| YEAR BOOK | —
: _ OF THE
HEATHER |
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President:
SIR JOHN CHARRINGTON
Vice-Presidents:
MRS. RONALD GRAY MRS. DAVID METHENY
MR. J. PD. ARDRON MR. DAVID McCLINTOCK
Chairman:
MR. A. H. BOWERMAN
Secretary:
Mrs. C. I. MACLEOD
Yew Trees, Horley Row, Horley, Surrey, RH6 8DF
Slide Librarian:
MRS. G. W. LEE
174 Psalter Lane, Sheffield, S11 8UR
Council:
MRS. A. H. BOWERMAN MR. D. J SMALL
MRS. M. BOXALL MR. A. J. STOW
MRS. P. B. LEE MR. H. STREET
MR. B. G. LONDON MAJ.-GEN. P. G. TURPIN
MR. H. L. NICHOLSON MR. G. P. VICKERS
MR. D. B. OLIVER
Editor:
MR. A. J. STOW
‘Josarno’, 15 Highlands, Flackwell Heath, Bucks. HP10 9PP.
Advertising Manager:
MR. B. G. LONDON
6 Roedich Drive, Taverham, Norwich, Norfolk, NR8 6RB
CONTENTS
Volume 2 No. 6
EDITORIAL 3
FROM THE CHAIRMAN rs ns a 5
A.G.M. REPORT Mrs. C. I. MacLeod my a he 6
PLAS TANYBWLCH 1976 Mrs. D. Jones .. é 7
PLANT LABELS FOR YOUR HEATHERS B. Bosal 9
FURTHER NOTE ON A CROSS BETWEEN ERICA |
ERIGENA AND E. CARNEA Mrs. A. Parris . . ue 10
CAPE HEATHS IN THE HEBRIDES K. A. H. Cassells .. 10
HEATHER GARDENS: No. 3 WINDSOR GREAT PARK
Major/General P. G. Turpin ve é 12
ERICA AUSTRALIS SEEDLINGS IN THE GARDEN
Mrs. D. Metheny .. i oe Me 15
HEATHERS IN GERMANY H. Western gs ls
PHYTOPHTHORA CINNAMOMI Dr. W. A. W. Sia. 20
WINDLESHAM COURT Brig. C. E. Lucas-Phillips os page
THE KIWIS ARE COMING Mrs. E. Godbolt a 24
THE DOUBLE-FLOWERED HEATHERS D. MeClinteck 25
OBSERVATIONS ON LIME TOLERANCE A. W. Jones 38
ERICACEOUS PLANTS ON ALKALINE SOILS G. Yates 41
SUMMER IN YORKSHIRE 1976/. P. Ardron .. 41
HEATHERS IN THE GREAT DROUGHT Mrs. M. Jones 43
HOW DID YOUR HEATHERS STAND THE
DROUGHT? G. Yates .. 45
ae WATER - SAVE HEATHERS - SAVE MONEY
A. Mackay . We a Dae Bie ie 47
NEW INTRODUCTIONS df; Platt oe Ne ke RS 48
RECENT WRITINGS ON HEATHERS, 1976... a 51
NURSERYMEN MEMBERS hd; at: 52
MEMBERS WHO WOULD WELCOME VISITORS ir 54
LOCAL GROUP ORGANISERS OR BRANCH CON-
VENORS .. = a ual fe ne = 54
COMMITTEE MEMBERS .. bit i ae a 54
BOOK REVIEW
Heather Trials 1971 - 1975 a i ne = 55
Printed by
Chas. Luff & Co. Ltd., Albion Close, Petersfield Avenue, Slough SL2 5DX
and Published by the Heather Society. Copyright is reserved.
YEAR BOOK 1977 3
Editorial
I suppose that, looking back at the summer of 1976 it
was obvious that the main topic uppermost in member’s
minds was the drought, hence the number of articles in
this Year Book on this subject. The fact that members
took the trouble to write to me with their own observa-
tions can only help others to gain knowledge of their
well-loved heathers.
Mrs. Mary Jones, elsewhere in this publication calls it
The Great Drought, certainly nothing has been experi-
enced like it before this century. However Mother Nature
has a way of putting things right in her own way and has
certainly tried hard since with the exceptional rainfall
during the Autumn.
Space forbids me from publishing all the articles, but
I have collated the salient points which might prove of
interest.
Jack London lost over 80 mature plants on his arid
Norfolk soil, but the surprising thing was that his
Daboecias, although not liking the conditions, survived
and when the rains came in September bloomed excep-
tionally profusely, as indeed did many plants of this
species up and down the country.
With Daboecias eventually flourishing in the con-
ditions, it was surprising to learn of the Cinereas falling
by the wayside at an alarming rate. Miss Joyce Burfitt,
in a disturbing report from Dorset, said that she had lost
all of her Cinereas, in addition to high losses amongst her
Callunas. Miss Burfitt went on to say that her remaining
gold foliaged Callunas appeared to be more green than
usual for November, although they had survived better
than the green-foliage cultivars. An indication of the
conditions plants experienced in the Dorset area in 1976
is set out below with figures of the average rainfall over
the preceeding 20 years and the actual rainfall in 1976.
Average Rainfall Rainfall 1976
January 3.80 ins. 4 0.49 ins. |
February 2.30 ins. 8.50 ins. 2.11 ins. 4.18 ins
March 2.40ins. J les ins 4)
4 THE HEATHER SOCIETY
Average Rainfall Rainfall 1976
April 220 1ns) 1) 0.12 ins.
May 2.25 ins. t 1.23 ins.
June 2.05 ins. 11.25 ins. 0.26 ins. 2.47 ins.
July 2.25 ins. 0.50 ins.
August 2.50 ins. 0.36 ins.
Sept. 3.60 ins. F798. Gas: .
October 4.15 ins. poe vo G09 as: } 17.20 So
27.60 ins. 24.80 ins.
Mr A. W. Jones writing from West Camel, Somerset
also supplied rainfall figures for his area which were very
similar. One of the benefits he pointed out was that with
the high temperatures, his cuttings, propagated in a cold
frame rooted very quickly and rooting success was
increased by 50%
Let us not forget that although 1976 was extremely dry,
we all had our problems in 1975 which was also dry. My
Own experience with Erica vagans is worth recording, in
that they did not bloom at all that year, but from late
June 1976 they put on their best show ever, presumably
because of the partial development of the flower buds the
previous year.
Other points mentioned in letters received were that
although Erica carnea and E. erigena cultivars tended to
survive, the young growth was stunted and flower buds
severely reduced. Another member stated that E. carnea
suffered more than any other species, one comment was
that even when growth did appear it suffered from sun
scorch, but didn’t we all in 1976!
A. J. Stow
YEAR BOOK 1977
wa
From the Chairman
Alfred H. Bowerman, Champs Hill, Cold-
waltham, Pulborough, Sussex
The year 1976 will be long remembered for the hottest
Summer for over two hundred years and one which has
caused havoc in many gardens throughout the British
Isles. Those of us who live in the South of England
suffered from the continued drought from April until
early September and I am afraid many heathers were lost
through lack of moisture and the scorching sun in June
and July. The heavy Autumn rains have revived many
plants which seemed doomed, but in some of the hungry
sandy soils I fear the losses are severe. [n our particular
garden the heaviest casualties seem to be among the
Carneas and winter-flowering hybrids. For them it was
unfortunate that the excessive heat came just at the time
they were producing new tender growth.
As I look back to the early days of the Heather Society,
started by Sir John Charrington and so ably supported by
Lieut-Colonel and Mrs. MacLeod as Treasurer and
Secretary, I realize we have come a long way. We now
have a strong society with a virile Council and Com-
mittees dealing with financial, technical, publications and
events. One most encouraging aspect of the society is the
Area Groups who meet regularly to exchange ideas and
visit one another’s gardens, thus keeping alive local
interest and encouraging new members.
I wish to thank those who have so loyally served on
the Council and Committees and many others who have
helped the society in various ways. We are especially
indebted to those who have given so much time and
energy to make the Trial Grounds at Harlow Car such a
success. May 1977 see us as a society going from strength
to strength and for us all a return to happier days, free
from the endless toil of carrying out the bath water and
a season in which we can relax and enjoy our heathers
to the full.
6 THE HEATHER SOCIETY
The Heather Society
Report of the ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING, held
at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, July 13th 1976, in the Fruit & Vege-
table Committee Room at the RHS, London.
Eleven members attended, thus equalling the number
of Councillors. The members attending were: Mesdames
Mayne, Mahrer, Nicholson, Powell and Vickers and
Messrs Boxall, McClintock, Oliver, Taylor, N. H. R.
Yates and Brig. Lucas Phillips.
The Chairman, Mr. Bowerman, opened the meeting by
welcoming the visitor-members. This was followed by a
report of the Society’s work during the past year. The
Treasurer then presented the audited accounts which were
accepted without question.
Election of the Council: The appointment of Major-
General P. G. Turpin, C.B., O.B.E., M.A. was agreed
unanimously. The three ordinary members standing
down, Mr. Small, Mr. Stow and Mr. Vickers were
re-elected. The Treasurer Mr. Turner had for the past
year expressed his wish to be relieved of his position, and
after thanking him for his past services, the Chairman
asked if he would remain in office until after the first
Council Meeting in September. This Mr. Turner agreed
to do.
All other councillors were elected en bloc, as were the
officers. It was pointed out that according to the rules,
officers, including the President, the Vice-Presidents,
the Chairman, the Secretary and the Treasurer, must be
re-elected (unless indicating their wish to resign) annually.
New nominations to the Council. Mr. D. B. Oliver, was
elected, (being proposed by Mr. Vickers and seconded
by Mrs. MacLeod.)
No other business remaining to be settled. A brief
interval ensued while the two hostesses of the afternoon,
Mrs. Boxall and Mrs. P. Lee made final arrangements for
the refreshments, which, together with pleasant con-
versations, made a very happy ending to this 1976
A.G.M. at about a quarter to five.
C. I. MacLeod
YEAR BOOK 1977 ik
Plas Tanybwlch, Maentwrog
Mrs. D. Jones, West Camel, Somerset
Our arrival at Tanybwlch on Friday 20th August was
full of expectation and delight. This lovely house, which
was to be the venue for our conference, could not have
been in a more beautiful setting. It stands halfway up a
hillside overlooking the village of Maentwrog, with the
mountains of Snowdonia all around. To complete the
picture, there were many friendly faces in the car park to
greet us. 58 members attended (Photo. p. 33)
We were formally welcomed by the Principal of the
Snowdonia National Park Study Centre Mr. E. A. J.
Buckhurst. We were greatly impressed by the aims of this
new study centre and the scope of the activities which it
provides for all age groups. After a short interval we
heard from Mr. R. Haigh of Anglesey how his heather
garden had been developed from pasture land with
large outcrops of rock on it. The accompanying slides
did not do it justice, as we were to see the next day.
An ambitious day had been planned for Saturday
when at 10 o’clock, armed with packed lunches and
thermos flasks, we set off by coach to tour Snowdonia
with Mr. and Mrs. Haigh as our guides. It was a magnifi-
cent drive via Bettws-y-Coed, Capel Curig and Bangor
to the Menai Bridge and across to Anglesey to visit their
garden. It was quite a sight to see more than 50 heather
society members sitting on the grass eating their picnic
lunch. We were all enchanted with the garden and what
had been achieved by two very active retired people!
Our journey back to Tanybwlch was through the mag-
nificent Llanberis pass with some spectacular views of
Snowdon.
After dinner that evening we had a very interesting
and entertaining talk by Mr. H. Street entitled ““Lessons
we have learned’? during which there were frequent
references concerning a large black plastic bag on a
nearby table. The contents of this bag became the subject
of much speculation and had us all on the edges of our
seats. When it was finally opened we saw a most beautiful
8 THE HEATHER SOCIETY
plant — a magnificent new white Calluna found as a sport
on ‘H. E. Beale’ by Mr. Graham Cookes of Fenny
Drayton near Nuneaton, who has named it ‘My Dream’.
Then came a useful questions and answers session
with four panel members: Mr. D. McClintock, Mr. J.
Platt, Mr. D. Small and myself.
On Sunday, our morning began with a lecture by
Mrs. A. Parris entitled “Possible hybridisation of
heathers’”’. (Photo p. 28). This was a most fascinating
subject and although botanically technical, we were
spell-bound by the detailed work involved, including the
possibility of using bees for the pollination, which would
of course be required to be washed thoroughly before
commencing this delicate work! Mrs. Parris concluded
by inviting interested members to try some experiments
themselves.
After a break for coffee we had a progress report on
the Harlow Car heather trials by Mr. J. P. Ardron. A
great deal of valuable and interesting work has been
done in observing and comparing different cultivars.
This work has now been published in a report and is
available to members through our Distribution and Sales
Manager Mr. D. B. Oliver of Leicester.
The conference came to its official close with a few
words from the acting chairman Major-General Turpin.
He expressed the thoughts of all of us in sending our
good wishes to Mr. and Mrs. Bowerman who were unable
to be with us for family reasons. He also expressed our
thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Scantlin dealing with the booking
arrangements, and to Mr. and Mrs. Haigh for organising
the programme. Once again a very enjoyable and worth-
while weekend was greatly appreciated by everyone.
But for those of us who were staying until Monday
morning the weekend was not yet over. An invitation to
visit Mr. and Mrs. Chattaway’s garden at Llanbedrog
had been extended to us for Sunday afternoon.
Those of us who were able to accept this invitation
were to see just what can be achieved by two retired but
very enthusiastic members in less than 10 years. We saw
some very lovely plants and the clever use of window
boxes to display miniature heathers and conifers to
YEAR BOOK 1977 9
great effect. Mrs. Chattaway had very kindly prepared
tea for us which was much appreciated. We returned to
Tanybwlch to spend an enjoyable evening seeing slides
provided by several members. I’m sure that everyone
will agree that this opportunity for members to “get
together” each year is invaluable; one can learn so much
and you meet such nice people.
Ke oy
Plant Labels for your Heathers
(Gilridge pattern)
B. Boxhall Kingswood, Surrey
Over the years I have searched for long-lasting labels
at a reasonable price and after many requests from my
wife have devised the following method which really
pleases her! Using offcuts keeps the cost to 14p. each.
The Materials
Offcuts of black Formica sheets. Roll of 2mm. galvan-
ised wire. Quantity of 4 in. by | in. aluminium rivets.
The Tools
Saw and ¢ in. drill. Wire cutter and pliers. Vice and
24 in. by 4 in. nail. Light hammer. DYMO tape machine
and 3 in. black tape.
The Method
1. Mark out the Formica sheet in pencil into 3 in by
1 in. rectangles and cut with fine toothed saw.
2. Drill 4 in. hole as close as possible to the edge at the
middle of the long side of the label.
3. Cut 6 in. or 9 in. lengths of the galvanised wire
(according to choice) and bend one end carefully
round a nail in the vice leaving a slight gap in the
loop.
10 THE HEATHER SOCIETY
4. Insert } in. rivet in the hole in the label, place the
wire loop over it at the back of the label, and cut
rivet leaving about }+ in. or less for peening with
light hammer.
5. On the anvil of the vice peen the rivet until flush with
wire loop.
6. Wipe labels clean before applying DYMO tapes of
plant names.
Koon
Further note on across between
Erica erigena and E.carnea
Mrs. A. Parris, Usk, Gwent
In the 1976 Year Book, I stated that at the time of
writing the original note in November 1975, one of the
‘Rackliff’ offspring had flowering shoots.
As reported at the annual conference in Snowdonia, it
did indeed flower. Like the other E. x darleyensis hybrids,
the flowers were sterile, continually elongating the
inflorescence with a long flowering period, and a more
pink colour than ‘Darley Dale’, but not as bright as
‘Arthur Johnson’. This is further confirmation of the
probable parentage of the darleyensis forms already well
known.
Again as I write now, at the end of October 1976, a
second ‘W. T. Rackliff’ x “Springwood Pink’ offspring
is showing flower buds. There are, however, none so
far on the erigena ‘Brightness’ x ‘Springwood Pink’
offspring, which is disappointing. It seems a long time
to wait. The hybrid plants are now three years old,
four by the time this note is published.
Kariind
Cape Heaths in the Hebrides
K. A. H. Cassels, Dunoon, Argyll, Scotland
In the 1973 edition of the Year Book I wrote the story
of my heather garden on the Island of Coll and of
YEAR BOOK 1977 11
how I became interested in Cape heaths. With Coll’s
mild climate to help me I wondered if some of these
could be grown out of doors. One of the problems is
that I can only visit Coll intermittently, so that the
plants have to fend for themselves in the intervals.
Because I only see the Island in the summer I did not
realise that the comparatively sheltered site I had selected
for “‘Africa’”’ became waterlogged in the winter. As a
result I have had a number of losses which really have
nothing to do with hardiness. However my experiments
have been going long enough now for me to be able to
make some comments.
I grow a number of Milton Hutchings hybrids, ‘White
Spray’, ‘Limelight’, ‘Gaiety’ and ‘Majestic’. Of these
the first is outstanding and seems to be absolutely hardy
here, though I admit this statement is based on the
evidence of a single plant. Mine is planted in a very
exposed part of my garden between Calluna vulgaris
‘Arran Gold’ and ‘White Gown’, and it certainly
over-winters better than the latter. The salt winds have
not hurt it and it was covered in flower in the spring.
Anyone who has this hybrid should propagate it. My
‘Limelight’ planting suffered badly from waterlogging,
but even so some survived and have been moved to a new
site. “Gaiety’ is impressive. It is a hyemalis hybrid, but
slightly more apricot in colour than usual. This year this
planting has been covered with bloom for weeks, though
the tender young growth is badly cut by the sea winds.
Of the species, I have had E. discolor out of doors
through two winters. The extreme tips of the young
growth are cut by the salt wind, but it grows vigorously
and appears to have at least some flowers on it all through
the year.
E. glauca var elegans is planted next door to it and
seems quite impervious to Hebridean weather. I suspect
that this species is among the hardier Cape Heaths and
well worth trying in other places. Even the newly germin-
ated seedlings seem tougher than most. E. caffra has now
been here for four years and seems quite happy. The
young growth gets slightly nipped but the plants come
away again.
12 THE HEATHER SOCIETY
Other species which are surviving but have not been
out long enough to draw conclusions from are E.
verticillata, E. mauritanica, E. melanthera, E. chamis-
sonis, E. peziza and E. diaphana. .One species which does
not seem to do is E. oatesii, but | am not sure if it is a
general lack of hardiness or the blasting of the salt winds.
E. taxifolia is another which has not performed very well
so far.
Kee Dy
Heather Gardens: No. 3
Windsor Great Park
Major-General P. G. Turpin, West Clandon,
Surrey
About 20 miles south-west of London, near Smith’s
Lawn and the Valley Gardens in Windsor Great Park,
there has been created a garden which offers the heather
enthusiast almost everything he could wish for: an almost
perfect site, beautifully landscaped, in which most of the
well-established varieties of heather have been planted,
together with many of the newer introductions and a very
comprehensive selection of associated trees and shrubs.
The general effect is the result of a most imaginative
approach to heather planting, which has taken full
advantage of the impression made by large groupings of
single cultivars, combined with a skilful use of mixed
plantings to give variety and contrast. Great care has
been taken to ensure that the plants are carefully labelled.
And so the visitor is presented, at most times of the year,
with a display which is as full of interest for the expert as
it is for those who have only just begun to appreciate the
beauty and variety of the heather garden.
The best months of the year in which to see this
garden are from March to May, when the winter-
flowering heathers and the tree heathers are at their best,
and from August to October, when the summer-flowering
species combine with autumn foliage to make a striking
display. A visit in May has the advantage that the nearby
YEAR BOOK 1977 13
Valley Gardens may be seen in all their spring glory
at the same time. From April to the beginning of June
visitors may park their cars in the Valley Gardens car
park, which is within a hundred yards of the Heather
Garden.
The site of the garden covers about seven acres and
consists of what appears to be a natural bowl or hollow,
gently tilted towards the south, in which the ground
undulates in such a way that the landscape presents a
great variety of slopes with miniature valleys running in
different directions. Grass paths wander in and out
around the plantings. So that there is a constantly
changing horizon. In many places the same design, seen
from different angles, gives completely different effects. In
fact the site was an old hand-worked gravel-pit which had
not been used since before the first World War.
Scots pines provide an effective back-ground on one
side of the garden, and mature silver birches with a
variety of choice conifers create the vertical effect which a
site of this size demands.
The setting allows for generous plantings of single
cultivars and there are large beds with several hundred
plants of Erica vagans and Daboecia and over 200 plants
of E. carnea ‘Myretoun Ruby’ provide a brilliant patch
of colour in early spring.
One attractive aspect of the garden is provided by the
clumps of wild heather, mainly Calluna and E. cinerea,
growing on the banks and slopes between the beds of
cultivated varieties. In particular, there is a wild plant
of E. cinerea which is indistinguishable from Vivienne
Patricia’. Entirely by chance they are growing within
five yards of each other, so that they can be easily com-
pared.
Early this year (1976) a rather drastic experiment was
repeated, having been successfully tried before. A large
bed of E. vagans was becoming rather tall and straggly
and it was decided to cut all the plants down to ground
level. Just after the operation it was a dreadful sight,
but by the beginning of August, in spite of the hot dry
summer, many of the bushes were once more sprouting
from the ground with fresh green foliage. Although the
14 THE HEATHER SOCIETY
amount of flower is temporarily reduced by this treat-
ment, the ultimate effect of this hard pruning on the
plants is entirely beneficial. The same treatment cannot
be given to Callunas and other summer-flowering
heathers, but it can be successfully used with the tree
heathers.
Another successful experiment has been to plant beds
of mixed cultivars of Erica carnea and E. x darleyensis.
Small groups of about half-a-dozen of each of fifteen or
twenty cultivars have been planted in single large beds
and these give a most pleasing patchwork effect.
The overall variety of the display is enhanced by the
skilful use of associated plants: dwarf Rhododendrons,
prostrate and low-growing Junipers, and Thuyas,
Potentillas and Genistas, Hebes, Pernettyas, Berberis,
Rose species, Bruckenthalia, Cyathodes, Leiophyllum,
Arctostaphylos and many others, including two fine
specimens of Betula ‘erminii’, with their glistening white
bark. An unusual plant to find flowering among the win-
ter heathers is Prunus tenella gessleriana which, in
company with Cytisus praecox, E. erigena ‘W. T. Rack-
liff’ and ‘Brightness’, and with a back-ground of E.
arborea ‘Gold Tips. and Scots pines make a perfect
picture in March.
All the tree heathers appear to grow well in this
garden: E. arborea ‘Alpina’ and ‘Gold Tips’, E. aus-
tralis ‘Riverslea’ and ‘Mr. Robert’, E. Jusitanica and E.
x veitchii ‘Exeter’. Anyone who has difficulty in dis-
tinguishing the last two can easily see the differences
between them here. E. umbellata seems a little unhappy,
but this is probably due to late frosts and the dry con-
ditions of the last two years.
There are too many different cultivars of the various
heather species to catalogue here but there must be well
over 200 different varieties, mostly Calluna, E. cinerea
and E. vagans among the summer ones, and E. carnea,
E. erigena and E. x darleyensis among the winter-
flowering species, although Daboecia, E. ciliaris, E.
tetralix and the summer-flowering hybrids are all well
represented. In addition to the well-tried varieties many
new cultivars have been included, such as: E. erigena
YEAR BOOK 1977 15
‘Irish Salmon’, E. terminalis ‘Thelma Woolner’, Dabo-
ecia ‘Snowdrift’, and Calluna ‘Hypnoides’ and ‘Loch-
naseil’.
When it is realised that this garden has only existed for
just over 20 years, it is astonishing what an air of maturity
it presents. Clearing of the site began only in 1954 and the
original planting was started in 1955 and continued into
the spring of 1960. Since then it has been steadily en-
larged and improved and, when necessary, new plantings
have been made.
The overall responsibility for the garden lies with
Mr. John D. Bond, who, after many years of practical
experience, became Keeper of the Gardens in Windsor
Great Park in 1970. The Heather Garden is in good
hands and, thanks to his great interest and his experience
of growing heathers, it will, no doubt, continue to delight
its many visitors with its comprehensive collection of
heathers displayed in such an attractive setting.
KE Ty
Erica australis Seedlings in the
Garden
Mrs. D. Metheny, Seattle, Washington
I have found very little reference to the occurrence of
E. australis from seed in gardens. There was the, appar-
ently now defunct, ‘Wishanger Pink’!, which suggested
seed origin; and Mme. Colmegna wrote? that she wished
for, but never found an australis seedling. As of this
year (1976) I have now numbered 39 australis seedlings.
My original E. australis planted in 1958, has had an up-
and-down career, having been frozen to the ground five
times, by -8°C (16°F) or lower. (This same phoenix-like
propensity was reported of £. australis at the Royal
REFERENCES
1. Brickell, C. and McClintock, D. 1969 Jnl. Roy. Hort. Soc.
XCIYV, 136-7
2. Colmegna, Mme. V., 1973 Yr. Book of the Heather Soc. 23-4
16 THE HEATHER SOCIETY
Botanic Garden, Edinburgh.?) ‘Mr. Robert’ was planted
4 ft. away from it in 1961 and has never suffered more
than minimal frost damage.
Early 1966 was the first season in which E£. australis
and ‘Mr. Robert’ had an opportunity to flower together,
without a severe freeze the following winter. And it was
in October, 1966 that I discovered and lifted the first 11
seedlings, lining them out in an open bed. They had all
been growing close to the base of ‘Mr. Robert’. In the
autumns of 1967 and 1968 I took up more, numbered to
26, the lowest numbers going to the largest plants. The
same December 1968 freeze, which again levelled E.
australis, killed a number of the little plants in their open
bed. A January 1969 slide shows them weighed down with
snow which fell after the worst of the freeze,
At any rate, I now have 8 flowering-size seedlings that
have come through the freezes of December 1968 and
January and December 1972 with little or no damage,
4 plants (3 of which flowered this year) that survived the
1972 freezes, and 8 not yet flowered and so far not tested
for cold endurance.
Of the flowering-size plants, one, No. 2, is a prodigious
grower, having now achieved a height of 2 m. and a
width of 2.3 m. Its nearest rival of the same age, No. 3, is
1.65 m. No. 6, now only .65 m. high .5 m. across seems
unlikely to ever grow very large. The others range in
between.
In foliage colour (measured in April) they run the
gamut of the 7 darker cards (R. H. S. Colour Chart,
1966), between 137A (same as the E. australis) and 147
(same as ‘Mr. Robert’), all in the A/B tints.
The fast-growing No. 2 had a few flowers in 1971, two
years before the next seedling to flower, No. 7. Once
started, they all have flowered profusely. In colour, the
corollas range from a delicate 69B (No. 10), through
75A,B,C, to the more intense 78D (No. 8). Some of
them have corollas with more intense colour at the bases.
The corollas of my original E. australis measured 7 mm.
long by 3.5 mm. across the bulge. Seedling No. 28
measures the same. The other 10 all have longer flowers,
3. Evans A. 1974 Yr. Book of the Heather Soc. 21
YEAR BOOK 1977 17
five 9 mm., one 8.5 mm., and four 8 mm. The largest
corollas, 9 mm. long, 4.5 mm. broad, are on No. 27. The
fast-growing No. 2 has corollas of 75B, 77B at the base,
8 mm. long, and 4 mm. across the bulge.
I have had reasonably good luck with australis cuttings
taken in July-August and inserted in a hot bed. I took a
few cuttings of No. 2 in 1971. The best resulting plants
were given away in 1973-4 and the only one I have been
able to follow up, at the University of Washington
Arboretum, has shown the expected rapid growth and
flowered well this past spring (1976).
In the summer of 1975 I took cuttings of a fasciated
branch of No. 28 to see if they might possibly produce a
dwarf form. Thirteen of these are now potted and in my
cold frame.
The more recently lifted seedlings were from a few feet
further down the slope They lean out further toward the
downhill side, perhaps as the parent’s stems lengthen.
No. 27 is more mature than its number indicates because,
since it rises from the base of E. australis, 1 supposed it to
be part of the parent plant, until it stood out like a
lightning flash when sturdily surviving the 1972 freezes
that levelled E. australis. Nos. 28, 29, 31 and 32 are grow-
ing in rock crevices from which I cannot expect to succeed
in extracting them. If they turn out to be worth the effort,
cuttings can be taken, as they already have been of No. 28.
Since all of these delightful creations are nature’s gift.
and no doing of mine, I cannot say which is their mother
and which is the father. But the range of colour of their
foliage and flowers, the alignment of the foliage on the
twigs, and the generally larger size of their corollas seem
to me to suggest that they might be E. australis x E. a.
_ “Mr. Robert’. I might append that I have seen no seed-
lings in the vicinities of two other plants of ‘Mr. Robert’,
which now have had three flowering seasons, or of E. a.
‘Riverslea’, after two flowerings-all elsewhere in the
garden, though certainly not too far for a bee to fly.
And, finally, it seems extraordinary not to have seen
reports of E. australis seedlings in other gardens. If there
have been such, I do hope the proprietors will let us know.
18 THE HEATHER SOCIETY
Heathers in Germany
H. Westermann, Borstel-Bispingen, Germany
What heathers are there in Germany ?
My answer begins with the Luneberg Heath, a vast
moorin the north-west of Germany, whichis very beautiful
when in bloom, and at other times pretty bleak. But
nature-lovers point out that winter also has its charms,
and the wild life carries on quite undisturbed in its
natural surroundings.
As early as May come the first pale pink blooms of
Bog Rosemary, Andromeda polifolia - in the south there
is quite a different picture with its naturalised Kalmia
angustifolia. At the end of June the flowering of Broom,
Cytisus scoparius, has ended and Erica tetralix unfolds its
first light pink blooms. Now appears the Dog Rose,
Rosa canina, with its pink flowers peeping through the
Junipers. Ling, Calluna vulgaris, grows over a large area
in the sandy basins and up to the moorlands, presenting
by 20th August a landscape of indescribable beauty. Late
forms bloom until the end of September. I am a little
sad that, in contrast to the moors in Britain, there is no
Bell Heather, Erica cinerea, which, in Germany, occurs
only in the Lower Rhineland.
Now a word about the heather gardens we have here.
In general only a limited number of sorts, of E. carnea,
E. vagans and Calluna, are to be seen. Heather gardens are
therefore incomplete, being filled in with other shrubs and
with perennials and presenting an unsatisfactory picture.
It has been my wish for some time to have heather
gardens in flower throughout the year. In England these
have existed for a long time.
By chance I had the opportunity of meeting two
English women on a visit to Austria to see the alpine
flora, and I received a spontaneous invitation to visit
England. From this developed an extremely good
relationship between German heather growers and the
Heather Society. My colleagues were so enthusiastic at
the possibility of enlarging their collections that we are
now growing many new varieties. Our displays at hort-
YEAR BOOK 1977 19
icultural shows have helped to develop an even wider
interest. One can say — ““Heathers are in’’.
An important German heather nurseryman I would
like to introduce is the old master Georg Arends of
Wuppertal. His introductions in the thirties included
Calluna ‘Alba’ Praecox’ and ‘Alportii Praecox’,
E. cinerea ‘Atro-purpurea’, ‘Atrorosea’, ‘“Delicata’
and ‘Splendens’ and E. x darleyensis ‘Silberschmelze’,
At much the same time Calluna ‘Alba Plena’ and
‘Kuphaldtii) came from near Oldenburg, the former
introduced by J. Brun’s nursery, the other by Hesse’s.
The first large display of new forms was in the grounds
of the Hospital at Heidberg, Hamburg-Langenhorn.
Herr F. Kircher, the head gardener, is, so to speak, the
pioneer in the laying out of genuine heather gardens. He
it was who found Calluna ‘Heideteppich’, ‘Heidezwerg’
and ‘Rica’. Plantings made earlier are to be seen in the
Herrenhduser Berggarten at Hanover, and in the Botanic
Gardens at Bremen, Frankfurt, Heidelberg and Schloss
Nymphenburg near Munich. Of particular interest is the
private arboretum of Herr W. Harten of Lutterloh in the
south of the Luneberg Heath, which is on extremely dry
soil. He it was who introduced his “‘Harten’s Findling’.
Several nurseries are helping promote the interest in
heathers. Herr J. Hachmann of Darmstedt in Holstein
crossed Calluna *‘C. W. Nix’ and ‘Mair’s White’ in
1971. Two of his 1800 seedlings were chosen for the final
tests to be named ‘Purpurpolster’. Herr Kramer of
Suddorf in Oldenburg is another. Herr U. Schumacher at
Winnekendonk in the Lower Rhine has been hybridising
too and E. cinerea ‘Flamingo’, ‘Heidebrand’ and
‘Violetta’ are his, as well as Calluna ‘Harlequin’, a
sport on ‘Serlei Aurea’* Herr K-H Schurig, also of
Darmstedt, noticed ‘Schurig’s Sensation’ as a sport in his
rows of ‘H. E. Beale’ in 1967 and is now selling 30,000 a
year. And there is my own nursery at Bispingen on the
Luneberg Heath.
Herr E. Hahn, who is a journalist, wrote an article
about the new heathers in England in “‘Gartenwelt”’ in
1970 and one on new cultivars in 1974; and Herr Kircher
wrote another on the same theme, also in the same
20 THE HEATHER SOCIETY
journal, in 1976. Herr Hornung it was who found
Calluna “Heidberg’ and produced the original of the
article which appeared in the 1974 Year Book as “‘The
Disappearing Heaths’. Dr. G. Krtssman translated
Harry van de Laar’s “Het Heidetuinboek,” the first
heather book in German, which came out in 1976
called ““Heidegarten”’.** Frau Christine Dohler has trans-
lated the Proudleys’ “Heathers in Colour” into German.
And on 17th November 1976 began the first talks
about forming a German Heather Society, which are to
be continued in 1977.
*It seems this not the same as “‘Christina’’, as was at
one time thought.
**In his Introduction, Mr. van de Laar asked why
Germany should not have a Heather Society. Certainly
its creation would be warmly welcomed.
It might also be added that it was Herr Westermann
himself who found Calluna ‘Carl RGoders’ on the Heath,
and introduced it in 1967. D. McC.
KEXDY
Phytophthora Cinnamomi
Dr. W. A. W. Small, Middlesborough,
Cleveland
This fungus kills by destroying the rootstock as it
leaves the ground. It is active in temperatures of 70°F and
over, and in humidity of 80% and over. Ata tropical 90°F
and 90° humidity it is rampant. It is therefore most
active at the time of maximum growth — June, July, and
August — when any sunshine on a wet day will produce
this micro-climate a few millimetres above and below the
soil surface. It can be clearly spotted at this time, as
wilting in an otherwise healthy plant with ample soil
moisture. When the fungus is acting more slowly, the
affected plant’s leaves and flowers redden, brown and die
from the base outwards. Any stem touching the ground
makes abnormally vigorous attempts to layer itself, and
YEAR BOOK 1977 ‘ 21
is often successful, so that when the central stem dies a
ring of new plants may take over, concealing the damage
only, eventually to die similarly. This fungus cannot
invade the intact plant, therefore seedlings can flourish
in infested ground where transplants die in a few days.
Healthy growing plants, which may be seedlings, do not
necessarily indicate clean ground. (For more detail read
D. A. Richards, 1972 Year Book p. 13).
I have a report of success in the treatment of plants and
ground affected by Phytophthora using ARMILLATOX
as recommended for Honey Fungus. I have also noted a
limited protection of plants using BENLATE as for
Black Spot.
The conclusions which follow have been drawn from
observations on plants which were established in a
propagating area with an impermeable base and finite
edges, ail of which were cleanable:
ARMILLATOX, I in I2 solution, saturating the soil
destroyed the fungus without affecting the roots of
established E. cinerea and Calluna plants which were in
their 3rd year. (It is a defoliant and must be carefully
allowed to flood the soil without touching the foliage).
Soil so treated has, to date, remained clear for two grow-
ing seasons.
BENLATE, as prepared for Black Spot, gives protection
and probably has some curative action, when used on
Calluna transplants. It has some protective action on
E. cinerea and E. carnea transplants, but no apparent
curative action on plants already affected. All plants
were treated with Benlate a week before moving into the
infected soil, and weekly after moving.
Much more detailed investigation is required to find
what strength and what frequency of application is
needed for long-term clearance, and to find if the cost to
the small amateur grower comes within the small
amateur’s budget!
I have discovered that it is the practice of some
commercial growers to use Benlate or some similar
substance to give protection and thus enable them to
grow their plants in infected ground. This raises a very
important issue — are these plants effectively cleaned
22 THE HEATHER SOCIETY
before sending out, or do they go, infected soil and all,
to ruin some innocent’s garden? I have seen for sale at a
nursery of repute plants dying of Phytopthora, indicating
either ignorance or the callous indifference of the vendor
or supplier, or both.
This subject is raised with feeling. I have lost a personal
collection of “finds” from distant corners, and my
garden is so infected that I will have to spend too much to
rehabilitate anywhere but a corner. My infection came
from nurseries on at least two occasions, and was spread
all over the place before I knew what was wrong. In
1972, D. A. Richards’ article made it very obvious what
was wrong. It is time an “infection free’’ certification
system was thought about. No one is safe and no one
can say “It won’t happen to me’’. It’s a bit late, but the
horse’s tail might be caught if the stable door is slammed
now.
Key
Windlesham Court
Brig. C. E. Lucas-Phillips, Oxshott, Surrey
The blistering drought faded away, the blessed rain
returned, the grass green again and it was a perfect
September day when the Mid-Southern Group visited
Windlesham Court near Bagshot in Surrey. This is a
wholesale heather nursery, not open to the public, so we
were particularly grateful to Mr. & Mrs. N. R. Willcox,
the owners, for giving us so rare a pleasure, and to Mrs.
Pamela Lee and Major-General Turpin who, between
them metaphorically, opened the door.
Some 43 members attended, including the Society’s
Chairman, Mr. Alfred Bowerman, and 92-year old
‘Papa’? Horace Hale, veteran heather and conifer
enthusiast, We were shown around by Mr. Willcox
and by Mr. John Hall, the Manager, who told us that
the nursery were producing some 750,000 heaths and
heathers this year, including many of the newer cultivars.
Cuttings are taken throughout most of the summer and
early autumn and are pricked out by a team of girls.
Using ordinary, standard seed-trays and a simple
YEAR BOOK 1977 23
compost of sand and peat, each girl can make and set out
600 cuttings an hour, 200 to a box. These are placed in a
mist propagation house with bottom heat for about two
weeks and then moved to “‘poly tunnels’ — greenhouses
made of long polythene sheets stretched over big metal
ribs, like inverted boats. In these, a warm, humid
atmosphere can be maintained and root development
continued. When space in the propagation house is not
available, the polythene tunnels can be used to root
cuttings, though sometimes a slow-rooting batch has to be
removed and put into the mist for a “boost’’.
As the little plants develop, they are pricked out into
poly pots, using a peaty compost, and then lined out in
the polythene tunnels. The polythene roofing is removed
in the spring, leaving the plants in place and open to the
weather. Saleable size is reached in about a year from the
cutting being taken. Mr. Hall told us that the best
seller was ‘Springwood White’ and the most difficult to
rear were ‘Silver Queen’ and its likes, of which only
about one in three struck satisfactorily.
Nurseries must, of course, be designed on functional
and utilitarian lines but, even so, Windlesham Court was
a pleasure to the eye and the mind, whether in the long,
gleaming rows of the stock plants or in their various stages
of infancy, from tiny specks to flowering shrublets. The
solid phalanxes of the foliage varieties minted in glittering
gold, were a gorgeous sight and more colourful than many
plants that display themselves in floral costumes. After-
wards our generous hosts entertained us to a most
delectable tea and so brought to an end an afternoon
that was both enjoyable and instructive.
WANTED:
Large quantity cut WHITE CALLUNA bloom,
June or early July.
Replies to: Advertising Manager,
Mr. B. G. London, quoting price per Kilo,
plus carriage.
24 THE HEATHER SOCIETY
The Kiwis are coming
Mrs. E. Godbolt, Crowborough, East Sussex
In January 1976 “Garden News” printed a letter from
Mrs. Una Hawken of Wanganui, New Zealand outlining
the visit of a party of garden enthusiasts to Britain in the
summer. An abbreviated itinerary was included, showing
dates when they would be at various centres. When it was
seen that they would be in the Tunbridge Wells area in
the middle of July, we thought it would be a good
opportunity for them to see an English heather garden.
Accordingly a letter of invitation was despatched for
18th July, and an acknowledgement soon received.
It was obvious that assistance would be needed to lock
after such a visit and so it was decided to make the
occasion a Weald & Thanet and Mid-Southern Groups
get-together. It was heartening to have a good response to
the proposal. In addition we were overwhelmed by offers
of help with the catering side. So the planning went
forward.
As the weeks went by with various flowering shrub
displays even better than usual, after the ripening of the
wood in the previous year, we frequently uttered the
gardener’s lament “Oh if only they were coming this
week’’. Then we were into the drought period and garden
work became tedious, with the additional chore of
watering the kitchen garden and a few special orna-
mentals. Always the recurring thought arose, that of all
years this was the one that the visitors had picked to visit
“England’s green and pleasant land’. Then on the day
before the visit —a terrific thunderstorm. On Sunday 18th
a fine day made the garden look refreshed after just the
one good soaking.
Then along came the helpers and the rest of the Group
and the stage was set. Very promptly at the appointed
hour the New Zealand party arrived; In no time, the
two groups were intermingled as happens when people
with strong commen interests meet, and the conver-
sations were of their liking for our hedgerows and trees.
their own farms being bare of such amenities.
YEAR BOOK 1977 : 25
One hope expressed in the original published letter
from Mrs. Hawken had been for a strawberry and cream
tea at a garden féte, as described by their forebears
from the “old country”. In the event, with the dry
weather, strawberries were not on, but we did manage to
finish with raspberries and cream.
Eventually the time came for the visitors’ departure and
as a souvenir, each was given a Group notelet containing
pressed heathers. After joining hands and singing the
Maori farewell (Now is the hour), they boarded their
coach and left us.
The Kiwis are gone, but not forgotten.
ee aD |
The Double-flowered Heathers
D. McClintock, Platt, Kent
‘H. E. Beale’ was the first double-flowered Calluna to
be propagated after a century or more of ‘Flore Pleno’
or some similar name. Three small cuttings reached
Maxwell & Beale in a matchbox who most skilfully
struck two of them, whence all the cohorts of ‘H. E.
Beale’ derive and will derive. But who found it, and thus
dowered our gardens?
That happened probably in 1926, just 50 years ago.
It was apposite therefore in this jubilee year that its
progeny’s ‘My Dream’ should have been, literally,
unveiled at the Snowdonia conference. Some notes on,
and a list of, the recorded double heathers may therefore
be timely.
‘Flore Pleno’ is the name recommended for the clone
that has come down to us from earlier times. Other
names used for double-flowered Lings include “‘Double-
flowered”, ‘“‘Many-flowered’”’, “‘Monstrosa’’, “‘Multi-
flora’, ‘““Multiplex’’, ‘Plena’, ““Polypetala’” and ‘‘Pro-
lifera”’ with equivalents in French and German. I have
notes of over 90 such references in the first half of the
last century alone, here and abroad. In those days, and
for some time after, varietal names were not always
26 THE HEATHER SOCIETY
applied to the same clone. Thus, for example, “‘Pallida”’
would cover any plant with pale flowers, and “Flore
Pleno” any doubles, if one of the other expressions were
not used.
From the hundreds of mentions of double Callunas
before 1926, the inference must be that this variation was
found on more than one occasion. Some of the, relatively
few, revealing phrases imply a new plant; and from the
tally of the last 50 years, it would be unlikely that only
one was found in the previous 120 or more. Yet, however
true this supposition may be, only one form seems to
have survived from those days — and who is to say if it is
the same as Dicksons of Hawick catalogued in 1795 at
1/6, when all their other heathers were 2d or 6d?
I referred to this in greater detail in the R. H. S.
Journal rather over ten years ago on pages 438 — 440 (and
to the double whites on page 441). I wish someone would
collect ‘Flore Pleno’ from as many sources as possible,
in particular from America, and compare them. But one
should bear in mind that all doubles are botanically of the
form flore pleno, while ‘Flore Pleno’ betokens only
the single clone that bears that name, a fine but most
useful point of nomenclature.
The only definitely distinct plant earlier than 1926 was
seen before 1917 by Miss Appleby (who later lit on
‘Radnor’) between Danby and Ralph’s Cross in
N. Yorkshire — she found her book propped on the
bush. But she did not keep a specimen. It is just possible
that both ‘Co. Wicklow’ and ‘J. H. Hamilton’ antedate
“H. E. Beale’. D. F. Maxwell wrote that he was promised
cuttings of the former when he was exhibiting heathers in
the horticultural section of the Dublin Horse Show, but
says neither when this was or who the lady was. A local
opinion was that this happened in the 1920’s and the
lady was a Miss Wynne, but her brother, now aged 100,
says it was not; and the Royal Dublin Society can find
no record of Maxwell & Beale at the show at all. So
‘J. H. Hamilton’ may be earlier, which had been known
to Maxwell & Beale in 1935 “for a number of years’’, but
they could not get the finder to part with it.
A recent cultivar with an incomplete history is the
YEAR BOOK 1977 Pa
white “Platt’s Surprise’. Mr. J. Platt saw it on a stand at
the Southport Flower Show in 1974. (He brought a
sprig to Farnham in 1975). After the show was over, he
acquired all the plants there, label and all — it was named
‘Bransdale’. But it was not the same as the single
*Bransdale White’, and in any event the Registrar would
not permit two white Callunas to bear such confusingly
similar names. The identity of the nursery has been lost —
a visit to the 1975 show failed to find it; nor has any
instance been found of this new cultivar being offered
elsewhere, let alone listed. So it has been decided to
epitomise the event by calling it ‘Platt’s Surprise’. It
differs from “Alba Plena’, which was shown alongside in
1974, by being taller and flowering later, often starting off
with 2 or 3 single flowers. It is not the same as ‘Kinloch-
ruel’. It has been passed to Clive Benson to propagate,
and should be on sale in 1978. Mr. Platt gathered from
the nursery that it originated as a seedling locally. Can
anyone add more?
Four other cultivars names call for special comment. I
am most grateful to those who have responded helpfully
to my badgering about them and others.
**Ruth Sparkes Improved”
The status of this name is enigmatical. Many people,
for example Mr. Ardron, Dr. Lead, Mr. Yates and
myself, who grew ‘Ruth Sparkes’ early on, have never
had it revert to green foliage, i.e. to “Alba Plena’. So
Dr. Lead was surprised about 1964 to notice reversion in
several gardens. As a result he rooted possibly 100
cuttings and sent them to various people — he offered our
members a “‘non-reverting form’’, the only one he had
ever had! But how his, or those of others, differed from
the now widespread reverting form is unknown. Is this
reversion hereditary or in some way due to soils, age or
other conditions? Has anybody grown the two side by
side?
Mr. Yates suggests that ““Ruth Sparkes Improved”’ is a
fallacy as in his experience any well-grown plant will not
revert and “‘certainly the tendency does not carry on in
cuttings taken from plants which have had reversion
Photo F.B. Rice
Mrs. A. Parris addressing the conference in Snowdonia.
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33
Photo F.B. Rice
Setting out from Plas Tanybwich to tour Snowdonia and
visit Mr. & Mrs. Haigh’s garden. The Editor leads the way
with Mr. & Mrs. H. Pattenden left, Mr. B. Boxall, back-
ground, and Mr. & Mrs. H. Street.
34 THE HEATHER SOCIETY
on them’. Mr. Ingwersen writes “I share your puzzle-
ment about the so-called “Improved” double Callunas.
We have had them all but, after one season’s growth, I
fail to distinguish any marked difference between them
and the originals . . . I think they are very unauthentic
and were. . . hopeful selections of an odd spray showing
at some time a slight difference. I was totally unable to
pick them out without checking for the label.’” Mr. Baulu
also writes that “after a time we found that “Ruth
Sparkes Improved” was the same as the original “Ruth
Sparkes’.
There is a nomenclatural difficulty too. I have discussed
it with Mr. Brickell, our most ardent member on the
subject, and I think he is right, that the International
Authority would not like “Improved” in a plant name.
This is because it is a matter of opinion if the plant is
improved — some might prefer the variegated effect of two
colours of foliage; and the plant might be improved
again in some other way.
But it does seem that the original plants did not revert,
so “Improved” or “‘Non-revert”’ are just synonyms for
‘Ruth Sparkes’ and should be dropped; and in so far as
the reverting phase may be transient, it hardly calls for a
separate name.
If anyone does prefer mixed foliage, they will in any
event need to keep the more vigorous green shoots
(which have more chlorophyll exposed) at bay, or their
plant will soon end up as ‘Alba Plena’, which is where
‘Ruth Sparkes’ came from; or even with ‘Alba Elegans’,
which is where “Alba Plena’ came from. I once collected
at Wisley with Mr. Brickell, a shoot which had both these
reversions on, and thus showed the full ancestry of ‘Ruth
Sparkes’. It is now in their herbarium.
“Pink Beale” or ““Underwood’s Variety” or “‘Sport”’
This seems to have come from Underwood’s Nursery
about 1967. Plants under this name are at Harlow Car
from an unrecorded source. The results show their flower
colour as 70D, size 43 x 70 cm., flowering to mid Novem-
ber, inflorescences 10 cm., foliage dark green, habit open,
amount of flower good, garden worthiness good. ‘H. E.
YEAR BOOK 1977 35
Beale’ differs as 65C, 50 x 100 cm., to early November,
inflorescence 18 cm., foliage brown green, habit open and
branching, amount of flower very good. How significant
these two sets of measurements and appraisals are is a
matter of opinion and the two plants were not specifically
noted for differences.
Mr. Ardron writes “The doubles in the ‘H. E. Beale’
group appear to vary considerably in response to growing
conditions, exposure, soil quality, moisture and especially
sunshine’. Dr. Lead at one time thought “Pink Beale”’
looked better and grew it on. Now he says it looks
exactly the same as ‘H. E. Beale’ in form of growth and
flower, but it does seem “‘cleaner and fresher looking in
every way’. Is there a parallel in these subjective assess-
ments with ‘Co. Wicklow’ and ‘Camla’, where some
swear to differences which are still unresolved? Mr. J.
Platt for example says his ‘Camla’ is “very different, later,
better’, but many ‘Camlas’ are undoubtedly identical.
Mr. Ingwersen says “‘they did decide that “‘Pink Beale’
showed sufficient distinction to be kept apart, but this
year I could not really distinguish enough difference to
maintain it as a separate cultivar.’’ Mr. Lyle “did have a
form of ‘H. E. Beale’ (selected by us for its very long
sprays of flower which were exceptional), this being the
only difference . . . we have not continued with the
separation, we grow only the better form now’. Mr.
Yates has “grown “Pink Beale’’, ““‘Underwoods Variety”’
and ‘H. E. Beale’ alongside and finds no difference in
flowering time, habit or indeed colour’. Mr. Vickers
opines that they, and some others, are ““commercially the
same’, and I agree. But the key fact whether these
plants are from a selected sport or just some that have
been thought pinker or better, is not yet ascertained. For
the present it seems they may be considered as coming
within the variation that can be found in ‘H. E. Beale’
and do not warrant separation.
“Peter Sparkes Improved”
Mr. Brien writes that “ “‘Peter Sparkes Improved”’ is
progeny of a plant from Peter three years ago, when |
told him my stock of “Peter Sparkes’ had gone single on
36 THE HEATHER SOCIETY
me. Naturally they are all sold as ‘Peter Sparkes’, the
label “‘Improved”’ being a temporary one to make sure
I kept the correct stock for propagation’’. Mr. Baulu used
to grow a plant “in the time of John F. Letts, called
**Peter Sparkes Improved’’, but over the years it seems to
have died out or at least the “Improved” part of the name
has been dropped”. Was this plant the same as Mr.
Brien’s?
Mr. van de Laar and Mr. R. Zwijnenburg compared
‘Peter Sparkes’ with Brien’s “‘Peter Sparkes Improved’’,
and it is no surprise they found them identical. But then
they found ‘Cramond’ identical too, which suggests they
had not got correctly named stock of that, admittedly
similar, cultivar.
Such temporary nursery names do get out only too
easily. It seems clear that this name is a synonym for
‘Peter Sparkes’ and should disappear from our lists.
““Glencoe”’
*“Glencoe’”’’, John Letts writes ““was found growing wild
at Glencoe in Scotland by... “‘sorry have forgotten’. It
was given to me (cutting material) by a lady who lived in
Wentworth somewhere, but again forgotten her name. It
was only different in my opinion in as much as it was
possibly more vigorous than ‘H. E. Beale’ because it was
a new strain... Iam writing from memory and as my
memory is so short lived the above is not necessarily
correct. However it may be some help’. Who can add to
this ?
Sorting the Dutch records has taken much time and I am
most grateful to Mr. van de Laar for his help. They are
based on the following data:
1. Specimens at Wageningen, Nos. 6-8 and 10.
2. Specimens at Leiden, Nos. 8 and 13.
3. de Levende Natuur 1927 31 372, presumably Nos. 6-8.
4. Ditto 1928 33 142. ““Double-flowered Ling is not so
very rare. I found 15 plants of it... Near Heumen
I found one with stamens on’’. Cf No. 9.
5. W. Beyerinck in “Calluna’, 1940, 136. “‘(double-
flowers) belong to the most frequent deviations of
Scotch heather in the Netherlands’”’.
YEAR BOOK 1977 37
6. Nederlandsch Kruidkundig Archief 1935 45 127,
presumably Nos. 6, 7 and 10.
7. A note I made after visiting the herbarium at
Wageningen in 1975, but I have not been able to
confirm the details, No. 14.
The chart which follows, I hope, speaks for itself. All
the original finds were presumably seedlings unless
otherwise noted, while the opposite is true of the progeny.
The sequence is chronological, with progeny noted under
their begetters and, more fully, in their chronological
place, indicated by their number. Many more details are
available about nearly all the plants mentioned. Speci-
mens exist, mostly in the Society’s herbarium, of all the
named cultivars and of some of the unnamed seedlings
as well.
Apparently erroneous records are left out. These
include “Alportii Flore Pleno’’,“‘Co. Limerick’ (error
for ‘Co. Wicklow’), “Cuprea Flora Pleno’’, ‘““Dumosa
Flore Pleno” and “‘Rubra Plena’’. The first and last
could have referred to ordinary “‘Flore Pleno’’, (but see
p 77 of “The English Heather Garden’’) and the other
two be printer’s errors running on consecutive names in
a catalogue.
Finally, briefly to complete the recorded double
heathers, there are claims for Ericas, for which there is no
supporting evidence, such as E. cinerea double, var
monstrosa, var pleno, and var prolifer, E. tetralix flore
pleno, plena and pleniflora (some of which refer to
E. mackaiana ‘Plena’), E. multiflora flore pleno and E.
vagans flore pleno. The only unassailable double hardy
Erica is still the form of E. mackaiana - ‘Plena’ - which
Dr. Crawford collected in 1901, unaware it had been
collected by A. G. More in 1869, or that it would be again
collected, always in the same area of Connemara, in
1965 and 1970. But who can find it now?
Among the tender Cape Heaths, I know of only three
doubles, all sports on hybrids. The first was on E. x
hyemalis at Haynes Nursery at Penge in 1868, which was
propagated; the next on E. x wilmoreana in France in
1908 ; the last a recent one Milton Hutchings had, also on
FE. x hyemalis, which was such a poor thing it was
discarded.
38 THE HEATHER SOCIETY
Observations on Lime Tolerance
A. W. Jones, West Camel, Somerset
An examination of the geological map of the British
Isles and a glance at the geographical distribution of
members of the Heather Society suggests that quite a
number of people must face the problems of growing
heathers in a more or less alkaline soil. My own interest
in lime tolerance stems from the fact that my wife and I
attempt to grow heathers in a very alkaline district. Our
soil may be euphemistically described as “‘stiff loam”’
liberally permeated with Blue Lias (Limestone) platelets.
In moments of optimism we look forward to drifts of
Calluna vulgaris and Erica cinerea cultivars in our garden,
but caution has dictated a policy of trial plantings until
the conditions are right. I have set down here our
experience with calcifuge species, and those regarded as
lime tolerant.
Bringing a large quantity of lime free soil from a
considerable distance would have proved very expensive,
so we decided to try alternative methods. All our heathers,
including the lime tolerant species, are grown in beds
which have been built up with a mixture of two parts
sifted well rotted garden compost or rotted turf, one part
sharp sand and one part peat. Originally we used sedge
peat as it was readily available, but we have not found it
ideal for building up soil and now use moss peat. This
mixture gives a neutral or slightly acid reaction in simple
soil tests and we considered that we should also take
advantage of the help that chemicals could give us.
Calcifuge plants require iron. The presence of calcium
carbonate (limestone or chalk) in the soil results in the
conversion of iron salts, which may be present, into
insoluble iron carbonates and in this form the iron
is no longer available to the plants. It 1s possible to
supply iron in a form in which it will remain available to
the plants for a prolonged period even in the presence of
calcium carbonate by using sequestrene. This material is
expensive but we have used it on all species which we
have suspected of being even slightly calcifuge. We have
YEAR BOOK 1977 39
also used on all plants a solution of one oz. Epsom
salts (magnesium sulphate) in one gallon of water.
This converts calcium carbonate into the insoluble
sulphate, in which form it does not interfere with solu-
bility of iron salts. The addition of magnesium can also
be beneficial since it is an essential element for heathly
growth in all chlorophyll bearing plants. It is worth
pointing out that if you find it necessary to water lime
hating subjects with hard tap water, Epsom Salts will
reduce the harmful effects of the calcium carbonate
which is present.
I would now like to describe how various species of
heather have reacted to being in this way.
We brought with us from our former garden a number
of Calluna yulgaris cuttings, the main cultivars being
‘County Wicklow’, “Elsie Purnell’, ‘Johnson’s Variety’,
‘Peter Sparkes’ and ‘Robert Chapman’. The three
double-flowered cultivars remained healthy for about a
year but had to be discarded after two. ‘Johnson’s
Variety’ and ‘Robert Chapman’ lasted about three
years. On lifting all these plants it was found that the
roots had penetrated the built up soil and had stopped
growing when they reached the underlying native soil.
Erica arborea and E. australis are normally said to
tolerate some lime. With us E. arborea ‘Alpina’ has
proved successful in less than ideal conditions, but
E. australis ‘Mr. Robert’ and ‘Riverslea’ have limped
miserably on, looking more dead than alive, despite
being cossetted to the best of our ability. The difference
in performance of these two species cannot be explained
in terms of root penetration.
The lime tolerant species E. carnea, E. x darleyensis,
E. erigena, E. lusitanica and E. terminalis have all done
well for us, though only E. erigena produces any quantity
of seedlings. We have grown E. umbellata for too short a
time to make any worthwhile comments on its perform-
mance in our soil.
E. scoparia is yet another species which is described as
being calcifuge and yet in our garden E. scoparia
‘Lionel Woolner’ has retained fine glossy dark green
foliage and has bloomed well.
40 THE HEATHER SOCIETY
E. vagans is usually recommended for neutral or
slightly acid soils, but Terry Underhill (Heaths and
Heathers p. 88) states that this species grows naturally in
neutral or slightly alkaline conditions and he mentions
PH values of 7.0 to 7.5. We thought we should have been
able to grow this species in our “improved” soil, but this
has not proved to be the case. The plants remain small,
do not flower well and age quickly. This is almost
certainly due to the fact that this species has long tough
roots which quickly reach the underlying soil which is
far too alkaline for the plants.
Daboecia cantabrica has provided us with our happiest
surprise. This plant is said to be deep rooted and yet
D. c. ‘Alba Globosa’, ‘Atropurpurea’ and ‘Hookstone
Purple’ have produced quite acceptable garden plants.
They are smaller than when grown in ideal conditions
but were not obviously unhappy and bloomed well for
five seasons until this year’s prolonged drought. The
little D. azorica x cantabrica ‘William Buchanan’ does
not live for very long with us, However, when growing
well it provides such a show, that we have thought it
worthwhile to replace the plants after about three years.
In conclusion, it seems that the soil mixture we have
produced will allow us to grow calcifuge species if we can
provide it in sufficient depth. It seems that the minimum
depth should be about eighteen inches. Moss peat may
help considerably by preventing the built-up soil from
packing down too much and reducing the effective depth.
It may also be advisable to select only the smaller
growing cultivars which possibly do not root quite so
deeply. We must also try to ensure that we have an
adequate supply of lime free water.
Most of what I have said is not surprising, but I am
still left wondering why Erica australis should have failed
while Daboecia cantabrica succeeded.
28
YEAR BOOK 1977 41
Ericaceous Plants on Alkaline
Soils
G. Yates, Nottingham
A great deal has been written over the years about the
problem of growing heathers, rhododendrons and other
Ericaceae on alkaline soils, and a great deal of progress
has been made, especially in work with rhododendrons,
which makes it clear that the problem is really caused by
plants taking up too much calcium at the expense of other
essential plant foods, such as magnesium and manganese.
By giving the plants the essential foods in a form which
they can readily absorb, the indications are that heathers
and other Ericaceae will grow satisfactorily on soils
previously regarded as impossible. I do not suggest that
results so far are such that I would advise all and sundry
to start growing heathers in the areas of high alkalinity,
but I certainly feel that anybody of an experimental
nature should try a few plants.
I have always considered that soil texture is the most
important factor in growing heathers, and a suspected
high pH level is often blamed for problems caused by
heavy clay soils, or very badly drained sites, and plants
that prefer higher moisture levels will look very unhappy
on a dry, dusty soil with no humus in it. In extreme cases
one can only make peat beds in the well tried traditions,
but I believe that many gardens at present regarded as
hopeless for heathers and other Ericaceae can be made
suitable by using seaweed type products and fritted trace
elements, and even suitable gardens can be improved
considerably by using the same products.
I will be pleased to send more technical information
to anybody sending an s.a.e. to Tabramhill Gardens,
Ollerton Road, Nottingham. NGS 8PR.
Key
Summer in Yorkshire 1976
John P. Ardron, Sheffield, Yorkshire
Drought has always been a threat to newly planted
heathers but, in the past, our established plants have
42 THE HEATHER SOCIETY
held out in the drier seasons remarkably well. But 1976
has been a calamity year for many genera and our
heathers have been stressed as never before. Experience
of losses varies considerably according to the type of
soil. Summer of 1975, followed by a winter of little rain
and less snow, left our soils with a deficient water table to
support vegetation being baked in high temperatures for
weeks on end. When shade temperatures are over 80°F
the sun reading is perhaps 120°F, which our plants cannot
tolerate unless moisture can be supplied by the roots.
When the garden hose is banned the little overhead
watering from the bathwater is a poor substitute, even in
a small garden. Ergo, peat block walls proved dis-
astrously difficult to dampen!
This combination of circumstances is worth recording
mainly if it reassures us that the season was so exceptional
as not likely to be repeated so direly. Experience in a very
dry garden has shown that all the Tree Heaths, E. erigena
(med:) E. x. darleyensis, E.umbellataand perhaps E. vagans
have managed a higher survival rate. In general, the
conditions and situations which have favoured survival
appear to be closer planting on fertile soil and north
facing gentle slopes, the humus content of the soil and its
depth. Indeed survival on the moorlands appears to stem
from the depth of the mould and the ground cover of
the closely growing heath. Even there the flush of bloom
has tended to be less dramatic and of short duration.
In bright contrast, our Society has had a very good
year. The Conference in Wales was a notable success
thanks to the organisation by Mr. Scantlin, Mr. & Mrs.
Haigh and the chairmanship of Maj.-Gen. Turpin.
Most encouraging is the growing number of local Groups
so well reported in the Autumn Bulletin. Their many
activities have great social value in addition to fostering
our interest in the garden Heather. One notable item was
revealed at the Harlow Car Group lecture given by
Dr. McAllister (from Ness Gardens) who had discovered
that Erica mackaiana was capable of developing adven-
titious shoots on its roots to produce new plants as
do species roses and other genera. This was illustrated
YEAR BOOK 1977 43
graphically along with excellent slides depicting the
wide range of heather adaptation to various habitats.
(It is hoped an article on the reproduction of E.
Mackaiana by Dr. McAllister will appear in the next
Year Book. Ed.)
oD |
Heathers in the Great Drought
Mrs. Mary Jones, Trowbridge, Wiltshire
When we left our mature heather garden of acid sandy
soil above gravel, with a good deal of moss peat incor-
porated over the years, we wondered if it might prove to
be the end of our heather gardening. We knew we were
about to tackle a new and much smaller garden on the
heaviest of clay. We were ignorant then as to its pH,
which we feared might prove to be alkaline. However,
since gardeners are incurable optimists, we took with us
from Worcestershire to West Wiltshire, a large selection
of rooted cuttings from our old garden.
We moved at the end of August 1975, and, the dry
autumn and winter, which failed to fill the country’s
reservoirs, proved an ideal opportunity for us to press
ahead on soil which in a wet autumn would have been
of the consistency of old-fashioned toffee.
The moss peat we had used in the past had become too
expensive, but we were able to fetch a load of sedge peat
much cheaper direct from the digger. Where the original
top soil remained, it consisted of old meadow land, and
this of course was much better than the area where trees
had been removed and the subsoil brought to the surface.
In fact, like most new gardens, our soil was like the
curate’s egg, good in parts.
We took a pH test, and found to our delight that this
was neutral, so with the addition of peat we planted our
heathers. By Easter of this year our garden had taken
shape. Mr. and Mrs. Jones of West Camel kindly supplied
us with various plants of Carneas. We were also able
to obtain several tree heaths, including the golden-
foliaged ‘George Hunt’, from other local sources, and
44 THE HEATHER SOCIETY
some of our favourite hybrids and erigenas, such as
‘George Rendall’, ‘Furzey’ and ‘Superba’.
May came, and we began to think it would be nice to
have rain, but enjoyed sitting in the sun and watching the
profusion of butterflies, (many of them quite uncommon
varieties — but this is not a lepidopterists”’ article!). The
butterflies really had a ball on the early annual flowers,
but when they were over, and June ran its course, we
began to look at each other with a wild surmise, as our
water butt became quite empty, and whenever a small
cloud appeared in the dazzling blue, it seemed to turn
sharp left and make appropriately for Bath.
July came, hoses had long been forbidden, and the era
of saving the washing-up water began. There was no ban
on using a watering-can, but our mains water came from
deep boreholes, and was very chalky. Just the weather for
lying on the beach, but after so much effort to get the new
garden established, my husband was determined not to go
away and abandon his pets to that perpetual sunshine.
Morning and evening the old watering-can went its
rounds, Camellia or Calluna, they had their dose of
chalky water, there was no alternative, and most of their
tipple was laced with Fairy liquid as well.
Thus we continued until the Great Drought broke with
thunderstorms at the end of the first week in September,
and since then the heavens have opened almost every day.
What has been the result? Deaths; only three small
Callunas. Growth of the young plants, very little, but more
than we expected, and now going ahead. Carneas on the
whole have budded up very well, but in the front garden,
which we watered more than the back (because it was
nearer!), the Carneas have more flower. ‘Ann Sparkes’ in
the front area received more water than at the back, and
has coloured better at the front and made more flower
buds. To our surprise the Cinereas, of which we have only
a few because we did not think they would do well on our
soil, flowered well for their size, and are looking very
healthy. Our tree heaths very miserable by the end of the
drought, but did not turn brown, and now are improving
rapidly. The new ‘George Hunt’ is fetus cea
well and is a lovely golden colour,
YEAR BOOK 1977 45
‘Mrs. D. F. Maxwell’ flowered well for the size of the
plants and is now making new growth. ‘Valerie Proud-
ley’ went brown at the tips despite regular watering, but
appears to be gradually recovering.
‘Elsie Purnell’, although watered very little, stood up
to the drought amazingly well. ‘H. E. Beale’ also
survived quite well. We brought only one young plant of
‘Peter Sparkes’ with us, and although it was a good
plant it has scarcely survived; ‘Robert Chapman’ and
golden-foliaged Callunas werelooking rather distressed at
the end of the drought. We lost two, but a dressing of
damp shredded pine bark seemed to help them and the
others are now looking well. The other casualty was one
Calluna ‘Alba Plena’.
We are astonished at the resilience of the heathers. We
wonder if the impervious nature of the subsoil actually
helped us in this situation, and whether we should have
had more casualties on free-draining soil. We are busy
top-dressing with well-matured shredded bark, which we
can obtain very easily. It now remains to be seem what
the effect of perhaps a very wet winter will be on our soil,
the texture of which has already improved. Perhaps
gardeners should be optimists, as long as they do their
homework properly. Of course, a fairly small garden plus
retirement meant that we were able to concentrate our
minds wonderfully, like Dr. Johnson’s man about to be
hung.
KE
How did your Heathers stand
the Drought ?
G. Yates, Nottingham
Two successive hot, dry summers, with a very dry
winter in between have created a new standard by which
garden plants are judged, and it is interesting to assess the
performance of heathers in this context. I have taken
every possible opportunity in the past few months to find
out as much as possible about garden conditions,
46 THE HEATHER SOCIETY
including soil and shade, and especially how plants have
been planted, and cared for in the gardens of those who
have lost no plants this season, as well as those who have
lost many.
It does seem that there has been little difference, if any,
between the various species in tolerance to the drought
and heat, but I am not alone in finding that Daboecia
cultivars have recovered rapidly once rain did come,
flowering with abandon and still doing so in late Novem-
ber. Most other species produced poor flowers, if at all.
Several lessons can be learned from the information that
I have been given. In every case that I have come across
where very heavy losses have been sustained, the heathers
have either been quite old, covering the ground and
having little or no room for the roots to spread and seek
out moisture, or if planted in the last few years, far too
much peat has been used. In most cases of recent planting,
heavy losses have almost invariably been where heathers
have been planted in pure peat or in soil that has been
very inadequately prepared.
The factor which caused most damage of all during the
summer of 1976 was the very high temperatures experi-
enced several times during the hot, dry spell. When
West Indian cricketers say that they have never played a
Test Match in such heat, it makes you realise what our
plants had to contend with. There is little doubt that
gardens enjoying light shade during the middle of the day
have fared better than those without any shade at all, but
shade or no shade, gardens where heathers have been well
planted in well cultivated soil have suffered very little.
It does seem that heathers in beds against house walls,
or other situations where reflected heat has created even
higher temperatures, have suffered more than usual.
Brickwork has always tended to work rather like a wick
in such situations, sucking water out of the surrounding
soil, and trees also cause the same sort of problems.
If it is possible to draw conclusions from these obser-
vations, I think it emphasises the importance of thorough
soil preparation to make a good friable medium. Use a
mixture of moist peat and soil for filling around the
roots, preferably equal quantities of each, and certainly
YEAR BOOK 1977 47
not all peat, and finally give a thorough mulching with
moist peat, or some other suitable humus-making
material.
One final word on watering. A little and often does
more harm than good, bringing roots to the surface. A
thorough soaking at weekly intervals is far more success-
ful, and the people I have spoken to who have kept older
plantings alive have all watered infrequently, but
thoroughly. I know that watering at all was a problem this
year, but, despite the difficulties, the rule remains the
same.
The advice given in all books on heathers amounts to
the same thing, and those who follow the advice have
fared better than those who choose to ignore it in one
way or another. Surely that is the lesson we can all learn?
KexeDs
Save Water — Save Heathers
— Save Money!
A. Mackay, Norwich, Norfolk
As we squelch about our waterlogged lawns this winter
to plant or prune our heathers, it seems a far cry from
those soaring and searing temperatures of the drought-
ridden summer of ’76. Added to the dismay of seeing a
carefully nurtured Erica quite suddenly give up the
struggle, one must also count the cost of replacement and
the loss of time for the one year old to grow to a hand-
some 4 or 5 year old cushion of colour.
Being a frugal Scot I felt duty bound to do something
about it. It was with these thoughts in mind that I tried to
beat the “hose ban’? with a two pronged attack. As
distinct from heather grown in the wild, which gives a
‘blanket’? cover of the ground sufficient to preserve the
life saving moisture round the root system to the bitter
end, our garden cultivars tend to be planted in splendid
isolation to give maximum effect. This has the disadvan-
tage, in drought conditions, of the ground surrounding
the plant becoming extremely arid, particularly if the
48 THE HEATHER SOCIETY
“peat” additive has been allowed to dry up for even a day
or two.
When a bucket of precious “washing up’ water is
deposited on the dried up mound of the heather bed it
tends to run off the edges against the lawn. The lawn
proceeds to have more growth on the part it doesn’t need -
and only succeeds in promoting stolonisation of the
grasses into the heather bed. To combat this draining off
effect I used a tool, originally designed for potato plant-
ing, which lifts out a cylinder of earth. A number of holes
were let into the heather beds to a depth of 7” or 8’.
These were interspersed not too close to the root endings
to damage them, and were then the receptacles into
which all watering took place. Secondly I had been
collecting a lot of cobble stones and flints for some
time and if these are ringed around new and young
plants it kept the roots cool and damp just that much
longer to give them a fighting chance. Their blue grey
colours and textures also contrast quite effectively with
the dark peat and bright heathers.
The combination of both methods had the desired
affect with the exception of one ‘Robert Chapman’
which succumbed in spite of the precautions. But out of
200 plants of ages from two to seven years, I suppose I
should count my good fortune and also the consequent
savings in time, effort and money.
If you are coming to the conference in Norwich, or in-
deed at any time, please feel free to visit my “experiment’”’,
tell me about yours or chat about our favourite subject.
KEP
New Introductions
J. Platt, Ulnes Walton, Nr. Leyland, Lancs.
(Those members who have met Jack Platt at our annual Confer-
ences will quickly realise that he is an avid collector of new cultivars
and likes to grow them all despite his relatively small garden. This
was apparent as long ago as April 1972 when, at Westham House in
Warwickshire, he was the winner of the first ever quiz held at a
Conference, on heathers and their origins.
YEAR BOOK 1977 49
This year he has kindly listed all the cultivars he has recently
acquired, together with their origin, where known and these are
set out below. Ed.)
Calluna vulgaris
“Ben Nevis’—Aug-Sept.
9”. White flowers. Twisted growth. R. Brien, Perth.
“Crimson Glory’—Aug-Sept.
12” Crimson flowers. Gold foliage in summer turning deep
Orange red in winter. Bushy habit, long arching spikes. C.
Benson, Preston.
‘Edith Godbolt’-Sept.
Upright growing with spikes completely covered with flowers,
also on laterals, Colour Red-Purple 74C Foliage grey/green.
Very floriferous. Seedling 1972. A. Taylor, Mrs. Godbolt’s
nephew Crowborough.
‘Firefly —Aug-Sept.
18”. Deep crimson flowers. Foilage shades of terra-cotta in
summer turning to a striking brick red in winter. Erect habit —
long stiff spikes. C. Benson.
‘Flamingo’ -Aug-Sept.
12”. Purple flowers similar to ‘Spring Torch’ excepting that the
new growth is more red. Raised by J. W. Sparkes, Redditch.
‘Flatling’—Aug.
3”. Purple flowers, spikey growth. D. Hutton, Callander.
‘Gold Turret’ syn ‘Golden Glory’—Aug-Sept.
12”. White flowers. Gold foliage keeps its colour throughout the
year. Sport on ““Loch Turret’’. A. Smith, Lochearn.
‘Isobel Hughes —Aug-Sept.
12”. Double white flowers, free flowering upright growth.
See chart No. 40.
“Pewter Plate’—Aug-Sept.
6”. Purple flowers. Dwarf creeping habit, silver foliage turns to
pewter colour in winter. Tabramhill Gardens.
‘Platts Surprise’—Sept-Oct.
9”-12”. Double white flowers, very free flowering. Upright
growth, compact bushy habit See p. 27.
‘Purple Plume’—Sept.
12”. Purple flowers on long spikes. D. Hutton.
‘Purple Sandwood Bay’—Aug.-Sept.
2”. Similar in growth to the St. Kilda varieties. Gold green
foliage turning red in winter. Sport on ‘Sandwood Bay’.
R. Brien.
‘Salmon Leap’—Aug-Sept.
2”. Mauve flowers, prostrate growth similar to ‘Gold Carpet’,
but more vigorous. Foliage light gold tinged pink in spring.
J. W. Sparkes.
50 THE HEATHER SOCIETY
‘Serlei Lavender’—Aug-Sept.
12”. Lavender flowers, gold foliage. Pennyacre Nurseries, Fife.
“Torogay —Aug-Sept.
9”. Purple flowers, bright red tips on new growth in spring and
summer. Grey green foliage, spreading habit Seedling N.Uist
1969. J. Drake.
*Trinklet’-Sept.
3”. Purple flowers. New growth pink tinged red. Dwarf
compact habit. Seedling Cornwall 1972. R. B. Ide. Camberley.
‘Rica’—June-Sept.
2”. Purple flowers. Prostrate growth, very free flowering.
F. Kircher, Hamburg.
Daboecia cantabrica
‘Rainbow’—June-Oct.
24”. Purple flowers. Sport from ‘Atropurpurea’. Variegated
foliage of green, gold, bronze and red which is more intense in
winter. P. Lloyd, Fordingbridge 1966.
‘White Carpet’-June-Oct.
White flowers, spreading growth, found in Spain. P. Zwijnen-
burg. 1972.
D x Scotica
(D. Azorica x D. Cantabrica)
“Tabramhill’—June-Oct.
9”. Rose crimson flowers, free flowering, very compact growth.
c. 1970. G. Yates. (May not be a hybrid).
“William Buchanan’
6”. Crimson flowers, nicely flecked with gold foliage. Sport on
‘William Buchanan’ C. Baulu, Newick 1975.
Erica arborea
‘Estrella Gold’
Foliage green gold turning gold in winter. Seedling found in
Portugal 1972. Introduced by P. Zwijnenburg.
E. ciliaris
‘Delta’
6”. Foliage grey green. A very compact seedling found in 1970
by A. Taylor in his garden. It is the ‘Foxii Nana’ of E. ciliaris
Introduced by D. Small.
E. cinerea
“Aberfoyle’—June-Sept.
4”. White flowers, dwarf compact growth. The earliest flowering
cinerea in my garden. D. Hutton.
“Betty MacDonald’ .
White flowers. tinged pink, foliage light green. Seedling in Argyll
1957. Introduced by J. Drake.
YEAR BOOK 1977 aI
‘Novar’
Soft lavender flowers. Local seedling 1974.
W. A. Cadman, Inverness.
E. erigena
‘Irish Silver’—April-June.
24”. Flowers silvery pink. Late flowering. Proudleys.
E. tetralix
“‘Humoresque’
6”. Pink flowers. A “‘fissa’’ form, corollas split and fimbriated,
Grey green foliage. C. G. Hollett. Sedburgh.
E. vagans
“White Lady’-Aug-Oct.
9”. The whitest flowers with attractive golden anthers. Habit
prostrate for the first few years. The light green foliage on the
tips of the flower spikes is reflected by the flowers, throwing a
faint green light over an established plant. Very floriferous.
C. Benson.
KE%e3y
Recent writings on Heathers, 1976
ANON. Erica-Werbeaktion der VEHA. Gdrtnermeister 79, 37/76, 669.
Containers planted with E. gracilis on display at numerous railway stations to
publicise it. (VEHA is the Society of Swiss cultivators of Ericas, Hortensias
and Azaleas. 30 of their members dealing with Ericas are listed on p 676.)
ANON. Cheer up with heaths. Amateur Gardening 4 Dec. p 3.
Rochfords selling German-raised E. gracilis.
BARCLAY EstRuP P. & GIMINGHAM C. H., Seed shedding in heather (Calluna
vulgaris, Trans. Bot. soc. Edin. 42, 275-8. j
Seed yield may be of the order of 800,000 to 1 million per square metre. Most
falls in November and December, and then intermittently until about March,
but much depends on the weather each year.
BisBy, C. J. Unlucky Black Heather. B. T. O. Bulletin No. 82.
Effects of heathland fires in 1976.
CHAPMAN S. B., The distribution and composition of hybrid populations of Erica
ciliaris and E. tetralix in Dorset. Jnl Ecol. 63(3) 809-23.
Data on E. x watsonii.
Cox D., Alpines and Heaths. Garden News 13 Feb. 14-15.
A chosen ten.
Davis P., How I created a heather garden. Garden News 10 July, 12-13.
_ His Year Book article reprinted.
GopDwIn H., The History of the British Flora, 2nd Ed. (C.U.P.) pp 290-300.
The data of the fossil record summarised, with maps and illustrations.
HELLYER A., Summer-flowering heathers. Amateur Gardening 10 July, 15.
Competent brief survey.
HUMPHREY-JONES D. R. Leaf die-back (Rhizoctonia solani Kithn) of Erica carnea.
Plant Pathology 25, 56.
A new record for E. carnea, noticed on ‘Foxhollow’ and ‘King George’ in
Norfolk. 2
JESSEL G.., Planting shrubs in a heather garden. Int. Dendrology Soc. Year Book,
Why his heather garden ‘‘no longer has a flat appearance”’.
KIRCHER, F., Der Heidegarten immer aktueller. Gartenwelt 76(21), 431-2.
Describes “‘new” cvs (some are), inspired by the German version of van de
Laar’s book.
52 THE HEATHER SOCIETY
KUNZMANN H. W., Sind die Sorten ‘King George’ und ‘Winter Beauty’ der
Erica carnea identisch? Liibecker Harzfreund 13/14 Jan 1976,
Discussion on the distinction between these cultivars.
McCLINTOCK D., Some aberrant heathers. Watsonia 11(2) 180.
Notes on an exhibit of ten variants not mentioned in Floras.
Mears J. A., A collection of South African Ericaceae. Taxon 25(2/3) 327-30.
Notes on nearly 1,000 sheets in the herbarium of the Academy of Natural
Sciences in Philadelphia.
‘‘RHINANTHUS”’, All Heaths to Heathers. A. G. S. Bulletin 44 (8) No. 185.176-7.
Four species in a square yard.
SALLAS M. C. & ViEITAZ E., Inhibidores de germiniacion en Ericaeeas. Anal. Inst.
Bot. Cay. 32(2) 619-31.
Extracts from E. cinerea and E. australis showed the strongest inhibition of the
Galician heathers tested, on the germination of the seed of Timothy and White
over.
SCANNELL M. J. P., Erica erigena R. Ross, the second station in W. Galway. Irish
Nat. Jn! 18(9) 270-1.
Two localities near Lettergesh.
, , Erica erigena R. Ross; a note on the derivationof the specific epithet. Jnl. R.
H. S. 10109) 489-90.
Shows that erigena means early race and not Irish born as was intended.
,, Erica x watsonii Benth. in the Flora of Ireland. Contributions from the National
Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin, No. 1 40-7.
A full report of the single, fortuitous, find with discussions on its congeners.
STANLEY J., Precision vital for a good heather crop. Grower 85(2) 88-9.
Experiments with 12 potting composts.
TRALAU, H. (Ed.), Andromeda polifolia in Index Holmensis IV, 105-6
Sources of over 60 distribution maps of this species.
VAN DE LAAR H. J., Het sortiment Erica carnea. Groen No. 12 365-6.
A useful preliminary report on the trials at Boskoop.
VAN DEN BERGHEN L., La végétation a Erica vagans de la Haute Soule. Colloque
U.E.R. de Pharmacie, Lille.
An analysis of some Basque vegetation.
KexXDy
Nurserymen Members
OUR APPRECIATION AND THANKS are due to the following whose
advertisements appear in this issue.
ANGUS HEATHERS, 10, Guthrie Street, Letham Street, Forfar, Angus, DD8 2PS.
BRESSINGHAM GARDENS, Diss, Norfolk. IP22 2AB.
DENBEIGH HEATHER NURSERIES, The Poplars, All Saints Road, Creeting St. Mary,
Ipswich, Suffolk, IP6 8PJ.
GRAIZELOUND Nursery, Akeferry Road, Graizelound, Haxey, Nr. Doncaster,
South Yorks. DN9 2NF.
E. B. LeGRIceE (Roses) Ltd., North Walsham, Norfolk.
GEORGE OSMOND, Archfield Nursery, Wickwar, Wooton-u-Edge, Glos.
SHERIFFSTON GARDENS, Elgin, Morayshire IV30 3LA.
TABRAMHILL GARDENS, Ollerton Road, Nr. Arnold, Nottingham. NGS 8PR.
OTHER NURSERIES
Wholesale only:
CLIVE BENSON, The Nurseries, 281 Croston Road, Farington, Preston Lancs.
J. W. SPARKES, Beechwood Nurseries, Gorcott Hill, Redditch, Worcs.
MILTON HUTCHINGS LTp., Pield Heath Nurseries, Hillingdon, Uxbridge, Mddx.
R. KOERPER, Balttle House Gardens, Bromham, Chippenham, Wilts.
D. MANSEL, Meadow Cottage Nursery, Chelwood Gate, Haywoods Heath, Sussex.
G. B. RAWINSKY, Primrose Hill Nursery, Haslemere, Surrey.
WINDLESHAM Nurseries Ltd., London, Road Windlesham, Surrey.
P. G. ZWIJNENBURG, Ryneveld, 35, Boskoop, Holland.
Retail/Wholesale
Zone 1:
R. J. BRIEN, Pitcairngreen Heather Farm, Perth.
YEAR BOOK 1977 33h
ALEX LISTER & SON LTD., Meadowbank Nurseries, Barone Road, Rothesay, Bute.
W. A. CADMAN, Woodside Nursery, Black Park, Inverness, [V3 6PW.
DELANEY & LYLE, Grange Nursery, Alloa, Clackmannanshire.
E. G. DuGutin, Edrom Nurseries, Coldingham, Berwicks.
JACK DRAKE, Inshriach Alpine Plant Nursery, Aviemore, Inverness-shire.
GRAMPIAN LANDSCAPE GARDENERS, 78a Garden Place, Aberdeen.
D. A. LAMBIE, West End, Skye of Curr, Dulnain Bridge, Inverness-shire
A. D. McFARLANE, Craigmarloch Nurseries, Mid Barrwood, Kilsyth.
C. P. Piper, Pennyacre Nurseries, Crawley House, Springfield, Fife.
J.D. WILSON, Messrs. Oliver & Hunter, Moniaive, Thornhill, Dumfrieshire.
Zone 2:
Daisy HILL NurserigEs, Newry, Co. Down, N. Ireland.
N. C. GRAHAM, Straid Nurseries, Gracehill, Ballymena, Co. Antrim, N. Ireland.
D. KErRINs, Fernhurst Gardens, Killowen, Kenmare, Ireland.
S. J. MAGOWAN, Aberfoyle Nurseries, 21 Northland Rd. Londonderry, N. I.
Zone 3:
J. A. BENTLEY, Roselyne Nurseries, Totties, Holmfirth, Huddersfield, W. Yorks.
H. Paes BEAUMONT Nursery, Bispham Road, Great Carleton, Poulton-le-Fylde,
ancs.
T. BARDON, Pendlehurst, Netherton Moor Road, Honley, Huddersfield. HD7 3RD
G. M. HAMER, Sunnymount Nursery, Glossop Road, Chisworth, Hyde, Cheshire.
C. G. HOLteTT, Greenbank Nursery, Sedbergh, Yorks.
GERVASE SMITH & SONS LTp, Hackney Road, Matlock, Derbyshire. DE4 2PW.
D. Warp, Ward’s Nurseries, Eckington, Coal Aston, Sheffield. S18 6BA
Zone 5:
A. ANNABEL, Springwood, Church Drive, Ravenshead, Notts. NGI5 9FG
Mrs. P. BENSON, Ridgeway Wood, Edgton, Craven Arms, Salop.
P. W. BINGHAM, Kingfisher Nursery, Gedney Hill, Spalding, Lincs. PE12 OPP.
G. T. CRookEs, LITTLE FROME, 2 Drayton Lane, Fenny Drayton, Nuneaton, Warks.
CRAIL NURSERIES, Newstead Abbey Park, Linby, Nottingham. NGI5 8GD
D. & M. EvereTT, Mountpleasant Farm Nurseries, Elmley Lovett, Droitwich.
WR9 OPX
H. H. Lewis, Morton Nurseries, Bicton, Shrewsbury, Salop.
Dr. W. L. LEAD, 22 Imperial Avenue, Gedling, Notts.
Zone 6:
N. i BAUMMAGE, Heathwcod Nursery, Fakenham Road, Taverham, Norwich,
‘orfolk.
R. A. Brooks, Little Park Nursery, Flowton, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP8 4LW.
M. G. Fryve, The Willows, Poors Lane (North), Daws Heath, Thundersley, Essex.
J. H. Gmii, Stour Valley Gardens, East Bergholt, Colchester, Suffolk. CO7 6TF
J. ure Boul. Thorpe Alpine & Heather Gardens, 54a Yarmouth Road, Norwich,
orfolk.
Zone 7:
R. W. 8. BicGcs, Hartley Heather Farm, Cranbook, Kent.
HARDWICKS NURSERIES, Newick, Lewes, Sussex.
HyYDON Nurseries Ltp, Clock Barn Lane, Hydon Heath, Godalming, Surrey.
F. H. SANDERSON DOLLEY, Dolleys Hill Nurseries, Normandy, Guildford, Surrey.
P. G. Davis, Timber Tops, Marley Common, Haslemere, Surrey.
T. H. SANDFORD, Timber Lodge Nursery, Northiam, nr. Rye, Sussex.
Zone 8:
C. BELL, Harepie Gardens, Tawstock, Nr. Barnstaple, Devon.
S. W. Bonp, Land of Nod Nurseries, Petersfield Road, Whitehill, Bordon, Hants.
H. J. Core, Furzey Gardens, Minstead, Nr. Lyndhurst, Hants.
D. M. Ence, 97 Oaks Drive, St. Leonards, Ringwood, Hants.
D. B. Lownpes, MacPenny’s Nurseries, Bransgore, Nr. Christchurch, Hants.
Zone 9: U.S.A.
Mrs. Rost. M. KNIGHT, Heather Acres, Rt 3. Box 231, Elma, Wash. 98541
MANNING’s HEATHER FARM, 12450 Fiori Lane, Sebastopol, California 95472
Swiss Pings, Charleston Road, RD1 Malvern, Pa. 193555
Will members please enclose a stamp with their enquiries.
54 THE HEATHER SOCIETY
Members who would welcome Visitors
‘ A supplement with a complete membership list will follow wjth the summer
bulletin.
A* will indicate members willing to show their gardens by appointment.
P|
Local Group Organisers or Branch
Convenors
Zone 1: West of Scotland Branch
BREMNER, Mr. M. Coruisk, Dennistoun Road, Langbank, Port Glasgow, PAI14 6XH
Zone 3: Northern
ARDRON, Mr. J. P. Fulwood Heights, Harrison Lane, Sheffield S10 4PA
Zone 5: Midlands
STREET, Mr. H. 2 The Green, Chipping Campden, Gloucester, GL55 6DL
Zone 6: Norfolk Branch
LONDON, Mr. B. G. 6 Roedich Drive, Taverham, Norwich, Norfolk NR8 6RB
Zone 7: Mid Southern Group
Lee, Mrs. P. B. Birches, Kingswood Firs, Grayshott, Hindhead, Surrey.
Zone 8: South West Group
Jones, Mr. A. W. Otters Court, West Camel, Somerset, BA22 7QF
Zone 8: Farther West Group
MA tBy, Mr. R. Rowan Close, Throwleigh Road, South Zeal, Okehampton,
Devon.
Kony
Committee Members
Events:
BOWERMAN, Mrs. M. Champs Hill, Coldwaltham, Pulborough, Sx. RH20 ILY
BOXALL, Mrs. M., Gilridge, Sandy Lane, Kingswood, Surrey.
Lee, Mrs. P., Birches, Kingswood Firs, Grayshot, Hindhead, Surrey.
MACLEOD, Mrs. C. I. (ex officio)
STREET, Mr. H., 2, The Green, Chipping Campden, Glos.
TURPIN, Maj.-Gen. P. G. Cottswood, West Clandon, Guildford, Surrey, GU4
TUW
Publications
Stow, Mr. A. J. 15 Highlands, Flackwell Heath, Bucks. HP10 9PP (Editor).
LEE, Mrs. P. B.
LONDON, Mr. B. G. 6 Roedich Drive, Taverham, Norwich, NR8 6RB (Advert-
ising).
MACLEOD Mrs. C. I. (Bulletins).
O.iver, Mr. D. B., 27 Valentine Road, Leceister LES 2GH. (Sales Manager and
Distributor.)
Finance and General Purposes
BOWERMAN, Mr. A. i (ex officio)
MACLEOD, Mrs. (Oni
LONDON, Mr. B.G.
OLIVER, Mr. D.B.
STREET, Mr. H.
TURPIN, Maj.-Gen.
YEAR BOOK 1977 35
Technical
TaYLor, Mr. A. Altadena, South View Road, Crowborough, Sx. TN6 1HF
See Me D. J. The Poplars, All Saints Road, Creeting St. Mary, Ipswich
NICHOLSON, Mr. H. L. Farm Cottage, Westcott Road, Dorking, Surrey.
VICKERS, Mr. G. P. 139 Swinston Hill Road, Dinnington, Sheffield, S11 7RY
UNDERHILL, Mr. T. Gardens Cottage, Dartington Hall, Totnes Devon.
Jones, Mr. A. W. Otters Court, West Camel, Somerset, BA22 7QF
Karttad
Book Review
HEATHER TRIALS 1971 - 1975
by The Heather Society. £1.75 post free to members
£2.50 to non-members. Post free, from Mr. D. B. Oliver,
27 Valentine Road, Leicester LES 2GH.
If any justification for the existence of the Heather Society
was needed, then its report on a trial to determine the characteristics
of cultivated heathers conducted at Harlow Car and edited by G. P.
Vickers, well satisfies that need. Only an organisation of size with
enthusiastic and dedicated members could undertake a complicated
trial of this nature and bring it to a conclusion. I feel that all
eine part are to be congratulated; I only hope they enjoyed
oing it.
Presumably it is intended to continue these trials indefinitely,
particularly in view of the number of new cultivars coming along,
and those older cultivars not yet trialed. If this is so, this work will
be invaluable to amateur and professional alike. One would hope
that once the bulk of cultivars has been cleared it will be less
arduous to trial the new cultivars. It might be desirable though
perhaps not practical to run a trial in another part of the country.
The selections on page 60 exclude some fine foliage cultivars and,
while I note the explanation on page 42, I feel they would perhaps
have done far better elsewhere The described layout and planting
distances on the site, seemed to me excellent. The details recorded
in the final report appear to lack nothing relevant to the task con-
templated.
If I may be allowed three critical comments based on personal
preference and with a view to quicker and easier identification,
1. Pages 7 to 78 would benefit from the use of clearer or larger
print.
2. The abbreviations are difficult to carry in the mind and need
too frequent referencing.
3. The colour code could well be amplified by a word des-
cription (for example ‘“‘Pale Pink’’). This would enable the
reader to pass by cultivars of little present interest while
having the colour codes for subsequent more detailed study.
Apart from these minor comments and a few rare factual errors,
{ have nothing but praise and admiration for the people who have
been prepared to devote so much of their time and energy to the
compilation of this interesting and authoritative Report.
J. HALL, WINDLESHAM, SURREY
56 THE HEATHER SOCIETY
BRESSINGHAM
GARDENS
always have something new to offer.
32-6
Heathers, Dwarf Conifers, Dwarf Shrubs, Alpines,
Perennials, Ferns, Grasses and Bamboos can all be
found in our colourful 1976-77 catalogue. (88 pages,
200 colour illustrations).
Write now for your copy. (enlarged 1977-78 edition
will be published in May).
Note for your diary; The Heather Society will be
visiting Bressingham to view the Dell Garden and
Adrian Blooms garden on Saturday 17th September
$+ &
For details contact: Mr. B. G. London, 6, Roedich
Drive, Taverham Norwich NR8 6RB
Bressingham Gardens,
Diss, Norfolk. 1P22 2AB
YEAR BOOK 1977 57
TABRAUHILL GARDENS
OLLERTON ROAD, Near ARNOLD
NOTTINGHAM NGS5 8PR
Telephone: 0602 262960
(On A614 5 miles north of Nottingham, 1 mile
north of junction with A60)
Over 500 varieties of heathers, a large collection of
rhododendrons, conifers, alpines, and woodland
plants are all growing in the gardens and being
propagated for sale.
RETAIL OPENING HOURS
Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and
Sundays 2 to 5 p.m.
Saturdays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Firmly closed all day Tuesday throughout the year
and Sundays, November to February inclusive.
Otherwise by appointment.
Catalogue on request; please send stamp.
Rooted Cuttings
As the cost of sending plants by post or rail soars,
you may find our rooted cutting service of value.
Although not suitable for direct planting, a few
months in a pot soon puts that right.
Prices range from just over 24p upwards.
TRADE ENQUIRIES WELCOME.
For details send a 9p stamp to D. J. and A. Small
DENBEIGH HEATHER NURSERIES
The Poplars, All Saints Road, Creeting St. Mary,
Ipswich, Suffolk IP6 8PJ
Phone: Stonham 220
58 THE HEATHER SOCIETY
SHERIFFSTON GARDENS
ELGIN
MORAYSHIRE IV30 3LA
Telephone: Lhanbryde 232
specialise in
WELL-GROWN HEATHS & HEATHERS
Descriptive Catalogue on request
Advice given, if required, on collections
| for all-year colour
HEATHERS, AZALEAS, DWARF CONIFERS
Well-grown containerised plants at competitive prices.
Catalogue 20 p. (not stamps). from:
GRAIZELOUND NURSERY
Akeferry Road, Graizelound, Haxey, Nr. Doncaster,
South Yorks. DN9 2NF
Telephone : HAXEY 752559
The Scottish Rock Garden Club
If you are intrested in beautiful heathers, you must also
be interested in rock gardens. Learn all about the natural
companions for heathers by Joining the Scottish Rock
Garden Club. Membership: £2.50 per year.
Particulars from: R. H. D. Orr. C.A., 70 High Street,
Haddington, East Lothian, Scotland.
YEAR BOOK 1977 59
ERICA BACCANS
A beautiful blue/grey foliaged shrub having
intricately shaped two tone pink bells, February
to May. It grows to Im or more. A.M. 1974
Just one of the many Cape Heaths now available
from us.
For details send 9p stamp to D. J. and A. Small.
DENBEIGH HEATHER NURSERIES
The Poplars, All Saints Road, Creeting St. Mary
Ipswich, Suffolk IP6 8PJ
Phone: Stonham 220
FOR HEATHERS IN WIDE VARIETY
E.. B. LeGRICE (ROSES) LTD.
NORTH WALSHAM, NORFOLK
(Tel: 2591)
Illustrated Catalogue Free
Also:
Roses: Conifers: Hedging: Shrubs:
Soil Testing Service Available
60
THE HEATHER SOCIETY
ANGUS HEATHERS
10 GUTHRIE STREET
LETHAM, FORFAR,
ANGUS DD8 2PS
WE ARE HEATHER ENTHUSIASTS
If you are ever in this area we would be delighted
to talk heathers all day.
Come and look round our nursery which is always
open for inspection.
GEORGE AND JOYCE STURROCK
Tel: Letham (Angus) 504
HEATHERS, ALPINES, DWARF CONIFERS
and other choice plants
George Osmond
Archfield Nursery, Wickwar, Wooton-u-Edge,
Glos. Telephone: Wickwar 216
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