Washington Gardener August 2017

AUGUST 2017 VOL. 12 NO. 6

WWW.WASHINGTONGARDENER.COM

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tthe magazine for gardening enthusiasts in the Mid-Atlantic region

Resources for Youth Gardening in the City Growing Melons in Just 10 Weeks Ask the Expert: Peony Problems Enchanting Native Wildflower:

Fairy Wands

A Pure Delight

Chaste Tree

Your Garden Task List Rose Rosette Update DC-MD-VA Gardening Events Calendar

Meet Merrifield’s Peg Bier

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RESOURCESsourc

Need a Garden Club Speaker?

Washington Gardener Magazine’s staff and writers are available to speak to groups and garden clubs in the greater DC region.

Call 301.588.6894 or email KathyJentz@gmail.com for available dates, rates, and topics.

RARE AND EXCEPTIONAL PLANTS FOR THE DISCRIMINATING GARDENER AND COLLECTOR

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Barry Glick Sunshine Farm and Gardens 696 Glicks Road Renick, WV 24966, USA Email: barry@sunfarm.com

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www.sunfarm.com

Green Spring Gardens

www.greenspring.org

Your Ad Here

Contact kathyjentz@gmail.com or call 301.588.6894 for ad rates. The ad deadline is the 10th of each month. Please submit your ad directly to: KathyJentz@gmail.com.

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WASHINGTON GARDENER AUGUST 2017

A “must visit” for everyone in the metropolitan Washington, DC, area. It’s a year-round goldmine of information and inspiration for the home gardener. It’s an outdoor classroom for children and their families to learn about plants and wildlife. It’s also a museum, a national historic site that offers glimpses into a long, rich history with colonial origins.

Located at 4603 Green Spring Rd., Alexandria, VA. Information: 703-642-5173.

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Fairy Wand (Chamaelirium luteum) is also known as Devil’s Bit, False Unicorn Root, Blazing Star, Grubroot, Squirrel Tail, and Rattlesnake-root. It is a dioecious, monotypic species of wet meadows and deciduous woods in the eastern part of the United States.

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Win a free pass to a Garden and Photography Workshop.

See contest details on page 5.

“The Postal Service has a long tradition of showcasing flowers and floral artwork on stamps. Flowers have been a perennial favorite, with hundreds of floral stamps released over the years,” said U.S. Postal Service Employee Resource Management Vice President Simon Storey. Photo courtesy of USPS.gov.

Digital Images and Paintings © Elizabeth Brandon.

This impressive Chaste Tree at the American Horticultural Society’s headquarters, River Farm, is believed to be over 80 years old and has been pollarded to keep its compact size. Photo courtesy of the American Horticultural Society.

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FEATURES and COLUMNS ASKTHEexpert 7 Peony; Cherry Tree; Compost BOOKreviews 12-13 Grumpy Gardener; Potted and Pruned; Art of Chinese Flower Arrangements EDIBLEharvest 17 Melons in 10 Weeks GOINGnative 22 Fairy Wand HORThappenings 6 Garden Photo Show; TreeFest; Basil Bonanza; Waterlily Fest NEWPLANTspotlight 11 Geum Garden Gem Collection NEIGHBORnetwork 20-21 Peg Bier, Merrifield PLANTprofile 18-19 Chaste Tree SPECIALfeature 14-15 Youth Gardening Resources TIPStricks 10 Rose Rosette Update; New Forever Stamps, #PlantsDoThat

DEPARTMENTS

ADVERTISINGindex BLOGlinks EDITORletter GARDENcontest LOCALevents MONTHLYtasklist NEXTissue READERreactions RESOURCESsources

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ON THE COVER

Chaste Tree at River Farm in Alexandria, VA. Photo courtesy of the American Horticultural Society.

In our September 2017 issue:

Aquaponics

Growing Pawpaw Trees and much more...

If your business would like to reach area gardeners, be sure to contact us by September 10 so you can be part of the next issue of our growing publication!

Be sure you are subscribed!

Click on the “subscribe” link at http://washingtongardener. blogspot.com/ AUGUST 2017

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EDITORletter

Credits Kathy Jentz Editor/Publisher & Advertising Sales Washington Gardener 826 Philadelphia Ave. Silver Spring, MD 20910 Phone: 301-588-6894 kathyjentz@gmail.com www.washingtongardener.com Call today to place your ad with us!

Ruth E. Thaler-Carter Proofreader Ana Hurler & Mika Park Interns Cover price: $4.99 Back issues: $6.00 Subscription: $20.00 Address corrections should be sent to the address above.

Your editor at the Montgomery County Fair with a giant bee (painted hay bale).

Virtue Signaling in the Garden I have a few signs in my garden that indicate things such as that it is pesticidefree, a wildlife habitat, and a pollinator haven. I have always considered them to be educational markers and a friendly way to let my neighbors know, that, no, I do not welcome a mosquito service spraying on my property.

It surprised me to read lately about the backlash against similar signs and practices that are considered by some to be crass “virtue signaling.” In the snarky online world, people are assuming that those actions are insincere and one is doing so only to look virtuous and for praise. The premise that because someone outwardly supports a cause, they must be a poser, is insulting. Moreover, who has time to fake an interest in environmental and other causes? I mean, really. If I didn’t care about the bees, I would have more time to devote to other hobbies instead.

I think what irks some about supposed virtue signaling is that it is all show and no action. Changing your Facebook profile picture for one day does practically nothing to raise awareness about a problem nor does it do anything to actually solve it, but planting beds of native flowering plants in your hellstrip has an immediate impact on the local butterfly population. Switching large swaths of your turfgrass lawn to perennial beds will do more to support wildlife than wearing an “I ♥ Birds” T-shirt ever will. In the garden, we can all signal virtue by using the best earthfriendly practices, whether we are observed or not.

Happy gardening!

Kathy Jentz, Editor/Publisher, Washington Gardener, KathyJentz@gmail.com 4

WASHINGTON GARDENER AUGUST 2017

• Washington Gardener Blog: www.washingtongardener.blogspot.com • Washington Gardener Archives: http://issuu.com/washingtongardener • Washington Gardener Discussion Group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ WashingtonGardener/ • Washington Gardener Twitter Feed: www.twitter.com/WDCGardener • Washington Gardener Facebook Page: facebook.com/ WashingtonGardenerMagazine • Washington Gardener is a womanowned business. We are proud to be members of: · Garden Writers Association · Think Local First DC · DC Web Women · Green America Magazine Leaders Network · Green America Business Network To order reprints, contact Wright’s Reprints at 877.652.5295, ext. 138.

Volume 12, Number 6 ISSN 1555-8959 © 2017 Washington Gardener All rights reserved. Published quarterly.

No material may be reproduced without prior written permission. This magazine is purchased by the buyer with the understanding that the information presented is from various sources from which there can be no warranty or responsibility by the publisher as to legality, completeness, or technical accuracy.

All uncredited photos in this issue are © Kathy Jentz.

READERcontt

READERreactions

Our Readers Share Their Thoughts and Ideas July 2017 Issue Your July issue was truly fantastic. So many great articles. I won’t choose but my favorites were: 1. Loved the article on Coleus. I just started growing them this year and appreciated the tips on their likes/dislikes. I found out I was overwatering them.

2. Always grew cucumbers, so I really liked the article on them imparting some growing secrets; and particularly liked the soup recipe.

3. DC Curbside Landscapes was fascinating, since I live in VA and don’t really experience walking or viewing the downtown DC sidewalks. I never knew about the Golden Triangle BID. Thanks for a wonderful issue. ~ Jeff Malakoff, Arlington, VA My favorite article was on the Nematodes—very educational. I have had leaves look like those pictured and now I know how to investigate if it is a nematodes. I am just an average vegetable gardener, who has learned by trial and error.

I always love your editorial too. I never even thought what it must be like to be consistently asked (grilled?) on what this is and that is. I know I have trouble remembering all the names of different flowering plants. It also served as a good reminder to myself, not to be asking a friend of mine what things are when we do a walk. She has a good knowledge of natives. ~ Faith Hood, Falls Church, VA DC’s Curbside Landscapes was such an inspirational article. I wish more communities would try something like that. ~ Ed Yemola, Drums, PA I was very happy to see the article about growing cucumbers. which I have been trying—and failing at—for years.

(Maybe I’ll have better luck with Chinese veggies!)

What really made me smile was the article about the curbside landscapes in DC! ~ Eileen Schramm, Silver Spring, MD I really enjoyed your whole magazine, but if I have to choose one article, it is “Slicing Open the Secrets to Growing Great Cucumbers.” It is very thorough and interesting. Thank you! ~ Joanna Protz

“Slicing Open the Secrets to Growing Great Cucumbers” was such an interesting articles. It not only solved a few problems I had been experiencing, but it also gave me a few recipes! ~ Carol Yemola, Drums, PA My favorite article was the article

by Carol Allen on nematodes. I was unaware of the leaf nematodes and how serious a problem they could be.

The article was informative and helpful in trying to prevent the infection or its spread. ~ Dorothy Cichra, Silver Spring, MD

June 2017 Issue I liked all of the articles, especially the one about the new variety of cosmos called ‘Cupcake’ They look very interesting.

I love those sunflower seeds that you are offering in the Reader Contest. I loved all the articles in the magazine... the one about poison ivy was very interesting to me since I am highly allergic. ~ Joanna R. Protz

May 2017 Issue My favorite article in the May issue of Washington Gardener Magazine was the feature about honeybee swarms.

Although it was a short feature, I thought it was important in raising awareness about the importance of honeybees to our gardens and how to safely remove swarms from your surroundings if you encounter one. ~ Jackie Marks, Washington, DC Actually, my favorite part of the May issue was your editor’s note. It’s always wonderful to read a successful speaker’s tips and techniques. As is with every issue, your writing comes to the reader as a friendly conversation! ~ Julianne Fuchs-Musgrave, Silver Spring, MD

March 2017 Issue My favorite article was the one on Asian veggies—yum! It was my favorite article because I like to grow edibles, it was practical, and featured somewhat “exotic,” but accessible veggies to grow. ~ Madeline Caliendo, Washington, DC

Share Your ReaderReaction

Send your reviews, thoughts, suggestions, etc. to Washington Gardener at washingtongardener@rcn.com. o

Reader Contest

For our August 2017 Washington Gardener Magazine Reader Contest, we are giving away one free ticket to the Gardening & Nature Photography Workshop at Lucibella Farm on Sunday, August 27 (a $100 value).

This is a unique, hands-on workshop about gardening and nature photography. Learn about the secrets of gardening and beekeeping from Michael Kiefer, farmer/beekeeper.

You will learn about growing herbs, perennial flowers, vegetables, fruit trees, and more! Michael will also share some tips about beekeeping and raising chickens for eggs. You will get to sample some fresh veggies, herbs, and honey.

After the foray into gardening, we will venture into the world of nature photography with photographer Roshani Kothari. You will learn about light, angle, composition, and the role of serendipity involved in capturing beautiful images.

Special guest Charles Mewshaw, landscape architect/horticulturalist, will talk about the farm’s history and share some stories about his favorite trees and plants on the farm.

Space is limited to 10 participants.

No prior experience with gardening or photography is required. Questions or for more information, email roshanikothari@gmail.com.

To enter to win the workshop ticket, send an email to WashingtonGardener@rcn.com by 5pm on Fruday, August 25, with “Lucibella Farm” in the subject line.

In the body of the email, tell us which was your favorite article in this issue and why. Please also include your full name and mailing address. The workshop winner will be announced

by August 26. o AUGUST 2017

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HORThaenings ery/winery, refreshments, and educational—to help visitors determine what would be available. First-time farms on the tour this year included a brewery and an aquaponics experiment station.

Tree Fest at AHS

McKee-Beshers Sunflowers The sunflowers at McKee-Beshers Wildlife Management Area reached peak bloom at the end of July, drawing hundreds of visitors to the area to photograph and admire the flowers during the two weeks they were in bloom.

McKee-Beshers WMA has nine sunflower fields planted with several different species over a total of 30 acres.

The sunflower fields are just a fraction of the 2,000-acre wildlife management area that borders the C&O Canal to the south and Seneca Creek State Park to the east.

Besides seeing the sunflowers, visitors to McKee-Beshers WMA can enjoy hiking trails through forests, fields, and wetlands, and may hunt deer, turkey, waterfowl, and many other species.

Montgomery Farm Tour

The 28th annual Montgomery County Farm Tour and Harvest Sale took place the weekend of July 22 and 23 to allow the public to visit local farms and buy fresh produce. The Montgomery County Office of Agriculture organized the event, but each of the 17 participating farms was responsible for hosting activities and selling their own produce.

Each farm opened its doors to the public, and people were free to travel around the county and visit the farms they found appealing.

A variety of types of farms participated, each bringing its own unique experience to the tour. The farms were sorted into several general categories—pick your own, fruits/veggies, animals, brew6

WASHINGTON GARDENER AUGUST 2017

The American Horticultural Society (AHS) and the TREE Fund hosted Tree Fest to entertain and educate the public and celebrate trees, at the AHS River Farm headquarters in Alexandria, VA, on August 5. Tree Fest was the final event of TREE Fund’s 2017 STIHL Tour des Trees, a 500-mile bicycle tour to support trees and their proper care.

Attendees cheered on the cyclists and joined in the celebration of the importance of trees. Festival-goers also enjoyed crafts, demonstrations, and presentations designed for the entire family to learn about how to grow and take care of trees.

judge, selected 17 winning photos in four categories: Small Wonders, Garden Views, Garden Creatures, and Garden Vignettes. The photos had to be taken in gardens in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia area, and had to be submitted into a specific category. The Grand Prize winner, Dee Ellison, had her photo of a redheaded girl in a field of lavender featured on our July cover. The photos were on display at Meadowlark throughout the rest of July.

Lotus and Waterlily Festival

City Blossoms 8th Annual Basil Bonanza

On Friday, August 4, City Blossoms welcomed the public to a basil-themed community potluck and unveiling of a new mural. People brought dishes featuring basil, ranging from peach-basil ice cream to spaghetti, with beverages provided like basil lemonade and tea.

There was a stand for making flower crowns with plenty of beautiful flowers from the garden, giving visitors an opportunity to create and wear intricate floral headpieces. The new mural featured eight panels from eight different local DC artists, all with cutouts that kids can stick their faces through to make it interactive.

Washington Gardener’s Photo Contest Reception

July 9 marked the 11th Annual Washington Gardener Magazine’s Photo Contest Reception, held this year at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Vienna, VA. Elizabeth Olson, this year’s

Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens celebrated lotuses and waterlilies on Saturday, July 15. Visitors looked around the grounds of the Aquatic Gardens, which feature many varieties of lilies, lily pads, lotuses, cattails, and other water plants.

The festival day is a great opportunity for amateur and professional photographers to capture stunning images.

Cultural and environmental groups came together to honor the significance of lotuses and waterlilies. Face painting, paper lotus making, and painting demonstrations made it a day of fun for the whole family. Culturally diverse performers from Latin America, Africa, and Asia sang, danced, and presented traditional clothing. There was also storytelling, educational presentations, and local environmental groups disseminating information. o This issue’s “HortHappenings” were compiled by Ana Hurler and Mika Park, summer editorial interns at Washington Gardener Magazine.

See many more photos from events listed here, as well as many more photo albums of recent local garden events, at the Washington Gardener Facebook Page: facebook. com/WashingtonGardenerMagazine. Recent albums include pictorials from the events listed on this page. Click on the PHOTOS tab, then select from the ALBUMS.

KNOWitall

Ask the Expert

by Debra Ricigliano

cide or horticultural oil labeled for powdery mildew control. As of now, there are no resistant varieties.

Weeping Cherry Death

We have a weeping cherry in our front yard that has been in good health for many years. It bloomed in the spring and produced leaves. Within a matter of three weeks, the tree died and we have no idea why. How can a tree die so quickly?

Peony Foliage Issues

Can you help me with a problem I am having with my peonies? They have always been so healthy, but this summer the leaves and stems are covered in a grayish-white coating. They really look terrible. I will be very sad if they do not bloom next spring. What should I do?

Your plants are infected with powdery mildew, which has become problematic on peonies over recent years. Spraying to control the disease now would not be effective. A site in full sun with good air circulation will help prevent the disease in the future.

If the plants have become crowded, consider dividing and transplanting them in late summer or early fall, about six weeks before the first hard frost. Peonies can spread three feet or more, so allow for proper spacing. Each clump should have three to five “eyes” present. This is where the new growth begins next season.

If they are planted in a bed with other shrubs and perennials, do some selective pruning of surrounding plants to increase air circulation. In the meantime, this disease does disfigure the foliage, but it does not cause severe problems. Cut down the infected leaves in the fall as soon as they turn brown.

Bag and dispose of the plant debris.

Next spring, they should bloom as always. Monitor them for powdery mildew and, if it reappears, immediately remove the infected leaves. At this point, you can spray them with a fungi-

There is no single disease or insect that would cause such rapid decline and death of a tree. Most likely the tree has been declining for a while, but you just did not notice the signs. Apparently, it stored sufficient energy to bloom and produce leaves, but as the season progressed, it succumbed to whatever the problem was. Once a tree has died, it is difficult to determine the cause.

Ornamental fruit trees are short-lived in our area; 15-30 years is their average lifespan.

Tiny Spots on Oregano

Both my oregano and mint plants have tiny light-colored spots on the tops of the older leaves. It appears worse on the oregano plants. These plants are in raised beds with full sun and moderate wind. I never see any insects on them.

What is causing this?

This is insect-feeding damage, probably from leafhoppers that have come and gone. This is a common problem.

Most leafhoppers feed on the upper surface of leaves. They feed by sucking chlorophyll from leaves, leaving tiny white spots. They do not have to be controlled. The leaves can still be consumed. Keep harvesting your herbs, which will help them keep producing new foliage.

Leaf hopper (Eupteryx florida) on the Mint in the garden. Photo by Martin Cooper, Flickr.com,

Best Leaves for Compost

With fall right around the corner, I am thinking of composting the leaves I collect. Are there certain leaves like oak, walnut, or holly that should not put into the compost pile?

Newly shed oak leaves are acidic, but when broken down by the composting process, the finished compost will be pH neutral. Walnut leaves contain little of the toxin juglone, since most of that chemical is produced by walnut roots.

Holly leaves can be added, but will take longer to break down. To hasten the composting process, it helps to shred the leaves before adding them to your pile. If you do not have a leaf shredder, you can do this by raking them into a shallow pile and running them over with your lawnmower. o Debra Ricigliano is a Certified Professional Horticulturist. She has worked as a horticulture consultant for the University of Maryland Extension Home and Garden Information Center since 1997. Debra enjoys gardening at her home in Highland, MD. She is a graduate of the Institute of Applied Agriculture at University of Maryland, College Park, and a talented, allaround horticulturist. To ask a gardening or pest question, go to http:// www.extension.umd.edu/hgic and click on “Ask Maryland’s Garden Experts.” You can also attach a digital photo.

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TOP AREA GARDENING EVENTS DC-Area Gardening Calendar ~ Upcoming Events ~ August 16–September 15, 2017 • Thursdays through September, 12:15-12:45pm Smithsonian Gardens Let’s Talk Gardens! Series Held at the East Walk of the Smithsonian’s Enid A. Haupt Garden. ~ August 24 – Transitioning to a Fall Vegetable Garden ~ August 31 – Build a Terrarium ~ September 7 – Fall Turf Tips ~ September 14 – Returning Bulbs ~ September 21 – Let’s Talk Hops ~ September 28 – Mulch 101 Free. Details at http://www.gardens. si.edu/whats-happening/lets-talk-gardens.html.

• Saturday, August 26, 9am Compost Coop Training As part of the DC Parks and Rec Community Compost Cooperative Network, attend a one-hour training at the compost bin at the Takoma Park community garden at 300 Van Buren St. NW, Washington, DC. Trained community members will have access to the compost bins at Takoma Park community garden to compost food scraps to responsibly create high-quality compost. RSVP asap. If you cannot make this time and are still interested, email malloryschwarz@gmail.com and we will work to set an additional date.

• Saturday, August 26, 9am Irvine Native Plant Seminar and Sale Five dynamic morning speakers, afternoon workshops, and a giant plant sale.

Participants will learn about native vegetation, sustainable practices, and conservation of native habitats. This event has sold out in the past. To ensure you can attend, pre-register. For further information, contact Kimberly Godak at Irvine Nature Center, Owings Mills, MD: 443.738.9220.

• Saturday, August 26, 10am–12n Washington Gardener Magazine’s 10th Annual Tomato Tasting Farmers at the market will contribute their locally grown selections for tasting and we’ll explore which tomatoes make the short list of favorites. We’ll have tomato gardening tips, tomato recipes, tomato activities for kids, and much more. All to celebrate one of summer’s greatest indulgences — the juicy fresh tomato. Tip: Your tomato taste voting

Y ou Can Make a Difference. . . by

Sharing Your Harvest

Plant an extra row in your garden and deliver the harvest to a local food bank or shelter. The need is great!

With your help, PAR can continue to make a difference for America’s most vulnerable.

Call our toll-free number (877.GWAA.PAR) or visit our website at www.gardenwriters.org/par for more information.

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WASHINGTON GARDENER AUGUST 2017

ballot is also your entry in our prize drawing for a basket full of gardening goodies. The drawing is at 12noon, so be sure to fully fill out your ballot by 11:55am and then stick around for the prize announcement, since you must be present to win.

• Saturday, August 26, 9am–4:30pm, and Sunday, August 27, 9am–4:30pm, Annual Begonia Show and Sale Hosted by the Potomac Branch of the American Begonia Society and held at Green Spring Gardens. Enjoy the many varieties of popular Begonia species brought to you by local growers. Take some home with you. The sale offers a wide variety of Begonias to choose from, including those hard-to-find subtropical species. Plus network with local growers for growing tips. Details at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/ greenspring/.

• Thursday, September 7, 10:30am Fun with Trees Tour: Explore the USBG Outdoor Gardens and Trees Led by Alexandra Torres, ISA Certified Arborist and U.S. Botanic Garden (USBG) Education Specialist. Are you a tree enthusiast or just interested in learning a bit more about the trees and gardens of the USBG? Join a walking tour of the outdoor gardens. Tree topics will range from interesting identifying features to historical fun facts, selection of trees to add interest and utility to the home, and gardening tips to get your trees growing to their full potential.

Note: This tour is held outdoors. We suggest bringing sunscreen, protective clothing, and water. The tour is canceled if it rains or during times of extreme heat (heat index of 95 degrees or higher/ Code Red weather alert).

Tour meets by the entrance to the conservatory on the terrace. Free: Preregistration required, visit www.USBG. gov/Programs.

• Friday, September 8, 3-7pm Piet Oudolf Lecture and Reception Piet Oudolf, world-renowned Dutch Meadow designer, nurseryman, and author, is best known for the High Line in New York City. He will visit Dela-

TOP AREA GARDENING EVENTS DC-Area Gardening Calendar ~ Upcoming Events ~ August 16–September 15, 2017 ware Botanic Gardens (DBG) for a benefit lecture and reception. Commissioned to create a two-acre meadow at DBG, Piet will guide the planting of the first part of the meadow in early Setember.

Lecture attendees will enjoy a sneak preview of an upcoming documentary

by Tom Piper about Piet Oudolf. A limited number of Oudolf’s book Hummelo: A Journey Through a Plantsman’s Life will be available for purchase. Held at 111 Adams Avenue, Lewes, DE. For details and to purchase tickets, go to www.delawaregardens.org/new-events.

• Friday, September 8–Sunday, September 10 Fall Open House & Native Plant Sale Fall is the ideal time to plant your garden. Shop the region’s largest selection of landscape-ready native trees, shrubs, perennials, ferns, and grasses for fall planting. Held at Adkins Arboretum.

Discount for members. Friday features an early evening of light fare, music, a cash wine and beer bar, a silent auction, and shopping in a fun and festive atmosphere. See more details at www. adkinsarboretum.org.

auction, bake sale, live music, food, and kids’ table add to the festivities. Come and support one of Virginia’s most innovative public gardens. Sponsored by the Friends of Green Spring. See http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/ greenspring/events.htm.

• Saturday, September 9, 10am–3pm (8–10am, open to FOBG members only) and Sunday, September 10, 9–12n Friends of Brookside Gardens Annual Plant Sale Fundraiser for Brookside Gardens. Open to the public. Rain or shine. 10% discount for FOBG Members (you can join at the sale). There will be food trucks on Saturday. See plant list at www. friendsofbrooksidegardens.org.

• Saturday, September 9, 12–4pm Pawpaw Fest Meadowside Nature Center will celebrate this delightful native fruit with music, crafts, games, expert advice on pawpaw cultivation, and—most importantly—a pawpaw tasting station. We’ll have pawpaw fruit and trees for purchase. $5 fee.

• Friday, September 8–Sunday, September 10 2017 ZNA Potomac Koi Show Come to Meadowlark Gardens to see some of the finest Koi on the East Coast. With 200+ Koi at this event, this show is now considered to be one of the larger shows in the USA. There will also be vendors selling both Koi and merchandise. Judging conducted

by ZNA and AKJA judges. The awards ceremony will be Saturday evening at the park during the reception. Koi Show visitors receive a discounted admission to the park. Note that the Koi show is not held in the area that requires ticket purchase, so there is no fee to come out and just enjoy the Koi. Details at www.znapotomac.org.

• Tuesday, September 12, 7–9pm 2017 IFDA Field to Vase Local Flower Grower Event The event will feature eight local flower growers who will have their fall harvests on display and for sale. There will be floral design demonstrations from the stage and a silent auction of those designs. Attendees will be offered refreshments, swag bags, and a chance to win raffle prizes. Held at Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Church, 9601 Cedar Lane, Bethesda, MD, and organized by the Independent Floral Designers Association as a fundraiser for their educational floral programs. Register at www.MyIFDA.com/grower-event.

• Saturday, September 9, 9am–3pm Fall Garden Day Plant Sale and More Fall is a great time to plant, and Green Spring Gardens is hosting numerous local plant and garden craft vendors to satisfy your gardening needs. A silent

• Saturday, September 16, 11am–3pm Monarch Fiesta Day at Black Hill Nature Center Monarch tagging and release, tours of the Monarch Waystation, migration activity, Monarch photo opportunity,

Save These Future Dates

insect hunt, monarch movie, storytime, crafts, and more. All ages welcome to this free event. Register at ParkPASS. org. (238806).

• Saturday, September 16, 1–4pm Brews, Booze, & Bites Dine on tastings and sips with ties to the past from the best local bakers, brewers, distillers, cooks, and confectioners, ab historic estate flavored with 200 years of food, politics, and human events. Lounge on the South Lawn as you enjoy ample food and drink and listen to live music. Play traditional American lawn games, and take food-history and self-guided tours of the National Historic Landmark house, outbuildings, and gardens. tasting glass to keep.

Members: $30; nonmembers: $35.

Register at TudorPlace.org.

• Sunday, September 24, 11am–8pm 2017 DC State Fair The 8th annual DC State Fair will be held at Waterfront Station in Southwest DC (375 and 425 M St. SW). This free showcase of the region’s agricultural and creative talents and day-long celebration of all things homegrown will feature contests, entertainment, educational demonstrations, and local vendors. See https://dcstatefair.org.

Still More Event Listings

See even more event listings on the Washington Gardener Yahoo discussion list. Join the list at http://groups.yahoo. com/group/WashingtonGardener/.

How to Submit Local Garden Events

To submit an event for this listing, contact kathyjentz@gmail.com — put “Event” in the subject line. Our next deadline is September 10 for the September 2017 issue, for events taking place September 16–October 15. o

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The ad deadline is the 10th of each month. Please submit your ad directly to: KathyJentz@gmail.com.

AUGUST 2017

WASHINGTON GARDENER

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TIPStricks

Flowers from the Garden New Forever Stamps

Rose rosette disease photo by Dave Clement, UME.

Fighting Rose Rosette

Rose rosette disease (RRD) is a common disease that can affect cultivated roses. It can be hard to accurately detect and difficult to prevent, making it a frustrating problem for rose gardeners. It’s believed that all cultivated roses are susceptible to the disease; this includes shrubs, hybrid teas, floribundas, grandifloras, and miniatures.

According to a report in the American Nurseryman, three items must be present to transmit RRD: a virus, an eriophyid mite carrying the virus, and the multiflora rose. You must eliminate one to end the disease’s cycle.

Some symptoms of RRD mimic normal new growth, making it difficult to recognize immediately. If a plant continues to show red leaves into the growing season, chances are it has been infected. Other symptoms include masses of tangled growth with distorted buds and excessive thorns.

Plants that have been infected can live up to another four years before eventually dying. During this time, they can spread the disease to other nearby plants. The disease is fatal, so preventing its transmission should be a top priority.

To prevent the spread of RRD, you should be sure to inspect plants before you buy them, and continue to routinely watch over them for signs of disease once planted. If symptoms are detected, the only effective treatment is to remove the plant, along with others immediately surrounding it, to prevent further transmission. Bagging the infected plant before removal can also provide an additional safeguard. o Tips column compiled by Ana Hurler. She is a senior multi-platform journalism major at the University of Maryland, College Park.

Ana is interning with Washington Gardener Magazine this summer.

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The U.S. Postal Service is issuing a series of Forever stamps celebrating beautiful flowers from American gardens. The four Flowers from the Garden stamps will have designs featuring still-life paintings of floral bouquets by Elizabeth Brandon.

Brandon’s paintings are reminiscent of the Dutch and Flemish still lifes from the 17th and 18th centuries. These paintings typically featured large, lively arrangements to give the impression of wild abandon and creativity. Interestingly, many of the arrangements depicted are impossible to achieve in reality. The bouquets often consist of flowers that did not bloom in the same season, or even in the same region.

Each stamp (pictured on page 3) will feature one of four paintings. The first depicts red camellias and yellow forsythia in a yellow pitcher. White peonies and pink tree peonies in a clear vase appear on the second. The third shows white hydrangeas, white and pink roses, green hypericum berries, and purple lisianthus in a white vase. Lastly, blue hydrangeas in a blue pot are on the fourth. o

#PlantsDoThat

The National Initiative for Consumer Horticulture (NICH) released a new report about the benefits of horticulture in all aspects of people’s lives. The report, titled “#PlantsDoThat, Horticulture: The Art, Science, & Business of Plants,” outlines how plants positively affect work, retail, and home environments.

According to the NICH, plants improve many different aspects of society: Office plants reduce employee sick time by 14 percent, well-landscaped homes are more valuable, shaded roads save up to 60 percent of repaving costs, stores with landscaped areas have expanded sales, and America’s public gardens contribute $2.3 billion in community tourism spending. Moreover, Americans are growing more of their own food—25% of all Americans grow berries, veggies, or fruit trees. In addition to all these benefits, consumer horticulture contributes $196 billion to the U.S. economy and creates 2 million jobs.

The NICH Economic Committee developed the report’s infographic, which is the first to demonstrate plants’ power to benefit our lives. It is part of a series targeted at institutions and individuals to use for outreach purposes to support adding plants to living and working spaces.

NICH is also sponsoring an industry-wide, grassroots movement to grow the awareness and practice of gardening, both indoors and out, from 70% to 90% by 2025.

Find out more at www.consumerhort.org. o

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Quick Links to Washington Gardener Blog Posts • New Bartholdi Park Landscape • Up the Ladder to Evening Star Cafe • Great Ground Cherry Crop • DIY: Garden Kneeler See more Washington Gardener blog posts at: WashingtonGardener.blogspot.com o

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August-September Garden Task To-Do List

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Garden Gems Geum Collection

Geum x ‘Champagne,’ Geum x ‘Citronge’ PPAF, Geum x ‘Coppertone Punch’ PPAF, Geum x ‘Peach Daiquiri’ PPAF These new Geums start blooming in late April or May just in time for Mother’s Day and continue for three to four weeks or more. The short, clumping plants reach around 10" tall and over 12" wide with the stems reaching 15–18+" tall. The plants prefer a moist to well-drained soil in full sun. The foliage is semi-evergreen.

These hybrid perennial plants are longer-lived than the older chiloense varieties of Geum. Their hardiness is zone 4–8. These plants do their growing at the cool times of the season, so they can be planted in late winter, early spring, or late summer to early fall.

They both combine nicely with other Geum and early bloomers like Polemonium ‘Heaven Scent’ PP#20,214. They are also slug-proof and deer-resistant.

For more information, contact Intrinsic Perennial Gardens, Inc. at www.intrinsicperennialgardens.com. o

• It is harvest time and also a good time to start taking stock of what worked well for you this season and what didn’t.

• Buy raspberries and peaches at a local pick-your-own farm or visit a local farmer’s market.

• Let the lawn go dormant for now; it will green back up in the coming rains.

• Check your local garden center for end-of-summer bargains.

• If your pond water gets low from prolonged drought, top it off with tap-water and add a dechlorinator according to package instructions.

• Wash out birdbaths weekly with diluted bleach solution.

• Water thoroughly, especially if you receive no rain for more than seven days.

• Turn your compost pile weekly and don’t let it dry out.

• Start shopping for spring bulbs.

• Divide and cut back Bearded Iris and Peonies.

• Check your pond pump for debris and clean it out every few weeks.

• Watch for slug damage and set out traps or Sluggo bait.

• Check for mosquito breeding grounds. Dump out any water that sits stagnant for more than three days.

• Weed and weed some more.

• Cut back any leggy Asters or Mums.

• Take garden photos and make notes in your garden journal.

• Start collecting plant seeds for next year and for trading.

• As the days get cooler, plant hardy mums.

• Prune evergreens to get in shape for fall/winter.

• Hand-pick or cut out any bagworm cocoons.

• Harvest your herbs often and keep them trimmed back to encourage leafy growth. Dry them indoors if you can’t use them right away.

• Bring Christmas cactus and poinsettias indoors if you took them out for the summer in preparation for holiday blooming. Fertilize them and put them where they’ll get 10 hours’ bright light per day.

• Inspect for powdery mildew. If seen, prune back perennials to create needed circulation. Discard properly (i.e., not in your compost bin).

• Clean your hummingbird feeders and add new sugar-water every three days.

• Renew your container plantings, which may be looking a bit ragged at this point. Pinch back overgrown plants. Pull out any spent ones and pop in some substitute annuals or mums. Keep them well-watered and add a little liquid fertilizer every few weeks to keep them going through early autumn.

• Switch your deer deterrent spray.

• Start seeds for fall annuals such as pansy, calendula, and kale.

• Plant fall crops such as Chinese cabbage, lettuce, radish, mustard, broccoli, kohlrabi, cauliflower, turnips, and beets.

• Order garlic, onions, and shallots for fall planting.

• Attend a county fair and enter some of your garden bounty.

• Preserve gourds and dry flowers for display in the fall.

• Apply grub control to your lawn.

• Divide Hostas and Daylilies.

• Deadhead garlic chives before they go to seed. They make nice cut flowers. o AUGUST 2017

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BOOKreviews looks forward to, and funny stories about things she’s learned through her life in the garden. The language she uses is accessible and her writing is very empathetic.

This book is best suited for the experienced gardener. Although the lessons and little stories Michel includes can be applicable to anyone from an amateur to a professional, those who have integrated gardening into their lifestyles would find her essays most relatable.

Mika Park is a sophomore multi-platform journalism major at the University of Maryland. This summer, she is an editorial intern at Washington Gardener Magazine. She was born in Holland and raised in Brooklyn, NY.

Potted and Pruned: Living a Gardening Life

By Carol J. Michel Publisher: Gardenangelist Books Price: $14.99 Reviewer: Mika Park Potted and Pruned: Living a Gardening Life is an honest, lighthearted collection of essays that speaks to the gardener in all of us. The author, Carol J. Michel, who also writes the blog May Dreams Gardens, tucks humor and love into her words and reminds us of the realities of gardening—and how to appreciate them.

To get a sense of the tone of the book, look no further than the first essay, aptly titled, “Yes, I Am An Eccentric Gardener.” Michel has a very conversational voice that makes you feel like she’s right there with you, and that it’s okay to giggle to yourself at her words. Her essays range from her process of caring for houseplants to the different diagnoses of the garden therapist in her head to types of shrub buyers. All of these essays have important lessons in them, whether they are about accepting our mistakes, trying to harness creativity, or finding motivation.

The short essays make it easy to quickly read through one or two when you are feeling overwhelmed with your gardening, but her writing makes it hard to put the book down. Michel offers heartfelt advice and anecdotes about common troubles, things she 12

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The Grumpy Gardener, An A to Z Guide from the Country’s Most Irritable Green Thumb

By Steve Bender Publisher: Princeton University Press List Price: $25.99 Reviewer: Ana Hurler In The Grumpy Gardener, An A to Z Guide from the Country’s Most Irritable Green Thumb Southern Living garden editor Steve Bender shares his knowledge and opinions on many things garden-related from how to maintain azaleas to enjoying fresh tomatoes.

Because this is an A-to-Z style book, Bender briefly gives his thoughts on a wide variety of topics that run the gamut. Some of the more interesting sections include awful plants, fake Christmas trees, marijuana lookalikes, and consuming squirrels. A quick flip through the rest of the section headers reveals that this isn’t your typical gardening manual.

While full of useful tidbits gathered from Bender’s magazine columns, this book is also filled with his own commentary, along with a healthy dose of sarcasm and irreverence. His style makes the book an entertaining, educational read. Bender shares that he grew up in Lutherville, MD, and was “exiled to Alabama in 1983 for reasons that remain secret to this day.”

The information Bender provides ranges from how to grow certain plants to which plants to avoid in certain areas to how to improve gardening practices. However, each entry is about

a page or two in length, so do not expect any detailed how-tos from this book.

Many of the entries are about common gardening problems and plants, but Bender mainly focuses on his experience with growing things in the South.

There also are no photos in the book, besides the occasional cartoon, which can be frustrating if you are unfamiliar with the plants he mentions.

The average gardener is likely to be able to learn some new tips and tricks from Bender. What this book lacks in information, it makes up for in witticism and personal anecdotes, which are much more engaging than an ordinary manual.

Ana Hurler is a senior multi-platform journalism major at the University of Maryland, College Park. Ana is interning with us this summer. She loves to travel, especially if it involves nature, the outdoors, and food.

The Art of Chinese Flower Arrangement

By Cai Zhongjuan Publisher: Shanghai Press List Price: $25.95 Reviewer: Jamie Moore The Art of Chinese Flower Arrangement is a well-organized and beautifully illustrated book. The author starts by exploring the rich history of flower arrangement in China, which encompasses more than three mil-

BOOKreviews

lennia. Flower arranging is closely entwined with other art forms in China, especially poetry and painting. I thought it was interesting that “ancient men of letters” actively participated in flower arranging, elevating it to a more philosophical plane. Flower arrangements became allegorical works of art, not merely pretty decorations.

The next section explores characteristics of Chinese flower arrangements, which are quite different from typical western-style flower arrangements.

Chinese flower arrangements seek to emulate scenes in nature in an abstract manner, using asymmetric balance, showcasing the beauty of lines, and employing well-defined rules for proportion.

I love the Chinese practice of naming flower arrangements, which emphasizes the spirit behind these works and exposes the strong connection between floral art and poetry. Can you imagine the arrangements called “Singing in a Low Voice,” “Dusting off the Sordid and Ushering in the Fresh,” “Listening to the Moon alongside a Brook,” and “Intoxicated in the Light of Spring”?

In the main section, Zhongjuan clearly explains the principles governing Chinese flower arrangement and how to achieve them. She includes helpful diagrams showing the correct proportions between elements in the arrangement. She describes the four basic postures of arrangements (upright, slanting, pendent, and horizontal), then

explores traditional floral vessels (vase, pot, urn, bowl, tube, basket, picture frame, and irregularly shaped vessels).

She also provides guidance on determining the artistic conception behind a work and creating a name for it. The last section is an overview of tools and techniques, followed by 15 example floral arrangements with illustrated stepby-step instructions.

Reading this book has broadened my horizons. I love bringing flowers inside.

However, my usual arrangement is just a handful of blooms plucked from the garden and hastily dunked into a jar. I am looking forward to trying out concepts I learned from this book to create more mindful arrangements. I think the process of designing these arrangements will be even better therapy than adult coloring books. And I will not forget to name my works something poetic (maybe “Desperately Seeking Sanity in House with Three Children”).

Jamie Moore gardens in Frederick County, MD. In addition to gardening, she loves to read; cook with local and seasonal produce; hike; and spend time with her husband, three children, and two cats.

Love Reading?

These books were reviewed by volunteer members of the Washington Gardener Reader Panel. We are looking for a few additional volunteers who live in the greater Washington, DC, region to serve on our Reader Panel. Reader Panelists may also be asked to review new gardening plants, tools, and seeds.

To join the Washington Gardener Volunteer Reader Panel, please send an email with your name and address to: KathyJentz@gmail.com.

We look forward to having you be a vital part of our local publication and its gardening mission. o

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SPECIALfeature

Growing DC’s Next Generation of Gardeners

Accessing Youth Programs in the City

City Blossoms’ annual Basil Bonanza party.

Text and photos by Mika Park The relationship between children and gardening can be pretty linear: As the garden grows, the child does, too. In an urban area such as Washington, DC, space can be a major barrier to accessing the benefits of gardening for both adults and children. However, there are ways around this barrier, and with so many forms of technology keeping kids entertained indoors, it is more important now than ever that they get out and garden.

While the ample green space afforded by big backyards of suburban and rural homes may not be available in the more-urban areas, there are alternative routes to making a garden for their child. Balconies can accommodate big planters, and those with front yards can neatly organize plants to maximize space. Community gardens are abundant in DC, with individual plots available for applicants. This type of garden is an especially good option for kids, because they can learn from what other people are growing and look at other plots for inspiration.

Gardening can be exceptionally rewarding for kids growing up in urban areas, due to their limited exposure to the natural environment. Spending 14

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time in gardens and working with plants allows them to develop a relationship with nature, build skills, and understand themselves and the living beings around them.

Leah Patterson and Malaika Simmons work at Common Good City Farm, an urban farm in DC that aims to develop community through urban sustainable agriculture. The farm holds several programs for children of different age groups throughout the year.

They feel that gardening provides real-world application of crucial lessons for children and can be used to teach them about other concepts, too.

“It’s about trying new things and techniques to see how crops grow,” Simmons said about gardening. “It’s about spending time outside and appreciating our natural environment.

It’s about learning where our food comes from, and all of these aspects are beneficial to kids.”

Their work with children has lent them experience with helping kids get through the tough parts of gardening.

Plants not turning out as expected or dying can be upsetting, and the patience required can be a strain for children.

“Kids can be reluctant to work in the heat or get dirty at first,” Patterson said. “It’s important to work with them to encourage them to keep an open mind. Link the gardening to their interests and tell them how this relates to their own lives.”

Simmons pointed out that kids typically dislike weeding. She recommends explaining to kids exactly why a certain crop has to be weeded, and changing the areas that they weed to keep the activity feeling new.

Edible plants, more so than decorative ones, can make gardening more appealing to children as well. It gives them a chance to really enjoy the products of their labor. As adult gardeners, we can admire our gardens and have their appearance serve as fulfillment, while children may be less inclined to appreciate them. Growing vegetables, fruits, and herbs also gives them a new outlook on food and changes their relationship with it.

“The thing that the kids and the teens like most about gardening is learning exactly where their favorite fruits and vegetables come from,” Simmons said. “If the kids are involved in the planning and planting of the

SPECIALfeature seeds, then they can see the full cycle of the crop growing and how it comes to be the fruit or vegetable they see in the grocery store. They like having knowledge of these plants and being able to talk about what they know with their friends and families.”

Peggy Bier is a plant specialist at Merrifield Garden Center in Falls Church, VA. She sees children’s involvement in the garden, especially vegetable gardens, as critical.

“I think it is important that we’re so into growing the vegetables in our gardens now, and I’m really big on including children in this,” Bier said. “I feel that our children are our future, and they need to learn about our soil. They need to learn about nature, and where our food comes from.”

Kids can learn about environmental issues through the garden. The effects of drought and high heat produce conspicuous effects on plants that make demonstrating climate change easy.

They can also learn about the importance of pollinators. The declining bee population is a major global issue, and the garden is a good way to highlight why they matter.

“You can easily incorporate science, policy, and humanities lessons into a gardening experience,” Patterson said.

“And the kids stay so engaged because they’re really having so much fun at the same time.”

Gardening also provides a pathway for children to learn about the intersection of social issues and food.

Simmons feels that one of the largest challenges in our region is the lack of

awareness of food insecurity and food justice issues that many residents face.

“I also feel that a major challenge is the language used in the food justice movement that further marginalizes and pushes out people of color from the movement, particularly children of color,” Simmons said.

The garden is a place where children can learn about inclusivity and inequality, all while enjoying fun in the dirt and attaining basic growing skills that will never fail to be relevant.

Because of the obvious limits that the urban environment of the city places on kids’ access to gardens, there are many community farms and gardens that go out of their way to get children involved. The finite green space is a blessing and a curse. Although there is less private space for gardening, there is lots of space dedicated to sharing with the community and programs designed to engage children in the garden. The benefits of working with others in the context of gardening are endless.

“I think a major advantage [of this area] is that there are many organizations working with the youth surrounding gardening, but there will always need to be more outreach and more programming for the youth in order to continue this movement,” Simmons said. o Mika Park is a sophomore multi-platform journalism major at the University of Maryland. This summer, she is an editorial intern at Washington Gardener Magazine. She was born in Holland and raised in Brooklyn, NY.

Signage at Common Good City Farm.

Youth Gardening Resources

• City Blossoms cityblossoms.org City Blossoms is a nonprofit dedicated to fostering healthy communities by developing creative, kid-driven green spaces. They also specialize in bilingual, early childhood, garden-based education for children ages two- to fiveyears-old.

• Cultivate the City www.cultivatethecity.com Urban farmers work to feed families and communities with pesticide-free, locally grown food by growing vertically. They have sites at DC elementary schools, Gallaudet University, senior community centers, a rooftop garden at the Washington Nationals Stadium, and much more.

• DC Greens dcgreens.org DC Greens uses the power of partnerships to support food education, food access, and food policy in the nation’s capital.

• DC School Gardens Program osse.dc.gov/schoolgardenresources This group provides support for school garden projects.

• Kid Power http://www.kidpowerdc.org The VeggieTime Project seeks to create a sustainable community where youth and their families provide fresh produce for themselves, effect change in the food delivery system, and increase nutrition education and environmental awareness.

• Love & Carrots http://www.loveandcarrots.com/ schools-housing Love & Carrots builds and maintains community gardens for schools or housing property. They also offer group gardening classes to teach residents everything they need to know to help their gardens grow.

• Washington Youth Garden www.washingtonyouthgarden.org Washington Youth Garden, on the grounds of the U.S. National Arboretum, uses the garden cycle as a tool to enrich science learning, inspire environmental stewardship, and cultivate healthy food choices in youth and families.

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EDIBLEharvt

Growing Delicious Summer Melons in Just 10 Weeks

Text and photos by Ana Hurler As an intern with Washington Gardener this summer, I was tasked with growing two different types of melons at our community garden plot: ‘Mini Love’ Watermelon, a 2017 All-America Selections winner, and ‘Honey Rock’ Muskmelon (also known as cantaloupe), an heirloom seed from the Washington Gardener annual seed exchanges last winter.

While we were initially hoping to grow some more unusual varieties, such as the Queen Anne’s Pocket melon, we were unable to find any seeds or seedlings. Growing a stranger variety might have been more interesting, but after finally getting to try the melons we did grow, I was happy our yield was more traditionally edible and flavorful.

I started both varieties as seeds, and planted four of both in two mounds, hoping at least two would successfully sprout. When I checked on them the next week, all four of the watermelon and three of the muskmelon seeds had sprouted.

Each week, I continued to saturate the mounds with water when we didn’t get rain, and check on the vines’ progress. I also weeded around the vine area to keep it clear of competing plants. We gave them a bit of organic liquid fish fertilizer in the third week, but no additional fertilization after that.

By the fourth week, the plants had full-sized leaves. By the fifth, their vines were starting to snake out. We antici-

pated they would need several feet of room, and by the sixth week, the vines had already begun to take over the back corner of the community garden plot. They had even started flowering, and I saw my first tiny, bean-sized watermelon forming.

When I came back the next week to check on that tiny melon, I was shocked to see it had grown to be about the size of my palm. A little muskmelon had also begun growing, along with another watermelon. We were getting a lot of rainstorms during this time, which helped the melons’ rapid growth.

On the eighth week, several melons of both varieties were taking shape. To help keep their bottoms from rotting from being in constant contact with the wet ground, I put thick squares of cardboard underneath them.

Two weeks later, the first melons were full-sized. I was eager to taste the fruits of my labor, so we cut one watermelon and one muskmelon. The watermelon was crisp, but juicy and sweet.

The muskmelon was still very green around the outside and could have stayed on the vine another week, but it was still delicious and sweet. o Ana Hurler is a senior multi-platform journalism major at the University of Maryland, College Park. Ana is interning with us this summer. She loves to travel, especially if it involves nature, the outdoors, and food.

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Chaste Tree Vitex Species

By Judith Mensh

Blooming profusely in our Northern Virginia neighborhood in mid-July is a Vitex agnus-castus planted at the corner of a brick townhouse. It presents a crown of color on a tree low enough to be able to get a good look at its blooms: terminal panicles formed by a cluster of small flowers. Each spike opens from the bottom up, coming into full bloom over a period of weeks. Bonus: Vitex is deerresistant.

An arresting sight when in full bloom, as you approach, it you find the flowers are fragrant and the leaves scented. It’s fruit is a drupe scientifically, but is commonly referred to as a berry.

When dried, the seeds can be ground and used as a pungent spice, peppery in nature. The herbal and medicinal value of the berries and leaves has been confirmed by modern chemical analysis. The seeds, the roots, and bark are used in traditional medicine.

It is a fast-growing tree, going from a slim two-year-old to its adult height within a few years. It then increases, adding branches and girth.

From a distance, blooming Vitex is often mistaken for Butterfly Bush (Buddleia sps.). The flower panicles of the Buddleia are similar to the upward-pointing Vitex plumes, but their leaves, though both are opposite, are distinctly different—simple versus the palmate leaves of the Vitex—so a quick investigation reveals its true identity.

Vitex History

As of September 2013, Vitex spp. are members of the Lamiaceae family, previously listed as members of the Verbenaceae family (reference: www.theplantlist. org). Most sources remain unchanged, so confusion reigns.

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This species, having been cultivated for thousands of years, is by definition an heirloom plant. Staples of the human experience, anchored in the past, generations passing on the knowledge and passion, members of this list include fruit trees, grapes, corn, rice, and quinoa. It is a classic example of the symbiotic relationship between human and plant. We have advanced its proliferation and it continues to enhance several areas of our lives—our health, our pollinators, and beauty in the landscape.

Imagine the flowering Vitex agnuscastus in its native Mediterranean home; the purple haze of the fully blooming Vitex against the upright dark cedars, the aqua color of the sea, and the colors of the setting sun. It is no wonder that early settlers brought these seeds with them and, although they are not hardy in colder areas, wove them into the texture of the Southern garden.

We have participated in distributing it around the globe to the benefit of all so far, except that three species have gone beyond the garden into the public landscape and been found to be detrimental to the ecology it adopts.

In the southern American garden, the Crape Myrtle and the Vitex tree go way back as garden ornamentals that arrived with the Europeans from their homelands. Both are commonly planted in medians along roadways.

The Crape Myrtle arrived in Charleston, SC, in 1790. The Vitex agnuscastus is documented as having arrived over a century earlier. The Texans have literally adopted the tree and call it one of their own, the Texas Lilac tree (authentic Lilacs do not thrive in the southern heat). It is officially a desig-

nated “Texas Superstar” shrub, anointed as such by Texas A&M University horticulturists. This is despite the fact that Vitex has established itself independently in dry river beds and other hospitable places and is known to be a potential invasive.

The Vitex trifolia purpureum ‘Fascination,’ common name Arabian Lilac, is similar to Texas Lilac and is also a heatloving alternative to the cold-loving true Lilacs. It can readily be found in Texas garden centers.

The species of Vitex commonly cultivated are V. agnus castus, commonly grown in tree form; V. negundo, its cold hardiness an ingredient in the controlled breeding process, used extensively for its medicinal qualities; the invasive V. rotundifolia; and the purpleleaved V. trifolia.

Michael Dirr, author of the Manual of Woody Plants, recognized potential in Vitex, and through his research and development partnership, Plant Introductions, has worked on both the selection and controlled breeding of Vitex species. His 2006 article in the American Nurseryman trade magazine is a succinct synopsis of the history and future direction of Vitex. His enthusiasm is contagious.

Dirr has taken particular interest in the purple foliage of Vitex trifolia, a dieback shrub if planted in our zone, and has worked extensively to bring this characteristic into the gene pool of Vitex cultivars for a new twist.

Vitex rotundifolia was brought to the east coast in the 1980s, for use as a coastal soil stabilizer, with the unintended consequence of going rogue.

V. rotundifolia is now naturalized in some states. Not a plant to find in commerce, but perhaps to be spied while on vacation in the outer banks of North Carolina. It sometimes is referred to as the “round-leaved Vitex,” as its leaves are simple and not the typical palmate shape. It spreads vine-like and forms dense areas of heavy growth, beyond its designated areas. The flowers are similar, but not as showy. However, as a gene pool for the controlled breeding of hybrids, the combination of V. rotundifolia and V. agnus-castus has yielded good results, without the drawbacks.

The success of the ‘Endless Summer’

PLANTprofile Hydrangea and the ‘Knockout’ Rose has inspired Dirr to see the potential in the Vitex gene pool. When he looks at a Vitex tree, he sees all the good points rolled up into a compact 2'x2' garden shrub that fulfills all of his expectations in terms of hardiness, flowering, color, and compactness.

Growing Conditions

Well-drained soil and full sun are the two basic ingredients for Vitex success. Like all new plantings, the first season or perhaps two or three seasons will require attention to watering.

Once the root system is developed, Vitex becomes drought-tolerant, and is included in xeric garden lists. This trait makes is adaptable to a range of soil types, including coastal ones, and sometimes included in beach landscaping. Plant it during the spring, after the soil has warmed up, giving it plenty of time to develop its root system over our extended warm seasons.

Pruning improves the look of the plant since it can get quite tangled and messy. Remove crossing and dead branches. Once the first bloom period is complete and the color is gone from the blooms, pruning off these spent flowers will result in a repeat performance in about six weeks and prompts it to continue to produce flowers until the frost arrives, if you continue to deadhead the spent blooms.

This small tree or sometimes trained as a multi-stemmed tree reaching 20' high, is deciduous in our area, with fragrant blooms in spring plus aromatic leaves, and attractive trunk architecture year-round. A yearly cleaning helps to redefine its shape, along with the occasional removing of the odd upright sprouts that may appear over the season. Once established, depend on it to be a sturdy garden resident. If neglected, it can become a tangle of crossing and dead branches.

Prune it in early spring, after the weather has warmed. Bud break is late with Vitex. New growth goes through a series of color changes; starting with a purplish color, it turns red-brown, and finally gray as the bark matures.

Historically, its pliable branches were used for fence building and basket weaving. It needs training when young

to become a small shade tree. Vitex can also be a handsome container tree.

Wear gloves when handling this plant.

As with many aromatic plants, skin contact can cause an allergic reaction.

With the shrub versions of Vitex, the severe prune seems to be the best way to avoid the tangled, messy-looking plant it can become with inattention.

Another way to approach it is to selectively prune back (or out) old stems, leaving mainly only new shoots to develop into this year’s shrub and flowers display.

Cultivars for Our Region

Although far from the Mediterranean or from its Asian origins, Vitex has a history of doing well here and throughout the Southern states.

V. agnus-castus, the straight species, and V. agnus-castus ‘Shoal Creek’ are available in tree form in our area garden centers, often in 15-gallon containers (typical price $125), trained to be standard on a single stem, and as occasionally, multi-stemmed trees. ‘Shoal Creek’ is an early selection of V. agnuscastus and was chosen for increased hardiness, leaf-spot resistance, larger flowers, and deeper colors.

‘Abbeville Blue’ and ‘Silver Spires’ (white flowers) are available in 3-gallon containers and both grow to be about 15 feet high with a wide spread.

Among the new developments the 21st century has brought us are the dwarf cultivars of Vitex. ‘Blue Puffball’ is 3'x3' and expected to be coming soon to our garden centers.

Newer cultivars include ‘Pink Pinnacle’ and ‘Blue Pinnacle.’ Both are 3'x4' compact shrubs. Also new to the market is ‘Blue Diddley,’ a popular compact dwarf Vitex shrub.

Companion Plants

The best companions for Vitex will depend on which Vitex you have chosen. If it is the standard tree form with the potential to reach 20 feet, then you want an open space, where a specimen tree can stand out, becoming as tall as it is wide. It’s a fast-grower so it will quickly fill its spot and reward you yearly with its blooming. It is a stand-alone beauty, but if space provides, a backdrop of evergreen plants is effective.

Vitex is a good candidate for the butterfly garden. It is reported that despite its immigrant status, our native pollinators (the bees, butterflies and hummingbirds), all visit the Chaste Tree.

Vitex plants provide delicious forage for bees and create a distinctive and prized honey.

Planted within the belt of shade it provides, depending on its orientation, you might include a groundcover of Packera aurea, or our native Phlox, and flanked on its sunny sides by masses of purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea).

If you have purchased the new dwarf varieties such as ‘Blue Diddley,’ you have a candidate for a sunny perennial border, and a shrub that can be treated like a perennial. Blooming on new growth and producing new wood with color are points to be appreciated.

Sources and Information

Although there is no specific website yet, devoted solely to this genus, the uptick in interest has generated abundant information on the Internet. Lazy S’S Farm Nursery (www.lazyssfarm.com) in Charlottesville, VA, has a selection that includes a V. negundo, not otherwise readily available.

“Chaste” is not a concept much embraced today, nor does it aptly describe this plant in light of modern scientific analysis. It has been suggested that we replace the word “Chaste” with “Spice,” reflecting its consistently and pleasant odor as its essential oils announce themselves clearly through our olfactory senses.

If trends in gardening interest you, then be aware of the new and even more-amazing Vitex cultivars to come— more compact growth, deeper-colored and larger blooms, even a version with burgundy-shaded leaf color.

Vitex species have graced our existence on our planet and this timelessness of our coexistence adds a layer of mystery to its story.

If you have the right spot, include this plant. Connect to our shared humanity down through the ages, plant Vitex. o Judith Mensh is a local horticultural consultant. She is available to walk your yard with you and identify plants and possibilities.

She can be reached via email at JudithMenshNurtureNature@gmail.com.

AUGUST 2017

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NEIGHBORnwork

Meet Peg Bier, Merrifield’s Gardening Advisor

by Mika Park

Peggy Bier, 80, is a plant specialist at Merrifield Garden Center in Merrifield, VA. She is best known for her time cohosting the show Merrifield’s Gardening Advisor, a live cable television program where viewers called in to ask her garden-related questions. Her current work includes teaching classes, holding seminars, purchasing plants, and maintaining gardens for the center.

A farmer’s daughter, born and raised on a large farm in southern Georgia, Bier has been involved in horticulture and agriculture throughout her whole life. We recently caught up with her at the Garden Bloggers Fling 2017 that took place in the Capital Region in June.

Q: Could you tell me a bit about your background?

A: I got my start [in Georgia] in conservation, 4-H club, and those sorts of things. When I got married, I came to Virginia. I have four children and 12 grandchildren, and one of my favorite topics is the evolution of a family and 20

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a garden. I have a large garden, and it has certainly evolved along with the needs of the family. It’s a family garden in that it’s a garden you can live in and love.

Q: How long have you been at Merrifield Garden Center?

A: I have been working at Merrifield (www.merrifieldgardencenter.com) for over 40 years. I’ve spent a lot of time encouraging growth in the perennials section and annuals section in particular. I’ve also done work with establishing seminars for the public since way back. I was on an hour-long live television show for NewsChannel 8 for more than 20 years every Saturday morning.

Q: What did you enjoy most about working on the Merrifield’s Gardening Advisor show?

A: We put a great deal of emphasis on what people should be doing for their gardens right now, since the show was weekly. I also focused on plants that

Pictured above from left-to-right, Bridget Dunne, Denise Bier, Krystal Bier Debbie Bier, Karlyn Dunne Schamel, Gretchen Dunne, Matthew Bier, Kasey Bier (front), Rose Marie Bier, Mark Bier, Peggy Bier (center), Michael Dunne, Paige Bier, Michelle Bier Dunne, David Bodge, Eamon Dunne, Maggie Bier Bodge, Christian Bodge, Liam Dunne, John Schamel (back), Timothy Dunne, James Bier, and Sprinkles the grand-dog. Photo by Eric Doughty.

NEIGHBORnwork with so many people every week.

Q: What have you been up to since the show was taken off the air?

A: I’ve been very active in the marketing process here at the garden center, as well as the plant-buying aspects. I’ve also been doing a lot of teaching and seminar work here.

are fun, like vegetable and herb gardens and gardens for the birds, bees, and butterflies. We were able to say this is what is happening in your garden at this time, and also talked about the design process, so it encompassed a lot of things. We would shoot in the studio, so we would have to bring along many of the plants we would talk about, and we would use pictures to portray some of the points.

We really had a wonderful viewership, from Washington, DC, to a large portion of Maryland and northern Virginia, and West Virginia. It was estimated that we had about 50,000 viewers a week.

It was wonderful being able to share information, and the people who would come in to introduce themselves and say they were fans of the show were so rewarding.

Q: What advice would you give to amateur gardeners in the area? Do you have any resources you could recommend to those looking to get started in the gardening field?

A: I would encourage those in our area to come to one of our seminars. We will be starting seminars at all three locations in September. We have wonderful speakers, in fact, your editor, Kathy Jentz, spoke for us last year. We have pros within the company who give talks, but a lot of people renowned in horticulture come in, too, to educate the public on various aspects of gardening.

One of the most important things for the beginning gardener is learning about the soil and the needs of the plants. Start with learning the basics really well, just how to plant and how to water. You would be surprised at how many people don’t know how to water!

First get accustomed to the basics, then make sure to buy plants that you really enjoy, and put them in the right place.

Q: What are some of your favorite latesummer plants to work with?

A: There are so many in this diverse world of plants, it’s hard to say. I have

several large areas planted with that goal in mind. I enjoy the various rudbeckias, and echinaceas, and I do a lot of feeding into that. I love fennel! I like to seed in biennials like bachelor’s button and zinnias, which are things you can use to fill places with all the perennials. I do enjoy this time of year so much because of the birds, bees, and butterflies!

Q: Which plants would you say are the most troublesome?

A: I love ornamental grasses, but I’m very careful to avoid the ones that seed everywhere. I don’t mind seeding, I enjoy it, but when the plants are so difficult to remove, it poses a problem.

Except for the very old miscanthus, a lot of them seed badly, so I’ve been staying away from them now.

Q: I was wondering if there was any advice you would like to give to readers or anything else you would want them to know about?

A: It’s best to continually try to educate yourself as to what you really enjoy in your daily life. Learning about what is important to you in your outside world, how your family is concerned, and growing things in stages that are most meaningful to you is what I would recommend. o Mika Park is a sophomore multi-platform journalism major at the University of Maryland. This summer, she is an editorial intern at Washington Gardener Magazine. She was born in Holland and raised in Brooklyn, NY.

Q: Was it hard to leave the show? \A: We stopped doing the show when NewsChannel 8 was bought by a syndicate and wanted to change programming. I do miss it. It cut a connection with a lot of people on a weekly basis.

It cut the ability to communicate with a great many people on important things that were going on at the time. We were able to tell people that this is the time you should be focusing on your lawn, or if they were watering properly in a drought. Just good, basic, general information for people, and a lot of viewers were novice gardeners who really did enjoy those things. So I would say I miss that most—the ability to communicate AUGUST 2017

WASHINGTON GARDENER

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GOINGnative

Fairy Wands An Enchanting Native Wildflower

by Barry Glick

Fairy Wand, Devil’s Bit, False Unicorn Root—sounds like a recipe for a witch’s brew, doesn’t it? Quite the contrary, though. What we have here are three of the many “common names” of a remarkable, ornamental, native, shadetolerant garden plant that shows some very interesting promise as a medicinal herb.

Chamaelirium luteum, a member of the lily family, is a dioecious plant (male and female flowers are produced on separate plants) that can be found growing in moist thickets in just about every U.S. state east of the Mississippi and in several eastern Canadian provinces. It grows from a Trillium-like rhizome and flowers for quite an extended period of time in the early spring.

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Unlike many spring-flowering wildflowers, this plant is not ephemeral. In fact, the basal rosette of foliage that produces the central flower stems is present year-round. Male plants attain heights of 24–30" in flower, and I’ve seen female plants soar to heights of over 48". The small, creamy-white flowers are produced in abundance on the stiff, firm, erect stems and it’s no stretch of the imagination as to where the common name “Fairy Wand” comes from. Even the seed heads of this plant are attractive, as is the foliage.

The name of the genus evolves from the Greek words “chamai,” meaning dwarf, and “lirion,” meaning lily. Although in the wild, you’ll find Chamaelirium luteum most often in rich, moist soil, I’ve had great success growing it in average soils, even on weedy road banks, where I forgot that I had planted it and rediscovered the lost plants almost 10 years later. They hadn’t grown much, but were still hanging on and very happy to be rescued and transplanted to a richer, continually weeded section of the garden. These plants have rewarded me for the positive move with multiple new rosettes and several flower stems year after year.

Although Chamaelirium luteum has a wide range, it’s rare to see a very large colony in one place—you usually find them scattered about. Native Americans used the roots of the plants medicinally for a host of ailments, mostly centered around menstruation. They believed that it also prevented miscarriages and improved fertility. Nowadays, modern medicinal research is bearing these uses out and investigation has shown that it may have beneficial properties for treating pregnancy problems and ovarian cysts. Other medicinal uses focus on Chamaelirium luteum’s antiinflammatory and diuretic properties.

In the garden, Chamaelirium luteum makes an attractive statement along the front of a path or in a group setting, and will be a welcome addition to any shade garden. Propagation is easy by rhizome division or by seed, although it can take up to seven years for seedgrown plants to reach full maturity and flower. o Barry Glick, a transplanted Philadelphian, has been residing in Greenbrier County, WV, since 1972. His mountaintop garden and nursery is a mecca for gardeners from virtually every country in the world. He writes and lectures extensively about native plants and Hellebores, his two main specialties, and welcomes visitors with advance notice. He can be reached at barry@sunfarm. com, www.sunfarm.com, or 304.497.2208.

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MARCH/APRIL 2005 • Landscape DIY vs. Pro • Prevent Gardener’s Back • Ladew Topiary Gardens • Cherry Trees

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Jentz Prints

Antique Botanical Prints for the decorator, collector, connoisseur, and art lover.

Jentz Prints can be purchased on most Saturdays at the Eastern Market, and most Sundays at the Georgetown Flea Market.

Antique prints are affordable — most in the $10-$30 range — and they are the perfect gift idea for that plant lover in your life. And don’t forget to buy a few for yourself!

For more information, to make a private appointment, or to get a detailed show schedule, please contact Jentz Prints by email at UllrichJ@aol.com. You can also find Jentz Prints on eBay.com under the seller ID: printyman.

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WASHINGTON GARDENER AUGUST 2017