Hall's Nursery News

An Unforgettable Breakfast

2011-08-08T07:26:00.001-07:00

Believe it or not I have been touring nurseries in the Garden State and purchasing plant material for Spring 2012. To ensure quality, voice issues that may have arisen this past year, learn new plants and simply have a face-to-face meeting, I try to visit all our growers at least once a year from coast to coast! Touring South Jersey and looking for more great “Jersey Fresh” plants, I had my friend, salesperson and overall plant aficionado John Stella by my side. When we are together we tend to have longer meetings as we throw Latin names around comfortably and become engrossed in conversation; sharing plant stories, talking industry trends and pointing out all the attributes of every plant we see. Yea, we’re plant geeks!

This particular day, however, had a bonus. We started early in the morning, jumped on a golf cart and proceeded to tour a nursery known for “cutting edge” plant material. While driving the rows of beautiful plant material we happened across a most pedestrian tree. Alleghany Serviceberry, Amelanchier laevis is certainly not an uncommon tree. However, the bounty of fruit draped on its limbs was extraordinary and we saw it as a sweet treat. Allegheny Serviceberry has rich purple-black fruit at maturity and today was that day. We scooped up handfuls of the fresh fruit and enjoyed at least a pint full. For those of you who do not know this wonderful tree, Serviceberry is a native tree that flowers in mid spring with white, fleecy clusters (panicles) up to 4” long. Good fall color, this small to medium sized tree does well in filtered light and can be used most effectively as an understory tree.

Pressing on we came across the “Holy Grail”. This years hot tree, for us at our garden center, was ‘The Rising Sun’ Redbud, Cercis canadensis ‘The Rising Sun’. An Eastern Redbud whose foliage starts off peachy-apricot, maturing through chartreuse-yellow and finishes a deep green. A smaller tree, ‘The Rising Sun’ has lavender-purple flowers very early in the spring and is hardy to zone 5. A native that I have seen in full sun to part shade doing very well, we have Ray Jackson of Belvedere, Tennessee to thank for this garden gem. Not far from this group was another coveted Redbud… ‘Ruby Falls’, Cercis canadensis ‘Ruby Falls’. ‘Ruby Falls’ is a weeping form of the very popular ‘Forest Pansy’. Velvet-purple foliage hangs on graceful, weeping branches and later turns to a bronze-green in late summer. Add to this purple waterfall, purple flowers born directly on the bark and running the length of the branches. I always think Redbuds look like they have streamers attached to their branches when they are in flower. Again, a native whose attributes would fit into most any garden.

Finally, for this nursery, a pair of Zelkova’s! One I had not seen in person… Variegated Japanese Zelkova, Zelkova serrata ‘Variegata’ and another, its brethren ‘Ogon’. ‘Variegata’s’ leaves are smaller than many other types and have a narrow, white edge around them. Better for a small garden than other types, ‘Variegata’ has crinkled, textured foliage that I instantly fell in love with. We had one of these in our new Nexus greenhouse at the garden center and when we hosted Garden Centers of America in June we stumped almost everyone on the tour. Most thought it was a type of Ficus tree or another indoor houseplant. The markings are so pronounced and the gracefulness of the tree is so picturesque that I wish I had not planted Zelkova serrata ‘Green Vase’ at our house. The fall color is an exciting orange-brown as well. Again, smaller than most other Zelkova’s, I can only imagine and hope that the bark will become exfoliating, like other Zelkova types, with age. Last but not least ‘Ogon’ Zelkova, Zelkova serrata ‘Ogon’. Striking yellow leaves that hold in the hot summer months, ‘Ogon’s’ bark is also amber-yellow. Dr. Michael Dirr compares the trees bark, in the winter, to that of Newcastle Ale amber… great reference. Barry Yinger and Brookside Gardens in Wheaton, MD appear to have introduced this tree.

A great day all around! Any time I have the chance to talk plants, learn a new tree, partake in the harvest that nature provides and share all this with a great friend like John, I’d say it’s a great day. Blessed to do what I love everyday it really never feels like work.

Holy Heuchera

2011-07-10T06:46:00.000-07:00

The longer I spend time in the green industry the more I realize that a well-balanced landscape really does consist of a mixture of plant types. Great design, I believe, has a balance of deciduous ornamentals, conifers, perennials, bulbs and perhaps a tropical or two for some spice. Early on in my education I believed conifers to be supreme. And while my belief is that conifers are stately, bold and colorful they can stand to be supported, brilliantly, by perennial and annual color. One particular genus that I have grown to be quite fond of is Heuchera.

Heuchera is a versatile group that seems to have endless possibilities. At least 50 species of herbaceous perennials, all are native to North America. The most common name for this group is coral bells, however, alumroot is also used. Palmately-lobed leaves seem to be the biggest attractant for me. Heuchera was named after Johann Heinrich von Heucher (1677-1746), an 18^th century German physician who, I believe, would be proud of the exciting colors today’s Heuchera bring. There is considerable variety with these some 50 species. Adding to the complexities is the different conditions these Heuchera prefer. Temperature, soil and light are just three obvious hurdles that Heuchera can be sensitive to. With that said, Heuchera are an engaging group that have many gardeners and non-gardeners WOWED! Heuchera sanguinea, can be found in the dry canyons of Arizona while Heuchera maxima is found on the Channel Islands of California amongst the rocks and wind of the salt water shore. Horticulturists have enjoyed playing with this species, hence developing many new types. Bloom size, foliage color, foliage types and geographic tolerances have gardeners collecting the next great Heuchera.
Natives of the Northwestern United States have used tonic derived from Alumroot roots to aid digestive difficulties and the leaves, though somewhat astringent, have also been used to add complexity to “bland greens”. The majority of Heuchera sold for gardens today are hybrids of Heuchera americana. Our most popular seller Heuchera ‘Purple Palace’ was discovered in a royal palace in England and is believed to be a hybrid of H. micrantha x H. villosa, later crossed with H. americana.

Aside from their value in the ground supporting other plant types, I have found them equally rewarding in planters. Again, big bold colors and textures set within the confines of interesting pottery gives drama to any space. Specifically, at our own house, Heuchera ‘Black Beauty’ rests in a planter. ‘Black Beauty’ has purplish-black foliage with ruffled outer margins. I really don’t care about the tiny white, bell-shaped flowers it produces, it’s the foliage in a dark space that keeps my attention. An herbaceous perennial with a tiny footprint, 12-16”, ‘Black Beauty’ has a big impact in a cobalt blue container with Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’, golden hakone grass. Heuchera ‘Southern Comfort’ was hybridized with Heuchera villosa for improved heat and humidity tolerance. That being said, New Jersey gardeners should seek this one out. Large, cinnamon-peach leaves turn burnished amber in the fall months. Creamy-white summer flowers, again, are wasted on me, as the foliage is rich enough. Heuchera x ‘Georgia Peach’ was also bred with villosa. ‘Georgia Peach’ shows the same heat and humidity tolerance and doesn’t seem to melt away in our agonizing summer months. Large peach-colored leaves have a sort of white, veil-like pattern. Dark orange tones are clearly evident in the spring, while rosy-purple tones follow in the fall. Heuchera villosa ‘Caramel’ has new leaves emerging a bright gold, maturing to a peachy-orange. ‘Caramel’ seems to take more sun in our yard. Finally, Heuchera ‘Sashay’ has just made our back yard. A small mass planting of ‘Sashay’ surrounds a smaller Ginkgo biloba ‘Korinek’. ‘Sashay’ has bicolored foliage, dark green on the top with a purple belly, and heavily crinkled edges. It is because of these textured edges that you can clearly see the two colors working together in the garden. Its tidy, mounding habit quickly reaches 16 inches tall and wide and seems a perfect fit for my OCD tendencies.

Vibrant colors, great texture and endless possibilities await your garden should you choose a Heuchera. There have been great strides made since Johann Heinrich von Heucher. Perhaps the only thing that can eclipse Heuchera is Heucherella, a perennial flowering plant that is a hybrid of Heuchera and Tiarella. Clearly a topic for another time!

Good Things Come In Small Packages

2011-06-10T06:43:00.000-07:00

Could it be…. Spring is finally here? After one of the longest, coldest, snowiest winters I can remember in a long while, the buds on maple trees are opened, daffodils have welcomed us and the cheerful faces on pansies are sitting in our planters outside our front door. Thank God! Nursery stock is pouring into your local independent garden center right now and there are so many plants to be excited about this year. In particular, there are some tiny wonders to be on the lookout for to help your garden grow. The following plants are a collection of smaller cultivars that will fit neatly into most any garden. Here we go!!

Buddleia ‘Lo & Behold’ is a hot new comer! A breakthrough variety of Butterfly- bush with all the fragrance and butterfly appeal of traditional varieties, this pint size wonder stays under four feet without any pruning. ‘Lo & Behold’ blooms continuously from mid-summer to frost without deadheading. A non-invasive, easy to grow, care free Buddleia that requires full sun and not much more. This Butterfly-bush is “hardy” to zone 5. Mass plantings just got a whole lot better.

Next is Clethra alnifolia ‘Cristalina’. A dwarf Summersweet offering fragrant, pure white flowers in mid to late summer. Dark, glossy foliage holds its shape neatly without any pruning and turns yellow in the fall. An excellent native plant that has always been thoughtfully planted in shade and wet areas, this Summersweet has certainly held my attention.

Hydrangea ‘Incrediball’, Hydrangea arborescens ‘Abetwo’ is an adaptable native plant producing enormous white flowers, as much as a foot across. A trustworthy beauty that is cold hardy, ‘Incrediball’ blooms on new wood. The flowers are held upright on sturdy stems and don’t flop around like other varieties. Prune this one back in late winter to encourage strong new growth and know that flower color is not affected by soil PH here. ‘Invincibelle Spirit’ is the first pink-flowering mophead Hydrangea arborescens! Another hardy, reliable, worthwhile garden gem that spits loads of hot pink flowers from early summer to frost, ‘Invincibelle Spirit’ is a heavy bloomer in the north and is heat tolerant. Both of these hydrangea fit nicely in smaller spaces with anticipated heights of 4-6 feet.

“An oldie but a goodie” for me is Little Henry Sweetspire, Itea virginica ‘Sprich’. Little Henry has always proven itself useful as a reliable answer for wet conditions. Another native with lots of potential. Growing anywhere from full sun to full shade, it seems many times to me to be indestructible. Little to no maintenance, ‘Little Henry’ has scented, pure white flowers that shoot out at you in the early summer. Its mounded and compact stature is ideal again for mass plantings.

‘Bloomerang’ Purple Reblooming Lilac, Syringa x ‘Penda’ is a revolutionary new kind of lilac. A continual bloomer throughout the spring and summer, ‘Bloomerang’ is not only fragrant, but it can bloom until the frost. An ideal candidate for foundation plantings, you can enjoy the sweet smell of lilac for months on end now. Hardy from zones 3-7, Bloomerang is sure to brighten up your garden.

Cherry Dazzle Crape Myrtle, Lagerstroemia ‘Gamad I’ starts with bronze new foliage that later turns to dark green. Following this performance are masses of bright red flowers and showy red-purple autumn foliage. With improved disease and pest resistance this dwarf Crape Myrtle matures nicely between 3-5 feet.

Finally, my new favorite plant, at least for this week, is Liriope ‘Emerald Goddess’, Liriope muscari ‘Love Potion No. 13”. This is a superior selection of Liriope that maintains its dark green markings throughout the winter and has good resistance to crown rot. The flowers are more intense, uniform and longer lasting than ‘Big Blue’. This outstanding, evergreen groundcover is one of the strongest architectural plants used by designers today. Useful in borders, planters, woodland gardens, formal, informal, wet, dry… really almost anywhere, designers keep finding new uses for this strap-leaf lilyturf. Truly magnificent paired against boxwood in big drifts.

Every garden could benefit from at least one of these exiting plants. The attributes of these small wonders lend themselves to new and exciting garden design. Pressing the envelope of what is possible, thoughtful and inspirational these plants are contributing to better gardens everywhere. For myself, a front foundation drift of some 175 Liriope ‘Emerald Goddess’ has helped punctuate my Acer palmatum ‘Shishigashira’s while at the same time helped me to think outside the box. And that’s not a bad thing!

A Trifecta for May

2011-05-10T06:37:00.000-07:00

Years ago, when I first started to learn horticultural vocabulary; I had two bosses who gave me a new plant to learn everyday. Starting out in this business over twenty years ago, I worked a summer job at Metropolitan Plant Exchange in West Orange, New Jersey. I had two wonderful mentors, Tony Maiello and Stephen Schuckman. To this day we are the best of friends and both are true gentleman in every sense of the word. My friends taught me much about plants and even more about business over the years. To this day I remember the word games they gave me to try and remember some of the complex vocabulary that often comes with botanical nomenclature. I would do word associations to remember the plants. Three plants that are stellar performers for the month of May are Deutzia, Exochorda and Fothergilla (D, E & F).

I believe this to be true: all three of these plants are highly underused in our landscapes today. Azaleas and rhododendron seem to account for much of the retail sales in May and when I suggest these other three plants, people often balk at the thought simply because they have not heard the names as often or if ever. The thought of buying a plant that you have never heard of seems preposterous to most. Often the first response I get is “is it hardy”? In fact these three plants offer so much to a landscape and all are “tough as nails”.

Slender Deutzia, Deutzia gracilis, I have long admired, if for no other reason, it seems to be very deer resistant. Do I have your attention yet? Slender Deutzia is a medium sized shrub that grows comfortably between 2 and 4 feet tall and wide. It can grow slightly larger, however, it can easily be kept to these specs. This broad mound of a shrub has graceful, slender branches. A deciduous beauty that looks fantastic when mass planted, especially in the month of May. Perfect, white flowers, that have some fragrance, are born in panicles and continue to flower for two weeks. Place this small garden gem in more sun than shade and prune them after they flower. The fall color can be purple, however, I find that to be hit and miss.

Common Pearlbush, Exochorda racemosa, is perhaps the one that people have least heard of. This is a sizeable plant that can exceed 10 feet high and wide. Perfectly hardy to zone 4, Exochorda has captivated me ever since a saw a hedge line of it in Bernards Township, New Jersey. Another noteworthy spot to view this beauty is Longwood Gardens. Consider using this plant the same way you would use some Viburnum. Sometimes described as being open in habit or loose, Pearlbush can be trimmed hard to have a more dense habit. Again, perfect white flowers appear here and last for a few weeks. The flowers are 5-petaled and are 1 ½” across. According to Michael Dirr, “each expanding bud reminds of a pearl”. With no serious pests, Exochorda likes full to part sun and can survive even with neglect. Be on the look out for Exochorda x ‘The Bride’. A dense, compact hybrid of (E. racemosa x E. korolkowii) that only grows to about 4 feet tall, this garden gem features racemes 3-4” long of 5-petaled white flowers. Yellow fall color is a bonus here also.

Finally, dwarf Fothergilla, Fothergilla gardenii. This botanical beauty looks outstanding in the landscape in mass or as a single specimen in a container. Only growing 3-5 feet tall with a similar spread, Fothergilla is hardy to Maine. With almost blue-green foliage that is quilted and leathery, Fothergilla has sensational fall color markings. Expect a combination of yellows, oranges and reds in the autumn. For now, look for white, fragrant 2” long flower spikes that look like a bottlebrush. Easy to spot now as the flowers precede the foliage. Another trouble free plant that would benefit from more sun than shade, Fothergilla will even tolerate clay soil. An excellent choice for borders, containers and foundation plantings, this plant truly has 3 seasons of interest. Couple this native plant with ericaceous plants and your garden will “pop”.

Don’t get caught up this spring with just azaleas and rhododendron. There are so many other worthwhile plants out there for you to consider. Be bold, think out of the box, and try something new in your garden. The average cost for one of these plants can be the same price as an entrée in a nice restaurant. That experience can be gone the next day, but these plants can last a lifetime.

“California Dreamin'”

2011-04-10T06:50:00.000-07:00

I never thought I would be so excited to just see green grass. After the brutal winter we have all just endured that is exactly what helped sooth my soul as I touched down in California on a recent vacation. Looking at snow covered landscapes for nearly 7 weeks; landing in San Luis Obispo’s airport was refreshing to say the least. Gorgeous mountains, palm trees and cyclamen in front foundations were all breathtaking, but simply seeing green blades of grass reassured me that spring will eventually come.

Having San Luis Obispo as our home base my family and I ventured off in nearly equal, opposite directions. The first day of our trip took us to San Simeon and the famous Hearst Castle. The gardens were an integral part of the “Enchanted Hill”. William Randolph Hearst and his architect Julia Morgan worked together to create the garden designs. Fountains, statuary, plants and buildings, most of which is priceless, painted the picture high atop a mountain overlooking the pacific. Strolling through the gardens, familiar plants like boxwood, daphne and roses were all represented. However, what leapt out at me were the citrus trees covered with fruit, Camellias in full bloom, yellow Mimosa in flower and of course the Italian Cypress used as strong vertical accents. A successful groundcover used in mass was Ice Plant (Delosperma), a South African succulent whose rubbery foliage and brightly colored flowers has always captivated me.

Our second day took us to wine country in Paso Robles. The highlight of the day, from a horticultural standpoint, was our stop to Linne Calodo. Known for their Zinfandel and Rhone blends, this boutique winery has a plethora of Ginkgo trees surrounding their sign as well as lining their driveway all the way to the tasting facility.

The following day we ventured north and stopped first in Harmony, California. A population of less than 20 people, Harmony has some quaint shops and an impressive Eucalyptus tree towering some 60-80 feet. Still traveling north on coastal route 1 we stopped and admired the Elephant Seals. Colonizing the mainland beach of Piedras Blancas in the southern range of Big Sur, near San Simeon, these huge, blubbery beasts were as cute as they were loud. Continuing on we passed the Point Sur Naval Facility that at first glance reminded me of Mont Saint-Michel, a tidal island in Normandy, France. Pressing on we traveled through Big Sur and imbibed the intoxicating aroma of some monstrous Eucalyptus trees. Nearly all Eucalyptus are evergreen, are members of the myrtle family and have leaves covered with oil glands. Appreciative of their bark and fruit, I was particularly enamored with the White Ironbark (Eucalyptus leucoxylon) and Argyle Apple, (Eucalyptus cinerea) trees. Finally, we reached our northern most point for this trip… Monterey. Every view seemed to be punctuated with Monterey Cypress (Cupressus macrocarpa), a species that is endemic to the Central Coast of California. A medium-sized evergreen tree, Monterey Cypress often becomes irregular and flat-topped or windswept in appearance because of the strong winds typical of this area. Artistic examples of this cypress were evident along coastal route 1 coming into Big Sur, Carmel and eventually Monterey.

The fourth day, heading south, we traveled through Los Olivos and into Santa Barbara. Santa Barbara’s architecture had wonderful examples of Spanish Mission and Spanish Colonial revival. Mediterranean landscape designs depicting clean lines and a relaxing feel all the while being functional and beautiful. Simple stucco and adobe exteriors, elegant arches, clearly defined geometric patterns and coastal Mediterranean vegetation all left me in awe. Again, another highlight for me was the tall Eucalyptus and the wafts of aroma they provided were just too much. Dwala Aloe (Aloe chabaudii) was evident at most turns. Their bright orange-red flowers and broad, pale blue leaves edged with small teeth were stunning. Traveling down State Street in Santa Barbara, planters in front of shop stores were filled with Bird of Paradise and Mondo grass.

The last day, well really morning, was spent touring my nephew’s school, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. A university with a “learn by doing” philosophy had an enormous collection of plant material to look at. Two highlights for me include a huge wave of yellow heather embedded under towering palm trees outside the football stadium and a collection of Chinese Elm (Ulmus parvifolia) in the middle of campus.

California is a state known for its plant diversity. This was a welcome sight amidst this treacherous winter as I was beginning to lose hope that spring would never get here.

A Brilliant Harbinger of Spring

2011-03-10T06:53:00.000-08:00

Most gardeners are chomping at the bit this time of year, pent up with cabin fever. Eager to get their hands in the dirt and create new garden experiences there is one tree, this time of year, that is so shocking in its appearance, that it seems to stop everyone dead in their tracks when they see it in bloom. One of the first deciduous trees to welcome spring may be modest in stature, but its presence is bold, especially when clothed with flowers. Of course I’m talking about Redbuds!

Over the years I have grown to love the genus Cercis and most of its members. A highly adaptive tree with respect to soil types, Redbuds perform well in full sun to part shade, but need a little help from its caretaker concerning water. Redbuds don’t like wet feet nor do they enjoy being deprived of water. Well-drained soil truly is the goal. Native to New Jersey, Redbud’s appearance is typically spreading with a flat top to a rounded crown peaking to equal heights and widths of about 20-30 feet. On older specimens a crackling orange hue bleeds into the blacks and browns of the outer bark. More interesting still are the 3” pods (legumes) that form in the fall, starting out reddish-green and finishing brownish-black. Make no mistake though, clearly most people are after the shocking flowers that start out as colorful nubs, born directly on the stems, and finish like streamers hanging within the tree.

There are so many noteworthy choices, of the native type, to choose from and equally as many from the ones native to China. So let’s get to it! A very handsome and extremely popular one to start is ‘Forest Pansy’ Redbud (Cercis canadensis ‘Forest Pansy’). The heart-shaped leaves emerge red-purple and when the heat index rises these colorful markings tone themselves down to an eventual red tinge with prominent dark-green markings. The flowers of ‘Forest Pansy’ are a better rose-purple than the species and open a bit later too. ‘Covey’ is a weeping form with an eventual umbrella-shaped crown. Ideal as a specimen, particularly around a water feature, ‘Covey’s’ flowers and fruit are quite similar to the species and the eventual height of this garden gem is only 5-8 feet. Clearly there would be room for one in any garden. ‘Ruby Falls’ is the hot, new weeper that again, is small in stature. A selection from the breeding work of Dr. Dennis Werner, NCSU, and the parentage is ‘Covey’ and ‘Forest Pansy’. As things suggest we now have a weeping form with red-purple foliage and rose-purple blooms to be excited about. ‘Hearts of Gold’ has huge, gorgeous, golden heart-shaped leaves and that alone is enough for me. The fact that it too has lavender-red flowers and that the new tips, in the spring, take on an orange-red hue are simply a bonus. This is a new and rare tree so be patient in your search. ‘Little Woody’, as the name suggests, is a tiny wonder for any garden. A heavy bloomer with mauve clusters of flowers also has lustrous, dark green, crinkled foliage. Finally, for the native Cercis, is ‘Pauline Lily’. Found in the mountains of West Virginia and named for the wife of its discoverer, ‘Pauline Lily’ has blush colored flowers, almost white, and is a heavy bloomer with typical heart-shaped leaves that turn yellow in the fall.

There are two Redbuds native to China that I adore. The first is Cercis yunnanensis ‘Celestial Plum’. Introduced by J.C. Raulston Arboretum (like many other outstanding plants) ‘Celestial Plum’ has deep plum-purple flowers. Forming a small, multi-stem tree, Michael Dirr points out that it is “quite resistant to canker”. My friend and colleague Eileen Ferrer introduced my other Chinese favorite to me years ago. Cercis chinensis ‘Avondale’ is, in my mind, the showiest of all the redbuds. A selection from Duncan and Davies in New Zealand, ‘Avondale’ has brilliant deep purple flowers along its branches and main trunk! Eileen’s was a multi-stemmed tree, branched very low to the ground and gave an impressive vase-shaped appearance. So stunning, it continues to stop traffic every time one sees it.

Small in stature, redbuds offer big rewards in almost any garden. Perhaps one of the greatest quotes said about these harbingers of spring and a feeling one gets once they see the flowers emerge is by Michael Dirr, “In my heart, I know that spring is close and the joy and excitement of a new gardening season looms on the horizon”.

To cut, or not to cut, that is the question:

2011-02-10T06:56:00.000-08:00

Perhaps the most famous line in English literature, Hamlet’s greatest soliloquy, inspired a sort of play on words for this title. Often asked when is the proper time to cut back ornamental grasses in the garden, I can’t help but think of Shakespeare’s words every time.

Ornamental grasses are a group of plants that I have come to love and use over the years. For me, their artistic movement offers a calming affect every time I see them in mass. Offering incredible interest year round, housing for wildlife and virtually carefree once established, ornamental grasses are also as close to “deer proof” as you’re going to get. So why do so many cut back their grasses in the late fall rather than late winter or early spring? My guess has always been because some believe them to be unsightly or unkempt if they don’t do so.

Amended soils at the time of planting and some mulch to help keep them moist are about all you need to keep your grasses happy. Most ornamental grasses are perennial, meaning they will come back every year, and should be cut back in late March, before the new growth appears. Failure to do this would delay new growth and the appearance of the grass. Moreover, when you cut your grasses back too soon, the end of autumn, you deprive wildlife the seeds and shelter they are looking for. Not to mention that the plant can no longer protect itself against the harsh elements of winter as you have denuded its dormant foliage. This dormant foliage will help shed water away from the clump, thus preventing rot. Aesthetically the winter foliage is attractive, in my opinion, offering seed heads affixed to a sort of swaying winter interest effect with wheat-colored markings throughout our coldest months in New Jersey.

When you go into the garden, at the right time of year to cut back your grasses make sure you arm yourself appropriately. One of the reasons, as I mentioned earlier, ornamental grasses are “deer resistant” is because they can be sharp. Make sure you have long pants, long sleeves and garden gloves on before you begin. Should you be blessed with a warm day in March and are eager to get your garden looking good, heed this advice! When you run your hands up the foliage or brush your legs and arms against their leaves you will thank me. For the most part a good pair of hand pruners should do the trick for single specimens. However, should you have larger groupings, I find a sickle, string trimmer or on tougher grasses even a chain saw will suffice. Something to note, some grasses develop such thick canes, loaded with silica that this could quickly dull even the sharpest of instruments.

During the months that your larger grasses are actively growing, I have found that peony rings help contain the plant, offering structure, while being concealed by the foliage. Conversely, when you go to cut down your grasses at the end of winter it is helpful to tie the heads with string as you can better see what you are cutting. This also helps with cleanup. The question I am also asked is how far back do you cut your grass? The simple answer is either two thirds of their full size or six to eight inches from the ground. Be mindful not to cut too closely to the ground, as most grasses will resent this. Finally, the issue of dividing and transplanting. Should you wish to make more plants or simply move a plant to another part of your garden, consider doing this as the new growth begins in the early spring.

Shakespeare’s words “To be, or not to be” in the literal sense relate to his own ideas of the meaning of life and death. Not taking lightly the seriousness of the topic, I have always found some comedic attachment to my thought of “To cut, or not to cut,” simply because if you cut too soon or too hard you could sacrifice the well being of your plant. Carefree plants that are deer resistant, easy maintenance, quick to root, available in assorted colors, many with attractive flower spikes… what more could you ask for?

Do You See What I See?

2011-01-10T07:02:00.000-08:00

My good friend and horticultural demigod, John Stella, inspired the title of this article. Several months ago we were talking about characteristics of plants and how a trained eye can see them so clearly. Just as a doctor can look at an X-ray, a mechanic can listen to engine or a chef can taste the individual ingredients of a dish, so too can a plant person look into the depths of a landscape and pull apart all of it’s inner beauty with ease. Asked years ago to list all of my favorite plants, I believe I gave up somewhere around 400 or 500. There are simply too many plants that do too many wonderful things to have a list any smaller. While most are happy just being enamored with the leaves and flowers of plants, there are those of us who appreciate the bark and twigs as well. Many trees and shrubs devoid of their foliage offer outstanding characteristics, in the dead of winter, and in many cases builds the argument for their main appeal in the first place.

Coral Bark Maple, Acer palmatum ‘Sango Kaku’ has to be the grand champion for winter interest. An upright, deciduous tree that many, when they first learn it, deem to be the most shocking because of its electric red bark in the coldest months of the year. Here’s another though, Pacific Fire Vine Maple, Acer circinatum ‘Pacific Fire’ also has similar markings. This one, however, has more of an orange-red hue on its bark with a waxy sheen that leaps out at you in the winter. Paperbark Maple, Acer griseum has classic cinnamon or red-brown exfoliating bark. “Snow acts as a perfect foil for the bark and accentuates its qualities” Michael Dirr. Persian Parrotia, Parrotia persica, a tree native to Iran has exfoliating gray, green, white and brown patches on older specimens and is a personal favorite. Quaking Aspen, Populus tremuloides is the most widely distributed tree of North America! Younger trees express smooth, greenish-white to cream colored bark and landscape designers like the strong vertical white lines they offer as they come through mass plantings beneath them. Japanese Zelkova, Zelkova serrata is heavily lenticelled and usually depicted with a strong central trunk supporting a huge vase-like head. The bark, on older specimens, has gray-brown markings, often exfoliating, reminiscent of Chinese Elm, Ulmus parvifolia.

Perhaps my favorite, smaller deciduous shrub, for winter interest, is Japanese Kerria, Kerria japonica. Distinct yellowish green, and in many cases, bright neon- green stems in the winter are a beacon for many. Kerria, incidentally, looks infinitely better when mass planted. Common Winterberry, Ilex verticillata has bright red, sticky fruit, often in pairs, looking as though they are holding on for dear life through February. Tatarian Dogwood, Cornus alba is a deciduous dogwood shrub of medium stature, reaching heights of 6-10 feet. And while there are many with interesting foliage, the winter months punctuate the bark, often showing crimson reds or bright yellows. And who could forget Highbush Blueberries, Vaccinium corymbosum; whose stem color in the winter is yellowish-green to red. Another superb deciduous plant for mass plantings!

Finally to the conifers! Albeit, the following plants are not deprived of their foliage in the winter, on the contrary, they maintain their winter coats and also have distinguishable marking that amplify their external jackets. A Lodgepole Pine drawing considerable attention is Pinus contorta ‘Chief Joseph’. A deep, rich, golden-yellow pine pulls itself away from the drab colors of winter and beckons to be touched to see if it’s real. Found in the Wallowa Mountains of northeastern Oregon by Doug Will, this tree transforms itself from green in the warmer months to extreme yellow in the colder months. A Canadian hemlock to note is Tsuga Canadensis ‘Albospica’. Cultivated since 1866, this hemlock has snowy-white tips that contrast dramatically against its interior dark-green needles. A dusting of fresh snow held over this shade garden plant will make you a believer that there is a God. Finally, a Himalayan Pine with incredible winter interest is Pinus wallichiana ‘Zebrina’. A variegated selection that has long, thin needles and bands of yellow held in and around powder blues. Formerly listed as Pinus griffithi, Himalayan pines are native to the high mountains of Afghanistan to Nepal.

Many plants devoid of their foliage offer outstanding attributes. My hope is that this article has you looking at landscapes this winter in a new light. While flowers, leaves and needles are nice to look at; it’s not the whole picture. Great gardens inspire us throughout the seasons and winter is where it all begins.

‘Gingerbread’ Is Not Just For The Holidays!

2010-12-01T08:39:00.000-08:00

Social medias are growing on me. Once apprehensive and skeptical about these viral outlets, I have grown to like them and find them purposeful and educational at times. I still feel that they are used as a popularity contest, by some, trying to acquire as many friends as they can on the likes of Facebook, however, I have come to find my groove with them, using social medias as an invaluable tool to educate and inform others about plants.
Last month I took a field trip with a fellow colleague, John Stella, and a customer of ours to our deciduous tree grower in the middle of Pennsylvania. The goal, that day, was to find and hand tag, as we do with all our plant material, two fastigiate trees that would frame the entranceway to our customer’s home. During our expedition we happened across a small grove of a more unusual, yet up and coming, deciduous tree named ‘Gingerbread’ Paperbark maple (Acer griseum x nikoense ‘Ginzam’). Here we were in the middle of a field, surrounded by some 800 acres of trees and I had the opportunity to film this exquisite tree. After filming the attributes and describing the tree in full detail I was able to upload the experience to our website and YouTube channel and offer the experience to the world. More specifically though to our customers and other plant enthusiasts.
Acer griseum x nikoense ‘Gingerbread’ is a four-season tree, having visible attributes in every season! What most have come to expect from Paperbark maple (Acer griseum) is the reliable exfoliating bark that seems to tear and fold over in sheets while maintaining a polished, smooth, copper-cinnamon color throughout the tree. A trait that is most notable in the winter when the tree is undressed, however clearly visible year round. Acer ‘Gingerbread’s’ bark, however, is visibly different. Here the bark is fissured, that is to say torn lengthwise with vertical furrows as it matures and this persists all the way through the head of the tree. However, during its adolescence unbelievable markings help identify and punctuate its impressive bark. Standing in the middle of Pennsylvania, that day, looking carefully at rows of ‘Gingerbread’, muscular, ripples were clearly evident along the trunk, even from a distance, whereas the bark seemed as though muscles were being flexed from within the tree creating an almost crosshatch pattern. ‘Gingerbread’ is a small to medium tree in stature, with mature specimens expected to grow 20-25 feet high and 10-15 feet wide. The overall habit is rounded to slightly oval, with trifoliate leaves that go from green to remarkable hues of red and orange in the autumn. Appreciating full sun to part shade, ‘Gingerbread’ is drought tolerant once established, however appreciates occasional attention. Expect less than 12 inches a year in annual growth from this deciduous wonder.
Mentioned earlier, ‘Gingerbread’ is a hybrid between Acer griseum and Acer maximowiczianum (formerly Acer nikoense). Both trees are indigenous to Central China with Nikko Maple being slightly more cold hardy than griseum. However, both trees, academically, will survive in zone 5 easily. Suitable for small yards, both trees have been used as specimens; however a grove of Acer griseum’s I once saw in Hoboken, New Jersey still remains with me. Relatively pest free, the stigma that both are fiscally unobtainable to most has been overshadowed, as availabilities have increased. So who is credited for finding this faster grower than the species? Well, kudos go out to Girard Nurseries in Geneva, Ohio. After a lengthy search to find out whose tree this actually was, I came across a garden forum that identified Girard Nurseries as the finder of the tree. A quick phone call to the nursery confirmed what I had found and I was introduced to Jeff Forinash, one of the owners of the nursery, who told me how the tree came about. Apparently seed was picked in Rochester, New York in the early 1960’s by Girard’s grandfather and the original tree, standing some 25 feet tall, is outside their facility still today.
Our field trip was successful by many accounts. We did manage to find and tag two Zelkova serrata ‘Musashino’s’ standing some 22 feet tall, with 5.5” caliper trunks, weighing in at 3,500 pounds fulfilling our customer’s request. And while that may seem impressive the “sleeper” of the trip was clearly the ‘Gingerbread’ block we happened across. A small block, albeit, those 5-6” caliper ‘Gingerbread’s’ will forever hold in my mind. A multi-season tree with outstanding bark, fall color, trifoliate leaves and a small stature, even a suitable bonsai candidate… you see, you can enjoy ‘Gingerbread’ all year long.

Uncommonly Good

2010-11-01T08:50:00.000-07:00

Last December I wrote an article entitled “Bold Vision” which discussed an outstanding garden in Nutley, New Jersey done by an exceptional designer, Richard Hartlage. The article discusses, in some detail, the layers and principles of that garden and fine garden design. One plant, in particular, which I was enamored with, in that garden, was Rohdea japonica.
Why discuss an evergreen-perennial seldom seen in gardens this time of year? Because the potential of this uncommon plant lies beyond the footprint it can have in your garden. Rohdea japonica is the sole species in the genus Rohdea. Native to eastern Asia from southwestern China to Japan, the common names for this unique plant are Nippon Lily, Sacred Lily and Japanese Sacred Lily. A rhizomatous, herbaceous perennial with fibrous roots, Sacred Lily has broad, lanceolate, evergreen leaves. The flowers are produced in short, stout, dense spikes with pale yellow markings. However, the fruit is a deep red-orange berry held in tight clusters, nestled deep within the 15” foliage. Rohdea benefits from partial to full shade and appears to be deer resistant in our yard. An excellent choice for a limited spread groundcover, Rohdea is also drought tolerant once established. “Hardy” to zone 6a (-10 Fahrenheit) reports on the internet have the plant doing well in Alabama, Florida, Kansas, Tennessee, Texas, Pennsylvania and of course New Jersey. The leaves and root of this plant are depurative, diuretic and febrifuge, used in the treatment of abscesses, boils and sore throat. Rohdea shows cardiac activity similar to another plant you may have heard of… Foxglove, Digitalis purpurea. While these noted medicinal qualities appear often throughout Internet research, it is important to note that Rohdea is generally regarded as inedible and possibly toxic!
Having known of this plant for a number of years I was inspired to install a small grove of it in our own garden after a recent vacation on the Oasis of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship. On this ship Central Park was recreated and a mass planting of Janet Craig Compacta, Dracaena deremensis, reminded me of Rohdea. Sited on the west side of our property, behind a Ginkgo, recessed in an alcove, stands our grove of some 50 Rohdea and today, as I write this article, has some spectacular fruit set coming our way. The lush, thick, almost tropical looking, wide straps of this plant inspired me to also use this versatile perennial in raised applications. On its own, Rohdea looks fantastic in planters and window boxes for the holidays. Over the years we have used this evergreen perennial at restaurants and churches, in their outdoor planters, for holiday decorating.
As with most plants there are several cultivars to be on the look out for. ‘Chirimen Boshi’ has rounded, overlapping leaves with varying degrees of creamy edging. ‘Mure Suzume’ translates to “flock of sparrows” and again offers overlapping leaves, however, this time on a very dwarf plant. White streaks along the rim of its tapered foliage are notable. ‘White Canoe’ has white bands and fills out to a frothy mound of green and white. ‘Yattazu Yan Jaku’ has very distinct upright foliage splashed with creamy markings. Finally, ‘Galle’ seems most closely related to Rohdea japonica with the exception of more polished green leaves that are narrower. Whatever variety you decide on, know that this plant is usually a bit more costly than your other, more easily recognizable, perennials. Not one to equate plants merely to dollars and cents, this perennial is exceptional and the added cost to produce such a plant will more than return its initial cost in your garden.
Richard Hartlage said it best, “It’s not about what is rare, but rather what will work”! In a time when dwarf Alberta spruce seem so prevalent and pedestrian in outdoor planters, flanking the entrance ways to many homes, consider filling your pots with this rugged, perennial-evergreen. Thick, straps of green foliage with red fruit embedded in its interior, what could be more timely than that for the holiday season?

Vegas Baby

2010-10-01T08:55:00.000-07:00

Vegas Baby… a phrase that my wife taught our three-year-old daughter on a recent vacation to Las Vegas. Right smack in the middle of August we decided it would be a great idea to visit a desert, 110-degree dry heat by the way, to celebrate my mother in law’s milestone birthday. Vegas has come along way since the vision Benjamin “Bugsy” Siegel had, an American gangster who was a driving force behind the large-scale development, of the now metropolitan Las Vegas. A city where anything seems possible and most is unbelievable, Vegas has long caught our attention and afforded our family many fond memories.
My nephew, a landscape architecture student at Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, has told me time and time again that the built form of architecture must go hand in hand with the plant form and land form in order to achieve the best design solution. Subscribing to this philosophical view, and I do, then Las Vegas is achieving great design. My passions have always been held within the forms of great geometric design, thus one of our reasons for staying at the Venetian Hotel. Italian architecture littered with statuary, columns, belvederes and pergolas all contributed to, and softened, the hard geometric shapes of the pools and landscape beds. Wisteria engulfed archways, ficus trees, Sago palms and olive trees erupting through landscaped beds while nandina, boxwood, pittosporum and liriope helped frame their edges. And who could forget those beautiful Italian cypresses that anchored and solidified the Italian theme? Adding to the thoughtful design were huge stone planters filled with asparagus fern and spiral junipers. Walls of Noble privet, podocarpus and southern magnolia helped soften walls and hide utility boxes. Finally, vinca flower and pentas seemed unaffected by the incredible heat and begged to be noticed as they were in full flower.
Heading south down Las Vegas Boulevard, to the Bellagio Hotel, proved to be just as rewarding. Here is where you can begin to understand the importance of sculpture in the garden. Entering through the front doors and into the lobby, the Fiori di Como, is suspended, inside a coffer, some 18 feet above your head. What is the Fiori Di Como? A chandelier, by the renowned glass artisan Dale Chihuly, which is comprised of 2,000 hand blown, glass blossoms. This is the precursor to Bellagio’s conservatory and botanical gardens. Here, in August, waves of a bromeliad, Aechmea Del Mar and Tillandsia cyanea, an epiphyte from Ecuador, helped provide a bedding floor to support gigantic ant sculptures. A huge, toppled clay pot had flowers spilling out from it. Equal in size was a gardeners spade dimpled into the soil. It all seemed to be left behind by the giant in the English fairy tale, Jack and the Beanstalk. Couple this architecture with the largest, sculpted, European Sevillana olive tree collection in the world, open to the public, and you can begin to admire the detail and efforts made by the 140 expert horticulturists the Bellagio employs. Gazebos, bridges and water features helped support this theatrical garden and experiences like this change seasonally.
Finally, CITYCENTER!! The Architectural Record referred to this 8.5 billion dollar project, on its front cover, as a sand castle. 18 million-square feet, 6,000 hotel rooms, 2,400 condominiums, 38 restaurants and bars, a convention center, shopping mall, 150,000 square-foot casino and an Elvis themed Cirque du Soleil show all on 76 acres with LEED certification…WOW! The largest privately funded construction project in the history of the United States surely did not disappoint. The approach is magnanimous and as our taxi let us out under Aria’s porte- cochere, fountains and the “Focus” were within sight. “Focus” is an expansive, curved water wall made of textured stone measuring 250 feet long and 24 feet high. Programmable, both the speed and direction of the water wall can be controlled as it pulses and soothes your soul. Prominent artists have galleries just outside the outer entrance circle. Most impressive was the Richard MacDonald studio. Today’s, Anguste Rodin, here is genius that creates “dynamic, sensitive works”. Introduced to his work, I was most impressed with his sculpture of Rudolf Nureyev, a Russian Tatar dancer from the Soviet Union, who was known for his work in ballet. I imagined the piece sitting in our backyard held within our garden walls and it is here that I fully grasped the importance of art in the garden.
Vegas offers some of the greatest architectural feats done today. Land forms, plant forms and architecture all meld so creatively with independent themes running up and down the strip. Vegas… a city that is a true oasis, inspires imagination, holds dreams and continually proves that the impossible is certainly possible.

Sweeter Than His Chocolate

2010-09-01T09:14:00.000-07:00

Milton Hershey, I imagine, was one of those people who, if you were lucky enough to meet, would have had a profound impact on your life. Not because of his fame or money, but rather because of his honest, wholesome outlook on life. Everyone knows about his famous chocolate bars, but how many know of his life’s work that also included a school he founded for orphans or the city he created to improve his workers’ lives. A man, whose ambitions took him from poverty to philanthropy also, along the way, developed a love for gardening.

Hershey, it is said, closely supervised the landscaping of his grounds. His wife, Catherine Hershey, “shared her husband’s passion for gardens, making a lasting contribution to the town of Hershey through her interest in landscaping and the preservation of trees.” I had not been to Hershey Park in the last 25 years and remembered very little. However, a family vacation to the park gave my wife and I a chance to relive our childhood again through our daughter’s eyes. While her interpretation of the park was similar to mine at her age, enamored with the rides and chocolate factory, my views were now focused at the plants, which help frame the park and chocolate factory. Immediately outside the famous chocolate factory is a standing grove of Dawn Redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides). A genus, which seems to have been around since time began, has attributes which are attractive year round and is an obvious choice to help provide shade in a short period of time. Another standout for me, close to the “Kissing Tower” was my sought after Ginkgo tree (Ginkgo biloba). I knew Mr. Hershey would show good taste and incorporate a Ginkgo somewhere on his grounds. He did not disappoint! And while his amusement park is littered with some outstanding deciduous trees and conifers, his real genius was to be found across the street in the Hershey Gardens.

The Hershey Gardens were opened in 1937 and in time grew to 23 spectacular acres. In lieu of sponsoring a national rosarium in Washington D.C., Hershey opted to create a garden in Hershey, Pennsylvania where the community could enjoy themselves. Once you pay your admission, the Children’s Garden is just one of the many “Theme Gardens” you will encounter. Truly an educational garden, the 30 smaller gardens that comprise the Children’s Garden simply make learning fun. The human sundial, the Butterfly House, the ABC Border and Chocolate Lane all help with colors, counting and the ABC’s. Combine this with whimsical names like Chocolate Vine (Fiveleaf Akebia), White Chocolate Crapemyrtle (Lagerstroemia ‘White Chocolate’) and a Poppy named ‘Royal Chocolate’ and you can begin to feel the emersion going on here. Other theme gardens include a perennial, herb, rock, ornamental grass, Bill Bowman (dedicated to the former Hershey Gardens director), Japanese and Rose garden to name most. I must admit, not being a rosarian myself, there was still an admiration for witnessing 5,600 roses representing some 275 varieties that were in bloom the day of my visit. Not to mention the fragrance of such a spectacle! However, I found most of my time well spent divvied up between the Japanese, Arboretum and rock gardens. Each of these gardens, and for that matter every theme garden at Hershey, could be the subject for an article having their own highlights for me. The arboretum was host to some magnificent specimens, but the beehive embedded in the monstrous Common Horsechestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) will forever be remembered. The rock garden was home to a Japanese cedar that adorns our house and whose origin I was unaware. Cryptomeria japonica ‘Rein’s Dense Jade’ entombs our backyard, some 54 to be exact, and I have J. Vermeulen and Sons Inc. of Neshanic Station, New Jersey to thank. It seems the “Mother Tree” first discovered in the late 1960’s was dedicated to Hershey Gardens in May 2007 and for this I am extremely grateful. Finally, the Japanese garden! Let me just leave you with this. There are a few of these types of gardens in the United States that you could visit, put this one at the top of your list. A grove of China Fir (Cunninghamia), a California-Nutmeg (Torreya californica) and a sweep of Himalayan Sweetbox (Sarcococca) framing some Dawn Redwoods is enough to fill your day.

Hershey proved to be a wholesome experience entertaining all of us. It brought us back to a more simple time where we could lose ourselves from the pressures of everyday. Experiences built by an honest, hardworking man free of scandals and committed to bettering his world. We should all aspire to be so great!

The High Line

2010-08-01T09:04:00.000-07:00

Last year my nephew Donovan, a student studying landscape architecture at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, told me of his experience at the High Line. A university that emphasizes a “Learn by Doing” educational experience, my nephew’s description of the High Line was insightful and clearly passionate melded with academic integrity. He suggested that I adopt his schools motto and join him on a summer day trip. Together, with my wife and daughter, the four of us visited this horticultural wonder in lower Manhattan.

The High Line is located on Manhattan’s West Side and runs from Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District to 34^th Street between 10^th and 11^th Avenues. Section 1 of the High Line, which opened to the public on June 9^th, 2009, runs from Gansevoort Street to 20^th Street. The High Line was originally constructed as part of the West Side Improvement project, in the 1930’s, to remove heavy freight trains from the streets of Manhattan and move this dangerous traffic to an elevated position, some 30 feet in the air. Today’s green project, using the same space, upon completion, will run a mile-and-a-half long through the West Side neighborhoods of the Meatpacking District, West Chelsea and Clinton/Hell’s Kitchen. Interesting to me is the Meatpacking District. Much of the 1^st section of the High Line is located here and around 1900 this district was home to more than 250 slaughterhouses and meatpacking plants. Prior to the High Lines development, trains, barges and ships brought goods directly to this district for processing from the Hudson River. After the High Line’s development, freight trains full of meat and other provisions were able to carry such goods directly to the upper floors of these buildings.

April 2006 marked the groundbreaking of the High Line. James Corner Field Operations, a landscape architecture and urban design firm, Diller Scofidio & Renfro, an architecture firm, along with the consultation of planting designer Piet Oudolf, designed this monumental landscape. The plantings of the High Line are inspired by the self-seeded landscape that grew on the out-of-use elevated rail tracks during the 25 years after the trains stopped running. Incidentally, the last train to run on the High line was in 1980. Some 210 species of perennials, grasses, trees and shrubs were chosen for section 1 because of their unique textures, colors and “hardiness.” Cognizant of bloom times in the plant selections, you can be sure to see something in bloom almost any day of the year. Native plants are at the forefront of the design and many of the plants chosen originally grew on the High Line’s rail bed.

Growing within the meandering, concrete pathways is, by far, my favorite plant selection of the project. Huge waves of Mexican feather grass (Nassella tenuissima) were in their glory, the day of our visit. A graceful and delicate, very fine textured ornamental grass which grows in a dense fountain-like clump complete with wiry culms made the biggest impact for me. Notable trees include white fringetree (Chionanthus virginicus), smokebush (Cotinus coggygria ‘Grace’) and sassafras (Sassafras albidum), a nostalgic favorite as I had these in my backyard growing up as a child. Perennials that I enjoyed were goatsbeard (Aruncus ‘Horatio’), coneflower (Echinacea purpurea ‘Vintage Wine’), sneezeweed (Helenium x ‘Rubinzwerg’) and catmint (Nepeta sibirica) to name a few. The use of plant material along with fixed and movable seating helps contribute to the overall experience. Lounge chairs that slide back and forth on rails and a special vantage point complete with ascending seating and a glass wall felt like a mini amphitheatre. Peering down the avenue, holding our serene experiences inside the glass wall, away from the outer concrete jungle, is a quantum design component.

Plants are not the only reason for visiting the High Line. There is free Fitness and Movement Classes, Pilates Fusion Classes and Stargazing with the Amateur Astronomers Association weekly. Membership to the High Line also has its privileges. As a supporter or friend to the High Line you can shop along the historic cobblestone streets of the meatpacking district, enjoying restaurants, design and photography studios and fashion boutiques and be guaranteed a 10% discount to most.

The High Line is open from 7:00AM to 10:00PM daily with its last entrance to the park is 9:45PM. There are several access points, however, if you decide to visit and are carrying a stroller, like we did, consider 14^th Street and 16^th Street as these have elevator access. I can’t wait for section 2 (20^th Street to 30^th Street) to open, projected for sometime in 2011.

Lord of the Tree

2010-07-01T08:59:00.000-07:00

Part of what makes horticulture so exciting for me is the history of a plant. Years ago I was given a book, Legends In The Garden, Who In The World Is Nellie Stevens written by Linda L. Copeland and Allan M. Armitage. A generous gift given to me by my friend Jay Jansen who works for Monrovia Growers. The book answers questions about how plants were found and for whom they were named. Among those talked about in the book are Ilex x ‘Nellie R. Stevens’, Clematis viticella ‘Betty Corning’, Itea virginica ‘Henry’s Garnet’ and Hosta sieboldiana ‘Frances Williams’ to name a few. However, one historical, dwarf conifer, not found in this book, that has caught my attention for the better part of the last decade is named after a Lord.

Picea abies ‘Clanbrassiliana’ is one of the oldest and more distinctive dwarf conifer selections known. Introduced in 1836, this tree is named after Lord Clanbrassil of Ireland, whose horticultural prowess is responsible for the naming of several Norway spruce (Picea abies) cultivars during the late 18^th century. Discovered as a witch’s broom on a Norway spruce in Northern Ireland, somewhere around 1780, Lord Clanbrassil was said to have planted the original tree, which is still growing, in Tollymore Park, County Down, now standing over 10 feet tall. Often I am asked in retail sales just how big a plant will grow. My first response is usually over what period of time. Plants don’t have a textbook in front of them telling them how big they are supposed to grow. Given enough time and proper attention, plants can and will exceed the suggestive wording found on most nursery tags. This tree is no exception! A handsome, dwarf conifer, ‘Clanbrassiliana’ slowly makes a broad mound of dark green, short needles with cinnamon-brown winter buds. The congested branches grow in layers creating a more globose form in its younger adolescence. A full sun plant whose ability to push new growth is usually held to only ½-1” per year. Given that Lord Clanbrassil’s tree is over ten feet tall should give us all an appreciation for the tenacity of plants. A side note about the culture of Norway spruce, there seems to be a popular misconception that Norway spruce are suitable conifers for the shade. For those who practice this or are advised to do so I respectfully offer, as a quick read, page 813 of Michael Dirr’s Manual of Woody Landscape Plants, Sixth Edition, whose concise wording advocates the siting of Norway spruce and its cultivars in “full sun or perhaps very light shade in South but plants become thin and ragged in heavy shade.” Somewhat confusing to some is the introduction of another, very closely related, dwarf conifer, Picea abies ‘Clanbrassiliana Stricta’. This cultivar matures slowly into a beautiful, broad, pyramidal plant. Again, dark green needles adorn this stately, conical form with ascending branching suggesting an ideal shape for a dwarf Christmas tree.

Always appreciative of customers who share their landscapes with me, I have to mention a foundation planting years in the making. Going back more years than I can remember I have had the privilege of selling ‘Clanbrassiliana’s’. Without fail, I have a customer who has purchased nearly every one of these magnificent plants for all of that time. Last summer I was invited to their home in Far Hills, New Jersey and what I saw was a patient landscape that definitely has horticultural thinking “out of the box”. While most would be happy with one ‘Clanbrassiliana’ in their landscape, here is a landscape that has 14 in total. Planted the way most would plant Green Velvet Boxwoods (Buxus x ‘Green Velvet’) in a row, here is a staggered row of Picea abies ‘Clanbrassiliana’s’ running the length of their Amdega greenhouse. Now almost 30 inches tall, these dwarf conifers flank either side of the entrance and help support large, elegant urns dripping with seasonal color. A simple, yet classical formal design that had my full appreciation and gratitude for the experience. Imagine all this and a deer resistant planting to boot.

There are so many places around the world where large plant specimens exist. I imagine myself, one day, walking through the Barbican Gate (the entrance for public visiting Tollymore Forest Park), a castle-like structure whose archways and decorative features come complete with trefoils, standing among some of Lord Clanbrassil’s treasures, appreciating his efforts and the tenaciousness of those remarkable dwarf conifers.

Natirar

2010-06-01T08:48:00.000-07:00

Ananyms are words that spell a different word when reversed, hence the name Natirar. Spelling the word Raritan and then applying the definition you can see how one of the premier properties in New Jersey, and soon the world, got its name. Natirar has, for as long as I can remember, intrigued me for its history and vacancy. A property located in Peapack-Gladstone, Far Hills and Bedminster, New Jersey has its heritage dating back some 100 years and originally covered over 1000 acres. Kate Macy and Walter Ladd began acquiring small, local farmsteads in the late 1800’s. Macy, a Quaker heiress to a whaling, oil and shipping fortune and Ladd whose professional occupation was later listed as an insurance broker named their property Natirar and had Guy Lowell, a Harvard architect, design a Tudor-style mansion deep within the property’s belly. The estate includes some 22 buildings, six wells, 3 bridges, NJ transit right-of-way, 3 streams, a pond, woodlands and, of course, the 33,000 square foot mansion. I can remember as a young adult pulling over on the side of the road wondering who lived there and admiring the vast property with all those glorious trees.

Fast forward to present day, I suppose I have Sir Richard Branson to thank for my admittance. After Kate Macy’s death, her legacy of helping ladies in distress, was carried on by her husband and in 1983 the property was sold and the convalescent home for “deserving gentlewomen who are compelled to depend upon their own exertions for support shall be entertained without charge…” was no more. It was sold to His Majesty; King Hassan II of Morocco for a mere 7.5 million dollars and for the next 20 years was owned by the King who never spent a night there. Upon his death, his son, King Mohammed VI of Morocco, inherited the property and eventually sold the 491-acre estate to the Somerset County Park Commission for 22 million dollars. Recently, approximately 90 acres of the property has been leased to the Virgin Spa at Natirar, an entity controlled by Sir Richard Branson of the Virgin Group. Plans to develop this portion of the property include the mansion, stable/carriage barn as well as the outer buildings. An exclusive hotel, spa and restaurant complex are all in the works. It is here that Sir Richard Branson has given me my passport to the property.

A few months back Natirar opened its doors, so to speak, and the first phase of the project was underway. Ninety Acres is an extraordinary restaurant where organic, sustainable gardening is at the forefront. A collaborative effort between Sterling College, a liberal arts college specializing in Sustainable Agriculture and Conservation Ecology in Craftsbury Common, Vermont and the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences and the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station, NJAES, both units of Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey have teamed up to help this farming model. Kudos should also be given to Robert Wojtowicz, Natirar’s founder who was introduced to William Wootton, the president of Sterling College and Robert Goodman, executive dean of Agriculture and Natural Resources at Rutgers and executive director at NJAES.

The drive up to the restaurant has you wind slowly through a cow pasture past some magnificent old trees hugging a shallow, but rocky riverbed. This all gives way to some stone cottages and a glimpse of the mansion before you get to Ninety Acres. The outside of the restaurant has very deliberate raised beds filled with fresh herbs that you will most certainly experience on the menu. Geometric forms lay inside pea gravel complete with obelisks supporting the more aggressive culinary treats. All this is held within the confines of an elegant and stately boxwood perimeter. Smack dab in the middle of all this, just before you enter the front door, is a Ginkgo tree. Good call!! Chef David Felton is determined to bring you the freshest, natural ingredients. Surrounded by its own organic farm and gardens, our dinner party sat inside a private room, walled with glass overlooking the farm. Katy’s arugula, Oak Grove brussel sprouts, Paradise Hill heirloom cranberries, Natirar’s Berkshire pigs, Griggstown pheasants and Davidson bluefoot mushrooms are just a few of the morsels you may encounter.

With thought given to preserve the area as part of the greenway and understanding Sir Richard Branson’s thoughts when he decided to start his airline, “My interest in life comes from setting myself huge, apparently unachievable challenges and trying to rise above them… from the perspective of wanting to live life to the full, I felt that I had to attempt it” we can all appreciate a bit of history while sampling some extraordinary cuisine.

A Nautical Landscape

2010-05-01T08:43:00.000-07:00

When Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux submitted their plan, The Greensward Project; now Central Park, I’ll bet they never dreamed of the high seas compliment they would receive. Recently my family took a vacation to the Caribbean and did so on board the Oasis of the Seas. Royal Caribbean’s newest ship, this vessel has redefined grace and elegance and offers just about anything you could ever want or imagine on land or sea. Complete with an ice-skating theatre, a Zip line, Boardwalk, a FlowRider (ask your kids), Aqua Theatre, the only carousel on the ocean (11,000 pounds), rock climbing walls and unprecedented onboard amenities, I must admit, it was the verdant Central Park that impressed me most.

The largest cruise ship in the world, 220,000 tons, also has the world’s first, true, at-sea park. “Open to the sky and flanked by five decks of balcony staterooms,” Central Park offers fine dining, retail shops, an art gallery, living walls (five stories high) and crystal canopies set within meandering pathways, allowing natural light into the Royal Promenade below. It was these crystal canopies that intrigued me most. At first glance the canopies looked, to me, like an inverted bottom of a boat. Depending on where you stand inside the park or looking down from a deck above, I later felt that they could be interpreted as a butterfly’s wing or perhaps leaves. However, the crystal canopy that surrounds and houses The Rising Tide, a bar that moves vertically between the Royal Promenade and Central Park, looked like the exoskeleton of a trilobite.

“The concept of the park was co-created by designers from three firms: Wilson Butler, a long time Royal Caribbean partner, which had overall responsibility for the park’s technical design and execution; Waterfield Design Group, which created the park’s landscape architecture, grading and storm drainage design; and architectural design consultants Atkins Global.” Neighborhood dining opportunities, a central market café (where my daughter and I had breakfast every morning), a sculpture garden and trellis bar are more of what awaits you at every turn. There are side paths that take you through a Pergola Garden clothed in Black Pepper, Piper nigrum and a twinkling colonnade of towers where Star Jasmine, Tracheiospermum jasminoides is showing its aggressive upward mobility. All of this takes on a completely different feel as night approaches.

One of the last pieces of the puzzle for the Oasis of the Seas was the planting of Central Park. The cruise line signed a contract with Finland’s Aker Yards (now STX Europe) and because of the extremely cold temperature of Turku, Finland and the harsh conditions that an Atlantic crossing can sometimes serve; the tropical plants were not installed until the ship reached Port Everglades, Florida. Upon its arrival, a team of 60 workers (gardeners and landscapers) was given the daunting task of installing some 12,000+ plants, into 49 planting areas, in 2,200 aluminum containers (a modular design) in only 4 days. One of three cranes in the United States was needed to lift 30-foot trees into the park. The hardscaping was finished; I am told, in Finland. Retaining walls, bridges, sculptures and landscape lighting were all completed in Finland. However, in addition to the plant installations, a highly efficient drip irrigation system was also installed in that 4-day period, another example of Royal Caribbean’s commitment to environmental stewardship.

Privileged to a private tour of Central Park by their chief Landscape Specialist, Laszlo Turos, I learned the stats and thinking that helped create this wonder at sea. 82 metric tons of soil was used to plant over 12,000 plants representing some 96 species. The Oasis of the Seas employees 2,161 crewmembers from 71 different countries. These people are responsible for over 5,000 guests and yet, Laszlo and just three other people (two from the Philippines and one from Russia) have the responsibility of maintaining the park. Originally the thought of having a great lawn, similar in style to that of Central Park in New York City, was slated. However, given the tropical atmosphere and high traffic, that thought was shelved. Within the park on board there are hundreds of insect stations which they monitor daily. The ship works hand in hand with the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) identifying any pests they may encounter. Initially, the Oasis had bamboo installed, however, these were removed as bamboo acts as a host for certain, undesirable insects. Laszlo was quick to point out that he was happy to see the bamboo go, as they were a maintenance nightmare, constantly shedding their bark and making a mess of deck 8. Another interesting tidbit, all the plant material must be a minimum of 3 meters from any structure. Fire codes dictate this and thus there is some pruning involved with the Shady Lady, Bucida buceras trees.

The modular design, which defines this nautical landscape, must be able to withstand some tough climatic conditions. Consider heat tolerance, sunlight (ever changing on this vessel), 15-20 mile an hour head winds, a vortex which is created as the park is open to the outside and sits some 8 decks deep; tucked within the ships center, tolerance to 5,000+ guests walking in and around the park, not to mention chlorine from the pools above and the salt water around the ship. It makes you wonder what plants could survive all this?

The Rising Tide Bar had huge sweeps of Mondo Grass, Ophiopogon japonicus, and Liriope, Liriope muscari, wrapped around the outside. Staple plants, even in New Jersey, these were doing quite well. Thinking outside the box, Janet Craig Compacta, Dracaena deremensis, used as a border reminded me of a hardier alternative Rohdea japonica. A dramatic mass planting of variegated Snake Plant, Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Laurentii’ was set behind a bright red bench. Other colorful punctuations included: Ti Tree, Cordyline terminalis, Shell Ginger, Alpinia zerumbet and Oyster plant, Rhoeo spathacea, whose undersides were purple. There were also waves of Anthurium, Spathiphyllum, Kalanchoe and Philodendron all of which are commonly found houseplants in New Jersey. Vertical, living accents throughout the 49 planting areas included: Bay Rum, Pimenta racemosa, whose great peeling bark caught my attention more than once, Mangosteen, Garcinia spicata, had an appearance similar to that of Rubber tree or possibly a Southern Magnolia and Banana, Musa acuminata, whose big leaves let you know you’re in the tropics. All these wonderful and exciting plants popped in the landscape because of the subtle, but deliberate, evergreen, foundation borders of Mock Orange, Pittosporum tobira and Lady Palm, Rhapis excelsa. Last, but not least, it was the Shrimp Plant, Pachystachys lutea, with its paper-like flowers held above its foliage; that caught the attention of our daughter and made us all giggle every day.

The Oasis of the Seas delivered an unforgettable vacation. Literally a moving city with over 7000 people on board, never once did the ship feel crowded. Fun for both kids and adults there was as much outdoor space as there was indoors. I am looking forward to the Allure of the Seas; Royal Caribbean’s next big adventure whose 225, 282 gross registered tons is slated to debut in late 2010. And yes, there is talk of a park on board also…stay tuned!

Faster than Brigadoon

2010-04-28T11:41:00.001-07:00

Famed director and Oscar winner, Vincente Minnelli, used the cinema to tell heartfelt, realistic and compelling stories. A filmography that would impress the likes of Steven Spielberg and Martin Scorsese, includes Ziegfeld Follies, Father of the Bride, An American in Paris, Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse and Oscar winner Gigi. However, arguably one of his greatest tales took place in the 18th century, on the Scottish Highlands, and was brought to life by Gene Kelly, Van Johnson and Cyd Charisse. Brigadoon is a “time warp fantasy that depicts the ethereal village materializing from the mists only one day each hundred years.” So where am I going with such a sub reference? It has been said that patience is a virtue. Fellow gardeners and plants people know this adage all too well. Some annuals take an entire season to come to fruition. Perennials can come into their own after two or three years. Deciduous shrubs and conifers can develop into handsome specimens after several years. But a tree that has been known to take ten to fifteen years to flower, that’s just crazy! Or is it?

Davidia involucrata, Dove-tree or Handkerchief tree, might not take as long to flower as it does for Brigadoon to reappear, but it sure feels like it. Introduced in 1904 and native to China, this tree will always be remembered once you see it flower. The foliage is a bright green with pronounced veins and a silky underside. Zone hardy from 6 to 8, Davidia, will provide the outline of a broad pyramid reaching heights of twenty to forty feet. Davidia’s bark has cinnamon markings and during its adolescent years is very smooth. Many fellow plants people, when asked to identify my specimen in my yard, came up short and identified it as a Tilia (Linden). Another great tree to be discussed at a later date, Tilia does look similar when young. Chunky, swollen, larger buds have formed on my tree and I can hardy wait for them to explode this spring. Golf ball size fruit mature in the fall and dangle on its winter silhouette. The outside of this golf ball is greenish-tan with red speckles and a very hard, single nut sits inside. But let’s face it… it’s the flower, or bracts, you will remember most. Two huge, creamy-white to pure white bracts of unequal size announce themselves in May, providing an indelible introduction. Set between the bracts is a pincushion of white filaments and red anthers. I find it interesting to note that the lower bract is always larger than the upper one. And these aren’t small bracts as they can range in size from four to eight inches each. Few pests, if any, plague the illustrious Handkerchief tree. Full sun to part shade and well-drained soil are conducive to a Dove trees success.

Three cultivars are noteworthy. Davidia involucrata ‘Sonoma’ is in my front yard for no other reason than it can bloom within the first two or three years. Yes, I’m a bit impatient. ‘Columnaris’ is what you might expect… a columnar Dove tree. Finally, Davidia ‘Crimson Spring’ has crimson-red spring foliage. Introduced by Rippingale Nursery, this cultivar is so new it has even escaped my grasp.

While the wait for Davidia flowers can be long, the anticipation for other plants to flower can prove to be somewhat lamentable or even sickening. The Silversword, Argyroxiphium sandwicense ssp. macrocephalum, a rare member of the sunflower family, found on the slopes of Haleakala National park in Maui, can take decades before developing a flowering stalk. And after it flowers…it dies! And what about the recent reintroduction of Amorphophallus titanum, Corpse or Stink plant, that the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens showcased last August. This stinky, botanical wonder, native to Sumatra, can also exceed a decade before flowering. Following which is rank-smelling foliage that entices bugs to lay their eggs which would typically do so in dead animals. So in retrospect, the prospect of having a beautiful tree with an abundant of attributes contributing to year-round interest that can take just a few years to achieve isn’t so bad after all. Hopefully this article will inspire you to run out and get your hands on a Davidia tree. If you are so inspired, perhaps you can pay homage to Brigadoon by mass planting some Erica (Heather) around your Dove tree, referencing “The Heather On the Hill”, a pastoral ballet in the movie. While the Handkerchief tree can take some time to impress, remember another old adage: Good things come to those who wait.

City Lights-Just Add Water

2010-04-01T08:39:00.000-07:00

Sitting here writing this article we have all just endured yet another snow event. This time central New Jersey just had 16 inches of snow dumped on it. Let me tell you, I’m sick of snow and am anxious for spring’s arrival! Longing for the tulips to poke their bodies through the crusted mulch and anxious to see their heads swell with color. This past winter I have attended various trade shows, seminars, symposiums and general garden talks all of which boasted the hottest new plants. We were even given an opportunity, as attendants, to rate these new comers. Attending the ANLA Management Clinic in Louisville, Kentucky (American Nursery Landscape Association), an event dedicated to the green industry and managing its business practices, there was even a new plant pavilion dedicated to the subject. Here, it was Novalis’ Candy Store Phlox series having bragging rights. Trade publications were quick to have articles on the subject and colleagues were even quicker to ask the opinion of anyone who had one. All eager to find out what is hot, talk shop and just try to hurry spring along. Well, spring is finally here and for my money a plant that will be part of our container garden scene, on our back patio, originally came from Germany.

Hydrangea has been around forever, but not these! Cityline Hydrangea is a fairly new series that is sure to captivate the market. Maybe not the way that Endless Summer did years ago; let’s face it that is a great name and the repeat “blooming thing” made it fool-proof for knowing, or not knowing, when to cut a hydrangea back. Cityline types are also forgiving about knowing when to do this. They don’t seem to care and nor should you since their diminutive stature really never needs to be pruned. However, if you were so inclined, it would be best to prune these after they bloom, no later than mid August, allowing time for the flower buds to form before winter. This new series has what growers and homeowners want. They only reach 1-3 feet in height and they get huge flower heads held on sturdy stems. After all, isn’t the flower everything when you want a hydrangea?

I mentioned the origin was Germany. Plant breeders Franz-Xaver and Konrad Rampp are credited with that, but Proven Winners Color Choice has the licensing. The series has 6 types that I know of. Cityline Berlin –Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Berlin Rabe’ pp# 10, 912 is the largest and fastest grower of the series. Rich, rosy-pink flower heads are accented with fresh green color and glossy, dark green leaves. Cityline Mars-Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Ramars’ has unique bi-colored flowers (pinkish-red and white). Again, large, showy blooms and excellent mildew resistance, the flowers take on an attractive green as they age in the summer. Cityline Paris-Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Paris Rapa’ pp# 10,906 also has monster flowers that emerge green and red, but mature to a dark pink-red. Cityline Rio-Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Raga’ has the best blue colored flowers with an attractive green eye as it’s opening and glossy foliage. Cityline Venice-Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Venice Raven’ pp# 10,928 has flowers that emerge green and fuchsia, but with acid soil or grown in a container, with a touch of aluminum sulfate, you can appreciate large blue flowers. Finally, Cityline Vienna-Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Vienna Rawi’ pp# 10,930 has thick stems with flowers emerging green, finishing a clear pink. Again, aluminum sulfate changes its outward appearances to blue.

Hardy to zone 5, the bloom time of these ornamentals is targeted from early summer to fall. These deciduous, Bigleaf beauties benefit from keeping them moist and do bloom on old wood. Full to partial sun is best for Cityline types and some protection from winter winds wouldn’t hurt. Amend your soil with peat moss, leaf mold or compost to ensure a great start. Previously noted, while each is a different shade of pink or blue, that is dependant upon the pH of your soil. I would not say that there is any significant fall color; rather the foliage simply holds its glossiness. But, who really cares about fall color when you have tidy, bundles of hydrangea spitting flowers all summer, held on thick stems. Today you have tons of hydrangeas to choose from, both historical and remontant. Your choice to accept these little wonders as any part of your garden will surely not disappoint. Your friends will think you are a great gardener with a green, pink or blue thumb. They don’t need to know you had a little help from Franz and Konrad. Oh, one last note, in Europe growth regulators are prohibited by growers. That being said, this in fact is a true dwarf series saying goodbye to the tired, floppy, weak-stemmed hydrangea and hello to the sturdy, tight hydrangea, free of chemicals.

From Doldrums To Delights

2010-03-13T13:27:00.000-08:00

Tulips, daffodils and forsythia have long been associated as being harbingers of spring. They are a welcome site after the doldrums of winter. However, these popular plant icons are not the only ones we have to look forward to. There are others out there that not only compliment the fore mentioned, but if used effectively, can extend your garden experience from early spring to late fall/early winter.

Cornus officinalis ‘Morris Arboretum’, the Japanese Cornel Dogwood, is a small tree or large shrub noted for its early yellow flowers in March. In fact, it is believed to flower one to two weeks earlier than the more popular Cornus mas, Corneliancherry Dogwood. Morris Arboretum’s claim to fame is that its flowers are abundant and extended over other varieties. The bark offers shades of grey, brown and orange and its handsome rounded outline lends itself well to a smaller garden footprint. A very durable, dense canopy of thick glossy leaves can withstand temperatures of about -20 Fahrenheit. Native to Japan and Korea, Morris Arboretum is very adaptable, but prefers well drained soils. Don’t forget to look for edible red drupes and purple-red foliage in the fall. Consider using this little gem in the foreground of your garden with a backdrop of some dark green Oriental Spruce, Picea orientalis. You will build texture and create layers in a small amount of space.

Mahonia aquifolium, the Oregon Grapeholly, also offers attributes throughout the year. This evergreen shrub grows comfortably to three to six feet tall and wide. Noticeable are its bright yellow flowers in late March/early April. Borne in clusters on erect stems, these slightly fragrant flowers appear on two to three inch racemes. The common name, Grape Holly, refers to dark blue fruits that appear from late summer through early winter, which resemble small grapes. A fan of moist, well drained soils, the biggest trick to this plants success is the protection from desiccating winds in the winter. This is crucial!! And if possible look for the cultivar “Orange Flame”. Boasting orange-bronze new foliage against darker green mature foliage is a plus for any gardener. Try to provide a bit more sun for this one though.

Conifers always seem to be forgotten when talking about garden excitement. They’re usually referred to only when talking about a proverbial hedge of “EVERGREENS’ or seen far too often dumped at the corner of a home as an inadequate anchor. How about one that offers four colors early in the spring? Picea bicolor “Howells Dwarf Tigertail” (bicolor spruce) is as exciting to a conifer lover as game seven of a subway World Series is to a sports fan. Where do I start? Perhaps the upward growing new shoots pushing through rose-purple buds. Or the bright silver-blue underside of the needle capped by green with hints of yellow on the most exposed branches. Almost every color is represented at one time or another on this conifer. By pruning out the main leader when young, you can maintain a flat topped, spreading conifer that will be well suited for any garden long term. As is true with most conifers, this one likes moist, well drained soil and sunshine. When possible try to tuck this one out of hot, late afternoon sun to enjoy its best color markings. Should you want a broad pyramidal tree, resist pruning the main leader and you will have a garden focal point that will offer you year round interest.

With property lots becoming increasingly smaller in New Jersey and gardening becoming one of the fastest growing hobbies, it is important not to be capricious in your plant selections as your choices will define your garden footprints. Using deciduous ornamentals, broadleaf evergreens and conifers are a great way to build color, texture and size in your landscape. And if the plants mentioned above just happen to be deer resistant, well that’s an extra bonus.

Just a Thought

2010-03-01T08:34:00.000-08:00

“Anheuser-Busch spent $534 million dollars for advertising in 1997 and in September of 1996, Anheuser-Busch debuted its Freshness Dating, or “Born On,” system. In an effort to provide fresh beer to the marketplace, Anheuser-Busch improved its distribution practices and reduced wholesale inventories. The lower inventory levels resulted in approximately $12 million in annual savings for Anheuser-Busch’s network of beer wholesalers through improved scheduling, lower transportation costs and reduced working capital requirements. The company also communicated its freshness advantage to consumers through a comprehensive marketing campaign, which included the “Born On” freshness dates.” What does all this have to do with gardening… not a lot, but it inspired me to come up with a concept that I offered, as a suggestion, to Monrovia Growers some years back during my stint on their retail council.

What if the horticulture industry, specifically the growers of nursery product, adopted the slogan “Born On” not to refer to freshness, but to identify when a plant was originally conceived. That is when a specific plant was grafted, started from seed, made from tissue culture or grown from a cutting. At times I feel there is a lack of appreciation for what it takes to grow and market a plant. Considerable efforts are undergone to grow premium plants successfully. The challenge of mass-producing a plant at an affordable price is a priority on every growers mind. Air layering, a method developed by the Chinese to produce roots on a stem, for more difficult plants to root, is an arduous task to say the least. Grafting is the process of connecting two different plants (scion wood to rootstock) so they grow as one. Anyone who has ever taken a grafting class knows the trials and tribulations of wrapping a rubber band around the graft only to find out months later the poor success rate you have as a novice. Most of the beautiful Japanese maples you see in a garden center for sale have been grafted. Did you know that it takes roughly 6-10 years to develop a Japanese maple substantial enough to have an immediate presence in the average residential landscape? Shade trees and flowering deciduous trees have a similar time frame. A 2-2.5” caliper tree has taken some 10-15 years to make itself available for purchase. Making the transition from cutting to harvested liner, waiting for the tree to build its roots, training the form of the tree, not to mention harvesting the finished product out of the field and getting it to its final destination is an impressive feat. Even the woody ornamentals i.e. Clethra (Summersweet), Itea (Virginia Sweetspire) and Buddleia (Butterfly bush) take 3-5 years to bring to market. Your perennials can take 1-2 years to develop, depending on the finished size and perhaps the most pedestrian plant of them all; Picea glauca ‘Conica’ (dwarf Alberta spruce) takes some 7 years to develop a 3-4 foot plant.

With all the effort it takes to develop our green friends, why are some so quick to neglect the attentions that these plants have had previously? You do not have to be an expert on fertilizing, pruning and plant health care to have continued success. Rather a simple education on watering, routine pruning and occasional fertilizing is usually more than enough. When you think about it, we take care of our children making sure we tend to all aspects of their development. We feed them, house them clothe them and every moment contribute to their cognitive development. Why do some buy a living plant and expect that they are immediately self-supportive? The expectation that any plant can survive on its own, immediately after purchase, without our help is just ignorant. Too much water is just as bad as too little water! When you purchase a plant today at your local garden center many have planting instructions and cultural information on them. Not to mention a picture of what the plant should become.

The time has come for there to be an appreciation for life. Plants help clean the air we breathe, reduce the compaction of soils, beautify our surroundings and help with our emotional stability. Perhaps if we too adopted a “Born on Dating” system, people would take notice of a plants age, respect the efforts it took to develop the plant acknowledging the need for food and water and be less likely to blame the plant for any shortcomings. After all, if the average foundation plant takes 5-10 years to develop that would put them in about the fifth or sixth grade.

“Resinous Exudations”

2010-01-01T09:02:00.000-08:00

Longing to write about this tree for some time, I find it timely to discuss the possibilities of a unique dwarf conifer. Now that the holidays are behind us what could be planted into our outdoor containers other than using the proverbial dwarf Alberta spruce (Picea glauca ‘Conica’)? As a garden center owner I am always astounded as to the number of DAS (dwarf Alberta spruce) we sell as an industry. Known to be problematic, a condominium for spider mites, water hogs and eager for full sun, most seem to be planted in containers far too small for their root systems and forced into cramped, unlit surroundings. Allow me to introduce a substitute… Bristlecone Pine (Pinus aristata).

Years ago, studying at Rutgers University, I had a plant identification class where I learned this tree for the first time. Pinus aristata is a five-needle type conifer (leaves borne 5 together) with an extremely slow growing habit. Bluish-green needles adorn a most picturesque character both in its adolescence and more mature years. The bark of a Bristlecone morphs from a smooth grey-green when it’s young to a more fissured, rust color as it matures. The needles are aromatic, but it’s the white dots commonly found along the needles that have always intrigued me. Resinous exudations (secreting a viscous marking through its pores) are markings that look like tiny sugar crystals sitting along the needles that many confuse as insect or fungal issues. These, in fact, are natural occurrences that quickly help to identify what type of tree you are looking at. Tolerant to dry soils, they make a great container plant for those who are remiss in their watering habits. While Bristlecone can obtain heights of 20-40 feet and are documented as one of the oldest living plants on earth, this dwarf conifer could survive in a planter almost indefinitely. Three to five foot plants can take the better part of 20 years to achieve. Native to the Southwestern United States, Pinus aristata has often been referred to as a Foxtail pine because of the bushy effect of its foliage.

As with any great plant this also has a few cultivars to be on the lookout for. ‘Sherwood Compacta’ is a plant I have, as a pair, welcoming guests as they approach our walkway. Even slower growing than the species, ‘Sherwood Compacta’ is a handsome, perfect little pyramid. Complete with small purple cones in the spring, it has “tightly packed tufts of medium-long, green needles with white undersides” (Iseli Nursery). Found and named by the late Oregon nurseryman Andy Sherwood, ‘Sherwood Compacta’ is a cultivar that can survive years in a contained area. ‘Formal Form’ is another Great Basin Bristlecone Pine that has a more narrow, uniform shape, which is larger than ‘Sherwood Compacta’ and smaller than ‘Blue Heron’. The needles are 1.5 inches long and radiate, as do the others, around the ascending branches. All are long-lived plants.

Speaking of longevity, as previously mentioned, Bristlecone’s are among the oldest living plants in the world. One such plant, “Methuselah”, is aptly named after Methuselah, the longest-lived person in the Bible. The tree is located in the “Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest in the White Mountains of eastern California, however, it’s precise location is undisclosed by the U.S. Forest Service to protect the tree from vandalism” ( Methuselah Walk. U.S. Forest Service/ Eastern Sierra Interpretive Association). Core samples were taken in 1957 and estimated the tree to be 4,789 years old then. It is the oldest known individual tree in the world and non-clonal organism still alive. Its estimated germination is 2832 BC! Considering that Bristlecone’s may only obtain an inch or so in diameter in the course of a century, you can appreciate the perseverance of such a tree. To clarify any confusion, the fore mentioned tree is categorized as Pinus longaeva. Pinus aristata, longaeva and balfouriana are all closely related species of Bristlecone pine. Cold temperatures, dry soils, high winds and shorter growing seasons all contribute to the stagnation of a Bristlecone’s development. As a result, the wood is quite dense and resinous creating a natural barrier for insects and fungi to penetrate.

Suitable for rock gardens, bonsai work, an entrance piece to a garden or an outstanding container plant, Pinus aristata can have many uses. Tolerant to dry soils, less likely to be invaded by spider mites and a slow grower are all reasons to consider this over the more pedestrian dwarf Alberta spruce. Not to mention the neat white spots you can stump your friends with when they think an insect is invading your tree. You know better!

Bold Vision

2009-12-01T09:00:00.000-08:00

The title of this article is a slight adaptation of Richard Hartlage’s book, Bold Visions for the Garden. Richard Hartlage is a garden designer, writer, lecturer and photographer who was trained in ornamental horticulture at North Carolina State University. Mr. Hartlage has “15 years in public gardening as superintendent of horticulture for the Morris County Park Commission where he directed horticulture at both Willowwood and Frelinghuysen Arboretums.” Today, he is an associate principal at AHBL, Inc., a planning and engineering firm located in Tacoma, Washington, managing the landscape architect division and woks with private and public clients around the country. Having had the fore mentioned book for several years and sharing his love for plants and bold textures in the garden, I recently had a few opportunities to visit some of his work as well as hear him lecture.

Stephen Schuckman, owner of First Mountain Arboriculture LLC, Certified Tree Expert and Consulting Municipal Arborist, my former boss and longtime friend invited my family to a gardening extravaganza in Nutley, New Jersey, which Steve manages. Richard Hartlage has been involved with designing these gardens for almost two decades. Two distinctly different gardens, across the street from one another; embrace style, color, texture and scale so flawlessly that they left me speechless. Couple these principles with some large-scale planters, artwork and interesting sculptures and you can begin to feel a sort of “grand theatrical gesture” going on. On one side of the street a smaller garden feels very cozy with several defined outdoor spaces. Colorful, tropical, vibrant, energetic and exciting are all words to describe this outdoor phenomenon. Soothing blue walls define the perimeter landscape. A hidden hot tub underneath a wooden patio area is just one example of a concealed space that awaits you at every turn. Passiflora, Colocasia, Coleus and Caladiums are all used in mass plantings, many of which are used as foundation plantings and ground cover. Across the street is a classical stroll garden with exciting twists and turns all on 2.3 acres. Hidden garden rooms, a clumping grove of bamboo (Fargesia rufa), geometric Hornbeams cut into rectangular pillars, a huge sweep, some 10,000, of Japanese Forest Grass (Hakonechloa), a huge hill of Liriope, named Mount Si, are just a few of the highlights awaiting the visitor. A feeling of privacy and ease immediately calms you as you leisurely walk this magnificent garden and stare at the nearly 180 outdoor art objects. Two highlights, for me, were the baboon garden and a mass planting of Rohdea japonica. A granite baboon sits peering through some tropical’s, at the foot of a bed, mass planted with dwarf Mondo Grass (Ophiopogon japonicus ‘Nanus’). Rohdea is a seldom seen, tough perennial with broad strap-like, evergreen leaves. Its appearance is exotic especially when the clumps of winter red berries appear. Hartlage was quick to point out, in his talk, that when designing, it’s not about what is rare, but rather what will work.

The following week I took my family on an outing to Willowwood Arboretum located in Chester Township. Anxious to see pages 30 and 31 of Hartlage’s book, Bold Visions for the Garden, it was, of course, better in person. An enormous meadow of little bluestem, a native grass to New Jersey, had a deliberate path carved through it. Another notable experience was an almost quadrant of these four trees: Dawn Redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides), Persian Parrotia (Parrotia persica), Osakazuki Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum ‘Osakazuki’) and an enormous Chinese Quince (Pseudocydonia sinensis), complete with mottled, colorful combinations of exfoliating bark, reminiscent of Chinese Elm. These four trees alone, situated so closely to one another was a sensory overload for me. Watching our two-year-old daughter cross a mossed bridge, through a bamboo grove and into the forest, exploring on her first hiking trip, relived childhood experiences for her parents. Another outstanding outing where Hartlage left his mark, softening the edges of our daily grind.

Growing up in Kentucky, Richard Hartlage was quick to point out his love for seasonal change. More fond of the deciduous, hardwood trees changing into their fall colors than he is a fan of the evergreens, his landscapes seem to be driven by artistic movement, defined spaces and large sweeps of plant material. His lecture at the Arsenal in Central Park was worth braving the elements that evening. A raw October evening with sleeting rain didn’t seem to stop his fans. The Metro Hort Group provided the forum and Richard Hartlage did not disappoint. I found Mr. Hartlage to be affable, gracious, witty, comical and forthright. His visions are quantum and his implementations are timeless. Clearly one of today’s best designers, Richard Hartlage gives credit to those who have inspired him, Gertrude Jekll, Topher Delaney and Roberto Burle-Marx as well as the contractors who implement his ideas. His words, which he so graciously wrote in my copy of Bold Visions for the Garden, sum it all up… garden with clarity and vision!

Name Dropping

2009-11-01T08:55:00.000-08:00

High above the clouds, sitting here at 36,000 feet I became inspired to write about my next article. My semi-annual trek across the country, in search of next year’s nursery stock, has me reminiscing about the colorful nomenclature often associated with the plants you purchase. And the need to understand some Latin and directing that specific vocabulary into everyday usage should not be seen as elitist, but rather as a more clear understanding of what it is you really want in your own garden. Let me explain!

Most of us know that the road to understanding the plant kingdom can be a bit daunting. Our high school science classes taught us all the order of living things. Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus and Species are words that may conjure up feelings of not being prepared for your scantron test. Remember those? Fortunately, to communicate, really communicate, at your independent garden centers you really only need to learn the last two. Genus and species, for most, are enough to narrow down the search. Take it one step further and you can get into cultivars. Why is this important? Because all blue spruce are not created equal! Understanding the “big three”, genus, species and cultivar brings you to a level of appreciation and understanding their differences. The individual generic (genus) or specific epithet (species name) is really not confusing once you break it down. Google a plant search for blue spruce cultivars and you’ll see what I mean. The name Picea pungens will keep coming up, reinforcing the genus and species. But what about all those names in single quotations? The colorful names of people and places, where did they come from?

Too many to ever list all of them, let’s talk about a few of the most popular. Picea pungens ‘Fat Albert’ was named, as you would imagine, after Bill Cosby’s cartoon character. Found in 1976 by Iseli Nursery in Oregon, ‘Fat Albert’ was chosen because it is “the fattest, bluest, most perfect BIG blue spruce grown”. Another popular plant that adorns many homes in New Jersey is Nellie Stevens holly (Ilex x ‘Nellie R. Stevens’). Who was Nellie Stevens? She was a school teacher and principal whose seed collection was almost lost forever. “Miss Nellie” as she was “affectionately called” collected seed in 1900 from the National Arboretum. Later it was found that the heritage of that collection was English holly (Ilex aquifolium) and Chinese holly (Ilex cornuta). Her seed collection was almost cut down in their later years, but was saved because of collaboration between Eunice Parsons Highley, Nellie Steven’s niece and Mr. and Mrs. Van Lennep. Mr. Van Lennep named the holly for Nellie Stevens and in 1967, some 25 years after Nellie Stevens death, her holly was registered with the American Holly society. The very popular, broadleaf, evergreen, southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora ‘Bracken’s Brown Beauty’) was chosen by Ray Bracken, a nurseryman whose locution was “if I do nothing else in my lifetime but leave the world a good tree, I’ve done something”. His magnolia was selected not only for its cold hardiness, -22 degrees Fahrenheit, but also for its fungal resistance, huge flowers and shade tolerance. Not to mention the fuzzy-brown undersides of the leaves. One of the most popular harbingers of spring, witchhazel, also has a famed name. Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Arnold Promise’ was selected by the Arnold Arboretum for its unique combination of fragrance of flowers and cold hardiness. Finally, someone in our own backyard discovered ‘Carol Mackie’ Daphne. Carol Mackie has been described as an amateur horticulturist who may very well have found the quintessential plant. In 1962 this past resident of New Jersey found a lovely variegated daphne with fragrant pale-pink flowers. Soon after, Daphne x burkwoodii ‘Carol Mackie’ became elevated to rock star status.

Understanding the “big three” leads you to asking better questions. Knowing that “cool cultivars” have been chosen for specific reasons should leave you asking the question… does the perfect plant exist. The answer is yes! If you want a bright blue spruce with a smaller habit suitable for a foundation planting, chances are it exists. There are reasons certain plants were selected and became marketable cultivars. They may have been selected for their prominent color markings, heavier flower production, glossier leaves, thicker stems or a more narrow habit. The point being, as your appreciation for plant material increases you can begin to select plants and take advantage of what others have found for you. Your garden, in turn, will begin to take on characteristics very specific to your own likings.

“The Father of American Landscape Architecture”

2009-10-01T08:51:00.000-07:00

Picking up where I left off last month… Frederick Law Olmsted. Touted as “the father of American landscape architecture”, Mr. Olmsted has left behind an impressive list of work. Born in Hartford, Connecticut in 1822, Olmsted had an auspicious career in journalism before his heightened success as a landscape architect. Aside from his most notable commissioned work, the Biltmore Estate in Ashville, North Carolina, Frederick Olmsted’s work is so long, that just listing them would surpass the word count requirement of this article. Highlights include the academic campuses of Lawrenceville School in Lawrenceville, New Jersey, Stanford University, Cornell University and Yale University to name a few. Other notable commissioned works include the Arnold Arboretum in Boston, Massachusetts, Branch Brook Park in Newark, New Jersey and the Niagara Reservation, now the Niagara Falls State Park. The point being that Olmsted was sought after everywhere and worked everywhere. His genius is undisputed and his contributions are numerous. However, with all that he had accomplished, New York’s Central Park, another of his creative works, is located virtually in our own backyard.

Embarrassed to admit this, growing up in New Jersey my parents routinely took my brother and me into New York City for various cultural events. Continuing those experiences as a young adult, it was not until my wife and I decided to take our daughter to the Central Park Zoo that I actually spent time in Central Park. Not dismissing the efforts of Frederick Law Olmsted, how could you, many give him sole credit for the park’s design. In fact, the English-born architect Calvert Vaux shares credit for the design. Olmsted and Vaux entered the design contest together and were pitted against Egbert Ludovicus Viele, a civil engineer and United States Representative. “The design of Central Park embodies Olmsted’s social consciousness and commitment to egalitarian ideals.” Olmsted believed that the common green space of Central Park should be equally accessible to all citizens. And what about that green space…where did it come from? The Greensward project, which was the plan that Olmsted and Vaux submitted for the now Central Park, was a parcel of land that was seen as undesirable. More than 700 acres, the land between Fifth and Eighth avenues and 59^th and 106^th streets, was acquired by the power of eminent domain. The project had irregular terrain and swamps and displaced some 1600 residents who lived in shanties.

While there were many besides Olmsted and Vaux who helped shape, design and maintain America’s first landscaped public park in the United States, Central Park had another person’s strong influence. Ignaz Pilat was an Austrian-born gardener who migrated to the United States and worked on design and planting of Central Park. Accomplishments include studying botany at the University of Vienna and obtaining a position at the Imperial Botanical Gardens of the Schonbrunn Palace in Vienna. It was here where Pilat acquired many of his skills. Ignaz Pilat has been credited for many of the plant choices seen throughout the park. A list so diverse it’s worth the Google search…trees of Central Park.

My family’s outing in Central Park was full of excitement! Standing inside the Central Park Zoo watching the Snow Monkeys through our daughter’s eyes was worth the price of admission. For me, standing behind that attraction with a sweep of Crape Myrtle in bloom gazing up at the rigid architecture of the city through a large mass of American Elm was awe inspiring. What a great place to have so close to home. Walking under the George Delacorte Music Clock on our way to the Tisch Children’s Zoo was another highlight. The park is filled with too many attractions to list here, but I will say this, when you build up an appetite walking through all its grandeur, don’t miss the Central Park Boathouse for lunch. The scenery and culinary treats will hold your attention.

Olmsted’s ideal to preserve areas of natural beauty for future public enjoyment is heard through his own words. “What artist so noble…as he who, with far-reaching conception of beauty, in designing power, sketches the outlines, writes the colors, and directs the shadows of a picture so great that Nature shall be employed upon it for generations, before the work he arranged for her shall realize his intentions.” Olmsted’s attempt to improve society is echoed in his work. His open spaces are seen as “places of harmony” where we can, even today, escape from the grind of our everyday lives to a more perfect place.

Road Trip

2009-09-01T08:47:00.000-07:00

One of my life’s ambitions has always been to drive across country. This past June I received a phone call from my nephew, Donovan, asking me to accompany him back home from his school, California Polytechnic State University. For those of you who don’t know Cal Poly, it is located in San Luis Obispo County which is equidistant between Los Angeles and San Francisco. Donovan just finished his second year studying landscape architecture and to say that curriculum is challenging is an understatement. An institution whose educational accentuation is “Learn By Doing” has thrust it to an elite status, particularly in his field. His appreciation and appetite for plant material is as aggressive and veracious as my own.

After landing in one of tiniest airports ever, San Luis Obispo, I was treated to an In-N-Out double burger experience (animal style), had a quick tour of his university and visited the Leaning Pine Arboretum located on his campus. Display gardens which included Mediterranean, Californian, New Zealand, South African and Chilean plantings were humbling and proved, yet again, that no one can ever know it all. Majestic Canary Island Date Palm’s (Phoenix canariensis) were not only present in the arboretum but also lined the street outside Cal Poly’s football stadium. This tree encapsulated my predisposed vision of what California landscape would be like. Boy was I wrong! While palm trees may be what most of us conjure up to be as the postcard experience, California in fact has plant hardiness zones from 5b-10b (USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map). That means they are colder than we are in parts of New Jersey and share Mediterranean climates as well. That’s a lot of plant diversity in one state.

Our trek took us from San Luis Obispo south to Los Angeles and finally heading east on the southern route. Along the way we passed Coastal Live Oaks (Quercus agrifolia) whose dominance in the landscape is noteworthy for its adaptability throughout widespread terrain. Native to the California Floristic Province, a biodiversity hotspot sharing a Mediterranean climate, this evergreen oak was gorgeous in all its forms found rolling across hillsides. One town in particular, Los Olivos, had quintessential examples of Coastal Live Oak and just weeks later was in the news as it was home to Michael Jackson and his Neverland Ranch. We found Serpentine rock; olive-green rock outcrops dotted along embankments which I was told by Donovan is toxic to many plants. High levels of nickel, chromium and cobalt prohibit many plants from growing. Chalk lettuce (Dudleya pulverulenta) however, is not one of those plants. Pushing forward posthaste, we found ourselves marveling at Joshua trees in the Mohave Desert. Not referencing the 1987 Irish rock band U2’s album, but rather the botanical wonder Joshua tree (Yucca brevifolia). Known to grow at elevations of 2-6,000 feet, Joshua trees grow naturally in the Mohave Desert and are part of the Agavaceae family, a family which includes some 550-600 species, including agave, yucca and Joshua trees. Able to reach heights of 15-40 feet, Yucca brevifolia allegedly can only be pollinated by the Yucca moth. Neither the moth nor the tree are said to be able to live without one another. It is said that the tree got its name from Mormon pioneers who crossed the Mohave Desert in the 19^th century. Their credence was the tree’s outline resembled the prophet Joshua holding his hands up in prayer. Others suggest it was a sign the prophet was waving them on. Growing at a blistering pace, by desert standards, of 3 inches a year for the first ten years and only 1.5 inches a year thereafter, you can begin to appreciate the tenacity of this beautiful tree. The trunk is made up of thousands of small fibers and lacks the annual, traditional “tree rings” we all remembering counting as kids. Joshua trees can live for hundreds of years with some specimens said to make a thousand.

Pushing through the micro climates of California we made our way to the Grand Canyon by sunset. An awesome experience to see shades of red, yellow and orange reflect off the canyon walls, we pressed on to Flagstaff, Arizona by day’s end. A brief visit to Meteor Crater outside Flagstaff, Arizona, the next day, provided us a glimpse of two of the most gorgeous Bristlecone Pines (Pinus aristata) you will ever see. We learned about petrified wood, which is nature’s way of making concrete. Buried wood through the ages has had water seep into decaying cavities with mineral matter until the outlined structure becomes solid stone. Adobe style architecture was framed with shining examples of Parry’s agave (Agave parryi) and the central plains states showed a preponderance of Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) that in reality was seen all across our southern route.

Ashville, North Carolina proved to be the highlight of the trip, however. For years I have heard and read about the famous Biltmore Estate. America’s largest home, a mere 175,000 square feet, is embedded within the picturesque mountains of North Carolina on some 8,000 acres. George Washington Vanderbilt II built the chateauesque style manor and welcomed his guests for the first time in 1895. While the sheer architecture and scope of this project is jaw dropping, for a self professed plant geek like me, it was the gardens that left me speechless. The ambition and fiscal ability to build such a property is one thing, but to have the foresight to surround yourself with some of the greatest minds of your time to ensure that future generations can appreciate your work is mind boggling. One such mind was the “father of American landscape architecture” Frederick Law Olmsted. Famous for another famous landscape, New York’s Central Park, Olmsted’s vision at the Biltmore Estate was not to satisfy the itch of that time, but rather allow Biltmore’s gardens the opportunity to grow and come to fruition some 100 years later. The Rampe Douce, French for a double staircase, the terrace, Italian Garden, Walled Garden, Conservatory and Bass Pond and Lagoon were all favorites. However, memories that I will never forget include swinging from a Japanese Plum Yew (Cephalotaxus), monkeying around in a grove of bamboo, standing inside an oriental spruce (Picea orientalis) admiring the bark of a tree standing some 100 feet and finally, appreciating a Red Vein Maple (Acer rufinerve) a tree I had never heard of. Yes, Olmsted is king!

From emerald green vineyards, turquoise blue ocean and amber fields of grain that San Luis Obispo afforded us at the onset of our trip, to the Adobe style architecture of Santa Fe, New Mexico, through the central plains states and finally to the east coast, there is a rich diversity of plant material afforded to all of us in our country. Passing through a modern marvel of interior landscape architecture on our trip, the Gaylord Opryland Hotel was impressive. However, you can’t dismiss the efforts of planning and allowing the natural beauty of what was there to grow. Our country is filled with botanical wonderment and awe inspiring landscapes. As my years pass I will no doubt remember the idea of the Prophet Joshua welcoming us to the Mohave Desert, but I’m sure to remember the ideals of George Vanderbilt II and Frederick Law Olmsted which I interpreted as honor your past, build thoughtfully for today and protect for the future.

A Landscape to DIY For

2009-08-01T08:45:00.000-07:00

Today’s television certainly has its variety. From the over the top “reality” shows to educational programs, there is something for everyone! And while we may feel frustrated at times, scanning endlessly to find something on TV, for most, we get at least some of our news, entertainment and education from this form of media. One such network which has become very popular is DIY Network. A channel devoted to home improvement projects, it offers step by step instruction that can teach a novice everything he or she needs to know, but also has quick tips, tricks and ideas for the expert. One of the fastest growing digital networks and currently in 50 million U.S. homes, DIY Network’s programming covers a broad range of categories, including home improvement and landscaping. DIY Network can also be seen internationally in 27 countries. This is BIG T.V.

One topic that has exploded in popularity over the years, on television, is landscaping. DIY Network has a new program called “King of Dirt”. Its host Gino Panaro has a passion for landscape design and prides himself on putting shovel to dirt before pen to paper. His ability to read terrain and vast experiences always deliver favorable results. The “King of Dirt” is showcased nationally and Gino’s Crew “views every property as special with its own potential areas for enhancement”.

This past June, the “King of Dirt” himself, Gino Panaro, swung by Hall’s Garden Center and Florist in Berkeley Heights and reached out to us for support on a local project. With over 30 years of experience, Gino and his crew have tackled everything from commercial projects for the New York Aquarium and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to landscaping and maintaining thousands of homes. To those familiar with the show, Gino proved to be the over-the-top, gregarious, animated and infectiously approachable person you see on T.V. This Brooklyn-born, self made guy comes at you head on with creative, out of the box thinking. In short, we all liked him from the start. His challenge, for this project, was to create a beautiful, residential landscape in deer country with an 11 foot grading issue. Creating a walkway, with steps, on that kind of a grade is tough enough. However, couple that with the fact that Gino doesn’t use computers and seldom draws out complicated designs, he doesn’t have to, and you can begin to understand this arduous task. Our portion of the project was to supply top notch plant material appropriate for the landscape.

The day of filming, Gina Panaro, Gino’s wife was introduced to all of us at Hall’s. Gina, another star of “King of Dirt’ walked around Hall’s Garden Center and shopped plants for the show. Again, they were planting in deer country, so the selections had to reflect that. Japanese Plum Yew (Cephalotaxus), Boxwoods (Buxus), Himalayan Sweetbox (Sarcococca) and variegated false holly (Osmanthus h. ‘Goshiki) were just a few of the foundation shrubs we choose. Vertical specimens selected to help punctuate the fore mentioned plants included Horstmann Blue Atlas Cedar for its more fastigiate habit and Weeping White Spruce (Picea glauca ‘Pendula’) as its outline seems to reach effortlessly into the sky, yet takes up a very small footprint. Cognizant of color, texture and size, we tried to select plants that would grow into a mature landscape using fewer types of plants, but more of them. Hence, big sweeps for a big impact. One plant that may not be as deer resistant as we would have liked was Orange Dream Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum ‘Orange Dream’). The yellow-orange marking this plant can offer seemed to leap out of the landscape and help frame the greens and blues of the other plants. Gina absolutely loved it and we do too. Gina was very gracious helping me acclimate to television. The stop and starts that are behind the scenes were something that took some getting used to. Jeremy Fertel, the series producer, was also patient and courteous with his direction.

Having never seen the project until after it was completed, I arrived as Gino’s Crew was cleaning up. The walkway more than satisfied the grading issues and the plants helped frame a beautiful home. All their efforts were performed meticulously. Ralph Panaro, Gino’s brother, completes the trio of stars for the show. His responsibilities include maintaining residential and commercial properties. He was the guy dotting all the I’s and crossing all the T’s, making sure everything was as it should be. Ralph attended Rutgers Cook College for two years and majored in Turf Care Management.

While Gino’s Crew was power washing the driveway, leaving no evidence that such a huge project was performed, Gino and I had a chance to talk shop. His philosophies and outlook on our green industry ran congruently with my own. He showed me a picture of the family we had all just worked for. In it was his skid steer, his crew and the homeowners. As he said, “this is what it’s all about”. Working together in our local community, doing honest work for good people helps create lasting impressions. In our field those impressions can be felt emotionally and can also be seen through our landscapes. Ours is a feel good industry, a hobby not a necessity. This is something we both never take for granted.

What punctuated the project, for me at least, were the kind words from the series producer, Jeremy Fertel and the homeowners. Expressing their “sincere gratitude for plant material of the highest quality” and being “blown away by the transformation” made it all worthwhile.

This was a unique project to be involved with from beginning to end. The homeowners wrote to the show asking for a makeover. They needed professionals in their corner and were willing for them to make most of the calls. With those kinds of privileges extended, the project was able to move swiftly and the results speak for themselves. Hall’s Garden Center and Florist would like to thank DIY Network and its entire team, Gina Panaro, Ralph Panaro, their entire crew as well as the “King of Dirt’ himself, Gino Panaro, for a wonderful opportunity. An opportunity that, very simply, helped build something positive hand in hand within our local community. Not sure when the actual air date is for this project, we are told it may be on T.V. as early as late summer or early fall. For those interested in learning more about the “King of Dirt’ or Gino’s Crew, you can log on to www.diynetwork.com/kingofdirt or go to www.ginoscrew.com.

Summer Planters

2009-07-01T08:44:00.000-07:00

Today everyone wants their dollar to go farther. Our current economic crisis has encouraged smarter buying habits, helped to rid ourselves of wasteful praxes while simultaneously grounding us to be more thoughtful consumers. We, as consumers want our money to be spent wisely and help contribute to our quality of life. Aside from our retirement funds, real estate holdings, stocks and bonds, which we all worry about, there is that little bit of disposable income we use to enhance our quality of life.

What moves and inspires us is what we spend our money on. Whether it’s visiting a museum, going to dinner, listening to a concert or watching a ball game, we simply want to enjoy and surround ourselves with pleasant experiences. What could be more beautiful and inspiring than summer color in your planters?

Your imagination is your only limitation! The days of Italian clay pottery filled with a dracaena spike, surrounded with simple begonias or impatiens has been replaced. Today, vibrant colors can leap out of our landscapes, inspiring us to be bold and use nature’s assortment of colors and textures. Imagine this summer if you chose a cobalt blue, canary yellow or raspberry red container and filled it with something playful. The use of pottery in and around our homes helps add dimension to our landscapes. The simple act of incorporating one of these rich colors by a front door, within the mulched bed of your home can seem like a piece of sculpture. The advantage we have, as gardeners, is that our container plants continue to grow throughout the season. Hence, they take on a sort of living sculpture quality which can be changed as little as every season or as often as every month.

Consider, if you will, the use of ornamental grasses in your planters. Playful movement with rich color and interesting textures will help amplify bold pottery colors. Sweeping movement is guaranteed everyday from these low maintenance plants. Carex buchananii (Fox Red Curley Sedge) is a gorgeous, colorful sedge grass. Stunning clumps of reddish-bronze make this evergreen perennial a great choice with its fine texture. Cortaderia selloana ‘Pumila’ (Ivory Feathers Dwarf Pampas Grass) is well suited for smaller spaces. This clumping grass has rich, vibrant, narrow green foliage with huge, white plumes held on top. The texture of the leaves however suggests a thickness not often seen in grasses. Drought and wind tolerant, there is virtually no maintenance with this one. Elymus arenarius ‘Blue Dune’ is perhaps the most striking blue grass you will come across. Silver-blue foliage shines in just about any landscape. Very erect, full blades only grow to about two feet. The flowers however are held another foot higher than the foliage. This is a texture and color I simply can’t live without. Cautioned by friends and colleagues in the industry, I used this plant in mass in our own landscape. Touted as a grass which “spreads indefinitely”, I created a huge outdoor planter within a mulched bed. Backed with the broadleaf evergreen Buxus sempervirens (common boxwood) I trenched in a bamboo barrier some thirty inches deep to control its spread. So far so good! Muhlenbergia capillaris ‘Lenca’ (Regal Mist Pink Muhly) has glossy green leaves and feathery pinkish-red plumes in late summer. For those of you who like yellow, consider Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’ (Japanese Forest Grass). Slender stems suspend bright yellow foliage with a thin green stripe suggesting an almost bamboo like feel. Useful as a border shrub in shade to filtered light, Japanese Forest Grass looks stunning dripping over the outer edges of one of those brightly colored pots suggested earlier. Finally, let’s not forget the Phormiums! I’m talking about New Zealand Flax. Such playful nomenclature as ‘Evening Glow’, ‘Platt’s Black’, ‘Rainbow Chief’, and ‘Tiny Tiger’ provide most colors of the rainbow. This series of plants has been used by designers to create outstanding architectural lines. This is simplicity at its best.

The argument may be that some of these are not cold hardy. To that I say this…for the minimal cost of these beautiful grasses and phormiums; you could enjoy their beauty for the better part of half the year. A far better return than the cost of an entrée out at a restaurant, a beer and a hot dog, not to mention parking at a sporting event or the price of a single concert ticket. Those experiences will no doubt leave you fulfilled, but your outdoor garden can feed your soul year round.

Cotton Candy This Fall?

2009-06-01T08:42:00.000-07:00

Often I get up on my soapbox and preach about planting trees that are too big in areas that are too small. Maples, ash, oaks and beech which are planted under power lines or up against buildings, depriving them of their potential growth. Norway Spruce, White Pines, Douglas Fir and most notably Leyland Cypress planted 5 feet apart from one another to create a wind screen or privacy hedge. Wrong, wrong, wrong!! While these are all beautiful trees, they have a place where they belong. Planting any of these too close to one another or up against a building or home will lead to manmade augmentation of something that is naturally beautiful. What’s worse is that far too often these plants become butchered by sub standard pruning practices often going to the lowest bidder or an overzealous “weekend warrior.” Enough about this though! With enough real estate, time and a little patience, you have a huge palate afforded to you as to what specimen you would like to fill the void. For me it was Katsuratree, Cercidiphyllum japonicum.

Years ago I had the good fortune of visiting the Bloedel Reserve. I have made reference to this gorgeous sanctuary before, but such an inspirational piece of landscape bears repeating. The Bloedel Reserve is located on Bainbridge Island in Washington State. Specifically, on the north end, this former residential estate is now run by The Arbor Fund. 150 acres of specialty gardens and second growth forest will leave you inspired and eager to run home and garden. Among the French architecture and European style gardens, stood a specimen of such grandeur that I had to find a place on my property for one.

Right in the middle of our front lawn, far away from any structured boundary, is our Katsuratree. Flanked by a wave of Foerster’s Feather Reed Grass, Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’, on the west side of our property sits our “will be” giant. I mention the west side of the property because while we installed a good size specimen, it will continue to grow to some 40 to 50 feet tall and 20-30 feet wide. Already diffusing sunlight into our dining room towards the end of the day, sitting in that room full of windows, leaves us with breathtaking views all year long. Native to China and Japan, Katsuratree is hardy from zones 4-8. Notable to mention is that our front lawn seemed to remain slightly damp after heavy rains, perfect for Katsura as they require a bit more water early on to establish. As this majestic, deciduous tree develops, a dense, pyramidal outline of bluish-green foliage is visible all summer long. Prior to this, in early spring, the leaves emerge tinged in a purplish-red and finish with yellows and apricot markings in the fall. Eagerly, I wait this fall for what many have likened the falling foliage to, a spicy cinnamon, burnt sugar, ripe apples or cotton candy smell. To date, ours has not produced such a culinary odor, but I am hopeful. One other note about the leaves is that they are similar in form to that of Redbud, in that they are somewhat round to heart-shaped. While tolerant to a number of soils, Katsura prefers moist, well drained ones. Finally, the bark is a great winter interest feature. Initially, the bark is quite smooth with fairly prominent lenticels “a small corky spot on young bark made up of loosely packed cells, providing gaseous exchange between the inner tissues and the atmosphere”, (Manual of Woody Landscape Plants, Michael Dirr, however, with time, develops into rather handsome, brown, shaggy bark splitting into thin curling strips.

Here are a few cultivars to be on the look out for. ‘Heronswood Globe’ is a perfect, small, globe-shaped tree. Fall markings include creamy-yellows and pinks and should finish nicely around 15 feet. We have Heronswood Nursery in Kingston, Washington to thank for this beauty. ‘Rotfuchs’, Red Fox in German, is in our yard separating us from our neighbors. Incredible, dark purple leaves emerge in the spring and eventually digresses to a purple-glaucous blue. Defined by its very narrow, upright habit, the foliage has a coarse, eucalyptus-like feel to it.

This ancient genus has survived for millions of years. With little known pests or problems, Katsura is destined to become a huge tree over time. Patiently, I wait for the fall scent, outstanding color markings of apricot and yellow, and perhaps the purples and reds which some have noted as well.

Is There Ink (Enk) in Your Garden?

2009-05-01T08:41:00.000-07:00

Years ago, when I became engaged, my best man Jan Mihalek asked me what kind of bachelor party I wanted. In lieu of the traditional night of debauchery, he offered a week in Europe watching European club soccer matches. Both graduates of Rutgers University and past members of their soccer team, we headed for Europe. Before taking the hydrofoil across the Oresund Sea or “the Sound” (which connects the Baltic Sea with the Kattegat Straight) to Malmo, Sweden we had some time and visited Tivoli Garden in Kobenhavn or Copenhagen, Denmark. Knowing, even then, of my admiration for both flora and fauna, Jan set some time aside in our schedule and introduced me to Tivoli. Tivoli Gardens, for those who don’t know, is unlike any amusement park you have ever seen. Steeped in history, over a century and a half old, it is a true life fairy tale. Walt Disney visited Tivoli in 1958 and used the experience as inspiration for Disneyland. It is everything you would expect an amusement park to be. Roller coasters and eateries are plentiful, but around those corners lies the tranquility of old gardens. One plant that still sticks out in my mind that I saw there is Enkianthus campanulatus.

Enkianthus’s botanical name is also widely accepted as a common name. A deciduous ornamental, Enkianthus is an upright shrub which reaches heights of 6-15 feet. Planting distances from one another should be 4-6 feet apart. A refined, elegant plant, Enkianthus is a gorgeous woodland plant which lends itself well as a single specimen, is useful in small groupings and mixes well with other ericaceous plants. You could train it as a small tree if you were so inclined and appreciate its seasonal attributes, of which there are plenty. Similar conditions that rhododendron and azaleas enjoy, so too will your Enkianthus. Cool, moist soils which are acidic make this plant feel right at home. The flowers are what most rave about, however. Small, bell-shaped, creamy-yellow flowers with red veins are something to marvel at in May and June. These flowers are held in pendulous clusters and while they seem dainty, this is one durable plant. There are few pests associated with Enkianthus, although scale and spider mites have been reported in hot locations. The fall color can be random, but yellows, oranges and reds are something to look for. Often when I see Enkianthus with fall color I am reminded of Parrotia persica’s (Persian Parrotia or Ironwood) fall color. Always inconsistent, but something to seek out, no two plants have the same fall markings.

The fact that most Enkianthus are seed-grown, thus contributing to inconsistencies with fall color and flowers has led to selected clones, or cultivars, and their apparent stability. ‘Red Bells’ is probably the most common cultivar found in independent garden centers. With consistent flower color, ‘Red Bells’ has its flower tips dipped in red and the fall color is a reliable red. Overall heights for this cultivar are far smaller than the species, thus making it ideal for smaller landscapes. ‘Renoir’, named by Rob Nicholson formerly of the Arnold Arboretum, has exciting creamy-yellow flowers with purplish veins in May. Bright oranges, yellows and reds are more consistent throughout than the species. ‘Jan Iseli Pink’ has “colossal clusters of pink, cup-shaped flowers that droop from slender branches” (Iseli Nursery). A kaleidoscope of colors, shades from yellow to red, is always seen in the fall. “Jean Iseli Red’, as you would imagine, has red flowers and a remarkable deep red fall color. Finally, ‘Sikokianus’ is widely considered to be the darkest flowered Enkianthus. Maroon flower buds open to brick-red flowers. Difficult to procure, but worth the effort, this and any of the above cultivars will offer color and versatility to your garden.

Georg Carstensen, the founder of Tivoli Gardens said in 1844: “Tivoli will never, so to speak, be finished,” a sentiment echoed just over a century later when Walt Disney said of his own Tivoli-inspired theme park, “Disneyland will never be finished as long as there is imagination left in the world” (welcome-to-my-copenhagen.com). I share, in part, this sentiment in that the botanical journey I am on will also never be finished. Profoundly humbling, there are simply too many plants and not enough time. New cultivars come out every day. The imagination and efforts from those past and present will always leave me inspired to create new and exciting gardens.

The Unfolding of Spring

2009-04-01T08:39:00.001-07:00

After months of looking at snow and ice and weathering below average temperatures, spring has finally arrived. Spectacular color is once again here to enhance our landscapes, brighten our smiles and warm our emotional sides. While of course we have the crocus, daffodils, tulips and the pedestrian forsythia to admire, a series of plants which I eagerly await is Japanese maples.

Aside from the sensational colors Japanese maples can afford you in the landscape, they are extremely versatile as well. Far too often larger trees, the likes of maple, oak, ash, beech, birch, katsura and zelkova, are planted within a few feet of residential and commercial housing. Whether it is underestimating the potential of these majestic beauties or being swayed by price at time of purchase, one thing is clear, not enough homework was done before making the purchase. Deciduous ornamental trees (those who lose their leaves in the winter) are divided into small, medium and large groups. The largest of this group of trees has average heights of 50 feet and larger. Medium, deciduous trees generally grow between 30-50 feet while smaller trees finish nicely between 15 and 30 feet. Considering the parcels of residential space that most have in New Jersey, 15-30 foot trees are more than sufficient.

Outstanding spring and fall color markings, interesting bark and of course those winter silhouettes punctuated by their unique skeletal patterns are all features to look forward to. More to the point, it is now that buds are swelling and those tiny leaves are unfolding, ready to put on their spring show. While Japanese maples is a huge, diverse group of plants, here is just a smattering of some exciting spring colored ones which should be easy to procure. All are smaller deciduous types.

Still showing off from last fall is Coral Bark Maple, Acer palmatum ‘Sango Kaku’. Coral Bark’s bark becomes punctuated as the temperatures begin to drop. Fiery, coral- red bark is evident from Halloween through Mother’s Day. In addition, their soft, green leaves are a bold contrast to its bark for more than half the year. Finally, the fall color matches the Halloween theme as its foliage turns an orange-gold color. Acer palmatum ‘Emeror 1’, ‘Fireglow’ and ‘Twombly’s Red Sentinel’ are all palmate types ( the leaflets or lobes radiate from the base of a leaf appearing more fan-like) and have better red markings. Not to be confused with dissected types where the lobes are divided into narrow, more slender segments like fringe. ‘Emperor 1’ leafs out a deep purple and retains its color even when our heat index rises; which stresses other types. ‘Fireglow’ has five to seven lobes which are a dark wine-red. Raised in Italy and named in the Netherlands, it too keeps its color in the warmer summer months. ‘Twombly’s Red Sentinel’ is the fastigiate type of the three having a husky, columnar appearance. Deep red color, all season long, is held on “numerous apically dominant branches” (Iseli Nursery). A highlight of this plant, found by Ken Twombly of Connecticut, is its deep blood-red branches in the winter. Acer palmatum ‘Orange Dream’, a personal favorite in our garden, is unique in both form and color. Orange-yellow foliage emerges in the spring which is held over bright green bark. Again, raised in Italy by Fratelli Gilardelli, a company and tradition that has been around since 1800. Two variegated types to be on the lookout for this spring are ‘Acer palmatum Butterfly’ and ‘Ukigumo’. ‘Butterfly’ is a vase-shaped tree whose small, dainty leaves emerge blue-green with white margins tinged with pink. ‘Ukigumo’, known as the “Floating Cloud Maple”, has bright white variegation backed by light green. Also known for having pink tinges, this one is a real show stopper. Finally, Acer palmatum ‘Tsuma gaki’ has chartreuse foliage dipped in red. As the months progress so do the red margins becoming more prominent with a light cream center. Incidentally, Tsuma gaki means red nail.

Japanese maples make outstanding container garden plants. Surprisingly hardy and capable of producing year round interest, consider using them in your existing landscapes. Imagine ‘Twombly’s Red Sentinel’ or ‘Sango Kaku’ in a cobalt blue planter dumped into your existing perennial beds to be enjoyed all summer long. Move the same planter to your backyard on a deck or patio for a whole new feel in the winter. These portable gardens of living sculpture are fun, add great highlights to your garden and are low maintenance.

Paperbush

2009-03-01T08:38:00.000-08:00

One of the more exciting opportunities afforded to me during the winter is going to tradeshows. After the holidays and before the anticipated explosion of springs arrival sits a few months of down time. It is now that opportunities can be taken advantage of. One of the largest trade shows for the industry took place last month in Baltimore, Maryland. The Mid-Atlantic Nursery Trade Show (MANTS) is a who’s who of the industry. New products, both green goods and hard goods, and seminars are both teeming. Often I am asked what new products or plants were at the show. This year, one plant that stood out for me, was one that I had forgotten about until now.

I could smell the plant seconds before I found it in the trade show aisle. Paperbush, Edgeworthia chrysantha, typically is sought after in warmer climates. Listed academically as a zone 7 (possibly 6b), Paperbush has reports of surviving slightly below 0 degree temperatures. A genus of two or three species in the Thymelaeaceae family, it is related to Daphne and Dirca palustris (leatherwood). Curiously, if you have ever touched or played with the stems of Daphne, you may have noticed that they are so pliable, you can sometimes tie them into knots. The same holds true for this harbinger of spring. Thus its nickname “knot plant”. A native to the Szechuan province in China, Edgeworthia has been used to manufacture high quality paper as well as for medicinal purposes.

Aside from it being a very curious, weird or academic test for collectors, Paperbush has several attributes lending itself well to year round gardening. The most obvious are its flowers. In the fall/winter, large clusters of tubular buds, held in 1” long umbels (resembling the stays of an umbrella) appear. The outside of these tubes are coated with white silky hairs. During the dead of winter, February and March, these large, terminal clusters begin to open and develop into a butter-yellow tubular flower. Granted, each tube on its own is not that impressive. However, when you bundle them up, a gorgeous round ball of butter covered popcorn appears. The scent of these flowers is amazingly fragrant, often compared to gardenia, only spicier. Expect 3-4 weeks on intense color and fragrance. Looking at the specimens at the trade show, I could not help but think the flowers themselves, in their different stages of development, looked somewhere between that of Wheel-Tree Trochodendron aralioides and Callery Pear Pyrus calleryana. Another winter interest feature, appropriate for this time of year, is its bark. A reddish-brown color is said to have an unusual odor when bruised. As of yet, I can not comment on the fore mentioned. Edgeworthia’s leaves are a medium blue-green, in the spring and summer, oval in shape, with rich shades of yellow fall color. Finally, purplish-green drupes (fruits) are reported, but seldom seen.

Paperbush benefits from well drained, humus enriched soils. Partial shade and almost more than adequate water is recommended. While Edgeworthia can handle full sun, it is important to note that Paperbush grows natively along streambeds and in forests. In short, growing Edgeworthia would be similar to growing ericaceous plant like rhododendron, wintergreen or mountain laurel. Expect heights of 4 to 6 feet tall and wide at maturity. For best results, site this deciduous beauty in a protected area away from windy areas. Paperbush makes a great specimen, is elegant when massed in a woodland setting or can be very effective as part of a mixed shrub border. Red flower types are available however; it can sometimes be a chore just finding Edgeworthia let alone red flower types.

Named after Michael Pakenham Edgeworth (1812-1881) who was a botanist, plant collector and employee for the East India Company, Paperbush is a welcome sight in the doldrums of winter. If you are concerned about the “hardiness” of the plant, you could always consider container gardening. Keeping your Edgeworthia in a container gives you flexibility of bringing it indoors during a harsh winter. What a pleasant surprise you will have next winter…sweet, fragrant, beautiful flowers held terminally on the tips on a deciduous shrub will wet your appetite for spring’s arrival.

Leather Leaves

2009-02-01T08:36:00.000-08:00

Several years ago, while attending a trade show, I was asked what some of my favorite plants were. My immediate response was evergreen or deciduous? The question asked by my friends and colleagues led me to two envisaging truths about myself. One, as a self proclaimed “tree-hugger”, there are far too many plants that I admire. Two, my somewhat obsessive compulsive tendencies had to be put to use immediately, and an excel spreadsheet had to be formed. To date there are some 400+ favorite plants on this spreadsheet. And while the list has grown over the years, some plants coming off the list too, there is one that has always been on the list. Leatherleaf viburnum, Viburnum rhytidophyllum, has such extreme versatility and beauty that it has potential in almost any landscape.

Michael Dirr’s biblical publication, Manuel of Woody Landscape Plants, describes the texture of Viburnum rhytidophyllum as “coarse throughout the year.” There seems to be some incredulity as to the evergreen merits of this plant however. I have found, over the years in retail, that consumers who have Viburnum x rhytidophylloides (Lantanaphyllum Viburnum) believe this to be Leatherleaf viburnum. In fact, this is a cross between V. lantana and V. rhytidophyllum. While it too has coriaceous foliage, it is not a “True Leatherleaf.” Not dismissing the potential of this group by any means, there is simply a difference.

Perhaps not as easy to procure as other viburnum, Leatherleaf viburnum is well worth the effort. Hardy to -15F it is truly a plant for all seasons. As I sit here writing this article in late December I am looking outside at a mass of Viburnum ‘Cree’ which are entirely evergreen. A cultivar selected from the U.S. National Arboretum, ‘Cree’ has all of the famed attributes of V. rhytidophyllum but this cultivar is a tad more compact and arguably more cold hardy. So what are these attributes which should make this plant so coveted? In the spring, mid May, slightly fragrant, yellowish-white flowers are borne. Expect large masses routinely as this and many other viburnum can be grown with ease. Large, dark, lustrous, leathery green leaves are a spectacular backdrop to showcase these flowers. Incidentally, the backside of these leaves is a grayish-brown tomentose (closely covered with down or matted hair with a felt-like texture). September through December you can expect heavy amounts of red fruit. Oval drupes morph from red to black as the season progresses. There is much truth that having different clones close to one another produces more prolific fruit. Other favorable attributes include their ability to adapt not only to soil, but to lighting conditions as well. I have seen Leatherleaf do phenomenally well in both full sun and extreme shade. Last but not least, for the time being they seem to be deer resistant too! This equation is constantly changing since the more educated consumers become about deer resistant plants the less of a selection deer have. That being said, the Viburnum ‘Cree’ in our backyard have not been touched to date.

Viburnum in general can and should be used for mass planting or as a single specimen. Far too often plants are used inappropriately. Spruce, pine and Leyland Cypress are being jammed against one another to create quick screens. Consider this, Leatherleaf Viburnum reaches heights of 10-15 feet tall with a similar spread. That’s roughly the size of a basketball hoop. Unless Michael Jordan is stopping by, most will not see over the tops of this plant.

Cool cultivars to seek out this spring include the following. ‘Green Trump’, introduced from Holland, is a wonderful compact form suitable for smaller footprints. ‘Cree’, mentioned earlier, is more compact than the species and the foliage on ours does not curl even in the coldest temperatures in central Jersey. ‘Roseum’ has pink flower buds which open yellowish-white. While these are all “True Leatherleaf” varieties I would be remiss if I didn’t mention another popular viburnum which is readily available. Viburnum x pragense (Prague Viburnum) has, in part, the parentage of Leatherleaf but was crossed with V. utile (Service Viburnum). Quick growing with pink flower buds, Prague Viburnum was found in Prague during the 1950’s, the capital of what was once Czechoslovakia.

Native to China, Leatherleaf Viburnum is among some two hundred+ species. Viburnums provide year round interest with their flowers, fruit and fall color with the deciduous types. They are a food source for song birds in the winter and in general very easy to grow.

Winter Gardens

2009-01-01T08:22:00.000-08:00

Between the outstanding fall colors of deciduous trees and the early spring blooms of Cherries, Magnolia and Forsythia there, sometimes, is a perceived notion that nature is on hold. Winter doldrums can get the best of us, leaving us longing for the arrival of spring. The truth is there is so much to appreciate in the calm of winter that simply cannot be seen any other time of year. Couple this with an occasional white background and gardening takes on a whole new appreciation.

Certainly walking around your yard or neighborhood you can find some outstanding trees to look at. However, visiting arboretums and gardens often guarantees you and up close and personal look at specimens which have taken years to become. There is a quite calm walking around these gardens this time of year which is only broken up by the crunch of the ground as you walk across mulched beds.

There are several unique gardens to look at this time of year and all are in close proximity. Reeves-Reed Arboretum in Summit, New Jersey is a “suburban conservancy dedicated to environmental and horticultural education for children and adults and to the enjoyment of nature through the professional care and preservation of a historic country estate.” Their sunken garden is a personal favorite of mine but equally exciting this time of year is their winter interest garden. You can test your horticultural skills by identifying bark, berries and the occasional flower. Let’s not forget their European Beech (Elephant tree) aptly named for its bark which resembles that of an elephant’s skin. All this is worth the trip however, make it a point to revisit the arboretum in the early spring for the daffodil bowl….trust me.

The Cross Estate Gardens in Bernardsville, New Jersey has characteristics of the Arts and Crafts period. Interesting year round attractions include their Silver Maple and Chinese Sequoia. Their wisteria-covered pergola, typically brings visitors in the spring and summer, has fantastic structure and lines this time of year to admire. In addition to the formal and native gardens, “the grounds of the Cross Estate provide hiking trails that connect to trails in the Jockey Hollow, Lewis Morris Park, and the Scherman-Hoffman Wildlife Conservancy.”

The Leonard J. Buck Garden in Far Hills, New Jersey is one of the premier rock gardens in the eastern United States. Donated to the Somerset County Park Commission by Mrs. Helen Buck in 1976, the gardens are situated in a 33 acre wooded stream valley among some of the most coveted real estate in New Jersey. A naturalistic garden, the large rock outcroppings are clearly visible in the winter months showcasing rare and exotic rock garden plants.

The Rutgers Gardens in New Brunswick, New Jersey I may be somewhat biased to. A graduate of Rutgers University some years ago, this garden is a collection of gardens which spread over some 50 acres. Highlights include the largest collection of American Hollies in the world, a Shade Tree Collection, the Roy H. De Boer Evergreen Collection (anyone who has ever taken a class of his at Rutgers could never forget him), the Ornamental Tree Collection and a Bamboo Forest to name a few. Their ornamental tree collection alone is enough to entice visitors in the colder winter months. The state’s largest Paperbark Maple (Acer griseum) and their Kousa Dogwood (patches) both have exfoliating bark and are two of the nicest specimens you will ever see.

Finally, The New York Botanical Gardens in the Bronx, New York is one of the most awe inspiring gardens I have ever been to. The famed Enid A. Haupt Conservatory is the man made structural staple that most remember. Too many gardens to list, there are two formidable trees which I can never forget from here. The first, Persian Ironwood (Parrotia persica) is a tree indigenous to Iran and has a most dramatic bark appeal. Showcasing colors of gray, green, white and brown the bark reminds me of that of Pinus bungeana (Lacebark Pine). Taking considerable time to have this as a characteristic, you can imagine its age. Second is a stand of Tanyosho Pines (Pinus densiflora ‘Umbraculifera’). These shrub-like multi-trunk trees have the most beautiful orange to orange-red markings with a touch of gray at the base. The bark becomes fissured into oblong plates with age. This stand of trees is no less than 25 feet tall.

Now I know much of this can be lost to a non plant person. But, if you have some time this winter try visiting one of these tranquil places. Who knows you may become a tree-hugger after all.

Maritime Colours

2008-12-01T13:08:00.000-08:00

October of this year I had an opportunity to take something off my life to do list. Retail, seasonal businesses, sometimes do not allow you certain chances that others may take for granted. A life experience that I have wanted to do for a number of years was see the seasonal fall color of the northeast. One would think that being around trees and shrubs for most of my life would have satisfied that itch years ago. The truth is fall is a great time of year to plant and Halloween sales are a huge part of our business. Suffice to say, my wife convinced me to stop and smell the roses or in this case stop and watch the foliage.

Our cruise line, Royal Caribbean, departed from Cape Liberty, Bayonne, New Jersey and headed north up the Atlantic channel towards Sydney, Nova Scotia. And while we were way off the coast and could not see any color in New England, our first port of call more than made up for it. Sydney’s historic background starts in 1785 and was once filled with Steel and Coal Mills as principal parts of industry. First Nations Mi’kmaq people, aboriginal inhabitants of Cape Breton had a picturesque coastline dotted with native maple trees to admire. Strong hues of orange, red and yellow welcomed our cruise ship as it entered port. Easy to identify were the Red and Sugar maples, whose bold markings acted like a beacon early in the morning mist. Other notable trees whose presences could not be overlooked included Hornbeam, Sumac, Dogwood, Hawthorne, Sassafras, Gums, Birch, Witchhazel, Mountain Ash and the occasional Pawpaw. All of these trees benefitted from the strong, rich green background of Cedar, Cypress, Juniper, Yew and White Spruce, almost lifting them from the canvas.

Next stop on our itinerary was Charlottetown Seaport, Prince Edward Island (PEI). Canada’s smallest province is home to, arguably, one of their largest tourist attractions. Green Gables in Cavendish, PEI is home to what inspired Lucy Maud Montgomery’s work Anne of Green Gables novel in 1904. Not knowing the work myself, I now have an appreciation for what she did and whom she has touched. Honestly, however, I was more moved by the gardens which surrounded this magical farmhouse. Prior to entering the actual farmhouse area, off on the hillside is an enormous, two needle, windswept pine who’s character looks like a giant bonsai. Around the farmhouse itself are stunning raised garden beds spilling over with annual color of dahlias and cosmos. Supporting these annuals, adding structural integrity, are Hydrangea, Red Twig Dogwood, Sumac and Virginia Creeper. Most notably was the Virginia creeper whose small forked tendrils gripped the existing gateway showing off its intense deep red to burgundy fall color. Combinations of deciduous ornamentals and annual color were not to be outdone, as the perennial sweeps of Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ and large, quilted blue-green hosta helped to punctuate the landscape.

Along route to our next destination we hugged the coastline, passed the Dunelands whose coastline of brownish-red soil met seamlessly with the arctic blue waters. PEI’s soil is a sandy, loam mixture, virtually stone free and well drained. And while there is more than their fair share of potato farms on the island, I could not help but reflect on the soils actual color and compare it to that of a rich Burgundy wine, clearly the oenophile in me talking. Our last stop for this day was to the famous Prince Edward Island Preserve Company. Bruce and Shirley McNaughton purchased the building in 1987 and began an incredible adventure. Truly a success, these two people have not only built a world class reputation in the culinary world but have also learned that giving back is the greatest reward. On the premises is their Country Gardens, a 12 acre nature reserve. Their garden acts as a haven giving itself to those less fortunate. Country Gardens Foundation of Hope and Hospice Palliative Care Association of PEI works to support the terminally ill. This scenic property along the River Clyde in New Glasgow is peaceful and chock full of flora, fauna and water gardens. The McNaughton’s are true humanitarians and should inspire us all to be so thoughtful.

The highlight of the trip, at least for me, was traveling down the Saguenay River on our way to Quebec. At the mouth of the Saguenay Fjord, where the Tadoussac Bay and Saint Lawrence River meet, stands the famous Hotel Tadoussac, a landmark resort east of Quebec City. It was close to here that whales greeted our ship. Not to be outdone were the two majestic slopes speckled with maples, white spruce and Balsam Fir on either side of our vessel. These brilliant colours seemed to disappear into the rugged, rocky coastline.

While Quebec City was rich in history, home to another famous hotel, Le Chateau Frontenac, and had some of the most inspiring landscapes I have seen, it was the Halifax Public Gardens that caught my attention on our next day’s journey. Begun by the Nova Scotia Horticultural Society in 1836, these are an impressive, formal, Victorian garden. And despite the efforts of Hurricane Juan in 2003, the gardens are still an impressive sight. At the center stands a gazebo built to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria in 1887. There stands an impressive oak tree planted by His Majesty King George VI in the presence of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth in June of 1939. Complete with serpentine stone paths, geometric beds, many of which are raised with perfect soils, and specimen trees this is one of the few surviving Victorian gardens in Canada. I searched long and hard to find a Ginkgo in Canada and was not disappointed. Towards the back of the garden is a huge, forked Ginkgo standing some 40-50 feet. However it was the Katsura tree that had its great golden colour going on.

There is simply too much to list in one short article. However, this much is true…the people were friendly, the scenery was brilliant and it was nice to see nature blush before she undressed.

Redneck Rhododendron

2008-11-01T07:32:00.000-07:00

When I first learned of this plant some years ago, immediately thoughts of Jeff Foxworthy’s blue collar humor were conjured in my mind. For those of you who don’t know Jeff Foxworthy, he is one of the most successful comedians today whose coined catchphrase, “You might be a redneck” explores the humorous side of family interactions and that of human nature. Lines like, “If you think the last line to The Star- Spangled Banner is gentleman start your engines, you might be a redneck,” has propelled a career finding common ground. The playful, common name, Redneck Rhododendron, is sure much easier to remember than its Latin nomenclature, Daphniphyllum macropodum.

Used in Japan as “an ornament for the new year to celebrate the good relationship of old and new generations,” Daphniphyllum has another common name, false Daphne which is still being deliberated. Redneck Rhododendron is an evergreen shrub which can obtain heights of 10 to 20 feet tall and wide. It can be manipulated into a fine smaller tree simply by limbing up the bottom braches. Glossy, rhododendron-like foliage is oblong and almost leathery in appearance. The bottom of the foliage is a silvery, grayish-blue, and reminiscent of Magnolia virginiana (Sweetbay Magnolia). I have a fabulous picture of the new growth erupting gold, suspended on bright red petioles (leaf stalks) all of which is held over the previous year’s growth, which has hardened to a dark, glossy green. A member of the Daphniphyllaceae family, shared by about 25 species, all of which are evergreen shrubs or trees native to east and southeast Asia. Daphniphyllum is dioecious, male flowers are on one plant and the female flowers are on another. The flowers, borne in May, are inconspicuous, pale green, 1” long racemes and its fruits are bluish-black drupes. If you are not always looking at the plant in May, you may just miss the flowers. For the academics out there reading this, yes the plant is listed as a zone 7. However, “Raulston reported no damage to plants at 2 degrees Fahrenheit in Raleigh, NC.” Given to my brother-in-law as a gift last year, his redneck rhododendron easily survived the winter in Berkeley Heights, NJ. In fact, it came through unblemished without the aid of any anti-desiccant or a burlap wall. His siting mimics that of indigenous plants in that he planted his in a filtered light area with moist, well drained soil.

Useful as a single specimen, Daphniphyllum would be brilliant in a container by your pool all summer long. Offering unique texture with its bold foliage, it could even be under planted with the likes of Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola (Golden Variegated Japanese Forest Grass) or Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Nigrescens’ (Black Mondo Grass). Another application could include a screening in lieu of viburnum or native rhododendron (Rhododendron maximum). Incidentally, it is believed the common name of this plant was derived from the similarities to that of native rhododendron.

Tips for growing Daphniphyllum successfully include giving them ample humus or a slow release fertilizer the end of winter. Since new shoots and flowers develop during the spring time, this will prove useful and increase vigor. Site your plants in partial sun and be mindful of the soil. Remember to avoid heavy clay soils and strive for moist, well drained ones. When watering this plant and other plants, it is important to give them a good drink. However, if your mulch starts to lift and float away, you may be watering to heavy. Try to visit your plants 2 to 3 times a week with your garden hose.

For months I have wanted to talk about this plant. I thought it appropriate though, to talk about it this month given the climatic conditions facing us all now. During November we have all thought about or have turned off outside faucets for the year. However, before you do this, it would be prudent on your behalf to give your plants one last, long, slow drink for the winter. Also, mulching your plants with about two inches of bark would do them considerable good. Lastly, spraying your broadleaf evergreens (azaleas, hollies, laurels and redneck rhododendrons) with an anti-desiccant and or wrapping them with some burlap for the winter would be beneficial. Anti-desiccants sprays are like putting a windbreaker on your plants for the winter. They help hold moisture in the plant and shed some of the harsh, drying winds that winter can dish out. If you have Daphniphyllum in your garden, “you might just be a redneck.”

Portable Gardens

2008-10-01T12:56:00.000-07:00

Late August of this year I attended the IGC (the Independent Garden Center Show) in Chicago. Located on Navy Pier, this is truly becoming the quintessential trade show for the independent garden center. Touted as the world’s largest show of its kind, it offers educational seminars, network opportunities, and thousands of products from close to 900 vendor booths. The world class exhibit hall spans some 200,000 square feet (four football fields) and was jam packed with inspiration. Leading garden experts, brilliant business minds and savvy retailers were all there to do one thing, promote the independents!

As I walked down the nearly 30 aisles of product, what quickly came to mind was the abundance of pottery that was being represented. Sure there was Italian clay that almost any garden center has from 3” to 24”, but it was the enormity of unique pottery that inspired and reinforced a common theme in today’s gardening. There seems to be a good 10 year lag time between European garden center merchandising and that of what is being done here in the United States. Furthermore, what has been done well for the past 5 or 6 years in the Pacific Northwest has trickled across country and is finally introducing itself to the east coast. Container gardening is here to stay! I say again, container gardening is here to stay!

No longer are the days of orange, Italian clay with a Greek key scroll inscribed across the top your only option. Today there is frost resistant pottery that doesn’t have to be emptied in the winter, taken indoors or buried beneath our outdoor soils to insure its survivability. Planters today are lightweight, rustproof, fireproof, free of petro chemicals and environmentally friendly. There are those which will oxidize over time giving way to stunning patinas. Italian design with such simple, clean lines, even Giorgio Armani would be inspired to use some in his clothing advertisements or his own backyard. Authentic stone, metallic finishing, lightweight and durable fiberglass also throw their hands into the arena of what is now available. Germany’s romantic Rhine Valley is now turning out terracotta classic designs, glazed stoneware, fired in traditional kilns that have served civilizations in Asia and Europe. It doesn’t end there! Copper window boxes, stainless steel with rustic copper finishes and hammered brace elements. Even garden hose pots done so well that the fact that they mask an unsightly water snake is insignificant as to the overall beauty of these pieces of sculpture.

Not limited by material alone, color plays a huge part in our decision making process. Again, terracotta orange is being replaced by the cobalt blues, chili reds, honey and mints of the world. All of this contributing to an outdoor living space. Firepits, outdoor kitchens, stone patios, walkways and retaining walls which allow 10 to 20 guests to sit comfortably outside are all elements of modern design which can be enhanced with a dab of color.

The possibilities are endless as to what you can plant in all this pottery. Jock Demme, horticultural demigod and friend from Iseli Nursery says it best, “like it for as long as you can.” There are no rules to container gardening. It’s meant to be fun and exciting. We have become accustomed to planting annuals such as impatiens and begonias; we toss tender perennials like mums away and seldom go through the efforts of overwintering poinsettias. So why are we reluctant to explore and fund the guilty pleasures of Pennisetum ‘Burgundy Giant’ (Burgundy Giant Fountain Grass) for annual summer color or apprehensive to indulge ourselves with conifers or deciduous ornamentals as companions in our container gardens? Even if it’s only for a short while, it is after all, quality of life that we all should be searching for.

As you develop your next garden area, be mindful of the possibilities. Color, texture and size are key elements to build upon. Consider a burgundy pot dumped in among your dark green, Taxus baccata ‘Repandens’ (English Yews) dripping with Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’ (Golden Japanese Forest Grass). Our orange, Fox Red Curley Sedge Grass (Carex buchananii) looks stunning in our cobalt blue pot sitting behind our yellow, variegated Japanese sedge grasses (Carex morrowii ‘Aurea-variegata’) and in front of our large Acer griseum (Paperbark Maple). This incidentally turns red in the fall! Today’s pottery should be viewed more as a piece of sculpture rather than simply a receptacle to house a plant. Groupings of pottery can make a garden and the design can be pulled apart again and again to recreate a different theme. Your garden, after all, is your oyster!

“Go For It”

2008-09-01T13:10:00.000-07:00

Who can forget the famous catchphrase “Go for it” muttered throughout the Rocky films? I believe it was the mobster Gazzo in Rocky 2 that first yelled it as Rocky was about to beat Apollo Creed. Clearly though it was Clubber Lang’s (Mr. T) comment, “I’m gonna bust you up,” that sparked the retort, “Go for it,” from Rocky that everyone remembers. So what does this piece of film trivia have to do with horticulture? There seems to be a popular misconception that spring is the best time of year to plant and that fall/autumn is simply left for mums, pumpkins and any plant material left over that didn’t sell. Nothing could be further from the truth!

There is an old adage, you can transplant safely within any month that has an “R” in the word. This negates May, June, July and August! There are two key points here. The first is the word transplant! That is the act of pulling something out of the ground and planting it somewhere else, which in fact is different than planting. Planting is simply installing something that has been container grown or reinstalling something that was dug while it was dormant. Which brings me to my second point. The other months not mentioned above are associated with cooler climate. A time of year when plant materials have shut down or are shutting down making their move to a new location more conducive to planting. There is less stress, slower growth and cooler temperatures this time of year, thus increasing the odds of survivability.

There are ways to ensure that a plant succeeds at its new home. Simply being enamored with a plant, purchasing it and planting it doesn’t guarantee a plant’s life. Soil content, moisture levels and sunlight all contribute to a plant’s outcome. Remember, there is no one plant or one answer for one area. People always ask me what plant I recommend for one area or another. There can and will be several answers! Recently I gave a talk and was asked what low growing, evergreen plant I recommend in partial shade, slightly moist with a deer problem. Cephalotaxus (Japanese Plum Yew) was my first response, however Microbiota decussata (Russian Cypress) or Sarcococca hookeriana (Himalayan Sweetbox) are also fine solutions. The point being, while there is no formal homework required to purchase plants, there is a responsibility for you to ask questions and be thoughtful about your purchases. We are, after all, talking about life.

So, we have established that there are several factors to consider ensuring a plants health. You have asked questions, purchased an appropriate plant, given the location, and are willing to accept the burden of understanding the water requirements and lighting conditions of this plant. By the way, when you read a tag that says, “likes sun/part shade” that doesn’t mean there is a magical formula that requires that plant to have 4.6 hours a day of sunlight. It means, ask more questions and consider gardening trial by error. Again, we are talking about life and adaptability. Some plants like more sun and some like more shade. You are now ready to plant!

Aside from the obvious, digging an appropriate sized hole, substituting some existing soil content with some new content and finding the root flare of the tree or shrub, there is one mechanic that I wish more people would embrace. That is the addition of Mycorrhizae in their backfill. The Latin origin of the word, Myco means fungus and rrhizae means roots refers to several species of fungi which parasitize the root systems of plants. This symbiotic relationship improves a plants ability to receive nutrients and water uptake, aids in root growth, plant growth and yield while reducing both transplant shock and drought stress. And while this naturally occurs in undisturbed areas like forest floors, acting as an important part of its ecosystem, there needs to be an amendment of this to our natural soils as tillage, fertilization, removal of top soil, erosion and home construction all lead to the removal of what was once there.

Independent garden centers do a great job of providing plant materials with current seasonal interest. Inventories are strong and plentiful this time of year. Long term health for your plants is dependant on proper siting, the basic mechanics of proper installation and long term care with food and water. The basics are set in motion for you. So go forth and plant. Take Rocky’s shibboleth expression to heart and “Go for it!”

A Scholar and a Tree

2008-08-01T08:37:00.000-07:00

Across the street from our garden center, located on county road 512, stand four trees all the same. Their trunks are within inches of this well traveled road and their branches have been sheared by vehicular traffic for some thirty years. Yet, despite the efforts of larger trucks pruning back the overhead branches as they travel by, their stature has remained intact. And while their blemishes are evident, the bark being torn away showing their battle scars, these ornamental shade trees continue to impress most and ask thoughtful questions, particularly this time of year. They are, of course, Japanese Pagoda tees.
Sophora japonica, Japanese Pagoda has recently been redefined as part of a small genus, Styphnolobium, comprising three to four species of small trees and shrubs. While the vocabulary has gone back and forth in trade publications listing its name, there is no ambiguity as to the attributes of this ornamental beauty. Chinese Scholar tree, another one of its common names, is indigenous to China and Korea. Hardy to zone 4, Japanese Pagoda is a deciduous tree which can attain heights of forty to sixty feet tall and an equal width. Expect moderate to faster growth from this unique tree as it has been known to push out about two to three feet of new growth a year. A handsome tree, Japanese Pagoda is a fine choice for a lawn specimen as it allows filtered light through its rounded canopy.
The foliage and flowers are both something to marvel at. The leaves are alternate, pinnately compound providing a feather-like appearance. Lustrous green leaves start the season and hold through the fall. Thus, there is little fall color interest. However, a huge asset for this tree is the flowers. In late July into August, Chinese Scholar tree has gorgeous, creamy white to pale yellow flowers which are almost pea-like. Hanging on in six to twelve inch clusters, they are even slightly fragrant. Incidentally, Sophora japonica belongs to the family Fabaceae, a member of the pea family. Another interesting characteristic is the fruit. Pods, which start out bright green, continue to impress and proved useful during a plant ID class I had years ago. As the pod matures it changes to yellow and eventually finishes a Gulden’s mustard yellow-brown. An interesting emblem providing extended interest throughout the seasons.
Several cultivars exist and are becoming more available to the public. ‘Regent’ a cultivar selection from Princeton Nurseries seems to be the most attainable. Selected for its rapid growth, an ability to flower early and its straight growth habit have all made this a popular choice. Point of interest: Sophora (Styphnolobium) can take ten years or longer to flower. ‘Regent’ can do it in five to eight years. Another popular candidate for smaller landscape footprints is ‘Princeton Upright.’ Sharing all the positive characteristics of ‘Regent’ just in a more fastigiate form. ‘Pendula’ as you might expect is a strong weeping form that could be useful as a specimen near a pond, waterfall or such. However, it has been my experience that this variety does not flower as well and thus there is a huge list of other weeping trees that I would consider first. Finally, ‘Variegata’ has variegated foliage. It has been described by some as “sickly” and for many is best kept in an arboretum or in the hands of a serious collector hidden behind more beautiful plants.
Urban conditions which include, compacted soils, air pollution, road salt, arid environments and overall neglect contribute to the decision making of suggesting Japanese Pagoda tree as a suitable candidate as it can withstand such problems. Not that a city filled with Ginkgo trees isn’t fabulous in my mind however, it is nice to have another deciduous ornamental which will flower in the summer, albeit not a conifer. With such impressive qualities, it has always confounded me that the more popular choices for a garden tree include: Bradford pears, Thundercloud plums and weeping cherries. Seemingly more pedestrian in nature, why not have a tree that flowers at a time of year when the patio furniture is out and the pool is open?

Umbrella Pine

2008-07-01T13:02:00.000-07:00

Sciadopitys verticillata or Japanese Umbrella pine has long been a curious creature that has excited first time gardeners as well as seasoned plants person. Ranking right up there with such inveterate conifers as Ginkgo and Metasequoia, Sciadopitys has its roots dating back to the upper Triassic period. In other words, dinosaurs were running while these were growing some 230 million years ago. Native to Japan, it is believed that the extent of this extant conifer ran from Eurasia to North America. The common name, Umbrella Pine, refers to the whorls of foliage which resemble the spokes of an umbrella.

Known for its unusual texture, Sciadopitys verticillata, is an extremely slow growing conifer. However, heights of 50-100 feet are obtainable. Perhaps the nicest single specimen I have seen in central New Jersey stands on the front lawn of the Summit Red Cross in Summit on Springfield Avenue. Tucked in among other conifers, this specimen stands well in the shade and has to be every bit of 40+ feet. With a 15 to 20 foot spread, this tree epitomizes this ancient conifer. Sciadopitys is a monotypic genus (a taxon having only one species) that grows tight and pyramidal in its youth while taking on more of an open, pyramidal outline in its winter years. Handsome as a specimen, but not limited to, I have seen container gardening done well with some smaller cultivars. Perhaps my favorite application of this unique conifer has to be a hedge line in Far Hills, New Jersey. Some years ago I was asked to do some consulting work on a private residence and witnessed a 40 foot hedge, some 10 feet tall of Umbrella pine. A vulgar display of wealth that had me dreaming of one day having my own while at the same time inspiring me at the versatility of plant material. Limited only by our own visions, this was truly an enduring impression that has stuck with me all these years.

A coniferous evergreen, Sciadopitys has dark green leaves or needles of two types. Under close examination, the needles appear to be almost fused together. Rich, thick, glossy foliage radiate around the stem in definite whorls, reminding one of an umbrella hence, the name. On larger specimens the bark is an interesting and beautiful attribute. Rich hues of orange and brown punctuate long strips of exfoliating, spongy, cork-like bark. A true tree hugger, I have hugged a huge specimen in Pennsylvania. St. Mary of Providence, located in West Nantmeal Township (the Honey Brook area) is home to a specimen Umbrella pine. The facility is a retirement home and retreat center for Catholic Church activities and is owned and operated by the archdiocese of Philadelphia. Some years ago John Stella, a brilliant plantsman and friend, took me there after tagging our spring deciduous trees at a nearby nursery. A true gentlemen whose tutelage has broadened my appreciation for plants while simultaneously forging a long term friendship.

Other notable attributes of this long lived conifer include, a non aggressive root system, little, if any potential pest problems and virtually no maintenance. This tree requires very little pruning to develop itself. While it seems to prefer adequate sunlight, as mentioned previously, the specimen in Summit, New Jersey is performing admirably in large amounts of shade. Highly adaptive to soil types, Sciadopitys seems to perform well in clay, loam, sand and well drained soil.

Perhaps the only shortcoming to owning one of these unique conifers is the cost. Slower growth and difficulties to propagate are the answers for its price tag. Once rooted however, the likelihood of its survival is in your favor. With container gardening continuing to be on the rise, several smaller cultivars are becoming more widely available. ‘Joe Kozey’ is a more fastigiate type, withstanding snow loads better because of its more sturdy branches. ‘Mitsch Select’ has shorter dark green needles and a more compact stature. ‘Sternschnuppe’ has all its characteristics more thick in appearance. Finally, you knew there had to be gold and variegated types out there as well. ‘Aurea’ and ‘Ann Haddow’ are their names.

While there is still some discrepancy as to which family Sciadopitys belongs to, listed both as Pinaceae and Taxodiaceae, there is no ambiguity as to how well Umbrella pine will perform for you. Adaptive to soil types, sunlight amounts and its reluctance to grow quickly make this a suitable candidate for almost anywhere. Couple these attributes with the increasing flavors available for smaller container gardening and Umbrella pine’s rubbery texture will have everyone marveling at its unique beauty.

‘Pacific Fire’

2008-06-01T13:00:00.000-07:00

Fifteen years ago I started an annual trek across the country in search of, arguably, some of the world’s finest plant materials. My first trip to the Pacific Northwest, Oregon specifically, was thrilling before I even hit the ground. As the plane was descending, I was fortunate enough to be sitting on the left side and Mount Hood was higher than the plane’s left wing. Mount Hood is a stratovolcano which boldly stands some 50 miles east-southeast of Portland. Home to twelve glaciers and listed as potentially active by the USGA (U.S. Geological Survey), Mount Hood’s elevation is 11,249 feet.

One of the perks of my job is to fly around the country and hand pick our plants for the coming year. Every year I visit Oregon and Mount Hood and look forward to having dinner at the Timberline Lodge on Mount Hood. For those of you who have seen the movie The Shining with Jack Nicholson, the Timberline Lodge is showcased. Timberline Lodge stands at 6,000 feet elevation, located on the southern flank just below Palmer Glacier. A National Historic Landmark, Timberline was built in the late 1930’s as a WPA (Works Progress Administration) project. This project, built during the Great Depression, is a classic example of the vision and fortitude those workers had during a most challenging time. A true craftsman style lodge, Timberline was built with huge timbers and local stone and is so aptly named as it stands where the Timberline starts or ends.

One tree native to the Northwest is Acer circinatum (Oregon Vine Maple). Commonly found from British Columbia to northern California, Vine Maple typically grows as an understory tree beneath more majestic conifers. With legions of huge Pseudotsuga menziesii (Douglas fir) in the Pacific Northwest, Acer circinatum sits comfortably at their feet. Frequently found as a multi-stemmed tree, Oregon Vine Maple can attain heights of 10 to 20 feet. Inconsistent fall color has a collage of yellow, orange and red hues. The leaves are palmately lobed with 7-9 lobes and the fruit is a two-seeded, red samara. Samara’s are those whirly-gig things we put on our noses as kids when they fall from the sky. When I first learned this tree, I thought the foliage to be very similar, in form only, to Acer shirasawanum ‘Aureum’ (Golden Full Moon Maple), both having a fan-shaped somewhat rounded outline. I later learned that Oregon Vine Maple is closely related to Acer japonicum (Fullmoon Maple) and Acer pseudosieboldianum (Korean Maple). Enjoying moist to wet locations, its growth rate is slow to medium. Highly adaptive, but preferring some afternoon shade and protection from wind, Acer circinatum would be an outstanding patio plant. Also noteworthy is that the new shoot growth is reddish in color.

Typically out on the west coast in July and August, this past year I visited the Pacific Northwest in February. A chance to see gardens in their dormant state gave a whole new appreciation for winter garden interest. While touring Monrovia Growers, from a distance, I saw the intense red color marking of what I thought was Acer palmatum ‘Sango Kaku,’ the famed Coral Bark Maple. After closer inspection I found that it was Acer circinatum ‘Pacific Fire’. Screaming for attention set against a grey stone wall, ‘Pacific Fire’ has stronger red and orange tones in the winter. As for spring growth, ours arrived this spring with the same intense red color markings and as I write this article in late April, the bark is still blood red. Martin Hanni, ornamental deciduous tree and perennial grower from Switzerland for Monrovia Growers and I had quite a conversation about this tree’s many attributes this past winter. As Michael Dirr says, “there is no better fraternity than that bound by the love of plants.” Subtle differences noted for ‘Pacific Fire’ include distinctive red bark, new growth emerging purple and orange in the spring, mature leaves which are a bright green in the summer and golden-yellow fall color.

Introduced into cultivation in 1826 by famed American botanist and explorer David Douglas, Oregon Vine Maple is well suited in New Jersey for no other reason than their tolerance to clay soil. An ability to thrive in acidic soils only welcomes it more to the Garden State. Consider pruning this tree in late winter as you can thoughtfully look at skeletal patterns to enhance its appearance. ‘Pacific Fire’ offers big seasonal changes for your landscape and won’t take up a large piece of real estate to do it.

Wheel of Fortune

2008-05-01T08:47:00.000-07:00

Behind a privacy row of Carpinus betulus ‘Fastigiata’ (Columnar European Hornbeams), situated in front of a large curvaceous bed of Imperata cylindrica ‘Red Baron’ (Japanese Blood Grass) and flanked by two Acer palmatum ‘Sharp’s Pygmy’ (Sharp’s Pygmy dwarf Japanese maples) lays a most curious tree on our property. Colleagues in the field have long been stumped identifying this small ornamental tree. Customers in our garden center have taken a stab at what it is by labeling it as a ficus tree, a type of rhododendron, some sort of mountain laurel or a type of euonymus. The truth of the matter, it is properly identified as Trochodendron aralioides (Wheel-tree).
Derived from the Greek words trochos meaning wheel and dendron meaning tree, the common name refers to the stamens (about 40-70 in total) appearing like spokes on a wheel comprising what is to be the flower. The full image of the flower, to me, looks like tiny green pin cushions held tightly together, suspended over dark green, leathery foliage, depicting an almost sci-fi flower presentation. The flower color is a light green smartly contrasting monochromatically with, again, darker green, leathery foliage. One can expect these unique flowers to appear late April through May. The leaves are three to five inches long, somewhat oval or lanceolate, leathery, lustrous and shallowly toothed or serrated. What is most surprising to many is that this tree may look “tropicalsih” in appearance, but, in fact, it is a true broadleaf evergreen tree that is unmistakingly “hardy!” I say unmistakingly hardy because academically this tree has been listed as a borderline zone 7 plant. In fact, we have been selling Trochodendron for several years now, in a zone 6 climate, and had fantastic results. Another misnomer is that the growing conditions for Wheel-tree need to be moist, well drained soil with shade being the preferred location. While I agree that this can be an ideal situation, ours is growing quite well on this west side of our house, on the front lawn, without any obstruction. Not to mention that in the winter months this particular area of our lawn can be quite wet. I do agree with popular belief that attempts to protect this tree from winter sun and desiccating winds is advantageous. Ours stood within a burlap barricade for the first winter and has since been on its own. Also noteworthy, once they’re in the ground they don’t like to be moved around. So plan for the future! The overall outline of this tenacious tree is roughly ten to fifteen feet high and about half as wide. Other attributes include reddish-bronze new growth, bronze green fall color and bark which is reminiscent of some conifers.
Technical stuff: anyone who has read a “Dummies Book” i.e. Computers for Dummies, Wine for Dummies, Golf for Dummies etc. will appreciate that reference. Considered a primitive feature of the Wheel-tree is the lack of vessels in its vascular system. Specialized xylem cells called tracheids (elongated cells) carry food and water through the plant. Very few flowering plants share this trait. However, is this primitive or advancement over time? Do they really need those vessels to survive or have Wheel-trees become more productive with fewer parts? A debate for the academics to discuss.
Native to the mountain forests of Japan, southern Korea and Taiwan, Trochodendron aralioides is the sole species to the genus Trochodendron and popularly considered the sole species in the family Trochodendraceae. Although, some botanists put the genus Tetracentron in the same family. Typically described as having a shrubby appearance, ours has become a handsome layered tree with very little effort. An attribute I am most enamored with is its lime-green outer branches. A nice contrast to the dark green foliage and light-green flowers when they appear.
Avowedly, not every garden will be fortunate enough to showcase such a prized ornamental. Difficult to find and even more difficult to secure, availability and demand for Trochodendron are growing. A gorgeous, evergreen tree to sit among larger deciduous trees and admire as a specimen! Wheel-tree, a flowering evergreen tree, providing year round interest will have you and your friends talking and others wishing they were as fortunate.

Going Native

2008-04-01T13:13:00.000-07:00

Those who know me well know that my passion for unique plants often leans towards the coniferous end of the plant world. While I admit that conifers are exciting, offering bold textures, unique colors and interesting bark, my appreciation for deciduous and broadleaf plants is of equal veneration. No doubt the rare and sometimes obscure grab my attention though. Recalling what Mark Hunter, a friend and owner of Hunter Landscape Design, once said to me, “Bob, last month you picked a plant that no one has ever heard of. Where did you find it? Did you have it air lifted out of Tibet only to have it land in your garden center?” Guilty of admiring the unique, passionate and appreciative of all types of plants, I digress and pull to the forefront a native plant for this month’s topic. The often overlooked, but always eager to please…its Calycanthus floridus.

Assets for this plant run deep. Often when you are backed into a corner of finding a shade tolerant plant that is also deer resistant the options seem limited. People try to force part sun/part shade plants into equations while sorting through the ambiguity of the amount of sunlight they actually have. Calycanthus floridus goes by many common names. Carolina Allspice, common Sweetshrub, Strawberry-shrub and Spicebush are only a few of its colloquial agnomens. Native to the southeastern part of the United States (Virginia to Florida), Carolina Allspice was introduced in the early 1700’s. Exquisite maroon flowers are borne in May and last into the summer months. When fully opened the fragrance has been reminiscent of an almost strawberry-like fragrance, hence one of its common names Strawberry-shrub. The flowers are carried at the ends of leafy branchlets and the foliage is aromatic when bruised. This native’s flowers are followed, in the fall, by brown, urn-shaped capsules which persist well into the winter. One of the easier plants to establish, adapting to most soils, Sweetshrub prefers moist, loamy soils. It seems that most plants would prefer moist, well drained soils; however most will not tolerate the clay and shale soils that we are blessed with here in this part of New Jersey. That being said, Calycanthus has proven itself time and again in not only our soils but many other types as well. This deciduous shrub has dark green foliage in the spring and summer with uncelebrated yellow hues. Other noteworthy characteristics though are its resistance to disease and insect problems and its flexibility in landscape design. Consider using Spicebush as a shrub border or specimen. Last summer a friend of mine wrapped his outdoor barbeque pit area with this shrub creating an outdoor living room. At night, sitting around his manageable camp fire, we could smell strawberry and pineapple scents all the while protected from on lookers next door to him. At maturity heights of 6-10 feet tall and wide should be expected. The “hardiness” of the plant is zones 4-9.

On to the cultivars worth seeking out! Calycanthus f. ‘Margarita’ is a yellow flowering selection named after Margarita Cline of Georgia. ‘Michael Lindsey’ flowers a maroon-chestnut color which has a clove-like scent. The fall color markings of this plant are much better than the species. Brighter, more consistent yellow markings are the norm here. A side note; the species’ bark has reportedly been used as a spice, although not considered GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe). Calycanthus, said to be toxic to livestock because of toxic alkaloids in the fruit supports my conclusion that it is this that deters our white-tailed deer from eating this plant. At least for now! One final one to seek out is Calycanthus x ‘Venus’. A cross between C. chinensis x C. floridus ‘Athens’ and C. chinensis x C. occidentalis, this one is spectacular. Developed at NC State University by Dr. Thomas Rainey, ‘Venus’ has large ivory-yellow buds that open into huge magnolia-like, white flowers with yellow and purple markings. The scent of this flower opened likens itself to the aromas of strawberries and melons. Sounds like a white wine description. Released in 2003, ‘Venus’ is very choice, very rare and as of today very expensive. A must have for the garden connoisseur.

It has been my experience that Carolina Allspice performs admirably in shade while withstanding deer browsing. That said, given the limitations that are available to garden consumers trying to satisfy these two avenues, this plant should not be one by default but rather an exciting choice with multi-seasonal interest. Fragrance, flowers, fruit and leaf color should be enough to entice most anyone.

Not Just Dull, Green Pyramids

2008-03-01T12:59:00.000-08:00

Often I find myself making comparisons between plants and wine. Being passionate about both has me always being inquisitive and never knowing it all. Having a deep appreciation for a subject matter leads to more interesting conversation, while strengthening relationships with others who share your interests. Enjoying wine can simply mean liking the taste of what you’re drinking. However, appreciating wine goes a bit further. It understands the ‘terroir’, a French word used as a collective term to describe the growing conditions of a vineyard, specifically the soil, climate, drainage, slope and topography to name a few. It is to understand the subtle nuances that make up this wonderful food, eclipsing the idea that one bottle of cabernet sauvignon is like any other bottle of cabernet sauvignon. Those who know wine can tell you that it is this ‘terroir’ that encompasses unmistakable attributes and characteristics which define certain regions of the world. That said, cabernet from Paso Robles tastes differently than that of Bordeaux. I enjoy both!

The same holds true with plant material. There are those whom I speak with in retail that simply want a dull, green pyramid dumped at the corner of their house, happy to have a plant that simply fills the space. Then there are those who I come across that ask more insightful questions. Questions about a trees bark, leaf or needle color markings and the development of cones all lead to longer conversation and an almost certain kinship. So what about those cones that seems to spark interest? Can they really be that interesting? And for that matter, can a conifer really flower?

The word conifer is derived from the Latin words, conus and ferre, meaning to bear cones. While all plants within this group do bear cones, not all do it with such flare. “Beginning as a tight cluster of female flowers, the cone develops to provide a receptacle, to nurture the growing seeds after fertilization” (Gardening with Conifers, Adrian Bloom). Male flowers may also grow in the shape of a cone; however, academically these remain flowers. Typically, the flowers and cones develop in the spring with cedars being an exception. Conifers that develop male and female flowers on the same tree are monoecious while those that develop them on different plants are dioecious. Male flowers can be as brightly colored as a male peacock pheasant. It is these brightly colored images on conifers that help pull me through the doldrums of winter.

Some of the more spectacular markings to look forward to this spring appear on Oriental spruce (Picea orientalis). Picea orientalis ‘Skylands’, a yellow form in our front yard, will develop red flowers this spring and an abundance of narrow cones. It is this explosion of red color backed with yellows and greens that I wait for every spring. Abies koreana ‘Horstmann’s Silberlocke’ is a conifer unlike any other. The recurved foliage of this tree has silver, white and blue markings. And while this alone would be enough to entice even the most experienced gardener, arguably the cones are even more impressive. Often described as violet-purple, these can be as long as 3 inches and as wide as one. Abies procera ‘Glauca Prostrata’ is another tree that develops beautiful crimson-red flowers in the spring. If you are unfamiliar with this tree in a garden consider the parent plant Abies procera (Noble fir) as your next cut Christmas tree. With gorgeous blue-green foliage, this is sure to outlast any other cut tree. Another botanical wonder worth mentioning is Picea abies ‘Acrocona’. Aptly named, ‘Acrocona’ means with terminal cones. Dripping with tons of cones held at its tips, this Norway spruce has phenomenal early spring markings. Screaming, raspberry red, male and female flowers develop, occurring on even the youngest of trees. Yet another harbinger of spring is Abies alba ‘Holden Arboretum’. This dwarf, silver fir has impressed me in recent years with its honey-green cones. The parent plant is capable of producing cones almost a half a foot by two inches wide.

When I first started in horticulture I thought the botanical nomenclature was difficult. Words like Metasequoia glyptostroboides don’t exactly roll off your tongue at first.

Going forward, trying to memorize grapes and regions has been an equally daunting task. Blessed with a loving family, a job that I truly love and a hobby, oenology, that I am eager to understand more of has me more than fulfilled. My cup has runnith over!

Anticipation

2008-02-01T13:06:00.000-08:00

By the time the middle of winter rolls around most gardeners are chomping at the bit for the arrival of spring color. Although, the appreciation for winter interest gardens has helped satisfy my yearnings for unique texture and bold colors. The Acer griseum (Paperbark Maple) that stands boldly in our garden showcasing its flaky, torn mahogany colored bark is gratifying. The Cornus alba ‘Bailhalo’ (Ivory Halo Red Twig Dogwood) grove, which encase the Picea orientalis ‘Skylands’ (Yellow oriental Spruce) are electrifying this time of year and the wheat-colored Calamagrostis ‘Karl Foerster’s, are tantalizing as they dance in the winter winds. However, even with all this going on in our garden I can’t help but dream about the explosion of color that’s ahead in just a few short weeks. Buds that seem over ripe and plump are ready to erupt and the unfolding of spring is just around the corner. Two plants that I have learned about in recent years are some of the most exciting for spring color and texture.

Salix yezo-alpina or Salix nakumurana (dwarf alpine willow) is a dwarf pussy willow that grows entirely prostrate. Native to the mountain slopes of Hokkaido Japan, this little wonder is as tough as nails. Able to survive harsh mountain terrain, yezo-alpina can take zone 3 temperatures (-40 to -30fahrenheit) without any problems. Growing only twelve inches tall and spreading six to eight feet, this handsome, garden groundcover plant can be a great alternative to the more pedestrian solutions of Pachysandra, Vinca minor (Periwinkle/Myrtle) and English Ivy. The most interesting attribute of this tiny plant has to be the large upright, two inch, catkins (pussy willow fuzzies) that we all just have to touch. This multi-seasonal plant offers something at every time of year. Along with the anticipated catkins, which incidentally are white and yellow, are the ovate, glossy green leaves, complete with white fur. Yes, fur! Google an image and you’ll see what I mean. As the seasons progress so does the foliage. What starts out in the spring as deep green finishes in the fall with outstanding yellow color complete with bronze and red highlights. Finally, the winter showcases thick purplish-mahogany bark hugging against the ground in a spidery format. Yezo-alpina does not crave excessive amounts of water as do other willow types. As for lighting conditions, they handle just about everything from sun to shade. However, the catkins seem to develop better in more sun. Suitable as a bonsai candidate, it develops a thick, tiny trunk with outreaching limbs. Other considerations for this dwarf willow include climbing down a rock wall or perhaps mass plant it, as we did, around a Salix caprea ‘Pendula’ (Kilmarnock Willow) and have silvery catkins everywhere.

Another favorite to look forward to is Forsythia viridissima var. koreana ‘Kumson’. This forsythia still has great golden blooms heralding the arrival of spring; however, it’s the foliage that will truly blow you away. Dark green leaves with silver venation remind one of an almost lizard-like skin appearance. More shade tolerant than other forsythia this one also has purple stems behind the yellow flowers. A moderate grower to six feet by six feet, Kumson offers interesting foliage that lasts through the fall. Tolerant to a wide range of soil types, as our most forsythia, this will benefit from heavy pruning. Prune Kumson right after its done flowering taking out the older, heavier canes. If you’re not so interested in the flowers and become enamored with the foliage, as I am, then prune again in mid-summer to appreciate more new growth with outstanding variegated foliage. Forsythia ‘Kumson’ has come to us by way of Korea through the efforts of Tim Wood of Spring Meadow Nurseries in Grand Haven, MN. What started out as a search for different types of hibiscus in 1999, at the Botanical Garden of Sungkyunkwan University, ended with the sleeper find of Kumson. The possibilities for this plant are endless. Force the stems in the winter for early indoor color. Use the plant as a quick screen in the sun or shade and appreciate eight months of beautiful foliage with a bonus month of golden flowers or simply plant one as a specimen in your garden.

There are so many plants to look forward to as the warmer seasons approach. However, there are plenty to appreciate this time of year as well. Today alone I came across an impressive witchhazel (Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Jelena’) with orange-copper tones. There are just so many plants and so little time.

Witch’s Broom

2008-01-01T13:04:00.000-08:00

Tom Castronovo and the Gardener News will be hosting a symposium this April introducing their garden writers to the public. This event will cover a wide range of gardening topics, helping to educate those interested in the green industry. My topic of discussion will focus on “Smaller Plants for Smaller Spaces.” With residential property sizes shrinking in New Jersey, an emphasis on choosing smaller plants for smaller landscapes will be discussed. And while the topic implies small, there is in fact much to talk about. So much in fact that the topic of where some new plants come from will only briefly be discussed. This article however, affords me the opportunity to go in depth about one way plants are found and produced. So what is a Witch’s Broom anyway?

A witch’s broom is a mutation form occurring on an existing plant. Plant Geeks of the world, me included, hope to find these adaptations of plant life and develop new plants or cultivars from their find. This abnormality is a disease or deformity on a woody plant where the natural occurrences of the plant change. The result is a dense mass of shoots growing out from a single point resembling a broom or a bird’s nest. These congested growths are popularly found on spruce and pine, but are not limited to, as they can also be found on deciduous trees such as hackberry and maple. There are a number of “stresses” which can cause a witch’s broom. Both biological and environmental factors can contribute to the congested masses. Organisms such as fungi, phytoplasmas (bacterial-like organisms), mites, aphids, mistletoe and viruses are to blame biologically. Factors such as poor pruning practices or other physical damage to a tree may contribute to such an abnormality. Environmental stresses injure the growing points of branches, thus contributing to the formation of a broom. The cause of a broom can be difficult to determine, especially if the cause was an environmental factor. There may be only one broom on a tree or several. The abnormal growths create great opportunities for diversifying the plant world. Often diminutive forms of spruce and pine have been created that fit well into smaller landscapes. However, far too often are similar cultivars being raised, contributing to the confusion of similar, if not exact, plants.

There are innumerable witch’s brooms and the vocabulary of naming them is just as exciting. In 1904 a witch’s broom on a Norway spruce (Picea abies) was found and named ‘Nidiformis’. This well known dwarf Birds Nest Spruce type has a flat top and is wider than it is tall. Horizontal layers of branches with short green needles afford this candidate many landscape possibilities. In 1958 a witch’s broom was found on a witch’s broom in Holland. Picea abies ‘Nidiformis’ provided the world with Picea abies ‘Little Gem’. Little Gem has the tiniest of green needles and has been described as a “living rock”. Suitable in almost any garden, this dwarf conifer could be your next container garden candidate. Another mentionable favorite is Picea abies ‘Lanham’s Beehive’. Founded by Gary Lanham on a mature Norway Spruce, this one has a beehive form. The needles are longer and thicker than most other nest types. They (the needles) also have a slight glaucous tint (a waxy bloom or whitish material that rubs off) and the stems and buds are cinnamon colored. We’re really going deep now! ‘Picea glauca ‘Humpty Dumpty’ is a dwarf White Spruce whose origin is from the popular dwarf Alberta Spruce. This squatty form is as wide at the base as it is tall. The list goes on and on and the vocabulary just gets more interesting. “Thumbelina’ and ‘Witches’ Brood’ are two forms of dwarf Norway Spruce. “Tom Thumb’ is a bright gold, oriental spruce miniature with short, layered branches. This yellow form, and most others, likes a harmonious balance between sun and shade. While most green forms are happiest in sun.

The term witch’s broom comes from the German word Hexenbesen, meaning to bewitch (hex) a bundle of twigs (besom). The next time you go hiking, look around your surroundings up in the trees. You may be able to name your own plant and become immortalized in the plant world. Gardeners interested can obtain more information about witch’s brooms by visiting wbgardens.com. The website features Jan Salma who is a dwarf conifer collector from the Czech Republic. While the site is not the easiest to navigate, it does provide great photographs. Enjoy and happy hunting.

Sugi: A Revered Conifer in Japan

2007-12-01T12:55:00.000-08:00

With the holidays quickly approaching, there is a sense of urgency to decorate and adorn our homes. While Christmas trees are a small part of the holiday season, the selection of tree types is enormous. The popular candidates are Douglas Fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), Fraser Fir (Abies fraseri), Balsam Fir (Abies balsamea), Grand Fir (Abies grandis), Noble Fir (Abies procera), White Fir (Abies concolor), Nordmann Fir (Abies nordmanniana), Colorado Spruce (Picea pungens) and Norway spruce (Picea abies). While these are all attractive Christmas trees most are also used for privacy screens and shade trees in our landscapes. Another Mega Conifer to consider for our landscapes is the very versatile Cryptomeria japonica (Japanese Cedar).

Today’s academics still list Cryptomeria as part of the Taxodiaceae family. Grouped with the likes of Metasequoia (Dawn Redwood), Sequoia and Sequoiadendron (Coast Redwoods and Giant Redwoods) as well as Sciadopitys (Umbrella Pine) to name a few. However, just as Sciadopitys is listed a few ways, also in the Pinaceae family, so to is Cryptomeria being pushed towards the Cupressaceae family (Cypress family). A discussion for the academics, there is no denying the vast potential of this conifer. Those who are introduced to Cryptomeria for the first time are usually enamored with its rope-like foliage, which is blue-green and rubbery to the touch. A broad pyramidal tree as an older specimen, Cryptomeria japonica can reach heights of 50-70 feet high by 20-30 feet wide. However, “Jomon Sugi” one of the largest specimens of Cryptomeria or Sugi known, found on the island of Yakushima, Japan, stands a mere 26.1 meters tall and is said to date back almost 3000 years. Sugi incidentally is the vernacular name for Cryptomeria in Japan and is quickly becoming adapted elsewhere. Other distinguishing attributes of this majestic conifer include bark which is reddish-brown, peeling in long strips, cones which are terminal and somewhat round and an ability to grow in a range of soil types. Sugi prefers sun to part shade and appreciates shelter from high winds. This easy to grow superstar fills out quickly and can be useful as a hedge/screen or specimen. One of the few conifers that will coppice (sprout back from cut stumps) you can cut back aggressively and rejuvenate older, overlooked trees. Look for purple-bronze overtones in the winter as well.

Native to Japan and arguably southern China, Cryptomeria has a plethora of cultivars to choose from. Cryptomeria j. ‘Black Dragon’ has a vigorous growth spurt early on and then slowly fills out to an appreciable 10-15 feet in as many years. Light green new growth ages to one of the darkest greens for all Sugi’s and is maintained in the winter. ‘Mignone’ has caught the attention of many people including my dear friends Mitch Krause and Jessica Cordts who recently bought out a collection and mass planted them around a Trochodendron tree. Monochromatic gardening at its best! ‘Mignone’ sports rope-like branchlets and has an overall dense appearance. This suitable dwarf cultivar eventually matures to an upright broad conifer. ‘Sekkan’ is an upright conifer with sulfur yellow markings. A quick growing cultivar adds a punctuation of color to any garden. A personal favorite is ‘Rein’s Dense Jade’. Unusual texture and jade green markings, this cultivar in more fastigiate than it is pyramidal. The needles are held tightly to the stem and the winter helps offer purple-bronze markings. There are 54 planted at our house in a hedge form creating a skeletal backdrop for a large garden room. Unprotected from the winter, they stand on the north, south, east and west ends and are glorious. Finally, ‘Vilmoriniana’ can fit into anyone’s garden. Pointed short needles lead you from green to a purple-bronze in the winter. A dwarf form that is dense and globose at maturity.

Sugi (Cryptomeria) the national tree of Japan is so revered in its native land that not only does it have its own stamp but it is often planted around temples and is part of sacred grounds. One notable house of worship is the Shrine at Ise, Japan. A Shinto shrine to the goddess Amaterasu omikami it is set within ancient forests of giant Cryptomeria. A name derived from the Greek kryptos (hidden) and meros (part) certainly contradicts and reveals much of itself. A conifer with bright green new growth, purple-bronze markings in the winter and bark that is reddish-pink in color and slightly scented, truly is a conifer for all seasons. Now, if we could only get them as a cut Christmas tree…that would be something.

Winter Protection for Our Green Friends

2007-11-01T12:33:00.000-07:00

According to Consumer Reports, the average depreciation value for all models of automobiles is 45 percent over the first three years. Having said this, most go to great lengths to protect an investment that’s depreciating. Checking fluids; changing the oil every three thousand miles, being mindful of the engine coolant, watching the power steering levels, radiator and battery fluids are all basic maintenance we pay particular attention to as we approach winter. Furthermore, spark plugs, brakes and lights are all on schedule to be checked, repaired or simply maintained throughout the year. We put snow tires on cars, sometimes chains and add water to engine coolants so they do not freeze when the bitter cold hits zero degrees. Shouldn’t the same attentions and commitments be implemented to protect our landscapes? After all, landscapes that are well maintained appreciate adding to the resale of your home.

FIRST AND FOREMOST, FALL IS AN EXCELLENT TIME TO PLANT TREES AND SHRUBS!! Plant material is going dormant and thus there is virtually no transplant shock. So feel free to move plants about your property, assiduously checking for the occasional fall dig hazard plants. Conversely, planting trees and shrubs simply means slipping the plant material into the ground which you have just purchased. Water requirements are far less as temperatures are plunging and you may even come across an occasional deal as plant purveyors are committed to depleting inventory this time of year.

Hopefully by now you have been diligently watering and fertilizing your plant material through summer and early fall. Watering can be decreased in early fall and should be increased towards the end of late fall to help protect trees and shrubs. Just before you turn your outdoor water off for the winter, give your trees and shrubs one last long, slow drink as this will help protect them from the drying winds of winter. Allow plants to go dormant. Don’t encourage growth by adding nitrogen fertilizers in the fall. This will stimulate top growth and force plants to reach and stretch at a time when they should be relaxing and ready to sleep. Phosphorous and potassium fertilizers will be better suited to help with winter acclimation. Consider wrapping younger trees with a commercial tree wrap, vinyl or paper, as you will protect them from desiccating winds as well as from “buck rub” (deer damage). Protecting evergreens from drying winds has always been a topic of debate. Antidesiccants (Anti-Transpirants) help protect broadleaf evergreens like hollies, rhododendron, azaleas and laurels, but should not be used to protect our needled friends. Spruce, hemlock, arborvitae, pines etc. should not be sprayed but rather have a burlap wall around them. Winter browning of evergreens is caused by a combined effect of wind and sun. Thus, these coniferous evergreens will benefit immensely by simply providing them with a line of defense. In this case a burlap wall. Thoughtfully select species and cultivars that will tolerate the given surroundings. Plant species that are susceptible to winter injury should be thoughtfully placed in areas of minimal exposure to winter wind and sun. In other words, don’t plant Prunus laurocerasus ‘Schipkaensis’ (Shipka or Skip Laurel) on the west side of your property, without protection, and expect great results. While one of the hardiest of the cherry laurels, this broadleaf evergreen found near the Shipka Pass in Bulgaria, is often placed in wind tunnels only to succumb a most certain death.

Mulching your trees, shrubs and perennials for the winter is very important. However, doing it properly is even more important. Two to four inches of mulch around your plants is plenty. Too much mulch is just as bad as too little mulch. Aside from aesthetics, the purpose of mulch is to regulate and control temperature and hold moisture. Too little and plants can dry out. Too much and plants can rot. Always be mindful to keep the mulch material away from direct contact with the bark of trees.

Finally, there is still enough time to plant bulbs for next year. The ground should still be “workable” and thus you can add tremendous excitement to your garden by having bulbs peek out early next spring. The pedestrian types such as Tulips, Hyacinths and Crocus are always welcome; however consider Scilla, Chionodoxa, Allium and Fritillaria to spice things up a bit. Remember, Narcissus (Daffodil) is always a good staple bulb that not only naturalizes but is “Deer Proof”. All will look great emerging somewhere between the flowering of Hamamelis (Witchhazel) and the Mahonia (Oregon Grapeholly).

Cathaya argyrophylla: An Endangered, Uncommon Conifer

2007-10-01T06:08:00.000-07:00

John Stella (John Stella Horticultural Sales) is a friend, colleague and plant enthusiast whose vast botanical knowledge is not only encyclopedic, but seldom rivaled. John often refers to certain plants as “BIO Plants”, an acronym for Botanical Interest Only. His usage as an adjective is often out of fascination, admiration or trivial interest for plants. Hidden from the world until 1955, the genus Cathaya was virtually unknown and today still stumps the most inquisitive horticultural minds.

Imagine a trek, totaling several days, climbing mountainous terrain, in search of a rare conifer only to be met by bureaucratic resistance. Resistance layered with local police, the local tourist bureau, the forestry department, the public secretary bureau, the Mayor’s office, and the Chinese army. Known only as a fossil record from tertiary sediments in Eurasia, Cathaya was rediscovered in 1955 by Chinese scientists in southeastern Szechwan and has been found growing in parts of Hunan, Guangxi, and Guizhou. Jinfu Shan, the destination for our early explorers, was home for this extraordinary conifer. A member of the pine family (Pinaceae) this monotypic conifer (a sole member of its group or single species) seems to favor limestone outcrops and areas of heavy summer rain. Extremely rare in cultivation, this curious conifer has similarities to the following genus groups: Abies (fir), Picea (spruce), Tsuga (hemlock), Pseudotsuga (Douglas fir), Larix (larch), Cedrus (cedar) and Pinus (pines). An evolutionary marvel, Cathaya has its embryo and pollen resembling that of true pines (Pinus), its wood similar to Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga), and its overall habit and seed producing cones reciprocal to spruce (Picea).

After an arduous journey to the United States from the People’s Republic of China, we have Dr. James Waddick of Kansas City, Missouri to credit Cathaya’s arrival. Dr Waddick has been “Championed” for distributing Cathaya argyrophylla to the Western World. Forwarded from the offices of the Conifer Conservation Programme at the Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh, the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University and Iseli Nursery in Oregon were among the first to be bestowed with the treasures of Cathaya. Andre Iseli, former owner of Iseli Nursery, the conifer capital of the world, was determined to be the first person to acquire the seed of Cathaya. Since 1991, Iseli has received six different seed crops from various sources and in 1995 successfully germinated four seeds. From these four seeds, two remain at Iseli Nursery, one standing over six feet tall now. One continues to grow at Andre Iseli’s garden and the forth was auctioned at the Conifer Society in 2000 after being donated by Iseli Nursery.

The cold hardiness of the plant is still under review. Iseli Nursery, after successfully germinating several seeds from a 1998 crop, selflessly gifted twenty specimens to friends throughout the country. In an effort to determine the plants hardiness, Iseli only asked for feedback as to how the plant performs from region to region. Among the few to receive such a gift, I can say that the plant performs admirably in central New Jersey and has not been browsed by deer. Time will Tell! Aesthetic similarities include that of Sciadopitys (Umbrella Pine) and Cunninghamia (China fir) as its needles are long and wide.

The word argyrophylla literally means “silvery leaves”. The lush green leaves, in fact have a silver underbelly. Growing amongst such familiar plants as rhododendrons, cotoneaster and enkianthus the initial grove of Cathaya, standing some ten meters (thirty-three feet) must have had an indelible impression for the chosen few who first meet them. Despite the initial bureaucratic red tape those early plant hunters encountered, a call to the governor and some political pull not only allowed trespassing, but permitted the touch and photography of these historical creatures. “They have hid from the modern world until only recently. Pondering the pressure of more than six billion people and the pollution from our industrialized world, I wondered whether the trees would have been better off remaining hidden” (Pacific Horticulture 2001). Despite the efforts of footholds filled with concrete, rough areas that were smoothed over that would have served as grips and installing barriers of rock and concrete, the elevation of 5600 feet was reached. Through the mist and beyond the dense thicket of bamboo stood the grove of Yinshan (the Chinese name for Cathaya argyrophylla). Thankfully there are those among us who have the forward thinking to honor the past by protecting it and ensuring its survival by careful and thoughtful toils. Thank you to the People’s Republic for understanding that preservation can endure without simply hiding the truth and to Iseli Nursery for their cutting edge science and remarkable generosity to pay it forward.

Funky Genus

2007-09-01T06:01:00.000-07:00

Edson Arantes do Nascimento, Reginald Dwight, Gordon Sumner, Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu and Norma Jeane Mortenson (Baker) all have achieved worldwide recognition. However, these five people are all better known by such names as Pele, Sir Elton John, Sting, Mother Teresa and Marilyn Monroe. It seems that their born names were not as catchy, desirable or fitting. The same can be said for the genus Funkia. A genus pressing more than 70 species of lily-like plants and native to northeast Asia, Funkia seems to have been replaced by the more popular name Hosta. And while the rejected generic name is still found in some older literature and the occasional trade publication of perennials, Hosta has for the last quarter century been more popular.

Those of you who grew up in Union County in the early 1970’s, particularly those involved with the garden center industry, no doubt remember two sisters in Scotch Plains who supplied perennials to a large number of nurseries. The “Ditzel Sisters” are remembered today as two women who would greet you in the morning with pancake batter on their sleeves and sell “Jersey Grown” perennials later in the day. With a cleverly conceived, segmented, garden spade that was quartered, they could outwork nearly anyone as they would dig and market their plants. Ditzel Farm was across from today’s Union County Votech and is sited here because they marketed and sold hosta, only they called it Funkia.

The etymology of Funkia comes from the work of Heinrich Christian Funck, a German botanist and pharmacist (1771-1839). Displaced later by Austrian physician and botanist Nicolaus Host (1761-1834) the genus name, first and last, has honored the works of both men. The word “Funky” has had its share of negative connotations, thus its Hosta’s turn in the sunlight. Or is it?

While the name is basking in the limelight, Hosta much prefers the canopy cover of deciduous counterparts and coniferous friends. Protected from hot afternoon sun, Hosta is happiest in filtered light and survives admirably in shade. Herbaceous perennial plants, hosta grow from corms or rhizomes and have broad lanceolate or ovate leaves. Leaves that range in size from one inch to over a foot and equal in width. Though typically thought of as a green plant, hosta can surprise with some tantalizing variegated forms and glaucous waxy leaf textures. Generally an easy, long lived plant, relatively free of disease and requiring little maintenance, just water and the occasional plant food, hosta does have a few enemies. Deer, slugs and snails seem to enjoy these broad-leaved friends of ours almost as much as we do. However, as we are enticed visually by the kaleidoscope of colors they have to offer, these predators are bellying up for a culinary feast.

With some three thousand + named and registered varieties already and an almost equal number hoping to become registered, the possibilities are staggering for this herbaceous perennial group. ‘Guacamole’ is a newer, fragrant cultivar offering huge, shiny, chartreuse green leaves with a pronounced blue edge. ‘Blue Mouse Ears’ has small gray-green leaves and a texture so thick you have to touch it to believe it’s not artificial. ‘Patriot’, a sport of ‘Francee’ has a dark green center with pronounced white outer markings which are sizably wider (1997 American Hosta Growers Hosta of the Year). ‘Frances Williams’ needs no introduction as it seems to be the most popular of the lot. Heavily corrugated foliage with blue-green and yellow margins keeps this at the top of my list. Finally, rounding out my short list of favorites is ‘Tattoo’. Introduced at the 1994 Atlanta Hosta Convention, this beauty has bright gold leaves, each tattooed with a green outline of a maple leaf in the center, topped off literally with lavender flowers in early summer.

As a proud, upstanding member of the Conifer Society it almost seems sacrilege to talk so prominently of the perennial kingdom. However, realizing that conifers can only be enhanced by the bold textures of deciduous ornamentals, annuals and perennials, I digress in the enjoyment that this genus is there to be enjoyed and showcase the kings of the plant world…Conifers. And I suppose visa versa. Webster’s Dictionary defines “funky” as having an earthy style and feeling. Apropos for the once named Funkia. Finally, there are a number of web sites supporting the genus. Those in particular are www.hosta.org (The American Hosta Society), www.hostalibrary.org (for great Hosta pictures) and www.hostahem.org.uk/ (British Hosta and Hemerocallis Society). Whether you call it Funkia, Hosta, Corfu Lily, Day Lily, Plantain Lily or the Japanese name Giboshi this genus offers enough variety to enhance any garden.

Monkey Puzzle?

2007-08-01T08:34:00.000-07:00

In 1947 director Joseph L. Mankiewicz coupled Rex Harrison and Gene Tierney in a romantic-comedy The Ghost and Mrs. Muir. Previously a novel written by Josephine Leslie penned under the pseudonym R. A. Dick and later a television series from 1968 to 1970, this romantic story has captivated audiences for nearly sixty years. Gardeners have referenced the movie to me on numerous occasions citing the rhetoric between Mrs. Muir (Gene Tierney) and Mr. Coombs (Robert Coote). “What a hideous tree. Quite! What kind of tree is it? I believe it’s called a Monkey Puzzle tree. Why? Because it defies the efforts of monkeys to climb it I presume. Ruins the view! I’ll have it chopped down.” Referenced by adults to me as unusual, spiny, odd, and exotic and by kids as simply “Cool”, this tree has sparked interest and attempts to plant it rival the efforts of those who go to great lengths to protect their precious fig trees in the winter.
Academically hardy to zone 7, there are specimens found in central and north Jersey where we are clearly a zone 6. Sited properly in alcoves or away from wind tunnels, I have seen this coniferous evergreen, related to the indoor houseplant Norfolk Island Pine; do well even without the help of a burlap wall for winter protection. Specifically, our garden center in Berkeley Heights, New Jersey had a single specimen for over 10 years. Situated within a northwest corner alcove of our building, it simply outgrew its surroundings and sadly was taken down. However, as a good friend and mentor of mine, Jock Demme of Iseli Nursery, often says, “Like it for as long as you can.” We did!!
My introduction to this tree was some 15 years ago on a buying trip in the Pacific Northwest. Bouncing from nursery to nursery, hand picking our nursery stock for the following year, I drove past an enormous specimen, some 70 feet tall, with rope-like arms covered with spiny, leathery, razor sharp, triangular, green leaves. The leaves are affixed for some 10-15 years before being replaced. These horizontal, spreading branches grow in whorls and are evenly spaced in tiers. Branching some 30 feet across, this imposing tree was a handsome lawn specimen with a trunk that looked like the foot of an elephant, complete with dark gray-brown, wrinkled bark. Majestic in its stature this Monkey Puzzle tree is visited every year I return.
Araucaria araucana (Monkey Puzzle) was introduced during the late 1700’s. Native to the volcanic slopes in the Andes Mountains of Chile and Argentina, it is often referred to as a Chilean Pine. Broadly pyramidal and sometimes oval are mature outlines to look forward to. The most cold hardy of some 18 species, Monkey Puzzle enjoys full sun to part shade and well drained soil. Tolerant of winds and salt spray I have seen a hedge of these towards the Oregon coast. Monkey puzzle is dioecious (has separate male and female trees). Female trees produce a 6” egg-shaped cone that takes 2-3 years to mature. Notable to mention, female trees have been measured consistently larger than their male counterparts. The cones can contain 80-200 large, edible seeds and are used for medicinal purposes a well as a food source for people. Likened to the taste of pine nuts, these edible seeds can be eaten raw or cooked and are high in starch. The resin, incidentally, has been used in the treatment for ulcers and open wounds. Finally, the genus is said to be named after the Arauco Indians whose territory was amongst the natural stands of the species.

A Popular Misconception

2007-07-01T05:58:00.000-07:00

One of the most popular questions I field during the spring is, “when is a good time to plant?” My answer… you can plant anytime, as long as you can break ground. Homeowners become weary and skeptical around this time every year. When our heat index rises and it becomes uncomfortable for more rigorous, outdoor yard work, it seems that zinnias, red fountain grass, other tropicals and larger pots of annual color dominate the public’s eye and fill temporary landscapes. The truth is there is a huge misconception between transplanting and planting new plant materials during the hot summer months.

Transplanting existing plant material and planting new plant material is entirely different. When you transplant, “take up an existing shrub and set again in another soil or location,” you must be very particular as to when you dig it out of the ground. There is an old adage that says you should never dig something out of the ground, that is established, in any month that does not have an “R” in the word. That leaves out May, June, July and August. The point being that it is easier and less stressful for plants to reestablish themselves during the cooler months of January, February, March, April, September, October, November and December. Yes, it is possible to transplant something in the dead of winter assuming that the ground is not entirely frozen. After all the plant is dormant.

Planting new trees and shrubs, setting our green friends in the ground to grow, seems to be most popular, in the northeast, during the months of April, May and June. Almost any garden center looks at Mothers Day weekend as their Superbowl or World Series of events. Garden centers will have as much product packed into their real estate as possible for the big event. The last frost date for most of New Jersey is around May 15^th.If you follow the lunar calendar, it’s the first full moon in May. This year that was May 16^th. Either way, if you benchmark Mother’s Day, as most do, you can plant tomatoes, basil, figs, azaleas or whatever safely. This year, Mother’s Day was May13th.

Spring plantings dominate the northeast, with our inclusion of annuals, perennials, vegetables, trees, shrubs and tropicals. Autumn seems to be a distant second, an after thought, only for the basics, i.e. azaleas, rhododendron, juniper and laurels as well as the more majestic conifers like spruce, hemlock and pine. That leaves roughly 90 days of good planting weather for you to develop your gardens. Availability seems to be the hardest obstacle to overcome in the warmer summer months. B&B (balled and burlap plant material) is case sensitive and is dug in cooler months. Once a garden center has gone through its allotment or inventory for the spring, it is hard to restock larger specimen plants. However, containerized plants are abundant during the warmer summer months and are at absolutely no risk of being installed during this time of year. Moreover, larger plants that were dug out of the ground at the right time of year also have no risk of being reinstalled or planted during warmer summer months as they were dug while they were dormant. The same logic still applies when planting in the spring, summer or fall. Sight your plants properly being cognizant of lighting conditions, deer issues and proximity to their surroundings. Just because it’s summer don’t water a plant everyday! Monitor the plant and check it two to three times a week for water. Over watering can be just as fatal as under watering.

There are exceptions to the rule, however, about transplanting trees within the months that have an “R”. There are fall digging hazards for a number of trees and thus it is suggested that the following types of trees be thoughtfully transplanted during February and March. Trident Maples, Birch, Hornbeams, Katsura’s, Redbuds, Hawthorns, Beech, Carolina Silverbells, Goldenraintrees, Sweetgums, Tuliptrees, Crabapples, Black Gums, Hophornbeams, Cherries, Pears, Oaks, Willows, Mountainash, Lindens, Chinese Elms and Zelkova’s have all been deemed dangerous for fall transplanting.

Planting trees and shrubs in the summer gives our green friends roughly four to six months to set their feet (roots) into the ground and become comfortable for our infamous Jersey winters. As you peruse nursery stock this summer be mindful that a standard 2-2.5” caliper tree that is balled and burlapped should have a 24” size root ball and weighs approximately 300 pounds. Container trees that are similar in size may be manageable enough for you to load into your SUV and be the weekend warrior you know you are.

Monkey See, Monkey Do

2007-06-01T14:13:00.000-07:00

Tucked away in the Pacific Northwest lies a haven for nature lovers complete with an undisturbed Northwest forest and sweeping views of Puget Sound. Once a private piece of property, home to the Bloedel Family, the Bloedel Reserve is now open to the public. Situated on Bainbridge Island, Washington, reservations are required to tour the 84 acres of second growth forest and numerous specialty gardens. Today the nearly 150 acres are operated by The Arbor Fund and the reserve is reached by either the Seattle-Winslow Ferry from Seattle or by the Olympic Peninsula via the Agate Pass Bridge. Upon entering the gatehouse of the reserve, you are instantly enamored by the French architecture and formal European stylistic landscaping of this palatial estate. Your own staggered tour runs independent of others, every 10-15 minutes, so as to experience the reserves natural wonders for yourself. Such botanical wonders include, towering English Elms, monstrous specimens of Katsura tree, Persian Parrotia, Empress tree and Copper Beech to name a few. Attractions include a bird refuge, reflection garden, moss garden, waterfall outlook, and natural forest showcasing the timber tree Pseudotsuga menziesii (Douglas Fir). These Douglas Firs have been left to their own devices, and are maturing to their fullest potential. Trees well over 100 feet have at their feet a meandering foot path with a gorgeous wooden bridge crossing a giant ravine. With all these towering specimens around you, what really stuck me was a diminutive plant welcoming me into the Japanese garden. A monosweep of Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Nigrescens’ (Black Mondo Grass).

Ophiopogon (Mondo or Monkey grass) has a petite stature, but when used in mass plantings or monosweeps can easily enhance gargantuan counterparts. However, the plants people of the Bloedel Reserve used Black Mondo Grass on either side of a walkway welcoming me through an Asian-type bower. Monkey grass is a sod-forming, herbaceous perennial plant. Derived from Greek ophis, “snake”, and pogon, “beard”, there is some conjecture as to whether this refers to the leaves or its flower spike. Mondo’s epithet refers to Japan’s language of ryu-no-hige (dragon’s beard) or ja-no-hige (snake’s beard). Chinese medicine uses mai men dong, Ophiopogon japonicus tuber, as an herb to help yin deficiency. Said to suppress dry coughs and constipation, the Chinese believe in its curative powers.

Often confused with Liriope muscari (Lilyturf), the leaves of mondo grass are narrower with blue fruits as compared to the black fruits of Liriope. Mondo grass is primarily used as a groundcover or border foreground plant, however it looks quite attractive in planters, around ponds or between stone foot paths. Suitable to plant under larger trees, monkey grass is able to survive amongst other plants with more competitive root structures. Once established this small wonder requires little or no attention and is free of most insect and disease problems. Filtered sunlight to full shade help drive the marketability of this plant in our garden center as customers are tired of the pedestrian solutions of ajuga and pachysandra. You can propagate this plant by dividing large clumps and consider shearing back the older spent leaves in early spring before the new growth comes out. Tolerant to medium wet conditions, mondo grass grows to about a foot tall depending on cultivar. Hardy from zones 6-11, monkey grass even flowers in the summer.

There are several cultivars to impress and add variety to your gardens. Ophiopogon japonicus ‘Nanus’, as you might expect, is a lush, dark green variety with half the height of the species only reaching 4-6 inches. Ophiopogon ‘Kyoto Dwarf’ is almost microscopic. Appreciating the diminutive structure of this plant reaching only 1-2 inches tall and understanding the potential of it as a bonsai understory… it’s only hardy to zone 7. So enjoy it South Jersey and further south. Finally, my favorite is Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Nigrescens’. Sometimes referred to as ‘Ebony Knight or ‘Black Dragon’, I love it as Black Mondo Grass. Picture a shady location in your garden and tucked away in the foreground is a flat, black grass backed by a layer of Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’, (Variegated Hakone Grass), a yellow foliaged grass with streaks of green lines.

Hopefully you have been inspired to visit the Bloedel Reserve, “a place where one is reminded of the fundamental bond that exists between man and nature” (Prentice Bloedel). A place where I was inspired to plant monkey grass once I had seen it done so well. Lastly, Prentice Bloedel’s truism sums up best man and nature. “Nature can do without man, but man cannot do without nature”.

Faster than Brigadoon

2007-05-01T14:09:00.000-07:00

Famed director and Oscar winner, Vincente Minnelli, used the cinema to tell heartfelt, realistic and compelling stories. A filmography that would impress the likes of Steven Spielberg and Martin Scorsese, includes Ziegfeld Follies, Father of the Bride, An American in Paris, Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse and Oscar winner Gigi. However, arguably one of his greatest tales took place in the 18^th century, on the Scottish Highlands, and was brought to life by Gene Kelly, Van Johnson and Cyd Charisse. Brigadoon is a “time warp fantasy that depicts the ethereal village materializing from the mists only one day each hundred years.” So where am I going with such a sub reference? It has been said that patience is a virtue. Fellow gardeners and plants people know this adage all too well. Some annuals take an entire season to come to fruition. Perennials can come into their own after two or three years. Deciduous shrubs and conifers can develop into handsome specimens after several years. But a tree that has been known to take ten to fifteen years to flower, that’s just crazy! Or is it?

Planting Trees & Shrubs 101

2007-04-01T14:08:00.000-07:00

A few months ago there was a great cover story in the Gardener News about “Mulched Volcanoes”. The article depicted one of the many inaccuracies or misconceptions about how people incorrectly install plant material. Far too often plant material is set into the ground either too high or below grade. Various mulches are used as decorative coverings at a depth, in some cases, of 8-10 inches. Now that the weather is breaking, I thought it be helpful to point out some basic mechanics of how to properly install and care for our green friends.

One of the first things any good garden will have is a plan. Don’t be capricious about placing your larger, future plant material. Leave the bright colors of annuals for your more whimsical plantings. Consideration for sunlight and proximity to surroundings should always be at the forefront of your decision making. Take notice of water issues that are either too wet or too dry and always consider Deer! They simply will punish you if you don’t plan for them.

The debate as to which is better to plant, B&B (Balled and Burlapped) materials or containerized plants will always be a hot topic filled with opinions predicated on past experiences. Either way, the mechanics of slipping the root system back into the ground are the same. Today’s popular belief is to dig a hole slightly larger than twice the size of the root ball. Consider amending your native soil with new top soil, humus or well-rotted leaf compost. Large quantities of humus can help cure heavy clay soil and fast draining sand while making your plants feel as though they are having a spa day. The depth of the hole should not be any deeper than the root ball itself. “It is better to plant slightly higher rather than lower than the tree was growing prior to the move” (Rutgers Cooperative Extension). B&B trees should have the top of the burlap either folded back or I like to cut the top half off all together. Burlap that is not folded or cut off can wick moisture away from the plant. Larger B&B trees will have a wire basket around the root ball. If possible, cut the top half of the cage off. DO NOT TRY TO WRESTLE THE CAGE OFF FROM THE ROOT BALL! This will only create a sloppy root mass and potentially harm the tree, diminishing the success of the tree. The mechanics above should only be done after you have decided that the tree will no longer be moved around. This includes finding the best side of the tree and rotating the ball to that position. After all is said and done, remember to mulch around your plant material at a depth of 2 to 3 inches keeping the mulch away from the bark of the plant. Stake larger plant material and avoid getting too close with the lawn mower or treading to heavily over the root systems.

Deep watering is also important. Sprinkler systems only target the top few inches of soil line. Don’t rely too heavily on them unless you have specific zones for landscape beds and zones for turf. The best way to water plants is to apply it at a rate that the soil will absorb without runoff.

When you select plants this spring remember to select well proportioned plants. Avoid root balls that are abnormally small, dented or loose from the plant. By the same token, containerized material should not have roots spiraling around the top of the pot or have roots growing out the drainage holes on the bottom of the pot. Inspect the foliage and limbs of plant material. Bright, healthy looking foliage is what you’re after. Plants that are losing leaves, turning yellow or brown or look fatigued or stressed should be avoided. You spend the time weekly to inspect produce at a supermarket so be discriminating on your plant purchases as well. After all your plant purchase will last far longer than a meal will.

Finally, remember that April 27, the last Friday in April, is Arbor Day. Hopefully this article will inspire you to become a “Tree Hugger.” Take the time to further your education and visit Arborday.org. The website provides great tips, including tree care and planting as well as a terrific identification guide. The National Arbor Day Foundation currently has on their site 10 free trees when you become a member. An incentive to help contribute to the 8.5 million trees members planted last year.

Socrates May Have Liked These Hemlocks

2007-03-01T14:05:00.000-08:00

Most of us have heard the story of Socrates and his untimely death, at age 70. Standing before a jury and fellow Athenians, Socrates was sentenced to death in 339 BC. His anti-democratic views and impious acts lead to a guilty decision, a vote of 280 to 220, thus providing a suicide story for the ages. What most people don’t realize however is that the poison hemlock consumed was not the evergreen type, Tsuga, but rather a deadly, poisonous herb of the Apiaceae family, Conium maculatum. Mistaken for fennel, parsley or wild carrot, poison hemlock has tiny white flowers clustered in umbels. Native to Europe and the Mediterranean poison hemlock, when crushed, emits a rank, unpleasant odor not the anise or liquorice smells associated with the likes of fennel. Evergreen types of Hemlock look nothing like the herbaceous types.

Tsuga Canadensis, Canadian (Eastern) Hemlock, has long been a staple for the industry because of their tolerance to shady locations. Eastern Hemlocks, left to their own devices, can achieve heights of 50+ feet and 25+ in width. An exception to the rule, this conifer can be planted close to one another with hopes of creating a dense hedge line. However, spruce varieties can not achieve the same results. A candidate for moist, not saturated, areas Hemlocks have gorgeous leaf color complete with dark greens and two glaucous bands underneath. Suitable wherever drainage is good, keep the parent plant and its offspring away from windy areas and be considerate during times of drought.

Cultivars available to gardeners today are plentiful, exciting and diverse. Options include mounding, columnar, variegated, prostrate and globose types. One cultivar that I am asked about time and again, especially by those who visit our home, is Tsuga canadensis ‘Albospica’. A treemendous open growing hemlock which has snowy, white- tipped leaves almost the entire year. This unique attribute stands out against its darker, more mature, foliage. Planted on the north side of our home is a grove of them defining a corner and embedding the glorious earth tones and exfoliating, puzzle-like bark of a Stewartia pseudocamellia (Japanese Stewartia). The texture and colors that the two offer are only heightened with an occasional snowfall. Cultivated since 1866 and still going strong. Another one of the variegated types and often confused with ‘Albospica’ is Tsuga c. ‘Gentsch White’. A variegated globe which also offers white branch tips. Suitable for container gardening or as a small punctuation amongst your foundation plantings, this one benefits from routine pruning. We have Otto Gentsch in Long Island, New York to thank for this one. To round out the white-tipped cultivars that I am in favor of is Tsuga c. ‘Frostie’. Phenomenal white foliage with thin branches enhances its delicate texture, lending itself again to shade gardening. Look for slight pink winter markings as an added bonus. For those of you looking for yellow in your garden, enjoy the bright gold markings on stiffly held branches of Tsuga c. ‘Aurea Compacta’. This dwarf upright form is also known as ‘Everitt’s Golden’. Finally, a variety for those in search of a vertical accent suitable for planters or as a low maintenance hedge or screen is Tsuga c. ‘Monler’ (Emerald Fountain). Emerald Fountain has a dense branching structure creating a columnar evergreen. Retaining its dark green foliage throughout the winter, ‘Monler’ finishes nicely at 6 to 10 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide making it suitable for most gardens.

Native from Nova Scotia to Minnesota Canadian Hemlocks have recently been the target of some negative publicity. Woolly Adelgid has severely limited the planting, marketability and growing of hemlocks. This aphidlike insect has posed a serious threat to the hemlock population for some 80+ years. Known in New Jersey since 1978 where they were first found in Medford, Burlington County. Alas, there is hope. Bayer Advanced Tree & Shrub insect control, 1.47% Merit, is an easy “mix and pour” at the base of a tree solution. So start rejuvenating the hemlock population today.

A Pedestrian Shrub No More

2007-02-01T12:41:00.000-08:00

For years I have thought Dwarf Alberta Spruce (Picea glauca ‘Conica’) to be the most overused plant in the plant kingdom. Seen far too often as foundation entrance pieces, a vertical accent in a planter or dumped on either side of a front door as a holiday garnish. These solutions are easy, lack imagination and seem all too pedestrian to me. Significant strides have been made and various flavors are now available to gardeners looking for cultivars whose heritage is derived from Picea glauca (White Spruce). Dwarf Alberta or Dwarf White Spruce has its “Roots”, literally, from that of the more majestic conifer. This “natural dwarf”, as Michael Dirr describes, “was found by J.G. Jack and Alfred Rehder at Lake Laggan, Alberta, Canada in 1904 as they awaited a train to bring them back to the Arnold Arboretum.” Ever since then, it seems, almost every home in America has found a way to adorn some part of their landscape with one of these dwarf spruce. Having said this, today there are many alternatives or cultivars available to the public to satisfy the urge of having a diminutive spruce with a pyramidal habit on their property. Many of which are far more exciting, offering additional attributes than just a small, green pyramid.

While there are a number of dwarf forms of white spruce I am limiting this article to those that share the common characteristics of an upright form with a pyramid appearance. However, these little guys will have a sense of style associated with them. Picea glauca ‘Rainbow’s End’ is an exciting cultivar with great seasonal interest. In the spring, the new growth is light green, no arguments that this is not extraordinary; however, the second flush of growth in the summer is remarkable. Bright, lemon-yellow new growth emerges and is showcased with the older, darker green foliage behind it. This is a mutation that was found at Iseli Nursery, the conifer capital of the world, in 1978. Picea glauca ‘Pixie Dust’ is similar to ‘Rainbow’s End’ with its colorful growth spurts, although this one has almost microscopic advancements in the garden. ‘Pixie Dust’ is perfect for planters, rock gardens or anywhere a tiny colorful pyramid is needed for a great garden accent. Picea glauca ‘Sanders Blue’ has an attractive, slate blue appearance. It reminds me of a quilt with a patchwork or greens and blues. Picea glauca ‘Blue Wonder’ is developing into the answer for an Alberta that is blue. While it is quite better than some of the others which have been offered, it’s still not quite perfect. However, it is distinctively more blue than most and looks great when coupled with perennials and annuals in container gardens. Finally, an alternative to the more pedestrian Dwarf Alberta Spruce, Picea glauca ‘Jean’s Dilly’ is a dwarf of a dwarf. Pronounced John’s Dilly and named for Jean Iseli, founder of Iseli Nursery, this remarkable little pyramid has shorter, thinner needles than its predecessors. During the growing season its needles area arranged in a distinctive twist. Spring growth starts later than other ‘Conica’ types and ‘Jean’s Dilly’ grows two thirds the rate of ‘Conica’. Found at Iseli Nursery in 1981 this diminutive form was aptly named by Jean’s brother Andre. I mention this form because even though it is a green form its tiny structure lends itself well to container gardening. Situated in small numbers, you could mix perennials, annuals or deciduous materials amongst them and easily create a small garden wonderland.

Requirements for Alberta’s are similar to most other conifers. Full sun and well drained, acidic soils are key to their success. Stephen Schuckman, New Jersey Certified Tree Expert, Horticulturist, colleague, former employer and long time friend, reminded me that it is my due diligence to inform those interested in planting Dwarf Alberta Spruce of a serious pitfall. Red spider-mites! As Steve says, “Alberta’s are a condominium for spider-mites”. While he is correct, the problem is preventable and curable through the use of many over the counter insecticides.

Inspired by Chihuly

2007-01-01T12:02:00.000-08:00

Tucked away in New York City’s Bronx borough lies an arcadia for plant lovers. The New York Botanical Garden is home to some of the worlds most prodigious horticultural delights. Founded in 1891 the gardens are a leading educational center, a National Historic Landmark and “a grand museum of plants.” The famed Enid A. Haupt Conservatory sits among the 250 acres and is one of the more recognizable pieces of architecture in New York. Specialty gardens are numerous satisfying herb, perennial and rose enthusiasts alike just to name a few. However, my favorite is the Benenson Ornamental Conifer Garden. As if all this isn’t enough, last October the gardens had even more to offer. Dale Chihuly, famed blown glass artist who has revolutionized the Studio Glass movement had an incredible body of work situated amongst the living. Chihuly’s vibrant colors and creative forms are often implemented by his teams of artisans who cultivate his visions, crafting some of the most complex sculptures imaginable. Part of the allurement of art is the interpretation that one can take away from the piece. One particular piece that Chihuly crafted was titled “Reeds.” And while these gorgeous, red reeds stood strong against the conservatory, towering at over ten feet, I could only think to myself that they also reminded me of Cornus alba (Tatarian or Red Twig Dogwood).

Introduced in the mid 1700’s and native to Siberia, Manchuria and northern Korea, Tatarian Dogwood is a plant useful in a number of applications. Benefiting from full sun to part shade the species performs exceedingly well in almost any soil type. Tolerant of some wet feet and clay soils, Tatarian types are at their best when planted in larger groupings. Remember Monosweeping! Planting a grove or border of this dogwood creates seasonal interest which can captivate ones attention at any time of year.

Without question this plants popularity is attributed to the intense red color markings of its bark throughout the winter. Blood red stems darken as the months get colder. One of the more stunning winter interest gardens you can see is the deep red stems shooting out of the ground surrounded by fresh, powdery snow. Going forward, spring’s warmer weather begins to soften the colorful red markings of the bark, gradually turning its stems from red to green. Rising temperatures also cause buds to swell unwrapping green (sometimes variegated) leaves which are egg-shaped in form. Late spring into early summer the yellowish-white flowers arrive and are almost two inches in diameter. These “flat-topped cymes” as Dirr describes, are more impressive than others may lead you to believe. The fruit (drupes) make their way in mid summer and are generally white with a touch of blue. Finally, to complete our circle, is the fall color which can often be an impressive reddish-purple.

Several interesting cultivars are readily available and noteworthy. Cornus a. ‘Elegantissima’ (Variegated Red-Twig Dogwood) has leaves which are more of a gray-green surrounded by an irregular creamy-white band on the outside edges. This cultivar finishes at about six to eight feet, a full two to four feet smaller than the species. Cornus a. ‘Gouchaulti’ (Mottled Dogwood) has a pink overtone to its mottled yellowish-white and green leaves and grows a bit wider, three to seven feet, as it matures. Finally, Cornus a. ‘Bailhalo’ (Ivory Halo Dogwood) has a sensational contrast of light green leaves with creamy white edges. More of a compact grower, this habitat plant will next spring adorn a grouping of Cedrus atlantica ‘Horstman’ at my home.

Chihuly’s upright “Reeds” undoubtedly reminded me of the erect, youthful stems of Tatarian Dogwood. His creative designs and remarkable colors have heightened my game and influenced me to work more colorful and playful architecture into my own landscape refraining from using some of the more pedestrian cement pottery and statuary you see far too often. One final thought: thinning out the oldest canes from year to year almost guarantees you the expected explosion of red color overcompensating for the doldrums of winter.

A Symbol of the Season

2006-12-01T11:30:00.000-08:00

Finland (Lapland) has Santa Claus, Germany has its Christmas markets and Russia is noted for their traditional, handmade Christmas ornaments. But who has bragging rights for the first decorated Christmas tree? Located in Northeastern Europe, nestled between Estonia, Russia, Belarus and Lithuania lays the country Latvia. Riga, Latvia has by many been credited with first decorating an evergreen tree in the year 1510. This popular holiday tradition, decorating Christmas trees, may have started here, but today in the United States we celebrate by purchasing nearly 35 million Real Christmas Trees every year as reported by the National Christmas Tree Association.

Sold commercially in the United States since about 1850, Christmas trees have been subject to many speculations and myths. First, of the nearly 35 million trees sold each year, 95 percent are shipped and sold directly from Christmas tree farms. California, Oregon, Michigan, Washington, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and North Carolina are among the leading producers with Oregon consistently ranking toward the top. Typically, the best selling trees are Scotch pine, Douglas fir, Noble fir, Fraser fir, Balsam fir and White pine for reasons which will be discussed further in the article. More than 2,000 trees, on average, are planted per acre of which half to two thirds will survive. It takes an average of six to ten years to obtain a mature six to seven foot tree, fighting the elements of rain, wind, ice and drought to name a few. There are more than 21,000 Christmas tree growers in North America and nearly 12,000 “cut-your-own” farms. Finally, 2-3 seedlings are planted for every harvested Christmas tree. So much for the statistics.

Much more is needed to produce the quintessential Christmas tree than simply taking a seedling, planting it, and hoping for the best. Science and technology have largely improved upon the early days of 1851 when Mark Carr opened the first Christmas tree retail lot in New York. Today’s trees are sought out and “created” to ensure that the most perfect, predictable and “hardy” tree will endure to its final destination, your home. This past summer while I was visiting nurseries and tagging nursery stock for next spring, I had the opportunity to visit a Christmas tree grower in Oregon. Silver Mountain Christmas Trees in Oregon is one of the largest producers of Christmas trees in the United States. Owner and operator Jim Heater was kind enough to show his operation and educate me on the science of growing the perfect tree. First, seed orchards are created to find elite seeds. To obtain these seeds cones must be present and autumn is the right time of year to harvest. Careful hands pollinate and cross pollinate several families to produce stronger trees. When the cones are mature they are picked and then thrashed to remove the seed which are then cleaned. Seeds are then planted precisely by a Vacuum Precision Seeder which spaces out seedlings, giving them equal shares of sunlight, moisture and space, thus eliminating problems from being too close. Grown in seed beds for two years, these future trees are then uprooted and replanted again into a transplant bed. A Reciprocating Undercutter Wrencher, another patented piece of machinery that is sold throughout the world by Silver Mountain, root prunes underneath the ground, thus creating more fibrous feeder roots able to take in more nutrients. Eventually these small trees are brought to production beds where they will continue to be nurtured and evaluated. After all “a good start ensures, healthy, stronger plants.” Over the next 6 to 10 years, Jim’s trees will continue to be monitored until they are ready to be harvested. Hand culturing begins once the trees hit his production fields. This is done to create a nice full pyramid, for which many demand at market. Shearing the trees properly helps create an almost perfect product for an imperfect profession. Double topping helps eliminate competing leaders, creating a nice, straight top. This is done on an individual basis and thus is very labor intensive. Grading crews evaluate quality and height and harvesting starts in November. Silver Mountain can harvest 5,000 trees a day as crews work almost around the clock. The most remarkable part of the harvest though is his ability to work over any terrain or through almost any weather. Helicopters are used to pull trees out of his fields, thus eliminating damage to his trees.

Whether you purchase a tree from a “cut-your-own” farm or garden center there are many choices to consider. Fragrance, needle retention, texture and color dictate many a decision. Balsam fir (Abies balsamea) has short, flat, long lasting needles that are dark green with a silver cast. Typically, this tree is associated with having that “traditional Christmas tree smell.” Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) smells like oranges. Needles are blue to dark green, about 1 ½” and also hold their needles well. Named for David Douglas who studied the tree in the 1800’s, this tree can live for a thousand years. White Pine (Pinus strobus) has soft, long, blue-green needles with a very full appearance. This tree has very little fragrance and doesn’t hold heavy ornaments as well. Scotch pine (Pinus sylvestris) has stiff branching, dark green needles that are about an inch long and hold ornaments very well. Fraser fir (Abies fraseri) has quickly become the standard for Christmas trees. Dark green-blue needles, about an inch long, adorn this pyramidal-shaped tree. Good fragrance and excellent needle retention have catapulted this tree to stardom over the last decade. Last but not least is Noble fir (Abies procera). If I could liken a tree for a moment to a car, than this is your Ferrari. Bluish-green needles that are almost rubbery to the touch never seem to shed on your floor. Stiff branches hold heavier ornaments and it has a great fragrance.

Another way to enjoy your holiday is by planting a b&b tree. B&B (ball and burlap) trees are live trees that you can later plant in your yard. Though it can be more of an arduous task the rewards are numerous. Thoughtfully pick a location in your yard suitable for a conifer. Remember that most conifers, a cone-bearing tree or shrub, do not like shade. While there are a few exceptions, those listed previously enjoy more sun than shade. Remember that these species trees are all majestic giants. They will some day reach for the sky. So give them plenty of room and try not to plant them in a hedge line five feet apart from one another as this will have a pejorative affect on your landscape. Be mindful that live trees are becoming more popular. Go to your local plant purveyor and ask to purchase your tree and have it delivered or picked up closer to Christmas. Once your tree is home place it in your garage for a day or two, so as to slowly acclimate the tree from the temperature outside from that of inside. Try not to have your live tree in your house for more than five to seven days and reverse the procedure when you plant your tree after the holidays. Dig the hole prior to the ground freezing as this will facilitate your planting.

Evergreens around the holiday conjure up feelings of nostalgia, longing for our childhood past. Cut trees are multi faceted as they can be recycled and used as mulch after the holiday season. Live trees not only provide a habitat for wildlife but also grow as our families do. Wherever you purchase your tree this year be cognizant of its height as trees look smaller outside than they do inside your home. Check for needle retention by pulling on the limbs to see if any needles fall off. Remember to put a fresh cut on your cut tree and keep it well irrigated during the first ten days. A cut tree can consume more than a quart of water per day. Choose a cool location away from drafts and any nearby heat source such as a fireplace, radiator or stove. Feel great about your purchase knowing that this year alone nearly 73 million new Christmas trees will be planted. Finally, remember that cut trees came from mother earth…so be kind and recycle when possible. Consumers can locate the nearest recycling program by logging onto www.realchristmastrees.org or by calling 1-800-CLEANUP.

Tree of Life

2006-11-01T11:29:00.000-08:00

Ficus carica (Common Fig) is one of those fun plants that gardeners go to great lengths to grow and protect. Perhaps it’s because of the oversized, textural foliage, the abundance of tasty fruit or the challenge of over-wintering a subtropical plant. Whatever the reason, gardeners alike have owned up to the challenge of raising their fig tree, honing their agricultural skills and treating it as a member of “La Familia.” “Borderline Hardy” is a term used in the industry warning of a plants’ survivability in a given part of the country. The limits of the average annual minimum temperature define specific zones. Most of New Jersey has a hardiness zone of 6 (-5 to +5F) with exceptions in Northwest New Jersey being 5 (-15 to -10F) and coastal and southern Jersey being 7 (5 to 10F). This being said, fig trees are borderline hardy.

Remnants of common fig have been found in excavation sites dating back to at least 5000 B.C. Indigenous to western Asia and the eastern Mediterranean, fig trees have, for a long time, been sold, planted and survived in pockets of New Jersey. They just require a little TLC. Recently my wife and I traveled to Europe, specifically Italy, and became even more enamored with Italian culture. This being our third time to Italy, we just love the people, the culture and of course the food. In the summer no meal would be complete without some fresh fruit on the table. I had an opportunity to climb, giving you some idea of the maturity of the tree, a friend’s fig tree and harvest dessert for the family. References to fig trees have been made throughout history. One more notable and apropos, since I just returned from Italy, is in the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City. One of the central stories on the ceiling is Original Sin and the Banishment from the Garden of Eden. I’m a plant guy so I’ll leave the theological discussions for those academics. However, I will say this; there are those suggesting that the forbidden fruit may be an apple, grape, pomegranate or fig, I can say without hesitation that Michelangelo painted leaves resembling a fig tree.

Culturally fig trees require a full day of sun, prefer moist, well drained soil, but apparently are not fussy on soil makeups as they seem to sustain themselves well from light sand to heavy clay. Avoid highly acidic soils shooting for a pH between 6 and 7. Trees can sustain at 10-20 degrees Fahrenheit, although you will almost certainly have to cut the tree back to the ground from year to year leaving yourself more of a bush form than a tree form. A picturesque, deciduous tree, fig trees can reach heights of forty to fifty feet. Bright green foliage, deeply lobed with one to five sinuses is attractive and visible to almost any eye. Pollination is always a question that comes up. The common fig has flowers which are all female and thus requires no pollination. Cross pollination and the need to have a tiny wasp, Blastophaga grossorum, to pollinate do not apply here. They are necessary for the caprifig which has male and female flowers. Keep the fertilization regulated as excessive nitrogen will only encourage rank growth, sacrificing fruit. Look for varieties such as ‘Brown Turkey’, ‘Black Mission’, and ‘Kadota’ as suitable candidates for New Jersey. These are great tasting and readily available.

Finally, protecting your tree for the winter. A very good friend of mine and avid gardener, Leo Pietrantuono, has over fifty years experience handed down to him from his father and his father’s father. Some basic points to keep in mind. First you can always bring small trees, in containers, in and out every year to escape Mother Nature. For those of you who want the challenge of planting one outside, here are some basics. Look for a sunny spot against a wall and you can pick up a few degrees with reflective heat. Leo’s tip is that it’s crucial to understand that frost doesn’t kill the tree, moisture and timing do. With larger trees, tie smaller branches in clusters and bind them to larger ones getting the tree very tight. Do this only after all the leaves have dropped. Be creative with your wrapping. Some use carpet, insulation, tarps, blankets and some even build boxes around their tree. The key is to keep everything dry. Trial and error will dictate your successes and techniques. Generally, most cover their tree in late October/early November and uncover it in mid April. However, the weather will punish you if you don’t pay attention to it.

Life is made up of experiences and meant to be enjoyed. The thirty foot fig tree I climbed in Monte Di Procida outside of Naples had no less than a thousand figs on it. Sal Coppola, owner of Coppola’s restaurant in New Providence, New Jersey graciously offered his home, his family, his garden and of course his fig tree to my wife and me and with that gave us one of our life’s greatest experiences.

Beyond Fruit Lay Intense Colors

2006-10-01T11:27:00.000-07:00

Why write about a plant in October that everyone knows produces an abundant amount of fruit in the summer? After all, if a plant is known for producing huge quantities of fruit, that must be its single greatest attribute. Nothing could be further from the truth with Highbush Blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum).

Every year, gardeners alike, wait with anticipation for the changing of foliage in autumn. Shorter days and cooler temperatures cause plants to slowly loose their green chlorophyll from their leaves thus giving way to some of the most electric colors in the landscape. Japanese maples are at their best as they prepare for dormancy. Burning Bush has solidified its place as one of the most notable garden candidates for intense, red fall color. But what about Blueberries?

North American Highbush Blueberry is always remembered as a plant which yields large amounts of fruit in the summer. Blueberries are an important agricultural crop that should also be revered for their gorgeous hues of reds and oranges in the fall. Highbush Blueberries grow comfortably between six and twelve feet tall and offer something in every season. Obviously the blue-black fruit in the summer have perpetuated this plant to culinary stardom. Anyone who has traveled to Maine and tasted the jams or famed blueberry pies can attest to this. However, in the spring, corymbs of white urn-shaped flowers precede the fruit. The fall display of vibrant red, orange and yellow lend itself well to “Monosweep” design work. And let’s not forget winter attributes. More established plants are attractive in winter with limbs that turn red and yellow. Not to mention the shredded bark appearance on older specimens.

Many varieties of Highbush Blueberry are available at your local garden center and most benefit from being planted with other cultivars. “Northcountry” is an early season blueberry that has dainty, white tinged, pink bell shaped flowers. “Northland” is a cultivar which is extremely cold hardy with dark blue fruits. “Northsky” is a midseason variety that is exceptionally sweet with pink tinged, white, bell shaped flowers. Finally, “Patriot” produces enormous sweet berries and as with all varieties has fantastic fall color markings.

Culturally, blueberries can be a bit tricky. They prefer acidic soil contents between 4.5 and 5.5. Moist, well drained soils are necessary and remembering to mulch around the base during the winter will ensure their survival. Pruning should be done right after fruiting or before spring bloom. Blueberries enjoy full sun to part shade and to be fed with a slow release acid fertilizer in late winter or early spring. Avoid concentrated amounts of fertilizer near the plant and remember that these are shallow rooted plants and thus do not like to compete for root space and moisture with the likes of perennials and annuals. Remember “Monosweeping” techniques.

The health benefits of blueberries are famed and numerous. Having one of the highest concentrations of iron, blueberries are also rich in carbohydrates, low in fat and high in vitamins A, C and K. Rich in antioxidants blueberries really are among the healthiest food choices.

The concentrated attributes of spring white flowers, plentiful blue-black fruits in the summer, screaming fall color, shredded bark and red and yellow tipped limbs in the winter can act as a suitable substitute for a collection of other plants. Red and Yellow Twig Dogwoods, Burning Bush, Japanese Pieris and Paperbark Maples all have something spectacular to offer. However, Vaccinium corymbosum shares similar characteristics to the above mentioned. The next time you want to create a hedge line of green with stunning fall color, hopefully Blueberry bushes will at least enter your mind when someone suggests the more pedestrian solution of Burning Bush. After all you can literally feed your mind, body and soul with Vaccinium.

‘Gold Rush’

2006-09-01T11:21:00.000-07:00

Botanical nomenclature at times can seem intimidating. Some of the names seem impossible to remember let alone spell. However, to me they’re just an interesting puzzle. While most Latin names for plants are not used in every day conversation, they do help communicate more effectively when talking with other professionals in the industry. Knowing the genus is helpful. Knowing the genus and species is more specific. But knowing the genus, species and cultivar quickly narrows the playing field and takes away any ambiguity that there may have been. My nephew, third generation for our family business, often asks, “Why it is so important to know these names?” The answer is simple. You don’t want to be sold a plant that you don’t want. Liken the specifics of botanical nomenclature to that of fine wine. There are red wines and then THERE ARE RED WINES. A nice merlot from California would be good, but a bottle of 1997 Tommasi Amarone made from Corvina, Rondinella and Molinara grapes would be exceptional. Point being that the more specific you are the easier it is for people to understand you. One of the harder names to remember is Metasequoia glyptostroboides (Dawn Redwood).

Metasequoia glyptostroboides is a deciduous conifer that at times is confused with other redwoods. Sequoia sempervirens (Redwood) and Sequoiadendron giganteum (Sierra Redwood) are two completely different types. In fact all three are different from one another. Remember specifics. The Dawn Redwood is truly a giant among giants. A multi-season interest tree that is a deciduous conifer. Few others can make that claim (Ginkgo, Larix and Taxodium). Metasequoia is a conical to pyramidal tree usually with a single trunk. Exponential in its growth habit, heights of forty to fifty feet can be achieved inside twenty years. Suffice to say you should have ample room to watch it mature. Don’t plant it close to the side foundation of your home. Consider it more for a single lawn specimen. The texture of the tree is something to marvel at. Typically texture refers to the foliage of a plant. This is no exception. With fine, feathery green foliage that would be enough. However, the bark has its own texture as well. Shredded reddish brown bark darkens with age and develops a buttressed trunk. Fissures are apparent with age and long strips of bark almost seem to exfoliate. Dawn Redwood performs at its best when you have moist, well drained soils and adequate sunlight.

Getting specific with plants, hopefully, means finding what you really like. One tree that I really love is Metasequoia glyptostroboides ‘Gold Rush’. Representing all that is good with the genus ‘Gold Rush’ adds much more. Intense golden-yellow foliage emerges early in the spring and holds all summer and fall. The chartreuse feathery needles act as a harbinger of spring and turn orange-brown in the fall. “Originally known as ‘Ogon’ in Japan, Dutch horticulturist Peiter Zaignenburg obtained and renamed it ‘Gold Rush’ before it’s introduction into the European markets in 1993” (Iseli Nursery). ‘Gold Rush’ acts like a beacon of light in almost any garden. Specifically used in my backyard to disarm you and draw you closer only to put you inside a garden room. Consider mass planting soft shades of blue around it and keep it properly irrigated. Protection from hot summer sun in warmer climates is thoughtful but not necessary.

Outlining an almost perfect pyramid in a very short period of time, it would be prudent to allow ample room for such a specimen. This tree has made tremendous headway in a relatively short period of time. Thought to be extinct prior to 1941 fossil records were found and trees were discovered the same year. This native to China, eastern Szechuan and western Hupeh, has managed to represent itself well in this country with more notable specimens located at National Arboretum and Morris Arboretum.

Yew Can Stop the Deer

2006-08-01T08:28:00.000-07:00

Before deer became such a big problem in New Jersey there was a staple plant used in almost every landscape in the garden state. Taxus (Yew)! Unfortunately this seems to be a delicacy for our four-legged friends. Interesting since Yews are among the most toxic of plant materials. Taxus has proved to be a versatile plant lending itself to most soil types, lighting conditions, topiary work and overall durability. In particular, though is lighting conditions. While there are other genera that tolerate the shade, Sciadopitys (Umbrella Pine), Chamaecyparis (Falsecypress), and Tsuga (Hemlock), few embrace it offering both an academic and practical solution as Taxus has. However, there is another genus that has long been overlooked that can not only mimic the texture of Taxus, but afford itself in many of the same applications as the aforementioned genus.
Cephalotaxus (Plum Yew) is a genus comprising eleven species. Native to Japan, fossil evidence has sited it further to the Northern Hemisphere. Plum Yews were introduced into this country in 1848, but we have Phillip Franz von Siebold to thank who first sent specimens to Europe from Japan in 1829 (Tripp 1995). Recent popularity has grown, I suspect, because of the adaptability of the genus. Tolerant to alkaline, clay, sand, acidic and loamy soils, Cephalotaxus also performs admirably in sun or shade. However, the plants recent notoriety is attributed to the fact that it’s a coniferous evergreen that handles the shade quite well and is deer resistant. Plum Yews do not have an aggressive root structure, are known for their drought tolerance once established and are not affected by many pest problems. Cephalotaxus have a softness about them, having flat needlelike leaves that are blunt at the tips. More heat tolerant than true yews and most juniper, Plum Yews can also take heavy pruning. Although heavy pruning should be unnecessary, as Cephalotaxus is not known for its rapid growth. The common name Plum Yew is termed for the plum-like fruit, actually a naked seed, which is fleshy and is olive to reddish brown. These olive-like fruits are a popular food in Japan.
Cephalotaxus harringtonia (Japanese Plum Yew, Cow’s Tail Pine) are the more “commonly” found of the eleven species. Named for the Earl of Harrington, one of the species’ first European fanciers (Tripp 1995) harringtonia offers several notable cultivars. ‘Prostrata’ is among my favorites for no other reason than it closely resembles that of Taxus baccata ‘Repandens’ (spreading English Yew). An impressive dark green carpet that the deer simply won’t let us plant. ’Prostrata’ is a low mounding evergreen with arching pendulous branches. It too has dark green leaves and can be used effectively as a deer resistant ground cover. Stunning as a monosweep around a deciduous tree, ‘Prostrata’ has a nostalgic feel for the spreading English Yews of years past. The new growth is a pale lime green that hardens to a glossy dark green. Comfortably this cultivar sits two to four feet tall and wide. Slightly larger in appearance is another great cultivar ‘Duke Gardens’. With more of a rounded outline ‘Duke Gardens’ finishes nicely at four to five feet tall and wide. Also projecting dark green foliage, this one has upswept arching branches and a slight aromatic fragrance. Finally, a vertical accent to your garden is ‘Fastigiata’. Capable of growing ten feet all, slowly remember, this is an outstanding columnar candidate that can hide your air conditioner units or act as a really cool container plant. With black-green markings, ‘Fastigiata’ has almost weeping new growth held stiffly on an upward appearance. I saw some stunning examples of this cultivar last winter visiting Napa Valley. The hotel we stayed in used them effectively around their pool, in containers, to help frame their Mediterranean feel.
Finally, aside from their versatility and adaptability, Cephalotaxus are being used medicinally. Anticancer alkaloids such as Cephalotaxine and harringtonine are compounds being extracted. With all that has been said about this fabulous genus, Michael Dirr (Professor and Plant demigod of our time) says it best. “Potential has not even been tapped; a superb and shade tolerant aristocrat evergreen for groupings, masses and accents; slow growing which frightens those who design with a juniper mentality, but the rewards over time are abundant.”

Stylish Mono-Sweeping

2006-07-01T11:19:00.000-07:00

Mono-sweeping is an industry term used to describe the massing of a single plant material, in abundance, in one particular area. Far too often I am asked to select plants for a particular site and come up with as many different types as possible. This is not only confusing to me, but the customer is left not with a viable landscape, but merely a collection of plants. This type of mind set is fine if your goal is to present specimens in a museum-like atmosphere. However, it lacks a certain rhythmic flow and can not afford sweeping, elongated lines that envelope and captivate ones attention simultaneously disarming and inviting them towards a destination without their knowledge. Landscape design should not be confusing, frustrating or intimidating. You need only be cognizant of color, texture, and size. Repetition is a good thing. One such plant that can afford itself in such a manner is the genus Spiraea.

Spiraea is a genus representing some eighty plus species and thus can offer some outstanding variety in any landscape. While most are deciduous in our temperate climate, these colorful dynamos help create some outstanding tapestries during the warmer months and far outweigh their nakedness in winter. Spiraea are in their glory during those months of backyard barbecues and hot summer days. And let’s face it, who’s really out there paying attention to their landscapes in the middle of winter. It’s more important to have color and texture during the months you’re using your yard.

Some of the more remarkable Spiraea’s are a result of a cross between S. albiflora and S. japonica. Simply put their genetic heritage stems from Japan. Spiraea x bumalda (Bumald Spirea) holds some of the more popular varieties even if they, at times, seem somewhat pedestrian. Perhaps one of the more marketable cultivars is Spiraea ‘Anthony Waterer’. Finishing nicely at four feet wide and tall, it lends itself well to mass plantings. Mark Hunter of Hunter Landscape Design in Bernardsville, New Jersey boasts “The real key to mono-sweep based design is to emphasize the architectural nature of the plants that are being used and limiting the varieties.” Other notable Bumald varieties include ‘Dolchica’, ‘Limeound’, and ‘Magic Carpet’. ‘Dolchica’ offers cutleaf foliage, deep purple new growth and pink flowers. More compact growing than most, it finishes between two and four feet. ‘Limemound’, an introduction from Monrovia Growers, horticultural craftsmen since 1970, has slender branching, lemon-yellow foliage and its furthest extensions show russet markings. Autumn foliage is orange-red and it too offers more of a compact form. ‘Magic Carpet’ is almost a ground cover form. Finishing nicely between eighteen and twenty four inches, ‘Magic Carpet’ has golden-yellow markings and pink flowers.

Spiraeas are tolerant of many adverse soil conditions, but do not like wet feet. Preferring to be in full sun, Spirea flowers long and hard throughout the hot summer months. Prune this variety of Spirea early in the spring before foliage appears and remove spent flowers after their first push and more will follow extending your seasonal color.

The list goes on and on for Spiraea. Shades of flower color and textural differences in foliage are plentiful and are only surpassed, in numbers, by the eighty plus species available to you. As you ponder your next landscape project consider, for a moment, the idea of “less is more.” Try planting fewer types of plant material, but more of them. Find that specimen you’ve been waiting for and mass plant a carpet of Spiraea around it. Work that embankment or sloped area with waves of purple or pink Spiraea. Finally impress your friends with hot pockets of containers filled with Spiraea on your patio or deck. Remember this is a plant has color for the majority of summer and is not to fussy about how it is handled. Impress yourself and your friends this summer with easy color and let your garden work for you.

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