NARGS Rock Garden Quarterly: Fall 1998

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Rock Garden Quarterly

Bulletin of the North American Rock Garden Society

Volume 56 Number 4 - Fall 1998

Features

Rock Gardening in the Southeastern United States
by Nancy Goodwin

Here is an exceptionally good guide for anyone who wants to start a new rock garden, refurbish and old one or simply add plants to a satisfactory existing garden. The author, owner of the highly regarded but now closed Montrose Nursery, tells about growing small plants in a clay loam described as "rich in minerals, never sticky, yet moisture retentive." A variety of plants flourish in both sunny and shady areas. The plant list is extensive, with brief descriptions of most of the plants and color photos of some.

Choice Plants of the Southeastern United States
by Rob Gardner

Although the title suggests these plants may be limited to the southeast, many are hardy in other parts of the country. Most of the plants can be found by a diligent search of the native plant nurseries, but those not located may be grown from seed from the NARGS seed exchange. Several good photos.

Little Plants on the Prairie
by C. Colston Burrell

Gardeners in many areas are finding ways to satisfy the needs of these prairie plants even when far from their home. A fine list containing descriptions, cultural requirements and uses of many of them whets our appetites to grow all of them. Again, the native plant nurseries can supply most, or the NARGS seed exchange can be a source for those not found.

A Kentish Garden in Winter
by Jack Elliott
Learning from England in the Southeastern USA
by Bobby Ward

Jack Elliott gives good descriptions of various species of Cyclamen, Crocus, the small early blooming Iris and small Narcissus. Most of these can adapt to conditions in many parts of the US. However, the Australasian plants have not been successful for us, but doubtless some very astute gardeners are even now discovering ways to satisfy their needs. Some fine photographs.

Bobby J. Ward points out many similarities in the climates of Kent and the North Carolina Piedmont. Not surprising, many of the plants mentioned by Jack Elliott grow well in both locations. Of course England does not suffer from the summer's high humidity and temperatures as North Carolina does. Probably that's why southern hemisphere plants do poorly there.

A City Terrace Garden in Winter
by Larry Thomas

Anyone who has bemoaned the lack of space for a proper garden can take heart and encouragement from this New York City 11th story terrace garden. The problems appear insurmountable and the growing conditions impossible, but with a great deal of ingenuity and hard work, Larry has created a fine garden containing choice plants. And he has found very efficient ways to carry them safely through the difficult winter months. His answer to frozen, broken pots is the special high-fired ones he makes himself. Larry has carefully explained other difficulties and tells us more of his solutions. This inspiring article proves that where there is the will, there is a way. Snowy, snowy photographs.

Starting with Snowdrops
by John Grimshaw

"Snowdrops Demystified" could well be an another title for this article. The species of Galanthus are described, many cultivars are named and clear diagrams aid in identification. Most cultivars have occurred by chance; few attempts have been made at breeding. Cultural suggestions are given and native origins of many of the Snowdrops are mentioned. Color photographs illustrate differences in the species. Commercial sources are listed.

Habranthus in Eastern North Carolina
by Michael Cheldnik

Photographs of the flowers of this genus, looking like miniature Amaryllis, could make all of us eager to have several in our gardens. Unfortunately gardens in cold climates may have to be content with Habranthus as a container plant. H. robustus, however, is reported to be able to withstand occasional drops to zero degrees F. Descriptions and cultural suggestions are given for seven species. And commercial sources for the plants are listed.

	Rock Gardening in the Southeastern United States by Nancy Goodwin Here is an exceptionally good guide for anyone who wants to start a new rock garden, refurbish and old one or simply add plants to a satisfactory existing garden. The author, owner of the highly regarded but now closed Montrose Nursery, tells about growing small plants in a clay loam described as "rich in minerals, never sticky, yet moisture retentive." A variety of plants flourish in both sunny and shady areas. The plant list is extensive, with brief descriptions of most of the plants and color photos of some.
	Choice Plants of the Southeastern United States by Rob Gardner Although the title suggests these plants may be limited to the southeast, many are hardy in other parts of the country. Most of the plants can be found by a diligent search of the native plant nurseries, but those not located may be grown from seed from the NARGS seed exchange. Several good photos.
	Little Plants on the Prairie by C. Colston Burrell Gardeners in many areas are finding ways to satisfy the needs of these prairie plants even when far from their home. A fine list containing descriptions, cultural requirements and uses of many of them whets our appetites to grow all of them. Again, the native plant nurseries can supply most, or the NARGS seed exchange can be a source for those not found.
	A Kentish Garden in Winter by Jack Elliott Learning from England in the Southeastern USA by Bobby Ward Jack Elliott gives good descriptions of various species of Cyclamen, Crocus, the small early blooming Iris and small Narcissus. Most of these can adapt to conditions in many parts of the US. However, the Australasian plants have not been successful for us, but doubtless some very astute gardeners are even now discovering ways to satisfy their needs. Some fine photographs. Bobby J. Ward points out many similarities in the climates of Kent and the North Carolina Piedmont. Not surprising, many of the plants mentioned by Jack Elliott grow well in both locations. Of course England does not suffer from the summer's high humidity and temperatures as North Carolina does. Probably that's why southern hemisphere plants do poorly there.
	A City Terrace Garden in Winter by Larry Thomas Anyone who has bemoaned the lack of space for a proper garden can take heart and encouragement from this New York City 11th story terrace garden. The problems appear insurmountable and the growing conditions impossible, but with a great deal of ingenuity and hard work, Larry has created a fine garden containing choice plants. And he has found very efficient ways to carry them safely through the difficult winter months. His answer to frozen, broken pots is the special high-fired ones he makes himself. Larry has carefully explained other difficulties and tells us more of his solutions. This inspiring article proves that where there is the will, there is a way. Snowy, snowy photographs.
	Starting with Snowdrops by John Grimshaw "Snowdrops Demystified" could well be an another title for this article. The species of Galanthus are described, many cultivars are named and clear diagrams aid in identification. Most cultivars have occurred by chance; few attempts have been made at breeding. Cultural suggestions are given and native origins of many of the Snowdrops are mentioned. Color photographs illustrate differences in the species. Commercial sources are listed.
	Habranthus in Eastern North Carolina by Michael Cheldnik Photographs of the flowers of this genus, looking like miniature Amaryllis, could make all of us eager to have several in our gardens. Unfortunately gardens in cold climates may have to be content with Habranthus as a container plant. H. robustus, however, is reported to be able to withstand occasional drops to zero degrees F. Descriptions and cultural suggestions are given for seven species. And commercial sources for the plants are listed.