SCENE,  100  N.  20th  St.,  Philadelphia,  PA  19103. 
© Pennsylvania  Horticultural  Society,  2007 


GREEN  SCENE  subscriptions  are  part 
of  the  membership  benefits  for: 

Frelinghuysen  Arboretum,  Morristown,  NJ 
Horticultural  Society  of  New  York 
Phipps  Conservatory,  Inc.,  Pittsburgh,  PA 
Staten  Island  Botanical  Garden,  Inc,  New  York 


Letter  from  the  Editor 


The  Grape  Vine  that 

ATE  MY 
HOUSE 


The  issue  now  is  how  to  get 
rid  of  them.  The  wrong  way  to 
remove  a vine  is  to  pull  it 
from  its  tip.  Doing  so  will 
only  get  you  a few  feet  of 
vine  before  it  snaps  off, 
leaving  its  main  stem  hap- 
pily hidden  in  the  heart  of 
a shrub.  Yanking  on  an 
invasive  vine’s  tip  can 
also  damage  the  branch- 
es of  the  host  tree  or  shrub. 

Instead,  you  must  prepare  to  get  dirty. 

Since  many  of  us  live  in  areas  rife  with  deer  ticks  (and  the 
threat  of  Lyme  disease),  you  should  cover  up  as  much  as  possible 
before  pruning — long  pants,  sleeves,  socks,  and  perhaps  a hat.  Once 
you’re  properly  attired  and  have  armed  yourself  with  your  cutting 
implement  of  choice  (hand  pruners,  loppers,  or  a small  saw  for  thick 
grape  vines),  then  your  horticultural  counter-attack  may  commence. 

No  pun  intended,  but  to  get  at  the  “root”  of  the 
problem,  you  must  literally  find  where  the  vine  is 
growing  from.  In  some  cases,  that  is  as  easy  as  find- 
ing a single  vine  stem  trailing  down  the  trunk  of  a 
tree.  At  the  base,  you  would  simply  cut  the  stem 
and  pull  its  root  out  of  the  ground.  (Just  keep  in 
mind  that  snapping  a root  underground  can 
inspire  dozens  of  new  shoots,  making  the  situation 
worse.  Some  horticulturists  even  recommend  cut- 
ting the  vine’s  stem  a foot  or  two  from  the  ground, 
and  then  treating  it  with  full-strength  Round-Up 
or  a brush  killer,  but  not  everyone  has  the  same 
comfort  level  with  chemicals.) 

However,  if  you’re  simply  cutting  or  pulling  vines 
out,  you’ll  find  that  most  aren’t  such  willing  victims. 
You  may  find  a vine  that  has  clambered  over  two 
other  trees,  and  that  its  point  of  terrestrial  origin  is 
actually  20  feet  from  where  you’re  standing.  Or  you 
could  discover  that  those  particularly  hard-to- 
remove  grape  or  honeysuckle  vines  are  inside  a large  shrub,  requiring 
you  to  actually  climb  into  the  shrubbery  to  find  where  the  vine  is  pro- 
truding from  the  earth.  This  will  take  some  time  and  a little  sleuthing, 
too.  But  once  you  find  it,  feel  free  to  cut  the  stem  close  to  the  ground, 
snap  your  fingers,  and  say,  “Hah!  Take  that."  If  that’s  the  vine’s  only 
stem,  in  due  time  the  remainder  will  turn  brown,  die  and  crumble  to 
the  ground. 

So  heed  my  words:  before  you  stand  on  your  lawn  in  late  summer 
like  me,  looking  gormlessly  at  an  azalea  that  was  just  eaten  by  a hon- 
eysuckle, make  a mental  note  to  tackle  invasive  vines  earlier  in  the  gar- 
dening year,  say  in  late  spring.  Back  then,  it’s  a mid-sized,  yet  still  per- 
fectly manageable  job.  By  the  middle  of  summer,  it’s  war. 


email:  greenscene@pennhort.org 


tach  June  I usually  take  an  afternoon, 

grab  the  loppers,  and  sweep  my  heavily  wooded  property 
for  invasive  vines.  I failed  to  do  that  this  year  and,  as  I write 
this  column  in  late  summer,  my  landscape  is  under  full  attack.  The 
wild  grape  vines  are  devouring  a dogwood  tree  with  their  powerful 
tendrils.  Spiky  “mile-a-minute”  vine  is  clambering  up  and  over  a fence 
with  gleeful  abandon.  And  my  utility  shed  now  has  a green  roof—z las, 
not  the  environmentally  friendly  kind,  but  a fast-moving  creature  that 
is  quite  enjoying  the  view  up  there. 

Had  I done  my  seasonal  cut-back  eight  weeks  ago,  this  wouldn’t  be 
such  a dramatic  situation.  But  within  that  short  time,  the  vines  have 
begun  a ferocious  assault,  so  much  so  that  there’s  annual  bindweed 
twining  itself  up  each  blade  of  my  ornamental  Miscanthus  grass.  Now 
that’s  tenacity.  In  some  ways,  you  have  to  admire  the  botanical  aggres- 
sion of  these  plants  and  their  desire  to  thrive  and  conquer  all  who 
stand  in  their  way.  Equally  impressive  is  their  ability  to  blend  in  with 
their  environments — the  way  a grape  vine’s  woody  lower  stem  can 
hide  itself  within  a maze  of  rhododendron  branches  is  nothing  short 
of  brilliant. 


GREEN  SCENE  • november/december  2007 


4 


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Glenmede 


1 -B66-445-3663 


WWW.GLENMEDE.CDM 


Photos  by  Pete  Prown 


The  Potting  Shed 


SEEING  THE  FORES 


Lloyd  and  Thacher  Brown  planted 
more  than  1,000  native  hardwood 
trees  and  shrubs  this  spring  on  their 
Devon,  PA,  property.  However,  they  admit  to 
having  a hard  time  seeing  the  forest  for  the  ... 
tube P. 

“We  live  on  a tube  farm  now,”  jokes 
Thacher,  who  serves  on  the  PHS  Council  and 
Executive  Committee.  Hundreds  and  hun- 
dreds of  4-foot-high  white  plastic  tubes  now 
punctuate  5 1/2  acres  along  the  banks  of 
Darby  Creek,  which  meanders  through  their 
property  and  is  a prime  habitat  for  wildlife, 
including  brown  trout. 

Inside  the  tubes  are  745  tree  seedlings, 
including  red  maples,  black  willows,  shagbark 


hickories,  American  sycamores,  pin  oaks,  and 
other  native  hardwoods.  Along  with  315 
native  shrubs  planted  at  the  same  time,  these 
seedlings  will  form  a “riparian  forest  buffer,” 
an  area  of  forested  land  adjacent  to  a body  of 
water  that  provides  a number  of  environmen- 
tal benefits. 

“It’s  designed  to  create  a wildlife  habitat,” 
Thacher  says  of  the  deer-resistant  trees  and 
shrubs.  “They  were  planted  this  spring,  and 
green  leaves  started  showing  up  in  early  June 
on  the  tops  of  some  of  the  tubes.” 

Although  the  property  is  shaded  with  stately 
mature  trees,  deer  have  eaten  the  understory, 
creating  a perfect  environment  for  invasive 
plants  like  multiflora  rose  and  Japanese  bit- 


By  Betsie  Blodgett 


tersweet — and  a poor 
one  for  trout,  nesting 
songbirds,  and  native 
flora.  Lloyd,  who  was 
Flower  Show  Preview 
Committee  Chair  in 
1999,  wanted  to  re- 
turn the  wetland  to  its 
natural  state. 

Fruiting  winterberry 
and  chokecherry 
shrubs  will  provide 
food  for  songbirds. 
Tree  roots  will  stabi- 
lize the  stream  banks, 
while  leafy  boughs 
will  cool  the  water. 
Native  hardwood 
leaves  will  feed  aquatic  insects,  a food  source 
for  rainbow  and  brown  trout.  “More  leaves, 
more  insects,  more  trout,”  explains  Sam 
High,  district  conservationist  with  the 
USDA’s  Natural  Resources  Conservation 
Service  office  in  West  Chester,  who  worked 
with  the  Browns  to  develop  a conservation 
plan  and  provided  a grant  for  the  project. 

Earlier  this  year,  after  a company  called 
Weeds  Inc.  cleared  the  invasive  plants, 
Williams  Forestry  & Associates  in  Millville, 
PA,  prepared  the  wetlands  for  installation  of 
the  seedlings.  “They  just  stuck  them  in  the 
ground,  tubes  and  all,”  Thacher  says  of  the 
process,  “In  two  years,  everything  will  be  out 
of  the  tubes  and  we  ll  have  some  sense  of 
what  it  will  look  like.”  The  plastic  tubes  will 
protect  the  young  trees  from  deer  browsing 
on  the  tender  leaves  and  new  growth,  as  well 
as  from  mice  girdling  the  trunks  during  the 
cold  winter  months. 

Adds  Sam  High,  “This  will  take  the  woods 
back  to  what  it  might  have  looked  like  a 
couple  of  hundred  years  ago.  It  will  provide  a 
better  balance  for  the  future,  too.” 


GREEN  SCENE  • november/december  2007 


emerges 
from  its 
protective 
tube 


The  Potting  Shed 


Cecily  Clark’s  name  is 
well  known  in  Flower 
Show  circles,  and 
among  her  many  horticultural 
achievements,  this  one  might  be  the 
most  impressive:  she  has  been 
exhibiting  at  the  Philadelphia 
Flower  Show  since  the  1940s  and 
has  never  missed  one.  “Back  then, 
the  Show  was  held  in  a hall  that  has 
long  since  been  torn  down,”  she 
recalls.  “It  was  a building  with  beau- 
tiful French  ironwork  holding  up 
the  roof.  I was  a flower  arranger  at 
the  time  because  back  then,  there 
were  no  horticulture  classes.” 

By  Daniel  Moise 


Decades 
of  Perfection 

Entering  the  Flower  Show 
with  Cecily  Clark 


This  Show  hat  belonged 
to  Cecily’s  late 
husband,  John,  a 
faithful  member 
of  the  plant- 
staging team 
in  Hall  B 


Today,  with  the  Show  now  held 
at  the  Pennsylvania  Convention 
Center,  Cecily  is  known  precisely 
for  her  horticulture,  namely  for 
amazing  potted  plants,  some  of 
which  she  has  exhibited  for  years. 
Among  her  awards,  she’s  won  Best 
in  Show  four  times  and  also 
received  the  Edith  Wilder  Scott 
Award,  a very  prestigious  honor 
among  plant  entrants  at  the  Show. 
The  secret  of  her  success?  “My  trick 
is  to  enter  a plant  in  every  class  it 
can  belong  to,”  she  says.  “It’s  sort  of 
a game  and  one  I love  to  play.” 

In  her  current  menagerie,  Cecily 
has  several  trained  topiaries,  foliage 
plants,  and  one  succulent.  “1  used  to 
grow  a lot  of  herbs,  such  as  gerani- 
ums ( Pelargonium  sp.)  and  that 
rosemary,”  she  says,  pointing  to  the 
windowsill.  “And  also  a dwarf  myr- 
tle (Myrtus  communis  subsp.  tarenti- 
na).  In  her  apartment,  Cecily’s  col- 
lection of  Show  plants  sits  in  a west- 
facing window  that  provides  intense 
afternoon  sun.  She  concedes  that 
the  heat  is  “not  much  help  to  the 
plants,”  but  it  reminds  her  to  keep 
her  plants  well-watered,  and  she 
believes  the  moisture  keeps  bugs 
away.  She  also  uses  a fan  to  circulate 
the  air.  “Good  air  circulation  makes 
a huge  difference  to  houseplants,” 
she  notes. 

Cecily  readily  acknowledges  that 
some  of  the  best  tips  she  learned 
over  the  years  came  from  fellow 
Flower  Show  exhibitors.  “Sally 
Reath  and  Dot  Keith  were  friends 
and  inspirations,”  she  says.  “Dot 
once  said  that  there’s  a tempta- 
tion to  propagate  a plant  from 
every  piece  that’s  cut.  But 
you  have  to  be  disciplined 
and  throw  some  out.” 
She  rotates  her  plants 
faithfully,  but  bears  in 
mind  something  former 
PHS  president  Ernesta 
Ballard  once  told  her, 


8 


GREEN  SCENE  • november/december  2007 


Left  top:  This  bonsai-like  specimen  is 
designed  with  No.  9 wire,  which  is  hard  to 
bend.  At  Christmas,  Cecily  adorns  it  with 
glass  ornaments. 

Left  middle:  One  of  Cecily’s  most  notable 
plants  began  as  a cutting  from  a wedding 
bouquet  in  1988.  Today  it  is  shaped  in  a 
perfect  circle,  a difficult  but  rewarding 
shape  to  maintain. 

Left  bottom:  ‘Yellow  ripples'  is  a potted  ivy 
from  2005  shaped  somewhat  like  a figure 
eight. 


which  is  that  “every  plant  has  its 
good  side.” 

When  it’s  time  to  bring  the  plants 
down  to  the  Convention  Center, 
the  pots  are  carefully  transported  in 
inverted  cardboard  boxes  with  holes 
cut  in  the  top  or  packed  with  paper. 
For  some  plants,  she  puts  a brick  in 
the  bottom  of  a bucket  to  hold  up 
the  plant  and  protect  its  limbs.  She 
arrives  at  the  Show  the  second  the 
doors  open,  sometimes  at  6 am.  The 
best  part,  she  adds,  is  “seeing  my 
good  friends  again.  It’s  like  going 
back  to  high  school.  There’s  such 
joy  among  the  exhibitors.” 

Finally,  her  advice  to  Flower 
Show  newcomers  is  “Just  do  it!  It’s 
not  so  scary.”  She  would  also  advise 
them  to  bring  a notebook,  claiming 
she  has  a pile  of  notebooks  that  list 
the  favorite  things  she  encounters 
on  the  Show  floor.  Cecily  says  if  she 
were  to  enter  the  Show  for  the  first 
time  now  she’d  pick  up  one  of  the 
“Challenge  Class”  plants  that  are 
sold  at  PHS  in  September. 
“Everyone  starts  with  the  same 
thing,”  she  says.  “It’s  a wonderful 
way  to  build  up  a collection.” 

For  all  her  endeavors,  Cecily  is 
clearly  a plant  lover  first,  last  and 
always.  She  suddenly  points  to  a 
Euphorbia  milii  sitting  on  her 
kitchen  table  and  exclaims,  “Look 
at  this  color — this  is  great.”  ^ 


The  Gardener’s  Bookshelf 

By  llene  Sternberg  & Pete  Prown 


Classic  Irises  & the  Men  and 
Women  Who  Created  Them 

By  Clarence  Mahan 
Krieger  Publishing  Company 

International  iris 
authority  Clarence 
Mahan  has  conducted 
years  of  research, 
diligently  plumbing 
French,  British,  and 
American  primary  and 
secondary  sources,  to 
produce  this  book. 
Perhaps  only  the  most 
ardent  iris  fanatic  ( you 
know  who  you  are)  will  be  willing  to  spring  for 
this  400-plus-page  scholarly  history — market- 
ed as  the  first  ever  written — on  garden  irises. 
Mahan  takes  on  the  taxonomists  (doesn’t 
everyone?)  and  goes  into  delicious  detail  about 
the  lives  of  the  movers  and  shakers  and  breed- 
ers in  the  iris  world  since  the  early  nineteenth 
century.  Unquestionably,  this  book  is  an  essen- 
tial addition  for  any  serious  horticultural 
library,  but  even  those  with  merely  a passing 
interest  in  irises  should  find  the  anecdotes  and 
garden  gossip  enlightening,  engrossing,  and 
entertaining. 


(418  pp„  $87.50) 


Pots  in  the  Garden:  Expert 
Design  & Planting  Techniques 

By  Ray  Rogers  & Richard  Hartlage 

Ray  Rogers, 
a veteran  rib- 
bon wrangler  at 
everyone’s 
favorite  Flower 
Show,  can  ar- 
gue for  the  title 
of  “pot  king” 
for  his  peerless 
potted  plants. 
With  this  pub- 
lication, he  demonstrates  that  he  also  pos- 
sesses excellent  skills  as  a writer  and  teacher. 
With  illustrative  photographs,  Rogers’ 
book  analyzes  the  aesthetics  of  good  design 
and  shares  tips  for  selecting,  planting,  and 
arranging  containers  and  their  contents  in 
the  garden.  It’s  helpful  and  inspiring  infor- 
mation. 


Timber  Press 
(248  pp,  $29.95) 


native  plant  nursery 


1214  n.  middletown  road 
glen  mills,  pa  19342 

610  358  4300 


redbudnativeplantnursery.com 


open  march  through  november 
tuesday  through  Saturday  9 to  5 
Sunday  1 0 to  4 


9 


a working  cranberry  bog  in  New  Jerseys  Pine 
Barrens,  time  stands  still.  During  the  long  after- 
noons of  Indian  summer,  a sea  of  glistening,  jewel- 
like fruit  sparkles  in  the  sun,  as  growers  harvest  the  glossy  red 
berries  that  have  delighted  and  nourished  humans  for  centuries. 
Those  who  think  of  cranberries  as  a canned  supermarket  item 
would  be  surprised  by  this  idyllic  agricultural  scene. 

Despite  the  modern  farming  techniques  found  at  the  Joseph  J. 
White  Farm  in  Whitesbog,  NJ,  and  other  nearby  growers,  the  his- 
tory of  the  American  cranberry  dates  back  to  the  Native 
Americans.  When  preparing  for  long  hunting  excursions,  tribes- 
men are  said  to  have  brought  along  pemmican , a dish  made  from 
dried  deer  meet  and  ripe  cranberries.  The  fruit  was  later  adopted 
by  Colonial  settlers,  who  lovingly  referred  to  the  berries  as  “Rubies 
of  the  Pines.’ 


CRANBERRY  CULTURE 

The  American  cranberry  (Vaccinium  macrocarpon)  grows  on 
small  evergreen  plants  in  the  acidic  soil  of  southern  New  Jersey  and 
other  places  along  the  Atlantic  coast.  These  bogs  are  not  really 
boggy,  but  actually  have  firm  sand  bases  in  which  the  cranberry 
vines  grow.  New  Jersey  is  the  third  largest  cranberry  producing  area 
in  the  United  States  with  approximately  3,100  acres  of  cranberry 
bogs. 

In  the  wild,  cranberry  plants  typically  grow  near  a river  or  lake 
that  floods  naturally  in  winter.  On  manmade  farms,  the  bogs  must 
also  be  flooded  so  a machine  known  as  a wet  harvester  can  operate 
and  knock  the  berries  loose.  The  floating  berries  at  the  White  farm 
are  gathered  to  one  side  of  the  bog,  lifted  into  trucks,  washed  and 
rough-sorted  in  a central  station,  and  shipped  in  bulk  to  the  Ocean 
Spray  receiving  station  in  Chatsworth,  NJ  (the  town  of 


RUBIES 


Growing  Cranberries 
in  South  Jersey 


PINES 


10 


Photo  by  Alan  and  Linda  Detri 

■■■■■  ■■i  ■■■■■ 


A worker  pulls  & section  of .“pranboorh" 
into  the  harvest  ring.  This  will  be  ' 
pulled  by  hand  to  ppsh  the  fruit  towards 
the  elevators  that  lift  the  cranberries 
from  the  bog  into  trucks.  * 


Chatsworth  also  hosts  a large  cranberry  festival  each  October).  A 
large-scale  agricultural  cooperative,  Ocean  Spray  is  a leading  pro- 
ducer of  canned  and  bottled  juice  drinks  in  North  America. 

Cranberry  plants  are  low,  creeping  perennials  that  root  freely  via 
runners  to  form  a dense  mat.  Each  runner  sends  up  many  slender, 
5-  to  6-inch-high  flowers,  known  as  “uprights”  or  “fruiting  spurs.” 
Bees  are  the  traditional  pollinator  for  this  plant,  but  with  the  17  to 
25  million  flowers  per  acre  on  commercial  beds,  the  natural  bee 
population  can’t  keep  up,  forcing  many  cranberry  growers  to  rent 
honey  bee  hives.  With  good  pollination,  each  plant  produces  fruit. 
Although  there  may  be  five  or  six  blossoms  per  shoot,  one  to  three 


New  Jersey  is  the  third 
largest  cranberry 
producing  area  in  the 
United  States. 


GREEN  SCENE  • november/december  2007 


11 


Spinning  reels  with  horizontal  bars 
knock  the  fruit  off  the  vines 


Joe  Darlington 
and  Brenda  Conner 
are  both 
5th-generatioft 
cranberry  growers 


Photo  by  Alan  and  Linda  Detrick 


full-sized  berries  is  usually  the  norm.  The  small,  oblong  leaves  of  a 
cranberry  plant  are  white  in  winter  and  turn  brilliant  green  when 
spring  arrives. 

Although  cranberries  spend  most  of  their  life  cycle  on  dry  land, 
they  are  wetlands  plants,  and  water  is  essential  for  cranberry  pro- 
duction. There  are  several  distinct  times  when  water  is  needed: 
First,  water  provides  frost  protection  at  the  beginning  of  the  sea- 
son. Water  is  then  needed  during  the  growing  season,  as  the  porous 
sand  soils  dry  out  quickly,  and  insufficient  water  can  quickly  injure 
vines.  Since  berries  can  be  damaged  by  the  heat  when  temperatures 
are  above  85°  to  90°F,  water  from  sprinkler  irrigation  at  the  farm 
protects  immature  fruits  from  sunscald  during  New  Jersey’s  hot 
summers.  Large  volumes  of  water  are  also  required  to  flood  the 
beds  for  harvest,  usually  2 to  3 acre-feet.  Finally,  cranberries  need 
a wintertime  flood  from  December  through  April  or  May  to  pro- 
tect the  vines  from  cold-weather  damage. 

GROWING  AT  HOME 

Fortunately,  homeowners  can  grow  cranberries  without  flooding 
their  gardens,  but  there  are  some  special  considerations.  Like  rho- 
dodendron, mountain  laurel,  azalea,  blueberry,  and  other  wood- 
landers,  cranberries  are  finicky  about  their  soil.  It  must  be  very 
acidic  (pH  4-5),  very  high  in  humus,  moist,  and  low  in  fertility.  To 
create  these  soil  conditions,  mix  a generous  amount  of  peat 
moss — humus  that  is  low  in  nutrients — into  the  soil. 


Cranberries 


Even’  four  to  six  years  during  the  winter  months,  commercial 
growers  apply  a layer  of  sand  to  their  bogs  to  reinvigorate  the  vine 
growth  and  force  the  plants  to  produce  uprights  and  berries. 
Homeowners  may  use  sawdust,  leaves,  or  pine  needles  to  mulch 
their  cranberry  plants  for  winter. 

Cranberry  roots  usually  go  only  6 inches  deep,  but  their  slender, 
evergreen  stems  spread  over  the  ground,  often  growing  a couple  of 
feet  or  more  in  all  directions  each  season.  Small  white  flowers 
emerge  in  earlv  summer,  each  of  which  nods  downward  from 
curved  stalks.  Later  in  the  season,  shiny  red  berries  can  be  seen 
hanging  on  the  wiry  stems,  and  the  cranberry  fruits  cling  to  the 
plant  all  winter. 

i 

BERRY  DELICIOUS 

Cranberries  have  very  few  calories  and  are  rich  in  Vitamin  C, 
but  they  are  so  tart  that  chefs  often  combine  them  with  sugar. 
Those  on  restricted  diets  find  that  honey  or  sugar-free  gelatin  pro- 
vide the  same  effect.  Cooked  cranberries  also  blend  well  with  other 


fruits  such  as  apples  and  oranges,  as  well  as  nuts. 

When  cranberries  are  added  to  vinegar,  wine,  or  vodka,  the  color 
and  flavor  of  the  fruit  is  extracted  into  the  liquid.  Cranberry  vine- 
gar and  oil  makes  a delicious  salad  dressing.  Toss  a handful  of  dried 
cranberries,  goat  cheese,  and  walnuts  with  crisp  greens  for  a 
delightful  fall  salad. 

In  winter,  consider  stringing  some  cranberries  with  popcorn 
along  the  branches  of  a tree  for  the  birds.  These  “Jersey  jewels”  can 
be  threaded  with  a thin  wire  and  incorporated  into  wreaths  or 
heart-shaped  trims  for  the  Christmas  tree.  Indeed,  there  are 
dozens,  if  not  hundreds,  of  ways  to  enjoy  the  venerable  cranberry. 
Who  would  have  thought  you  could  get  so  much  from  such  a 
small,  unassuming  fruit?  ^ 


Cranberry  plants  are  available  year-round  from  Triple  Oaks 
Nursery,  2359  Delsea  Dr.,  Franklinville,  NJ,  856-694-4272, 
www.tripleoaks.com . For  more  on  the  Joseph  J.  White  Farm  and 
cranberry  harvesting  in  Whitesbog,  NJ,  also  see  Jane  Pepper’s 
article  “Cranberries:  A Growth  Industry”  in  the  September  1983 
issue  (available  in  the  PFIS  McLean  Library). 


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A Garden  of 


MEANING 


16 


GREEN  SCENE  • november/december  2007 


« y ■ 'fhe  moment  you  think  you’ve 
done  everything  in  the  garden, 
-A.  a new  idea  will  come  out  of 
nowhere,”  says  Daria  Pew,  describing  her 
garden  planning.  And  indeed,  the  two-acre 
Gladwyne,  PA,  property  she,  her  husband 
and  son  call  home  displays  several  years’ 
worth  of  actualized  inspiration.  Though 
dozens  of  garden  enthusiasts  have  passed 
through  on  tours,  the  underlying  symbol- 
ism and  sentiment  that  imbue  the  gardens 
hold  special  meaning  for  the  Pews. 

When  Daria  first  moved  into  the  home 
16  years  ago  there  was  nothing  but  lawn. 
She  used  trial-and-error  methods  at  first, 
but  once  a bed  of  peonies  took  off  there 
was  no  looking  back.  “1  can’t  deny  that  I’m 
obsessed,  I feel  as  though  I’ve  found  my 
calling — but  at  least  it’s  a healthy  obses- 
sion!” she  exclaims. 

First,  Daria  set  out  to  under-plant  every 
tree.  Mostly  towering  oaks,  the  trees  now 
have  ferns,  hostas,  or  geraniums  growing 


underneath,  adding  lushness  and  serenity 
to  the  landscape. 

Assisting  Daria  in  her  gardening  endeav- 
ors was  her  father,  Richard,  who  passed 
away  in  March  2007.  Daria  describes  him 
as  multi-talented  and  attributes  the  proper- 
ty’s beauty  to  his  imaginative  ideas  and 
admirable  work  ethic.  One  of  Richard’s 
final  projects  inhabits  the  far  end  of  the 
property  near  the  swimming  pool.  It  is  a 
topiary  dubbed  the  love  garden  due  to  the 
plants  shaped  as  an  Xand  O,  representing  a 
kiss  and  hug.  The  border  of  the  garden  con- 
sists of  Korean  boxwood,  and  the  interior 
features  an  array  of  herbs.  “When  I look  at 
this  garden  I see  my  father’s  influence.  It  is 
comforting,  a way  to  keep  his  memory  with 
us,”  Daria  shares. 

Other  evidence  of  the  Pews’  affection 
for  symbolism  and  heritage  includes  a 
bed  oi  dianthus  in  the  shape  of  a heart 
and,  in  the  herb  garden,  an  antique  chair 
that  once  belonged  to  the  mother  of 


“When  I look 
at  this  garden, 

I see  my 

father’s  influence.” 

— Daria  Pew 


mr  ' dt 

Story  by 

Us  V 

Daniel  Moise 

Right:  Delphiniums,  poppies,  and  alliums 
festoon  the  garden  in  late  spring 


Below:  PHS  President  Jane  G.  Pepper 
(2nd  from  left)  with  the  Pew  family 


Above:  Whimsical  garden 
sculpture  by  Marty  Long 

Left:  Leadership  Level 
members  enjoy  an 
evening  in  the 
Pew  garden 


B.  Gullan 


Daria’s  husband,  Andy. 

The  garden  has  some  entertaining  ele- 
ments, too:  large-scale  wooden  carvings  of 
popular  fictional  creatures  adorn  the  prop- 
erty. Sculptor  Marty  Long  created  each  of 
the  five  memorable  children’s  characters, 
including  the  appropriately  named  Pepe  Le 
Pew  and  Winnie  the  Pooh,  the  latter  of 
which  was  commissioned  to  commemorate 
the  birthday  of  Daria  and  Andy’s  son, 
Westy. 

Owl  from  the  Pooh  stories  sits  in  the 
front  of  the  house,  proudly  perched  in  a 
curved  garden  full  of  tall  species  that  buffer 
noise  from  the  road.  The  area  features  wis- 
teria, tree  peonies,  larkspur,  and  delphini- 
um by  the  score.  A variety  of  clematis  grows 
out  front  and  around  the  property,  offering 
stunning  purple  blooms  in  late  spring.  Also 
featured  are  cranesbill,  pale  yellow  irises, 
and  forget-me-nots. 

Overall,  Daria’s  garden  style  evokes  the 
aura  of  an  English  country  cottage.  The 
plants  and  landscape  aren’t  severely  mani- 
cured; rather  they  are  able  to  thrive — and 
seem  content  and  healthy  as  a result.  An 
abundance  of  roses,  such  as  moss  roses  and 
antique  selections,  adds  to  the  cottage  feel. 
The  David  Austin  rose  ‘Constance  Spry’  is 
one  of  Daria’s  favorites. 

But  head  and  shoulders  above  the  rest, 
roses  or  otherwise,  is  what  Daria  calls  her 
pride  and  joy.  The  rambling  rose 
‘Tausendschon’  (the  name  means  “1,000 
beauties”  in  German)  adds  color  and  joi  de 
vive  with  its  countless  blush-pink  blossoms. 
The  plant  prospers  in  a tall,  old  umbrella 
stand  in  the  backyard.  ‘Blue  Eyes’  and  ‘Blue 
Angel’  clematis,  planted  in  memory  of 
Daria’s  father,  grow  nearby. 

“Gardening  is  a very  personal  thing,” 
says  Daria.  “What  you  like,  someone  else 
might  not,  but  you  have  to  do  what’s  right 
for  you.  I like  to  incorporate  plants  and 
items  that  have  personal  significance  and 
meaning.  My  garden  tells  my  story.” 


GREEN  SCENE  • november/december  2007 


19 


1 


of  HORTICULTURE 


Honoring  Women  from 
Philadelphia’s  Gardening  Past 


Long  before  the  modern  women’s 
movement,  some  formidable 
Philadelphia  females  were  break- 
ing new  ground.  Early  in  the  twentieth 
century,  these  progressive  women  recog- 
nized that  aside  from  the  traditional  teach- 
ing, nursing  and  charity  work,  horticulture 
could  provide  a vehicle  for  improving 
women’s  vocational  prospects.  They  mobi- 
lized to  educate  gardeners,  pioneered  the 
garden  club  movement,  and  launched  sev- 
eral vital  organizations  that  transformed 
lives  and  landscapes.  Though  their  names 
are  unfamiliar  to  many,  we  should  all  doff 
our  garden  hats  in  appreciation  to  them. 
Their  far-reaching  legacy  empowered 
women,  widened  career  opportunities,  and 
stimulated  the  kind  of  community  activism 
that  PHS’s  Philadelphia  Green  program 
exemplifies  today. 

AMERICA'S  FIRST  GARDEN 
CLUB  FOR  WOMEN 

With  a Iudor  Rose  and  the  motto  Furor 
Hortensis  (“Garden  Mad”)  for  its  seal,  the 
Garden  Club  of  Philadelphia  was  formed 
in  1904  by  Ernestine  Abercrombie 
Goodman  and  Elizabeth  Price  Martin, 
becoming  the  first  American  club  of  its 
type  for  women.  Meeting  at  the  home  of 
Letitia  Glenn  Biddle  at  Andalusia  in  Bucks 
County,  the  club  set  out  to  promote  inter- 
est in  garden  design  and  management, 
encourage  civic  planting,  and  help  protect 
wildflowers  and  native  plants.  The  Bulletin 
of  the  Garden  Club  of  America  referred  to  its 
firs:  president,  Ellen  Stuart  Patterson,  as 
“The  Duchess  of  Chestnut  Hill”  and  “The 
Mother  of  Garden  Clubs”  and  declared 
that  her  “faithfulness,  tact,  charm  and  ^ 
passionate  love  of  flowers”  was  the  * 
club’s  chief  inspiration  and  guiding 
spirit.  Another  of  its  founding  mem- 

^ ■ 


bers  was  the  mother-in-law  of  current  PHS 
president  Jane  G.  Pepper. 

The  club  studied  horticulture  and  con- 
servation and  carried  out  numerous  beauti- 
fication projects,  including  the  rehabilita- 
tion of  Bartram’s  Garden.  One  member 
detailed  the  club’s  first  attempt  at  civic 
planting  in  1911:  “After  a precarious  trip 
across  the  Schuylkill  River  in  rowboats, 
[we]  personally  planted  forsythia  on  Peter’s 
Island  which  we  still  admire  as  we  follow 
the  River  Drives  to  town. ” Considering  the 
boned  corsets,  high-buttoned  collars,  long 
skirts,  petticoats,  hats,  gloves,  and  umbrel- 
las that  were  de  rigueur  at  the  time,  it  must 
have  been  quite  an  outing. 

A SCHOOL  OF  THEIR  OWN 

A few  years  later,  Jane  Bowne  Haines  II 
founded  the  Pennsylvania  School  of 
Horticulture  for  Women  (now  Temple 
University  Ambler)  to  “teach  a practical 
remunerative  art,  offer  possibilities  of  sci- 
entific and  practical  investigation,  and 
open  a new  field  of  healthful  labor  for 
women,  one  where  they  could  “live  and 
dream,  not  be  expected  to  do  household 
work,”  and  could  focus  on  learning.  Miss 
Haines  lived  part-time  at  Wyck  in 
Germantown,  home  to  nine  generations  of 
the  Wistar/Haines  family,  where  she  man- 
aged a family  nursery  business  prior  to 
opening  the  school  on  the 


f - 


71 -acre  McAlonan  farm  in  Ambler. 

The  school’s  two-year  residential  pro- 
gram offered  botany,  horticulture,  floricul- 
ture, fruit  and  vegetable  growing,  soil  sci- 
ence, and  farm  management  with  optional 
courses  in  canning  and  preserving,  bee- 
keeping, and  farm  carpentry.  (Students 
helped  build  the  school’s  first  greenhouse  in 
1911,  which  still  stands.)  For  each  lecture 
hour,  students  received  two  hours  of  practi- 
cal training  in  the  gardens  and  fields.  In 
dark  tunics,  skirts  to  mid-calf,  white  shirt- 
waists, and  high-top  boots,  students  were 
considered  suitably  outfitted  as  dirt  farmers 
living  a wholesome  country  life  in  a coun- 
try community.  (Financial  concerns  led  to 
the  school’s  merger  with  Temple  University 
,,,  1958.) 

Haines  once  wrote,  “The  natural  garden- 
er is  a genius,  born  rather  than  made,  with 
the  solid  head  of  a cabbage,  the  heart  of a let- 
tuce, the  strength  of  an  onion,  the  rooting 
qualities  of  a carrot,  and  the  persistence  of 
crabgrass.  ” 


21 


Heroines  of  Horticulture 


Right  and  below: 

Students  at  the 
Pennsylvania 
School  of 
Horticulture  for 
Women  (PSHW) 


/ 


22  GREEN  SCENE  • november/december  2007 


Not  surprisingly,  Miss  Goodman  and 
Mrs.  Patterson  sat  on  the  School  of 
Horticulture’s  board  of  directors  along  with 
botanist,  conservationist,  crusader  and  edu- 
cator Mira  Lloyd  Dock  (1853-1945),  the 
“Mother  of  Urban  Forestry.”  When  Dock 
joined  the  Pennsylvania  Forestry 
Commission,  she  became  the  first  woman 
ever  appointed  to  a government  post  in  the 
Commonwealth.  Another  board  member, 
the  multi-faceted  garden  expert  Mary 
Helen  Wingate  Lloyd  (1842-1934),  had  a 
remarkable  “Iris  Bowl”  garden  visited  by 
thousands  during  the  1920s.  PHS’s 
McLean  Library  houses  her  collection  of 
rare  botanical  works  of  the  sixteenth  and 
seventeenth  centuries.  Elizabeth  Leighton 
Lee,  one  of  the  country’s  first  landscape 
architects  and  the  first  practicing  female 
landscape  architect  in  Philadelphia,  served 
as  the  school’s  director  until  1924. 

Louise  Carter  Bush-Brown  followed  for 
another  28  years,  overseeing  many  changes 
and  expanding  enrollment.  Co-author  with 


her  husband  of  one  of  the  all-time  popular 
garden  guides,  Americas  Garden  Book,  she 
also  organized  settlement  house  workers 
and  garden  clubs  into  the  Neighbor- 
hood Gardens  Association  in  1953 
to  sponsor  local  beautification  programs 
in  low-income  neighborhoods.  (The 
Neighborhood  Gardens  Association 
remains  active  today.) 

GARDENING  FOR  THE 
GREATER  GOOD 

In  1914,  Jane  Haines  pushed  to  establish 
the  Woman’s  National  Farm  & Garden 
Association  (WNFGA),  hosting  a national 
gathering  to  discuss  ways  to  unite  horticul- 
tural and  agricultural  interests  of  city  and 
country  women.  Some  400  attendees  met 
in  the  School  ol  Horticulture  barn,  which 
was  decorated  with  rhubarb  and  dogwood 
blossoms,  and  discussed  small  fruit  culture 
and  raising  broiler  chickens  for  profit. 
Prolific  author  Louisa  Boyd  Yeomans  King, 


onetime  editor  of  McCall’s  magazine  and 
an  early  advisor  to  the  school,  became  pres- 
ident of  the  new  association.  Local  VPs 
were  Jane  Haines,  Mrs.  Martin,  and  Miss 
Lee. 

Lee  and  Beatrix  Farrand  were  the  first 
garden  consultants  to  the  Garden  Club  of 
America,  which  formed  the  same  year  “to 
stimulate  the  knowledge  and  love  of  gar- 
dening among  amateurs;  to  share  the 
advantages  of  association  through  confer- 
ence and  correspondence  in  this  country 
and  abroad;  to  aid  in  the  protection  of 
native  plants  and  birds;  and  to  encourage 
civic  planting.”  The  Philadelphia  group 
and  12  other  garden  clubs  met  at  Stenton 
in  Germantown  and  elected  Elizabeth 
Martin  (this  was  one  busy  lady)  as  its  first 
president.  Ellen  Patterson  was  honorary 
president  until  1915,  and  Mary  Lloyd, 
director  from  1928-33,  edited  the  club’s 
Bulletin  for  40  years. 

World  War  1 was  the  impetus  to  mobilize 
even  further.  The  School  of  Horticulture 


Heroines  of  Horticulture 


A MOST  VITAL  INFLUENCE 

Elizabeth  P.  Martin  served  as  president  of 
the  Garden  Club  of  America  until  1 920.  At 
her  retirement,  the  group  passed  a resolu- 
tion stating,  “Mrs.  Martins  leadership  from 
the  very  beginning  of  our  organization 
been  our  mainstay.  During  the  war, 
President  not  only  kept  life  in  the  clubs, 
made  them  powerful  factors  in  food 
tion.  Since  the  war,  she  most  ably 
over  the  Association  in  a time  of  rapid 
until  now  we  properly  call  ourselves  the 
vital  influence  in  all  this  land  against 
door  ugliness  and  for  out-ofdoor 

At  Elizabeth  Martin’s  death  in  1932,  Ithe 
flags  in  the  City  of  Philadelphia  hung 
half  mast. 

The  author  wishes  to  thank  Jenny  Rose 
Carey,  director  of  the  Landscape 
Arboretum  of  Temple  University  Ambler, 
for  her  assistance  with  this  article. 


Touring  through 
Philadelphia  Garden 
History 

In  the  Philadelphia  area, 
Plant  Lovers  Discovery  Tours 
offers  self-guided  excursions 
or  group  jaunts  called 
Progressive  Women  in 
Horticulture.  These  tours 
celebrate  these  women  and 
other  trailblazers  and  the 
collaboration  that  made  their 
achievements  possible, 
exploring  their  lives  and  the 

places  associated  with  them. 

4 rt 

For  detailed  itineraries,  visit 
www.  plan  tloverstours.  com , 
or  call  Sharon  Lee  at 
610-543-1024. 


24  k GREEN  SCENE  • november/december  2007 

J 


offered  12-week  “Lieutenant’s  and 
Captain’s”  war  courses  in  vegetable  garden- 
ing, fruit  growing,  canning  and  preserving. 
Mrs.  Martin  also  rallied  her  troops: 
“America  is  at  war,  and  the  Garden  Club  of 
America  must  assume  what  responsibility 
its  name  implies.”  She  and  Louisa  King 
were  made  directors  of  the  Bureau  of 
Registration  and  Information  of  the 
National  League  of  Women’s  Service  under 
the  U.S.  Department  of  Labor,  which, 
among  other  functions,  “furnished  garden 
clubs  with  information  about  planting, 
canning,  and  kindred  activities.” 

The  U.S.  Council  on  National  Defense 
requested  that  WNEGA  organize  various 
women’s  agricultural  groups  to  form  the 
Woman’s  Land  Army  of  America. 
Spearheaded  yet  again  by  Jane  Haines,  this 
group  trained  20,000  “farmerettes”  to  grow 
food  for  U.S.  and  European  citizens  and 
troops,  preventing  starvation  for  thousands 
of  European  families. 


Home  of  the  Lewis  W.  Barton  Arboretum  and  Nature  Preserve 
Member,  Greater  Philadelphia  Gardens 


For  more  information:  8oo.33i.43o?  or  www.medfordleas.org 


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GREEN  SCENE  • november/december  2007 


25 


I 


Planting  & Protecting 


John  McClain  and  Mitch  Prince 
love  to  garden  so  much  that  they 
have  more  than  one  garden.  In 
fact,  they  have  more  than  one  house,  maintain- 
ing two  primary  residences  in  Philadelphia’s 
western  suburbs,  each  of  which  has  gardens 
flush  with  spring  bulbs  by  the  score.  But 
achieving  those  endless  beds  of  color  requires 
constant  vigilance  to  keep  deer  from  consum- 
ing the  tender,  delectable  bulbs. 

26  j GREEN  SCENE  • november/december  2007 


‘Tilted  Manor"  in  Wynnewood 


1 

■V  ] 

m 

E A 

Story  and  Photography 
by  Pete  Prown 


GREEN  SCENE  • november/december  2007 


John  McClain 


BULBS  BY  THE  THOUSANDS 

Both  men  practice  law  (bankruptcy  and 
real  estate)  in  Center  City,  though  they 
joke  that  they  sometimes  spend  more  time 
gardening  than  working.  John  and  Mitch’s 
main  house  in  Gladwyne  is  wryly  called 
Tilted  Acre,  owing  to  a sloped  backyard 
that  drops  off  into  woodland.  In  the  space 
of  just  a few  years,  the  two  have  trans- 
formed the  hillside  into  a series  of  dramat- 
ic terraces  with  large  retaining  walls  crafted 
by  an  Italian  stone  mason. 

Within  the  beds  at  Tilted  Acre  are  literal- 
ly thousands  of  spring  bulbs,  including  rare 
hybrid  tulips,  daffodils,  alliums,  fritillaria, 
and  hyacinths.  They  even  have  a rare 
voodoo  lily  ( Dracunculus  vulgaris). 
Says  Mitch,  “It’s  a burgundy  shade  and 
blooms  for  slightly  more  than  a week.  The 
smell  is  rather  foul,  so  it  is  advised  that  you 
don’t  grow  it  near  your  house.  But  we  like 
it  there,  just  off  the  porch — it’s  a conversa- 


tion piece.”  Elsewhere  in  the  garden  you’ll 
find  gardenias,  Japanese  maples  (Acer 
palmatum),  nandina,  and  hundreds  of  vio- 
let larkspur  blossoms  that  John  liberally  re- 
sows each  year. 

At  John  and  Mitch’s  other  property,  a 
grand  old  house  dubbed  Tilted  Manor,  the 
two  installed  gardens  along  the  driveway  in 
spaces  that  were  once  pavement.  Adorning 
the  lawns  are  a variety  of  sculptures, 
notably  a stork,  dog,  and  other  artistic  ani- 
mals made  of  copper.  Daffodils  and  tulips 
are  planted  by  the  score,  and  much  of  the 
planting  takes  place  between  Christmas 
and  New  Year’s  Day  in  hopes  they’ll  be 
ready  for  bloom  in  spring.  “We  once  had 
10,000  bulbs  dropped  off  on  the  front 
yard,  and  that  was  just  one  of  the  ship- 
ments that  year,”  John  says.  “I’ve  planted  as 
many  as  1,000  bulbs  a day.  It’s  a lot  of 
work,  but  very  much  worth  the  effort.” 


The  Barnes  Foundation 


** ' 

vr  . i . Wv 


* , y 

‘ ■ 


Paul  Cezanne,  Terracotta  Pols  and  Flowers, 
1891-1892,  BF235. 


Visit  the  Barnes  Foundation  this  fall  and 
winter  and  enjoy  an  unparalleled  aesthetic 
experience  inside  the  Gallery  and 
outside  in  the  Arboretum. 


The  Barnes  Foundation's  collection  of  French 
Impressionist,  Post-Impressionist,  and  early  Modern 
paintings  is  unsurpassed  in  breadth,  quality,  and  depth. 

The  collection  also  includes  important  examples  of  African 
sculpture,  American  paintings  and  decorative  arts,  Old 
Master  paintings.  Native  American  art,  Asian  art,  and 
ancient  artifacts,  which  provide  a rich  context  for  the  study 
of  art  and  aesthetics. 

The  Arboretum,  which  features  an  exceptional  collection 
of  rare  trees  and  woody  plants  from  all  over  the  world,  a 
fern  collection,  formal  gardens,  and  a lilac  grove,  provides 
an  unparalleled  environment  for  horticulture  education. 
The  12-acre  Arboretum,  which  surrounds  the  gallery 
building,  reflects  and  enhances  the  beauty  of  the  art  inside. 


For  information  on  visiting  the  Barnes  Foundation  please  call  B10-667-0290. 

To  learn  about  art  and  horticulture  classes  and  workshops  offered  at  the  Barnes, 
please  contact  the  Education  Department  at  610-667-0290,  ext.  3825,  or  the  Arboretum  at  610-667-0290,  ext.  1071. 


THE  BARNES  FOUNDATION 

300  North  Latch’s  Lane,  Merion,  PA  19066  610-667-0290  www.barnesfoundation.org 


GREEN  SCENE  • november/december  2007 


29 


^ Gladwyne 

ST  y « 

property 


m 

• f >V/ 

rf o 

f A • 

OH,  DEER! 

John,  in  particular,  is  quite  serious  about 
deer  control  and  employs  a number  of 
techniques  to  keep  them  from  feasting  on 
the  bulbs  sitting  just  under  the  soil.  For 
example,  the  gardens  include  plenty  of  alli- 
ums, which  are  unappealing  to  deer,  as  well 
as  peppermint  because  deer  cannot  tolerate 
the  strong  methanol  scent.  But  John  notes 
that  peppermint  is  the  only  mint  that  has 
this  effect  (and  it  tends  to  overcrowd  a gar- 
den bed,  so  you  have  to  keep  it  in  check). 
Garlic  and  onion  also  deter  the  deer.  “But 
deer  will  eat  anything  if  they’re  hungry 
enough,”  Mitch  adds,  “even  hibiscus.” 

For  repellents,  the  natural  liquid  product 
Deer-Out  has  earned  a thumbs-up  in  John’s 
book,  and  he  says  it  has  a far  more  pleasant 
odor  than  other  products.  They  also  use 
fishing  line  draped  between  trees,  which 
browsing  deer  find  unpleasant  and  avoid. 
While  the  two  try  to  keep  deer  out,  howev- 
er, “Hummingbirds  and  butterflies  are 
always  welcome,”  John  says. 


30 


GREEN  SCENE  • november/december  2007 


GARDEN  CHORES 

People  who  visit  John  and  Mitch’s  proper- 
ties can’t  believe  there  isn’t  a full-time  gar- 
dener or  a team  of  landscapers.  Mitch  does 
a lot  of  the  hardscaping  and  stone  work, 
while  John  is  quite  proud  of  his  Kubota,  a 
large  tractor  used  for  landscaping  chores. 
“My  neighbor  says  I need  to  see  a psychia- 
trist since  I spend  so  much  time  roto-till- 
ing,”  jokes  John. 

The  gardens  change  on  a regular  basis. 
Mitch  says  that  John  moves  trees  like  other 
people  move  furniture.  Even  stone  walls  are 
taken  down  and  rebuilt  elsewhere.  When  it 
comes  to  planting  and  deconstructing  gar- 
den beds,  John  says  “it’s  easier  putting  one 
in  than  taking  one  out.” 

When  it’s  time  for  planting  bulbs  each 
fall,  John  tills  the  soil  weeks  ahead  of  time 
and  applies  generous  amounts  of  mulch. 
“But  I don’t  worry  about  colors,”  he  adds.  “I 
like  whatever  color  combinations  sprout  up, 
especially  with  the  bulbs.  I haven’t  seen  any 
I don’t  like,  and  it’s  exciting  because  you 
never  know  what  you’re  going  to  get.” 


Shreiner 


TIree  Care  Specialists 
Call  and  benefit  from 
Discounted 

Fall  and  Winter 
work  rates 


334  South  Henderson  Road 
King  of  Prussia*, PA  19406 
www.shreinertreecare.com 

. J 


Select  from  800  varieties  of  the  finest  Dutch 
bulbs  for  your  family’s  garden.  Contact  us  for 
our  free,  84-page  color  catalog-take  a peek  at 
our  wonderful  website  specials! 

\ John  Scheepers 

W 23  Tulip  Drive  • -PO  Box  638 
U'  Bantam,  CT  06750 

^ (860)  567-0838  pA92 

www.johnscheepers.com 


GREEN  SCENE  • november/december  2007  | 31 




Basic  Botany 


By  Jessie  Keith 


TEMPERATURE 
CHANGE  AND 
PHENOLOGY 

Global  temperatures  have 
increased  1°F  since  1900  and 
are  projected  to  rise  up  to  6°F 
in  the  next  50  years,  causing 
the  growing  season  to  length- 
en. Flow  might  plants 
respond? 

Research  suggests  that 
spring  bloomers  will  flower 
earlier.  Dr.  Abu  Asab  in 
| Washington  DC  ran  a 29-year 
t study  of  trees’  flowering  pat- 
terns. By  the  end  of  the  peri- 
o od,  100  tree  species  from  44 
| families  bloomed  three  to  five 

Q. 


Basically,  buds  are  set  in  the  fall,  dormancy  is  maintained 
through  winter,  and  buds  break  in  spring. 

There  are  two  types  of  winter  dormancy:  endodormancy 
and  ecodormancy.  Both  protect  plants  from  untimely  bud 
break,  but  each  function  differently.  Then  there’s  vernal- 
izationi,  the  winter-chilling  period  that  controls  flowering. 

Endodormancy  is  the  deep  dormancy  required  by 
many  temperate  perennials.  It  ensures  that  plants  break 
bud  after  winter  and  is  regulated  by  hormones  in  the  ter- 
minal meristems  (topmost  buds).  Endodormancy  is  initiat- 
ed by  cooler  temperatures  and  shorter  days  and  is  broken 
by  a period  of  chilling  followed  by  longer  days.  Insufficient 
chilling  reduces  or  disrupts  bud  break  and  decreases  the 
plant’s  vigor. 

ECODORMANCY  is  a transient  or  light  dormancy  that’s 
brought  on  by  unfavorable  growing  conditions,  such  as 
cold  temperatures,  low  light,  or  insufficient  water.  It  can 
precede  and  follow  endodormancy.  Ecodormant  plants  will 
grow  again  when  favorable  conditions  return. 

VERNALIZATION,  like  endodormancy,  is  controlled  in  the 
terminal  meristems.  Along  with  light  levels,  it  controls 
flowering  in  many  temperate  species.  It’s  especially  vital  for 
fruit  and  floral  crops,  like  apples,  cherries,  and  tulips. 
Chilling  must  occur  below  45°F  for  200  to  1,000  hours 
depending  on  the  species,  for  flowering  to  occur. 

Many  plants  experience  all  of  these  dormancy  factors  in 
the  course  of  a season,  but 
phenology  can  be  altered  in 
various  ways  if  important 
environmental  cues  like  tem- 


perature change  rapidly. 


Climate  Change 
and  Plant 
Phenology 

uring  that  stretch  of  uncommonly  warm  days 
last  December,  1 strolled  along  the  Brandywine 
River  and  saw  an  improbable  sight:  happily 
blooming  snowdrops.  “Wow!”  I exclaimed  to  my  husband, 
“What’s  with  this  bizarre  balmy  weather  ...  and  what  other 
surprises  will  it  bring?”  These  questions  inspired  me  to 
explore  the  effects  of  temperature  change  on  winter  dor- 
mancy and  the  timing  of  bud  break,  flowering,  and  fruit- 
ing, an  area  of  plant  science  known  as  phenology. 

DORMANCY 

Dormancy  occurs  in  perennials  when  the  meristems  (the 
growing  points  found  largely  at  shoot  and  root  tips)  stop 
growing  in  response  to  environmental  cues  like  tempera- 
ture and  light.  For  temperate  plant  survival,  winter  dor- 
mancy is  as  essential  as  sleep  is  for  us  human  beings. 


32 


GREEN  SCENE  • november/december  2007 


Late-summer  asters  like 
Symphyotrichum  novi-beU 
and  other  perennials 
may  bloom  later  if 
summers  heat  up 


ers  keep  personal  flowering  and  fruiting  records  to  track 
local  trends. 

As  far  as  those  precocious  December  snowdrops,  their 
chilling  requirements  are  short,  so  by  early 
winter  they  are  already  ecodormant.  This  may  mean  more 
holiday  snowdrops  in  years  to  come. 


days  earlier.  Likewise,  a study  of  385  British  plant  species, 
conducted  by  Dr.  Alastair  Fitter,  showed  they  bloomed 
four  and  a half  days  earlier  after  just  10  years.  Comparable 
results  have  been  found  in  Central  Europe  and  China. 

Conversely,  late-season  bloomers  may  flower  later.  Dr. 
Elsa  Cleland  of  Stanford  University  recently 
examined  the  effects  of  increased  temperature 
on  12  prairie  species.  Plants  responded  differ- 
ently based  on  their  seasonal  bloom  times. 

Those  blooming  before  the  hottest  day  of 
summer  flowered  or  fruited  earlier,  and  those 
blooming  after  it  flowered  or  fruited  later. 

Higher  temperatures  from  the  "urban  heat 
island  effect,"  in  which  large  cities  are  hotter 
than  their  local  surroundings,  may  intensify 
the  effects  on  city  plants.  Studies  in  China, 

Europe,  and  North  America  found  that  trees 
like  apple  and  cherry  bloomed  earlier  in  urban 
areas  than  nearby  rural  specimens  did. 

Moreover,  early  spring  ephemerals  and  insect- 
pollinated  plants  reacted  more  dramatically  to 
higher  urban  temperatures  than  late  spring 
bloomers  and  wind-pollinated  plants. 

Some  speculate  that  warming  will  create 
untimely  warm  winter  weather  and  increase 
frost  damage  as  plants  are  coaxed  into  earlier 
blooming,  but  studies  are  inconclusive. 

The  consequences  of  temperature  change 
on  plant  phenology  are  not  yet  fully  under- 
stood. The  250,000+  plant  species  across  the 
globe’s  diverse  habitats  will  certainly  react  in 
different  ways.  Researchers  suggest  that  grow- 


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■ i 


GREEN  SCENE  • november/december  2007  33 


Amaryllis...  or  Hippeastrum ? What  is  the 
correct  genus  name  for  this  bulb?  Although 
greenhouses  often  call  both  of  these  stun- 
ning bulbs  “amaryllis,”  those  that  come 
from  South  Africa  are  actually  Amaryllis , 
and  those  from  South  America  are 
Hippeastrum.  Structurally  they  are  the 
same,  and  Dutch  flower  growers  have 
solved  the  problem  by  labeling  their  flowers 
Amaryllis/Hippeastrum.  To  those  of  us  who 
not  botanists,  however,  the 
Amaryllis  is  considered  acceptable  for  both. 


A SIMPLE  WINTER 
ARRANGEMENT: 

STEP  1 - GATHERING 

You  will  need: 

• Several  stems  of  amaryllis 

• A variety  of  greens.  Here,  you  see 
boxwood,  pine,  rose  hips,  Christmas 
bush  ( Ceratopetalum  gnmmiferum), 
and  pine  cones. 

• A bowl  or  basket  lined  with  plastic 
and  filled  with  floral  foam 

• Stakes  or  sticks  about  the  length  of 
the  amaryllis 

• Cotton  or  cotton  balls 

• Clippers 

STEP  2 - PREPARING 

• Soak  floral  foam  and  cut  to  shape  of 
basket  or  bowl. 

• Select  a basket  lined  with  plastic  (or 
use  one  with  a plastic  dish  in  it). 

• Cut  sticks  or  stakes  to  about  two 
inches  shorter  than  the  amaryllis 
stems. 

• Cut  greens  to  varying  heights. 

STEP  3 - ARRANGING 

• Add  greens  and  berries  and/or  flowers 
to  the  basket,  leaving  space  in  the 
center  for  the  amaryllis. 

• Fill  amaryllis  stems  with  a little  water 
and  plug  with  cotton. 

• Insert  amaryllis  stems  into  the  center 
of  the  oasis  by  making  a hole  with 
your  finger  for  each  stem.  Keep  your 
thumb  on  the  base  of  the  stem  until 
you  insert  it  into  the  foam. 

• Stems  may  be  tied  together  with  dec- 
orative cording,  wire  or  raffia. 

ALTERNATIVE  DESIGNS 

For  a long-lasring  show  of  amaryllis, 
cut  the  stems  short  and  place  them  in  a 
vase  with  a few  greens  and  water.  Here 
you  see  boxwood  and  pine.  Make  sure 
that  your  water  stays  clean  by  adding  a 
teaspoon  of  bleach  and  changing  it  fre- 
quently. There  is  no  need  to  stake  short- 
er stems. 

Another  way  to  show  off  the  dramatic 
amaryllis  plant  is  to  put  the  potted  flow- 
ers into  a basket,  add  a few  greens  (floral 
foam  may  be  cut  into  pieces  and  put  into 
plastic  bags  to  hold  greens),  and  tie  the 
stems  decoratively. 


AMERICAN  PHILOSOPHICAL  SOCIETY 

Scholarly  publishing  since  1771 


RENAISSANCE  VISION  FROM  SPECTACLES  TO  TELESCOPES 

Vincent  llardi 

Vincent  llardi  tells  the  story  of  the  history  of  eyeglasses  from  their  invention  in  Italy  ca. 
1286  to  the  appearance  of  the  telescope  three  centuries  later.  “By  the  end  of  the  sixteenth 
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Memoirs  of  the  American  Philosophical  Society 
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THE  TEMPLE  OF  NIGHT  AT  SCHONAU 

John  A.  Rice 

Between  1796  and  1800  Baron  Peter  von  Braun,  manager  of  Vienna’s  court  theaters, 
transformed  his  estate  at  Schonau  into  an  English-style  landscape  park  that  included  the 
Temple  of  Night,  a domed  rotunda  accessible  only  through  a meandering  rockwork  grot- 
to. Only  the  ruins  of  the  Temple  of  Night  survive,  and  John  Rice  brings  it  back  to  life  by 
assembling  the  many  descriptions  of  it  by  early  nineteenth-century  eyewitnesses. 
Memoirs  of  the  American  Philosophical  Society 
Vol.  258  ISBN:  978-0-87169-258-0  $70.00 

THE  LIBRAY  OF  BENJAMIN  FRANKLIN 

Edwin  Wolf  2nd  and  Kevin  J.  Hayes 

In  the  late  1950s,  Edwin  Wolf  2nd  embarked  on  a bibliographic  odyssey  to  reconstruct  the 
“lost”  library  of  Benjamin  Franklin  after  discovering  the  unique  shelfmarks  Franklin  used 
to  identity  his  books.  His  work,  unfinished  at  the  time  of  his  death,  was  taken  up  by  Kevin 
J.  Hayes  as  the  tercentenary  of  Franklin’s  birth  approached.  Everything  found  to  date, 
close  to  4,000  entries,  has  been  compiled  here. 

Memoirs  of  the  American  Philosophical  Society 
Vol.  257  ISBN:  978-0-87169-257-3  $100.00 

ESSAYS  AND  REVIEWS  IN  HISTORY  AND  HISTORY  OF  SCIENCE 

Charles  Couston  Gillispie 

Charles  Gillispie  has  assembled  a collection  of  essays  representing  an  eclectic  selection 
of  his  writings,  spanning  more  than  half  a century.  Included  with  these  writings  are  new 
prefatory  editorial  comments  to  many  of  the  essays.  An  appendix  listing  other  titles  pub- 
lished by  the  author  is  given  as  well. 

Transactions  of  the  American  Philosophical  Society 
Vol.  96,  Part  5 ISBN:  978-0-87169-965-7  $24.00 

A PORTRAIT  OF  ELIZABETH  WILLING  POWEL,  1743-1830 

David  W.  Maxey 

David  Maxey  offers  a persuasive  study  of  a late-eighteenth  century  portrait  and  its  sub- 
ject. Elizabeth  Willing  Powel  occupied  an  influential  position  in  Philadelphia  society 
during  and  after  the  Revolution.  Personal  loss  touched  her  deeply  and,  at  a critical 
moment,  Philadelphia  limner  and  sign  painter  Matthew  Pratt  captured  on  canvas  the 
grief  she  experienced. 

Transactions  of  the  American  Philosophical  Society 
Vol.  96,  Part  4 ISBN:  0-87169-964-8  $24.00 


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GREEN  SCENE  • november/december  2007 


35 


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• Maintenance:  Reglazing,  reskinning, 
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Call  302-655-5772.  ask  for  John  Klein 


LANDSCAPE  DESIGN 


LINDA  CORSON 
LANDSCAPE  DESIGN 

• Consulting 
• Plans 

• Supervision 

Registered  Landscape  Architect 
! Member  ASLA  215-247-5619 


David  Brothers  Landscape  Services 
Bean  Road  Nursery 

Architects,  Builders  and  Nurserymen 
Providing  the  Fine  Art  of 
Garden  Construction 
and  Landscape  Restoration 

215-247-2992  610-584-1550 

610-525-3232 


Discount 10%  off  the  second 

consecutive  ad,  using  the  same  copy 

Please  NOTE:  Green  Scene  dots  not  guarantee  advertisement  position,  and  we  reserve  the  right  to  edit  copy 
to  fit  available  space.  Green  Scene  ads  are  scheduled  on  a first-come,  first-served  basis  until  space  is  filled 
for  a particular  issue. 

Please  calculate  your  ad  cost  based  on  number  and  formatting  of  words,  and  enclose  a check  along  with 
your  copy  (call  for  assistance).  Green  Scene  will  bill  any  difference  or  credit  upon  publication  of  your 
advertisement.  If  your  new  ad  arrives  very  close  to  deadline,  we  may  deposit  your  check  until  ad  is  sched- 
uled. If  we  can’t  schedule  your  ad,  your  check  will  be  returned. 

Make  checks  payable  to  the  Pennsylvania  Horticultural  Society. 

Send  all  advertising  correspondence  to:  Joe  Soprani,  Green  Scene 

The  Pennsylvania  Horticultural  Society,  100  N.  20th  Street,  5th  Floor,  Philadelphia,  PA  19103-1495. 

If  you  have  any  questions,  please  call  215-988-8809. 


DONALD  PELL  GARDENS 

Creating  & maintaining  gardens  with  expert 
horticultural  craftsmanship. 

View  our  portfolio  of  landscape  designs 
online  at  www.donaldpell.com  or  call 
610-917-1385  for  a brochure 
and  consultation. 


LARGE  TREES 

Tree  Transfers  Inc. 

Large  Tree  Transplanting  and  Sales 
Large  Screening  & Specimen  Plant  Material 
Garden  Restoration,  Ponds,  Waterfalls  & Patios 
215-635-2310 

Serving  the  Delaware  Valley  since  1987 

MULCH 


PINE  NEEDLE  MULCH 

Won’t  change  soil  pH 
Wholesale  and  retail 
FLOWERS  AND  MORE,  INC. 
610-701-9283 
renee52@comcast.net 


BALED  PINE  NEEDLE  MULCH 

Pick  up/Delivery/Spreading  service 
Cedar  Run  Landscapes 
Call  for  brochure 
1 -800-LANDSCAPE 

www.CedarRunLandscapes.com 


NURSERY 


Triple  Oaks  Nursery  & Herb  Garden 

• Great  Plants  • Display  Gardens  • Programs 
Franklinville,  New  Jersey 
www.tripteoaks.com 
856-694-4272 
greatplants@tripleoaks.  com 

PONDS 


PONDS  AND  WATERFALLS 

Design/Installation/Maintenance 
View  our  pond  video  at 
www.YourPond.com 

Cedar  Run  Landscapes 

1 -800-LANDSCAPE 


UNUSUAL  SPECIMENS 


RARE  & UNUSUAL  PLANTS 

• Specimen  plants  • Pond  plants  • Bonsai 

• Orchids  • Hardy  cacti  • Tropicals 

• Sculptured  trees  and  shrubs  • Perennials 

• Unique  Flower  and  gift  shop. 

MUTSCHLERS  FLORIST  & RARE  PUNTS 
1-800-242-9438 

www.mutschiers.com 


Wholesale  Dutch  Bulbs 

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Select  from  800  Dutch  flower  bulb  varieties  for 
unmatched  garden  display  and  naturalized 
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our  48-page  price  list  and  website  specials. 

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23 1\ilip  Drive  • PO  Box  f»38 
(T5  Banlam,  CT  06750 

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Buy  where  the  professionals  buy. 


Many  pictures  and  information  on  our  website 
www.botanyshop.com  • Joplin,  MO 
or  call  888-855-3300  for  prices  and  information. 


THUJA  X ‘GREEN  GIANT’ 

Screening  Alternative  to  Leyland  Cypress 
& New  England’s  Dying  Hemlocks 

O Plants  8"-3  1 /2ft.  tall 
$3.00  to  $45.00  each 

• New  USDA  Release 

• Pennsylvania  Gold 
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• Tough,  Fragrant.  Tall, 
Skinny  Evergreen 

• Deer,  Bagworm  & 
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• Fast  Growing. 

3’  to  5' / Year 

• Zone  4-9 


www.knockoutroses.com 


Reblooming 

Hydrangea 


VALLEY  FORGE  AMERICAN  ELM 


• The  Most  D.E.D 
(Dutch  Elm  Disease) 
Resistant  American  Elm 
Ever  Tested 

• New  U.S.D.A  Release 


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AMERICAN  ELM 


y size  - $20  each 


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(215)  884-7378 
WWW.THEPAINTEDGARDENINC.COM 
304  EDGE  HILL  ROAD.  GLENSIDE,  PA  19038 
SHOWROOM  BY  APPOINTMENT 


GREEN  SCENE  • november/december  2007 


37 


The  Backyard 


NEW  LIFE 

By  Jane  Carroll  N EG  L ECT  E D C I T Y PA  R K 


For  too  long,  the  neighborhood  park  at  N.  47th  Street  & 
Lancaster  Avenue  in  West  Philadelphia  was  no  place  you’d 
want  to  be.  With  its  broken  benches,  decrepit  playground 
equipment,  dismal  landscape,  trash,  and  broken  glass,  Muhammed 
Park  was  a symbol  of  urban  abandonment  and  neglect,  a haven  for 
drug  dealing  and  other  illegal  activity.  “You  name  it — it  was  going  on 
there,  recalls  neighborhood  activist  Mike  Cormany. 

The  seeds  of  change  were  planted  about  two  years  ago,  when  the 
Philadelphia  Empowerment  Zone  (a  federally  funded  redevelopment 
program)  began  to  refurbish  the  commercial  strip  along  Lancaster 
Avenue  in  collaboration  with  the  city's  Neighborhood  Transformation 
Initiative  (NTI).  Through  its  NTI  contract,  Philadelphia  Green  start- 
ed working  with  Cormany  and  other  neighbors  to  clean  up  two  vacant 
lots  on  N.  46th  Street.  The  volunteers  not  only  cleaned  the  lots,  but 
also  turned  one  into  a “village  square”  for  use  as  a community  meet- 
ing place. 

Attention  turned  next  to  the  dismal  Muhammed  Park  (formerly 
Durham  Park).  Philadelphia  Green  staff  set  up  meetings  with  com- 
munity residents  to  determine  priorities  for  the  site,  and  they  decided 
the  most  pressing  needs  were  new  benches,  a new  playground,  and 
long-overdue  tree  pruning. 

“We  started  looking  for  partners,”  says  Cormany,  who  is  co-chair  of 
the  restoration  committee  for  the  nonprofit  Philadelphia  Weed  & 
Seed,  a program  that  focuses  on  strategies  to  reduce  crime  and  revital- 
ize communities. 

And  partners  they  found:  The  Empowerment  Zone  and  the 
William  Penn  Foundation  each  committed  funds  for  park  improve- 
ments, adding  to  money  provided  by  Philadelphia  Weed  & Seed. 
Project  NEAT  (Neighborhood  Environmental  Action  Teams),  an 
environmental  education  project  of  the  American  Cities  Foundation 
that  engages  Philadelphia  residents  in  stormwater  issues,  also  made  a 
commitment.  It  awarded  $35,000  toward  a new  playground  with  a 
porous  surface  to  help  alleviate  excess  storm  runoff. 

Building  on  this  support,  the  city’s  Department  of  Recreation 


donated  labor  to  replace  all  of  the  wood  on  park  benches,  prune  the 
trees,  and  remove  the  old  playground  equipment.  One  of  its  contrac- 
tors installed  the  new  equipment  at  no  cost.  The  Department  also 
hired  a part-time  seasonal  maintenance  attendant  from  the  communi- 
ty to  pick  up  trash.  Crews  from  a work-training  program  called  Ready, 
Willing  & Able  [ profiled  in  the  Feb.  2004  issue ] helps  keep  the  perime- 
ter of  the  park  clean  and  mowed.  Neighborhood  schools,  churches, 
mosques,  and  other  volunteer  groups  have  become  involved  as  well. 

The  new  playground  was  unveiled  in  August,  and  neighborhood 
children  were  more  than  ready  to  try  it  out.  Cormany  says  the 
spruced-up  park  has  been  in  heavy  use  by  people  of  all  ages.  “There 
have  been  summer  camps  there,  a “Community  Day”  event,  and  a 
neighborhood  bazaar,”  he  says.  “The  goal  is  to  continue  to  work  with 
the  community  to  encourage  people  to  use  the  park.  The  more  good 
things  that  happen  in  the  park,  the  less  it  will  be  used  for  negative 
activity.” 

Philadelphia  Green  is  now  helping  to  organize  a formal  “Friends  of 
Muhammed  Park”  group  to  ensure  long-term  stewardship  for  the 
park.  The  group  will  receive  support  through  Philadelphia  Green’s 
Parks  Revitalization  Project,  which  helps  reclaim  community  parks 
throughout  the  city  and  now  includes  more  than  80  friends  groups. 

“It’s  very  different  from  how  we  usually  work,”  explains  CR 
Robinson,  a Philadelphia  Green  senior  project  coordinator. 
“Normally,  we  encourage  park  groups  to  partner  their  efforts  with 
ongoing  neighborhood  development.  In  this  case,  existing  neighbor- 
hood partnerships  connected  to  the  park,  and  from  those  efforts,  a 
new  park  group  is  being  formed.  The  improvements  already  made  will 
build  community  confidence  that  something  positive  is  being  done. 
We  hope  to  inspire  and  encourage  people  to  start  thinking  about  the 
future  of  the  park.  So,  stay  tuned;  this  is  just  the  beginning  at 
Muhammed  Park." 


For  more  information  on  PHS’s  Parks  project, 
visit  www.philadelphiagreen.  org. 


JOURNEY0  Knee  from  smith&nephew 


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designed  to  provide  more  natural  movement  for  a full  range  of  gardening  activities  from 
watering  to  weeding.  Ask  your  orthopaedic  surgeon  if  the  JOURNEY  Knee  is  a good 
match  for  your  green  thumb. 

To  request  a free  JOURNEY  Knee  Information  Kit  including  a list  of  orthopaedic  surgeons 
in  your  area,  visit  www.journeyknee.com  or  call  1 -888-678-KNEE. 


Orthopaedic  Reconstruction 

Smith  & Nephew,  Inc.  1450  Brooks  Road.  Memphis,  TN  38116  USA 
Information:  1-877-678-KNEE 


www.journeyknee.com  www. smith-nephew.com 


"Trademark  of  Smith  & Nephew 
Reg.  US  Pat  & TM  Off 
©2007  Smith  8.  Nephew,  Inc. 


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PNC  is  a registered  service  mark  of  The  PNC  Financial  Services  Group,  Inc.  ("PNC”).  Investment  management,  wealth  management,  fiduciary  services  and  FDIC-insured 
banking  products  and  services  are  provided  by  the  PNC  subsidiaries,  PNC  Bank,  National  Association  and  PNC  Bank,  Delaware  which  are  Members  FDIC.  PNC  does  not 

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