Eva Monheim

Place-Based Learning

5/1/2018

Trap Pond State Park and Cape Henlopen with The Professional Gardening Students from Longwood Gardens

I find that while teaching Woody Plants and Arboriculture, there is nothing better than taking students off site from Longwood Gardens (where students have an amazing campus of plants to study) to see plants outside the regular garden areas. It is a way to reinforce identification skills while looking at the overall structure and health of the trees.
Our first stop on our journey was to Laurel, Delaware at Trap Pond State Park (Friday, March 16). The park is famous because it holds the northern most stand of bald-cypress (Taxodium distichum) in North America.
The day was bitterly cold and windy with gusts over 25 mph but that didn’t stop the group from botanizing. They really enjoyed looking at the trees from Cypress Point.

Bald-cypress in an alcove with loblolly pines (Pinus taeda) as a backdrop.

Here you can see waves on the water from strong winds the day we visited. The bald-cypress looking quite happy in our northern clime.

This spot is great in the winter and early spring months to see the cypress because all the surrounding trees on land are bare. Come summer the place to see these amazing giants is from the water. Other plants that are at the site are the less frequently seen sand hickory (Carya pallida) and seaside alder (Alnus maritima subsp. maritima) an endangered species unique to only three locations in the U.S. Bartow County, Georgia, south-central Oklahoma and the Delmarva Peninsula.

American holly (Ilex opaca) was present in large numbers with a huge diversity of leaf shapes and numbers of spine.

Wax myrtle (Morella cerifera) was dotted through the landscape and on the waters edge. The shrub can get to be 10 to 15’ in height and slightly narrower in width.

The corky bark of the sweet gum (Liquidambar styraciflua) was evident as we looked up into the trees giving its distinctive character. The seedpod with its pointy projections makes this plant easily identifiable. The fruits produce thousands of seeds. We also looked at how trees and other woody plants grow in their natural habitat with their associate plants. Soil type,

proximity to fresh water, and other telling land forms which provides ideal contextual learning opportunities. The students gain a greater knowledge of the plants’ needs including their tolerance to harsh conditions.

The succession begins with the dune grasses with nitrogren fixing bacteria and mycorrhizael fungi.

The shrubby border begins behind the dune grasses and includes beach plum (Prunus maritima) and northern bayberry (Morella pensylvanica). Then you will begin to see small pine trees beginning to sprout and working their way inland.
Pitch pine (Pinus rigida) grows beautifully inland but grows equally well along the windswept shoreline of the Atlantic Ocean. Seeing it growing along the ocean dunes gives a different visual than growing inland where it is tall and straight in growth habit. Along the coastline sometimes trees are shorter in stature and even “bonsai looking” a form of dwarfing and atypical of what is seen inland. (See photo on the right, Bonsai-like – or windswept appearance of the pitch pine, also known as the Krummholz affect – a twisted and knurled tree).

Mycorrhizal fungi also grow in concert with pines. They help with stabilizing the dunes with their extensive hyphae (collectively mycelium) and assist with nutrient uptake for the pines.

Telephora sp. of fungus growing in a rosette form found on dunes in association with pines.

In the new forest above, you can see the development of plant communities that become interdependent on one another. Here the mixed pine forest can provide habitat for many different forms of wildlife.

Northern Fence Lizard or pine lizard (Sceloporus undulatus hyacinthinus).

At Cape Henlopen

Pitch pine cones have spines on their scales. The spines prevent predators from eating the seeds inside. Pitch pine is classified as a fire species and the stems (peduncles) of the cones are non-existent (sessile) to make sure that during a fire event these cones do not fall off the tree. After a quick moving cool fire the cones open up to release their seeds to begin their life on the charred floor of the woodland. The seeds quickly sprout and begin to grow to cover the woodland floor and to provide habitat for birds and other creatures. If there is no fire, the cones will eventually open after several years of drying.

On this dune we found Japanese black pine (Pinus thunbergii) growing happily with other native pines. This was not surprising to find this non-native tree because many shore homes years ago would plant this pine in their landscapes. They have since seeded into the dune habitat and in some cases have hybridized with other pines. Some have purposely been planted because they come from a similar environment in Japan making it wind and salt tolerant.
Below, pitch pine grows with other associates like loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) and poverty pine (Pinus virginiana) along with scattered Japanese black pine (Pinus thunbergii).

From the Standing Guard Tower, we could look out over the dunes and forest inland.

Where there was a soft duff layer of pine needles, the students found this Northern Fence Lizard or pine lizard (Sceloporus undulatus hyacinthinus). He was sunning himself on this nice warm spot. The scales are made of keratin, which helps in protecting the lizard from drying out through evaporation. These characteristics help this cute creature to live in some of the most difficult environments – especially dry ones.

Students taking a moment to relish their experience and their day of learning.

All Photos by Eva Monheim

Sources

Alnus maritima subsp. maritima
http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/34053/0

Beachgrass invasion in coastal dunes is mediated by soil microbes and lack of disturbance dependence
https://esajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/ecs2.1527

Allison Brown, Ph.D.
Information on the Telephora fungus

Bonsai-like
https://www.gardenguides.com/article-bonsai-trees.html

Cape Henlopen, Lewes, Delaware
http://www.destateparks.com/park/cape-henlopen/

Dune Ecology: Beaches and Primary Dunes
http://njseagrant.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Dune-Ecology-Beaches-and-Primary-Dunes.pdf

Dune Ecology: Secondary Dunes and Beyond
http://njseagrant.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Dune-Ecology-Secondary-Dunes-and-Beyond.pdf

Eastern Fence Lizard or Pine Lizard
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_fence_lizard

Ectomycorrhizal Ecology
https://nph.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1469-8137.2005.01593.x

Krummholz – Banner and Flag Trees
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krummholz

Promise of Place
https://www.promiseofplace.org/

Sand Hickory
http://www.backyardnature.net/n/w/sandhick.htm
https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=CAPA24

Telephora
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thelephora
http://www.mushroomexpert.com/thelephora_terrestris.html

Trap Pond State Park, Laurel, Delaware
http://www.destateparks.com/park/trap-pond/
http://www.destateparks.com/downloads/maps/trap-pond/Trap_Pond_Tearoff2017.pdf

“What is Place-Based Education and Why Does it Matter?”
http://www.gettingsmart.com/2017/02/what-is-place-based-education/

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Stoneleigh: A Natural Garden

4/19/2018

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The Garden Capital of the U.S. Just Got Bigger – Stoneleigh: A Natural Garden Opens Sunday, May 13th.
On March 9, I had the amazing opportunity to visit Stoneleigh: A Natural Garden in Villanova, Pennsylvania. The day was sunny, cold and snow covered. The brilliant snow-glow enveloped the estate and provided a magical and majestic countenance to the landscape.
I entered the side gate and was greeted by a busy horticulturist by the name of Cody Hudgens who was pruning storm damaged branches of a golden white pine tree (Pinus strobus ‘Hillside Winter Gold’) (top right) which sparkled from the snow on its branches in the sunlight. Cody pointed the way to the Carriage House where he later met me and directed me to Mae Axelrod the Media Relations Manager. I had an appointment with her for a tour. I didn’t want to miss the opportunity to visit the garden before the thousands of people begin to pour through the gates on May 13th – their Mother’s Day grand opening. There is an opening the day before on May 12th for members only.

A magnificent cucumber magnolia (Magnolia acuminata) stands close to the entry kiosk – the sixth largest in Pennsylvania.

The great lawn in winter is delineated by the tree line of silhouettes. The same area one month later looks vastly different in its spring color.

From left to right – Jason Wirtz, Ethan Kauffman and Mae Axelrod

Joining Mae and me on our tour around the estate, was the Director of Stoneleigh, Ethan Kauffman, and Jason Wirtz, Lead Horticulturist. I was prepared to trudge around the property in the snow with this wonderful trio. I couldn’t think of a better way to see the bones of the garden.
The Stoneleigh’s team of professionals has been working on the property infrastructure and in the gardens since the estate was transferred to the Natural Lands Trust by the Haas children in April of 2016. It’s not surprising that the family left their estate for all to enjoy. The Haas family has had a lengthy connection with the preservation of open space and natural areas. Their commitment to preservation continues to strengthen the garden legacy of the Philadelphia Region as the Garden Capital of the U.S. The Haas family has also been known to give to many charities – they are considered one of the most philanthropic families in the Philadelphia Region.
The grand property that you will see on Mother’s Day is 42 of the original

65 acre estate that was first purchased by Edmund Smith in 1877. He then built a home and hired Charles H. Miller to create the first iteration of the landscape design. The second owner of the estate was Samuel Bodine, who built the stunning Tudor Revival home and at the beginning of the 20th century hired the Olmsted Brothers to redesign the Beaux Arts style landscape that he first commissioned. The Olmsteds created the majestic park-like setting that exists today. Otto Haas bought the property in 1932 and the family lived at Stoneleigh for over 80 years before the John C. Haas Family transferred the property to the National Lands Trust in 2016.
Stoneleigh sits directly behind Villanova University. The proximity to Villanova University is not an accident as this area just outside of Philadelphia continues to be an area of palatial estates with magnificent trees and gardens.

From the amazing stewardship of the Haas Family, you will stroll through a garden with magnificent trees – some are the largest of their species in Pennsylvania. Little did I know that a month after my initial visit to Stoneleigh, I would be helping to plant some of the gardens with the Women in Horticulture. I got to see the garden again in its spring color.
The Women in Horticulture planted two hundred plants as their service project for the garden. (Top right) Stoneleigh welcomes volunteer help that can be arranged with the staff. Stoneleigh’s relationship with Villanova University has been galvanized – evident with the rabbit statue that sits on the corner of Stoneleigh at Spring Mill and County Line Roads. The rabbits were dressed in Villanova blue and white to celebrate the university’s big basketball win as the national champions during March Madness. The visitor kiosk will welcome everyone with free entry to the garden, which sits right off the parking area

(Right). The Women in Horticulture worked to enhance the entry and parking areas. They planted variegated yucca (Yucca filamentosa ‘Golden Sword’). (Below) An installation of spicebush (Lindera benzoin) and a native magnolia (Magnolia sp.) are being planted in the photo below - right .
Stoneleigh’s plantings consist of native species and their cultivars to show the public the diversity and beauty of native species.

The Stoneleigh staff’s commitment to the property is evident in the details to the new stone structures that are built from Wissahickon schist to match the home’s character. (Top right) The pool house, entry kiosk and picnic pavilion (Bottom right) are masterfully crafted to fit the design period of the estate.

The two large London planetrees (Platanus x acerifolia) flank either side of the Tudor Revival home. Their massive stance can be seen in comparison to a person’s size.

The tunnel affect of the pergola will be a cooling retreat on a hot summer day in Philadelphia.

The lychgate sits next to the old tennis court area that faces the picnic pavilion. The history of this style structure dates to Medieval times when the old Saxon word lych meant corpse. The corpse would be laid under the lychgate until burial – usually for three days. The cover was designed to keep the corpse and the bodyguards for the corpse dry from rain. The first part of the funeral would begin under this structure where the priest would begin the prayers. In England the lychgate later took on a new meaning as an entryway to churches. Today they are used at the end of weddings for the bride and groom to pass through. At Stoneleigh, the lychgate takes on a new function – a respite from the sun and becomes a dreamgate of a bygone era and a view to the future.

The family’s swimming pool has been filled in, but the design team kept the original outline of the pool to use as an events area. Flanking the blue stone patio are two large bog gardens filled with native plants that will provide interest during the summer months. (Left) The adjoining pool house (bottom left) will also be used for events that can take advantage of the outdoor area. For the comfort of all who visit, amenities can be found at the pool house.

The picnic pavilion welcomes visitors to dine alfresco in warm weather.

The twisted branches of the London planetree look like sculpture from years of growth.

The meadow in the spring shows hints of color that will soon yield to a curtain of green.

The cheery trees (Prunus spp.) along the side entry are a herald to spring – certainly vastly different from the snow-covered landscape that I saw on my first visit to Stoneleigh.

The newly restored pergola will be covered with blooming vines that will attract pollinators, birds and other wildlife. This year it is planted with a border of wildflowers.

For more information on Stoneleigh, please see the sources below. I hope to see you there!!

Stoneleigh: A Natural Garden can be accessed by commuter rail stopping at the Villanova Station. The garden is a short walk from the station heading north on Spring Mill Road.

Stoneleigh: A Natural Garden
1829 County Line Road
Villanova, PA

Photos – by Eva Monheim

Sources

Haas
https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/haas

John C. Haas
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_C._Haas

Lychgate
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lychgate

Natural Lands Trust
https://natlands.org/

Stoneleigh: A Natural Garden
https://stoneleighgarden.org/garden/home/

Stoneleigh to Become a Public Garden
https://www.phillymag.com/property/2016/05/04/natural-lands-trust-to-own-stoneleigh-as-public-garden/

Villanova’s 42-Acre Stoneleigh Estate to Become Public Garden
http://www.phillyvoice.com/villanovas-42-acre-stoneleigh-estate-become-public-garden/

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Seed Libraries: Preserving Genetic Diversity

2/20/2018

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The concept of seed saving, seed sharing and even seed swapping is not a new concept – it is as old as agriculture itself. For thousands of years seed was stored and shared for crops for the following year’s harvest. In Native American culture trading posts were places where seed was exchanged and even used as pocket pieces – a currency-like system that could be exchanged for other seed or other products. Pawpaw (Asimina triloba) is a good example of such seed.

What is new? Today, public libraries are acting like trading posts of yesteryear where you can pick up and return seed. It certainly makes sense to have seed available at a public library a place of lending and returning. The systematics of organization and cataloging are already in place for books and now it’s seed packets too!

Due to the digital age, old card catalogs that were obsolete are taking on new life filled with seed packets that gardeners can check out with the simple swipe of a library card.

Well known author Rita Mae Brown said, “When I got my library card, that was when my life began.” In the hands of a gardener – the library card has new meaning and value. It expands a typically indoor activity of reading into an outdoor activity of gardening. The concept is simple, if you have a library card you can check out seed packets and if you have the know-how, you can return your seeds to the library after you have grown out the vegetables and harvested the seed from the best-looking fruits. Some vegetables like tomatoes, lettuces, peas, and beans self-pollinate so the seed can be easily harvested and saved with little effort. But, for other plant seeds it

may take a greater skill because hand-pollination needs to take place in order to get the same plant from the seed. According to Rebecca Newburn founder of the Richmond Grows Seed Lending Library – libraries can label the seed by the level of knowledge one has on seed saving – super easy – easy, difficult or advanced seed saving. You can take out difficult to save seed and not return the seed if your knowledge on seed saving is limited – however this is where the library once again adds another layer of service by offering classes in seed saving, hand-pollinating, and
growing. Libraries are also checking out more books

on gardening in tandem with seed lending. It makes sense to have the how-to with the seed.

From a story on seed saving on National Public Radio (NPR), a mother and daughter checked out carrot seeds because carrots were mentioned in the book that the mother had just finished reading to the daughter at their local library. The seed check-out now made the story more relevant to the young girl and the parent. The book will now come to life in their garden. I think Benjamin Franklin would be thrilled to know how libraries have advanced over time. As he once said, “an investment in knowledge always pays the best interest.” In the case of the mother and daughter, the knowledge of carrot growing will be a long-term investment for the future.

According to Ken Greene, the founder of the Hudson Valley Seed Library: Heirloom Seeds and Contemporary Art – Greene said that stories that go along with the seed are just as important as the seed itself. He started his seed library in 2004, one of the earliest libraries in the country and the first on the east coast. Greene started his seed library in the local library where he was working as a librarian. He figured that providing seed to the local community would increase the seed diversity over time. Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) was a new topic when he began the seed library and he believed that saving seed would preserve the genetic pool of edible plants by keeping them tamper proof from large corporations. Ken Greene also developed a host of classes that went along with the seed library to help residents learn how to save seed. Participants also began to learn good citizen science – as he said there is a great deal of bad science out there in the public domain. Once the success of the seed library took hold he moved the seed library to a farm he purchased in Accord, New York.

The artwork on the seed packets from the Hudson Valley Seed Library are designed by local artisans. The stories of the seeds are told to the artist and then the artist creates their rendition of the story through their art medium. “The art on the cover of the seed packet works better than a photo,” said Greene. He observed that the handcrafted

seed covers makes the gardener really think about what the seed is trying to tell the gardener in the artwork. One thing that Greene noticed over time after using the artwork on the packets – patrons selected seed by the artwork rather than the content and tried vegetables and fruits that they typically would not have tried with conventional seed packets. Over time, obscure vegetable seed has become more popular because of the artwork and has a greater relevance within the gardening community. Even the hunt for recipes for less popular vegetables has increased over time.

Artisan seed packets from Hudson Valley Seed Library

Greene’s dream of greater seed diversity has come to fruition and the artistic seed packets helped in this mission! Now Greene and partner Doug Muller help to support local artisans in their community and they preserve seed, and work with local farmers to grow out seed for continued use in the programs that Hudson Valley Seed Library provides. Today people can buy their seed from the library directly online or from their traveling seed show. Their exhibit had eye-catching appeal at the Philadelphia Flower Show in March of 2016 where I first saw the display.

Part of the Philadelphia Flower Show Exhibit describing the Hudson Valley Seed Library.

Greene’s wealth of knowledge has spawned libraries across the country, but he says that not all seed libraries function the same way – some may be a library that just gives the seed to the gardener or has a seed and plant swap. The latter works best when there are a limited number of people in the seed community. Full-fledged libraries with formal check-out policies work best when there are many more people involved in the programs and more staff to maintain them.

“Communities have to pick the library system that works best for them”, Greene said. Even the type of garden will dictate the type of library system the community will create. Urban gardens are better when seed is only collected from self-pollinating plants because plants that cross pollinate will have too many crosses going on with open pollinated plants in smaller spaces. Vine crops in the Curcurbitaceae Family cross-pollinate easily and are better grown isolated in more remote areas so the seed maintains the original genetics of the plant – or they need to be hand

pollinated which takes a higher level of skill says Greene. Some urban libraries may choose to have a smaller library of saved seed while they purchase more difficult to pollinate seed.

In a small town just outside Philadelphia, Bonnie Miller heads up the Jenkintown Seed Library. The library’s beautiful interior with elaborate wood molding and tall book shelves, sets the scene for another type of community seed library. On one of the deep window ledges there sits a large wooden bowl filled with seed packets from the Seed Savers Exchange. Signs surrounding the bowl explains how the seed swap works. Bonnie Miller explained that their library seed program is simple – patrons can take up to two seed packets with no questions asked and if they take more than two they replace a packet they are taking with one that they have brought. (A one-for-one swap.) If they return seed from their own garden, they have to fill out a form that asks all sorts of questions: where did the seed originate from; the name of the fruit or vegetable; what are its growing requirements, was the plant self or hand pollinated, how was the seed collected and stored, etc. The Seed Savers Exchange gives the library seeds each season to replenish the store. The library staff also encourages plant swaps too. If someone has too many plants, they can share them with fellow gardeners. Jenkintown Library volunteers plant a small display garden outside the library each year to showcase the various vegetables that are available from seed in the library. Once mature, vegetables in the library’s garden can be picked by families in need or they are donated to the local shelter.

Rebecca Newburn a science and math educator from Richmond, California began her seed library as a ready preparedness model for her community. She is the co-founder of Richmond Grows Seed Library. She, like Ken Greene believe that the story behind the seed makes the seed more relevant to the members of her community. She tells the story of Sasha’s tomato. The seed came from a

Librarian Bonnie Miller with bowl of seed.

professor that she knew who went to Russian and was told that a person in one of the villages said he had the best tasting tomato in the world. Sasha gave the professor a handmade envelope of the seed. The professor grew it on, it was delicious. When the professor heard about her project – he gave her seed. She is now growing the tomato. The seed packet is labeled Sasha’s Tomato – the best tasting tomato in the world. Newburn says her library has over 400 varieties and it continues to expand in diversity. The success of Newburn’s seed library model has helped encourage communities around the world to follow her lead.

Justine Hernandez is a librarian who started the Seed Library of Pima County, in Arizona. In 2011, Hernandez began the planning process for the seed library that opened in 2012. After looking at Newburn’s model, she was convinced that she and fellow librarians could have a successful seed library. In the first year of operation, 8,000 seed packets were dispersed with a good percentage returned after the growing season. Hernandez believes that a good plan with support from residents in the community was the secret to their library’s success.

According to David King of the Seed Library of Los Angeles, “it’s important that you plant out at least four plants for seed gathering – this insures genetic diversity for the future seed store.” If you rely on just one or two plants, the genetic diversity can cause what he calls a “bottle neck” a narrowing of the genetic diversity so that the next time seed is planted there will be a less diverse gene pool.

King says that selecting from plants that have survived the hot, dry summer of Los Angeles increases the next generation’s tolerance for drought. His example is why community seed libraries are so important – they increase the number and variety of plants that are suited for the particular area in which they are grown. The Seed Library of Los Angeles has hundreds of members, and the man power that it takes to keep it running is impressive. David King said he could not take all the credit for the seed library because it takes a community to make it work. He said the board for the Seed Library of Los Angeles has 45 members – those that attended the original meeting. The goal was to make Los Angeles a GMO free zone. Unlike some seed libraries, King explains that they have a membership fee and they give seed directly to the members. Members sign on to a safe seed pledge and honor system. When returning seed, members need to tell how the seed was saved and what practices were used to grow the seed. As King said, everyone shares the load of the seed library. The Learning Garden at Venice High School is where some of the seed is grown and its Garden Master is David King. The garden’s great diversity is like the community itself. Here they grow anything that can be a potential food source. Like Ken Greene, David King’s knowledge is comprehensive, and he shares it unselfishly. He also has an added vision for the future – his mission is to make the framework of the seed library as strong as possible so that when he moves on to something else in his life, he won’t have to worry about the seed bank’s future – the seed library will continue to grow and carry on its mission.

Steps for Starting a Seed Library

Contact local community groups and form a community advisory: garden clubs, farmer’s markets, cooperative extension, gardening groups, local businesses that are green based and that have knowledgeable staff, experienced seed savers schools, universities…
Create a volunteer base to help with organization
Grants through public libraries, gardening groups – that might provide seed money for beginning the process
- Seed money will help with the expense of seed envelopes, labels, books, cleaning materials
- Defrays the cost for training how to save seed
- New books for the library that relate to seed saving and garden and pollination
Ask for donations from the friends of the library
Ask seed companies for donations to get started
You will need people power for:
- Packing and repacking seed
- Cataloguing
- Outreach
- Education
- Volunteer Coordinator
Need volunteers to:
- Catalogue seed by pollination ease or difficulty
- Research each plant online
Inventory of the physical spaces needed
- Card catalogues
- Filing drawers
- Storage boxes
- Events that help with the process - PR
Pick the target date for beginning to lend seed

Additional Ideas
With small numbers of people who are interested in saving and exchanging seed, a plant and seed swap might be a good beginning to peak interest in the community. If this is successful you can begin to draw on the attendees to begin a volunteer base for a seed and plant library.

Sources

Hudson Valley Seed Library
http://hudsonvalleyseed.com/

Renee's Seed Garden
https://www.reneesgarden.com/

Basil Seed Library
http://ecologycenter.org/basil/

Conner, Cindy. Seed Libraries: And Other Means of Keeping Seeds in the Hands of the People. Gabriola Island, BC: New Society Publishers, 2014.

How to Save a Public Library: Make it a Seed Bank http://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2013/02/02/170846948/how-to-save-a-public-library-make-it-a-seed-bank

How to Start a Seed Library at Your Public Library https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zX6VwZEHY0I

International Seed Library Forum: Rebecca Newburn – Keynote Speaker
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8a9Yj-_bVaM

Organic Seed Alliance   http://www.seedalliance.org/
Phillips, Judith. Growing the Southwest Garden. Portland: Timber Press, 2015.

Richmond Grows Seed Lending Library http://www.richmondgrowsseeds.org/

Root Simple: Seed Saving and Seed Libraries with David King
https://www.spreaker.com/user/rootsimple/seed-saving-and-seed-libraries-with-davi?autoplay=1

Seed Library of Pima County https://www.library.pima.gov/browse_program/seed-library/

Seed Library Social Network www.seedlibraries.org

Seed Libraries
https://www.facebook.com/SeedLibraries/

Seed Savers Exchange www.seedsavers.org
http://blog.seedsavers.org/blog/in-defense-of-seed-libraries

The National Heirloom Exposition http://theheirloomexpo.com/

Urban Gardener – Rebecca Newburn Richmond, Cal https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zX0V7EVKCVE

Whealy, Diane Ott. Gathering: Memoir of a Seed Saver. Decorah, Iowa: Seed Savers Exchange, 2011.

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Five Seasons: Gardens of Piet Oudolf

12/8/2017

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Piet Oudolf and I. Photo credit: Holly Colello

On September 8th my colleague and I went to Lewes, Delaware for a fundraiser for the new Delaware Botanic Garden. The event included a new documentary on Piet Oudolf who designed the garden’s new entry landscape. When the garden opens, sixty-five thousand perennials will greet visitors in an amazing meadow-like design. We received a Master Plan of the garden which shows the phases

that the garden will go through to delight visitors including the Oudolf Garden. It was a pleasure to have met Piet Oudolf and Tom Piper the filmmaker. Below you will find my review of the documentary.

Thomas Piper’s new documentary Five Seasons: The Gardens of Piet Oudolf is a creative master piece of the life of the Dutch landscape designer. Piper intricately weaves his film as masterfully as Oudolf creates his designs.

The juxtaposition between Piper’s marriage of filmmaking with the complexities of Oudolf’s planting design allows Piper and Oudolf to create a memorable pairing of each of the arts of filmmaking and garden design. The two are inseparable. The dreamy film shots of Oudolf’s experimental gardens in the Netherlands show the progression of time throughout the year demarcated in

Highline, New York City

the seasons. Piper exhibits his own sensitivity and sacredness of his subject by patiently filming throughout five seasons which in turn represents the entire life and accomplishments of Piet Oudolf.

At the beginning of the movie, the simple act of drawing – markers drawing color, shape and form on the scroll of velum showing the ease at which the master’s hand moves effortlessly across the page, also records Oudolf’s own life. The seasoned veteran shows the proficiency and intuitive nature of his work. The drawings are superb works even before they become living gardens. He has given a piece of himself in each creation - in return, garners great satisfaction in knowing that he also has acquired further experience and insight.

Oudolf uses his life-long observational skills to translate each plant in his palette as if they were actors on a stage as he slowly intermingles the characters that interact seasonally until they are cut down towards winter’s end – then the cycle begins again in earnest in the spring.

Durslade Farm is the work that we see Oudolf orchestrating at the beginning of the film. This design becomes the vehicle for his life to unfold in Piper’s masterwork. Durslade Farm becomes the alpha and omega in which Oudolf time travels from a five-year-old boy to a seventy-one-year-old master. The filmmaker tells the story as eloquently as Oudolf conveys it through dialogue, drawings and gardens. Two languages are intermingled within the film with subtitles that show the global appeal of Oudolf’s work. It also represents the duality of Piper and Oudolf – their artistry and trust between the two.

Highline, New York City

The Lurie Garden in Chicago – a green roof garden on top of a parking garage – is transformed into a landscape painting - ever changing through time. We see Oudolf talking with a horticulturist and giving verbal instructions of how and which plants to shift around, add to or delete. In this natural looking garden, the designer says that “you can’t control this garden but can only conduct it”. The concept of this garden shifts Oudolf’s design philosophy and becomes the influencer for later gardens which include Battery Park and the Highline (left, above and below), both in New York City. The latter garden with its cast of thousands reflects the kaleidoscope of people in New York -

native and non-natives working brilliantly together to exemplify the melting pot of immigrants co-mingling – dancing and growing together and apart. As Oudolf points out, this is a political statement. Natives and non-natives can live peaceably together creating the diversity that is so needed in the landscape today.

Oudolf says he is in the fall of his life, the most beautiful time of the year when the fruits of one’s own labor are evident and when a plant’s structure is revealed without flower but in the fruits and seed. He carefully studies the late season’s seed and scatters it across the garden knowing at some point he will not be around to see the next years cycle begin again. Oudolf is married to his plants like Piper is married to his film – inseparable until the end, or in death.
Witnessing the thought process of Oudolf is translated to the filmmaker. Piper latches on to the intricacies of Oudolf’s life by creating the back and forth clips of different projects that

Highline, New York City

Oudolf has worked on. Oudolf and Piper are dancing the dance of artists playing off one another – the admiration is evident in the poignant moments of Oudolf’s own fragility and legacy.

The final opus is the opening of the Durslade Garden where Oudolf’s garden drawings are on display. The curator says to Oudolf – have you ever imagined your drawings as part of the display? Piper shows Oudolf looking at his own drawings in the art gallery – carefully curated and showcased in clean, clear, glass cases. The drawings are so meticulously curated that it appears as if Oudolf is viewing himself in the art.

The movie has come full circle – the viewer now gets Oudolf’s view of the garden as Piper pans the scene – the vastness of it all, the bird’s eye view of Durslade Farm. We get Oudolf’s view from the drafting table to the garden view. We have taken the journey with Oudolf and Piper. We have learned that good work comes through patience, continued observation and the knowledge that a master accrues his mastery over time which is the life story and successes of Piet Oudolf.

Sources:

Delaware Botanic Garden http://www.delawaregardens.org/
Piet Oudolf https://oudolf.com/
Thomas Piper http://adfilmfest.com/site/directors_ny2016/6820
Trailer http://pietoudolfmovie.com/

Photos are credited to the author unless otherwise mentioned

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....Great Large Shrub or Small Tree

8/23/2017

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Eastern Wahoo, Burning Bush, Spindle Tree (Euonymus atropurpureus)

One of my former students introduced me to eastern wahoo (Euonymus atropurpureus, USDA Hardiness Zones 3-9, AHS Heat Zones 10-4) over five years ago, while he was working at a native plant garden in New York State. He said it was a great small upright tree or large shrub that should be used more frequently in home landscapes. When I began to investigate the plant online, in libraries and to hunt for locations to view a few specimens – Mt. Cuba in Hockessin, Delaware was where I went. The five specimens they had were difficult to find in the summer greenery despite the site map that I was given. After an hour of searching I found two of the five and took a few photos to mark their location for my return trip. When I went back in October eastern wahoo presented itself in a striking red to yellow fall display. (Above)

The few fruits that hung on the tree were in rose-pink still not ripe enough to reveal their orange-red arils which are enjoyed by upland ground birds and song birds. (Left) Eastern wahoo was difficult to find in greater numbers even in a horticultural mecca like the Philadelphia Region. Perhaps its high profile invasive Eurasian cousins the European euonymus aka spindle tree (Euonymus europeaus) or burning bush (Euonymus alatus) pushed it into obscurity. Or, maybe it was mistaken for the invasive forms because eastern wahoo’s other common names are spindle tree and burning bush.
The word wahoo translates to arrow

wood from our native populations and the second common name spindle tree comes from the plant’s dense wood that was used to make spindles, birdcages and pipe stems, even artists’ charcoal and gunpowder. According to several sources, the stem has a bitter-acrid slightly sweet taste. The wood is pale yellow when cut and has the faint fragrance of liquorice. The third common name - burning bush refers to the plant’s amazing fall color. You can see how one might get confused regarding all three plants and their common names.
Eastern wahoo acquired its Latin species name atropurpureus from its deep purple flowers found in cymes growing in the axils of the leaves. The flowers have four or sometimes five petals that have the smell of carrion to attract beetles and flies. Like other euonymus species, the leaves are opposite and oval in shape and have fine serrations along the leaf margin with hairs beneath. The young bark is green with corky winged growth creating a slightly square stem.
Eastern wahoo can be planted in full sun to part shade and likes moist soils. It’s tolerant of flooding and low lying areas and can handle a range of soils including a higher pH. Wahoo can be used as a screen, understory in a woodland, along a streambank, in a hedge border and yes, in a small garden. The average size for this plant is fifteen to twenty feet in height.
The journal references for eastern wahoo were mainly medicinal even though the plant is considered poisonous. It has similar properties as digitalis. A white powder called euonymin produced from the bark of the root was used in small quantities to heal stomach issues, gallbladder problems, heart conditions and edema (dropsy). There were numerous articles found on the subject in the American Journal of Pharmacy published by the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy between the mid part of the 19th and early 20th century after that there are few references to the plant. In the 21st century references have been made about the plant online and in some cases the commentary mentions the plants rarity in some areas of the country. This underutilized native should be considered when nurseries are looking to expand their diversity. Let’s bring back a plant that has been long over looked.
Photo above shows striking foliage in late October in Delaware.

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Mushrooms: A Hot Topic in Horticulture

6/30/2017

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Jim Angelucci explaining what the students are going to see in the mushroom houses.

Field trips are an integral part of the university experience and probably the highlight of the semester for students and faculty, especially in the horticulture field.
This spring I planned a trip for my Food Crops class to Kennett Square to tour the largest specialty mushroom grower in the U.S. – Phillips Mushroom Farms.

Jim Angelucci, the general manager of Phillips was our guide. Jim is a meticulous man and when he spoke you could see the twinkle of mushrooms in his eyes. We all donned red hair nets to prevent unwanted contamination in the houses. Jewelry and other small objects that could be lost during the tour were asked to be removed before we entered the houses. These types of precautions have become best practice standards in the industry which started at Phillips Mushroom Farm. The farm has been in business since 1927 and continues to lead the industry with its contributions to food safety, substrate development, cutting edge technology and production practices.

The farm was so large that we had to carpool from one location to another. The first stop was the white mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) houses. The specific epithet bisporus means two-spored basidia which puts this mushroom into the basidiomycete group of mushrooms. The mushroom is native to both North America and Europe.
The white, windowless buildings were impeccable. Each of the buildings had a “headhouse” or corridor where all the controls were located for each of the rooms. Humidity, temperature and carbon dioxide are constantly being monitored for optimal growing conditions. Stacks of mushroom trays stood almost as tall as the ceiling along the walls of the hallway. Double doors marked the entry to each room. (See photo above)
The mushroom beds were stacked in threes with an added second floor with similar stature and structure. The beds were made of wooden slats and the sides could be pulled up to see the mycelium growth like a fine thick carpet. (See photo below)

The growing medium is a blend of stable bedding from horses, chicken manure and combinations of ground corn cobs and/or wheat straw. The blend is pasteurized inoculated with spawn seed and put into the beds and topped with a layer of peat moss. From the time the medium is put into the beds to full growth and harvest – it’s a nine week cycle.
The waste from surrounding farms that goes into the growing media shows how this industry relies on the discards of other operations that would otherwise pollute the Chesapeake Bay and surrounding tributaries. The compost that results from mushroom production is considered to be black gold.

This photo shows the three tiers of mushroom beds with another floor above with the same configuration.

Jim told us that we could all pick one button mushroom to taste. He said you will never taste anything better than a fresh mushroom. He was right, mine tasted flowery and earthy and was deliciously sweet.
The fragrance of mushrooms varied from one mushroom type to another – this room smelled earthy and fresh and the humidity level was high. I felt like I was getting the most expensive spa treatment ever. I just wanted to breathe deeply and take in the atmosphere. Jim said he always feels great after walking through the houses. Perhaps the medicinal traits of mushrooms made me feel completely energized as we continued our tour.

The second houses that we went into were the cremini, crimini or baby Portobello mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus) the same genus and species as the white mushroom. In fact, in 1926 a Pennsylvania mushroom grower found the white mushroom growing on a bed of light brown mushrooms which were the norm at the time. Once the white mushrooms were discovered they were favored over the brown. The baby Portobello mushroom is considered the same form as the white mushroom until the veil breaks away from the stem and then the brown mushroom is called a Portobello mushroom. (See drawing above) When the gills are exposed in the Portobello mushroom the mushroom loses moisture and intensifies the flavors in the mushroom. The drier and more intense flavor of the Portobello is what makes it desirable for grilling and used as a meat substitute.

The brown and white mushrooms grow so fast that sometimes they will be picking eight times a day in order to keep up with the growth of mushrooms off the substrate. Here you can see young brown mushrooms and small pin sized mushrooms. The small pins will be mature in 24 hours or less.
According to Jim Angelucci, their company grew the first Portobello mushrooms in the country in 1985. To develop a market for these mushrooms, Phillips gave the mushrooms away to markets from Maine to Florida. They were hoping that restaurants and Foodies would try these amazing mushrooms and create a demand for them. Portobello mushrooms quickly took off as great vegan option because it has a thick and meaty texture.

Shiitake mushrooms are growing on inoculated logs made from the red oak sawdust.

Here you can see the layers of logs that comprise the growing rooms.

Giant piles of red oak (Quercus rubra) sawdust used to make logs for some of the specialty mushrooms like shiitake.

Next was the shiitake mushroom (Lentinula edodes) houses. The name shiitake comes from the word tree mushroom. Shiitake grows on the deadwood of deciduous trees which includes, shii, oak, maple, mulberry, sweetgum, ironwood, poplar and beech. The specific epithet edodes means edible, yielding the translation - edible tree mushroom.
In 1979 after creating the perfect formula of substrate on which shiitake could grow on, Phillips Mushroom Farms was the first in the country to grow shiitake mushrooms year round.

The shiitake rooms smelled like a forest after a heavy rainstorm. Shiitake has many medicinal benefits and a wonderful flavor that makes this mushroom the largest selling mushroom of the exotic fungi group. It is heavy in dietary vitamin D, potassium, thiamine, niacin and selenium. Shiitake is also an important fungi used for the liver.
Jim likes to call mushrooms vegetables without chlorophyll and he encourages a healthy diet of them. As we walk from room to room, he shares statistics on the increase of sales for mushrooms world-wide. Over $1.2 billion are sold each year in the U.S. Pennsylvania grows the lion’s share of this at almost $500 million.

The king oyster mushroom (Pleurotus eryngii) is the only mushroom that is specifically grown for its stem. When sliced down the middle and grilled it can be used for a meat substitute. It is considered to be an immune booster and good for reducing cholesterol. Its specific epithet eryngii refers to its association and growth on the roots of sea holly (Eryngium campestre) and

King oyster mushrooms growing on a substrate of millet seed, sawdust and wheat bran.

other Eryngium species. When cooked king oyster has the texture of abalone and flavors of umami. Royal Trumpet™ is the trademarked name given by Phillips Mushroom Farms which has made the mushroom more marketable here in the U.S. It takes 28 days to grow and loves a 60 degree F. room for harvest.

The oyster mushrooms (above) were the most colorful of the mushrooms that we saw. Heidi loving her new bouquet of yellow oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus citrinopileatus).

Maitake (Grifola frondosa) or commonly known as hen-of-the-woods typically grows at the base of oak trees in the fall of the year in the Northeast U.S., Japan and China. Maitake has great immune boosters and is currently being used as a treatment for breast cancer. Phillips grows theirs on sawdust, millet seed and wheat bran and takes 45 days or more to harvest.

The pom pom mushrooms (Hericium erinaceus) also known as lion’s mane has dangling like spines and are quite different than all the other mushrooms that we saw. Medicinal attributes are numerous including uses for the stomach, the brain and esophageal cancer.

Above, the grey oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) growing on a substrate of cottonseed hulls and straw which takes 21 days to harvest.

At first glance above, it looks like a group of mannequins in a space-age environment with the grey oyster mushrooms growing out the slits that are carefully selected to allow them to push out their fruiting bodies. Boards hold them up in varying positions. The rooms are cloudy from the humidity.

A close-up of maitake.

Our trip to the mushroom farm was a huge success and became one of the highpoints of the semester. Soon after our trip we had a student arrange for a mushroom grower to come talk to faculty, students and staff at the Temple University Ambler Campus. The enthusiasm over the Smugtown Mushrooms talk convinced me that this topic is not going away.
The takeaway from both experiences was the fact that the mushroom industry is growing faster than the industry can keep up with the demand. As research continues in the field of mycology, we will see an explosion of mushroom growing everywhere – especially to enhance healthier eating, improve health and to cure disease. My students will be ready for this explosion.

Sources:

Phillips Mushroom Farms http://www.phillipsmushroomfarms.com/
Smugtown Mushrooms https://www.smugtownmushrooms.com/

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The Philadelphia Flower Show

3/5/2016

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100 Years of Our National Parks – The Philadelphia Flower Show Reaches New Heights

Last night I had the wonderful opportunity to tour the Philadelphia Flower Show with the Garden Writers Association. The event is always something that I look forward to because it provides a wonderful view of the show before it’s complete and without the crowds.

I have seen shows for over 30 years and I can honestly say that this is the most moving of all the shows that I can remember. The theme of the national parks strikes an emotion in me that puts our country into an historical context of time, space, and dimension that has past, yet that exists in the present and is preserved for the future. The national parks are time capsules of our vast

country. They provide glimpses of naturally formed monoliths like Arches National Park – a park that I will never forget visiting. Robertson’s Flowers and Events created their rendition of Arches National Park in Postcards from Arches (above). The warm terracotta tones brings to life the feel of the warm hues of the park’s setting with its red sandstone formations.

Death Valley National Park in all its heat and desolation springs forth new life after the rainy period. Spring flowers emerge from the newly moistened earth to give a brilliant display. Moda botanica creates the scene in the design Death Valley Super-Bloom. I talked to the designer who was arranging the exhibit – with buckets of flowers surrounding him - he said the colors have to be just right. (first image on the left)

The entry exhibit of Big Timber Lodge, the signature structure found in many of the parks was executed to perfection by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. The big timber beams – massive in size – conveyed the vastness of the parks and their importance to our nation. The animal totems nestled in the

beams and the giant buffalo (above) and grizzly bear are reminders of our great wilderness that our country envelops.

The warmth of giant elk antler chandeliers created the fiery glow found in the giant fireplaces in these lodges.
Our own Independence National Historic Park was brilliantly and boldly exemplified in the rendition by Burke Brothers Landscape Design/Build in the exhibit entitled The People’s Promenade. The Liberty Bell takes center stage suspended over the lawn and plantings. (second image on the right) One could not help notice the small plaque and tribute in the exhibit to Sean Burke who died in January of this year. One of the founders of Burke Brothers.

The wolf that was recreated in the exhibit Yellowstone – After the Fire by Stoney Bank Nurseries was made of Cryptomeria japonica (Japanese cryptomeria). The details in this one animal was incredible and life-like. (Below)

I have to mention Temple University’s student exhibit After the Blast: Recollecting Roots and Resources at Hopewell Furnace inspired by Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site. Our students pulled off another stellar vignette, which included an herb garden situated in rustic baskets and a vegetable roof garden. (Picture of the mill race on the right side-below.)

Williamson College of the Trades created The Appalachian Trail, “The People’s Trail” bringing back memories of my own experience of hiking along the Appalachian Tail. (above-left)
If you haven’t been to the Philadelphia Flower Show before – make this the year you attend! Rangers from various parks throughout the country will be on hand to answer questions and there will be live feed coming in from parks all over the nation. You won’t want to miss it!!

Sources

The Philadelphia Flower Show http://theflowershow.com/
Robertson’s Flowers https://www.robertsonsflowers.com/
Moda botanica http://modabotanicadesign.blogspot.com/
The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society http://phsonline.org/
Burke Brothers Landscape Design/Build http://www.burkebrothers.com/
Stoney Bank Nursery http://stoneybanknurseries.com/
Temple University http://www.temple.edu/ambler/la-hort/default.html
Williamson College of the Trades https://www.williamson.edu/

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Lessons From a Trade Show

1/10/2016

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Louise Clarke and I set out for MANTS (Mid-Atlantic Nursery Trade Show) on January seventh in the wee hours of the morning. The event has been held in Baltimore for the last 35 years according to the organizers of MANTS and, it’s the largest Trade Show of its kind in the U. S. Usually the trade show conflicts into my class schedule at the university so I go infrequently – I haven’t been in several years. I was thrilled that I could see the latest and best plants and equipment and educate myself as I walked around the trade floor – talking with the exhibitors.

January seventh was ideal because the Garden Writers Association (GWA) that we both belong to was having a light breakfast and a meet and greet. We heard from several exhibitors that had unique products and we had a chance to mingle with friends and to hear about new happenings in the green industry – articles being written, new books being published and a plethora of other activities that GWA members are involved with.

I tried to register online before I left but I had missed the deadline. But, I was able to register for the trade show with ease and in a few minutes we were in.
Once on the trade floor, the first thing to catch my eye was the large potting machine – in its bright primary colors. (right) Ellis Products is known for its state-of-the-art equipment. Every large plant operation benefits from having a product like this to help increase productivity, create more consistent planting regimes and have overall consistency with size in the growing rows.

As we walked into the convention center we saw the tiered fountains with a display from Proven Winners. (see above)

Then I met Kate and Jenna (left), both from Longwood Gardens where I also teach – one is a former student and the other will be a student of mine in the near future. I was delighted to see them. Brian Trader, the head of domestic and international programs at Longwood Gardens brought a large group of interns to see the show. The Trade Show helps make the needed connections for future success in the industry.

I was on the lookout for products that I could talk about in classes this semester. I did find the perfect display that I would discuss in my Food Crops class – NON-

GMO seeds. There was one booth, Lake Valley Seed that prominently displayed a black and white label reading NON-GMO on their colorful seed banner.

I stopped to talk with the exhibitor and she said this is something that consumers need to be educated about. “Most people don’t know that majority of all packaged seed is NON-GMO because the mega corporations have no way of regulating consumer seed – but they can regulate large farming operations and the seed that they use for production. “ This is a topic that I am passionate about. I don’t want to be eating RoundUp® in my food just because it makes weed control easier for farmers. She was as passionate about the topic as I am.

I was thrilled when I ran across Pinelands Nursery booth (right). They had the perfect information that I can use for a class that I am developing for next fall – Native Plant Communities. They had amazing posters that they shared so that I could use them in my classroom at the university – the perfect educational tools. Of the 1,000 vendors most had educational information that enhanced their product lines. Pinelands Nursery was a stellar example of wanting to educate their clients.

Creek Hill Nursery had an aesthetically colorful and well-designed booth with plants grouped by type. The greenroof plant trays were impressive with succulents and other xeric plants. (above)

As a tree lover I found an amazing drum-rolled tree – an old technique used to

The new GWA booth was beautiful. (below) It was crisp and fresh looking with the organization’s new logo included. Gleaning new members was part of the promotion emphasized by GWA. Louise was working here with the new team from Kellen Management Group from New York. Becky Heath from Brent and Becky’s Bulbs and Kate Kopsey stopped by for the photo- op too!! Kate just completed writing The Downsized Veggie Garden published by St. Lynn’s Press. They had a colorful booth filled with all their latest garden books.

transplant balled and burlap (B&B) trees. (right) The tying method is a dying art and to see this amazing specimen tied so beautifully warranted a close-up photo. This method of B&B actually is better for the tree because the trees are hand-dug and the horticulturist digging the tree makes judgement calls that a tree spade can’t make. Trees are usually dug with a wider root ball and shallower

depth unlike the narrow and deep ball made by tree spades. The former provides a greater root system when transplanted over the tree spade dug specimens.

I also liked the recycled pallet containers with cascading grasses in them – a clever marketing scheme while also recycling. (below- left)

The new method for bareroot tree transport was evident in the Steve Myers and Son Nursery booth. (below- right) The trees are bagged to keep moisture in while being transported. They’re usually packed with nothing covering the root system. Bagging makes a happier tree.

Brotzman Nursery had an Ilex ‘Sparkleberry’ (Sparkleberry winterberry holly) trained into a small tree. (below- left) This was the first time that I ever saw someone do this with this cultivar before – I hope it catches on – filling the small tree niche.
Louise found exactly what she needs for her staff at Morris Arboretum’s Bloomfield

Farm – a giant tarp for leaves. (below- right) The Product Factory, maker of the Lawn Bagg® and the large Lawn Tarp had numerous products including a very large bag for composting leaves. The bags keep the landscape tidy looking while providing next year’s leaf mulch.

Louise liked Meehan’s Miniatures. (above)

I stood next to one of my favorite designs at the show – Ilex (winterberry holly) was

vibrant – eye candy for the show patrons. (above- right) The design was unique. If I was a bird, I wouldn’t want to leave the Foxborough Nursery booth. When we walked outside – getting ready to leave Baltimore, I could not help looking at the beautiful twilight as the buildings began to light up in the night sky. It was a perfect ending to an exciting and educational day. (below)

Sources:

Brent and Becky’s Bulbs
https://brentandbeckysbulbs.com/
Brotzman’s Nursery
http://brotzmansnursery.com/
Creek Hill Nursery
http://creekhillnursery.com/
Ellis Products
http://ellisproducts.com/tag/horticultural-automation/
Foxborough Nursery
http://www.foxboroughnursery.com/
GWA – Garden Writers Association
http://www.gardenwriters.org/gwa.php?p=index.html
Kate Copsey
http://katecopsey.com/
Kellen Management Company
http://kellencompany.com/

Photos taken by Eva Monheim

Lake Valley Seed
http://www.lakevalleyseed.com/
Longwood Gardens
http://longwoodgardens.org/
MANTS – Mid-Atlantic Nursery and Trade Show
http://www.mants.com/
Meehan’s Miniatures
http://www.meehansminiatures.com/
Pinelands Nursery
http://www.pinelandsnursery.com/p/home-page.html
Steve Myers and Son Nursery
http://www.stevemyersandson.com/
St. Lynn’s Press
http://stlynnspress.com/
The Product Factory
http://www.theproductfactory.com/

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A Nursery Visit is Good for the Soul

11/29/2015

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A Nursery Visit is Good for the Soul – We get to see the future
I love visiting plant nurseries because I know the potential they hold for the future of our environment. Just like visiting a children’s nursery school, one learns the potential of our future people power. There are so many similarities between people and plants I am surprised that few people draw the connections between the two. In fact, some people think that if you do draw these connections it’s almost sacrilegious. But, I on the other hand believe that all living things have a far greater connection than we would like to admit because that would take humans off their pedestal and put them at the same level as everything else on the planet – including plants, rocks and other animals. It would also mean that we would have to value other living things more and put humans in context with all other living organisms on earth. The entire thought might be scary to some, but I believe we have to start thinking this way in order to solve many of the global problems that are happening today. If you could for a few moments think of what a tree might see from where it is standing, or what moss is feeling as sits hugging the ground.
I took my graduate students on another journey to see how native plants are grown at the Collins Nursery. http://collinsnursery.com/ There is a rich history to this nursery started by John Collins http://collinsnursery.com/john_f_collins the famous landscape architect. The nursery is now in Glenside, a small town that is situated northwest of the City of Philadelphia. Here in a castle on one of the highest points in the area, John Collins continued his work of growing native plants for landscapes. John died in 2011 but now the nursery is in the able and loving hands of Diane Erich who was mentored by John for numerous years. She greeted us when we arrived. Mrs. Collins also welcomed us to the property that is opened by appointment only – with the exception of open days in the spring and fall.

My class with Diane Erich and Mrs. Collins.

Diane took us on a tour of the nursery after we passed through a tall deer fence. Diane talked about collecting seed at our Ambler Arboretum. She also has many plants to gather seed from on the Collins property which is planted with a huge diversity of plants. Diane is best known for her pawpaw (Asimina triloba) trees.

A small grove of pawpaw holds tight to the remaining yellow leaves as other specimens stand fully naked.

The castle built in the 1800s has many newer landscape features that John built that look like they were built with the home from its inception. A double staircase of stone is brilliantly designed for easy access to side and back garden. The old baptismal font found in one of the many antique stores in Glenside looks like it was made for the garden.
After our wonderful tour and the discussion of seed propagation – it was time for the students to buy some of their first plants for their own properties.

Young plants are protected in their formative years from mice, rabbits and other small critters.

Happy one year old pawpaw will find the perfect new homes for their future growth and fruit bearing.

A trunk full of plants anxiously awaiting their arrival to their new home – the next generation.

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Visits to Arboreta Reinforce Learning

11/15/2015

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This past week I took my graduate Native Woody Plants class on a field trip to Tyler Arboretum. Visiting arboreta represents a hallmark for the graduate students – to visit another place helps prove their identification skills. But, there were many other plants they had not learned – those that are non-native that are used in the landscape.

The first non-native was purple beautyberry in the white form (Callicarpa dichotoma ‘Albifructus’) (above). It was located in the parking area. It was stunning – at the peak of fruiting. The white fruit looked like a waterfall.

Then we saw the native winterberry holly (Ilex verticillata) (to the right) in fall color and fruit. The cold weather had not gotten to the foliage yet. Usually the leaves begin to turn black on the shrub and quickly fall off. The birds hadn’t gleaned it either. We were fortunate to see this amazing display of berries!

The tour would not be complete without seeing the giant sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum) (above). I think it might be the largest outside of California.

Here is a young giant sequoia (above) with its beautiful blue scale foliage. The typical form is pyramidal when young.

A view of Tyler Arboretum from the pond (to the right) looking back at the house. The fall colors waning – it is delightful to visit in any season.

The native state champion tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera) (to the left) sits just outside the gates of the arboretum and can be observed just past the witchhazels (Hamamelis spp.) The trunk of the tree is mammoth and only sits feet from the roadway that leads up to the entrance to the arboretum. I am always in awe at the sight of old trees – wondering what they have seen in their lifetime.

As we continued to walk through the arboretum we found this perfectly shaped Japanese cryptomeria (Cryptomeria japonica) (below). The students loved its amazing shape and were happy to learn about it. In Japan, the wood is highly valued for building and has a welcoming fragrance. The wood is disease and insect resistant and there are many cultivars of the tree.

Our native red chokeberry (Aronia arbutifolia) (below) was a welcomed sight to the class. Unmistakable - with its fire engine red leaves and berries. The plant is fabulous when planted en mass to make an eye-popping attraction and is ideal to replace our non-native invasive burning bush (Euonymus alatus).