Garden Education: Margo Reed and Jim Murphy

It was such a pleasure to listen to Margo Reed and Jim Murphy this past Saturday at the March meeting of the Richmond Area Daylily Society. For those who may not know, they are premier daylily hybridziers focusing on spiders and unusual forms. Their garden is here in Virginia and not only is it beautiful and full of daylilies you'll want to grow...but, it also is full of ideas that others might benefit from. (Click here for Woodhenge Gardens.)

First, one of the appealing things about this pair is that they know their calling. It is refreshing to hear people who are directed and not distracted. And, how could one not love their partnership; the blending of their tastes and efforts is a perfect backdrop for their talent.

Margo and Jim collaborating above...

Margo led off and took us on a tour of their garden. Jim's talents in landscape design are displayed in a garden that includes paths wide enough to allow garden vehicles in...necessary for maintenance of a garden on this scale. There is a spider deck viewing area, built by Jim for Margo as the Spider Woman of Daylilies, but nothing distracts from the awesome display of daylilies.

Before we talk daylilies, one of the fascinating aspects of their garden is the border outside the deer fencing (some ten feet tall with new metal reinforcement going up the bottom four feet). This border is gorgeous and full of deer resistant plants. In another area, I think back by the seedling beds, are gigantic grasses which also act as a screen and deter deer with their sharp edges.

Margo's daylilies are distinctive and I think she will be one of those folks for whom people will look at a daylily and say it must be one of hers. She has a particular fondness for the cascades but is working in a number of areas with her unusual forms, including patterns. Her search for a great white is getting closer. From the look of her seedlings and Jim's, it is hard to imagine how they pull themselves out of the garden each day. Margo's day job is such that her focus is not on early blooming daylilies, but they do occasionally show up in the seedling bed. Some of her daylilies (and Jim's) remain continually sold out as demand continues to outstrip supply.

Margo patiently takes questions from the audience (above)...

They are both interested in daylilies that extend the season and like a long season of bloom. Jim has a number of lates and very lates. Tall daylilies are also of interest and those of us for whom bending over becomes a chore will also appreciate these efforts.

As a horticulturist, Jim brings a wealth of information into their efforts. As a designer, their garden benefits additionally. As a daylily hybridizer, his efforts compliment Margo's and their daylilies are harmonious. Probably his best known daylily to date is the famous Margo Reed Indeed. However, that will undoubtedly change in the future as his daylilies become better known. He carefully selects for strength of scape, long bloom season, height and gorgeous blooms. Only those that pass a strict set of criteria will be offered as introductions.

Jim explains and shares information to the audience (above)...

Margo and Jim no longer start their seedlings inside. I found this of particular interest and was eager to learn more. Between the 1st and 15th of March, all of their seeds are planted directly outside. These seedlings can handle any frosts between March and May, when we here in Virginia are finally frost free (check your locality for the exact frost free date). Growing strong sturdy daylilies that can take the weather and don't require constant fertilization and watering are integral parts of their program. Living in an area of freeze and thaw, usually without the cover of snow, can be hard on plants...and it is their desire to produce and introduce daylilies that are assuredly northern hardy.

I hardly know where to begin when describing their daylilies to come. Save your pennies because you are sure to want several. It will be hard to wait for them, but we know that when they are introduced, we will be assured of sturdy strong daylilies ready to take whatever weather we receive. Order early because as some of us know...it can be hard to track down and obtain some of theirs on the secondary market and the Reed/Murphy daylilies tend to stay sold out.

Thanks very much to Margo and Jim for sharing their talents and especially their knowledge with us.

****

No trip to Richmond is complete without bringing back barbeque (thanks for the great suggestions, Wayne and Terri) and a trip to the Great Big Greenhouse. Two Pine Knot Hellebores (cream doubles) and two good sized corms of hardy cyclamen also made the ride back to Stafford. Several years ago at a nursery in the Seattle area I saw a planting of azaleas with hardy cyclamen...a neat combination when you think about it. These corms will be the start of my version of this....although I'll need...ahem...quite a few more corms!

Garden Education: Gardening in an Era of Climate Change: Is the Sky Really Falling?

On February 4th and 5th, I attended a few lectures of the above mentioned symposium held in conjunction with the Lewis Ginter Anniversary Symposium Series and a CVNLA (Central Virginia Nursery and Landscape Association) short course. Virginia Cooperative Extension was also a partner and as such, education credit was available to master gardeners. As you might guess, the audience was composed of a large number of individuals for whom horticulture is a business. I'm sure there were others like me...folks who love to learn and are slightly obsessed with gardening.



The first speaker was Dr. Allan Armitage, known to most of us for his books, articles and, of course, his work at the University of Georgia. I digress here for a moment...I first heard Dr. Armitage speak maybe four years ago or so at a symposium in South Carolina put on by the Midlands Master Gardener Association (fine symposiums, by the way....I think I've been fortunate to attend three...still mean to write about the one last year...I'll get to it...one day...) and credit him with my introduction to and now love of Clematis Armandii (click here to see mine; click here to see Clematis Armandii on a return trip to Riverbanks).

His topic on this day was entitled Gardening is a Four Letter Word - The Changing and Confusing Landscape of Consumer Preferences and Industry Trends. The main point here seemed to be (to me) that the wrong attitude has been conveyed to public. That, for instance, gardening is hard but landscaping is easy. You know, those shows on cable tv that put a garden together in 24 hours and then, as Dr. Armitage says, it dies in 24 days. We've made gardening too complicated. While horticulturists should know botanical names, don't expect your customers to know them.

Big box stores account for 75-85% of all plants sold. He also feels strongly that too many choices are available to consumers. The story of his daughter, Heather, not being able to chose some heucheras because she had too many choices available to her was told to make his point. As well as a slide showing too many mustard options in the grocery store.

(Sigh)....Okay, I disagree with that premise...I strongly disagree with it. I like lots of options and choices. The more mustards, the merrier. And, frankly, if a nursery I visit only has five varieties of heucheras, I won't be buying. I probably already have them! Somehow, I feel Dr. Armitage would say I am not typical, but the thought of only a few choices makes me want to break out in hives! I can make choices...and do...every single day! Long live variety and choice.

I did like his use of the term 'Nativar' for cultivars of native plants. Here we can find some common ground. Native plant pushing is big these days (my words, not his) and he stressed that these Nativars are a good way of getting 'native plants' to customers. I especially appreciated hs comments that he hasn't found the longevity in echinaceas other than purple. His favorite is Kim's Knee High. I so agree! I'm not even interested in trying any more of the new echinaceas. My one exception is a white one called Fragrant Angel that I got a few years ago from a now defunct online nursery.

In an interesting twist (which will become apparent later), an article I read in Carolina Gardener (Spring 2007) entitled Echinacea from Spring to Summer: More Than Just Purple Coneflower by Richard Bir basically says the same. That the hybrid colored echinaceas are not long lived. Most persist three years , a few as long as five. As Mr. Bir says, "In the end, I've learned not all perennials last forever. Perennial means that they return more than one year, but not necessarily every year from here to eternity." (Carolina Gardener, Spring 2007, page 38) Kim's Knee High has been very reliable here as has what is probably Magnus (although it may just be reseeding). I'd actually like to remove the Magnus, but it seems unwilling.

Okay, back to Dr. Armitage...he concluded with showing slides of some interesting new plants (although, I'd not sure exactly how new some of them are...I think they are probably new varieties of some known favorites) like Pineapple Lily (that's the only one I wrote down...*shrugs*). Dr. Armitage thoughtfully provided lecture notes and copies of some of his columns. I found in the lecture notes that he recommended as great plants for gardeners: Salvias, Hellebores, Heucheras, Echinaceas and Eucomis.

*****

The next speaker was James Urban, a landscape architect and urban arborist who is nationally known for his work and research on trees in an urban environment. This was one of the most interesting and informative talks I have been to in quite a while. He is the author of a book Up by Roots which is considered a manual for those planting trees in urban environments.

First off, I learned that pieces of soil (maybe we call them clods?) are actually called peds. They come in all sizes and are important indicators of soil structure. By the way, amusingly, Mr. Urban said compost should be the color of 70% dark chocolate. He urged us to smell the soil (good soil does smell nice....maybe not as nice as chocolate, but still nice).

His work with trees in the urban environment has led him to say that the politics of trees is more difficult than the science of trees. I didn't take extensive notes, but his research into container grown trees was startling. I believe he said that he hadn't found a single container grown tree that didn't have girdling roots. Some have such serious girdling that you will probably kill the tree trying to correct it/them...but, you have to try because the tree will die in 5-10 years from those girdled roots if you don't. Scary.

On fertilizer, I learned that most fertilizers were developed to boost yields for crops...and trees are not crops! It is better for them to grow slowly. Too much N (Nitrogen, but you knew that) increases sucking insects and foliar diseases. Less fertilizer is better.

We saw great slides of soil and soil structure...very interesting! He talked about ways to correct it. Compost is the solution to almost all problems. Get it into the soil and not just on top (oops).

In correspondence with Dr. Dirr (very famous author...authority on trees, etc. also at the University of Georgia), Mr. Urban had Dr. Dirr define his use of "adaptable". It means the plant grows without obvious discontent over a wide berth from zones 4-7 (I hope I got that right).

*****

The final speaker I stayed to hear the first day was Dick Bir. Did you catch that? Yep, the same author I mentioned above. His lecture was called Successful Gardening in an Era of Change. In short, I believe his answer to the question posed by the symposium was "Yes". Yes, the sky is falling...translation, all of us in zones 6/7 should now plant zone 8 plants. (Giant sigh.) This after a record cold for the month of January. Maybe he didn't know. He is from North Carolina, after all (retired extension agent and faculty emeritus from the Department of Horticultural Science at N.C. State University).

He had some wonderful slides of shrubs (a lot of azaleas/rhododendrons) and from a project he has been involved with (lovely, truly). But, I just couldn't get past his rather often mentioning of the fact that we should now plant zone 8 plants. Okay, I do some zone pushing....but I wouldn't recommend it. Our winters are such that you can think something is going to make it...and then we have a wicked period that kills all those iffy plants (unless...ahem...one makes some special efforts...and then, sometimes in spite of those...they still die). Happens every so many years. A couple years ago, we had a week in February with single digit temperatures and no snow cover after a mild January. Very difficult. Those zone 8 plants would probably not make it for most people under those circumstances.

He did state something about how nothing is really going to happen (climate-wise, I think) for 50 years or so...to which I think I'll wait until year 48 or so to make my changes. Of course, in 48 years (assuming I'm here), I'll be asking someone else to make those changes for me!

He also stated that the temperature has gone up a few degrees in the last ten years. I'm sort of ambivalent about all this. You know I like peace in my garden. It would have been helpful to have provided some data and links on this. I'm just saying...if it gets warmer, I'll adapt...and so will the plants...as they have a history of doing. Who knows what the perfect temperature is supposed to be...this planet has changed, is changing and will change. So be it. Let's all just be happy in our gardens.

*****

Day Two begin with Felder Rushing. Now, I would drive many miles to hear Felder Rushing! You remember when I last heard him? He is such a character and so fun to listen to!

He opened with this beautiful quote by Minnie Aumonier: When the world wearies and society ceases to satisfy, there is always the garden. I liked it so well, I added it to the signature line of one of my email addresses!

Being Felder, there were a lot of good jokes and funny lines, but here's one I remembered: You might be a garden nerd if you clean your truck with a leaf blower. (Pretty good idea, actually)

I had this moment of excitement (kinda like a thrill running down your leg...just kidding) when I realized that my brain might sorta sometimes kinda be aligned with Felder's. He showed a picture of larkspur with its famous bunny reminding us of the beauty in nature when you take the time to look (I called it Bunny-in-a Basket...as it was shared with me). And, then he took a moment to mention the Museum of Garden History. Finally, he showed a slide from Chanticleer (one of these days I will finish all my posts on Chanticleer...I just loved it there). Amazing, huh...

But, on to more Felder-isms...He showed us some slides of his own garden(s) and pointed out the edging with a train that can carry two beers with ice. Sure beats mondo grass, he pointed out.

He doesn't care much for the 'meatballs and gumdrops' of many front lawns and speculated that those with a nice neat (boring) front yard may feel a need to have control over wilderness. You can just imagine what his front yard looks like...especially as compared to his neighbors'. As he points out, theirs haven't been featured in most of the leading publications of our day. When he was growing up and having to mow lawns, he decided that when he was grown, he wasn't going to mow any more lawns. He certainly appears to have succeeded...although he does like to remind us that he is actually a turf specialist. When people question him (since he doesn't grow grass), he points out that a brain surgeon doesn't have to have a tumor. There was also a laugh-out-loud picture of weeds (yes, weeds!) growing in an artificial lawn.

Especially amusing to me was his comment that he was genetically selected to be a southern gardener as his mother and grandmother were gardeners. His grandmother actually had labels in her garden for her daffodil collection. So, as he says, he was raised in a garden with labels. (You know I can relate to that.)

He covered fire pits in his particular way noting that sitting around a fire pit was as interesting as watching (on tv) people argue and blow themselves up. We were reminded that swings in the garden need a long chain so that you get that slow leisurely ride. Finally, he loves to recycle (you remember those tire planters?) and has made use of chamber pots. His preferred to plant to fill them with? Sweet peas.

*****

Darn hard to follow Felder Rushing, but someone had to do it. Next up was Dr. Roger Harris, the Interim Head of the Virginia Tech Department of Horticulture. In a self deprecating manner, Dr. Harris told us that he gotten "the short of end of the stick" as to why he was the Interim Head. Undoubtedly not true as he proceeded to tell us what Virginia Tech is up to...horticulture-wise.

I would fail in my duty if I didn't tell you that Dr. Harris...of course...had on an orange shirt. Standard attire for Hokies.

Besides some of the things you might expect, like recycling and sustainability programs (there is actually a Sustainability Office which hosts an annual Sustainability Week), Va Tech has been engaged in some major tree planting and, of course, has ongoing research in a number of areas. They're getting better every year and are certainly more conscious of their need to improve.

One particularly interesting project was a rooftop garden (I believe this is actually the third one on campus) planted and designed by students. Dr. Harris provided great pictures of the progress of the project and then the finished garden...complete with, of course, a very nicely planted VT in the middle!

Along with the wonderful Hahn Horticulture Garden, there is now online an inventory of the trees on campus. Each entry provides information on the tree as well as a detailed map of where it is located. This is an ongoing project, one it is hoped will create interest and over time provide another reason for individuals to visit the campus.

Sounded like VA Tech is on a great path. One sorta sad note, Dr. Harris noted the declining enrollment in the Horticulture program.

*****

There were a number of other speakers that contributed to the three day program. I'm sure they were also interesting and informative.

*****

As I finish this up, I have to note the weather here today. We've had sleet, teeny tiny hail and now large snowflakes this morning. I don't expect any of it to last as we should be up on the 40s (eventually) and the ground was not frozen.

Garden Education: Lilyhemmer 14

As we watch our daylilies wind down, AHS Region 3 works to keep our daylily enthusiasm up with its 14th annual Lilyhemmer. This year's program was again in Camp Hill, PA, and drew hemheads beyond Region 3 borders.






The speakers' slate included Tommy Maddox, Paul Owen, Bobbie Brooks, Herbie Phelps, Nicole Harry and Dennis Whetzel. Of course, there were raffles, games, an auction and a dinner. You know I'm going to share it from my perspective, so let's get started.

We (DH came, too) arrived shortly before the start on Saturday, October 18th. Officially, Lilyhemmer runs from noon on Saturday to noon on Sunday. However, many eager individuals arrive on Friday and visit on Friday evening, sharing pictures and thoughts. Friday night reservations were in short supply this year, apparently, so take note (for next year) and make your reservation quite early...if you want to stay on Friday night as well.

Anyway, we arrived and I checked us both in with the Lilyhemmer registration table, collecting our name tags, packets and that all important paper plate with your auction bidding number! Inside the packet were lists of auction plants, attendees, a schedule of events and general information. Oh yes...a handy pen and couple of pieces of candy to sweeten the deal were also included.



On Thursday, I had heard form our Regional VP asking if I would take pictures for the regional newsletter. Like I wouldn't have my camera...ha...I was delighted to be asked and I hope the pictures turned out satisfactorily. You'll get to preview some of them here.

After a welcome by Linda Herhold (an old pro at this by now), Tommy Maddox began his presentation. For those of us on the email robin, Tommy is a well known contributor amusing everyone with his jokes and amazing us all with his daylilies. We were treated to both during his presentation here at Lilyhemmer. One of the things I have realized and have come to look forward to...is the simple telling of each speaker's story. By that I mean (everyone has a story) what is their particular version of how/what/why/when they begin their daylily journery...and where it has led them. It's never the same, which is refreshing.

Tommy Maddox and Pearl

Tommy brings a southern perspective that includes year round growing, copious amounts of water, some chemical enhancement and lots of Mississippi charm. He shares his passion for double edges and the fun surprises that come along with that pursuit. The journey through the daylily years has brought him to a place now where he is moving forward continually. He crosses with his newest creations, only occasionally looking back, but pretty much exclusively using his own plants.

Stu Kending continued his unequaled reign as the King of Daylily Games. We scrambled to match daylily puzzle pictures and then guess the scrambed word on the resulting picture.



The completed puzzle/picture

Paul Owen stepped up next, introducing himself to us by taking us back to his PA garden (an American Horticulture Society Display Garden) that gave him immense challenges. He is a plantsman, patenting various plants including phloxes and salvias. The bluestone, the deer and the hard winters, however, urged him to consider moving closer to family. Eventually, he moved his garden (an awesome task) to North Carolina and a welcoming Zone 7. There he established his Slightly Different Nursery. Even with drought challenges, orange clay, and everything involved with moving/relocating, he is now seeing his new dream come to fruition. Paul has a vision and a perspective that he brings to his flowers...and some unforgettable names, e.g., Hotta Pinkie (the story of this name none of us attendees will forget!) and Janattitude (named for a friend battling breast cancer...with great attitude...) sales of which will go to fight cancer. Sometimes, it's the stories behind the daylilies that leave us with lasting impressions.

Paul Owen

Next up was Bobbie Brooks who brought us a northern garden perspective. She won us all over (all gardening enthusiasts, that is) by telling us that when people ask her to talk about herself, she answers, "Come and see my garden. That will tell you everything you need to know about me." Obviously, we couldn't all go see her MA garden, so she brought it to us. A talented landscaper (pictures of her garden appear in the book Gardens of New England), she focused our eyes on the overall picture. Using her own garden and gardens that she has designed for others (some incredible estates on Cape Ann), we observed her design maxims in action. Simply stunning. Some of her tips on designing gardens were to think about plant combinations (bulbs, garden themes, colors...similar, accent, contrast..., background and groupings), as well as structure (trees, shrubs, perennials and annuals), texture (spikey, moundy, ferny), composition (proportion/artistry) and not to forget soil preparation. Oh yes, she, too, is daylily smitten. Her introductions were not as numerous as others, but nonetheless as compelling. (I speak to truth...I bid on and won one in the auction!) I'd call her a More Than Daylilies Speaker.

Bobbie Brooks

Bobbie receives her Lilyhemmer shirt. Gotta have one of those!

Silent Auction Plants....with a special one....donated by Tim Herrington to honor Katisue Herrington who made her last public daylily speaking appearance at Lilyhemmer 13.

Attendees then left to attend the regional meeting (yes, there actually is one) or to rest before dinner. Returning for the 7:00 pm start of dinner, we all found seats and filled our stomachs.

Dessert, anyone?

Did I mention the hat contest? Can you guess this one? Of course, you can!

Around 8:00 pm, Kevin Walek, the AHS president and auctioneer-extraordinaire, began the auction. The bidding was heavy and yours truly did not win several I had my eye on :( That meant that I felt the need to stay until the bitter end (something I have never done before...I usually pick out what I want, obtain it, pay for it and leave). I did leave with three, so don't feel sorry for me. I won one of Bobbie Brooks' (as I mentioned), SUGAR PLUM JAM, one of Stu Kendig's (having won two of his in previous years at Lilyhemmer....great performers...I thought it was time to return the favor and actually purchase one), PIRATE CODE, and a Nan Wilkerson plant, SWEET CHILD OF MINE, . All plants are donated to offset the costs of this event and to benefit Region 3. All of the speakers made donations, both to the auction and to the Amish Raffle.


Just a very few of the auction plants awaiting bids...

Amish Raffle Plants

So, after a late night (for me), I retired and looked forward to starting it all over early Sunday morning. Unfortunately, my ability to rise early on my own let me down and...shhhhhhh....I was a tad late to the first speaker on Sunday. Herbie Phelps was underway when I slid into a seat in the back. Yet another interesting person, it seems Herbie was an athlete and loved (loves) competing. The competition led him to hybridizing daylilies where he competes constantly...with himself, always working toward a better and more beautiful daylily. He's had quite a bit of success, clearly, introducing a number of beauties including a favorite, Ashton's Giggles. Ashton is his adorable grandson and a future hybridizer, no doubt.

Herbie Phelps

Herbie gets "shirted"....

Herbie Phelps also talked with us about his friendship with the legendary Larry Grace. Larry gave him a valuable piece of advice some years ago, telling him "You wouldn't breed Secretariat to a mule and expect to get a winner." This advice hit home with the Kentuckian and with all of us as well.

Next up was Nicole Harry, a new Florida hybridizer. She has moved her daylilies to a seven acre piece of property approximately two years ago and is in the process of building her nursery. The daughter of avid plant lovers, she has not known a life without flowers. In Florida, you can see daylilies bloom from seed within one year and she admitted that worked with her need for instant gratification. Using primarily the latest and greatest, as well as some Gaskin seedlings, she is releasing and creating beautiful daylilies.

Nicole Harry

The final speaker was Dennis Whetzel, Curator of Historic Plants at Monticello. It's hard to be in that final spot, I think, but this was talk well worth waiting for. We daylily folk like other garden plants and we especially enjoy learning from others. His topic was historic roses and it was covered wonderfully. Beautiful slides were woven in artfully with his talk. They illustrated his points and we were taken on a tour through the different historic roses (even learned how/why they are categorized as historic roses). This was one of the most complete talks I have attended. Dennis even brought a cutting from the musk rose that we passed around and inhaled the incredible fragrance. That's what a rose should smell like! This same cutting he cleverly used (prior to passing around) to demonstrate rose propagation. In addition, he had brought seeds from lilium formosanum to share with all of us...a bit of Thomas Jefferson's garden we could all take home and grow.

Dennis Whetzel

The final 'shirting'...note the plant in the front...part of the rose propagation demonstration...we can do it!

Thanks to all the speakers....we enjoyed your presentations very much! We all enjoyed them!

Lilyhemmer attendees are a diverse group....

If you didn't make it this year....why not??

*****
Ahem...if anyone found a green sweater that zips up the front....well, guess who left it! Me! (The hotel doesn't have it...boohoo)

Garden Education: Holly Shimizu on Fragrance at Lewis Ginter

It's been a while since I made the trek to Lewis Ginter, but, of course, I just had to make it down to hear Holly Shimizu. Aptly described in her introduction as a "real rock star in the horticulture world", we also learned she is the 2008 recipient of the American Horticulture Society's Great American Gardeners Professional Award. While I knew that she is Executive Director of the US Botanic Garden (a couple years ago, Mrs. Shimizu gave a group of us from the MWH garden a tour of Bartholdi Park.), I learned that she had a close association with Lewis Ginter. She is a former Managing Director (Her husband, we were told, designed or helped design (I'm not sure...sorry) the Japanese Garden at Lewis Ginter...one of my favorite places there.) . You may also know her from her 12 years as a host of The Victory Garden.

So, it was with some excitement and anticipation that I settled in to hear this talk and see some great slides. We began to hear and learn that we can have fragrance in our gardens through all the seasons. A precious vial of Rose Oil (expensive and difficult to find) was passed around for us all to sniff. Our sense of smell, we learned is way behind our canine friends. If you think about it, we've all seen dogs at airports and know they are used by police and the military.

Among the earliest of fragrances (yes, I'm going to share some from her list....lucky us, the attendees, as we came home with the list...three plus pages...as well as a Bibliography...and a few favorite sources...thank you, Holly Shimizu!), are Saffron Crocus (which, now that I think of it...blooms in fall for me...anyway), Witch Hazels (like 'Orange' and 'Pallida'), Wintersweet (egads, don't remind me....that mine isn't fragrant), the Daphnes (you know I love these), violas (hard to find the true scented ones), Poet's Narcissus and, of course, Lily of the Valley.

Moving on, there are fragrant Azaleas, Lilacs, Roses, Catmint, and Dianthus. In summer...ahem...daylilies (in particular, a species, Hemerocallis citrina), Heliotrope, Gas Plant (perhaps mine will actually bloom next year....one can hope....I'm just glad it's alive....it's my third attempt with this one), Meadowsweet, Wisteria, Honeysuckle, Mock Orange, and Carolina Allspice.

Some annuals we might consider are Sweet Alyssum, Four O'Clocks (sorry, think I might pass on this one), Sweet Peas, and some Petunias.

Moving from Summer into Autumn, the Lilies, Musk Mallow, Gardenias, Clethra and Sweet Bay Magnolia. For fragrant foliage, some will like Boxwood (I might pass on this one, too), Lemon Verbena (I adore this herb and was delighted to hear Mrs. Shimizu does, too! I'm going to try to overwinter mine this year as I always panic a bit in spring until I locate it...), Sweet Rocket (I think this one is on some of the invasive lists), Fragrant Tobacco (which we learned grows on the Shimizu roof garden....how appropriate, see previous post), Moonflower, Evening Primrose.

There were even some root suggestions. The slide presentation ended with some gorgeous shots of various gardens and then it was question time. I'm always appreciative of speakers who take questions.

It was over much too soon, but you know what....the gift shop awaited! Ha. You thought I was going to say the garden awaited! Okay, I did go out and see Lewis Ginter and I'll share that next.

Thanks so much to Holly Shimizu for an excellent talk. If you get a chance to hear her, jump on it!

Garden Education: Master Gardener Volunteer Continuing Education Seminar

This year, I got lucky. Helped by the fact that the day I heard about the Albemarle County Master Gardener Seminar, I sent in my check. It's an amazing deal for $20. Five lectures plus lunch, hard to beat!

First up was Dr. Mike Goatley, a turfgrass specialist from Virginia Tech. For an hour and a half, he talked turf and we hung onto every word. I can't resist mentioning that we were in the heart of UVa country and Dr. Goatley came attired in a brown jacket with a maroon sweater over a (bright) orange shirt. Normal clothing in and around Blacksburg, of course. But, back to our topic...we learned that 62% of Virginia's acreage is in turfgrasses. The two biggest uses are ornamental and recreational but it also has many functional benefits. One of the most interesting was for heat dissipation-temperature moderation. Dr. Goatley told us about artificial turf that actually is much hotter in summer than even asphalt...so hot, it constitutes a danger to athletes.

He reminded us that fall is the best time to fertilize lawns. We're still a long ways from converting the public, but we volunteers can help to educate and set the example. It's important to keep that fertilizer on the grass and not on driveways, sidewalks and other surfaces. The nitrogen in the grass does not leach into our waterways, but on those other surfaces, guess where it goes.

I've just teased you with a tiny bit of Dr. Goatley's lecture; however, you can go to www.weblogs.cals.vt.edu/law_garden/ and get turf and garden tips podcasts.

Next up was Jessie Deelo who is an Extension Specialist in Organic Horticulture Cropping Systems. We're talking farming here. We got a nice overview of the trends in organics, a bit about organic certification (at your local grocery, if they carry organic produce....and the trend is that they probably do...the identifying code on the fruit/vegetable begins with a 9), and some idea of the principles and practices. She then discussed in more detail the Prevent, Plan and React system for soil management, weed management, insect pest management and disease management.

More information is available at www.ext.vt.edu. Specifically for Virginia and the Mid-Atlantic Region, check out www.vdacs.virginia.gov www.vopca.org and www.vabf.org. Nationally, check out www.attra.org(/sorg) www.theorganicpages.com and http://sarep.ucdavis.edu. All of these resources were provided by Ms. Deelo.

Lunch was served (barbeque pork/chicken with baked beans and other sides) and was quite nice. We were a hungry bunch!

The seminar marched on with Dr. Holly Scoggins who gave a presentation on Hellebores. I had had the privilege of hearing Dr. Scoggins several years ago at a master gardener seminar at Lewis Ginter, so I knew that she, too, would entertain us. She's very funny and had what were, I'm sure, wonderful slides. Unfortunately, the lighting was such (couldn't be turned off) that it really washed the slides out and made them difficult to see. Well, if you're read here before, then you know I like hellebores! I've heard the Tylers of Pine Knot Farms speak as well as Barry Glick of Sunshine Gardens. Dr. Scoggins has visited both of these Hellebore growers (as well as others...she is serious about her plant expeditions!) and it was interesting to follow along on her journeys. Dr. Scoggins is the director of the Hahn Horticulture Garden which I enjoy visiting very much when I'm at Virginia Tech.

One thing I learned was that I should probably move my hellebore seedlings. I already knew it could take quite a while for them to bloom. Her presentation showed us just how difficult it is to select for color (although progress is being made) and how tissue culture has made wonderful hellebores available to the public.

Dr. Scoggins did a second presentation on Hot New Plants. Since I've already mentioned the slide viewing woes, I'll just say that it was great to have a plant list provided. I'm sure it was difficult to narrow it down to just those on our list (time constraints), as Dr. Scoggins goes to all kinds of plant shows, trials, conventions, you name it. There were even a few slides from events in Europe. She gave us a very useful tip (hehe) on how to get ourselves into for-the-trade shows so we can see some of the up-and-coming plants for ourselves.

Both of her lectures were enjoyable and informative even though poor Dr. Scoggins was battling a cold or virus. We should all be so tough!

The final speaker was Mike Likins, the Extension Agent from Chesterfield County. He gave a very easy to understand lecture on a very difficult topic, i.e., Plant Disease Diagnosis. I just wish he had included a handout (next time, Mr. Likins!) as he gave all kinds of useful information, but it was difficult to write it all down. One of his tips was that powdery mildew is found on the top of the leaf while downy mildew is found down or on the bottom of the leaf.

The seminar concluded with some door prizes of useful books. Hats off to the Albemarle County Extension Office and their master gardeners for an excellent seminar! I'll definitely be looking for it next year.

AHS Region 3 Meeting in PA.

Time to do a bit of catching up. Well, a lot of catching up! Gotta start somewhere...

As you know or at least surmised, daylilies, especially in summer, capture my gardening heart. Not that I don't like other things or appreciate gardens in general (see my posts on Chanticleer...which I mean to get back to), but, to me, summer is daylilies (okay, tomatoes, too...but this isn't about them!).

One of the highlights this year was getting to attend a regional meeting. All regions have regional meetings (duh, you say), but I didn't quite get that they were public and more like a gathering than a meeting, per se (although there are those kind of meetings...attendance is optional or restricted to officers, board members, etc....that's cool, they can do the heavy lifting!). Anyhow, after much back and forth, (the garden volunteer group (MWH) was conducting a program on, of all things, daylilies, on exactly the same date as the regional...now, I ask you...how unlucky is that?? I was torn between feeling obligated to the garden group...although it wasn't my program...and wanting to go the regional. I finally compromised with trying to help with the garden group program, knowing they are supremely capable, and going to the regional. It helped that the regional extended the registration date because with all my dithering, I had missed the original date...and thought my decision was made for me...but, maybe not!) I headed off to Pennsylvannia for a weekend all about daylilies...what could be better?!

After stopping at Chanticleer (giant happy sigh), I managed to get lost (so much for my mapquest directions) going to the hotel and arrived just after dinner had begun. I hurriedly checked in and raced to the tent where dinner was being held...a barbeque buffet type thing. I was able to just get in line and then found a seat. Traveling by yourself has advantages and disadvantages. I don't generally mind it. As an introvert, it does challenge me (probably for the good) at situations like the dinner. I have to introduce myself to folks and ask if the seat is available. Once past that, however, it's usually a good time...and you meet new people. This was the case here. Not only that, I found myself agreeing to write an article on one of the gardens on tour (what was I thinking?? okay, actually, I didn't mind.).

Following dinner, we all headed off to a meeting room where the auction was held. Because I was a latenick, I didn't get my registration packet...with all kinds of goodies...including daylilies...upon check in, but the registration person graciously registered me before the auction. Nice, because it was "closed". In hindsight, there were plants in the auction that went for very good prices (in this case, I mean lower than they probably could have brought) because I'm sure there were people like me who hadn't seen some of these plants...but, guess what...we would see some of them on tour the next day...and wish we would have made a run at them on the auction! Anyway, I was very disciplined (yes, I was!) and looked at the list and decided on one, just one daylily, I would go for. However, (with a steely glint in my eye) I would have that one! That, by the way, is never a good way to approach an auction. You're sure to pay too much. I did get my plant! It was for a good cause. These plants are all donated and the money raised benefits the club hosting the regional and the regional itself. I left after that, not wanting to tempt myself...and let me just say, at that time, it was one of the higher prices. I can only hope I was "topped" later! (Not a record I would like to have)....but, I got the plant (repeat to oneself, over and over).

I should back up here a minute and explain something. Remember when I visited the AHS Display Garden in Maryland? Well, that garden owner, F, is a wonderful person who helped send me further on my daylily journey. When she found out I was planning to attend the regional, she encouraged me (read that as the push in the back I needed) to take the garden judge classes. I had read up on them on the AHS website, but I wasn't confident it was for me. I'm not the "open garden" type. Too many weeds and imperfections. Too likely to stress over it and not squeeze one iota of enjoyment out of it. I'm a "Gardening In"' person (yes, yes, yes, I know...I keep alluding to this...and I really will...maybe this winter...bring that all out...finally) and open gardens are clearly "Gardening Out". Well, F took care of that for me and basically said, "Go to it. Call this person." And, you know, I did. Got myself signed up for the garden judges classes...I'll tell you more about it as I go along.

Saturday morning, up bright and early to catch a bus for the gardens on tour. Those of us taking the Garden Judge 2 class would all ride on bus 1. Easy enough and no decisions necessary. The last garden on the tour, we would actually have a class in the garden. In the meantime, the rides to the other gardens were full of lots of good information, most relating to the class...but lots of other good daylily stuff.

The first garden, the Bastian Garden, we arrived at (the one I would be writing about) was actually a farm. No, not a daylily farm, although there were certainly plenty of daylilies around. It looked like a picture. There was the sparkle and glinting of water reflecting through the woods, a huge John Deer tractor near the barn, chickens and a chicken house, horses in the barn, you name it.



We hopped off the bus and found a full breakfast buffet being served in front of the barn.


You now know something I didn't. They feed you on these tours! Some, most, even gave away daylilies! Did I mention the farmhouse? Here, too, were the daylilies that various hybridizers had sent that were being grown. I think they send them two years or more in advance, so they can grow and settle in. These are also some of the plants that were auctioned off the night before. Some pictures:

Pompom Poppies (or so I call them):



Welcoming front door:



Tooth:


Gemini Jack:


Lavender Blue Baby:


Forsyth Dark Eyes:



Next, we went to the garden of the Stauffers of Kissel Hill. This was of particular interest because I have bought their daylilies for years from a local nursery chain. Where we visited was the personal home of the founder (recently retired from the business; think his son maybe runs it now...they have their own stores in PA). As you can see, they love daylilies here, too. We were fed here, as well, and given a daylily (Porcelain Ruffles). I was just amazed at all of this...the generosity of everyone...the time and effort they've gone to preparing for all of us...it was hard to take it all in. A very lovely stop.





Quite the 55 mph garden, wouldn't you say?


Always Afternoon:


Porcelain Ruffles:


Primal Scream:


Then (I think...I may have this slightly out of order, but you'll forgive me), we actually went to lunch! Lunch! Let's see...I had had a major breakfast at the first garden, complete with whoopie pies for the road, snacks at the second garden...and now I was to eat lunch. I guess somebody has to do it (hehehe). We had sandwiches, etc. at a restaurant that managed our four buses with ease...along with a nearby soccer tournament that was going on, so clearly a place for crowds.

Next, we went to Don Herr's garden. He is a wonderful hybridizer (check out his site) and this was a chance to see his daylilies. For me, most of his I had only seen online or maybe in a picture. I was blown away! I want, I want, I want. Does that say it all?? Oh yes, never fear...we were fed here, too. All kinds of goodies, including these blueberry scones with white chocolate chips...and Shaker Tea...yum.

Some of his seedlings (only a few...there were so many beautiful ones):






Some of Don's introductions:

Flamenco Twirl:


Strawberry Margarita:


Whistle a Happy Tune:


Award winning You Are my Sunshine:


Seedling bed:


Some other hybridizers' flowers that he grows:

Bella Sera:


Shores of Time:


A couple that were $300 upon introduction:

Peace Beyond Understanding:


And, Holy Guacamole:


Betty Ford which won, I believe, Best Red, on the tour:


Spacecoast Starburst, which seems to have been a great parent for Don:



I noticed current judges walking around with their ballots as Don had some of his up for awards clearly marked (smart man!). This is something I'll get to do next year, but more on that later on. I took lots of pictures here (the want thing).

Our final stop was another beautiful place, The Tomlinson Garden. This one featured some of hybridizer Joe Tomlinson's beautiful flowers and also the seedling bed for the tour (seedlings...not yet registered...of region 3 hybridizers). This was also, as I mentioned, where we had our garden judge class (no. 2, no. 1 would be on Sunday). Here, I (and others) began to put into practice what we had been reading and talking about. How to look at daylilies, what makes a daylily award worthy, how to fill out the forms, what do the different categories mean, how to look at daylilies in different settings (this was the last stop...and afternoon...and hot), etc. Lots of things to take in. We divided into small groups to practice. Unfortunately, I would have loved at least another 30 minutes in this garden to just look around for myself...but, you can't do everything. I did a quick run around...and then it was time to get back on the bus. I think they fed us at this garden and had daylilies, but those of us doing the classes missed it (like we needed more food...!).





Swirling Water:



Virginia hybridizer Jim Murphy enjoying the garden:


The seedling bed where we spent much time learning:


A totally gorgeous flower, by Joe Tomlinson...Lyndell's Forever Pink (I don't think this one's been introduced yet):



I'd like to thank all of the garden owners. Their efforts were so appreciated. The food, the bottles of water, everything, was just perfect. Thank you so much!

Back to the hotel we went. Four gardens is enough, really. I was kinda tired. We still had the dinner and the night's speaker to look forward to. I think I just kicked back for a bit in my room (nice) and then got ready for dinner. Because of nice conversations (and even nicer people), seating was not a problem. On our seats were various gifts...Did I mention the boutique? I don't think I did. After the bus trip...we were given a bus plant! Darrel Apps, I was told, donated a bunch of them. We came inside and were handed a daylily (score!) and then I made my way to the boutique. Daylilies were for sale in there, too (who knew) as well as all kinds of items. I...ahem...did buy one or two (I had to get a Don Herr one, don't you know).

Anyway, dinner...was very good...I think an Amish buffet...lots of hearty food...then we listened to professional photographer and author Derek Fell give a presentation. I was sorta surprised to learn that he does not do digital, he uses film. As you might guess, the slides were magnificent...his work has appeared in major magazines, calenders and books. One of the things that struck me was that he talked about how a lot of photography is simply luck. (I think so, but having a great eye, throw a little talent in...can't hurt, you know?) He made his point by showing us a picture so beautiful...and said it was just because he happened to be there...then, at that time...not earlier, not later. He even showed us (along this vein) several taken at the exact place, but at different times...or at the exact place, but a year later. Nature does that...a continuously changing show. Seeing his pictures was an enjoyable event. Books of his were for sale (you know I love books, especially garden books), but, for some reason (I forget now), I managed to escape without one. Hmmm, there's always amazon...

Anyway, the dinner and speaker kinda wrap up the regional meeting. There are awards presented...Don Herr won more than a few (most deservedly)...note to self: you have to pay attention and write down daylilies in each garden because you will absolutely not remember when it comes time to vote...and thank yous....and it was done. Kudos to DVDS! I cannot imagine the enormous amount of time and effort that went into putting on such an event. It was just terrific! Did I mention our goodie bag (another note to self: they give you the bag for a reason...next year, take it on the bus to hold all the things you acquire...) had a cd with pictures from the tour? Daylily note cards? That's just a sampling...it was quite nice!

So, Sunday morning arrives and people are leaving...but not us folks taking the garden judge no. 1 class...off we went to the meeting room. I was actually pretty excited and nervous at the same time. There would be a test...and when was the last time I have taken a test?? (Not that I have missed them, mind you.) We were all accounted for and the lecture began. They were very good, btw, Kevin Walek (AHS President) and Julie Covington. Very enjoyable...we laughed, got to ask questions...and I am telling you, I will never, never, never look at a daylily the same! The test was given...and I did fine (Did you doubt me??!! Ha!). All that was left was to fill out my application and wait for approval. Since I have taken so long to do this, I can tell you.....(drum roll)....I'm in! And, for those in the know, I sent in my ballot! (Should I add that to my profile?? I'm just kidding...!!)

Here ends another daylily adventure. Not that it is the last of my adventures, by any means...just all for now. I must get out in the garden and rip out some tomatoes that are smothering the daylilies. Not to worry, the tomatoes will be safely taken off and put into the window sill (which is looking rather bare of late...see Gotta Eat). Take care now.

*****

P.S. Guess where the regional meeting is next year? Richmond, VA! (Will I see you there?)