| January 2012 HARDY PLANT SOCIETY Newsletter |
Water Lily - Brooklyn Botanical Garden |
HARDY PLANT SOCIETY
January 2012 Newsletter
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
Hope you all enjoyed your holidays whatever they are
because I have some good news. Two people have stepped
up to help/do programs. Tina Knowlton, whom many of you
know, and Deborah Beacham, who may be new to you, have
both offered to work on this issue. I have three speakers
signed up and a fourth who may do the symposium. We have
feelers out to a couple more so it looks as though we will
have another year of meetings – perhaps not a full year - but
only time will tell. We still need your help. If you have anyone
to suggest as a speaker, please let us know. We need a
couple of more people for our regular meetings as well as for
the symposium. Have you heard someone at a garden club
or symposium or flower show that you think would work for
us?
Speaking of the symposium, remember to sign up as soon as
you can. The price increases closer to the date. We will be
having some vendors; Broken Arrow and a woman who
makes incredible flower prints using a copier. I am thrilled
with the speakers and think that you will be also. It will be a
real treat to hear Ron Rabideau of rareFind nursery as he
doesn’t speak here often and the nursery has some of the
finest plants around. Warren Leach of Tranquil Lake Nursery
is local but is always a delight and wonder - and – we feed
you very well. I’ll have the signup sheets at the next (and only
one before the Symposium) meeting. Please sign up with
soup, breakfast goodies or dessert.
Looking forward to spring!!!
Leslie
THE UNDECLARED WAR: THE CHEMICAL BATTLE
Lawns are an emblematic symbol in much of North America.
But the traditional lawn has become a controversial topic.
Mounting evidence indicates synthetic chemicals are
dangerous. The province of Quebec in Canada has
implemented sweeping legislation banning the use of many of
these chemicals. Some towns in the United States have
banned the use of certain lawn chemicals while many more
are considering such legislation. The time is now to look at
some sensible alternatives in this: the undeclared war on
Mother Nature.
I’ve heard such phrases as, “They have the perfect lawn” and
“His lawn is like a golf course!”. These statements are most
often euphemisms for a chemically induced monoculture.
When a single species inhabits an area it is defined as a
“monoculture”. Monocultures do not exist naturally; that is,
one species does not live in isolation at the exclusion and
expense of all others. The laws of nature see to it that
interactive communities of plants and creatures live in healthy
balance. A balanced community is an ecosystem, each
interdependent member providing an integrated task in the
interwoven fabric of life. Even savannahs, grasslands and
prairies are complex networks of ecosystems. The “perfect
lawn” is, therefore, an unnatural phenomenon; it is an
anathema created by man, one contrary to natural law.
Healthy soils teem with life. The flora and fauna inhabiting soil
communities composed of all manner of tiny insects, bacteria
and fungi breaks down decaying matter turning the refuse into
soluble nutrients upon which plants rely. Dying plant debris
and expired soil inhabitants provide the fodder that feeds the
microscopic creatures thus completing a richly complex and
compelling cycle of life. Chemical fertilizers, pesticides and
herbicides disrupt the interdependent balance that naturally
occurs in these remarkable ecosystems. Repeated use of
toxic substances degrades multitudes of subterranean
communities that would be normally packed into every
tablespoon of healthy soil.
Re-applications of chemicals also reduce earthworm
populations. These elegant creatures ingest huge amounts of
detritus and turn it into one of the most nutrient rich manures
(“castings”) in the world. Interestingly, castings harbor
disease-preventing properties. Earthworms tunnel deep into
the ground, loosening and oxygenating the soil which is also a
necessary component of soil and plant health. These
extraordinary beasts become fewer as more chemicals are
poured into the soil. Soils then become increasingly
compacted and incompatible for healthy root growth. If you
don’t have happy roots you don’t have healthy plants, plain
and simple.
Pesticides and herbicides gradually impoverish soils that were
once teeming with life. As more components of soil
communities are destroyed the system becomes increasingly
dysfunctional. Fewer nutrients are made available to plants
making them more chemically dependent. Lawn grasses,
therefore, become evermore needful of synthetic fertilizer
fixes as an addict requires frequently administered doses of
the drug to which he has become habituated. And with no
natural defenses in place and no beneficial insects, fungi and
bacteria to ward off pest problems your lawns actually
become more susceptible to predation by disease and
marauders. Your lawns are one missed application of pest
control/fertilizer away from serious trouble. You will have
created the virtual astro-turf desert.
Insects and micro-organisms may actually adapt to
indiscriminately broadcast chemicals that were designed to
destroy them, mutating, becoming resistant to these poisons.
In such a case these “super insects” and disease organisms
can potentially explode in huge numbers and ravage an area.
Remember: these chemicals usually kill everything in their
wake including the beneficial insects that might have kept a
ravenous population in check.
Chemicals used to create the “perfect lawn” are also
dangerous to people and pets. Corroborating evidence
shows that increased lawn chemical use increases cancer
risk in pets. Arguably the most important consideration (and
one that can’t be stressed enough) is that synthetics
broadcast onto lawns and fields can leach into our drinking
water. As more and more area is developed in northeastern
Connecticut it becomes imperative to avoid chemicals that
might taint groundwater, streams and rivers. Shallow wells
are particularly susceptible. All homeowners have a vested
interest in maintaining potable drinking water. So do industry
and recreational fields such as golf courses. We, as a
community, have a responsibility to work towards a clean
environment and vibrant health, not only for ourselves but for
our children and their children, too.
The destruction of entire plant and animal communities sold in
the guise of “better living through chemistry” is a tenuous
house of cards at best. At its worst, these chemicals destroy
countless creatures and potentially compromise the health of
all. Remember: we are also one component in the make-up
of the biosphere; when we poison the ground we poison
ourselves. In the next installment of The Potting Shed we will
discuss the “perfect lawn community”. Stay tuned.
Wayne Paquette, Quackin’ Grass Nursery
16 Laurel Hill Road, Brooklyn, CT 06234
www.QuackinGrassNursery.com
UPCOMING SPEAKERS
January 25, 2012 - Adam Wheeler: The Witches of
Winter
Although Adam probably needs no introduction to most of us,
I have added this for anyone new to our group. Adam
Wheeler has completed his BS degree in Urban Forestry and
Landscape Horticulture at the University of Vermont where he
is nearing completion of his MS degree in Plant and Soil
Science. He is presently employed at Broken Arrow
Nursery. Adam’s primary responsibilities include plant
propagation and the acquisition and development of new
plants. In his spare time he enjoys collecting rare and
unusual plants, rock climbing and competitive giant pumpkin
growing.
Come discover the magical world of the witch hazel
(Hamamalis ssp.) during this program. Adam will present a
slide lecture that touches on the storied history, ornamental
appeal and noted selections of these underutilized shrubs.
March 28, 2012 -
Sarah Bailey: Conserving Sid Waxman’s Heritage
In addition to being one of the nicest, most knowledgeable
and hardest-working people I have the pleasure to know,
Sarah Bailey is a Certified Advanced Master Gardener and a
Connecticut Accredited Nursery Professional. She has
watered, weeded, fertilized and provided horticultural and
design advice in the Farmington Valley area for the last fifteen
years. Along with being the Hartford County Coordinator for
the UConn Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Program
and a pesticide safety educator, Sarah also attends to private
garden clients. Additionally, she is on the boards of directors
for the Connecticut Horticultural Society and the Connecticut
Community Gardening Association.
You probably have heard about the great work that Sid
Waxman did at UConn and the many plants that he
introduced. You might have not been aware that much of
what he did wasis disappearing from UConn. Sarah will be
speaking about the important work of the conservation effort
at UConn concerning Sid Waxman’s plants. She will tell us
the plans and the progress on the work of preserving his
heritage.
April 25, 2012 -
Carl Galanter: The Ephemerals of Spring and Their
Companions
Thought you knew all the great plantsmen from Broken
Arrow? Maybe not! Carl Galanter started as an intern at
Broken Arrow while completing his degree program in
"Horticulture and Landscaping" at Naugatuck Valley
Community College. Carl now oversees the propagation and
purchasing of perennials; the more unusual, the better,
particularly selections of Arisaema, Disporum, Helleborus,
and Polygonatum. Carl will be discussing some of his favorite
plants for the spring garden. The ephemerals which are here
and then gone and the companions that will be there for the
rest of the season should be combined to have a successful
garden. Carl will be discussing individual plants and
combinations that work well.
HPS SPEAKERS CALENDAR Winter/Spring 2012
January 25th- Adam Wheeler: The Witches of Winter
March 3rd – Symposium –
10:30 am. Ron Rabideau: Rare and Unusual Woody
Plants that You are Sure to Love
1:00 pm. Warren Leach: Garden Design Emphasizing
Leaves – Their Color, Texture,
Shape and More
March 28th – Sarah Bailey: UConn /Sid Waxman
conservation project
April 25th – Carl Galanter: Spring Ephemerals
June 23rd – Summer Picnic 2012
Visit our website: cthardyplantsociety.org
THE HARDY PLANT SOCIETY OF NEW ENGLAND
CONNECTICUT CHAPTER
The HARDY PLANT SOCIETY (HPS) of New England,
Connecticut Chapter is a friendly and informal gathering of
plant lovers. The stated purpose of HARDY PLANT
SOCIETY is to cultivate and promote interest in plants that
are hardy in New England, from the tiniest herbaceous plants
to giant trees and all between. As our membership draws
from a broad range of interests, the exchange of ideas and
knowledge among our group is dynamic!
HPS holds a series of evening lectures from September to
April. These meetings are held on the fourth Wednesday of
the month except November and December when the
meetings are held on the third Wednesday. There is no
meeting in February. A “coffee hour” precedes the
meetings. The December meeting also includes a holiday
celebration. At meetings there is often a raffle and/or auction
of donated plants.
Our group presents the HARDY PLANT SYMPOSIUM held
on the first Saturday in March. We host two presentations in
an all-day affair. This event is always interesting and
informative. And a lunch consisting of soups and breads is
provided by members who really know how to cook!
We invite you to join HARDY PLANT SOCIETY. The annual
dues are $25 for a single membership and $30 for a family
membership. The membership year begins September 1
and ends August 31.
HPS was formed in 1994 and has since incorporated,
achieving 501 (c) (3), non-profit status.
_________________________________________________
Annual Dues: _____ Individual $25.00 _____ Family $30.00
Name(s):
____________________________________________
Address:
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
Phone Number: _______________ Email
_____________________
Would EMAIL ALONE be for acceptable? ____ YES ____ NO
Please send to Tina Knowlton, 191 Middle Haddam Rd.
Portland, CT 06480
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