Washington Gardener Magazine April 2023

APRIL 2023 VOL. 18 NO. 2

WWW.WASHINGTONGARDENER.COM

WASHINGTON

gardener

the magazine for gardening enthusiasts in the Mid-Atlantic region

Who’s that Dining in Your Garden?

Basil, King of Herbs A New Variegated Azalea Lawn Mowing Safety Organic Weed Control Options Meet Suzanne Laporte, President/CEO of the American Horticultural Society U.S. National Arboretum Offers Solution to Hemlock Woolly Adelgid

Great Gardening Books Reviewed

Wild Hyacinth Camassia scilloides

Summer Bulbs: Unique Mother’s Day Gifts

Outdoor Cannabis Growing

2023: Year of the Spirea

GARDEN AND NATURE TOURS WITH

C. COLSTON BURRELL https://gardenandnaturetours.com/

NEW ZEALAND GARDENS AND NATIONAL PARKS October 15 - 29, 2023

OPTIONAL EXTENSION Ñ GARDENS FROM MARLBOROUGH SOUNDS TO WELLINGTON For Brochure, Full Itinerary and Registration Details, please visit: https://gardenandnaturetours.com/newzealand/ 2023 Tour Schedule June 13 - 20ÑDenver Gardens and Rocky Mountain Wildflowers Post Tour to Vail and Steamboat SpringsÑJune 20 - 24 August 24 - September 7ÑGardens of Art and Architecture: Roberto Burle Marx, Oscar Niemeyer and Brazilian Modernism

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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 DC region and ONLINE! Call 240.603.1461 or email KathyJentz@gmail.com for available dates, rates, and topics.

RARE AND EXCEPTIONAL PLANTS FOR THE DISCRIMINATING GARDENER AND COLLECTOR Barry Glick Sunshine Farm and Gardens 696 Glicks Road Renick, WV 24966, USA Email: barry@sunfarm.com

www.sunfarm.com

Green Spring Gardens

Ask Maryland’s Garden Experts extension.umd.edu/hgic

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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.

2 WASHINGTON GARDENER APRIL 2023

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 www.greenspring.org 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.

INSIDEcontents

FEATURES and COLUMNS

16

Basil is a versatile and delicious herb. Use it fresh as a pizza topping, on salads, as a garnish, or blended into sauces and soups.

Basil is also a terrific cocktail or mocktail ingredient. Try it in place of regular mint in a mojito recipe.

o

Got a Garden Question?

Got a gardening question you need answered?

Send your questions to KathyJentz@gmail.com and use the subject line “Q&A.” Then look for your answered questions in upcoming issues.

6

In March 2022, the Board of Directors of the American Horticultural Society (AHS), announced the appointment of Suzanne Laporte, former CEO of Friends of Compass, Inc., a Washington DC-based nonprofit that provides pro bono, strategic consulting to other nonprofits, as the Society’s new CEO/ President.

ASKTHEexpert 8 Pawpaw Fruiting, Organic Weed Control Options BOOKreviews 19-21 Shade Gardening, Wild Drinks, French Blooms, Sow Grow Gather EDIBLEharvest 16-17 Basil GARDENbasics 18 Who’s Dining in My Garden?

GOINGnative 22 Wild Hyacinth NEIGHBORnetwork 6 Suzanne Laporte, President and CEO of the American Horticultural Society NEWPLANTspotlight 11 Azalea Encore® Autumn Moonstruck™ PLANTprofile 14-15 Year of Spirea PLANTresearch 9 Growing Cannabis Outdoors TIPStricks 10 Summer Bulbs for Mother’s Day, Hemlock Woolly Adelgid Solution, Lawn Mowing Safety

DEPARTMENTS

ADVERTISINGindex BLOGlinks EDITORletter GARDENDCpodcasts LOCALevents MONTHLYtasklist NEXTissue READERcontest READERreactions RESOURCESsources

23 11 4 7 13 11 3 5 5 2

ON THE COVER

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‘Firegold’ Spirea from First Editions. Photo courtesy of the National Garden Bureau.

Camassia scilloides is a spring-flowering

bulbous perennial. It benefits bees, butterflies, and other pollinators—as well as songbirds. It is drought-tolerant and can be planted in the root zones of Black Walnut trees with no adverse effects.

In our May issue: Growing Corn in Containers Local Garden Tours Garden Design Tips and much more . . .

Be sure you are subscribed!

Click on the “subscribe” link at washingtongardener.com APRIL 2023 WASHINGTON GARDENER 3

EDITORletter

Credits Kathy Jentz Editor/Publisher Washington Gardener 826 Philadelphia Ave. Silver Spring, MD 20910 Phone: 301-588-6894 kathyjentz@gmail.com www.washingtongardener.com Ruth E. Thaler-Carter Proofreader Jessica Harden Intern Subscription: $20.00

Your editor at the Leesburg Flower & Garden Festival 2023 in downtown Leesburg, VA. Photo by Jessica Harden.

Frequently Asked Questions Springtime means a frenzy of activity in the garden and we’re back exhibiting at events almost every weekend. While staffing our booth, we get lots of compliments from our readers who stop by on the content of this magazine, which is always gratifying. Many comment that they also listen to our weekly GardenDC podcast and share thoughts on a recent episode they enjoyed. We also get questions— lots of questions—here they are as well as our answers to them.

• Are you based in/do you cover gardening about Washington state?

Um, no, we are based in the Washington, DC, metro region and cover gardening in the Mid-Atlantic states. Our name is similarly to other local publications that cover the greater DMV region, such as the Washington Post, Washington Patent, etc.

(I always wonder if those publications get similar questions about their coverage areas.)

• Are you just about local native plants?

We cover every plant that grows in our region—from natives to exotics, ornamentals to edibles. If it grows here, that is what we write about.

• When was your first issue?

We started in January 2005 and published out first issue dated March/April 2005.

(Time sure flies!)

• Are you still in print?

Unfortunately, no. We switched from print to fully digital a few years ago because the postal, paper, and printing prices were increasing drastically every year. We were also finding postal delivery to be very unreliable at that time. The good part about switching to all digital is we were able to increase our issue frequency to monthly and be a more green, sustainable publication.

Sincerely,

Kathy Jentz, Editor/Publisher, Washington Gardener KathyJentz@gmail.com 4 WASHINGTON GARDENER APRIL 2023

• Washington Gardener Blog: www.washingtongardener.blogspot.com • Washington Gardener Archives: http://issuu.com/washingtongardener • Washington Gardener Discussion Group: https://groups.google.com/g/ washingtongardener/ • Washington Gardener Twitter Feed: www.twitter.com/WDCGardener • Washington Gardener Instagram: www.instagram.com/wdcgardener • Washington Gardener Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ WashingtonGardenerMagazine/ • Washington Gardener YouTube: www.youtube.com/ washingtongardenermagazine • Washington Gardener Amazon Store: www.amazon.com/shop/wdcgardener • Washington Gardener BookShop: bookshop.org/shop/WDCgardener • Washington Gardener Podcast: https://anchor.fm/gardendc/ • Washington Gardener is a woman-owned business. We are proud to be members of: · GardenComm (GWA: The Association for Garden Communicators) · Green America Business Network · National Garden Bureau · One Montgomery Green · Ladies in the Landscape · Potomac Rose Society

Volume 18, Number 2 ISSN 1555-8959 © 2023 Washington Gardener All rights reserved. Published monthly.

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

Reader Contest

READERreactions

March 2023 Issue

For our April 2023 Washington Gardener Reader Contest, we are giving away a set of three grow bag pots (value $30).

These fabric garden bags are made of quality nonwoven fabric material, sturdy and breathable, providing an ideal growing environment for plants and flowers. The grow bags are onegallon sized. They have handles sewn on for easy transport. The nonwoven material provides good drainage for plants, allowing roots to breathe freely and plants to grow faster and more vigorously. When not in use, they can be folded flat and stored easily. They are reusable for at least three growing seasons and are machine-washable.

To enter, send an email to WashingtonGardenerMagazine@gmail.com by 5:00pm on April 30 with “Grow Bags” in the subject line and in the body of the email. Tell us what your favorite article was in this issue and why. Please include your full name and mailing address. The winner will be announced and notified on/about May 1. o

I liked just about all of the articles in this month’s [March 2023] magazine, but I think I like best the one about designing and maintaining a garden. It had some very useful tips. ~ Joanna Protz, Lynch Station, VA

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I always enjoy your book reviews over the past few years, I have promised myself not to buy too many books, so I am trying to get a good idea of a book’s contents before I buy it. ~ Phyllis Downey, Pasadena, MD

Are you trying to reach thousands of gardeners in the greater DC region/MidAtlantic area? Washington Gardener Magazine goes out in the middle of every month. Contact KathyJentz@gmail.com or call 301.588.6894 for ad rates (starting from $200). The ad deadline is the 5th of each month. Please submit your ad directly to: KathyJentz@gmail.com.

My favorite article in the March 2023 Washington Gardener magazine was the Red-Shouldered Hawk article. I worked with hawks and falcons at a nature center when I was in college and am so in awe of these beautiful animals. I love seeing hawks in my neighborhood and especially in my backyard.

(I watched a red-tailed hawk dismember a squirrel near my kitchen window!)

Hawks are such a good indicator of environmental health, so anything I can do to promote them in my neighborhood is always a plus. ~ Jackie, Hyattsville, MD

February 2023 Issue My favorite article in the February issue was the “ask the expert” column on shade-tolerant plants that attract butterflies, because this was information that I had not seen covered before in a gardening magazine. The article on the photo contest winners was a close second. ~ Eric Hyman, Silver Spring, MD

Plant a Row for the Hungry (PAR) is an easy program to participate in and really does not take any extra resources than what you may have in your garden. In normal times, about 35 million people wonder where their next meal will come from.

Most of these are children. That’s where PAR steps in.

PAR is such a simple program: It urges gardeners to Plant A Row (or a container) dedicated to feeding the hungry, and then take the harvest to someplace or someone that needs it. Once you have donated, send an email to KathyJentz@gmail.com with the total (in pounds and ounces) of what you gave.

That is all there is to it. Easy. Effective. Adaptable and Helpful.

My favorite article [in the February 2023 issue] was the spicebush profile, from which I learned that both male and female plants are needed to produce drupes. We have two bushes in our yard that have never fruited, so that may be why. We planted a third, so maybe that will do the trick! All of these came from friends or a local native-plant group, so I don’t know which are male or female.

The photo contest results were also quite eye-catching, and inspired me to perhaps enter next year! ~ John Rebstock, Cheverly, MD o

APRIL 2023 WASHINGTON GARDENER 5

NEIGHBORnwork

President/CEO of the American Hor�icult�ral Societ�

By Jessica Harden

Avid reader and Texas native Suzanne Laporte celebrated her one-year anniversary of becoming president and CEO of the American Horticultural Society (AHS) on March 11.

Previously, Laporte held marketing positions for the consulting practices of PricewaterhouseCoopers and IBM. In the publishing industry, Laporte was an editor at Working Woman magazine and a marketing director at the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

Tell us about you and your background.

Interestingly, my career has had many unexpected turns. When I graduated with an MBA from Harvard Business School, I never imagined that I would 6 WASHINGTON GARDENER APRIL 2023

be working in the nonprofit sector or in the gardening field. I am so glad and appreciative that my journey has led me to AHS. I joined AHS about a year ago after I had led another nonprofit for 15 years. I learned years ago, as a nonprofit board member, that working in a mission-driven organization is fulfilling every single day. Even when the work is hard or the days are tough, I feel like I make a difference in people’s lives.

Prior to my nonprofit career, I worked in investment banking, management consulting, and publishing, including for a large daily newspaper and a national magazine. For 26 years, I’ve lived in the DC area, which is home for my three grown children. I spent my childhood in Fort Worth, Texas, and then left to go to

Photo courtesy of AHS.

Suzanne Laporte

Smith College in Massachusetts, where I saw mountains for the first time.

Can you describe the history of the American Horticultural Society and how it serves its members (and the public) currently?

Last year, we celebrated AHS’ 100year anniversary. Originally, AHS was modeled after the Royal Horticultural Society in the United Kingdom (UK).

However, the United States is much larger and more geographically diverse than the UK. Over the years, AHS has endeavored to connect people to plants and encourage more people to garden, knowing the many resulting benefits for people and the planet. Our efforts and initiatives have changed over time.

Currently, AHS has four main initiatives: a respected bi-monthly gardening magazine, national reciprocal garden admission program, symposium for educators of children and youth, and horticultural awards program. This year, we are also celebrating 50 years at River Farm in Alexandria, VA. In 1973, Enid Haupt gave AHS $1 million to buy the 26-acre property on the Potomac River to be AHS’ headquarters and keep the property open to the public.

Our many visitors let us know how much her gift is still appreciated.

What is your vision for AHS into the future?

In an ideal world, AHS would have regional field offices across the country with horticulturists providing support to local residents and bringing gardeners together. Right now, our goal is to engage more people with AHS and with gardening. To do that, we are planning new programs. We’ll be increasing gardening resources and the ways we deliver them. We are also planning a pilot program to expand our travel program to destinations in North America.

We are also looking for ways to serve more diverse communities, as green spaces and access to plants enhance every person’s life. In other words, my vision for AHS is that anyone interested in plants, gardens, and green spaces would look to AHS first for information, activities and resources that can help them enjoy gardening and be more successful.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

NEIGHBORnwork Since you are fairly new to the position, what would you say is the best part of your experience so far?

There’s so much. Someone once told me that gardeners are really nice people, and they are! Our members, donors, neighbors, and board have been incredibly supportive and welcoming. I also have an amazing office, that overlooks the Potomac River. I take many phone calls while pacing on my balcony, where I can enjoy the beauty of the property and our gardens.

Finally, every now and then, I walk into my office to find that our wonderful horticulturist has surprised me with beautiful fresh flowers. Now that’s a great way to start the day!

What is your typical day like as the AHS President and CEO? I work closely with my Leadership Team, so I attend a lot of meetings.

We recently added several key positions, including Directors of Marketing & Communications, National Programs, Development, and Travel Study. I meet with them one-on-one at least once a week. I meet with board members and my board chair regularly. I’m often off-site meeting with donors, neighbors, community members, past and prospective board members, nonprofit leaders, and others who are interested in our horticultural efforts or in River Farm. I try to be accessible to anyone interested in our work. Finally, I’ve also been working on AHS’ strategy, as well as rebranding AHS, including new mission and vision statements, a new logo, and a new website—all coming in the next few months.

What is the most rewarding part of your role?

I’m learning a lot about gardening and horticulture. It’s great at this stage in my career to be learning something new. For instance, I’m starting to understand how individuals in all living situations—urban, suburban, small town—can make a difference in climate change. The issue feels so big, but understanding the role of bees and butterflies and how to attract them can make a difference, and that feels empowering.

In addition, I was inspired last year by participating in AHS’ National Children

and Youth Garden Symposium, where I met the educators who are helping so many young people discover a love for plants and the natural world.

Who are your personal heroes and who has influenced your career the most?

Possibly because I went to a women’s college or because I grew up in Texas without a lot of role models, I’ve been strongly influenced by women leaders. I was lucky enough to interview Katharine Graham when I was editor of the newspaper at my business school.

She was very impressive and quite open about her own professional journey. I also was highly influenced by Jill Ker Conway, who was the first woman president of my all-women’s college and president during my time as a student. I think it helps to see people doing what interests you. In my case, it was women leading important institutions.

What made you interested in horticulture and public gardens?

When I was growing up, both my grandfather and my stepfather planted gardens. I would keep them company as they tended the gardens before and after dinner each evening. In addition, Fort Worth has a large public park on the Trinity River, and it has a mini train running end to end. I remember riding the train as a child and watching people of all ages and backgrounds enjoying the park. As a teenager, I would drive through Trinity Park and end up at the botanic garden. There, I would wander around and ponder my concerns or dream about my future. The garden was so peaceful, not to mention full of beauty and wonderful fragrances.

I always felt calm and inspired there.

Later, as a young stay-at-home mother, I planted my first garden. I had time to weed and water and watch it grow.

Both the visitor experiences and handson experiences nurtured my interest in gardens and horticulture.

What kinds of plants do you grow in your own gardens?

I really love plants with colorful and fragrant flowers. Yellow is my favorite color, so daffodils always make me smile. However, every year, I think this

is the year to try growing vegetables.

I particularly love tomatoes and know that I would enjoy eating my own homegrown tomatoes. My best friend has an amazing garden where she grows all kinds of plants. There’s nothing like eating freshly picked blueberries and raspberries for breakfast. When I have more time, I’m going to expand my gardening horizons.

What do you do in your free time when you’re not working?

I love to read, so I always have one book I’m reading and a pile of books waiting—because I love bookstores, I end up buying more books before I finish the current one. I also love performing arts, particular theater and dance.

Finally, since joining AHS, I have loved getting to know Old Town Alexandria and its many cute shops and restaurants.

Is there anything else that you want to add about yourself or your work that you think would be of interest to our readers?

I’m impressed with the many gardening associations, garden clubs, and green spaces throughout the DMV area. I’ve noticed that the local gardening community is leading by example in learning about, and implementing, earthfriendly gardening practices. Gardening has been around as long as anyone can imagine, but the world continues to change. AHS feels a responsibility to keep up with changes and offer resources to help more people enjoy the many benefits that gardening and access to green spaces provide. That means there are many exciting opportunities ahead for AHS! How can our readers get in contact with you or AHS? Readers are welcome to email me any time at suzanne@ahsgardening.org about issues related to gardening or about my career and journey to AHS or they can visit our website at www.ahsgardening.org. o Jessica Harden is a junior journalism major minoring in law and society, with a concentration in criminal law, at the University of Maryland, College Park, MD. She is an intern this semester with Washington Gardener and is from San Antonio, TX. APRIL 2023 WASHINGTON GARDENER 7

KNOWitall

Organic Weed Removal

By Miri Talabac

Ripe pawpaw fruit in September.

Pawpaw Fruit Tree

Q: I have a single pawpaw tree in the yard that I want to get fruit from. Do I need a male tree for it?.

A: Pawpaw trees don’t produce male and female flower parts on separate plants, but even though each tree has all the requisite parts, they rarely can self-pollinate. Instead, pollen from a second tree is needed for pollination and fertilization, either from another pawpaw you plant or from a wild individual. Those dark, oddly scented blooms aren’t visited by bees and butterflies; instead, carrion beetles and flies are their primary pollinators. Interestingly, I’ve read that scorpionflies may also be important.

It might be hard to draw enough interest from these insects for reliable visitation unless other fly-pollinated species adorn your yard. To be sure, “fly gardening” doesn’t have the same appeal as butterfly gardening. That said, I often see flies on the blooms of Manhattan Euonymus and Pyracantha—relatively common garden shrubs. Red-flowered Trillium species and Jack-in-the-Pulpit are among the fly-pollinated perennials.

Many pawpaw offerings at nurseries are seed-grown, although cultivars will be vegetatively propagated clones (identical to each other in the same cultivar).

This means that to get the genetic diversity needed for pollen to be accepted by a flower, the trees should not be too closely related. Any two seed-grown trees or any two different cultivars should suffice, or you can wait to see if wild trees in the woods nearby aid in fruit production over time as the pollinator population expands their wanderings into your yard.

8 WASHINGTON GARDENER APRIL 2023

Q: What options do I have for weed removal? I have some invasive weeds in my yard, plus some minor weeds, and am wondering if I can avoid herbicides.

A: Unfortunately, this is one of the traits that makes invasive plants ecological menaces and home garden headaches—anything that actually works to take them out effectively and promptly will risk collateral damage to nearby plants, even if temporary. You certainly can avoid herbicides and it’s a laudable goal, but in some situations with invasive plants, this means committing yourself to a potentially much longer battle.

We are often asked about weed removal without using chemicals, as if there’s a magic solution that carries no risk to desirable plants. I wish there were, because then we’d have more success with containing invasive plants.

However, the control of any undesired plant boils down to two basic approaches: denying the plant light so it can’t keep generating food, and eliminating its stored supply of food (in roots, rhizomes, tubers, etc.).

Leafy plants derive metabolic energy from carbohydrates, which they synthesize using light. Denying a plant light keeps it from feeding itself. You can either smother foliage (termed “occultation” since they are kept in the dark) or remove foliage outright by taking off all above-ground growth. This can be accomplished by hand and with garden tools, or by using a contact-type herbicide (as all organic options are), since these products just “burn” off aboveground growth and don’t affect roots.

You could resort to hiring goats to do the removal work for you, but while a fun twist, they are only practical in certain applications, and they’ll still cause damage to palatable native plants in their penned-in plot. Where useful, though, they may allow you to at least gain the upper hand.

Occultation won’t be practical if a weed is growing amid desirable plants, nor effective if it can creep out from under the light-blocking cover. It’s also impractical for woody weeds, like invasive shrubs or vines, so is best reserved for clearing smaller weeds in a vacant flower or vegetable bed.

Star of Bethlehem (Ornithogalum) .

Ask the Expert

Every time you force a plant to regrow leaves, it needs to use up some of its stored root energy. The more you make it resprout (ideally before it can accomplish much photosynthesis each time), the faster you will exhaust its energy reserves. Once starved, the plant dies.

Some gardeners ask if planting aggressive native plants can crowd out the weeds. It would be wonderful if that worked reliably well, but this might only be an option when you’re trying to suppress weed germination with more-mature natives. Otherwise, if vigorous native plants were able to keep invasives at bay, we wouldn’t have the issue of invasive plants taking over natural areas. (Granted, the quality of those habitats is usually already degraded when this happens.)

It’s certainly a sustainable approach to avoid herbicide use when dealing with weeds. Predictably, smothering or cutting down weeds sometimes carries the risk of similar damage to desirable plants in the immediate area, and the same is true of herbicide use, since few are selective enough to only affect certain weeds. (Even then, it’s often grasses versus broadleaf plants and not a very fine-tuned distinction.) In terms of ecological risk, it may be more practical to hit a patch of invasive weeds with a carefully applied systemic herbicide and kill most of their roots in one fell swoop than to instead treat repeatedly with a contact-only herbicide. The faster you can kill the invasive weeds, the less likely they will be to colonize new areas in the meantime. o Miri Talabac is a Certified Professional Horticulturist who has worked as a horticulture consultant for the University of Maryland Extension Home and Garden Information Center since 2019. To ask a gardening or pest question, go to http://extension.umd. edu/hgic and scroll to “connect with us.”

Digital photos can be attached.

PLANTrearch

Outdoor Cannabis Growing – What You Should Know

By Jessica Harden Cannabis pictures, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons.

Not only did George Washington grow hemp at Mount Vernon, but the Pentagon was a hemp farm until 1940.

The DMV’s climate is great for growing hemp outdoors and it has been grown here for fiber for centuries.

In DC, adults can grow up to six marijuana plants (no more than three of which are mature) within their primary residence. Virginia law permits those age 21 and over to cultivate up to four plants per household at their primary place of residence. Starting July 1, 2023, any adult in Maryland can grow up to two cannabis plants at home, but they must be ”out of the public view and secured so that they are not accessible by unauthorized individuals or individuals under the age of 21.”

Light from the sun and natural rain is superior for cannabis plants, so growing outside is a good idea—if local laws allow.

“If you’ve grown a tomato successfully, you can grow cannabis,” said Sebi Medina-Tayak, from Capital City Organics, a DC-based hydroponic and organic grow supply shop.

The first step in growing cannabis outdoors is deciding between using a container or planting it in the ground.

If growing the plant in a container, Medina-Tayak recommends using a 10-gallon minimum fabric version with nutrient soil. Put the plant outside after Mother’s Day and remember that the soil dries out quickly in peak summer months.

If you have an established vegetable garden, the soil should be perfect for growing cannabis in the ground.

Cannabis can get up to 12' tall if planted in the ground, Medina-Tayak said.

One of the concerns with growing outside is that if the cannabis plant is visible, there is a high risk of theft.

Another is that during the transition stage, right before the flowering stage, cannabis plants are vulnerable and need uninterrupted dark time or they become stressed and won’t enter the flowering stage. Because of this, light pollution can become an issue when growing outside.

Medina-Tayak suggested sitting in your growing space and identifying potential light pollutants, then finding solutions to block them. These can range from building a higher fence or wrapping the plant.

Light pollution won’t affect autoflower plants, which are great for beginners because the plant doesn’t depend on light cycles to flower. Photo-period plants, though, will get bigger, flower more, and taste better, according to Medina-Tayak.

When growing cannabis, both indoors and outdoors, pests are an issue.

Because you can’t spray the plants during the flowering stage, Medina-Tayak said prevention is key.

Cannabis gets spiders, mites, fungus, aphids, and mildew. Stick to gentle and organic methods. Medina-Tayak recommended Dr. Bronner’s peppermint soap with chili powder.

After the plants successfully enter the flowering stage, the rest is left to personal preference. The harvesting stage can make or break the process, but beginners will figure it out with trial and error. “[Cannabis] is worth growing and sharing with the community,” MedinaTayak said. “It’s the best medicine.” o Jessica Harden is a junior journalism major minoring in law and society, with a concentration in criminal law, at the University of Maryland, College Park, MD. She is an intern this semester with Washington Gardener and is from San Antonio, TX.

The Urban Garden: 101 Ways to Grow Food and Beauty in the City is all about small-space gardening solutions!

By Kathy Jentz and Teresa Speight

Published by Cool Springs Press/Quarto Homes

Order it today at: https://amzn.to/3yiLPKU

GardenDC Podcast

The GardenDC podcast is all about gardening in the greater Washington, DC, and Mid-Atlantic area. The program is hosted by Kathy Jentz, editor of Washington Gardener Magazine, and features guest experts in local and national horticulture. The latest episodes include interviews with experts on Hydrangea Care, Growing Berries, and Native Plants.

You can listen online at https:// washingtongardener.blogspot.com/ or on Spotify, Apple, etc. o APRIL 2023 WASHINGTON GARDENER 9

TIPStricks

Summer Bulbs are Unique Mother’s Day Gifts

Flower bulbs and tubers that bloom in summer are the perfect gift for Mother’s Day. There is so much choice.

Why not give your mother summer bulbs and tubers of her favorite flower, or in her favorite color? You could also create a nice mix. How much fun would it be to plant them together, in pots or in the garden? Your mother will be able to enjoy the flowers all summer long.

How is that for a unique gift?

Summer bulbs and tubers come in all the colors of the rainbow. You are sure to find one that will please your mother.

You can even buy them in fun gift packaging in garden centers, DIY stores, and online sites. Dahlia is the best-known kind of summer-blooming bulbs, but gladiolus, lily, arum, Begonia, African lily, and Liatris are also popular summer bulbs.

You can turn planting into an adventure by doing it together. Children, in particular, love removing bulbs and tubers from the packaging and finding a spot for them in the garden.

Summer bulbs and tubers should be planted once the danger of frost has passed. Read the packaging, where you can find more information about the most suitable planting spot for the bulbs—most of these varieties are real sun worshippers. You can also find out how deep and how far apart the bulbs should be planted.

Flower bulbs and tubers also do well in pots with holes in the bottom to allow any excess water to drain. When using a pot, it is fine to plant bulbs closer 10 WASHINGTON GARDENER APRIL 2023

together. Water them if not much rain is expected; they need water for their roots to grow.

The bulbs and tubers will then grow of their own accord. Watering is only necessary during long periods of drought.

Everything else they need is already in the bulb. Depending on the variety, they will bloom from June to October.

When it comes to flowering, Dahlias are strong performers, with a flowering period from July until the first frost, so your Mother’s Day gift is guaranteed to last for months.

Removing wilted flowers in Dahlias and arum will ensure even more prolific reblooming.

Some summer bulbs and tubers can also be used as cut flowers. Your mother may want to cut off a few Dahlia and lily flowers and display them in a pretty vase—a great way to brighten up her home or the garden table.

You can find more information about flower bulbs online at www.flowerbulbs. com. o

U.S. National Arboretum Offers Solution to Hemlock Woolly Adelgid

Hemlocks, Tsuga species, are evergreen trees that can be found in forested ecosystems and in landscape plantings.

They are in the pine family and often assume a conical shape. Hemlocks are not poisonous and may even be used as Christmas trees during the holiday season.

Unfortunately, hemlocks in the U.S. are vulnerable to attack by a small insect called the hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA). This insect looks like tiny cotton balls on the needles of the tree and can kill the trees by feeding on the sap. The adelgid has decimated stands of hemlocks in the eastern U.S. While insecticides and biological control measures can offer some relief, the best way to combat HWA is to develop genetic resistance in the trees.

To address this agricultural challenge, USDA-ARS researchers at the U.S. National Arboretum, led by Horticulturist Susan Bentz, developed hybrids between the native (susceptible) Carolina hemlock and a resistant Asian species, Tsuga chinensis. Two of these hybrids—Tsuga ‘Traveler,’ and Tsuga ‘Crossroad’—were recently released to

the nursery industry. Both have resistance to HWA and have outstanding ornamental and growth characteristics, including symmetrical, upright habits.

These hybrid hemlocks are the first to be introduced to the horticultural trade and represent new strategies for managing HWA in landscape settings.

“This has been a long-term project that utilized the Arboretum’s horticultural, scientific, germplasm, and collaborative resources,” said Susan Bentz. “We are excited to have developed a sustainable approach to this problem.”

Both ‘Traveler’, now patented, and ‘Crossroad’ are hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture Zones 6 and 7 and will perform well in moist, welldrained soil in full sun to partial shade.

These cultivars can be propagated clonally by cuttings taken in December, January, or early summer. Rooting occurs slowly and the resulting plants transplant well from containers to the landscape.

Propagating nurseries interested in ‘Traveler’ or ‘Crossroad’ should contact usna.comments@usda.gov for more information. o

Lawn Mower Safety Tips

The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), an international trade association representing outdoor power equipment, small engine, utility vehicle, golf car, and personal transport vehicle manufacturers and suppliers, offers these tips for readying and using your outdoor power equipment this spring.

• Not all lawn mowers are the same.

Whether your mower is a garden tractor, zero-turn mower, or other, it has a unique design, requirements, weight classification, and other differences that affect how to use it safely. The newest machines have the latest safety standards.

• Know your specific machine. Many mowers may look similar but the technology is ever-evolving with new safety systems. They vary in design, power supply, performance, operating parameters, and more. Your manufacturersupplied owner’s manual will guide you in these differences. Read your owner’s manual.

• When using mowers on slopes, follow the manufacturer’s guidance to the letter. o

GARDENnews

Quick Links to Recent Washington Gardener Blog Posts • Spring Color Inspiration from Longwood Gardens • Grape Hyacinth Plant Profile • Radish Thinnings in the Garden Plot • Best Spots for Viewing Virginia Bluebells • Flowering Cherry Trees Tips See more Washington Gardener blog posts

at WashingtonGardener.blogspot.com o

April–May Garden To-Do List

New Plant Spotlight New Variegated Azalea Azalea Encore® Autumn Moonstruck™ (Rhododendron Hybrid ‘Roblezf’ PP32507) This new introduction from the bestselling Encore Azalea series has variegated leaves and brilliant white blooms in spring, summer, and fall.

Autumn Moonstruck’s upright habit is ideal for hedges and accents.

Size: 5' H x 4 W Exposure: Full sun to part shade USDA Zones: USDA zones 7–10 For more information, visit https:// encoreazalea.com/. o

• If you started seeds last month, thin them and start the hardening-off process.

• Start some more seeds—especially flowering annuals like impatiens, marigolds, nasturtium, and petunias.

• Do not set out seedlings or tender annuals until after Mother’s Day (traditional last frost-free date for our entire area).

• Water shrubs and trees deeply during any dry spells.

• Prune winter damage on evergreens.

• Make compost tea and use on seedlings.

• Turn your compost pile.

• Sharpen tools.

• Prune flowering shrubs, such as forsythia and azaleas, when they finish blooming.

• Repot and fertilize houseplants.

• Set aside a few hours each weekend for attending garden shows and tours.

(You may have to do this virtually for the immediate future.)

• Weed by hand to avoid disturbing newly forming roots.

• Prepare your soil—add lime, compost, etc., as needed.

• Walk your garden—look for early signs of fungal disease.

• Divide perennials and herbs. Pot up extras to give away at plant swaps.

• Fertilize new growth.

• Plant and prune roses.

• Transplant small trees and shrubs.

• Buy or check on your stored summer bulbs (such as dahlias and caladiums).

Pot them and start to water to give them an early start on the season.

• Build a raised bed for vegetables. Add lots of manure and compost.

• Buy an indoor plant to liven up your office space. Try an Orchid or African violet.

• Start/keep fertilizing your indoor plants.

• Cut back and clear out the last of your perennial beds and ornamental grasses.

• Mulch beds with a light hand.

• Feed birds and provide nesting materials (try pet hair), as well as houses, for the start of their family season.

• Sow beans and corn directly outdoors.

• Start carrots, turnips, and parsnips in well-draining beds or deep containers.

• Keep cutworms off newly planted edible seedlings by surrounding the seedlings with collars cut from a plastic bottle or cardboard tube.

• Pick peas often to encourage the plants to produce more.

• Ensure new seedlings do not dry out by installing a drip-irrigation system.

• Start herbs from seed or cuttings.

• Edge garden beds.

• Remove Ivy, Pachysandra, and other vine-like groundcover from under shrubs.

• Work in dry, not wet, soil to keep the ground from compacting.

• Hand-pick cabbage worms from broccoli and other cabbage-family plants.

• Put row covers over vulnerable crops—remove covers to allow for pollinating once they set flowers.

• Thin lettuce seedlings and plant more seeds in new rows. (You can eat the seedling greens you pull.)

• Plant a tree for Arbor Day or Earth Day. o APRIL 2023 WASHINGTON GARDENER 11

TOP AREA GARDENING EVENTS Classes, Events, and Plant Shows/Sales • Weekends in April and May MD Home and Garden Tours The Maryland House and Garden Pilgrimage is pleased to announce its 2023 tour dates, featuring tours of beautiful homes and gardens. ~ Saturday, April 29—Charles County ~ Saturday, May 6—Middletown, Frederick County ~ Saturday, May 13—Queen Anne’s County ~ Sunday, May 21—Federal Hill, Baltimore City Purchase tickets and see full details at https://www.mhgp.org.

•Saturday, April 22, 10:30–11:30am Garden Talk: Small-Space Veggie Gardening Don’t have a large yard? With a little creativity, even the smallest patio, deck, or townhouse yard can be turned into a successful vegetable garden! Let Virginia Extension Master Gardeners show you how to grow vegetables in a small space. Whatever your space constraints, you too can grow delicious and nutritious fruits and vegetables!

Fee: $12 per person. Register online at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/ parktakes or call Green Spring Gardens at 703-642-5173. Code 11B.N6ER. • Saturday April 22, 11am–4pm GreenFest at Brookside Gardens This Earth Day festival is a great way to have fun while discovering practical ways to protect the environment. GreenFest features local artisans, educational activities, a community art project, and assorted food trucks. Family activities include kid’s yoga, plant giveaways, and face painting. Held at Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD. Learn more at https://montgomerycountygreenfest. org/.

• April 22–23 Local Ace Hardware Annual Garden Parties Get 20% off plants, pottery, tools, paint, and practically everything else (some exclusions apply) at all of the employee12 WASHINGTON GARDENER APRIL 2023

owned Ace Hardware locations in the DC and Baltimore metro areas.

On April 22, 10am–2pm, stop by for the main event with local gardening experts, goodies, and more. More information and RSVP for an extra raffle entry at https://acehardwaredc.com/ pages/2023-ace-garden-parties.

• Tuesday, April 25, 12n–1pm Woodland Gardens Webinar Get inspired to create a shady, natural look in your garden with this class from Louis Ratchford, Merrifield’s plant and design specialist. Free online talk. Hosted by Merrifield Garden Center classes.

Details at www.merrifieldgardencenter. com/classes.

• Thursday, April 27, 6:30–8pm Garden Book Club We will discuss The Sakura Obsession: The Incredible Story of the Plant Hunter Who Saved Japan’s Cherry Blossoms by Naoko Abe. You can order it new or used at our Amazon link: https://amzn.to/41LWOfk Our meeting will be via Zoom. To join us, register here: https://us02web. zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUtceioqz8 oHtZ9PiA4EzcsktFCm8xcGbQ9.

The Washington Gardener Magazine’s Garden Book Club meets quarterly via Zoom and is free and open to all.

• Friday, April 28, 9–11:30am Memorial Arboretum Walking Tour on Arbor Day Come see the trees of Arlington National Cemetery (ANC) at the peak of their spring splendor. The vibrant reds, yellows, and pinks of the blooms of over 300 species of trees at ANC are a must-see for anyone visiting in the spring. On this tour, you will learn about the cemetery’s Memorial Arboretum, a Level III Accredited Arboretum. You’ll gain insight into the urban forestry program, extensive tree collection, and State Champion trees. The overall horticulture program and the variety of techniques used to create some of the most breathtaking formal and informal landscapes and gardens will also be highlighted.

Because Friday, April 28, is also Arbor

Day. After the tour that day will be a ceremonial tree planting to celebrate the day that’s all about trees. All tour participants are welcome to attend.

Meet at the Welcome Center Kiosk.

Wear sturdy shoes and consider bringing a bottle of water. Tour may be cancelled for inclement weather. Details at https://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/.

• Saturday, April 29, 9am–4pm Garden Fair & Plant Sale Plant sales, local vendors, and family activities are all part of this annual event hosted by the Friends of the National Arboretum on the grounds of the U.S. National Arboretum in Washington, DC. Note that the plant sale is open exclusively to FONA members from 9–11am, then open to the general public starting at 11am. All other vendors and activities are open to the public from 9am–4pm. Free to attend. Rain or shine. Details at https://www.fona.org/.

• Saturday, April 29, and Sunday, April 30, 9am–3pm Mount Vernon Historic Plant & Garden Sale Shop for heirloom vegetables, herbs, and annual flowers—plus, native perennials, trees, and shrubs grown in Mount Vernon’s greenhouses. Take home the same plants familiar to George Washington: “The General’s Choice” line of plants are grown from seeds or cuttings collected on the estate. Estate admission is not required to shop. Members receive a 10% discount on plants and can shop a day early by reservation.

Details at www.mountvernon.org.

• Saturday, May 6, 8am–4pm Ladew’s Specialty Plants & Garden Ornaments Sale Now in its 15th year, Ladew’s annual Garden Festival has become the most anticipated specialty plant, garden ornaments, and antiques sale in the region.

Shop from more than 30 exclusive collection of vendors from across the eastern seaboard offering hard-to-find perennials, specialty annuals, unique small trees, unusual exotics, container specialties, decorative garden furniture, urns, and architectural treasures. Entry

TOP AREA GARDENING EVENTS fee required. Rain or shine. Details at https://www.ladewgardens.com/.

• Saturday, May 6, 9am–12n Beltsville Garden Club Plant Sale The plant sale is free to attend and will take place in the Roosevelt Parking Lot Centerway in Greenbelt, MD. The event is held rain or shine. Details at https:// www.beltsvillegardenclub.org/.

• Sunday, May 7, 12n–4pm Chevy Chase Garden Tour The Garden Club of Chevy Chase 2023 Garden Tour includes charming private gardens in Historic Chevy Chase Village in Maryland. Two extra gardens will be on display, including the newly renovated Chevy Chase Circle and the Club’s own Betty English Garden. Tickets are $45. Rain or shine. See www.gardenclubofchevychase.org.

• Sunday, May 7, 2–5pm Shepherd Park Garden Tour This annual self-guided walking tour showcases the beautiful landscapes in Shepherd Park, Colonial Village, and North Portal Estates neighborhood in Washington, DC. Unique gardens of all sizes and styles are on display for everyone’s enjoyment and inspiration.

Tickets are still only $15 per person.

Details: https://www.shepherdpark.org/ annual_garden_tour.

• Wednesday, May 10, 6:45pm Weeds 101: Keep Them at Bay Do you know what a weed looks like?

You may be surprised. Learn to identify and control those weeds before they control your garden. Held at Arlington Central Library, 1015 N. Quincy Street, Arlington, VA. Free, no registration required. Sponsored by Friends of Urban Agriculture and VA Master Gardeners. Details at https://arlingtonurbanag.org/garden-talks-2023/.

• Saturday, May 13, 9am–1pm GardenMart Plant Sale The Silver Spring Garden Club’s plant sale fundraiser is back again. (Note that many things sell out, so come early for the best selection!) It is rain or shine.

The sale is at Brookside Garden’s Visi-

tor Center on the Outside Terrace to the Right of the Main Entrance as you face the building. Details at https://www. silverspringgardenclub.com/.

• Saturday, May 13, 10am–5pm 93rd Annual Georgetown Garden Tour Self-guided tour of several private Georgetown neighborhood in Washington, DC, gardens sponsored by the Georgetown Garden Club. The tour includes afternoon refreshments. For tickets: www.georgetowngardenclubdc. org/tickets.

Looking Ahead • Wednesday, May 17, 12n Live Online Garden Author Interview Join Heather Andrews of gardenthoughtfully.com for an interview with garden writer and speaker Kathy Jentz. The interview will center on Jentz’s most recent book, which is about groundcovers. Register at: https://us02web. zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ oy5ZFc8iSsS87dE1u3dUVA. • Saturday, May 20, 9am–3pm Spring Garden Day—The Big Plant Sale Local garden vendors descend on Green Spring Gardens with beautiful and unusual plants to fill your spring gardening needs. Growers and Extension Master Gardeners will be on hand to help with plant selection and offer gardening advice. Home-baked goods and treats will be available at the bake sale at the Horticulture Center.

There will also be a used book sale.

This annual event is sponsored by the Friends of Green Spring (FROGS) and the proceeds help to support the gardens. For details, go to www.friendsofgreenspring.org.

• Saturday, June 10, 9am–11am, and Saturday, June 24, 10am–3pm.

The Mountain Laurel Garden Club Plant Sale and Country Gardens Tour The plant sale is on June 10 and the tour is two weeks later on Saturday, June 24. Both events are held rain or shine (no pets). The plant sale is located at the gazebo in downtown Oakland, MD (no admission fee) and

includes many native plants from members’ gardens that are proven to thrive in western Maryland plus a selection of succulents. The Country Gardens Tour on includes two gardens in the Paradise Point area of Deep Creek Lake, a fern and hosta garden in Mountain Lake Park, and a flower farm off Gorman Road (Route 560). In addition to the gardens, tour attractions include a presentation by the Floral Design Committee of spiral hand-tied bouquets using local flowers, an invasive plant display, and a progress report on the Habitat for Humanity pollinator gardens. Tickets for the tour are $10.00. For more details, visit www.MountainLaurelGardenClub. com.

Event Listing Updates See updated event listings on the Washington Gardener discussion list.

Join by emailing WashingtonGardenersubscribe@googlegroups.com.

How to Submit Events To submit an event for this listing, email washingtongardenermagazine@gmail. com with “Event” in the subject line.

Our next deadline is May 5 for the May 2023 issue, for events taking place after May 15. o

GROUNDCOVER REVOLUTION IS OUT NOW!

By Kathy Jentz

Published by Cool Springs Press

Order it today at: https://amzn.to/3IlYHYL

APRIL 2023 WASHINGTON GARDENER 13

PLANTprofile

By Kathy Jentz

Spirea (Spiraea spp.) is a group of hardy shrubs with 100 unique species. They often have colorful foliage and are covered in abundant, delicate blooms. The genus name, Spirea, originates from the Greek word for “wreath.”

Spirea are native to Japan, China, and Korea. They are hardy to USDA Zones 4–8. They do best in full sun and are tolerant of a variety of soil types. Once established, they are drought- and pollution-resistant, making them good choices for urban gardens.

Spirea are generally fast-growing and many are compact and mound-forming. If any pruning is needed, it is best to do so right after flowering. It is not necessary to deadhead them.

They are attractive to butterflies, bees, and other pollinators.

According to the National Garden Bureau, which has declared 2023 as the Year of the Spirea, the main varieties of spirea available commercially include: • Japanese spirea (Spiraea japonica), known for their wide flowers and foliage color range, and their lowgrowing, mounding form.

• Bumalda spirea (Spiraea x bumalda), similar to Japanese spirea; they are a cross between Spiraea albiflora and Spirea japonica. Flower colors range from white to deep pink.

• Birchleaf spirea (Spiraea betulifolia), known for their larger, blue-green, birch-like leaves and stunning fall color.

• Korean spirea (Spiraea fritschiana), native to forests, slopes, and rocky areas.

• Vanhoutte or Bridal Wreath spirea (Spiraea x vanhouttei), known for their vase-shaped habit; flowing, arching branches; and cascading, showy spring blooms. o Kathy Jentz is the editor and founder of Washington Gardener.

14 WASHINGTON GARDENER APRIL 2023

‘Little Spark’ Spirea photo courtesy of the National Garden Bureau.

Spirea

PLANTprofile

‘Double Play Big Bang’ Spirea from Spring Meadow photo courtesy of the National Garden Bureau.

There is so much to celebrate about Spirea.

These durable, easy-to-grow shrubs have had a place of prominence in gardens throughout our region for decades, thanks to their tolerance for a wide variety of conditions. Happy Year of the Spirea!

APRIL 2023 WASHINGTON GARDENER 15

EDIBLEharvt

Basil, King of Herbs

By Barbara Melera

16 WASHINGTON GARDENER APRIL 2023

EDIBLEharvt It may be hard to believe but basil was once a much-feared herb. Many thought that it caused or contributed to madness. It is native to India and parts of Africa and Asia. In India, it is a sacred herb dedicated to the gods Vishnu and Krishna and is worshiped more highly than kings. Although it may have been feared in early 17th-century Europe, it was a treasured seasoning by the mid17th century and accompanied many colonists as they left Europe and settled in North America.

Basil is a member of the mint family and as such, it was often prescribed medicinally for digestive disorders. Basil has always been a sign of fine dining and romance. It has been a part of the American culinary experience since the 1600s. Today, it is one of the most popular herbs in cultivation.

The word basil comes from the Greek and means “kingly” or royal. It originally stems from the Greek name Basileios, who was a ruler of the Byzantine Empire. Basil is believed to have been used in several potions given exclusively to royalty. One thing for sure is known— many well-respected cooks and chefs believe that basil is the king of herbs.

Here are some of the most beloved basils available today.

• Lemon Basil Lemon Basil is a real treasure if you are passionate about lemony flavor and fragrance. This variety has the strong basil flavor and fragrance of most basils, but the flavor and fragrance is enhanced by the unmistakable presence of lemon.

For many, this is the preferred basil because of its complexity, combining the two much-beloved essences: basil and lemon.

The plant looks similar to other basils and reaches the same 10 to 16 inches height. The leaves are used in salads, soups, and stews and as garnishes.

• Genovese Basil The most famous and most widely used basil is Basil Genovese. This is the basil we use in pestos, the basil we buy in the stores, and the most frequently grown basil. In France, it is known as the herb royale. In Italy, it has always been a sign of love. Basil Genovese produces some of the smallest leaves of all the basils we discuss, but the leaves

possess the strongest, most appealing, flavor.

• Sweet Italian Basil Sweet Italian Basil has leaves that are roughly twice the size of the Basil Genovese leaves. This is the basil used in Caprese Salad—the tomato, basil, and mozzarella salad. It is the basil used as a garnish, in soups, and as a condiment. Its flavor is slightly milder than Basil Genovese.

• Dark Opal Purple Basil Basil Dark Opal Purple is grown for its very showy, deep-burgundy leaves.

These leaves are rarely used in pestos, but they can make a showy contrast in a salad. This basil is most commonly used to make an incredibly beautiful vinegar. The leaves will turn vinegar to a rich burgundy color and infuse the vinegar with the flavor and fragrance of basil.

• Thai Basil Basil has been a part of the American diet since the first colonists, but it was the sweet basils, Italian and Genovese, that were known to Americans. Thai Basil is a 20th-century introduction to the American diet and it is often confused with its close cousin, Cinnamon Basil, because they look very similar.

Thai Basil is native to the Indian subcontinent and is a common ingredient in the Asian cuisine from that part of the world. Thai Basil has burgundy-colored stems and small, pointed leaves.

The leaves have a much stronger, sometimes peppery, flavor than the Italian basils and a hint of anise. They can be used the same way as the Italian basils, but in much smaller quantities and there will be that touch of anise.

When in bloom, Thai Basil produces clumps of deep-purple flowers, reminiscent of lilac blooms. The flowers have

the same flavor as the leaves and can also be used in cooking. I find the flowers breathtaking and believe that Thai Basil should be a part of every garden.

Container-Grown Basil

Basil is among the easiest of plants to grow in a container. A single basil plant can be grown in as small as a 6-inchdiameter pot and will provide enough fresh basil leaves to feed a family of four. If your intent is to make pesto or store basil, then you will need four to six plants.

The absolutely best soil mix for containers is 60% “crummy” backyard soil, 20% peat moss, and 20% dehydrated cow manure or, even better, compost.

If you refuse to use backyard soil, then purchase topsoil (not potting soil, special soil mixes, or premium soil). Mix the ingredients together and pour into a pot.

Sprinkle seeds around the surface of the soil in the container and cover with 1–2 inches of soil. Pat the soil down firmly. Water generously and keep the soil moist until the sprouts emerge.

When the sprouts are 1 inch tall, thin them, leaving seedlings 6 inches apart.

Use the discarded seedlings as sprouts in a salad or as a garnish on soups and stews.

Make sure the containers are in full sun and water frequently as soon as the soil surface is dry. You do not need to fertilize because there is plenty of organic matter in your soil (peat moss and compost/manure).

Bonus Basil Tips

Basil is a crop for which there are many uses. If you want to store basil, my recommendation is to cover the leaves with olive oil and freeze. If you want to be really fancy, mix the fresh leaves with chopped up sun-dried tomatoes and then place the mixture in olive oil and freeze. Yum! Every gardener who plans to use the fruits of their gardening labors should grow basil. o Barbara Melera is president of Harvesting History (www.harvesting-history.com), a company founded in 2016 to provide horticultural and agricultural products, largely of the heirloom variety, along with garden tools and equipment.

APRIL 2023 WASHINGTON GARDENER 17

GARDENbasics

Who’s Dining in My Garden?

By Melinda Myers

You take a walk through the garden and find branches trimmed, flowers missing, or bark damaged. Of course, the culprit is nowhere to be seen. You may have suspects in mind, but a close look at the damage and surroundings can help you identify who is dining on your plants. Knowing this can help you reduce the risk in the future.

Rabbits can be found year-round in the landscape. They have sharp teeth, making a 45-degree clean cut much like your bypass pruners. Their damage usually occurs within their 3-foot reach.

They eat a variety of flowers and vegetables throughout the spring and summer. As these plants fade in fall, the rabbits begin dining on trees and shrubs. You may find bark gnawed and branches, stems, and buds clipped off the plants.

Voles are brown rodents that look similar to field mice, with small ears and short tails. Their trails of disturbed grass, found as the snow melts, may be your first clue that they are present.

These rodents are active year-round, unlike moles that hibernate for winter.

They eat seeds, plant roots, and bulbs, while moles eat insects. As the snow recedes, you may also notice bark damage on trees and shrubs. They leave ¼" side-by-side grooves in the wood at the base of the plants.

Squirrels are fun to watch; that is, until they eat all the birdseed and damage your plants. They dig up bulbs and uproot other plants; eat and bury nuts in the lawn and garden; and take a bite out of multiple tomatoes, strawberries, and more. They damage trees by ripping off the bark and clipping off

They eat grains, nuts, berries, seeds, insects, mushrooms, carrion, young birds, and bird eggs.

Their tunnels can be 20 to 30 feet long and are well hidden. The openings are only 2" in diameter with no surrounding mounds of soil.

Commercial and homemade scare tactics are an option. Unfortunately, most of these critters have become accustomed to people and are not deterred. Motion-activated devices are a bit more effective, but make sure they are not annoying to you and your neighbors.

Fencing tight to the ground with a secure gate, at least 3 feet—preferably 4 feet—high, is effective for preventing rabbit damage. Deterring deer, on the other hand, needs a much taller fence. Although they can jump 7 feet or higher, a 5–6' fence is often enough to keep them out of smaller gardens.

Sink fencing 4 to 6" into the ground to protect plants from voles.

Repellents labeled for controlling the critter that is causing the damage are another option. Organic Plantskydd (plantskydd.com) is labeled for repelling, not harming, all of these critters so you only need one product. Since it is rain- and snow-resistant, you won’t have to apply it as often. Always read and follow label directions for the most effective control.

A bit of defensive action goes a long way in protecting your gardens and landscape from hungry critters this season. o

Deer tear vegetation, leaving a ragged tip on browsed plants. You may find damage on a variety of flowers, vegetables, trees, shrubs, and plants pulled out of the ground, with the ones that don’t taste good left behind. In fall, the bucks rub trunks of young trees, damaging the tender tissue below that transports water and nutrients between the roots and leaves. Deer usually feed at dusk but as they become comfortable around people, they can often be seen dining during the day.

branches. If that wasn’t enough, they may gnaw on structures and furnishings. Treating the damaged area and a 12" radius around it with a repellent can help discourage more damage.

Chipmunks are active from spring through fall. They don’t hibernate, but are inactive in winter, depending upon how much food they’ve stashed to survive.

You will find them digging in potted plants, hanging baskets, and rock walls.

Melinda Myers has written more than 20 gardening books, including the recently released Midwest Gardener’s Handbook, 2nd Edition, and Small Space Gardening.

She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything” instant video and DVD series, and the nationally syndicated “Melinda’s Garden Moment” TV and radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine and was commissioned to write this article by Tree World Plant Care for her expertise. Her website is www.

MelindaMyers.com.

18 WASHINGTON GARDENER APRIL 2023

BOOKreviews

Wild Drinks: The New Old World of Small-Batch Brews, Ferments and Infusions Author: Sharon Flynn Publisher: Hardie Grant/Quadrille List Price: $29.99 Order Links: https://amzn.to/3MJ7cj4 and https://bookshop.org/ a/79479/9781743796115 Reviewer: Jessica Harden In general, most people only consume processed drinks because as a society, we’ve moved away from brewing them ourselves. This nearly forgotten practice helps maintain healthy gut biomes that we are probably lacking because we don’t consume varieties of good bacteria. Flynn says that we grow up with an “intimate” relationship with food because we watch people cook, understand the relationship between heat and food, and then learn how to cook ourselves, but we don’t have this relationship with drinks. Flynn’s book has recipes for brewing, fermenting, and infusing various drinks that allow you to build an intimate relationship with drinks as you learn the process and build a healthier gut biome.

The book is divided into six sections that teach about the different processes before diving into the recipes. All of the recipes are for smaller batches and good for beginners.

The first section, “Nurture,” covers everything you need to know before starting the fermentation process. It describes what the process is, how to set up the proper environment, and the supplies you’ll need.

“Brew,” the second section, has recipes that use grains instead of fruit and vegetables. It also includes the long history of brewing in different parts of the world. I especially loved learning about that history and having more insight into the cultural practices of our ancestors.

The “Ferment” section is exactly what it sounds like, but not all of the recipes require a symbiotic culture of bacteria (SCOBY). The fruit wine recipes only require soft fruit, sugar, and water. I’m personally really excited to try her dandelion wine recipe.

Next is “Feed and Grow,” which includes recipes for kefirs, kombuchas, and vinegars.

The fifth section, “Infuse,” is all about extracting flavors in water, syrups, and alcohol.

Lastly, “Enjoy” offers ways to use leftovers and scraps to prevent waste. I really appreciated this section because I never would have guessed you can use SCOBYs to make candy, jerky, or eco-leather.

This book is a great way for people to get better in touch with their bodies as they consume healthy gut bacteria. I also love the apothecary witch aesthetic of brewing and fermenting your own drinks. This practice is incredibly beneficial and a good way to move away from our very processed food/drink lifestyle. o Jessica Harden is a junior journalism major minoring in law and society, with a concentration in criminal law, at the University of Maryland, College Park, MD. She is an intern this semester with Washington Gardener and is from San Antonio, TX.

French Blooms: Floral Arrangements Inspired by Paris and Beyond Author: Sandra Sigman of Les Fleurs with Victoria A. Riccardi Kindra Clineff (Photographer), and Sharon Santoni (Foreword) Publisher: Rizzoli List Price: $40.00 Order Links: https://amzn.to/41mfaTg and https://bookshop.org/ a/79479/9780847899067 Reviewer: Teri Speight Thank you, Sandra Sigman, for this bouquet in a book. This author shares how French Blooms can bring joy to

flower lovers anywhere. Flowers have a way of drawing out our unknown talents, even when we often have other plans. Sigman did not set out to be a florist. A trip to Paris was the opportunity of a lifetime to see and answer the call of nature’s gift of flowers. Little did she know it would also provide an opportunity for her to share unforgettable moments with her mother.

This book shares a few chapters of Sandra’s story in Paris, which led to the creation of her shop Les Fleurs more than 30 years ago. The author believes that French culture embraces imperfection because it adds a unique individuality to many things. The French add texture, contrast, rhythm, and unique flowers to keep the eye in a state of excitement about the beauty captured in almost any chosen vessel. Specially chosen blooms are like dancers and bring a certain sense of playfulness, which adds life to any arrangement.

Moving through the book, Sigman outlines 19 French floral principles that anyone can use. Her lessons on containers emphasize that a well-chosen vase can add character to even the most basic floral display. One might wonder how many vases are required to create fabulous arrangements.

Based on visiting many flower shops in France, Sigman’s answer might surprise you.

The author shares her favorite French gardens, as well as the flower shops she frequently patronized in France, suggests plants to grow in most cutting Book Reviews continue on page 20 APRIL 2023 WASHINGTON GARDENER 19

BOOKreviews gardens found in the Mid-Atlantic, and more. As with many florists, foraging is all a part of creating unique arrangements. The recipes Sigman shares cover choosing the proper vessel, floral types, stem count, and more in detail.

“Flowers are a key ingredient in life” is the appropriate description of how the French appreciate blossoms found in the garden. Many of the arrangement recipes suggest creating a relaxed garden-style bouquet and capturing it in a vase.

Just as it takes time for flowers to grow, it took Sigman three years to write this book. Like a beautiful garden, beautiful photos, as well as descriptive words, reflect the love she has for her craft in this book.

Gardeners are known to be sharers of all things beautiful. This author shares how each of us can create beautiful arrangements for our living spaces. I highly recommend this book for floral arrangers and flower enthusiasts. o Teresa J. Speight is a garden speaker, podcaster, blogger, and author. You can find her work and links on Cottage in the Court, https://cottageinthecourt.com/.

Sow Grow Gather: The Beginner’s Guide to Growing an Edible Garden Author: Sam Corfield Publisher: Hardie Grant Books/ Quadrille List Price: $23.99 Order Link: https://amzn.to/409l9Kj and https://bookshop.org/ a/79479/9781787137165 Reviewer: Andrea F. Siegel Sow Grow Gather is a fun read. So many plant jokes, witty section titles, and humorous discussion. It’s got dirty photos—compost on the gardener’s hands and soil under his fingernails.

But it’s got more than entertainment value. It has the basics for learning to grow plants for food, mostly in containers.

This is the first book by trained horticulturist Sam Corfield, aka the Hairy Horticulturist for his full beard. It is aimed at coaxing novices into the garden. Corfield’s humorous approach has an obvious appeal to younger people considering starting to garden. He’s in the UK, so U.S. readers have to get 20 WASHINGTON GARDENER APRIL 2023

Accompanying this are photos, sometimes of the seed, the plant, or only the edible part, sometimes all three.

They show the rainbow of the colors of what we can grow to put on our plates.

Many a gardener, novices included, find growing food that is unavailable in the supermarket to be enticing. He also introduces readers to unusual edibles, including achocha and kalettes.

This book is not the last word in gardening. But its humor and clear instructions make it a happy and good place to start. o Andrea Siegel is a master gardener in Maryland.

past those British spellings and British names for a few plants; fortunately, Corfield translates metric-ese into gallons and inches.

Corfield’s attitude throughout his book is that gardening in containers isn’t complicated—think seeds, soil, and containers—and can be done in small pots in a sunny window and big buckets outside. He tells beginners here’s what you need and here’s what you do, try these reliable methods to control pests or support vines, and so on, and this is what to expect.

He explains the how-tos of getting some 50 edibles to harvest. Corfield covers five areas: roots and shoots, then flowers (plants whose flowers we eat), leaves, and fruit.

Each plant has an introduction, often with some history. There’s a list of what a grower will need—readers can expect to see compost there. Then come the three instructions, as in the book’s title: sow, grow, and gather. Sow refers how best to plant the seed so a seedling will emerge. Grow advises how big the young plant should be for transplanting into a container, recommended pot size included, how often to fertilize it (if at all), light requirements, and the like.

Gather tells when the food is ready for harvest and, as needed, how to take the food off the plant without killing the plant. Under a separate heading, there’s always a tip or two. And he tells readers that it’s okay to skip seeds and buy plugs—and that really, it’s preferable to do that with mint—even better to get mint from another gardener.

Shade Gardening for the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic: A Guide to Planning the Ultimate Shade Garden Author: Lee Miller Publisher: Independently published Order link: https://amzn.to/3UzMKD4 Cost: $31.91 Reviewer: Marsha Douma How to create a garden in the shade is often considered an unwelcome challenge and frequently avoided, with that portion of the garden left to itself. Lee Miller has written this guide to convince us otherwise. The book reminds me of the Norwegian saying, ”There is no bad weather, only bad clothes.” In that spirit, the author wants the reader not to think of a shady area of the garden as problematic, but rather as one that simply needs the right plants.

The author has therefore recommended more than 150 plants, all of which evolved to grow in shade and thus prefer to be there. All the selections should be easy to find at most local nurseries and grow reliably in our region.

The chapters of the book are organized according to the major categories plants would be selected from: evergreen and deciduous trees and shrubs; perennials—including grasses, sedges, and ferns; groundcovers; and annuals.

Within each of these categories, the plants are arranged alphabetically by their Latin names. The common names are also listed in the main description and the index. There is a color picture of each suggested plant, illustrating leaves, flowers, and berries if relevant—the features that are especially

BOOKreviews

interesting and unique about the plant.

There is also a brief description of any special needs it may have, and the size of the plant at maturity—the big-picture facts the gardener needs to know when planning for both now and the future.

All the other essential information

regarding each plant’s needs and uses in a garden are provided using 10 easyto-identify symbols. These quickly tell the reader if the plant prefers part or full shade; its water needs; its drought tolerance; if it is native, deer-resistant, bird- and/or butterfly-friendly, fragrant, or has berries. The symbols visually reminded me of hiking guides, where at a glance, the essential details about a hike can easily be determined.

While we sometimes want a garden book that lists all the possibilities, so much information can feel overwhelming for a new gardener or even an experienced one. By approaching this subject in a more limited format, the author gives fewer, but reliable choices.

Similarly, the symbols stick to the basics. I particularly appreciated the important category of native as one of the symbols, since in my own garden, I am trying to incorporate more native plants.

The combination of a picture on just about every page with relevant and clear symbols makes this a useful and attractive book. It would be a good companion to take along to the local

nursery because it quickly and easily provides the information gardeners need before buying a plant. It is also a useful general reference providing essential information about plants you might already have in your garden. o Marsha Douma is a retired dentist and lifelong gardener who also enjoys swimming, tennis, and playing the piano. She lives in Rockville, MD.

Note: These book reviews include links to Amazon.com and BookShop. org for ordering them. Washington Gardener Magazine may receive a few cents from each order placed after you click on these links.

Love Reading?

The book reviews in this issue are by volunteer members of the Washington Gardener Reader Panel. To join the Washington Gardener Volunteer Reader Panel, 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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GOINGnative Camassia scilloides is also very easy to grow from seed and you can readily collect the small, shiny-black seeds when they ripen, but watch carefully because there is not much holding them in the upright seed pods—as soon as they pop open, grab them. Of course, you could also just let them self-sow in your garden. They could never, by any stretch of the imagination, be considered aggressive due to their welcomeness in the garden. You can never have too many!

But…. don’t be stingy. When visitors to your garden see these plants in bloom, they’re going to want to take some home. These make a great pass-along or “I’ll trade ya” plant.

There are many species in the genus Camassia. If you go to www.plants. usda.gov, that fact will be self-evident.

However, Camassia scilloides is the only species found native to the eastern United States. Although it is native to virtually every state east of the Mississippi and several provinces in Canada. The only eastern state that you won’t find it calling home is Florida, although it grows well planted there in deep shade.

The supple, grass-like foliage is about 6–12" tall, but in flower, the plants can reach up to 24". The foliage can persist into autumn, especially if your soil is moist, but well-drained.

I’m not one to suggest companion plants for any of the plants I grow—I think that stifles the imagination—but I would be interested in hearing what it looks good with in your garden. o

Wild Hyacinth Camassia scilloides

By Barry Glick

When my esteemed editor called upon me to write about Camassia scilloides, also known as the Atlantic Camas or Wild Hyacinth, for this issue, I told her that my friend Claudio Vazquez of Izel Native Plants has such a nice image of this plant in flower that she’d better make the image as large as possible in the page layout, because there’s not a lot to write about this plant.

Not because it isn’t one of the earliest flowering, most delightful, insanely easiest to grow, most awesome, and sexiest 22 WASHINGTON GARDENER APRIL 2023

native bulbs you’ll ever encounter. That in itself says it all!

In my garden, this Camassia grows well in full shade. Of course, at the time of year that it emerges (very early spring), there isn’t much shade in the garden anyway because none of the trees have any foliage on them yet, so I guess we would consider it full sun for the moment. The flowers vary in color somewhat slightly, from a light violet to a bluish-purple and even an occasional pure white.

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..

Camassia scilloides photo courtesy of Izel Native Plants.

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

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