An Unforgettable Breakfast

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

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

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

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'”

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

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:

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?

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.