Washington Gardener November 2018 by Kathy J

NOVEMBER 2018 VOL. 13 NO. 9

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tthe he magazine for gardening enthusiasts in the Mid-Atlantic region

All About Amaryllis Pickled Paperwhites Tips for Growing Chrysanthemum

Native Honeysuckle: A Fine Vine How Porous Pavement Helps Capture and Clean Water

Turnip Tales Botanical Artist Marcella Kriebel When Is It Too Late to Plant? Spotted Lanternfly Facts 3 New English Roses

Adaptive Gardening:

Gardening for a Lifetime

Green Spring Gardens

www.greenspring.org

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. Haven’s Natural Brew Tea conditions the soil so your plant’s root system can better absorb nutrients needed to build a strong, healthy root base. The manure tea can also be applied to compost piles to accelerate the composting process.

Order some today at: www.manuretea.com

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

www.sunfarm.com ��

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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.

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INSIDEcontents

FEATURES and COLUMNS

Marcella Kriebel’s earliest memories include barefoot gardening and a love of paints, paper, and pencils of any kind. Her collection of watercolors and illustrated cookbooks reflects her early interest in drawing and painting. A successful Kickstarter campaign allowed her to assemble her archive of recipes and illustrations into the colorful hand-drawn cookbook, Mi Comida Latina.

“Chrysanthemum Kaleidoscope” in the Brookside Gardens’ Conservatory showcases chrysanthemums of all sizes and shapes—from singlestem disbudded flowers almost as big as your head to blankets of color created by thousands of small flowers on Japanese cascade chrysanthemums. This display changes weekly as the chrysanthemums develop from tightly closed buds to fully open flowers, rich in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors.

Rose ‘Dame Judi Dench’ is a variety that builds over time as its arching stems encourage side shoots to form an attractive mound of blooms. The apricot hue mixes beautifully with other garden colors—especially blue and purple flowers, and plants with purple-bronze foliage.

ASKtheexpert 8 Spotted Lanternfly; Shade Groundcovers; Indoor Plants BOOKreviews 6 Gardening Complete; Starting and Saving Seeds EDIBLEharvest 19 Turnip Tales GOINGnative 18 Native Honeysuckle HORThappenings 10 Bulb Planting; Orchid Show; VA Urban Farm Summit INSECTindex 22 Amaryllis Tips and Issues NEIGHBORnetwork 20-21 Marcella Kriebel NEWPLANTspotlight 11 David Austin Roses PLANTprofile 12-13 Chrysanthemum TIPStricks 9 Drunken Paperwhites; Porous Pavement; Too Late to Plant

DEPARTMENTS

ADVERTISINGindex BLOGlinks EDITORletter GARDENcontest LOCALevents MONTHLYtasklist NEXTissue READERreactions RESOURCESsources

23 11 4 5 14-15 11 3 5 2

ON THE COVER

Taffy Turner, 71, is an active Master Gardener in Montgomery County, MD.

In our December issue:

Japanese Maples for Winter Interest and much more . . .

If your business would like to reach area gardeners, be sure to contact us by December 1 so you can be part of the next issue of our growing publication! Be sure you are subscribed! Click on the “subscribe” link. at washingtongardener.com NOVEMBER 2018

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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! Ashley O’Connor Intern Ruth E. Thaler-Carter Proofreader Cover price: $4.99 Back issues: $6.00 Subscription: $20.00 Address corrections should be sent to the address above.

Your editor admiring the foliage at Brookside Gardens. Photo by Ashley O’Connor.

Scent-sational or Stinking It Up?

This is the time of year that our homes and gardens are full of rich experiences for all the senses. It is also the time when those of us with sensitive sniffers are driven to distraction by the overwhelming din of competing fragrances in our environment. Seasonal scents that I love outdoors, like pine needles, become cloying and obnoxious when formulated as a bathroom spray or candle. And then there are the Paperwhites. Sigh. So lovely, but pungent enough to cause migraines. The worst are the common ‘Ziva,’ but I find the alternative varieties almost as annoying. Yet, I still pot them up and use them every year as a matter of habit. (See the story on page 9 for how to keep them from getting so floppy.) I attended a holiday green workshop where English Boxwood was used and I was appalled to learn the arrangements would be donated to a local home for seniors. Can you imagine waking up to that “cat pee stink” on your bedside table each morning?!? Although, for some, the smell is a welcome reminder of a childhood spent playing amongst the hedgerows. Love them or hate them, these scents of holiday plants bring back memories and trigger warm feelings. May your holidays be filled with fragrance! Happy gardening!

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

WASHINGTON GARDENER NOVEMBER 2018

• 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/ • Washington Gardener Youtube: www.youtube.com/washingtongardenermagazine

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• Washington Gardener is a womanowned business. We are proud to be members of: · GWA: The Association for Garden Communicators · Green America Magazine Leaders Network · Green America Business Network Volume 13, Number 9 ISSN 1555-8959 © 2018 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

Reader Contest

For our November 2018 Washington Gardener Reader Contest, Washington Gardener Magazine is giving away several passes to the Garden of Lights at Brookside Gardens in Wheaton, MD. Each pass admits a car-load-full of visitors and then you walk around the garden light displays. (Prize value is $30.) Step into a magical winter wonderland illuminated with more than 1 million dazzling, colorful lights shaped into handcrafted, original art forms of flowers, animals, and other natural elements. Stroll from garden to garden enjoying twinkling tree forms, sparkling fountains, and whimsical winter scenes. The night wouldn’t be complete without a visit inside the conservatory to enjoy watching G-scale model trains wind through a seasonal landscape. Afterward, warm up in the Visitors Center while you sip hot cocoa and listen to one of the nightly musical performances. The Garden of Lights runs through January 1, 2019 (except November 19–22 and December 24–25). Find out more at http://www.montgomeryparks.org/ brookside/garden_lights.shtm. To enter to win a pass that admits one car-load of guests to the Garden of Lights, send an email to WashingtonGardener@rcn.com by 5pm on Friday, November 30, with “Lights Show” in the subject line. In the body of the email, tell us your new year’s resolution for your garden. Please also include your full name and mailing address. The pass winners will be announced and notified by December 1. o

READERreactions

Another wonderful issue (October 2018), practically the only garden magazine I read these days! — Sharee Solow, Elkins Park, PA My favorite article in the latest (October 2018) issue was the Garden To-Do List, which just beat out the article on deerresistant tulips. — Kate McElhenny, Greenbelt, MD In the October 2018 issue, I discovered: 1) I was storing my first sweet potatoes all wrong (dark and humid I can do, but at 80 degrees? not so easy! Still useful to know). Also, only one slip was planted in the ground. It rotted in the wet clay. I had great success in the slips planted in a cloth bag and the one in a big pot. Still, oh, my, harvesting them to cure...lots to learn. Your article showed what I need to correct. 2) Local events—always a favorite listing. I’ve copied several into my calendar. 3) Garden muck boots. I need some, oh, I need them. I get muddy or wet feet in this year of 50" rain and the swampy conditions of one yard. This article was both useful, honest, and funny. It did

give me hope that dry feet in the garden could be a realistic goal. I believe, Kathy, that one of the great joys of your magazine is in its usefulness and varieties of topics. So much to consider. So much to do in the gardens. But you provide hope, humor, and good advice—and perspective. —Annie Shaw, Greenbelt, MD Your magazine has truly grown and has gotten better and better. I know you work very hard on it. Keep on going because it is very good. —Stephanie Cohen, Collegeville, PA As usual, there were so many interesting articles! I really learned a lot about harvesting and curing sweet potatoes. I had no idea they needed curing. I am also intrigued about the book, An Anarchy of Chilies. Reading about the Scoville scale embossed on the side of the pages makes me want to go out and purchase a real (non-e) book. —Lena Iredell, Bowie, MD I loved the article about Glenstone; what an interesting museum. —Kathy May, Kensington, MD I loved the article on pruning perennials because it provided the best month for

Advanced IPM PHC Short Course January 7–10, 2019 Location: University of Maryland, College Park, MD Contact: Amy Yaich, Admin. Assist. II, 301-405-3911 Email: umdentomology@umd.edu Information: https://landscapeipmphc.weebly.com/ Recertification credits will be posted on the website Recertification page as awarded by participating states.

 doing so in our area. But the article that prompted me to write in is the Editor’s Letter. I was elected president of our garden club and I know we need more members, and young ones at that. The average age of my membership is in the retiree category and we cannot count on them for activities because health issues always seem to pop up. I would also like to reach out to the younger groups to show them all the good that comes from horticulture. Our club initiated a scholarship with the local college and I hope this is the spark that ignites the next generation to join us in this journey. Thank you. —Rose Gazarek, Accokeek, MD I liked the article on incorporating fallblooming “crocus” to the yard. I’ll have to try this next year! —Elizabeth Hearn, Washington, DC My favorite article in the October issue was the one on the Autumn crocus (Colchicum). I was unaware of these bulbs, but had seen them for sale recently and wondered what they were and how to use them. After reading this article, I now wish I had bought some to plant! —Lisa Lyon, Bethesda, MD o NOVEMBER 2018

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BOOKreviews Gardening Complete: How to Best Grow Vegetables, Flower, and Other Outdoor Plants Various authors, including Rhonda Fleming Hayes and Charlie Nardozzi Publisher: Cool Springs Press List Price: $30 Reviewer: Andrea F. Siegel Gardening, particularly for first-timers, can come across like a Mount Evereststyle challenge, with plant requirements, diseases, timing, insects, and so much decision making—never mind the tools needed before taking the initial steps. Making gardening seem more manageable is having the basic-andbeyond information in one place. Doing just that is Gardening Complete, geared to beginners as well as experienced gardeners. The mix of education and how-to offers readers some understanding about gardening—the why behind the advice. With 19 chapters written by eight accomplished gardeners and garden writers, the book covers a lot of ground. Yes, there’s more to know—the word “complete” may be a stretch, given that flowers, trees, and edibles are all in here. But the chapters go beyond the routine mechanics to teach readers about what makes, for example, soil healthy and why that matters—telling them not only that compost is an excellent soil amendment to buy and use, but how and why to make their own. That and the range of subjects covered make this a useful general gardening resource. The chapters on garden design, planting for four seasons and using native plants encourage readers to pursue their own style, tailoring it to where they live. The chapters are logically organized, beginning with what people should know to get started, like plant names and the hardiness zone where they live, so they select appropriate plants. It moves through design, planting, and garden care (including pruning and mulching) through harvesting. 6

WASHINGTON GARDENER NOVEMBER 2018

The “Gardening by Seasons” chapter includes a guide for four-season interest—a subject close to many gardeners’ hearts—as well as a “What Blooms When” monthly rundown for Zone 6— close enough to Zone 7 to allow most of our region’s gardeners to tweak the bloom times a bit. Of particular interest are chapters on weed, pest, and disease control that aren’t heavy on the chemical “cides.” Specialty chapters add a lot. “Gardening for the Birds and the Bees,” “Gardening with Native Plants,” and “Water-Wise Gardening” address ecological issues, conservation, and esthetics. Others feed burgeoning interest in container, vertical, and raised bed gardens; DIYers can make quick work of the raised bed construction projects. There’s nothing like inspirational photos—and this volume has many, but some photo captions do not identify the plants. That doesn’t help readers who might want to seek them out. However, most often, sections do feature the whole package. Particularly useful is one that focuses on common plant pathogens, which has photos along with good caption information and text on susceptible plants and disease prevention and control. All of this is to say that concisely packed into this book is a lot of solid advice on how to grow healthy, attractive gardens. o Andrea Siegel is a Master Gardener in Maryland.

Starting and Saving Seeds: Grow the Perfect Vegetables, Fruits, Herbs, and Flowers For Your Garden By Julie Thompson-Adolf Publisher: Cool Springs Press List Price: $25 Reviewer: Ashley O’Connor Julie Thompson-Adolf’s book, Starting and Saving Seeds, is a great beginner’s guide, full of visual guides and informational blurbs to have anyone gardening like a master. Thompson-Adolf covers a lot of

ground in this book, telling readers everything from biological breakdown of a seed to planning your garden. She begins the book by explaining why you should venture into seedstarting and -saving in the first place; Starting from seeds offers more variety, control, and financial savings. Indoor seed-starting is the next section, where Thompson-Adolf includes helpful photographs of the tools you’ll need. Her playful writing includes lists like “Plants require” and “Your sanity requires,” urging readers to pick a workspace that won’t turn into a messy nightmare. She then explains how to make your own seed-starting mix and other special considerations, like warm-versuscool-season crops, gardening zones, and germination rates. The second section, “Meet the Plants,” profiles dozens of vegetables and herbs, giving the reader the life cycle, germination, seed start time, light requirements, days to maturity, and more. This book may be redundant for the seasoned horticulturist, but for a beginner, it’s a useful and enjoyable book to have on hand. The book’s photographs and layout are beautiful, full of colorful dotted borders, modern outlined plant illustrations, and thoughtful typography. But make no mistake; the author doesn’t glamorize gardening to her readers. It’s a dirty, disordered labor of love, but, when done right, can be a fulfilling and delicious venture. o Ashley O’Connor is a senior multi-platform journalist at the University of Maryland. This autumn, she is an editorial intern at Washington Gardener.

BROOKSIDE GARDENS PRESENTS THE

NOV 16, 2018 - JAN 1, 2019 CLOSED NOVEMBER 19-22 & DECEMBER 24 & 25

Sun - Thurs | 5:30 p.m. - 9 p.m. Fri & Sat | 5:30 p.m. - 10 p.m. �

$25 Advanced Sale Tickets

(available from the Gift Shop starting Nov.1)

$25 per car/van (Sun-Thurs) � $30 per car/van (Fri-Sat) �

* For safety reasons, pedestrians not permitted at the gate.� Visitors drive in, park and walk-through the display. * Last car admitted 30 minutes before closing time. * Visit our website for admission prices for buses, vans�and limos and call 301-96�-1451 for required reservations.

BROOKSIDE GARDENS

1800 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton, MD 20902

BrooksideGardens.org | 301-962-1400

NOVEMBER 2018

WASHINGTON GARDENER

KNOWitall Photo Credit: Holly Raguza

Ask the Expert by Debra Ricigliano

Spotted Lanternfly Facts Recently I heard a report on the news about a pest called spotted lanternfly. Can you provide more information?

Spotted lanternfly (SLF) was first found in our area in Berks County, PA, in 2014. It is native to China, India, Japan, and Vietnam. The pest has since spread to multiple counties in Pennsylvania and to other states, including Delaware, Virginia, New Jersey, and New York. At the end of October, the Maryland Department of Agriculture announced that a single adult male specimen was found in a trap in Cecil County. SLF damages a wide variety of plants, including grapes, hops, apples, and peaches, threatening area farms and orchards. They are also a nasty pest for homeowners because they feed on many types of trees. It has been determined that the Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissma), another non-native invasive species, is a favorite host plant for the insect. For additional information about spotted lanternfly, including what to do if you should see one, and about the Tree of Heaven, search the HGIC website at www.extension.umd.edu/hgic.

soil weighs much less than one that has been watered. When watering from the top, soak the soil and let the excess water drain from the container. Empty any water sitting in the saucer underneath the plant. An alternative method is to let the container sit in water until the top of the potting mixture is moist.

Watering Indoor Plants

Now that my houseplants are back inside for the winter, I am never sure how much to water them. Should I just water them once a week? Overwatering is the number one reason houseplants die. A watering schedule is not the best approach, because different plants have different watering needs. Factors like the time of year (plants need less water in the fall/winter), room temperature, light exposure, drainage, and humidity also dictate how much water a plant will need. Check your plants at least weekly and water only when the potting mixture feels dry about 2 inches down. Another quick test to check if a plant needs water is to lift up the container to feel its weight. A container with dry 8

WASHINGTON GARDENER NOVEMBER 2018

Too Late to Plant Bulbs?

My daughter purchased spring flowering bulbs that were on sale. Is it too late for us to plant them now? No, it is not too late, but you do want to plant them before the soil freezes. Most bulbs need full sun, so select a planting site that will provide at least five to six hours of direct sunlight a day. Plant in well-drained soil and, for a more natural look, gently toss them and plant them where they lie. Plant them 2.5 to 3 times the diameter of the bulb in depth (planting depth is often written on the package of bulbs). Sprinkle some bone meal or fertilizer labeled for bulbs in the planting hole. Water them deeply after planting and place a layer of shredded leaves or

mulch over the planting area. Rake the covering away as soon as the danger of spring frost has past.

Shade Groundcovers

The shade trees I planted in my backyard have really grown and the grass underneath is dying. I do not want to try to grow grass there anymore. What groundcovers or perennials do you recommend? It is wise to convert that area from grass to a bed with shade plants. Lawns and trees are not the best combination. The grass dies out due to the shade and tree roots competing for water. Some shady lawn alternatives are Sweet Woodruff (Galium odoratum), Barrenwort (Epimedium spp.), Liriope (Liriope spp.), Mondo Grass (Ophiopogon japonicus), Canadian Ginger (Asarum canadense), Crested Iris (Iris cristata), and Foamflower (Tiarella cordifolia). All are ornamental and not too difficult to find in the nursery trade. 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. She is a graduate of the Institute of Applied Agriculture at UMCP. To ask a gardening or pest question, go to http://extension.umd. edu/hgic and click on â&#x20AC;&#x153;Get Help.â&#x20AC;? Digital photos can also be attached.

TIPStricks Drunken Paperwhite Bulbs

Too Late to Plant a Tree?

Now that fall is here, you may be itching to add a new tree to your landscape. Who wouldn’t want more of that gorgeous seasonal color? But with a cold winter right around the corner, is it safe to plant now? Tony Faoro of The Care of Trees, a Davey Company, shares everything you need to know about planting trees this time of year. “Fall is the ideal time of year to plant most new trees. Then, there’s less chance of drought or sun scorch harming fragile, new trees,” Faoro says. Plus, the cooler temperatures help encourage new root growth. While autumn technically isn’t over until December 21, you probably shouldn’t plant that late into the season. Planting a tree when the ground is too cool sets your tree up for trouble. It’ll likely suffer from reduced root growth and eventual tree decline. A good rule of thumb is that if the trees in your area still have leaves, you can plant new trees. To be sure, Faoro suggests looking at the soil. Using a soil thermometer, measure soil temperature early in the morning for a few consecutive days. If your soil is consistently 50 degrees or higher, you’re good to plant. “The 50-degree mark works best for deciduous trees. Those are the ones that shed leaves before the winter,” Faoro explains. “Because of this, those trees focus only on growing and providing water to their roots in winter, so they don’t need as much energy.” On the other hand, evergreen trees, such as pine and spruce, hold onto their needles year-round. They need all the nutrients they can get before the ground freezes. Faoro advises against planting evergreen trees if the soil temperature is lower than 60 degrees. Your tree wouldn’t have enough time to save the energy needed to survive the winter. To prepare a new tree for winter, simply water your new tree weekly until the ground freezes, even if its leaves have fallen. Next, add 2–4 inches of organic mulch around the tree’s drip zone to help new trees retain moisture, control soil temperature, and ward off weeds. Use a rake to pull mulch away from the tree trunk to provide air circulation. o

Porous Pavement Helps Capture and Clean Water

Parking lots, sidewalks, streets, and rooftops; cities are full of these watershedding surfaces. The Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) explains why these surfaces are problematic, and how soil can be part of the solution. Impermeable surfaces like asphalt and concrete move precipitation to storm drains. From there, the runoff flows to rivers, lakes, and oceans. But it’s not just water. Contaminants from automobiles, salts, and other pollutants are picked up along the way and end up in the watershed. Bring back the soil, says Adrian Gallo, a doctoral student at Oregon State University. “One solution to this problem is to reconnect precipitation to the soil. Porous pavement allows water to filter through to the soil, using it as the natural and robust filter that it is.” Porous concrete, asphalt, and pavers provide options for cities. They look like their non-porous counterparts, but have built-in void space. Water can flow through to a gravel-rock layer and then the soil. “Porous pavement is a simple way to let water access the soil in areas that usually don’t let water infiltrate,” Gallo says. “Building parking lots or streets with the ability for water to pass through them helps minimize the cost needed for storm-drain infrastructure. They also decrease the amount of contaminants getting into surrounding river or streams, and help to replenish the aquifers and other groundwater sources beneath our feet.” See more at the Soil Science blog at soilsmatter.wordpress.com. o

Paperwhite fragrance is a sweet pleasure to some and a mighty headache to others. Paperwhites belong to a class of daffodils known as Narcissus tazetta. According to Barbara Melera of Harvesting History (harvesting-history.com), all Tazettas share common qualities: Their flower stems produce multiple blossoms—up to 20 per stem, their flowers are fragrant, and they can be forced in water without chilling in the refrigerator. To force Tazettas in water, place small stones, marbles, or glass beads in a bowl; then arrange a few bulbs on top, fitting them snugly against each other. Fill the bowl with water to the base of the bulbs. Do not cover the entire bulbs with water. The bulbs can be grown in indoor light, and within a week to 10 days, they will sprout; about 10 days later, they should bloom. To make the blooms last longer, try keeping them in a cool area like a north-facing window. Many people do not like paperwhites because of their heavy fragrance and their tendency to fall over. We can’t do anything about the fragrance, but we can help you with the long stems that flop over. In her book Bulb, Anna Pavord says, “A horticultural student at New York’s Cornell University accidentally spilled some of his alcoholic beverage into a pot of paperwhites that had just sprouted. A few weeks later, his fellow students noticed that the plants that had imbibed were shorter than others, even though the blooms were the same size.” Four months and three trials later, the findings were announced: A few drops of alcohol result in stalks that are 40 percent shorter, preventing them from flopping over. To use the alcohol trick, wait until the sprouts are about 2 inches tall, then carefully pour out the water and replace with a mixture of nine parts water to one part alcohol. Keep in mind that paperwhites prefer hard liquor. Rum, gin, tequila, and vodka have all proved effective, but wine or beer can damage the bulbs. o Tips column compiled by Ashley O’Connor, a senior multi-platform journalist at the University of Maryland. This autumn, she is an editorial intern at Washington Gardener. NOVEMBER 2018

WASHINGTON GARDENER

HORThaenings

VA Urban Farm Summit

Shawn Appling, an agent of the Virginia Cooperative Extension, gave a speech on Edible Landscapes and Principles of Permaculture at the Virginia Urban Agriculture Summit on October 5. Several dozen attendees listened as Appling debunked some common misconceptions. He says edible landscapes can be just as attractive as ornamentals; you just have to do your research. Among the plants he suggested were the Paw Paw and Fig trees. Appling also talked about using permaculture to create a diverse landscape that can work with wildlife and surrounding environment. To do so, he suggests using conscious designs to resemble nature and accepting “negative feedback,” such as plants dying from insect infestations.

project, including its 9,000-square-foot growing area and cistern with watertempering abilities. Brookside director Stephanie Oberle says the production greenhouse is part of Brookside’s mission to “foster environmental literacy” and create a space for the community to interact with nature.

tional exhibits, and lectures. The club currently maintains five gardens in Vienna, VA. For more information about the Ayr Hill Garden Club, visit ayrhillgardenclub.org.

Silver Spring Garden Club Veterans Day Bulb Planting

Takoma Bulb Sale Orchid Show and Sale

The National Capital Orchid Society hosted its 71st annual show and sale from October 6–8 at Behnke Nurseries in Beltsville, MD. The event was free to the public and included educational lectures and informational sessions with an “orchid doctor.” Guided tours were also held to take attendees through the thousands of orchids displayed. Guests could buy their very own orchid in a sales room with 10 invited vendors.

DMV Garden Pro Meeting

Washington Gardener editor and publisher Kathy Jentz hosted a “DMV Garden Professionals Meeting” at Brookside Gardens in Silver Spring, MD. Garden professionals mingled over a potluck meal and played garden-term trivia to win raffles. The gathering was followed by a guided tour of the new greenhouse facility. Guests were shown the inner workings of the $3.4 million 10

WASHINGTON GARDENER NOVEMBER 2018

The 37th Annual Takoma Park Street Festival on October 7 included more than 200 vendors, from fine artists to local produce to kids activities, the fest had something for everyone. Eighteen bands played live music, and all of the concerts were free. The Takoma Horticultural Club sold bulbs at the event on October 7 as a fundraiser for club events and to spread the word about this 102-year-old organization.

Ayr Hill Garden Club Charity Event

Ayr Hill Garden Club members created floral arrangements to be donated to the Shepherd’s Center of OaktonVienna, VA, for their annual “Caregiver’s Treat Luncheon.” The Ayr Hill Garden Club is celebrating its 90th year of service, maintaining its mission of civic gardening. Last year, they launched a community education initiative to share gardening skills with the public through workshops, educa-

On Veterans Day, the Silver Spring Garden Club participated in their annual service project to help beautify Jesup Blair Local Park. They planted hundreds of daffodil bulbs to add to the several thousand now planted there over the last few years by the club in honor of those lost in world wars. Founded in 1942, the Silver Spring Garden Club brings together garden enthusiasts in the spirit of education, conservation, and volunteer service. A core component of the organization’s mission involves beautifying parts of the local community. This tradition of service has remained steadfast throughout the decades. o This issue’s “HortHappenings” were compiled by Ashley O’Connor, a senior multiplatform journalist at the University of Maryland. This autumn, she is an editorial intern at Washington Gardener. See photos from events listed here, as well as many more photo albums of recent local garden events attended by our staff, at the Washington Gardener Facebook Page: facebook.com/WashingtonGardenerMagazine. Recent albums include pictorials from the recent garden club events and holiday festivals. Click on the PHOTOS tab.

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Quick Links to Washington Gardener Blog Posts

Rose ‘Vanessa Bell’ photo courtesy of David Austin Roses.

New Plant Spotlight

Three New English Roses In spring 2019, David Austin Roses will introduce three beautiful new English Roses to U.S. and Canadian gardeners: soft-yellow ‘Vanessa Bell’, rich-apricot ‘Dame Judi Dench’, and fuchsia/cerise ‘James L. Austin’. “All three are topperforming English Roses, each with distinctive fragrance, beauty and appeal,” according to Michael Marriott, technical director and senior rosarian of David Austin Roses Ltd in Albrighton, England. Austin’s English Roses are known for combining the classic flower forms and perfume of antique roses with the expanded color range, repeat flowering, and disease resistance of modern roses. They can be grown in full sun or partial shade. In ‘Vanessa Bell’ gardeners gain an exceedingly floriferous English Rose that is, unusually, pale yellow and also compact in its growth habit. “Austin’s breeding team considers ‘Vanessa Bell’ one of the most free-flowering varieties it has ever bred,” says Marriott, putting its level of quick-repeat bloom on par with recent Austin introductions, ‘Roald Dahl’ and ‘Olivia Rose Austin’. Robert Calkin, the acclaimed British floral fragrance expert who serves as Austin’s “rose nose,” describes its fragrance as, “green tea with aspects of lemon and, at times, honey.” ‘Dame Judi Dench’ has large flowers in a glorious, sun-kissed shade of apricot that pales prettily toward the edges, where the ruffled petals catch the light in a halo effect. Its fragrance combines a lovely tea scent with notes of cucumber and a hint of kiwi. ‘James L. Austin’ has denselypetalled flowers in an unusual shade of reddish-pink. The large flowers have a fruity fragrance that evokes a mixture of blackcurrant, blackberry, raspberry, and cherry, with lemon zest and almond. The new introductions are available bare-root to North American gardeners at www.davidaustinroses.com. In spring 2020, they will be available in nursery pots at fine garden centers. o

• Surprise Carrots • DIY: Stepping Stones • Garlic Planted • Toasted Pumpkin Seeds See more Washington Gardener blog posts at: WashingtonGardener.blogspot.com o

November-December Garden To-do List

• Switch your deer deterrent spray if you’ve been using the same one for several months. Re-apply after heavy rains. • Have your soil tested at least once every three years. • Cover carrots and other root crops with straw to extend the harvest season. • Deadhead spent mums and plant them (if still in pots). • Don’t panic over leaf/needle drop on established evergreen shrubs and rhododendrons. It is normal at this time of year for them to shed a third. • Bulb foliage already starting to surface? Don’t fret. It is also normal and will not affect next year’s blooms. • Check for vole problems and set out traps. • Caulk and seal your home to prevent wildlife from coming indoors. • Protect fig trees from freezing by piling up leaves around them. • Clean the leaves of your indoor houseplants to prevent dust and film build-up. • Collect plant seeds for next year’s planting and for trading. • Turn off outdoor water valve and store hoses. • Store terra cotta pots in a shed or protected areas. • Prune and mulch hybrid tea roses. • Harvest the last of your vegetables and till compost into the beds. • Plant garlic for harvest next spring. • Force spring bulbs for indoor blooms this January by potting them up, watering thoroughly, and placing them in your vegetable crisper for about 10 weeks. • Remove this year’s fruiting raspberry canes down to the ground. • Clean out your ponds and compost annual plants. Move hardy plants to deeper water. Cover with netting to block falling leaves. • Clean, sharpen, and store your garden tools. • Reduce fertilizing of indoor plants (except cyclamen). • Set up a humidifier for indoor plants or at least place them in pebble trays. • Vacuum up any ladybugs that come in the house. • Rotate houseplants to promote even growth. • Pot up Paperwhites and Amaryllis for holiday blooming. • Water evergreens and new plantings to keep them hydrated this winter. • Fertilize your lawn and re-seed if needed. • Transplant trees and shrubs. • Continue to divide and transplant perennials. • Rake leaves, shred, and gather in compost piles. • Start feeding birds to get them in the habit for this winter. • Attend a local garden club meeting. • Turn your compost pile weekly and don’t let it dry out. Work compost into your planting beds. • Plant evergreens for winter interest. • Weed. • Take a break from holiday stress to enjoy your garden. • Do not place live wreaths or greenery in-between your door and a glass storm door, especially if the doorway is facing south. This placement will “cook” the arrangement on a sunny day. • Sign up all your friends and family for garden magazine subscriptions as holiday gifts. o NOVEMBER 2018

WASHINGTON GARDENER

PLANTprofile

Chrysanthemums

The “Golden” Flower By Kathy Jentz

I’ll confess I had a longtime aversion to chrysanthemums. Both their smell and commonness turned me off. But recently, I had a change of heart. I discovered a whole new world of mum-growing that goes far beyond those boring mums sold in cheap bunches at your local supermarkets. Chrysanthemums are an asset to any perennial garden. They provide quiet foliage all through the growing season and then set bloom right when most everything else is finished. From gold to pink to white and maroon, there is a color for every planting scheme. Don’t limit yourself to just the pompon cushion variety, either. A personal favorite of

WASHINGTON GARDENER NOVEMBER 2018

mine is the ‘Sheffield Pink,’ which looks like a peach-colored daisy on tall stems. It is terrific for cutting and is especially nice planted next to Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’. The flower is significant in many world cultures. The name “Chrysanthemum” is derived from the Greek, chrysos (gold) and anthos (flower). Chrysanthemums were first cultivated in China as a flowering herb as far back as the 15th century BC. In many countries, it is associated with funerals and grief. In the United States, mums are generally seen as a cheerful bloom. The flowers have medicinal, culinary, and insecticidal properties—aside from their orna-

mental attributes. According to Gary Mangum, president of Bell Nursery, who supplies plants to Home Depot throughout the Mid-Atlantic, “Yellow is the most popular mum color for us.” Bell Nursery has taken the love of mums to the next level by breeding giant mums that are upward of 3 feet across! “We find that people get instant gratification by covering a lot of area and getting a lot of color with fewer plants,” said Mangum. “We have seen a huge growth in the popularity of the giant mums each year they are in the stores.” Home Depot expected to sell 30,000 of the giant mums in the region this year.

PLANTprofile

Whether giant or mini or in between, mums deserve a place in your garden. Here are some mum-growing tips. • Mums are ideal container plants and can be planted in the ground after blooming. • Be sure you select plants that are cold-hardy and healthy. • Plant in full sun and give them space. They need good air circulation. • Every three years, divide the plants in spring and move them to a new spot. • They need good drainage. • A light mulching in spring helps keep down weed competition. • Pinch them back before July to create compact, bushy plants with more blooms. • Provide extra mulch in fall for winter protection.

• After the first flush of early fall blooms, sheer off just the fading flowers and you may get a second bloom flush before the end of autumn. • A hard frost will turn the blooms brown, so if you know a freeze is predicted, you can give them protection to prolong the bloom life by covering with a frost blanket. Both Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, PA, and Brookside Gardens in Wheaton, MD, hold chrysanthemum shows each autumn. The displays include a variety of chrysanthemum colors and forms—from cascading baskets to topiary to single, large blossoms. Plan a visit to one or both to get an overview of the mums available to you. If you find yourself growing more interested in breeding and cultivating

chrysanthemums, you may want to join a local mum enthusiast group, such as the Potomac Chrysanthemum Society (PCS). The club holds an annual plant sale each May in various locations around the Beltway. All plants are just a few dollars each and the selection is wide. The club also hosts monthly meetings at the Twinbrook Library in Rockville, MD, and other regular events such as a plant exchange. For more information, contact PCS President Kathy Jackson at Potomac@mums.org. The Old Dominion Chrysanthemum Society is based in Alexandria, VA, and meets monthly at the Falls Church Community Center in Falls Church, VA. For details, contact Todd Brethauer at jim. OldDominion@mums.org. o Kathy Jentz is editor of Washington Gardener.

NOVEMBER 2018

WASHINGTON GARDENER

TOP AREA GARDENING EVENTS DC-Area Gardening Calendar ~ Events ~ November 16 to December 15, 2018 • Sunday, November 17, 11am–12n Mounted Tropical Plants Workshop with Rock Paper Plant Bring a bit of the jungle into your home. Learn how to make a beautiful living wall hanging with easy-to-care-for philodendron vines. In their natural environment, these plants grow on trees, not in the pots you see at the garden store. Mount and grow these plants vertically with a little bit of moss and tree bark. Held at Common Room Studio, 428B Hume Ave, Alexandria, VA. Tickets are $55 or two for $100. Register at rockpaperplant.com/#workshops. • Sunday, November 18, 2pm Propagating Roses Learn how to successfully propagate roses. By taking a cutting from the garden of a neighbor or friend, you can reproduce a plant and expand your garden with roses that you know will do well. Potomac Rose Society members Larry Ichter, Christiane Rosamont, and Reed Abrahamson will share their techniques in a hands-on workshop where you can take home a newly propagated rose. Held at the Long Branch Library, 8800 Garland Ave, Silver Spring, MD. See http://potomacrose.org. • Wednesday, November 21, 10:30am Phenomenal Plants: The USBG Medicinal Plants Collection Tour Join Chelsea McKinley, U.S. Botanic Garden (USBG) gardener of the Medicinal Plants house, on a tour of this fascinating collection. Learn about a variety of species used for medicinal purposes that are currently on display at the USBG Conservatory. Topics include plant-derived compounds used in pharmaceuticals, species that have been used for hundreds of years in traditional medicine, and plants that can be found in the ingredients of over-thecounter products. Free: Pre-registration required; visit www.learn.usbg.gov. • November 22, 2018–January 1, 2019 Season’s Greenings: All Aboard! This year, take a train ride across America as the annual U.S. Botanic Garden (USBG) holiday show Season’s 14

WASHINGTON GARDENER NOVEMBER 2018

Greenings showcases train stations! Plant-based recreations of iconic train stations from across the United States will be represented in the train room. Explore classic stations such as New York City’s Grand Central Terminal, St. Louis’ Union Station, and many more. Thousands of blooms will be on display throughout the Conservatory, including a showcase of heirloom and newly developed poinsettia varieties. The collection of DC landmarks made from plant materials will return to fill the Garden Court, this year including a botanical version of Washington, DC’s Union Station. Celebrate the holidays and America’s railroad history. See more at www.USBG.gov/SeasonsGreenings. • November 22, 2018–January 6, 2019 A Longwood Christmas Thousands of poinsettias, towering Christmas trees, and fragrant flowers transform the conservatory into a warm holiday wonderland. Outdoors, more than 500,000 decorative lights glitter in the trees and colorful fountain displays set to music enchant visitors. Evening choral concerts, strolling carolers, and organ sing-alongs fill the gardens with the festive sounds of the holidays. For information, visit longwoodgardens.org. • Tuesday, November 27, 7:30pm O Where Are the Pines of Piney Branch? Steve Dryden’s Rock Creek Songbirds project has focused on restoring habitat for migratory birds in Rock Creek’s Piney Branch stream valley for the past five years. Join us to enjoy his slides of this diverse section of the park—some wet spots, some dry; areas where new trees and wildflowers/grasses have been planted; and spots of native diversity that have been protected, allowing a natural “re-greening” of the area. Steve will also talk about the Songbird outreach initiative, aimed at the Latino community in the neighborhoods close to Piney Branch. There will be a very short annual meeting of the Maryland Native Plant Society. Held at the Kensington Library, 4201 Knowles Ave., Kensington, MD.

The program is free and open to the public. Registration is not required. See: http://mdflora.org/events.html. • Tuesday, November 27, 2–4pm Traditional Holiday Wreaths In this hands-on workshop, craft a traditional, one-of-a-kind holiday decoration of hearty evergreens to enliven your home. Your finished wreath will be approximately 16 to 18 inches wide and can be hung indoors or out. All materials are included. Payment is required in advance due to materials fees, and is non-refundable. This program is limited to 10 people, and must have a minimum of four participants to take place. Other dates/times available. Held at Hillwood, 4155 Linnean Ave. NW, Washington, DC. See: hillwoodmuseum.org. • Saturday, December 1, 10am–12n Easy Holiday Decorating Ideas Renatta Holt, Merrifield landscape designer, shares ways to dress your home for the holidays with easy decorations crafted from found items, DIY projects, and garden-collected elements. Free. Held at Merrifield Garden Center, 12101 Lee Highway, Fair Oaks, VA. See more at www.merrifieldgardencenter. com. • Saturday, December 1–Sunday, December 2 Enchanted Extravaganza at The Market at Grelen The celebration will feature 21 local vendors and artisans set up under Grelen’s beautiful Overlook Orchard Tent. The two-day event includes shopping, festive fair, wreath workshops (preregistration required), Virginia-made beverages, and holiday music. Located at 15091 Yager Road, Somerset, VA. For additional information, visit www. themarketatgrelen.com. • Saturday, December 1, 1:30—2:30pm Ocean Terrarium Workshop Learn about oceans and enjoy creating an ocean ecosystem open terrarium complete with coral-shaped succulents, sand, shells, and an ocean animal figurine. The program is priced per project, not per person. For ages 5–adult. Mul-

TOP AREA GARDENING EVENTS DC-Area Gardening Calendar ~ Events ~ November 16 to December 15, 2018 tiple people can work on one project. $12/project. Held at Green Spring Gardens in Alexandria, VA. Register online at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/parktakes using code 290 482 3701 or call 703-642-5173. • Sunday, December 2, 12n–4pm Gardeners Holiday Open House Treat yourself to a day of holiday fun in the garden featuring decorations and seasonal displays, live music, holiday breads and ornaments for sale, and free refreshments. This festive day at Green Spring Gardens in Alexandria, VA, is for gardeners of all ages. Bring the children to a holiday puppet show by Bob Brown Puppets at 1pm and 3pm ($5/person; advance registration recommended). Register online at www.fairfaxcounty.gov. • Thursday, December 6, 6:30–8:30pm Tudor Lights: Garden Lights, Festive Night Enjoy the historic mansion, festooned with 1918 WWI-themed festive decorations and installations. Then make your way along the twinkling North Garden path to the Dower House, where you can sip, savor, and socialize over seasonal hors d’oeuvres, confections, cocktails, and other libations. Ages 21+. Purchase tickets at www.tudorplace.org. • Saturday, December 8 Holiday Open House Visit the headquarters of the American Horticultural Society at River Farm, Alexandria, VA. Come enjoy the seasonal decor of our Estate House. The displays are created anew each year by their horticultural team and volunteers. For more information on these events, visit the AHS website at www.ahsgardening. org or call 703-768-5700. • Saturday, December 8, 2–4:30pm Tea, Treats, and Flowers Parent and child, celebrate the season and awaken your senses! This afternoon, while enjoying finger foods, tea, and treats, make three beautiful dried, pressed-flower ornaments using decoupage that can adorn a gift or be hung as an ornament. Intended for

ages 7 and up. This event will be held at Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD. Fee: $18. Details and register at www. montgomeryparks.org. • Friday, December 14, and Saturday, December 15, 5:30–9pm Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon Kick off your holiday season with sparkling fireworks overlooking the Potomac River! George and Martha Washington will also be on site to greet Mount Vernon’s holiday guests. Watch as colonial artisans demonstrate the 18th-century process of creating chocolate. Keep toasty by warming up by a bonfire, visiting the blacksmith shop, or enjoying some hot chocolate or cider. Additional food will be available for purchase. Fees: $35 adult/$25 youth with Mansion tour. $30 adult/$20 youth without Mansion tour. See details at www.mountvernon.org. • Saturday, , December 15, and Sunday, December 16, 9:30am–4:30pm Orchid Diagnostic & Repotting Clinic Visit with The Orchid Lady, Carol Allen, at Behnke Nurseries in Beltsville, MD. If you have questions about a specific orchid, bring it in, and let her take a look. If you need your orchid repotted, for a fee, she will take care of that, also, and show you how. See behnkes.com. • Through Sunday, January 6, 2019 Winter Walk of Lights Bring your family and friends to be dazzled by the magical Winter Walk of Lights at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Vienna, VA. The garden is transformed into a half-mile walk of lights. Revisit perennial favorites such as the animated Lakeside Lights, Fountain of Lights, and Holiday Nature Walk, and look for new displays each year. Put on your walking shoes and bring the family to experience a Northern Virginia festive tradition. Round out your visit by roasting marshmallows and sipping on hot beverages by the fire. (Available for purchase at Light Refreshments concessions). Fees: $8–$16.50. Details at www.novaparks.com.

• Year-round VCE Horticulture Help Desk The Virginia Cooperative Extension’s Help Desk operates year-round and welcomes your garden-related questions, including those related to plant and insect identification. The Help Desk operates from 9am–12noon on weekdays at the VCE office at the Fairlington Community Center, 3308 S. Stafford St., Arlington, VA. Contact 703-2286414 or mgarlalex@gmail.com, or drop by to speak with our Help Desk volunteers. It’s best to call before you come to make sure they’re available.

Save These Future Dates •The Mid-Atlantic Nursery Trade Show (MANTS) is celebrating its 49th year of success. MANTS will hold its 2019 show from January 9–11 at the Baltimore Convention Center in Baltimore, MD. MANTS is where the industry comes to buy, shop, meet, see, and be seen every January. See MANTS.com. • Washington Gardener Magazine’s 2019 Seed Exchanges are on January 26 at Brookside Gardens and February 2 at Green Spring Gardens. Stay tuned for more details soon. Start saving, packing, and labeling your seeds!

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 with “Event” in the subject line. Our next deadline is December 1 for the December 2018 issue, for events taking place December 16, 2018, to January 15, 2019. o

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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.

NOVEMBER 2018

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SPECIALfeature

Adaptive Gardening:

Gardening for a Lifetime By B y Kathy Jentz

Tips for Adapting Your Garden:

• As you begin the process of re-envisioning your garden: Assess your limitations and your needs, both physically and financially. • Determine changes you want to make in terms of their priority. • Design and plan changes, including raised beds, containers, and paths. Look for vertical gardening opportunities. • Check with your local extension office and go online to get advice. • Decide how much help you need. • Ask gardener friends and neighbors for recommendations for garden helpers, garden maintenance companies, or landscape designers—whatever you determine you need to get it done.

Anne Hardman, 70, works with fellow members of the Silver Spring Garden Club planting a therapeutic garden at Holy Cross Hospital in Forest Glen, MD.

WASHINGTON GARDENER NOVEMBER 2018

SPECIALfeature This year, I hit the big 5-0. That birthday milestone snuck up on me and made me take a step to assess how I wanted to spend my remaining years and how I could stay healthy and active enough to continue gardening over the next few decades. I recently spoke to Toni Gattone, an “Adaptive Gardening” expert. Her book on the topic, The Lifelong Gardener: Garden with Ease and Joy at Any Age, is coming out next year from Timber Press. She also has several terrific articles and videos linked to her web site at tonigattone.com.

was not one of them. My back used to go out all the time and I would be in pain for weeks. When I became a Master Gardener, I wanted desperately to be out in my garden, but since I could barely walk, bending over to deadhead my roses was out of the question. Out of pure frustration, I decided I had to find a way to adapt so I could garden again.

Q. What other terms do people use for Adaptive Gardening? A. Accessible Gardening, Enabling Gardening, and Therapeutic Gardens. Q. Do you see the numbers of Adaptive Gardeners growing? A. Since January, 2011, 78 million baby boomers, the largest, most-active generation ever born, have turned 65 every 8 seconds. That is 10,000 per day, 4 million per year. The number of Americans over 65 will nearly triple by 2030. By 2050, all surviving Baby Boomers will be over the age of 85. Worldwide, the number of those age 60 and over is expected to double by 2050, and triple by 2100—the older population will be increasing by 800,000 every 30 days. Q. What inspired you to write about adaptive gardening? A. I inherited a lot of wonderful qualities from my mom, but her bad back

Q. What are the challenges facing the Adaptive Gardening movement? A. I do not think there are challenges, only more solutions as gardeners keep growing older. Our aging process does not dictate our gardening potential. Our mobility issues do not diminish our ability to produce the garden of our dreams.

Q. What is Adaptive Gardening? A. The objectives of Adaptive Gardening are three-fold: 1. To raise awareness of adaptive techniques that enable gardeners to re-think how and when they garden for greater ease. 2. To describe ways gardens can be changed or modified to ensure the safety and comfort of the gardener. 3. To modify favorite tools to increase their usability or to replace them with more ergonomic options.

A. I often get asked: • How can I keep gardening with this arthritis in my hands? • What can I do if my balance is off? • I need to find a pruner I can open and close with one hand. Which brand should I look for?

Q. What are the real and potential side benefits to the average gardener of adaptive gardening? Adaptive Gardening expert Toni Gattone works in a raised bed vegetable garden, while sitting on a reversible kneeler bench.

Q. When did you first learn about adaptive gardening? A. As soon as I thought the word “adapt,” a light bulb went off in my head! On a recent trip to Oregon, I read an article on adaptive gardening in a newspaper called Boomer and Senior News. I remembered commenting to my husband, Tim, “Isn’t that redundant? I mean: ‘Boomers and Seniors’?” The article told the story of two women in Oregon who were helping seniors adapt their gardens to accommodate their changing ability levels. One of their clients wanted to ensure she could continue with her passion despite needing a wheelchair. She described gardening as a way to nourish her soul. They expressed what a sad thing it is when people feel forced to stop gardening. One line in the article stuck with me: “Garden smarter, not harder, so you can garden for life.” Bingo! I started researching the subject and the seminar I present to garden clubs, flower & garden shows, women, and senior groups is called: “You Can Garden for Life with Adaptive Gardening.” Q. What are the most common questions people have about adaptive gardening?

A. Plan ahead. My approach helps gardeners think through what they may need in the future, so they can make changes now and will not have to undo the work later. Q. What inspiring adaptive gardeners have you encountered when doing your book research? A. I have a dear friend, Susan Bixby, in Purcellville, VA, who has learned to adapt over the years. They have 4.25 acres, which is way more space than they need, and they are finding they can’t keep up with all the work, so they are talking about downsizing. In her gardens, Susan uses a lot of large, plastic containers and incorporates more perennials, rather than annuals that must be replaced each year. Her favorite adaptive tool is her reversible kneeler bench she received for Mother’s Day last year. Q. When is your book coming out and how can people get it? A. It will be out in summer 2019. There’s a listing for it already on Amazon, so your readers can pre-order it, or add it to their wish list and they will be notified when it is in stock. o Kathy Jentz is editor of Washington Gardener and is looking forward to a lifetime of growing in her own garden. NOVEMBER 2018

WASHINGTON GARDENER

GOINGnative

Native Honeysuckle: Lonicera sempervirens By Barry Glick

Nowadays when someone mentions “Honeysuckle,” they’re usually complaining about that sweetly fragrant, infuriatingly invasive thug from Asia, Lonicera japonica, also known as Japanese Honeysuckle, that’s taking over their woodlands. When my esteemed editor, Ms. Jentz, handed me my column assignment, I was delighted that she chose our little-known native Coral or Trumpet Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens). I’ve been growing and propagating this very manageable vine for decades and it’s still on my favorites list. I have it planted every 24" along a 7½-foothigh deer fence, and the deer have not found it to their liking—never even nibbling on it. As an experiment, I tried growing it without support and found that the vine makes an interesting groundcover as it sprawls over the ground. Although a woodland plant, its flowering is much more profuse when it is given some sun. On the pure spe18

WASHINGTON GARDENER NOVEMBER 2018

cies, the trumpet-shaped clusters of long-lasting flowers are a coral color and appear from May through June. There are several named selections— “Nativars”—with bloom colors from bright-red to bright-yellow. Their beauty forgives their lack of fragrance, at least to us homo-sapiens, that is. I’ve observed the flowers visited by a vast array of pollinators, including hummingbirds, butterflies, and various species of bees. Should you find the need to prune it back, it’s best to wait until flowering has finished. And don’t you dare throw away those prunings: Lonicera sempervirens is a very easy plant to root and you know that all of your friends will want one after they see yours blooming. You can also preserve genetic diversity by propagating it from seeds. If you have a trellis, arbor, or fence begging for some color, this is the plant for you, or you could just let it run free, rambling over a rock wall or berm. Average soil moisture and texture

suits Lonicera sempervirens just fine. If the weather gets droughty, give it a bit of water and keep it mulched. Lonicera sempervirens doesn’t seem to have any insect, pest, or disease problems. In fact, I’ve never even seen aphids on it. The genus Lonicera is named for the German botanist Adam Lonitzer (15281586) and the species name, sempervirens, which directly translated from Latin means always green, is kind of a misnomer in our colder growing zones, since it does behave deciduously and it is semi-evergreen in USDA Zone 8 and above. 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.

EDIBLEharvt

Turnip Tales by Nicole Reisinger

One of the required projects for interns at Washington Gardener magazine was to choose our own vegetables to grow throughout the fall semester. During our meetings each week, we would stroll over to the Fenton Community Garden and check on the progress of our plants. This season, I chose to grow ‘Seven Top’ turnips, ‘Purple Top White Globe’ turnips, and turnip greens. I had never grown turnips before, let alone eaten them, so I was excited to try something new. They are very similar to growing radishes—a plant I’ve only ever needed to grow for a science project in middle school—so I was not too intimidated. I was so excited to finally see something sprout out of the ground after almost two weeks of waiting (granted, my patience could use a little practice). The ‘Seven Top’ and ‘Purple Top White Globe’ turnips sprouted at the same time while the greens trailed about a week behind.

My biggest faux pas when growing my turnips was not thinning them enough. I dug the holes 3 inches apart and put about three seeds in each hole. Thinking natural selection would allow the seeds to duke it out underground, I did not follow the thinning process as well as I should have. It is recommended to thin the seedlings 4 to 6 inches apart when they are 4 inches high. If I had followed this instruction, I would have probably yielded turnips larger and wider than my pinky toe. Thankfully, I was able to salvage a few plants and managed to end up with a few that actually resembled turnips. The first frost back in October nipped at my turnip greens, but I was able to harvest a few leaves to bring home and cook. Uyen, another intern, had added her radish greens in a soup, so I decided to follow suit and try the same. I found a vegetable soup recipe by Southern Living specifically for turnip greens, and it ended up being very

simple to make. It called for the addition of ham and onions, and the turnip greens were extremely similar to kale in regard to its preparation, stalky texture, and hearty taste. I picked some ‘Purple Top White Globes’ turnips from the plot so I could give my family a little tasting for our Thanksgiving dinner. The few I gathered were not big enough to serve by themselves, so I cut them into small chunks along with some beets and carrots. I tossed the veggies in olive oil, sea salt, pepper, fresh thyme, and a tad of brown sugar, and spread them on a sheet pan to roast in the oven for about 40 minutes at 400 degrees. In the end, these three root vegetables looked pretty in their fall colors on the table. o Nicole Reisinger is a publicist for Salzburg Global Seminar. She was an editorial intern at Washington Gardener magazine during the fall 2017 semester. NOVEMBER 2018

WASHINGTON GARDENER

NEIGHBORnwork

Meet Marcella Kriebel: Botanical Illust�ator By Ashley O’Connor

Marcella Kriebel combined her passion for art and food to build a thriving illustration business. Her work is seen at craft markets and garden festivals all over the region. I spoke with Kriebel about her career and inspirations. Q: Tell me about yourself and your background A: I was a double major in cultural anthropology and studio art, and I grew up with a family and community that loved to garden. Certainly that created community experiences through food. Here in DC, I have two little gardens, one in my back patio in my art studio in Brookland and another one because I’m also a member of the LeDroit Park Community Garden. Urban gardening is very different from the gardening that I grew up doing with my family in Oregon. There’s a limited amount of space and the environment is different. But through my art, it’s really great to relate to others through the subject matter of food and plants, seasonal things.

WASHINGTON GARDENER NOVEMBER 2018

Q: What influenced you to pursue art? Did you ever feel intimidated committing to a full-time career as a creative? A: As an artist and a food enthusiast and generally someone who loves to

relate to people through food, I took this idea that was kind of on the backburner, which was to create an illustrated cookbook that celebrated recipes from my travels from the previous 10 years. So that’s what I did, I took a year of that unemployment time in 2012 and created a refined version of a sketchbook journal that had me travelling through Latin America. That’s what led me to a full-time art career. Especially in DC, I think I’m surrounded by a lot more white collar professions, but I don’t envy those folks, I’m proud of what I do. I don’t think I’ve ever been intimidated by being a creative, but I do get kind of worn out with the reality of running my own business and being the face of the business. It’s growing, but when it grows, it means my workload gets heavier. Growth is exciting, it’s success, it’s wonderful, but it also comes with a host of new challenges. It never gets easier; the challenges are just different. But I am really proud of making a living for myself, and I can’t see myself doing anything else. Q: What’s a day in the life like for you? A: First and foremost, there’s no average day, and seldom do I have the same schedule. It certainly depends on the time of year; it’s a mix of commission work, and small business admin stuff. I often will ride my bike to my studio in Brookland to get the day started,

NEIGHBORnwork whether it’s meeting with a client or packing online orders, or doing new work to introduce into my prints collection. Sometimes I do photoshoots for my work, too. Q: What’s the best part about your job? What’s the worst part? A: The best part is resonating happiness in others,. I think that’s what my art does for others, and that is really gratifying. The worst part is probably the small business admin stuff. It’s paying taxes, paying bills, and (doing) paperwork; all things that I will happily do because I really do enjoy working for myself. I like that I can drive my business in one direction or another depending on the time of year, so for example, this time of year, I’m doing a lot more events. Every weekend, I’m going to different places and selling my work, which can be really exhausting, but it’s also really fun to get to know and spend time with customers. On the flip side, there’s a lot of business in the background that has to happen for all of that to work. Q: You work with edible plants a lot. What’s your inspiration behind that? A: What’s really neat about being inspired by nature is that nature changes. With regard to food, there’s always something that’s in season. Okra grows here and there’s a distinct season and I can closely examine it, draw it, paint it, cook it, and collect a certain amount of recipes that will then inspire people to get in the kitchen and cook with it. It’s really fun and gratifying. It’s kind of a holistic project to grow something, make art that celebrates that subject matter, and then cook with those ingredients. I like that. Q: What’s next for you? A: I’m excited about having another fine art show. I think people know me for my open edition prints, which are certainly the foundation of my business, but from a creative standpoint, I’m really looking forward to creating a cohesive body of work that I can then exhibit in a gallery exhibit. Next year, that will happen.

Q: Anything else you’d like to tell our readers? A: I think that my work celebrates what you’re growing, what I love to eat, what people are craving, what’s in season, and also what’s trending. I do a fair amount of commission work and I’m always open to taking requests, so feel free to email me.

You can contact Marcella Kriebel at info@marcellakriebel.com or explore her work at https://marcellakriebel. com. o Ashley O’Connor is a senior multi-platform journalist at the University of Maryland. This autumn, she is an editorial intern at Washington Gardener.

Responses edited for length and clarity. NOVEMBER 2018

WASHINGTON GARDENER

INSECTindex

Amaryllis Tips and Issues by Carol Allen

Poinsettias are okay—now available in orange, blue, purple, and sprinkled with glitter! I like the occasional Thanksgiving or Christmas cactus (Schlumbergia spp.), but I cannot seem to get enough of Amaryllis (Hippeastrum). If you are like me, you buy the bulbs as soon as they are in the stores, pot them up, and have high hopes of bringing them back into flower year after year. Sometimes, I actually succeed. What does it take to be successful in growing larger and larger Amaryllis year after year? Predictably, the critical element is sun and plenty of it. However, selection does play a role. The hybrid Hippeastrum that are offered in many retail establishments in the fall are presented in various forms. You can buy the ubiquitous bulb-in-a-box, bulbs coated with a thick and decorative wax, or loose bulbs. You want to buy the bulb of the greatest circumference, if both display and growing on are your goals. The larger the bulb, the more flower stalks and leaves. Remember that this is a sub-tropical or tropical plant, so don’t ever allow it to get cold by leaving it in the car or garage. For best growing results, use a pot that is about 2" in diameter larger than the bulb. Use a well-drained potting medium and place the bulb so the top one-third of the bulb is above the soil line. Place it in a window that gets several hours of direct sun and water it in well. Do not water again until the bulb initiates roots. Once there are roots, water as needed, allowing the top ¼" of the medium to dry out between waterings. The watering interval will depend on the plant’s rate of growth and the amount of sun it is getting. Do not water based on your weekly chore schedule. Flower stalks emerge depending on the temperature and genetics of the hybrid. Often, when the fall weather is warm, bloom stalk initiation occurs in the store where you buy your bulbs. Pot them up immediately, if that is the case. You will probably need to stake the 22

WASHINGTON GARDENER NOVEMBER 2018

flower stalk, since the bulb has not put out roots to stabilize it in the pot. After the bloom stalk has faded, cut it back close to the top of the bulb. Make sure the plant is in several hours of direct sun at this point. The emerging leaves will get very long and weak if the plant is not getting enough sun. The plant’s leaf growth over the next six months or so will replenish the bulb and will ensure flowering stalks next year. The leaves grow long and floppy, so they may need staking at this point. I find I have the best return in bloom stalks if I put the plants outside in mid-May. I acclimate the plants to the increased light and grow them in partsun/part-shade. In most climates, they will need to receive about five hours of direct sun. I often take the bulb out of the pot and plant it directly in a prepared bed. I have fewer small pots to water in the summer’s heat that way and the bulbs have plenty of room to grow. It is a fallacy that they need confined roots to bloom well. Our modern-day hybrids are bred from South American species, so they thrive in heat and humidity. At some point in the late summer or early fall, the plant will need to go dormant. Before the first frost, I lift those in the bed and bring the potted ones into a cool protected area to dry off and go dormant. Turn pots on their side to make sure they don’t accidentally get watered. You want to keep them at temperatures of 45–50° F for 6–10 weeks or until the bulb shows signs of growing again. When will they bloom? Depends on the hybrid and its genetics. I find they often prefer to bloom in the early spring indoors and I have had bulbs bloom outside in mid-summer. They are vulnerable to grasshoppers and slugs. Their tender new growth would be attractive to aphids and deer. However, of most concern is a fungal infection known as Red Blotch. The causative agent is Peyronellaea curtisii (formerly Stagonospora curtisii), whose

spores are easily spread in cool, damp conditions. Red Blotch (also called Red Fire or Red Leaf Scorch) can be seen as an irregular red area on a bulb when you buy it, although most frequently, it is seen as a red area on a leaf or bloom stalk. Since any injury to an amaryllis will produce a red pigmented area, be careful how they are handled. The fungus infection will begin as small, reddish-brown raised or elongated spots that enlarge to cover part of the leaf or bloom stalk. The stalk or leaf usually collapses as a result of the infection. There is often a yellowed area around the spots that gives the impression of sunburn. Look for reddish-brown, pimplelike fruiting bodies that will develop in the center of the affected area. Most growers will discard heavily infected bulbs. The fungus can be controlled, although it is best not to allow it to take hold of your plants in the first place. Fungal sprays and drenches can be used to control the disease and many fungicides are labeled for this use. Repeated sprays during the growing season of Chlorothalonil, Iprodione, or Bordeaux mix have all proven effective. Producers often use a heat treatment or a drench of 1% bleach as a preventive or to control light infestations on dormant bulbs. Read and heed label directions completely if using a fungicide. Red Blotch is a persistent infection that affects Narcissus spp. as well, so do not store these bulbs together. Suppliers today generally do not allow infected bulbs to enter the marketplace. Be cautious about pass-along and plant exchange plants most of all. o Carol Allen describes herself as a committable plant-a-holic. She has more than 25 years’ experience in the horticulture industry, with a special interest in plant pests and diseases; is a Licensed Pesticide Applicator in the state of Maryland; and is an ISACertified Arborist. She can be contacted at carolallen@erols.com.

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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. 24

WASHINGTON GARDENER NOVEMBER 2018

Washington Gardener November 2018

Articles inside

Amaryllis Tips and Troubleshooting

Adaptive Gardening: Gardening for a Lifetime

Tips for Growing Chrysanthemum