July/August Newsletter of The Friends of the Horticulture Farm

*INSIDE THIS ISSUE* July/August 2001
President's Welcome	Thank You Friends
2nd Annual Garden Tours	Program Committee Meeting
Board of Directors	HELP!
Thank You Volunteers!	Seventh Annual Benefit Plant Sale
Viburnum Leaf Beetle	April Flowers in the Smokies of the Southern Appalachians
An Amateur Botanist Visits Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego	Look out for the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid!
Rhododendron Walks a Hit	Bloom-Time Festival Wrap-Up
Mark Your Calendar	Call for Volunteers
Garden Design Tours	Burlington's Trees

GREETINGS from
The Friends of the Horticulture Farm

As I begin my year as President of The Friends, I would like to thank my predecessor, John Simson, for his years of service as a Board member and President. I would also like to thank John Craighead for serving on the Board. In addition, it's time to welcome new Board members Diane Snelling and Helene Lang , as well as Jonathan Brownell who has been re-elected to another term. Be sure to review the names of and contact information for all board members and officers as listed in this newsletter on page 3 .

It was an eventful spring season at the Hort. Farm. On May 19, we held our annual Bloom-Time Festival, this year for one day only, and in conjunction with The Burlington Garden Club's annual plant sale. I was really impressed with the turnout and am sure that the two events will continue to be combined in the future. Being a true admirer (and collector) of crabapples, I always enjoy walking amongst and photographing these magnificent flowering trees. Likewise, I thoroughly enjoy the beauty and fragrance of the lilac collection. If you've never attended this event, be sure to come next year; it's a real treat.

On June 7 and 9, it was the Rhododendron Collections that enchant visitors as Curator, Hal Bill, led tours of the Hort. Farm's flowering azaleas and hybrid and species rhododendrons. Hal has been instrumental in reviving the Farm's collection. Finally, on June 16, "Father of the Hort. Farm," Norman Pellett, led his annual UVM campus tree and shrub walk.

One of my favorite annual gardening events, the Benefit Plant Sale , will occur on Sunday, July 29 this year. Like the Bloom-Time Festival, this should be an "absolute must" for members of The Friends. I always seem to find unique plants that I have not seen elsewhere. Be sure to come early (members only from 9 - 11 a.m.; general public from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.) and buy, buy, buy. As in the past, we will hold a silent auction in addition to direct sales.

There have been many accomplishments at the Hort. Farm over the last years, and I look forward to our continuing success. As Curator of Conifers, I hope to add extensively to that collection. I would like to officially recognize curators for all of the various plant collections. I feel strongly that we should use our financial resources to enhance both our crabapple and lilac collections.

Another project that will take center stage this year is the design and production of a horticultural events calendar. Always coming up with good ideas, our Vice President, Judy Goodyear , has worked hard to insure that her "calendar dream" will come true. Finally, under the leadership of Lori Rowe , I am confident that the Program Committee will continue to plan interesting and educational events for 2002. See the notice of the next Program Committee meeting on page 2 .

I'm excited about the year ahead, and I look forward to working with all of you. I've learned over the years that regardless of who is at the helm, David Heleba and Tina Bielenberg are always there to help out. We should all be indebted to these two individuals for all they have done for The Friends.

Sincerely,
John Hoogenboom, President

Thank You Friends

Thank you so much for letting the Burlington Garden Club hold its plant sale at your beautiful Bloom-Time Festival. From the joint advertising to all the help setting up and on sale day, The Friends of the Horticulture Farm are indeed friends of the Burlington Garden Club.

Maureen Yates
Treasurer, Burlington Garden Club

2nd Annual Garden Tours
To Benefit Woman Centered

Two all-day, self-guided tours of private gardens culminating with a garden tea will be held in July to benefit Women Centered, a non-profit organization, offering education, resources, support and many programs to women in the Central Vermont area.

Saturday, July 7th, 9am-3pm : Nine private gardens will be open for viewing in Montpelier, East Montpelier, Adamant, Calais, and East Calais, culminating with a garden tea at The Inn at Montpelier at 3pm.

Saturday, July 14th, 9am-3pm : Nine private gardens will be on display in Plainfield, Marshfield, and Calais, culminating with a garden tea at The Goddard College Historical Gardens at 3pm.

Tickets: $20 each tour or $30 for both tours. Tickets may be purchased at the following locations: Montpelier Farmers' Market, Grace's Place, The Country Store, Hunger Mountain Coop, Dudley's Store, and The Winooski Valley Coop.

No refunds. Rain or Shine. For more information, call Woman Centered at 229-6202.

Program Committee Meeting

Just a friendly reminder that there will be a Program Committee meeting on Tuesday, July 10 , at 5:30 p.m. at Vivaldi Flowers, 350 Dorset St., South Burlington. All persons interested in helping out with the 2002 program are invited to attend.

Contact Lori Rowe, Chair of the Program Committee at lrowe@sover.net for more information.

Linda Elrick term ending: June 2003
(Treasurer)
65 Brewer Parkway
South Burlington, VT 05403
home: 863-6730
work: 524-7351 ext 214
e-mail: elrick@adelphia.net

Greg Eurich
(Ex-Officio Board Member; representing University of Vermont)
500 Spear Street
South Burlington, VT 05403
work: 658-9166 fax: 864-3658
e-mail: geurich@zoo.uvm.edu

Judy Goodyear term ending: June 2002
(Vice-President)
8 Maplewood Drive
South Burlington, VT 05403 home: 658-3358 fax: 658-3358
e-mail: tqiaone@aol.com

John Hoogenboom term ending: June 2004
(President)
104 Butternut Hill
Moretown, VT 05660
home: 223-6584
work: 229-6773 ext.3345 fax: 229-6770
e-mail: hoogies@madriver.com

Helene Lang term ending: June 2004
(Secretary)
2 Summer Street
Montpelier, VT 05602
home: 223-3531
e-mail: helenewl@together.net

Mary Mazur term ending: June 2003
(Chair, Committee of Representative)
52 Bartlett Bay Road
South Burlington, VT 05403
home: 658-3975 fax: 658-3975
e-mail: memazur@adelphia.net

Stephanie Miner term ending: June 2002
(Volunteer Coordinator)
5 Deerfield Drive
South Burlington, VT 05403
home: 863-1876
e-mail: buternut@together.net

Lori Rowe term ending: June 2003
(Chair, Program Committee)
Vivaldi Flowers For All Seasons
350 Dorset Street
South Burlington, VT 05403
home: 425-5499
work: 863-2300 fax: 658-2191
e-mail: lrowe@sover.net

Diane Snelling term ending: June 2002
304 Piette Road
Hinesburg, VT 05461
home: 482-4382
e-mail: musemgmt@aol.com

Every good nonprofit organization has jobs to be done to keep it running smoothly and eager volunteers who want to do something for the organization. This is an effort to match the two. The following is a listing of some of the volunteer opportunities available. If some of these positions are not filled by volunteers, we will probably have to pay for these services or change our priorities.

Our long-time super secretary, Mary Mazur has served the length of time in that position that our Bylaws allow. Although it takes many more people than three to replace Mary, her duties have been divided into three positions. Recording secretary has been aptly filled by Helene Lang. The two open positions are corresponding secretary and membership coordinator.

CORRESPONDING SECRETARY - This person would send out any letters needed and act as a sort of clearing house for incoming mail.

MEMBERSHIP COORDINATOR - This person would need some computer expertise. Although his or her principal responsibility would be to manage and keep up-to-date our membership database, this person would also be expected to provide mailing lists to Committee Chairs and generate labels for newsletters and special mailings.

COLLECTION CURATORS - Each different plant collection at the Hort. Farm needs one person in charge of keeping that collection viable, well-labeled, and cared for. If you are interested in one particular collection such as viburnums, crabapples, lilacs, etc., sign up as the curator for that collection, learn more about the particular strengths and needs of that collection, and form your own committee to help care for and improve that collection.

DOCENTS - From time-to-time, such as during Bloom-Time or school group visits, docents are needed to show groups around the Hort. Farm. Persons who sign-up to became docents receive training from Hort. Farm employees.

So here are a few things that need to be done. If you are interested in any of these opportunities, tell one of the members of the Board or leave a message on our answering machine, 864-3073. Thank you.

We wish to thank the generous volunteers that assisted with The Friends' booth at the Ferrisburgh Artisans Guild's 1^st Annual Spring Garden Show in Ferrisburgh on May 5 & 6 . For hauling the exhibit to the site and gathering up the various display materials, we thank David Heleba and Stephanie Miner . For answering the public's many questions and staffing the booth, we thank Judy Goodyear , Val Gump , David Heleba , Stephanie Miner , and Marge Westphal . We would especially like to thank Andrea Morgante of Siteworks , Hinesburg, for helping The Friends with this event and being our sponsor for the show.

The Friends of the Horticulture Farm will sponsor its Seventh Annual Benefit Plant Sale on Sunday, July 29, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the UVM Horticultural Research Center (the Hort. Farm) in South Burlington.

The Plant Sale will feature a wide variety of ornamental trees, shrubs, perennials and annuals from nurseries and greenhouses throughout Vermont. Proceeds from the public sale will support plant collections maintenance and site enhancement projects at the Hort. Farm, as well as on-going research and educational activities.

The Friends expects to receive choice donations and offers of rhododendrons, dwarf conifers, fruit-bearing shrubs, vines, and a wide variety of perennials for shade and sun. August is a great time to add new plantings to a yard or perennial border, and you'll find plenty of excellent material for this purpose at the sale. Last year, over 70 retailers, growers, and home gardeners donated plants, and this year many more have been solicited for contributions. There'll be some real treasures for the discerning gardener, according to The Friends' Plant Sale Coordinator, Kristina Bielenberg of Calais. Also, a Silent Auction will feature gift certificates, gardening supplies, and rare and select plants.

Members will get the "first pick" of donated items and special discounts at a Members-Only Preview Sale from 9 to 11 a.m. on Sunday morning. We encourage current members of The Friends to get their gardening neighbors to join now so they too can enjoy the benefits offered at the Preview Sale.

We are looking for volunteers to help before, during, and after the Plant Sale. We need folks to help with plant pick-up and delivery, pricing and labeling, and sale set-up. We also will need volunteers for sales staff, membership sign-up, and parking. If you are interested in helping out, please complete and return the form below or call our Volunteer Coordinator, Stephanie Miner , at 863-1876.

The Preview and General Sales will be held rain or shine! In the event of rain, bring your umbrella and good humor.

The viburnum leaf beetle, Pyrrhalta viburni (Pay-kull), was detected in Vermont for the first time in the fall of 2000 along the shore of Lake Champlain in Burlington. Originally from Europe, it was found first in North America in 1947 in Ontario, Canada. It has been in Maine, New York and New Hampshire for several years. This year heavy damage by this beetle has been reported in several northern Vermont locations, and it has been sighted in six different northern and central counties. Considering that viburnum is a favored landscape shrub, this pest could have a significant impact in this state. If left untreated, a bush can be killed if it is heavily defoliated for two to three years.

What does the viburnum leaf beetle and its damage look like?
The larvae and adults of this insect feed on the leaf tissue between the veins so that the leaves look skeletonized. They overwinter as eggs, which hatch in May. The larvae are very small and darkly colored when they first hatch. Early feeding damage looks like small pin pricks or holes. As they mature larvae can range in color from brown to pale green with dark brownish dots. By June the skeletonizing of the leaves is obvious. In June, larvae drop off the leaves to pupate in the soil. Adult beetles emerge in late July and continue to feed. They are brown and less than half an inch long. Females lay eggs from late summer to the first frost. They make a hole in a small twig, and lay several eggs in each hole, which is then covered with a mixture of chewed wood and excrement. Egg laying holes can be found in a straight line on the underside of the current season's growth. One female can lay up to 500 eggs per season.

What does the viburnun leaf beetle feed on and how can it be managed?
This pest feeds on all species of Viburnum, including European highbush cranberry (V. opulus), wayfaring tree (V. lantana ), arrowwood (V. dentatum), American highbush cranberry ( V. trilobum). Some species are preferred more than others, but all of them are susceptible.

The simplest way to minimize the damage from this pest is to inspect your viburnum bushes anytime after the eggs have been laid and before they hatch. In most areas of Vermont that would be from late October until April. The egg masses appear as rows of small bumps on the underside of the most current twigs. Any infested twigs should be pruned and destroyed. Bushes should also be inspected in the spring to see if larvae are present. If the infestation is small it should be possible to destroy these young larvae by hand before heavy damage occurs. Adults can also be picked off, but this is most effective if done in the morning because in the warm afternoon they are apt to fly off when the leaf is disturbed.

As a last resort, there are several insecticides that are effective against the viburnum leaf beetle. Control is most effective if applied against the larval stage. Products containing pyrethrins are the least environmentally damaging and most effective for controlling the larvae.

For more information about the viburnum leaf beetle, contact Dr. Margaret Skinner at mskinner@zoo.uvm.edu or call 656-5440.

I have visited the southern Appalachians on several occasions to view the springtime flowers. The experience is always rewarding, and I am called back again and again. In late April of this year my wife, Christina, and I explored the mountains south of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This note describes some of the highlights of our visit.

At the latitude of Knoxville, Tennessee and Asheville, North Carolina, the Appalachians have been extensively worn down by the forces of nature, yet some of the highest peaks of the range are found in this area. The name of the park refers to the mist that accumulates in the valleys, a local meteorological phenomenon. The mountains are densely forested by a rich cover of deciduous and coniferous trees, but sport, in addition, a luxuriant undergrowth of azalea, laurel (Kalmia latifolia) and rhododendron.

The brooks that rush through narrow breaks in the terrain are surrounded by a seemingly impenetrable herbaceous undergrowth. Elsewhere in broader valleys, slow-moving, meandering waterways are lined by statuesque willows, basswood and sycamore. Pastures margined by the cream-white Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida ), pink-magenta Redbud (Cercis canadensis) and an occasional daintily-flowered Silverbell (Halesia carolina), are scattered here and there along the streams. One of my favorite shrubs, the Carolina Allspice or Sweet Shrub ( Calycanthus floridus ) is often found in full bloom with its distinctive maroon flowers at the bases of these trees. The chartreuse shades of the newly appearing leaves of the forest, and the fragrance of the countless blooming trees and shrubs, intoxicate the visitor, as the display announces the arrival of spring.

Along the lazy streams in the dense shade of the shoreline, we found an abundance of ground-hugging, flowering plants: the pink-striped flowers of Spring Beauty (Claytonia virginica) and Wood Sorrel (Oxalis montana) are in evidence and both the clear pink Creeping Phlox (P. stolonifera) and Pert Geranium ( G. maculatum ) stand out on the forest floor. Everywhere one stumbles over tiny white Wood Anenome (A. quinquefolia), and Rue Anemone (Thalictrum thalictroides) , Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis), and Star Chickweed ( Stellaria pubera). Droves of tiny Bluets ( Houstonia serpyllifolia ), Creeping Iris (I. cristata) and the light purple Phacelia bipinnatifida are prominent features of the landscape. As we walked on, the yellow blooms of other residents of the undergrowth became evident - Buttercups ( Ranunculus sp.), Bellwort ( Uvularia grandiflora ), Lousewort (Pedicularis canadensis ), Trout Lily (Erythronium americanum) and the elegant Trillium luteum. Mayapples ( Podophyllum peltatum) with their subtle, nodding white flowers, towers of climbing Carolina Vetch ( Vicia caroliniana), and tall asters of several types stood out. Notable in this luxuriant display are clusters of violets of several species, each of a different color and plant configuration.

As we, the wandering botanists, moved deeper into the mountains along trails that accompany the brooks, we came upon an abundance of Trillium ( T. grandiflorum, T. undulatum, T. erectum and T. catesbaei), Jack-in-the-Pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum ) and Ladyslippers (Cypripedium sp). Often these shade loving plants are nestled under massive Elderberry bushes ( Sambucus sp.) with their prominent white umbelliform flowers. Nature has created a cool humid environment along the mountain streams in which to foster the growth of these rather fastidious plants.

Bridging the shallow streams, the hiker ascends the hillsides to discover new flowering friends. In addition to the ever present Senecio sp. and Asters , clusters of Silene virginica appear seemingly suspended on dry outcrops. The brilliant scarlet of their flowers contrasts strikingly with the more subtle flowering plants already described.

Visitors to the southern Appalachians in June and July are greeted by a quite different floral display when the ericaceous azalea, rhododendron and laurel of the forest undergrowth bloom. I search for words to describe the picture, but this is a story that deserves another telling.

In his classical treatise on the second visit of the 'Beagle' to Tierra del Fuego, Darwin noted "the mountainsides � are covered from the water's edge upward by one great forest. The trees reach an elevation of between 1000 and 1500 feet, and are succeeded by a land of peat with minute alpine plants; and this again is succeeded by the line of perpetual snow."

And so it is today some 170 years later. During a recent January visit to Tierra del Fuego, my wife, Christina, and I decided to explore these same snow fields. However, with modern roads, access to what proved to be glaciers near the crest of the mountains was easier for us. In the intervening century and a half, the primevil forest had been stripped, and was now replaced by a thick second growth of Nothofagus sp., the terminal vegetative cover of much of the region. It appeared though that the alluvial fields at the base of the glaciers remained undisturbed. Here were the spongy sphagnum peat bogs described by Darwin, largely devoid of flowering plants and trees. Elsewhere on alluvial rock deposits, and on the sides of the glacier valleys, luxuriant colonies of low, leather-leafed shrubs, and clutches of barberry were found, the latter covered with the rich yellow blooms that so typically adorn their branches. Interposed between these clusters of shrubs grew the ground cover I would like to tell you about - the unique cushion plants that dominated the landscape.

In temperate climates cushion plants are best known to mountaineers, but under most circumstances climbers are too preoccupied with the ascent to focus on these botanical oddities. Here at the southern tip of the western hemisphere they grow at much lower altitudes under similar arduous conditions. A gardener who has husbanded a large colony of hens and chicks ( Sempervivum sp. ) or an aging growth of saxifrage should have the picture. Indeed, plants of these two genera often develop as cushion plants under challenging conditions. But plants of many other families are found as cushions, for example, Androsace sp. As it turns out, the botany is complex for blooms can be transient and speciation requires laboratory study. In South America, this is particularly a problem for the sciences of field taxonomy and systematics remains to be developed and field guides are non-existent.

This insect is another exotic pest threatening our ecosystem. It is established in 11 states along the eastern seaboard and occurs about 20 miles from the southern border of Vermont. Several spot infestations were found for the first time last year in New Hampshire and Maine. New infestations were found in these states this year too. All of these infestations have been linked with planting hemlock trees brought in from states to our south, in areas infested with this pest. As of today, no infestations have been found in Vermont. We have initiated a public awareness campaign to alert the public and members of the Green Industry to keep their eyes out for signs of this pest. The sooner an infestation is detected, the better chance we will have of eradicating it. In areas where populations are high, this tiny insect is killing hemlock trees. It is important to keep this insect out of Vermont.

This is what you should look for:
-White woolly masses at the base of needles on the undersides of HEMLOCK twigs
-Off color needles often with a grayish cast
-Premature needle drop and twig dieback

For more information about this pest call: 656-5434; or refer to the article that appeared in our July/August 2000 newsletter at page 8.

On Thursday evening, June 7, and Saturday afternoon, June 9, Hal Bill conducted The Friends' annual Rhododendron Walk. The weather for both walks was wonderful, and everyone enjoyed the bloom, despite this year's rather limited showing of flowers. The bloom season for the Hort. Farm's rhododendrons begins around May 1 and the last blossoms finish about July 10, so picking a date six months in advance for the most flowers is not an easy task.

This year, active discussion of rhododendron culture compensated for fewer blossoms. Hal discussed layering and showed a good example of that propagation technique in progress with a particular Rhododendron brachycarpum plant. He also showed both groups the importance of deadheading young, newly established plants. He pointed out plants that had bloomed from top to bottom the previous year but that had no blooms this year - effective examples of how heavy seed production retards or stops almost all new growth.

This led to a discussion about propagating rhododendrons from seed. A number of people attending expressed interest in a workshop on growing rhododendrons and other woody plants from seed, so at this time we are planning such a workshop for late fall. The present plan is to include students from Dr. Starrett's plant propagation class in the presentation. Watch future newsletters for details.

The Board of Directors of The Friends of the Horticulture Farm would like to thank the many volunteers who helped make the 2001 Bloom-Time Festival a wonderful event. The Festival was held on May 19 this year and the lilacs were fabulous!

Those visitors who did come -- some from afar -- enjoyed the Hort. Farm in large part due to the warm hospitality of our volunteers. We thank our "Gophers," "Greeters," "Parkers," and "Troubleshooters:" Iris Banks, Lorna Bates , Tina Bielenberg, Angie Ducas, Lula Ducas , Linda Elrick, David Heleba , John Hossley, Esther Howlett, Tom Hudspeth , Helene Lang , Don Miner, Stephanie Miner , Joanne Riley, Lori Rowe, and Marge Wesphal . Special thanks go to Cheryl Bruce for answering the public's questions about the "Herb Garden," Jim Pease for leading an "Urban Stream Ecology" walk, and Hal Bill and Paul Wieczoreck for leading tours of the "Flowering Tree and Shrub Collections." Additionally, we'd like to acknowledge the assistance of Farm Manager Greg Eurich and the Hort. Farm crew for mowing and preparing the grounds for the Festival.

All activities are to be held at the UVM Horticultural Research Center in South Burlington, unless otherwise noted. Call the office of The Friends of the Horticulture Farm for details. We request phone reservations to help us with event planning. Call: 864-3073, unless otherwise indicated.

July 18, 25,& August 1, 8
6 - 8:30 p.m.
Garden Tours & Design Course
There are a few spaces left for these tours. Pre-registration and tuition required; $35.00 for members of The Friends; $45 for non-members. Call David at 656-0473 to reserve your place. See details on page 11.

July 29
9 - 11 a.m.
2001 Members Only Preview, Benefit Plant Sale
First picks and early bird specials on many items for members of The Friends.

July 29
2001 Benefit Plant Sale
11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Annual Plant Sale for the General Public. Lots of trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals and more.

September 15
Mushroom Walk
9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
NOTE CHANGE OF DATE AND TIME!!
Tour Guides: Stephanie Miner and Robert Resnik, Vermont Mycology Club

September 15
How to Prune, Train, and Develop Young Shade Trees
1 - 3 p.m.
Presenters: Jill Mahon and Bill Barren
Co-sponsored with Branch Out Burlington!

We are looking for volunteers to assist with The Friends booth at the 22nd Annual Harvest Festival at Shelburne Farms on Saturday, September 15 . We need folks to staff our display booth for two shifts (9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; 12:30 to 4:30 p.m.) If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Stephanie Miner at 863-1876.

For the sixth year in a row, The Friends is sponsoring a special series of tours of local gardens. The program schedule for this year features a diverse selection of home and commercial landscape designs by local landscape architects and landscape designers, thanks to the efforts of organizers Terry Boyle and Robin Worn of T.J. Boyle & Associates , Landscape Architects in Burlington, Vermont. All tours start at 6:00 p.m. Meet at the Hort. Farm on July 18. Directions to gardens featured on July 27, August 1, and 8 will be provided to registrants.

July 18 Jay Wiley, Arbortech Inc.
Residential Estate, Demonstrating Phasing of Implementation

July 27 Charlie Siegriest, Barber Farm Landscape Design
Residential Projects, Jericho Center

Although the June 30 deadline for enrollment has past, there are still a few spaces left. The cost for the four-week seminar is $45.00 ($35.00 for members of The Friends). Make payment to: The Friends of the Horticulture Farm and indicate in the left hand corner "Garden Tours." Mail to: Garden Tours, The Friends of the Horticulture Farm, PO Box 64788, Burlington, VT 05406-4788. Please call David at 656-0473 to check enrollment before sending your check.

For more information, please call 802/864-3073. Give a friend the benefit of our discount rate, by giving him or her a membership in The Friends today. We always welcome new members! The basic membership starts at $25.00 for one year - a bargain considering the many programs offered at discount for members of The Friends. See membership form on the reverse of this newsletter.

The Fifth Annual Burlington Awesome Tree Contest is coming up in September. Start looking now for the winning trees in any of these categories: Tallest, Widest, Picture Perfect, Most Unusual Variety, Most Funny Looking.

Remember that you can't enter trees that have won in these categories in past years. There will be some great prizes. The trees must be located in Burlington, but can be either on public or private property. The official entry forms will be available September 1, but you can start looking now. This contest is sponsored by Branch Out Burlington!