HARVARD UNIVERSITY 1. 1 B R A R Y OK THE GRAY HERBARIUM Received Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2017 with funding from BHL-SIL-FEDLINK https://archive.org/details/arnoldiaarno_3 ^fay Herbarium ^^rvard Univanit ARNOLD ARBORETUM HARVARD UNIVERSITY ARNOLDIA A continuation of the Bulletin oe^ Popular Ine^ormation VOLUME V 1945 PUBLISHED BY THE ARNOLD ARBORETUM JAMAICA PLAIN, MASSACHUSETTS <^10 GRAY HERBARIUM IIRXKARD VNIVERSITX /fjy V V ILLUSTRATIONS Tlie Cedar VVaxwinjr is so fond of fruit that it has been called the Cherry Bird. Plate I, p. 7. Winterberry {ilex verticillafa) a deciduous holly with red berries in the fall and early winter. Plate II, p. 11. Mountain Ash (Sorbi/s americana). Always attractive to the birds in early fall. Plate III, p. 13. Most of the viburnums prove attractive to the birds when in fruit. This is the Arrowwood {Vihurnum dentatum) in flower. Plate IV, p. 17. Plants in the tropical arboretum of the Atkins Institution of the Arnold Arbore- tum, Soledad, Cienfuegos, Cuba, one of the few arboretums in Tropical Amer- ica. (l) The Traveller’s Tree, (s) Bamboo at its best. Plate V, p. 30. The famous ^‘Lilac Path” at the Arnold Arboretum. Plate VI, p. 35. The well planned propagating unit of the Arboretum of the University of Wash- ington, Seattle. Plate VII, p. 41. The beautiful Thornhill Building of the Morton Arboretum. Plate VIII, p. 43. The hedge collection from the rose garden at the Morton Arboretum, Lisle, Illi- nois. Plate IX, p. 43. Map of the United States showing the locations of the arboretums listed on pages 46-48. Plate X, p. 45. Viburnum Lantami grown as a hedge in the Canadian Government Experimental Garden at Ottawa, Canada. Plate XI, p. 59. Two snowballs for the North. Left, the European snowball. Viburnum Opulus ro- seum. Right, the Japanese snowball, V. tomentosum sterile. Plate XII, p. 62. The weeping variety of the Colorado spruce, Picea pungens. A Rocky Mountain Juniper, Juniperus scopulorum. Plate XIII, p. 69. Limber pine, Pinus flexilis, at timber line. Plate XIV, p. 72. One of the many species of rhododendron for which the climate of England is ex- cellent for growth. Plate XV, p. 81. The Cottage Garden. A thatch-roofed cottage, often seen on the English country- side, surrounded by its garden. Plate XVI, p. 85. The Christmas-rose { Helleborus niger) flowering in English gardens during Decem- ber and January and traditionally used at Christmas. Plate XVII, p. 87. [Hi ] e > 1 ^ 1 r> - '-f. • .'H l»- ’ll .V. C '!• -C - ^ "• .' ., •.urfj < A continuation of the Bulletin of Popular Information of the Arnold Arboretum, Harvard University Volume 5 March 30, 1945 Number 1 AN EARLY SPRING T he temperatures during the past week or two have been unusually high. Yesterday the United States Weather Bureau in Boston announced an all time high for the month of March of 86° F. A letter from Des Moines, Iowa in this morning’s mail indicates that the spring is unusually early there and the crab- apples may bloom by April 15. This may also be true in the Arnold Arboretum and if so will be unprecedented. For those who are interested in growing plants — and that is most of us — these temperatures mean two things — a very early spring and the probability of considerable damage to plants in April. Looking out the window at the Administration Building of the Arnold Arbore- tum, one easily sees the willow collection. As the buds of the weeping willow swell, they gradually turn from yellow to a yellow green. Then there comes a time, if the weather is unusually warm, when the foliage turns green almost over night. The most striking plant in this collection is a weeping willow tree, which turned green on May 1 last year. This year it turned green March 29. Spring plowing is being attempted, successfully in some places, today, and many is the Victory gardener who is energetically going over his seeds and play- ing with the idea of sowing many of them shortly. The experienced gardener will smile at such activity and bide his time. The season is unusually advanced, but there is no promise that it will remain so. Thus it would behoove all gardeners in this area at least to try to control the urge to hasten the regular garden pro- cedure. It should be remembered that on May 18, 19 and 20 of last year there were killing frosts over a very wide area in New England. Early bloom now in the Arboretum It is of interest to note that the crocuses, snowdrops and Adonis amurensis bloomed at about the same time last year as they did this year, namely about March 20. Immediately following the bloom last year, there was a long cold spell. Magnolia stellata did not bloom until May 1 and, as already mentioned, the weeping willow did not turn green until the same date. Now, however, the willow is green, and Magnolia stellata will be in full bloom on Easter Sunday, April l,a full month earlier than last .year. Over a long period of years the aver- age blooming date of Magnolia stellata is about April 15. It should be noted in this same connection, however, that although the daily temperatures may not liave averaged as high in 1936 as they are in 1945, nevertheless many of the woody plants that are in bloom in March of this year, also bloomed in March, 1936. The spring was unusually early both years. Skunk cabbage is now in flower, as well as some of tlie poplars and pussy wil- lows. Special mention should be made of Forsi/tliia ovata. This is the first of the forsythias to flower, and some of the plants in open places in the x\rboretum are now in full bloom. It must be admitted, however, that there will not be the usu- al ten day lapse between the time this species flowers and the time that Forsythia intermedia spectahilis blooms, for many of these plants are showing a great deal of color in their buds now, and some should be in full bloom on Easter Sunday. Primus Davidiana was in full bloom at least two days ago. This is the first of all tlie Primus tribe to flower in the spring. Abeliophyllum distichum should still be in full bloom the first of next week. Its many small white flowers on the long- arching branches make it an outstanding shrub for early spring effect, and south of New York City, it is likely that the flowers would not be nipped by late frosts, as so frequently liappens in the Arnold Arboretum. 'I'he witcli hazels have, of course, been in full flower for some weeks. All have good flowers this year. The closely related Corylopsis species are barely starting to show the yellow color in their flower buds, but soon should be in full bloom. Lonicera praeflorens was in full flower several days ago. Rhododendron daiiricum and R. mucj'onidatuni fiYe in full bloom today. Their pur- plish pink flowers are very much alike as far as color is concerned, but R. mucron- ulatuni is much tlie better plant in this climate for it is hardier and flowers much more freely. Although it is a true rhododendron, it is frequently thought of as an azalea for it drops its leaves in the winter and to all intents and purposes func- tions as an azalea in the garden. These two plants are the first of all the woody plants to display flowers of this color, and so are valued. Finally, the Japanese cornelian cherry {Cornus officinalis) will be in full flower tomorrow and will be followed in a few days by the cornelian cherry (C. mas). If this weather keeps up a few more days, many other shrubs will be forced rap- idly into premature bloom. The flowers of many of these can easily be killed by a frost, which at this time of year should be expected at almost any time. Winter Injury Very little winter injury has occurred due to low temperatures this year. How- ever, the very heavy snowfall of February 8 caused a great deal of damage. This snow was rather wet and froze somewhat to the branches of many trees and shrubs, bending many practically to the ground. Of course, this was responsible for some breakage. The day after the storm, while the snow and ice were still on the trees, a wind prevailed for a short period but unfortunately long enough to cause heavy damage. It is estimated that this one storm alone caused so much breakage in the Arnold Arboretum that it will take our entire force at least three weeks properly to prune the trees injured by it. In visiting the Arboretum this spring, please keep this in mind for it will be impossible to clear away all signs of damage done by this storm in time for the big spring flower displays. Donald Wyman Notes It was with sincere regret that we announced last fall the death of the Superin- tendent, Mr. Louis Victor Schmitt, on November 16, 1944-. News releases were issued at the time, but no mention was made in the final issue of Arnoldia for 1944*. Mr. Schmitt came to the Arnold Arboretum in 1905 and served long and well, eventually being appointed as Superintendent. His position has been filled since the first of this year by Mr. Robert G. Williams, who came here from his position as Superintendent of Parks in Greensboro, North Carolina. Mr. Williams is a graduate of Cornell University, and is well prepared for the work in the Arboretum. Full announcements were made in the horticultural papers at the time of his appointment. The Veitch Memorial gold medal of the Royal Horticultural Society in London has been awarded to Mr. William H. Judd, propagator of the Arnold Arboretum, for his excellent work in propagation. This is an award made each year to per- sons who have distinguished themselves along horticultural lines. Mr. Judd has been on the staff of the Arnold Arboretum ever since he came to this country from England in 1913, since which time a very great amount of new material has been introduced by the Arnold Arboretum. This has necessitated a rather com- plete knowledge of propagation. Mr. Judd hopes to be able to go to England shortly after the war in order to receive this medal in person. [ 3 ] Book Review Betts, E. M. Thomas Jefferson’s Garden Book, 1766-1824, with Relevant Ex- tracts from His Other Writings, i-xvi. 1-704. pi. 1-36. 1944 (Mem. American Philos. Soc. Philadelphia, vol. 22). Price |5.00. — The basis of this interestinor document is the original Jefferson manuscript which was purchased, among other papers, by Jefferson’s great-grandson, Thomas Jefferson Coolidge of Boston, and by him presented to the Massachusetts Historical Society, June 9, 1898. It con- tains the most varied entries of all of Jefferson’s memorandum books. It was S^tarted as a diary of garden observations but became a written repository for nu- merous other Jeffersonian interests. As he states in a letter addressed to Charles Willson Peale, August 20, 1811 : ^‘No occupation is so delightful to me as the culture of the earth, and no culture is comparable to that of a garden.” The volume is replete with very numerous entries appertaining not only to agriculture and horticulture but to a multitude of the author’s other remarkably wide in- terests. As the editor states: ^^Here is revealed what was probably the most ab- sorbing of all the interests of one who was the foremost philosopher of his time. Governor of Virginia, Secretary of State in Washington’s cabinet. Vice President and President of the United States, President of the American Philosophical Society for eighteen years, and founder of the University of Virginia,” and, it may be added, author of the Declaration of Independence. Very many of Jeffer- son’s letters to a wide circle of correspondents are reproduced. The volume is well documented, provided with an ample bibliography, and a comprehensive in- dex. Tliis outstanding book is highly recommended to all individuals who may be interested in this very remarkable man, and especially to that increasingly wide public that is intrigued with plants, their culture, and the time of introduc- tion of various types into cultivation in the United States. E. D. Mkrrill [ 4 ] ARNOLDIA A continuation of the Bulletin of Popular Information of the Arnold Arboretum, Harvard University Volume 5 April 6, 1945 Numbers 2-3 BUILD BIRD POPULATION WITH FOOD PLANTS B IRD-LIFE is an essential feature of every attractive landscape. Not only the town g^arden and lawn, but the farmstead with its fence rows and hedjoes, its fields and woodland edges, has its interest heightened by the color, the activ- ity, and the song of our native birds. And the charm of these feathered citizens lies not only in their beauty, but in the hard, cold fact that they benefit the townsman and the farmer economically through their destruction of harmful in- insects and weed seeds. They serve to maintain balance in nature by keeping in check grasshoppers, gypsy moths, tent caterpillars and rodents, the over-popu- lation of any one of which might drive man from great areas of the earth. By the consumption of millions of weed seeds they also reduce the competition of weeds with cultivated plants. The most interesting way to attract a greater population of birds about the home is to plant trees and shrubs especially attractive to them. Such plants may provide escape cover, in which birds may take refuge from their enemies or from storms; nesting cover, which furnishes the right type of support for young birds’ cradles ; or winter cover, represented by the conifers and most important where the ground is long covered with snow. If a cover, in addition to any of the above uses, will serve to provide bird food — mainly as seeds or fruits, but for some birds as buds or leaves or bark — such trees and shrubs serve doubly well. Shrubs and trees of special value to birds, as well as to mammals, may well be selected for fence rows and windbreaks, for woodland edges, for border plantings about the home lot and for foundation plantings around the house. Through the use of certain varieties — many of them well-adapted native species, others easily grown exotics — there may be a succession of food for wildlife through much of the year, at the same time providing beauty of bloom and leaf and interest through fruits or seed pods. Various writers have listed fully a hundred trees and shrubs that are of value to birds as food plants. Experience at the Arnold Arboretum could doubtless add many other species and varieties. However, we will consider here mainly those in more common use, wliich are easily secured from nurseries or taken from sur- plus woodland growtlis. For many years the Moose Hill Sanctuary of the xMassachusetts .Audubon So- ciety at Sharon, Massachusetts, has kept records of fifty varieties of fruit-bearing trees and shrubs planted especially to attract bird-life. Of this number. Superin- tendent William A. Taylor has selected ten that are particularly desirable, not because all of them are favorites of the birds, but because these plants are most likely to meet the birds’ requirements in that section throughout the twelve months of the year. The ten most highly recommended are : For summer and early autumn Tatarian Honeysuckle {Lonicera ta(arica) Buckthorn {N/ianiuus carohniaua or R. cathartica) Red Mulberry {Morus rubra) Gray Dogwood i^Coruus racemosa) Redosier Dogwood {Corn us sto/onijera) For late autumn and winter Arrowwood Viburnum {Ciburuum dentaium) Common Winterberry {Ile,v vert id //a (a) Mountain Ash {Sorbus americaua or S. aucuparia) Flowering Crab {Mains floribiimla) Japanese Barberry {Berberis Thuubergii) Tliese and a number of other varieties are briefly discussed in the following paragraplis, to allow a wide choice where one must consider the space available for planting, the condition of the soil, location as to sun or shade, and other fac- tors that effect plant growth. Peculiarly enough, reports from many observers who have kept records on the fruits most favored by birds for food indicate that in one locality a number of birds may rapidly clean off the fruits of a certain tree or shrub, while in another locality the same fruit may go through the season al- most untouched. Native species of plants are labeled (N), while introduced or exotic species are labeled (E), and the approximate height to which the plants grow is also indicated. These Trees are Useful as Summer and Autumn Foods Tlie Oaks, such as White Oak {Qiiercus alba) (N : 40 to 60 ft.) and Red Oak {Quercus rubra) (N : 50 to 60 ft.) provide acorns that furnish food to many birds, including Jays, Woodpeckers and Nuthatches, as well as to Squirrels and Chip- munks. The fruit of the Hackberry {Celtis occideutalis) (N : 40 ft.), maturing in Sep- tember and October, is eaten by forty species, while the Sassafras {Sassafras al- bidum) (N : ^20 ft. ) may be grown as a small tree or, through cutting back, will [ 6 ] PLATE I {Cotirteay Jlenry B. Kane) The Cedar VVaxwing is so fond of fruit that it has been called the Cherry Bird. During the nesting? season, you will find these birds carrying the small wild red and black cherries, as well as fruit of the bush honeysuckle, to their young-. form a shrubby copse. In landscaping it is valued for its brilliant autumn foliage, and the dark blue fruit on red stems attracts birds ranging from the Bob-white to the Crested Flycatcher. 'I'he Sour Cum or Black Tupelo {N^ssa sylmtica) (N : 50 ft.), with its crimson leaves in the autumn and blue-black fruit, may encourage visits not only from Waxwings, Thrushes and Blue Jays, but even from Wood Ducks and Ring- necked Pheasants. J'he American Elm {Uhnns amencana) (N : bO ft.) should not be overlooked, for in addition to its edible, winged nutlet, it furnishes the ideal site for the nesting of tlie Baltimore Oriole. The Wliite Ash {Fraxinus americaua) (N : .50 ft.) is planted for its seeds, which are liked by the Pine Grosbeaks, favorites among the scarcer winter Finches that appear in New England. Even tlie Sugar Maple {Acer sacchai'um) (N : 50 ft.) has its part in furnishing seed to bird and mammal life. 'Pile Cherries have fruits tliat are favorites of many birds, more than seventy species feasting on tliem. The wild cherries are even more popular with birds than tlie cultivated varieties, although they should not be planted where live stock may reach them, as their leaves often prove poisonous to animals. The Wild Red Cherry or Pin Cherry {Pniuus pensylvanica) (N: J5 ft.) produces its white flowers and small red fruits in early summer, while the Black Cherry (P. serot'nui) (N : 50 ft.), with purple-black fruit, follows the Red Cheriw in season. 'I'he Red Mulberry {Monts rubra) (N : 50 ft.) and the White Mulberry {M. alba) (E: JO ft.) are not particular as to soil and will endure partial shade. Though a limited fruiting season detracts somewhat from their value, during late June and July tliey attract a great number of birds. Many bird-watchers have stated that if they could clioose only one fruiting tree to attract birds, they would select the Mulberry. Fifty-nine species of birds are known to feed on Mulberry fruit. These include tlie Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Kingbird, Tree Swallow, Scarlet Tanager, Wax- wing, \Jreos, Catbird, 'I'hrasher, 'Phrushes, Purple Finch and the Warblers. The variety tatarica, of Russian origin, is a smaller, hardier tree, worthy of trial. Staminate and pistillate flowers of Mulberry may be on the same tree but not in- freciuently are on separate trees, and in the latter case both types of plants are needed to ensure fruit production. Shrubs Furnish much Fruit for Summer and Fall Blackberry and Raspberry {Rubus sp.) (N : 3—5 ft.). For a tangle in a corner of the garden, these fruits are unexcelled for bird food, over a hundred species being known to eat them, and their brambles make fine nesting spots and good escape cover for Indigo Bunting, Catbird, Brown Thrasher, and many others. Blueberry {Vacciuium sp.) (N :^-6 ft.) and Huckleberry {Gaylussacia sp.) (N: *2-6 ft.), thriving mainly on acid soil and producing most acceptable berries in late summer and autumn, are attractive to such birds as Ruffed Grouse, Kingbird, Oriole, Chewink, Catbird, Thrasher, Thrushes, Chickadee and Waxwing. [ 8 ] ■ ■ Buckthorn {Rhamuus caroUman(i) (N :6-10 ft.) and R. cathartica (E: 6-10 ft.), the former with red fruit that turns black, the latter with sldny black fruit, are also valuable. The former's extended period of fruitino- adds to its value, for, starting to ripen in July, it continues through the summer and is available for food until tlie autumn frost. Buckthorn is not recommended, however, in sections where oats are grown, as it harbors oat rust. Of the shrub Dogwoods (Cor;y?/.v sp.), the Gray Dogwood {Cornus racernos(i) (N : .3-6 ft.) and the Redosier {C. stolon {/era) (N ; 5-6 ft.) have excelled at Moose Hill Sanctuary as bird fare. The flowers of both are small, in clusters, and at- tractive. The fruit of the Gray Dogwood is greenish, the si/e of small peas, in close, small bunches on crimson stems. The fruit of the Redosier is lead-gray, black-dotted and in clusters, while its brilliant bark lends color to the snowy scenes of winter. The Silky Dogwood (C. Amomum) (N : 6-8 ft.), with grayish- purple bark and clusters of pale blue berries, is particularly good for planting in wet places and for woodland edges, since it requires little care. It has given ex- cellent results in attracting birds at Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary in Northampton, Massachusetts. The Pagoda Dogwood (C. a/ternifolia) (N : 10-15 ft.) is indifferent as to soil, and its yellowish fruits are quickly gathered by several species of birds, including the Crested Flycatcher. The Flowering Dogwood {^C. florid (t) (N : 15- ^20 ft.), a well-known small tree, has greenish-yellow flowers surrounded by showy white bracts three inches across. The foliage turns a rich crimson in the autumn, and the berries are a brilliant scarlet. The Kousa Dogwood (C. kousa) (E : 15 ft.) follows the C. florida in blooming season. It has very attractive flowers and equally brilliant fruit. Eighty-six species of birds are known to feed upon Dog- wood berries, and because of their time of production they are available for, and of special value to, fall migrants. Robins and other Thrushes quickly clean them up as they move southward for the winter. American Elder {Sambucus canadensis) (N : 8-10 ft.) is a coarse, rank-growing shrub, often overlooked because of its very commonness. It is a great producer in the late summer of heavy clusters of black berries, which are eaten by a hun- dred species of birds, including Flickers and other Woodpeckers, Bluebirds and J’hrushes. The Elder proves more attractive to birds than some of our finest cul- tivated fruits, such as grapes and raspberries, so that it may be successfully used as a lure crop to draw the birds away from the more valuable fruits. The Scarlet Elder {Sambncus pid)ens) (N;8-1^ ft.), with its conspicuous clusters of scarlet berries, is more colorful than the American Elder and, within its range, is just as great a bird attraction. Sapphireberry Sweetleaf {Sijmp/ocos paniculafa) (E ; 5-7 ft.) produces most at- tractive clusters of sapphire blue berries in the autumn. However, the birds are so eager for these fruits that most of them never get a chance to ripen. It has proved one of the best bird food plants at the Roosevelt Bird Sanctuary, Long Island, and is being used successfully in Massachusetts. [ 9 ] Shadbush or Serviceberry [Amehinchier canadensis) (N : 10-15 ft.)- A shrub or small tree, garlanded in white flowers in May, has small, purple, applelike fruits which are so popular with birds like Orioles, Waxwings, Flickers and Thrushes that they do not last long after ripening. Spicebush {Lindera Benzoin) (N : 8-10 ft.) is valued for its handsome yellow flowers that cover the branches before the leaves unfold in early spring, while in autumn the foliage turns bright yellow and the conspicuous scarlet fruits are eaten by many fall migrants as well as resident birds. Strawberry Bush or Euonymus {Ruonijniits americana) (N : 8 ft.). The flowers of this shrub are inconspicuous, but the salmon pink fruit is interesting and sup- plies food in the autumn for Scarlet Tanager, Sapsucker and Thrushes. Tatarian Honeysuckle (Lo///cc/y/ (R: 6-8 ft.). This easily grown shrub has pink and white flowers in May and June, followed by bright red or yellow fruit that proves most attractive to summering Thrushes, Thrashers, Catbirds and Waxwings, as well as to White-throated Sparrows and Purple Finches. Trees Supply Some Winter Needs Red Cedar (Jnniperus virginiana) (N : ^25 ft.), is a well-known evergreen that serves a triple purpose for birds. The foliage is so dense as to make excellent cover and a desirable nesting site for many species. The blue fruits are attractive in winter to Evening and Pine Grosbeaks and the Purple Finch, as well as to lingering Cedar Waxwing and Myrtle Warbler, and they are an aid to early spring arrivals like Bluebird, Phoebe, Robin and Tree Swallow. Over fifty species of birds are said to enjoy the Red Cedar fruits. The tree should not be planted wliere there are apple orchards, as it serves as an alternate host for the Cedar- apple rust. Although the Oldfield Common Juniper {Juniperus communis depressa) (N : l-.S ft.) is considered a pest plant in many sections, it does serve its purpose in covering poor, waste lands, and its blue berries, like those of Red Cedar, are liked by many birds. Canada Hemlock {Tsuga canadensis) (N : 60 ft.) has seeds which are eaten by the winter Finches that we try so hard to bring to our gardens — the Grosbeaks, Crossbills and Pine Siskin — as well as by the Red-breasted Nuthatch, Chickadee, Junco, White-crowned and White-throated Sparrows. 'Hie Pitch Pine (Pinus rigida) (N : 30 ft.) and the White Pine (P. Strohus) (N : 50-75 ft.), both grown easily in this state, have cones that are sought by over sixty kinds of birds, as well as by squirrels. The Birches are so well adapted to Massachusetts that there is usually room for these small trees in a garden of moderate size. Plant a group of Gray Birch {Betida popidlfolia) (N : 30 ft.), one of the larger, graceful Paper Birch {^B.papy- r'lfera) (N : 90-100 ft.), or, near a pool or small stream, the Yellow Birch {B. lutea) (N : 40 ft.) or the Sweet Birch (B. lenfa) (N : 60-70 ft.). These trees carry in their small cones a supply of tiny seeds that the winter Finches — Goldfinch, [ 10 ] PLATE II Winterberry {Ilex I'lerticillata) a deciduous holly with red berries in the fall and early winter. The sexes are separate and both staminate and pistillate plants should be near each other to insure fruiting. Siskin and Redpolls — will search for. The Birches are also very attractive to Warblers during migration because of small insects, such as aphis, which feed on the foliage. The Mountain Ash {Sorbiis americana) (N : ^0-30 ft.) and S. aucuparia (E: ^0- 30 ft.) are ornamental small trees. The broad. Hat-topped clusters of white flow- ers are followed by bright, crowded, shining-red to orange fruit clusters that per- sist well into the winter and are favorites of the Waxwing, Oriole, Catbird, Robin and Tlirasher. The American form is said to be more resistant to disease than the introduced species from Europe, but the latter is not so particular as to soil and has larger fruit clusters. The Flowering Crab {Malus florihumht) (E: 10-15 ft.) is a small tree, to be planted in an open, sunny well-drained location. It bears attractive, rose-colored blossoms freely in May. The bright red fruit, the size of peas, borne on long, slender stalks, is in winter a favorite of Mockingbird, Cedar Waxwing and north- ern Finches like the Pine Grosbeak, Purple Finch and Red Crossbill, as well as of the Ruffed Grouse. The same birds will also welcome the yellow and red waxy apples of the Siberian Crab (M. haccata) (E : 40 ft.), which is more resistant to disease than our native Crabapples. The Hawthorns form dense, thorny growth, making an almost impenetrable hedge. 'I'he wliite blossoms are produced in May. The leaves are dark and glossy, some species turning brilliant scarlet in autumn to match the applelike fruit. All the plants of this group require a sunny location and prefer a soil that is not acid. 'Pile fruit lasts well into the winter and, when softened by frost, furnishes good food for Grouse and winter Finches like the Pine Grosbeak, as well as for hun- gry spring Robins. Cockspur Thorn {Crataegus crus-gall'i) (N : 20 ft.), Washington Hawthorn (C. Phaeuopi/rum) (N : 20 ft.), Arnold Hawthorn (C. arnoldiaua) (N : 20 ft.), and Englisli Hawthorn (C. Oxyacautha) (E;20 ft.) are four of the best. Boxelder or Ash-leaved Maple {Acer Neguudo) (N : 60 ft.) is a fast-growing tree that furnishes good shade, but the wood is brittle and the shape of the tree is poor. However, the winged fruits are particularly attractive to the Evening Gros- beak, a bird in demand at every feeding station in New England, though they appear in numbers only in occasional winters. Only the pistillate plants of the Boxelder bear fruits. Amur Corktree {Phellodemlron ajniireuse) (E: 20-30 ft.), with its raisinlike clus- ters of fruits, has been noted in the Arnold Arboretum as a life-saving food of early returning Robins and Bluebirds that have been caught in a spring snow- storm, as well as of wintering Waxwings. Many Shrubs Furnish Fruit for Cold Months Tlie Common Winterberry {Hex verticillata) (N :6 ft.) is a shrub of open type growth that prefers moist soil but will grow under many conditions. The white flowers in June are inconspicuous, but the brilliant orange-scarlet fruit in scat- [ 1 - 2 ] PLATE III Mountain Ash {Sorhits americana) . Always attractive to the birds in early fall. tered clusters may continue on the bare branches until midwinter and form a food supply for Grouse, Quail and possible wintering- Thrasher, Catbird or Wax wing. Forty-eight species are said to eat its berries. American Holly (//e.r opaca) (N : 6-8 ft.), the Christmas Holly, is of value for its shining, evergreen, spiny leaves, as well as for its red berries as winter bird food. In the Cape Cod area of Massa- chusetts, the Holly supports a considerable population of wintering Robins, as well as other species. Along the coastal area, tlie Inkberry {Ilex glabra) (N : 4-6 ft.), an evergreen that thrives best on acid soil and produces abundant crops of black berries, may be recommended. Also, for the seacoast, the Bayberry {Mj/- rica pensylvanica) (N : 6-8 ft.) with its gray berries, wdl be a boon to wintering Myrtle Warbler, Carolina Wren or Hermit Thrush. Black Chokeberry {Aronia me/anocarpa) (N : 4-6 ft.) and Red Chokeberry {Aroiiia arbidifoUa) (N ;8-10 ft.) grow best in low, moist, acid soil. White flow- ers are produced in April or May, followed by fruit in profusion in tlie autumn, lasting well into the winter and attractive to many birds, including Meadowlark, Bob- white and Ruffed Grouse. The Viburnums. Nearly all of the berry-producing Viburnums are considered desirable for birds, but the Arrowwood Viburnum [Vibitruum deutatum) (N:6-K) ft.) seems to be the favorite. Like many of this family, it tolerates shade and can therefore be planted under trees. It has white flowers in small heads and slate-blue fruit that becomes almost black in ripening. Sheepberry or Nannyberry (r. letdago) (N : 8-10 ft.) has cadet-blue berries. The Hat, creamy white flower heads of the Withe Rod {V . cassinoides) (N:6-8 ft.) are followed by varicolored berries, while the x\merican Cranberrybush {V. trilobum) (N : 8 ft.) furnishes showy white blooms, brilliant autumn coloring of foliage and scarlet berries. The Mapleleaf Viburnum {V . acei-ifolium) (N : 4-5 ft.) will endure much shade and is attractive tliroughout the year with its yellowish-white flowers, shapely leaves that turn purple in the autumn and showy blackish fruits. The Blackhaw Vibur- num {J\ prunlfolium) (N ; 10-15 ft.), a thrifty grower, is not particular as to soil and furnishes abundant bird food. All the Viburnums bloom in May and June, and tlieir attractive fruits, though maturing rather early in the autumn, will hang well tlirougli the winter and prove desirable food for thirty-five species of birds, including the Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Purple Finch, Pine Grosbeak, Ruffed Grouse, Flicker, Waxwing, Robin, Bluebird, Thrasher and Catbird. Japanese Barberry {Berberis Thuribergii) (E: 3—5 ft.) is a shrub that has incon- spicuous yellow blooms in June and bright red foliage and berries in the autumn, tlie latter lasting well into the winter. The fruit is eaten little by summer resident or fall migrant, and therein lies its value. During time of famine,” when most other fruits are eaten, snow-covered or decayed, these berries become life-saving food for soft-billed birds that may be wintering in the North, as well as for early spring migrants that are caught in the snowstorms of March and April. At Moose Hill, they are also eaten through the winter by the Ruffed Grouse. A thorny hed^e of Herberts Thutihergii is likewise a protection from bird enemies and an excellent nesting location for Song Sparrows and Catbirds. The Kuropean Barberry {Berheris vulgaris) (E; 6-8 ft.), which has escaped from cultivation and is found in many thickets and along country- roads in Massachu- setts, produces long clusters of bright red berries that make a delicious jelly when combined with crab apple, and the birds, perhaps recognizing their good flavor, feast upon them in late fall and winter. The plant is not recommended in wheat- farming sections, since it harbors the wheat rust. The Chokecherry (Prw//M.y (N:8-10 ft.), with its attractive white flowers in spring and dark red fruit, provides a good nesting place for birds, but the plant is in disrepute because of its susceptibility to the black knot disease, 'fhe Chokecherry and the shrubby Beach Plum (P. maritima) (N : 4— 5 ft.) that grows so well on Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket and Plum Island, are both adapted to the sandy, acid soil along the coast. The fruit of the latter makes a most delectable jelly and is also eaten by the birds. Coralberry (Si/mplioricarpos orbiculalus) (N : 3—4 ft.), also known as Indian Cur- rant, is especially good for banks and dry spots where low growth is wanted. The pink flowers in July are followed by racemes of currantlike red fruit for autumn and winter feeding of Purple Finches and Grosbeaks, which birds also will occa- sionally take the snow-white fruit of the Snowberry {S. albus) (N : 4—5 ft.). European Privet {Ligustrum viilgare) (E;6— 8 ft.) and Ibota Privet {Ligustrum ibota) (E: 5-6 ft.), so commonly used for hedge plants, should be mentioned, as their black berries, persisting through the winter, furnish food for Ruffed Grouse, as well as for other birds, and these plants will grow on almost any soil and will endure the unfavorable conditions that exist in many cities. Rugosa Rose {Rosa rugosa) (E: 3 ft.), as well as native roses like the Carolina Rose (P. Carolina) (N ; 3 ft.), Virginia Rose (P. virginiana) (N : 3-4 ft.) and the Swamp Rose (P. paluslris) (N ; 6 ft.), whose hips persist through the cold weather, will often prove acceptable to the Ruffed Grouse, Bob-white, Purple Finch and Bluebird. Japanese Rose {Rosa mu/tijlora) (E), a climber, is highly recommended by the Soil Conservation Service as wild-life escape and nesting cover and as a natural fence along the edge of field and woodland. The Staghorn Sumach {R/ius typhiua) (N : ^20 ft.), also the Flameleaf Sumach (P. copallina) (N ; 15 ft.) and the Smooth Sumach (P. glabra) (N : 15 ft.) furnish last-resort food that will be picked up in the spring by many birds when their other food supplies are exhausted. Woodpeckers, Chickadees, Blue Jays, Spar- rows and early-arriving Phoebes and Hermit Thrushes may partake of the Sumach berries. The Sumach helps Flickers to subsist in winter in coastal areas like Cape Ann. It has also been noticed that fall-migrating Hermit Thrushes and Robins linger in the Sumach thickets to feed on the berries, so these are not altogether a food of last resort. [ 15 ] Recent information from eastern Massachusetts lists the Golden St. Johnswort {Hyperician ft'omlosuryi) (E : 2-3 ft. ) as a most successful shrub for bird feeding. The seeds which remain on the plant through tlie winter are held two or three feet above the ground, where Juncos and Tree Sparrows can get them after all but the deepest snows. The golden flowers add vivid color to the garden. Many Vines will Produce Bird Food Old stone walls, unsightly poles and trellises may be covered with vines that produce berries attractive to birds. Even the Poison Ivy {Rhus io.vicodeudrou) ber- ries are eaten by birds, tliough this of course, is not recommended for planting. Among the most desirable vines for bird foods are : American Bittersweet {Celastnis scaudeus) (N). A well-known, shrubby vine that will thrive in either sun or shade. The interesting orange and red capsuled fruit produced in the autumn is food for Plieasants, Grouse and Quail, as well as Thrushes and Vireos. Native Grapes, such as Summer Grape {Vitis aestivalis^ and Frost Grape iV. vidpiua), are desirable for bird food, their use depending largely on suitable space for planting. Greenbrier (Satilax rofundijo/ia) (N). A partially-evergreen, thorny vine that makes excellent cover, while the bluish-black fruits are desirable food for many kinds of birds, such as Thrushes, Catbird and Brown Thrasher. 'rrumpet Honeysuckle (Z^/z/cem .vcw/?emVe/M*) (N), with its orange-scarlet flow- ers, will attract the Hummingbirds during the summer, while its red fruit is eaten in the autumn by Thrushes, Catbird and Bob-white. The Hall’s Japanese Honey- suckle {L. japouica HaUiana) (E), Morrow Honeysuckle {L. Morrouii) (E) and Amur Honeysuckle (L. Maackii) (E) are of similar value to the birds. Virginia Creeper {Parthenocissus quiuquejblia) (N), known also as the Five-leaved Ivy, clings well to garden walls, has brilliant foliage in the autumn, and black fruits that prove acceptable to Robin, Bluebird and other Thrushes, Tanager, Mockingbird, Purple Finch, Myrtle Warbler, Woodpeckers and the Pine Grosbeak. Ground Covers Are of Value Too In the shade of many shrubs and trees there is opportunity to use ground- covering plants, the fruit of which will also prove a boon to birds through certain seasons of the year. The Bearberry {Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) (N) is a creeping, evergreen slirub, growing onl}’ a few inches high and thriving in acid soil in semi- shade. The urn-shaped flowers are pinkish-white, and the red fruit, which may persist until spring, is eaten by Fox Sparrow and Ruffed Grouse. The Partridge- berry {Mitchella repeus) (N), an evergreen trailer well known in our woodlands, lias fragrant white flowers and red berries, is more tolerant as to soil than the Bearberry, and is a particular food of the Ruffed Grouse. Checkerberr^’ Winter- green {GauUheria procumbeus) (N), needing acid soil, is rather upright in growth, though reaching a height of only four inches. The foliage is evergreen and shiny [ 16 ] PLATE IV Most of the viburnums prove attractive to the birds when in fruit This is the Arrowwood ( Vlhunium denlat nm) in flower. and the scarlet berries have a decided wintergrecn flavor. Tlie Virginia Straw- berry (Fragarid virginiana) (N) is liked by more than fifty species of birds, includ- ing the Towhee and the Wood Thrush. A thick carpet of this plant should by all means be included in the bird garden to produce June fruit. 'riie red fruits of the Bunchberry {Corniis canadensis) (N) are a good food for the Ruffed Grouse and other ground-feeding birds, while its tiny flowers sur- rounded by showy white bracts make this four-inch-high plant a veritable mini- ature flowering dogwood. Canada Beadruby {Maianthenium canadense) (N), known also as Canada Mayflower and False Lily-of-the- Valley , is easily grown in moist soil in the shade. Following its small, white flowers, greenish fruit which turns dull red will be eaten by Pheasant, Grouse and 'I'lirush. Herbaceous Perennials and Annual Flowers Have a Place A vigorous herbaceous perennial that is found in many a neglected spot where its seed has been sown by birds is worthy of attention. It is the Common Poke- berry {Phijtolacca americana) (Nib-Gi ft.). The long clusters of purple berries, which in earlier times had use in ink-making, are eaten by many species of birds, including Mourning Dove, Flicker, Kingbird and other Flycatchers and members of the Mockingbird and Thrush families. Delphinium (many species), Oswego Beebalm {Monarda didi/ma) and Cardinal Flower {Lihelia cardinalis) among peren- nials and the annual Scarlet Sage {Salvia splendens) are flowers which most easily attract to the garden that flashing jewel, the Hummingbird, though Phlox and Gladioli seem to serve equally well in some localities. The fondness of Goldfinches for Sunflowers {He/ianflins species) is taken advantage of by California seed grow- ers who plant rows of this plant to draw the hungry birds away from the rarer plants being grown for seed production. Zinnias, Bachelor’s-buttons, Coreopsis, Cosmos, Petunias and Asters of many kinds, if allowed to produce seed in the cutting garden, will furnish food for the Finch or Sparrow family, and many of these plants will hold their seed pods above the snow to help the birds through the winter months. A spare corner of the garden may also be devoted to growing a mixture of seed like sunflower, buckwheat and millet, to serve as pasturage for the flocks of White- throats and other Sparrows, Buntings and Finches as they migrate southward in the fall and when they return to their nesting grounds in the spring. You May Have a Bird Thicket Even on a Small Lot 'I'he size of your property is not particularly a limiting factor so far as attract- ing birds is concerned. Investigation in farming areas has shown that the greatest population of birds occurs where woodland edges merge with open country and along the overgrown fence rows. Such conditions are practically duplicated in a border planting of shrubs and small trees that surround the lawn of a town lot, as illustrated here. There are endless variations of such a plan that may be worked out according to the desires of the individual, keeping in mind always a succes- sion of fruits for the birds through the greater part of the year. [ 18 ] 1. Red Cedar {Juniperus virginiaiia) ^Z. Gray Birch {Betula popu/lfolia) S. Flowering Dogwood {Corn us florid a) 4. Flowering Crab {Malus floribunda) .5. Arrowwood Viburnum {Viburnum dent alum) ti. Spicebush {Lindera Benzoin) or Buckthorn {Rhamnus caroliniana) 7. Redosier Dogwood {Cornus sto/onifera) 8. Gray Dogwood {Cornus racemosa) or Silky Dogwood (C. Amomuni) 9. Common Winterberry {jlex verticillata) 10. American Cranberrybush {Viburnum trilobum) or Sapphireberry {Symplocos panicuhita) 11. Mapleleaf Viburnum {Viburnum acerifo/ium) IZ. Washington Hawthorn {Crataegus Phaenopyrum) 18. Arnold Hawthorn {Crataegus arnoldiana) 14. Tatarian Honeysuckle {Lonicera tatarica) lo. Japanese Barberry {Berberis Thunbergii) 16. Coralberry {Symphoricarpos orbiculatus) 17. Rugosa Rose {Rosa rugosa) 18. Virginia Creeper {Partkenocissus quinqueflolia) | over fence or 19. Bittersweet {Ce/astrus scandens) } stone wall •-iO. Suitable location for Feeding Station or Bird Bath. Ground cover of Virginia Strawberry {Fragaria virginiana) and Partridgeberry {Mitchella repens) under trees and taller shrubs. [- 19 ] It is impossible in an article of this length to cover all of the plants that are attractive to birds because of their fruits or seeds. There has been no attempt made to include the waterfowl to any degree. Rather, the material has been con- fined to better known plants that may be used in limited space as well as on ex- tensive estates. It is hoped that all who read it may say: “Why has the author not included that shrub that we find the Finches like so much?” or “ We have in our garden a tree not mentioned here in which we have watched a dozen kinds of birds eating the fruit. ” It is hoped, too, that this information will then be passed on to the writer, so that his records of food plants for birds may be augmented and future articles will give a still wider choice of plant varieties that may be used to attract birds and at the same time beautify the home grounds. C. Russell Mason Seer elary -Treasurer Massachusetts Audubon Society I, [ 20 ] ARNOLDIA A continuation of the Bulletin of Popular Information of the Arnold Arboretum, Harvard University Volume 5 April 20 , lOI'O Number 4 SPRING RUSHES ON T HPj lilacs in tlie Arnold Arboretum will be in full bloom on April 24, nearfy a full month earlier than normal. Unprecedented and continued warm weather, in which several weather records have been broken, has advanced sprino- this year to a point where it is so early that many of the ‘‘oldest residents” have difficulty in rememberino- a similarly advanced period. Our records of actual blooming dates during the last fourteen years, are represented in a table in this issue of Arnoldia : this shows far better than many words of explanation just what lias happened over a period of fourteen years. The early lilacs bloomed well. Syriuga oblata and its derivatives have been in flower for a week, and with unusually warm weather many of the S. vulgaris varieties are in bloom today with the best of the flowering display to appear by the middle of the week of April 22, unless very cold weather intervenes to retard them. Crab apples are now in full bloom. There has been very little winter injury in the Arboretum apparent up to now. Some damage by rabbits and mice has been done to plants in the nursery, as is usually the case when the snow cover persists for an appreciable length of time. Those who are interested in the redwoods will be sorry to learn that the last of our Sequoiademlron giganteum (Sequoia gigautea) died this winter. These were what remained of an original shipment of six plants, collected especially for the Arbo- retum at the upper limits of this species in the Sequoia National Park. They were selected from sites on Mount Whitney because of their apparent resistance to cold. All six were carefully planted in a nursery adjacent to the greenhouse that is protected on all four sides with a seven foot board fence. They were given every attention at planting time and really pampered during the hot summer I months. Three of the plants died in the second and one in the third winter, I leaving two plants which thrived without much noticeable injury until the spring of 1944. One of these was planted in a protected place in the Arboretum in 1944, j and the other was left in the nursery. Both plants died in the past winter for no I a|)parent reason, since the temperatures were not unusually low, and the snow Blooming Dates of Plants Growing in the Arnold Arboretum 05 00 o 05 X X X X X 05 X X Of kO Of :o Of Of Of Of Of Of 0 Of X X 10 Of S S Of S s X o? o 1 I Of 05 o X Of 1 Of Of Of -- 1 X a 05 c Of 00 1 ^ 1-H 1 CO 1 1 Of Of Of Of Of kiH 1 s Of Of £ 1 £ Of 3 £ £ 1 £ 1 00 00 5 1— Of 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 o Of Q i 1 1 X Of 1 X Of 3 : Of 1 C 1 t 1 1 1 1 M9 1 1 ‘O 1 *o o Of 1 >o X Q 1 X *0 X Of 1 Of Of £ X Of Of Of 1 X Of CO 00 o? ‘O 30 05 3 *(0 *o 05 [ 1 (- Of X X c Of 1 m 1 -f’ 0 X 05 0 Of 1 i t»^A 3 1 1 X 1 1 X Of Of Of -- 33 CO 05 CO s s 1 a 1 s £ £ Of 3 E 1 1 £ Of £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ Of o Of 0 X 0 X X o *o 00 Of Of o ‘O o c o 1 1 X X Of 05 r— 05 Of Of s 3 Of Of Of Of Of 1 1 Of Of Of £ £ Of £ £ £ Of £ CO CN XH GO *o s X ‘O >o Of 1 Of >0 r-^ >0 »o m 1 40 Of 3 CO 05 0 Of 1 s 3 1 1 o 1 X - 05 05 05 1 'O Of 05 X Of Of m 6 *0 Of s 05 m 1 '—5 £ X) Q - M30 M17 Of 7 m 8 cc X 1 o X - o Of X Q 05 i- Of X 1 Of Of 05 X Of M31 0 X Of Of 00 0 ? 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CM f0» Of £ £ Of £ £ £ G o o *o CO a r-H CO X X CO t'- l" •o o r—< r-^ Of a £ £ £ £ c^? £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ •x CD CO 1 o? *o 1 00 C>f 1 Of i 00 Of Of Of Of a Of X o X a I a; 1 c>? £ £ 1 £ 1 £ £ £ £ ‘O o o o p^ GO CO i— 00 1 1 Of Of X a a a C^( 0( OJ CM 3 1 G a 1 G G Of G G G CO o a? i 1 *o 1 00 1 CO 1 CO X 1 X a £ i 1 1 £ £ 1 £ £ £ 1 CO CO 1 1 -H a 1 1 'O 1 1 1 CO Of CO CM 1 ? C>J 0^ G — 1 1 pH X G £ '-O £ G £ X CO o O O'J a; o CM CO 1 CO 1 a ‘O >o CO L- X a CO o> c^^ o» Of a 1 a 1 a G d Of G G 't- OJ a •PH £ 3 d; Co G 3 G a 3 ><1 pG O 3 u cn df c« CS > c /2 a G 'c« d; 72 G 3 ;h C/5 T3 c 2 G s G G G G cn 72 -M -M > n: s c . • o 3 7 ] I I I most as frao-rant. Viburnum Jiuh/li, a hybrid of !\ Carlesii and V. bitchiuense, has white dowers and at the Arnold Arboretum has proved a superior plant to both. 'I'hese three and Viburnum Bui'hcoodii, another similar hybrid, are the only ones used in the North with pleasinoly fraorant Howers. 'I’hree viburnums are valued for their laroe sterile flower clusters and are com- monly called snowballs. 'Fhe first, Viburnum Opulus roseum (V. Oputus sterile in the trade) has been in this country longest, but is not desirable because the young shoots and flower clusters are susceptible to severe infestations of plant lice which mar and disfigure the plants. V. tomentosum sterile (V. tomentosum p/icutum in the trade) lias been in this country only since 186 .) (introduced from Japan); it is the more desirable type of snowball for the North simply because it is not as suscep- tible to plant lice infestations as is the preceding species. Unfortunately, it is slightly less hardy than the European snowball. Both are planted everywhere for their conspicuous, large white flower clusters in May. In the South, the Chinese snowball (V. macrocephahim sterile) is prominent ever^vwhere. It has much the largest flower clusters, and even though a plant is growing in the Arnold Arbo- retum, it is not reliably hardy north of Washington, D.C. 'rhe rest of the viburnums used in the North ordinarily have large flat clusters, made up of very small, creamy-white flowers which, in appearance, are very sim- ilar to Queen Anne’s lace. One or two, like V. Sargenti, V. alnifolium and V . Opulus have a few sterile flowers rimming the outside of the clusters, making them slightly more conspicuous. Although the majority of the viburnums may not be valued for conspicuousl}’ beautiful flowers, nevertheless these are borne in such profusion that most are prominent in the landscape when in full bloom. Plants attracting birds All the viburnums except those with sterile flowers have fruits which are most attractive to birds, 'fhe fleshy fruits usually contain one flattened seed and the hesliy outside layer of the fruit is often brilliantly colored. The U.S. Department of Agriculture records show that one plant in particular, V. prunifoliuin, has at- tracted tlie following birds which were observed to eat its fruits : — Bulled grouse Yellow-billed cuckoo Flicker Catbird Brown thrasher Robin E,astern bluebird Cedar waxwing Rose-breasted grosbeak Purple finch 'I'o this list undoubtedly could be added many other birds, and it is safe to say that in general all viburnums in fruit attract a great many different kinds of birds, possibly more than any other group of fruiting woody plants except the cherries and the crab apples. In reference to this note on fruits it must be admitted that those of V. Lentago have a disagreeable goat-like odor, hence the common name of nanny-berry or sheep-berry. Viburnum Lanfana grown as a hedge in the Canadian Government Experimental Garden at Ottawa, Canada. Several other viburnums will also form good hedges. Dale of Time of Color lvalue Value Appro.vi- 'Aone lutroduclion Xalive Effective qf' of of male (f VIBURNUM or Origin (f Fruit Fruit Fruit Flower Height Hardiness acerifolium Native Northeastern U.S. F black — - — ^6' 3 alnifolium Native Nortlieasterii U. S. S red to black * * S ,o C-. O'* - j" *o CO ‘O ‘3 1 ■-0 .A.. 1 GC CO 3 *c wi CJ cc *o C ~ CJ i- * 1 -H- * •K- 1 3 O 1 •JJ- 1 •X- •K- * ir 1 * * 1 s s 1 •X- 1 *X" * * 1 1 * * 1 1 •X- 1 1 1 1 * * •5f 45- ■H" 1 * 1 * 1 1 -X CJ CJ 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 O OJ OJ o 0 -M o -X 3 3i; -ji a C/ CS CJ 3 3 3 -33 33 33 a 33 3 33 3 3 3 3 3 C/5 CJ W. China in D 3 u CJ c« c3 Pastern Asia •garden form C. China Northern China C. China Japan Hybrid o 3 3 3 55 < F.astern U.S. C. & W. China China p ^4- £ 3 3 CJ -p n-. cS o b£ c CJ CO X — Ci o CJ o o ft c '-M +-< CJ — — c o ’4j c 44 Ci :zi Cw 3 Ci - CJ CJ oc CJ 4-1 .9 cS z CJ ;-i _o X "C. 'll 3 CJ 3 3 CJ p- 3 44 1) CJ O 3 4-> C/l 3 £ £ 3 3 c/5 >< c/5 £ 3 3 urkwood '55 C/i +j c/3 4-> cw ■M 3 d 3 3l 3 -M 3 4-J 3 3 -4-J 3 V 0 ^3 -M bi S b£ b£ cj ti: 3 d O X Z 3 bt d 3 bt 3 '-0 X C X o X O X 0 X X 'x 3 bt 6 X 6 £ 0 c o o t- 00 X c 0 0 o 02 t» 02 jj o 02 CM o X 02 t- to 02 4-> 4-> M 4-> "ti -M c ■4-1 wJ O o O X CO '■P c 0 U u. o Cj 1-3 3 Oi 3 X 02 02 02 X 3 o 1 1 1 1 X X 3 02 02 _0 'E _o 'S^ a z z z z '”' O -t-J 1 1 J 1 Z “ bt 3 ’2 bt b£ 'C a ;h £ 3 £ a .2 02 P -M cj s 3 3 3 3 3 a 3 £ 4-> 3 bi 3 3 3 c: 3 02 -M czi V ';-i c 3 3 3 a 3 3 3 bt a a c cj 3 c« 3: a 3 3 Q. .a 3 3 Opulus r Opulus V X c/2 "£ O 1 3 pubeseen £* c« 02 3 GC 3 ci O 3 rufidulun: 3 02 bt 3 X £ bt X 3 02 bt 02 c/2 3 £ bt 02 x Sieboldii 3 c/2 3 02 a c/2 3 c/2 tinus O! P fl •4-> '£ 3 c/2 3 3 '4J 1 CT 3 3 -M '2 3 > c/2 3 3 -M cn 0 -M 3 02 a 0 4J 72 0 4-) 3 02 a 0 -M trilobum utile Veitchii bl [ 01 J DoNAIJ) ^V^MA^ The two snowballs for the North. Left, the European snowball. Viburnum Opu/m roseum, which is so frequently infested with lice. Note disfigured leaves at base of twig. Kight, the Japanese snowball, V. tomentosum sterile, which is not quite as hardy but is not infested with lice. Landscape use As a tjroup, the majority of the viburnums are vigorous growing slirubs wliieli enjoy good sunn}’ locations and can be used in mass plantings or as specimens ; there is probably nothing nicer than a specimen plant of the tree-like F. Sieboldii^ which is noted for its billowy masses of dense dark green foliage. 'I’he exotic vi- burnums, particularly, are used as specimens while many of the native types are used in naturalized plantings. However, V. acerifolium and V. ahiifo/ium, and possible one or two others, need the shade and often the cool, moist conditions of the woods in order to do their best. These do not grow well in full sun. As a rule, viburnums are most valued for their colorful fruits and are among the shrubs outstanding in this respect. Some of tlie fruits are black ; while the fruits of others, like F. Sieho/dii, change from a light green to red, and eventu- ally to black before they fall from the plant. Others, like F. cassinoidex, have fruits with various colors for as they change from green to red to black, often in the same clusters the various colors will be present at the same time. As noted in the table, the fruits of some, like F. Opu/ux, remain on the plants all winter long (that is, when there are not too many birds in the vicinity), a most desirable characteristic; while the fruits of others, like F . Jragnntx^ are borne in the early summer and are soon eaten by the birds. One of the important things to be noted is that there are three yellow-fruited varieties which should be used more and grown more by nurserymen, because of the very interesting combination which can be obtained by using these with the black and red-fruited forms. A study of the table shows that tlie heiglits vary considerably. F . Lenlago, for instance, is a small tree and can be trained to a single stem wlien desired. F. Opuhix nanum, on the other hand, never grows taller than two feet and can be used as edging or in rockeries. Autumn color The viburnums are among the best of our shrubs for autumn color, being pre- dominantly red at this time. Some, like F. prunifolium, are brilliant red, others, like F. dilatatiwiy are a dull red but still outstanding, others like F. Car/exii have a very deep wine-red autumn color sometimes mixed with orange and yellow. F. acerifolium has almost a purple autumn color. Of course, to color properly in the fall, these plants must be in certain definite climatic regions (like the north- eastern United States) where the climatic conditions are such as to aid materially in producing autumn color. The following table lists the most important of the viburnums for ornamental use. In the column headed “ Time of Effective Fruit ” S = Summer, F = Fall,and VV = Winter. In the columns “Value of Fruit” and “Value of Flower” those with a line are not particularly outstanding, those with a single asterisk are of value and those with a double asterisk are particularly valuable. 'Fhe “/one of Hardiness” in the last column refers to the Hardiness Map in the Bulletin of Pop- ular Information, Series 4 , Vol. VHI, No. 1 ^ 2 , 61 - 64 . 1940 . [ 'iH 1 Book Review Merrill, Elmer D. Plant Lite of the Pacific VVorkl. Macmillan, pp. i-xv, 1- ^293, Ulus. 1945. Price $8.50. — Althouorh it is scarcel.v to be expected that any sinjj-le book can comprehensively discuss the veoetation of a region which con- tains upward of 50,000 species of plants, the reader of this remarkable volume will agree that its authoi has come close to accomplishing the feat. From this statement one is not to assume that the subject is presented in any dry or tech- nical sense ; on the contrary, this book is eminently readable and, to anyone with the slightest interest in plants, even exciting. Due to the inclusion of a lucid chapter on the principles of botanical classification, to a glossary, and to ‘256 well prepared text-figures, the non-botanical reader can understand and appreciate every statement in the book. Yet, this is not a book entirely for the novice ; actu- ally it will be read with great pleasure and profit by professional botanists, for many of whom the Pacific is a strange area. Certainly no other living botanist can write of this region with the authority of Dr. Merrill. Following an amusing introductory chapter exploding certain fictions pertain- ing to the ^^dangerous” tropical forests, the author takes us on a tour of various ecological habitats (in chapters entitled Plants of the Seashore, The Mangrove Forest, The Secondary Forests and Open Grass-lands, and The Primary Forest). Additional chapters on weeds, cultivated plants, emergency food plants, problems of plant distribution, the significance of local names, etc., round out a surpris- ingly complete picture of a highly’ complex region. This book should be of very particular significance to service men stationed in the Pacific area ; it is one of the most distinguished of an excellent Pacific Hand- book Series which has appeared under the auspices of The Ii\fantry Journal, Wash- ington, D.C. The restricted edition, for the armed forces, is identical in content but smaller in format and paper-bound. Not only service men garrisoning our Pacific bases, but also prospective travelers to the region will find their experiences vastly enriched by a perusal of Plant Life of the Pacific World. A. C. Smith [ 04 ] ARNOLDIA A continuation of the Bulletin of Popular Information of the Arnold Arboretum, Harvard University Volume 5 December 7, 1945 Numbers 10-11 THE GLENMORE ARBORETUM AT BUFFALO CREEK, COLORADO T he Glenmore Arboretum is at Buffalo Creek, Colorado in the Colorado foot- hills. It was started twelve years ago when its owner decided to landscape his summer residence with native plants. A number of native plants which were available at local nurseries were purchased and a few trees and shrubs were col- lected from nearby locations. The next spring it was decided to add, to the collection of native plants, as many different types of evergreens as could be obtained, whether native or not. All types that were offered by local nurseries were trucked to Buffalo Creek and numerous exotics were ordered by mail. Little attention was paid to soil or loca- tion and the following spring it was discovered that even though the Colorado I mountains were covered with evergreens, not all evergreens were hardy there, I' and that even the natives required different treatment from that which had been accorded. Information relative to the proper planting practices was readily obtained, but curiously enough it seemed that no one had ever made any systematic endeavor . to ascertain just what evergreens are hardy in Colorado. It was decided to con- duct experiments along this line. ] During the fall and winter a library on evergreens was started, a good deal of studying was done. Buffalo Creek is but twenty miles from the Continental Di- vide where the eternal winds distort the limber pines into grotesque shapes and ' the protracted low temperatures furnish but the briefest of growing seasons. Even * at Buffalo Creek, with an elevation of only 7000 feet, high winds are invariably present in the spring and annual minimum temperatures range from -25 ° to -35 ° F . j Often there is little snow in the winter and in the spring alternate freezes and ( thaws kill all but the most sturdy of plants. The soil is a disintegrated granite I [65] ( with very little humus. Lacking adequate browse, the deer pruned most of the junipers and disbudded all exotic pines. Never having been told that pruning should not extend into old wood, a great deal of damage was done. Peter Rabbit also found buds and tender shoots to his liking. To improve the soil, an area was^manured, plowed and planted in soy beans, and these were turned under while green. At the suggestion of the Supervisor of the U.S. Forest Service Nursery at Monument, Colorado, this area was fenced with a fine mesh wire (one-third inch) eighteen inches high and buried six inches beneath the surface. Above this was stretched two feet of rabbit wire, and above that, a couple of strands of barbed wire. Subsequent experience has indicated that this is the only feasible method of excluding rabbits and mice. ‘‘Repellants” have proved but appetizers. The deer, of course, hop over this fence when so in- clined. The extra effort required, however, has thus far proved a decided deterrent. The following spring, permission was secured from the Denver City Nursery to use a few frames and the more doubtful items which were purchased at that time were planted in these more favorable surroundings. (Denver’s annual min- imum temperature is a good ten degrees above that of Buffalo Creek and soil and Avind conditions are better, too.) Lath shading was kept on these Denver frames > for a year and the same protection was furnished the new trees that were planted at Glenmore. They were regularly watered at both places. Some years later a frame for propagation by seed was added at Buffalo Creek and the Denver City Greenhouse lent a bench for experiments in vegetative prop- agation. Out of all these faltering experiments and subsequent additional ven- tures, three main purposes have finalh" evolved : 1 . To establish at Buffalo Creek an arboretum composed of native plants and such evergreens (native or foreign) as will live there. " ‘2. To ascertain what evergreens are hardy under normal Colorado conditions. fi. To perpetuate, through vegetative propagation, evergreens that are note- worthy because of their appearance or their hardiness. Although cuttings are placed in sand at the City Greenhouse each December, thfe vegetative propagation is carried out for the most part through the medium of commercial nurseries that handle custom grafts and cuttings. Each December scions are taken from noteworthy trees that have been observed during the pre- ceding .vear. A false cypress that has no business even staying alive in Denver has, for some reason, actually flourished for ten years. Its tips are sent away for grafting. The aphis that travel from Douglas fir to spruce for some reason leave a given tree entirely alone. Possibly grafts from it may have the same immunity. Fastigiate junipers and pines are sometimes found in the hills, and perhaps, their useful ornamental form may propagate true. Grafts from a “weeping” spruce may themselves weep. The Glenmore Arboretum has a golden Colorado spruce, which was noted among several hundred thousand normal seedlings at a local nursery a few years ago. A cynical wife insists it is but a ‘‘peroxide blonde” be- cause this same nurseryman sold some “dwarf ponderosa pines” a few years ago that turned out to have knots tied in their seedling trunks, just below the surface of the soil of the pots in which they were planted. Two of these “dwarfs” were even proudly sent to the Arnold Arboretum! However, the “peroxide blonde” j has kept her amazing color in her new surroundings for almost three years now. I Its scions will be grafted this winter. j The functions that were first named are the ones most stressed, however. Ex- j otic evergreens that can “take” Denver’s occasional winters of -^0° Fahrenheit, its alternate freezes and thaws each spring, with little snow protection, and its burning sun and high winds — such evergreens are probably pretty hardy every- > where. If, in addition, they can survive the additional rigors always present at ii Buffalo Creek, then a verv worthwhile test has been given. Although originally all of the experimenting was done at Buffalo Creek, now j it constitutes the secondary stage. Each year there are purchased and placed in ! the Denver frames evergreen transplants from various locations, the annual min- ! imum temperature of which runs at least as low as -5° to -10° (Rehder’s Zone ' V). These trees are kept in the Denver frames for two years, the first year being ! under lath screens. Half of those that survive are taken to Glenmore and are i there put in nursery frames for two years, again having lath protection the first year. The other half of these specimens are planted in open nursery rows in Den- j ver, where they will get cultivation and water. At the end of another two years further transplanting is done. Those that have lived for two years in the Buffalo Creek nursery frames are put in open nursery rows at Buffalo Creek and half of those that have lived in the open nursery rows in Denver are then taken to the open nursery at Buffalo Creek. After two years in the open nursery at Buffalo Creek they are transplanted to permanent loeations and if they survive a couple of reasonably rigorous winters in their final loeation, it is felt that they are “good prospects. ” Of course, no decisive test can be made in a time as short as this. The winter of 194'4 and the spring of 1945 were the most trying that have been experienced i at Buffalo Creek. A virtual drought from August to December, and practically no snow between December and April ereated a condition that even the native < trees found little to their liking. Colorado spruces and limber pines that had been f transplanted to their permanent locations as much as six years ago died. Moun- tain common juniper growing naturally died in great quantities. Japanese larch ' killed almost to the ground after three successful years in the open nursery, (if larch sap could be used as a rodent repellant it might be successful. Not one larch bud has ever been eaten, even during the years of worst famine.) { During these twelve years a card index record was kept on every evergreen 1 that was planted. ITis record will, perhaps, be the most valuable contribution , [ ] to horticulture of the Glenmore Arboretum. For the statistically inclined, a sum- mary of the Buffalo Creek burials is appended. Growth is incredibly slow at Glenmore.” Once a tree leaves the nursery, life is harsh. The earth ball has good soil in it and native grasses discover this almost immediately. Probably the additional moisture that is given after trans- planting attracts these hungry marauders. Whatever it is, by the end of the first season any tree that has been planted even near sod has all it can do to stay alive. If it does stay alive two or three years it still may not be able to subsist on the native diet, once its roots have gone beyond the earth ball. There are high spots, however. Juniper blight is never known in this dry at- mosphere. Red spiders are infrequent and scale is seldom present. Spruce gall aphis are always present, but are not too bad. The pine tip moth comes every now and then, but seems to prefer conditions along the roadsides. From the lists appended it will be noted that the great majority of varieties attempted at “Glenmore” are cions. The number of species that are happy in Colorado — particularly at Buffalo Creek — are relatively small. Even the sturdy eastern red cedar has a much harder time than its western cousin, the Rocky Mountain juniper. The Rocky Mountain juniper is truly a splendid tree in Colorado. As it is very variable, at least in youth, forty-five distinctive cions have been secured. It will be interesting, long after the present owner is dead, to see if these variants in color, form and texture eventually arrive at the somewhat typical pattern shown in the cut below. The Colorado native evergreens have made great contributions to ornamental horticulture. The bristlecone pine, bizarre in youth and picturesque at maturity, has few, if any, rivals for naturalistic planting. (Unfortunately this tree has not thus far proved successful in eastern locations.) The common Douglas fir of Colo- rado is highly prized everywhere. It is one of the “common” trees at “Glen- more.** 'Pile Colorado spruce in its striking blue and silver shades is becoming almost ubi(]uitous, while the white fir of Colorado has no rival in its genus for gen- eral landscaping purposes and should be used even more than it is. The deciduous trees and shrubs at “Glenmore” are, as has been stated, re- stricted to natives, for the most part, because that group has not been explpred by local nurserymen as much as the deciduous exotics have been. These decidu- ous natives, when put upon their own, grow with incredible slowness. And that constitutes the one great drawback to a Colorado Arboretum — life is seldom more than threescore years and ten. [ 68 ] PLATE XIII The weeping variety of the Colorado spruce, A Rocky Mountain Juniper, Juniperus svopulorum. Picea pungens. EVERGREENS TRIED AT GLENMORE ARBORETUM Two hundred and fifty two species, botanical varieties and cions of evergreens have been tried at Glenmore. These have been divided into the following eight tentative groups. I. Hardy in Denver and Buffalo Creek Abies concolor (difficult to get started) “ “ brevifolia 6 6 6 6 conica Juniperuschinensis* ‘Compact Pfitzer” “ “ “Hetz- “ “ Pfitzeriana “ “ “pfitzeriana aurea” “ Sargenti “ “ “Silver Sargent” ‘ ‘ communis saxatilis “ “ “ “Compact” “ “ “ “Dense” “ “ “ “Erect” “ “Lewis” “ “ “ “Prostrate” “ horizontalis “Wyoming” “ monosperma 66 66 Silver ‘ Sabina “ “ “Russian” “ “ “Russian No. 4” “ “ tamaricifolia “ “ “tamaricifolia erecta” “ “ “Von Ehron” “ scopulorum - (cions of this have all proved hard 3% those in bold face type being especially fine) “ scopulorum argentea “ “ “Blue Heaven” “ “ “chandler Blue” “ “ “Cologreen” “ “ “Column” “ “ “Communis type” “ “ “Cone” “ “ “Dewdrop” Juniperus scopulorum “Emerald” “ “ “Fastigiate” “ “ “Funalis” “ “Gareei Spreading” “Glenmore Globe” “ “Glenmore Queen” “ “Gray Gleam” “ “ “Green King” “ “Green Queen” “ “ “Hall” “ “ “Hilborn Globe” “ “ “Marshall” “Marshall spreading” McCoy” “ “ “Moffett” “ “ “Montana” “ “ “Morrison” “ “ “Northern Beauty” “ “ “Pathfinder” “ “ “Raleigh” “ “ “Scraggy” “ “Silver Beauty” “ “ “Silver Column” “ “ “Silver Cord” “ “ “Silver Globe” “ “ “SilverSpreader” “ “ “Stove Pipe” “ “ “Sutherland” “ “ “Table Top” “ “ “Tepee” “ “ “Tolleson Weeping” “ “ “Weir” “ “ “Welch” “ “ “Winter Brown” “ “ “Winter Green” “ “ “Wyoming” [ 70 ] Juniperus utahensis (not as sturdy as J. scopulorum ) Larix Gmelini Picea Engelmanni ** argentea “ orlauca densata (sometimes scorches a little) < ( pun gens “ “ “Buffalo” “ com pa eta Fan “ “ g^lauca “ “ “Glenmore Golden” “ “ “Hill Golden” “ “ “Hudson” “ “ kosteriana “ “ “Moerheim” “ “ “Redskin” “ “ “Turkey Creek” “ “ “Weeping” ' “ “ “Weeping Silver” Picea pungens “Wellington” Pinus aristata “ Banksiana (difficult to start) cembroides edulis (this occasion- ally burns particularly the first winter after transplanting) contorta latifolia “ flexilis “ “Fastigiate” “ “ “Long Leaf” “ “ “Short Leaf” “ “ “Silver” “ “ “Twisted Leaf” “ Heldreichii leucodermis Pseudotsuga taxifolia 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 compacta fastigiata glauca pendula viridis II. Hardy in Denver but Questionable or Unsatisfactory in Buffalo Creek Juniperus chinensis Keteleeri “ communis aurea * * virginiana 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 “Burk” Canaertii “Cypress” glauca globosa “Goldtip” “Hill Dundee” Juniperus virginiana Kosteri “ “ Schottii “ “ tripartita Larix laricina Pinus nigra “ resinosa “ Strobus (occasionally burns on west side) “ sylvestris III. Hardy in Denver and Buffalo Creek if protected Abies lasiocarpa arizonica “Blue” Pinus Cembra Taxus cuspidata nana Juniperus excelsa stricta [71 ] PLATE XIV Limber pine, Pinus fleocilis, at timber line. IV. Hardy in Denver if protected, but Questionable or Unsatisfactory in Buffalo Creek Juniperus horizon talis plumosa Picea glauca conica Pinus densiflora umbraculifera Piniis Mugo compacta (when once es- tablished in Denver, it does well, but often is difficult to start) Pinus Mugo Mughus V. Possibilities in both Denver and Buffalo Creek - trees that have done well during a very brief trial Abies homolepis Chamaecyparis pisifera filifera “ “ “Forest” “ “ “Olenmore” Juniperus ehinensis “Armstrong” “ “ eolumnaris “ “ japonica “ “ “ “Dwarf” “ “ tortulosa communis “nana compacta” saxatilis “ horizontalis “Admirabilis” “ “ “Black Hills” “ Douglasii “ “ “Filicinus” “ “ “Pulchiness” (These cions of J. horizontalis should be transplanted only when they are very small. They should probably not be exposed to the west sun and wind) squamata “ prostrata Larix decidua sibirica Libocedrus decurrens Picea glauca albertiana manana ‘ * obovata orientalis Pinus densiflora “ monticola nigTa pygmaea “ ponderosa (from the west side of the Rocky Mountains) * * sylvestris fastigiata Taxus media Hicksii Thuja occidentalis robusta “ “ Woodwardii “ orientalis “Dark Green” “ “ “Fairfax” “ “ “Fastigiate” “ “ “Glenmore” “ “Krameria” “ “ stricta VI. Questionable Trees - trees that have lived thus far but give indications that they are not hardy Abies lasiocarpa (hardy in Buffalo Creek, however) “ Veitchii Chamaecyparis obtusa Juniperus conferta Pinus Griffithii “ rigida Sequoiadendron giganteum (has lived under lath in Denver for three years, but dies quickly at Buffalo [ 73 ] Creek) Taxus media Brownii “ “ Hatfieldii Taxus media ‘‘Wellesley” Thuja plicata VII. Unsatisfactory Trees - trees that have stayed alive but in such a manner that they have no horticultural value Abies balsamea ‘ ‘ holophylla Chamaecyparis obtusa gracilis ( « < ( nana ‘ ‘ pisifera Juniperus chinensis (this retains its dead foliage and gets very un- sightly) “ chinensis “Dwarf” “ communis Jackii (must be covered in winter to live) Juniperus horizontalis “Bar Harbor” “ squamata Meyeri (holds dead foliage and gets “leggj^”) Picea Abies “ “ borealis Thuja occidentalis (as previously stated, a few trees have been suc- cessful and cions from these give promise) VIII. Trees that have died Abies alba “ cephalonica ‘ ‘ cilicica “ firma “ Fraseri “ grandis “ Nordmanniana Chamaecyparis nootkatensis “ obtusa Crippsii “ thyoides (poor condi- tions, however, will be tried again) Cryptomeria japonica Cupressus arizonica “ Macnabiana Gingko biloba (will be tried again) Juniperus californica “ chinensis mas communis “ “ depressa (will be tried again) Larix occidentalis Picea Abies argentea “ Gregoryana “ Maxwellii i i 6 4 nana 4 4 4 4 pygmaea Engelmanni “Dwarf” glauca jezoensis hondoensis Omorika ‘ ‘ polita ‘ ‘ rubens Pinus albicaulis (should be hardy, will try again) ‘ ‘ attenuata cembroides monophylla “ Sabiniana “ Strobus nana “ fastigiata (both these varieties should be hardy in i| Denver) “ Taeda “ Thunbergii Pseudotsuga macrocarpa Taxodiiim distichum Tax us brevifolia Taxus canadensis “ “ stricta Taxus cuspidata (will be tried again) Tsuga canadensis (this has lived under lath at the Denver City Nursery) canadensis “Kelsey Weeping” carol in iana Deciduous Trees and Shrubs - mostly natives of Colorado, all growing very well Acer glabrum “ Negundo Aesculus octandra Alnus tenuifolia Amelanchier alnifolia Amorpha canescens ‘ ^ truticosa “ “ angustifolia “ nana Apocynum androsaeinifolium Artemisia frigida tridentata Berberis Fendleri * * koreana Betula fontinalis glandulosa papyrifera Ceanothus Fendleri velutinus Celtis occidentalis Cercocarpus montanus Clematis ligusticifolia Cornus stolonifera coloradensis Corylus cornuta Cowania Stansburiana Crataegus species (4) ' Eleagnus argentea Fallugia paradoxa Forestiera neo-mexicana Fraxinus pennsylvanica lanceolata Holodiscus dumosus Humulus lupulus neomexicanus Ipomoea leptophylla Jamesia americana Lonicera involucrata Lycium pallidum Mahonia Aquifolium repens Pachistima Myrsinites Parthenocissus quinquefolia Philadelphus microphyllus Phyllodoce empetriformis Physocarpus species (s) Pieris floribunda Populus acuminata Andrewsii angustifolia “ deltoid es Sargentii “ tremuloides Potentilla fruticosa Prunus americana Besseyi ‘ pensylvanica “ virginiana melanocarpa Ptelea trifoliata Purshia tridentata Quercus macrocarpa Rhus glabra cismontana “ “ flavescens “ trilobata Ribes americanum “ aureum “ cereum [ 75 ] Ribes species (s) Robinia luxurians Rosa species ( 4 ) Rubus deliciosus “ . “ “Andrews Double” “ idaeus strigosus Salix species (l 1 ) Sambucus microbotrys Sapindus Drummondii Shepherdia argentea Shepherdia canadensis Sorbus scopulina Sv mphoricarpos species (4) Viburnum pauciflorum V^itis Longii Yucca angustissima “ baccata ‘ ^ glauca “ “ rosea “ neomexicana Robert E. More Editor’s Note: Mr. Robert E. More, owner of “Glenmore” at Buffalo Creek, Colorado, is an enthusiastic plantsman who for many years has been experimenting with the growing of evergreens. We do not receive much information concerning the grow- ing of ornamental trees in the Rocky Mountain region and that is why we wel- come this frank discussion of what Mr. More is doing at “Glenmore.” His let- ters have proved to be so interesting over a period of years that he was asked to record his experiences so that other Arnoldia readers will understand some of the problems in reference to the growing of ornamental evergreens in his area. Indian Artifacts An exhibit of special interest has just been installed in the display cases at the right in the vestibule of the Administration Building of the Arnold Arboretum. This consists of about one hundred stone artifacts found by Mr. E. J. Palmer in the Arboretum grounds. The display includes arrow and spear points, scrapers or knives, digging tools, etc., as well as a number of stone flakes or spalls. The presence of the latter indicates that the Indians who inhabited the area actually manufactured their stone implements at their permanent or temporary camp sites, the latter, for the most part, having been situated near one or the other of the small streams that flow through the grounds. Several of these have also been 1 found near the spring across the road from the Rockery. For further information 1 concerning Indian relics found in the Arnold Arboretum, see the bulletin on the : subject written by Mr. Palmer. (Arnold Arboretum Bull, of Pop. Inf., Series 4, , Vol. II, No. 1^, Dec. ‘28, I9.S4.) [ 76 ] ARNOLDIA A continuation of the Bulletin of Popular Information of the Arnold Arboretum, Harvard University Volume 5 December 21, 1945 Number 12 BRITISH GARDENS IN WAR TIME AS SEEN BY AN AMERICAN SOLDIER D uring the past tew years, in connection with my duties in the Armed Forces of the United States, I made several trips to Europe and Africa. Some of the trips were very brief and of these my memories consist of little more than a constantly changing horizon viewed from the deck of a ship. On six of these trips made to the British Isles, I accumulated a wealth of memories, some of them very pleasant, others very discouraging. ® However, since time mellows most things, already one can view with humor the unpleasant situations and dwell more enthusiastically upon happier moments. While in Britain my outfit was seldom stationed long in any one place, hence considerable moving about occurred. Although, at the time, this moving seemed irksome because of the total blackout (and it seemed we always moved at night), unfamiliar railway stations, crowded trains, new billets, etc., this very moving provided the means for our greater knowledge of the country, its terrain, people and customs. Now, in retrospect, we are thankful for these many changes. While in any one place, ample opportunities were afforded each individual to visit localities within a reasonable distance from his base. Many men, naturally, preferred the larger cities and there spent most of their free time. To me, how- ever, the English countryside held more allure and after an occasional visit to the cities to discover that a definite sameness seemed to exist in all the larger com- mercial centers, I was content to browse around and carry on a feeble bit of bot- anizing, almost entirely along observational lines. Several long train trips were made, some from Glasgow or Edinburgh, south through the entire length of England including Wales and vice versa. Of course, one cannot judge the country from a train window but certain observations and conclusions were reached based on this method of travel. We never tired of look- [ 77 ] ' ing at the countryside and we all felt that even though Britain at that time was being torn apart by war — on the whole, the English countryside was probably one of the loveliest and most peaceful spots in the world. The gorse {Ulex europ- aeus) often brightened the landscape with its yellow flowers either growing wild upon the hillsides or planted along the railways or near stations. In northern England and southern Scotland, walls made of flat stones stretched away over the hills as far as the eye could see, appearing almost as the great wall of China in miniature. These rock-fences enclosed the various fields and pastures. While conversing about these walls, the observation was made, that unlike our Ameri- can fields and pastures, not a single loose or stray stone could be seen. There- after, almost as though it were a game, the men watched the fields carefully and concluded finally that the clean fields and pastures were not mere chance but that the fields throughout all of England had been made clear through effort. Farther south, hedge-rows replace the stone walls and are used almost exclu- sively to separate the fields and retain the cattle and sheep. Occasionally, one can see fields edged by hedge-rows which have become worthless for fencing be- cause of neglect in trimming. When such a condition does occur, the hedge can be transformed into a serviceable fence by ‘Splashing.” This is done by slashing , the main stems half off with a knife and then bending them down and anchoring the branches so as to interlock with the adjoining plants. We saw some of these hedges in southern England a day or so after they had been ^‘plashed.” Although they presented a formidable barrier through which no animal would attempt to break, I must confess, at that stage, the rows appeared very unsightly. When traveling in Wales our train often moved close along the coast. On one side the ocean was sometimes within ten feet. Just a short distance on the other side of the tracks, the terrain arose abruptly, not so very high, but enough to present that strange, somewhat barren and lonely, almost indescribable atmos- phere that is so typically Wales, which one must see to appreciate fully. Here on the hillsides one could see gullies filled with snow, yet growing close by would be clumps of bright-colored gorse — or so it appeared from the train. Our first stay in Wales was brief, consisting only of five bleak days in March. We were billeted at Colwyn Bay which is situated on the north coast by the Irish Sea. The many small hotels, the promenade along the shore and the long metal pier with its pavilion led one to conclude that Colwyn Bay probably was a favor- ite peace-time summer resort for many people. The city also boasted a public garden which was none too attractive at this time of year. Photographs taken during the summer presented the garden in much better condition. The Welsh people seemed much interested in us since we were among the first American soldiers to pass their way. They did much to make our stay pleasant. One acquaintance suggested several trips to noteworthy spots nearby and went so far as to check our trains to these various destinations. He even gave us de- [ 78 ] tailed information on how to reacli other points of interest and mentioned places where he thought we might enjoy eating. In two of the cities visited, Conway and Caernarvon, were ruined castles. C'on- way castle, the first viewed, was old, exceedingly old, and easily the most prim- itive among our” castles. We spent considerable time there reconstructing it mentally and in the process withstood many imaginary attacks and prolonged sieges. We rebuilt it and staged gala affairs in the large halls. Unfortunately, in spite of our mental efforts, the castle was still in ruins when we departed ! 'fhe city itself, in reality a walled city within the castle grounds, is still unspoiled and charming. It was by the merest chance that I- found myself standing over the grave in the Conway churchyard ” which inspired Wordsworth’s famous poem, “ We are Seven.” On a longer trip to Caernarvon, we were fortunate in having a train compan- ion who pointed out numerous places of interest along ithe way. At this castle we were treated to a “special” tour by one of the guards. Later, in the guard- room we were shown the pictures of the latest investiture of the Prince of Wales, a truly noble piece^of pageantry. The destruction of this castle was most unfor- tunate. It seems that in the middle of the nineteenth century, the castle was abandoned. The townspeople were permitted to remove the castle stones for building their own homes. Later, — but too late — this practice was discontinued and an attempt made to restore the castle to a semblance of its former state. Several other castles were visited at various other times, but these two, because they were our first, will probably always hold a special niche in our hearts. All things botanical were brought to me, since I was the only botanist in the outfit! Another outfit, which usually moved with us, boasted a zoologist so be- tween the two of us we could answer a majority of the questions “biological.” Recently I was asked what impressed me most in England. There are many things to impress an American, away from home and tired by war. The fortitude and gallantry of every British citizen, after years of privation and war was enough alone to make a lasting impression and to give a moral lift to anyone. Among other things, the endless number of chimney-pots, rows upon rows of them atop all the city houses, the beautiful English countryside and the thatched cottages — all were impressive. However, what impressed me more than anything else was the English people’s love for their flower-gardens. It seems, wherever pos- sible, every house has its garden — the larger estates, gardens often of renown — the smaller homes, gardens to fit the space, no matter how small it may be. Some of the larger estates, like Warwick Castle, have centuries of history and tradition behind them. Their gardens are just as old and historic. In fact, the grounds of the entire estate appear as one huge garden. Like the castle itself, j the plans of the grounds were made many years ago. Perhaps a new wing may be added to the castle — perhaps a small change may be made in the plantings [ 79 ] ! I the over-all picture will scarcely change. I use Warwick Castle as an example because today, despite the war, the castle is alive — the grounds in beautiful con- dition. A pitiful sight is a similar, perhaps less renowned, estate sinking into the abyss of decay. Taken over by the Armed Forces, the halls resound with alien footsteps of war. Initials appear on the woodwork and balustrades. Windows are broken in. These are nothing — and can easily be repaired! A walk down the garden path shows real destruction. Vandalism — no, they know no better! Trucks have made shorter roads through shrub plantings. Lying on the ground, gasping its last may be a precious gift from the Orient ! Nearby construction destroys another group planting. C'est la guerre! C’est I’americain! Wherever possible, however, the British themselves have maintained an excellent standard in their parks. They will deplore the rundown condition, as they term it. Last spring, 1 visited the public park at Leamington. An extended walk through the grounds proved the place to be in excellent condition. The trees were Avell-labeled, the grounds well-kept, and the border plots filled with regular rows of tulips and other spring flowers, making a truly brilliant display. The trees were in full flower and the red-flowered varieties of the English hawthorn (Cr«/«egwA* Oxyacantha var.) were at their best. The hawthorn is perhaps England’s finest flowering tree. It starts flowering in May and continues into June. At this season of the year one can see the bright spots of pink and rose dotting the landscape. Another brilliant and colorful display was afforded by the flowers of the many species, varieties, forms and hybrids of rhododendron. Near Warrington in Lan- cashire is an estate that has the most casual planting of rhododendron that I have had the pleasure to see. Always I had thought of rhododendrons growing only in sheltered places but here they were planted in the open as well as among the trees. I am afraid that I failed my companions miserably when I told them that I could not begin to name all the different kinds. They could not understand why such simple looking plants should be difficult to name — so thereupon I gave them a not too profound ^^lecture” on species and hybridization. With such ample ma- terial at hand — -perhaps I was convincing. The most prevalent gardens in England and, perhaps, the most traditional are the front-yard or door-yard gardens. Each house along the city streets, at least in the smaller cities, has its own little garden. In the country they are termed cottage gardens. This same custom of door-yard garden was brought to the United States by the early settlers and flourished during Colonial times. At that time, the front yard was not for pleasure and children never played there. It was a part more formal than the side or back of the house. I understand that these door-yard gardens originated back in the middle of the 18th century in England when the fore-court was planted to give privacy to the home. Later, it became the custom of the yeomen to have door-yard gardens and this idea, in modified form, has been carried into modern times without general realization of its origin. [ 80 ] PLATE XV One of the many species of rhododendron for which the climate of Enj^land is excellent for jfi owth. Often the door-yard plot was used as an herb garden. In the United States, this type of garden has long fallen into disuse and been replaced by grass plots with shrub plantings near the house. In England and also in Wales, perhaps unwit- tingly, this custom has become part of their very life. Some of the most beautiful front-yard gardens were observed in Wales. These gardens are not merely the whims of individuals, lasting a few years until the novelty wears off and then allowed to run to weeds. The individual gardener takes great pride in the care of his plants even though they may be few and very common. However, one usually finds that over a period of time each garden has acquired one or several unusual species or varieties which have become pampered pets. Even during the trying war years — and I probably saw them at their poor- est — these gardens Avere kept up. In the rear of the houses Avhere vegetables were planted, perhaps less care had been given to the flower borders that usually surrounded these gardens and greater attention given to the vegetables themselves. It appeared to me that AA^ar-time emergency demanded that the people concentrate on cabbage, brussel-sprouts and other variations of Brassica ohracea because of the quantity produced rather than the quality. This same AA^as true in the public” gardens devoted to the groAAdh of vegetables. These latter resembled very much some of our Victory Gardens but appeared more permanent. Over a rather extensive plot of ground, one might see many very small sheds, Avhich I presume housed the tools of the various gardeners. The sheds, in most instances, appeared rather old. All this Avas merely assumption, since these plots Avere observed always, it seemed, from the train AvindoAV. I have recently learned that these are permanent and are termed “allotment gardens” Avhich rent at a very nominal fee of about ten shillings a year. At the same time, I Avas told that cabbage has always been the dominant vegetable groAvn in these gardens. Often over a period of time it AA^as the only fresh green that appeared in our mess halls. It Av^as much more coarse in texture and taste than the cabbage to Avhich aa^c are accustomed in the States. In the very old villages and toAAms, the houses often Avere flush Avith the AA^alk and one could step immediately from the street into the dAvelling. One expected no gardens here. HoAvever, the AvindoAvs Avere usually gay AAith floAvering plants. In the smaller cities, the homes Avere set back from the street anyAvhere from ten to tAventy feet or even more. Along the street-AA^alk and side of the house cus- tomarily had been erected a Ioav concrete AA^all about eighteen inches high. Im- mediately behind this Ioav AA-all might be a hedge. Up to this point there seemed to be a definite sameness. The gardens themselves, hoAvever, varied considera- bly. In some instances, the Avhole yard became the garden Avith beds or plots formed by connecting paths. In other places, grass plots served as bases for plant- ings Avith floAA'ers in the center and along the sides. Still other patterns Avere pro- duced by planting the floAvers along the main path to the house and a border [ 82 ] aloii