Sassafras albidum

This past summer the Polly Hill Arboretumand the Martha’s Vineyard AgriculturalSociety jointly purchased a 9.7-acre landparcel just south of our property line. Theportion PHA received is a long, narrowbuffer strip encompassing just under twoacres. The land extends from the midpointof Polly’s Play Pen, south 100 feet, and 850 feet west to our property border withthe Frances Newhall Woods Preserve. This purchase, subdivided between PHAand the Ag Society, ensures that the landwill be maintained in the agrarian spirit ofWest Tisbury for future generations.

Longtime Arboretum members mayrecall the acquisition of the Littlefield property in 2002. At that time, the MVMuseum (in a collaborative effort) pur-

chased the Littlefield property and immedi-ately sold 9.7 acres to PHA and 5 acres to the Ag Society while retaining 9.7 acres for the development of a new campus inWest Tisbury. However, plans can change,and last year the MV Museum decided to pursue a different location for their newmuseum. The land was put up for sale cre-ating both uncertainty and opportunity forPHA. A decision had to be made quickly.

The board of directors and staff ofPHA did not want the property to fall intothe hands of unknown buyers who mightdevelop or build immediately adjacent to the Arboretum. Foremost in our think-ing was the potential impact on our visitors’experience, more specifically, retaining the secluded beauty of Polly’s Play Pen, but

we also saw utilitarian reasons to pursuethis opportunity. One foreseeable use for this land is as a maintenance accesspoint and buffer to our proposed woodland garden to be located nearby. The land also includes a classic Vineyard stone wallwhich stretches from State Road to ourwestern boundary.

We are thankful for the representativesof the Ag Society who worked with us on this purchase. We are also thankful forthe PHA board of directors and all oursupporters who enabled us to move quicklyon this extraordinary opportunity. We arecertain that PHA visitors and West Tisburyresidents will look back favorably on our decision to purchase and preserve thisland—it was the right thing to do.

The Polly Hill ArboretumWest Tisbury, Massachusetts

Vol. 13, No. 2 Fall 2011

Meristems

C O N T E N T S A R B O R E T U M A C Q U I R E S N E W L A N D P A R C E L

M E S S A G E F R OM T H E D I R E C T O R

E D U C AT I O N A N D O U T R E A C H

A R B O R E T U M N E W S

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F R OM T H E V I N E YA R D F L O R A

F R OM T H E L I V I N G C O L L E C T I O N

V O L U N T E E R S I N T H E A R B O R E T U M

A R B O R E T U M D E S T I N AT I O N S

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Arboretum Acquires New Land Parcel

Once-in-a-lifetime opportunity—I smile with skepticism when I hear this expression that soundslike a sales pitch. We all know many so-called once-in-a-lifetime opportunities are not worth taking. Opportunities can be risky, a game of chance, yet occasionally there are rare opportunitiesthat simply cannot be missed.

This year the unexpected chance to obtain land was just such a situation. Making the most of this unusual opportunity took cooperation, dollars, and a lot of hard work. However, after much deliberation, conversation, and negotiation, PHAnow owns a new two-acre parcel, a buffer zone forthe Arboretum just south of our property border. In these tough economic times, it was a costly purchase, but we feel certain the future benefits areincalculable.

We opened the season with a new event, “Spring into Summer,” that included tours, a plantsale, and educational programs. It marked the first use of the renovated Far Barn. The renovation has garnered appreciation and drawn praise frommembers and visitors. The work was done with care, thoughtfulness, patience, and persistence. The results speak for themselves.

As to once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, enjoyingnature in the moment is a singular experience whichPHA offers countless opportunities. This season we experienced the most incredible display of flower-ing in the past 20 years! This phenomenon occurredalong the entire east coast of North America. Sostunning was the production of flowers and fruit byboth trees and shrubs I was awed.

Certainly these are interesting times for PHA,what Polly would call the “teenage years.” Sustaininggrowth requires both patience and persistence.Patience speaks to recognizing our limitations in thiseconomic downturn, and persistence reflects ourdetermination. Because we grow things for a livingwe are familiar with both.

I am comforted by the cyclic nature of the seasons that bring natural beauty and ever-changingvistas to our landscape. Our trees, both young andold, carry on regardless of market trends, volatility, orwhatever is spinning on the TV or the internet.Please come to the Arboretum and see for yourself.Plan a winter visit during our quiet season. We lookforward to seeing you!

The iconic Far Barn represents our rural history.

Message from the Director

The Polly Hill Arboretum

THE CORPORATION

AND

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Rachel Smith AlternativeTimothy M. Boland

Ex OfficioWilliam R. HambrechtPeter NorrisClaire SawyersE. Douglas SederholmLydia Hill Slaby, TreasurerFrank R. SmithJoan Margot SmithPresident & ChairmanPhilippe de SpoelberchKimbrough TowlesSusan H. Wasserman

HONORARY

BOARD MEMBERS

Robert W. DoranLisina M. HochStephen A. Spongberg

RESEARCH ASSOCIATES

Melissa CullinaDavid R. FosterEric HsuShigeto Tsukie

STAFF OF THE

POLLY HILL ARBORETUM

Timothy M. BolandExecutive Director

Tom Clark Collections & Grounds Manager

Barbara Conroy Administrative & Financial Officer

Betsy DrippsYouth Education Coordinator

Stephen MastersonSenior Horticulturist/Arborist

Karin StanleyEducation & Outreach Administrator

Nancy Weaver Volunteer Coordinator & Plant Recorder

The mission of the Polly HillArboretum is to perpetuate the experimental tradition in horticulture established by Polly Hill by sharing knowledge of plants and scientific procedurethrough educational programs,research, plant conservation, and exploration. The Arboretumseeks to preserve its meadows and woodlands, to promote anunderstanding of its collections,and to encourage their utilizationfor scholarship, observation, and the enjoyment of all.

Meristems © The Newsletter of the Polly Hill Arboretum

News & Photography PHA StaffEditor Laura CoitDesign Lorraine FergusonPrinting Bolger, Minneapolis MN

Printed on recycled paper.

E D U C A T I O N A N D O U T R E A C H 3

The Polly Hill Arboretum recently expand-ed by 2 acres to encompass a total of 72 acresof land. The Arboretum property in total was acquired through a series of purchasesmade by Margaret and Howard Butcher(Polly’s parents), Polly Hill, and the Polly Hill Arboretum, Inc. The account of our land acquisition takes place over 85 years.

The story begins in 1926 with the sale of 40 acres of rural farmland, the propertywhich forms the core of today’s arboretum, to Margaret and Howard Butcher. Margaretnamed the property Barnard’s Inn Farm to honor Barnard Luce and the inn he onceoperated from the Homestead. Over the next 30 years, she repaired and modernizedthe farm buildings, including renovating the old barn into the family home, nowknown as the Cowbarn.

After her mother’s death in 1957, Pollyand her husband, Julian, assumed care of the farm, inheriting the land in 1969 after her father’s death. That same year Polly and Julian purchased a 20-acre strip of land along the northern boundary that was then part of the Priester property to create a buffer along the edge of the farm. PerhapsPolly also had her eye on the trees as shenoted that along with it came four maturebeech trees. Some of this area is now used for our Visitor Center entrance and parking.

are pleased to have acquired this piece ofproperty. It creates an additional buffer toPolly’s Play Pen and a future woodland garden and also ensures a continuum of arural agricultural land use.

To sum up: 40 + 20 + 10 + 2 = 72 totalacres of land. Today the Arboretum com-prises a significant area of open space in the town of West Tisbury, Massachusetts,and is central to an even larger area of conserved land nearby including the con-tiguous 512-acre Frances Newhall Woodspreserve. Seventy-two acres: We are proud to preserve, maintain, and grow thissignificant asset for the public’s educationand enjoyment.

Adding Up Acres

The core of the Arboretum consists of 40 acres that was once a working farm.

In June of 1997 Dr. David Smithformed Polly Hill Arboretum Inc. and purchased the 60-acre Barnard’s Inn Farmfrom the Hill family to preserve Polly Hill’s horticultural legacy. Ten more acres,including the Littlefield farmhouse, wereadded a few years later in 2002 when the adjacent 25-acre Littlefield property onthe Arboretum’s southern boundary becameavailable. It was purchased through the collaborative efforts of the MV AgriculturalSociety, the Martha’s Vineyard Museum(MVM), and PHA.

This past summer PHA acquired anadditional 2 acres through a joint purchasewith the Agricultural Society of the MVM portion of the 2002 purchase. We

Annual Lisina and Frank W. Hoch Lecture

Learn about the captivating gardens of Chanticleer from director Bill Thomas on July 18, 7:30pm.

In recognition of the contributions ofLisina and Frank Hoch, PHA has estab-lished an annual lecture in their honor. Thelecture will focus on great American gar-dens and will bring the best and brightestof the arboreta and botanical garden worldto our island. It will provide an opportunityfor community members to travel to thenation’s great gardens while seated in theFar Barn. Also, PHA staff and board members will have the opportunity to sharethe Arboretum with the leading minds inour profession. We are grateful to Lisinaand Frank Hoch for their contributions asboard members and supporters and in 2012we welcome our inaugural speaker: William(Bill) Thomas, director of Chanticleer,located in Wayne, Pennsylvania.

4 – E D U C A T I O N A N D O U T R E A C H

One of the most rewarding aspects of theArboretum’s internship program is witness-ing the professional growth of our students.We watch from afar as they completeschool, intern at other gardens, findemployment, and make their way in theworld of horticulture. Occasionally theycome back to us and we have the opportu-nity to witness their growth firsthand. Suchwas the case with Alyssa Janilla whoreturned to PHA last March as our collec-tions management intern.

She arrived with clear expectations andclarity of purpose. In her application shestated, “I want to wholly intensify my expe-

Farewell to Alyssa Janilla

Collections management intern Alyssa Janilla

Marnie Conley (left), department head at LongwoodGardens, presents Nancy Weaver with the Hansell award.

rience in public gardening.” And that shedid. The internship provided a breadth ofexperience and an in-depth look at opera-tions. She appreciated the attention fromstaff mentioning that “everyone at PHAdoes a great job of ensuring that the intern-ship is a learning experience.” Collections& Grounds Manager Tom Clark is quick toadd, “It’s a two-way street. The Arboretumbenefits equally. We all appreciate whatAlyssa contributed.”

Her prior PHA experience meant shewas able to pick up where she left off as our2008 summer intern. For example, Alyssaeagerly re-engaged taking on the mainte-

It always feels good to receive recognitionfor a job well done. Therefore, it felt wonderful when our newsletter, Meristems,received the Dorothy E. HansellPublication Award at the American PublicGardens Association’s annual meeting inJune. PHA Volunteer Coordinator & PlantRecorder Nancy Weaver was on hand to accept the award. The Hansell award is presented to the best overall membershipnewsletter among our professional peers.Entries are evaluated according to structure

and overall design, content, and appropriateuse of graphics and fonts.

We thank our graphic designer,Lorraine Ferguson, and editor, Laura Coit,for their outstanding work. Special thanksas well go to Karin Stanley for her dedica-tion and skill in managing the productionof Meristems and to all the PHA staff whocontribute both photographs and articles;it is truly a group effort. Congratulationsto all!

Meristems Receives Award

nance and evaluation of the baptisia trialbeds she had planted in 2008. Also, sheably assumed the responsibility of manag-ing the watering of plants installed on thegrounds within the past three years. Thisessential task provided intimate knowledgeof the living collection as well as managerialexperience; she coordinated the summerinterns to assist.

The collections management intern-ship involves curatorial work. Alyssa wasinvolved with the curation of the ConiferRows. Alyssa and Tom went row by row,plant by plant, completing an inventory andassessment of the collection. “It was won-derful working on this project with her. Herorganization and meticulous observationswere key to the project’s success.” says Tom.

Reflecting on her experience at PHA,Alyssa adds that community support is animportant part of what makes theArboretum work. She says “volunteers arethe Arboretum’s extended family—theirenthusiasm for leading tours, working onthe grounds, and teaching kids is a constantreminder of the joys of working withplants.” Absolutely true and the same couldbe said of our interns!

When asked about her next step Alyssaexpresses some uncertainty, however ideasand options abound for this bright, creative,and energetic woman. She affirms thatworking with the public to share her love ofhorticulture is definitely in her future. Welook forward to cheering her on from afar.

they gave him the opportunity to learn thebloom cycle of many plants. David’sfavorite project was the production ofherbarium specimens of Polly’s introduc-tions as well as of our stewartia collection.The artistic and scientific aspects of thiswork suit him well.

Sarah and David have both found new

Each summer our Feldman summer intern-ship program provides us with youthfulenthusiasm and much needed summer help.This year Sarah Dickert and David Wellerquickly became essential members of ourteam. Both interns expressed that everyoneat PHA was welcoming and helpful andhow much that added to their experience.

A recent graduate of PennsylvaniaState University with a degree in landscapecontracting and horticulture, Sarah waspleased to put her formal education topractical use and to expand her plantpalette. Her summer experience confirmedher desire to pursue a career in public gar-dening. Sarah’s favorite project involvedpropagating Polly’s cultivars from cuttings.In fine experimental tradition she stuckcuttings of monkey-puzzle tree—these treesare usually propagated by seed. We prom-ised to keep her posted on the results.

David also enjoyed the educationalaspect of working in a public garden andwas impressed by our research. He appreci-ated the daily balance of hard work coupledwith learning opportunities. David foundthe periodic walks with Collections &Grounds Manager Tom Clark invaluable;

Summer Interns

This past summer PHA collaborated onthree insect surveys: one monitored thediversity of native bees, and two looked forthe presence of invasive insect pests.

The first survey was in collaborationwith Smithsonian entomologist Dr. PaulGoldstein who led an effort by the Trusteesof Reservations to document the Island’snative pollinator diversity. More than 400native bee species occur in New England(of 4,000 nationwide). It is estimated thatas many as 200 species of native bees mayoccur on Martha’s Vineyard alone. Untilthis summer, however, no formal inventoryhad been undertaken. The Arboretum wasapproached because we have plants in ourcollections that have not been studied fortheir ability to attract pollinators.

Identifying plants that are valued for

PHA summer interns David Weller and Sarah Dickert (center) with sponsor Sam Feldman and daughters Dene (far left) and Leigh (far right)

Bees and Borers and Bugs, Oh My!

their ability to draw native bees may helpinform land management practices nearfarms where a “pollinator crisis” has inter-fered with crop pollination. Numerous traps were set to collect bees that were latersent to entomologists for identification.

The second survey monitored for thepresence of emerald ash borer (EAB), an invasive exotic pest that has devastatedtens of thousands of ash trees in theMidwest and is bearing down on the forestsof Massachusetts. The MassachusettsDepartment of Conservation andRecreation has taken decisive measures toensure early detection of this destructiveinsect. This past summer, ash trees acrossthe state “blossomed” with purple prismtraps. One of PHA’s ash trees sported a trap that we monitored, hoping not to

internship positions. Sarah accepted a hor-ticultural internship program at theSmithsonian in Washington, D.C., andDavid has taken a research internship atLongwood Gardens in Kennett Square,Pennsylvania. We wish them both the bestof luck with their future careers. We arepleased to say: they got their start at PHA!

find the borer. We are happy to report thepresence of EAB was not detected.

The third insect survey was in partner-ship with the USDA’s Animal and PlantHealth Inspection Service (APHIS). Thissurvey targeted many species of exotic bark-boring beetles including the Mediterraneanpine engraver beetle and the Europeanhardwood ambrosia beetle. Three Lindgrenfunnel traps were placed on trees in theArboretum to monitor for these potentialpests. Collections were made bi-weekly andsent to the APHIS lab in Connecticut for identification. At the conclusion of the survey, exotic bark-boring beetles were notfound. No news is good news, and in this case, no news is also valid data in theon-going fight against invasive species.

Board News

Help On the Way for the Play Pen

This July the PHA Board of Directors welcomed new board member Susan H.Wasserman and bade farewell to Tatnall L.Hillman, Lisina M. Hoch, and Thomas C.Wallace.

We extend a warm welcome to longtime West Tisbury resident Susan(Suzi) Wasserman. Her family knew Pollyand Julian Hill and she remembers the treat it was to visit Polly and go for a tour.Suzi notes, “Polly provides all of us with an unusual role model. She began this workat 50. Think what each of us can accom-plish. And imagine how working togetherthis institution can continue to grow! I amso pleased to join the Polly Hill Arboretumboard and be a part of this future.”

Suzi brings a wealth of experience anda history of community involvement to ourboard. Her numerous local accomplishmentsinclude board positions with the League ofWomen Voters, two terms on the board ofdirectors of Martha’s Vineyard CommunityServices (with six years as president), presi-dent of the Friends of the West TisburyLibrary, member of the Island Plan steeringcommittee, and current board member ofthe Vineyard Energy Project. We look for-ward to working with Suzi!

We bid farewell and extend thanks toTatnall Hillman (Polly Hill’s nephew) who has served on our board since 2002.He has agreed to continue his involvementby assisting us with special projects. Weexpect to see both Tatnall and BobbieHillman in the years ahead exploring thegrounds with their grandchildren. TomWallace has also left the board after servingsince 2008. We thank Tom for his service.

We also thank Lisina Hoch for heryears of dedicated service. Lisina took overthe board position of her late husband,Frank Hoch, who retired from the board in2005. Since that time Lisina (like Frank)has been a strong advocate for education,conservation, and science. At our Octoberboard meeting, Lisina Hoch was unani-mously voted in as an honorary boardmember. Though Lisina is stepping downfrom the board, we expect her to remainactive and interested in our activities, and we look forward to her continued presence at the Arboretum.

The Arboretum is thrilled to announce thereceipt of a $14,600 competitive grant from the Stanley Smith Horticultural Trust.The grant will be used for the reconstruc-tion of Polly’s Play Pen. The Play Pen wasbuilt in the early 1970s to enclose and protect from deer a diverse assemblage ofsmall plants including many of Polly’s most cherished specimens. The enclosed

6 – A R B O R E T U M N E W S

The June 2011 issue of The Plantsman(a publication of the Royal HorticulturalSociety) features a genus profile titled“Enkianthus in Cultivation.” This extensivearticle, co-written by PHA Collections & Grounds Manager Tom Clark, PHAresearch associate Eric Hsu, and director of the Arboretum Wespelaar in Belgium Koen Camelbeke, is the secondcollaboration between PHA andArboretum Wespelaar to be published in this prestigious journal.

The entire article can be viewedthrough our website at www.pollyhillar-boretum.org/plants/enkianthus-2/ and clicking on the link to the article.

Enkianthus Article Appears in The Plantsman

garden’s fence and gates are now dilapidat-ed, rusted, and unsightly. Island craftsmenTucker Hubbell and Ben Clark, along with PHA staff, will tackle the renovationproject this winter. This is an importantnext step in the rehabilitation of Polly’sPlay Pen that began last year with a thorough evaluation and rejuvenation planfor the living collection.

On November 17, 2011, Rose Treat, artist, naturalist, and Arboretum friend,passed away at the age of 102. Known asRosie to her friends, the gift of her marine algae (seaweed) collection inDecember of 2001 marked the beginning of the Arboretum’s herbarium; a total of 421 seaweed specimens are now housedat the PHA herbarium in special protectivecabinets. A memorial in her honor will be held at the PHA on June 9, 2012.Watch for more information as plans develop. To see examples and specimens of Rosie’s work, and a full obituary from The Vineyard Gazette, visit our

Arboretum Loses Friend, Rose Treat

webpage at www.pollyhillarboretum.org/science/herbarium/.

The Plantsman, The Royal Horticultural Society. New Series Volume 10, Part 2, June 2011. Thomas Clark, Eric Hsu, and Koen Camelbeke

PHA Executive Director Tim Boland with Rose Treatin 2008

Lisina and Frank Hoch were close friendsof Polly and Julian Hill. They have beeninvolved with the Arboretum from the verybeginning when in 1997 Frank Hoch wasapproached by David Smith for support inestablishing the Polly Hill Arboretum.With the untimely death of David Smith in 1999, Frank Hoch graciously becamechairman of the PHA board.

I think of Frank Hoch often, his wisecounsel, his enthusiasm for our science programs, and his sheer joy in watching usgrow. My conversations with Frank ran the gamut from tree roots, native azaleas,evolutionary biology to politics. The initialencouragement and support for a green-house was brought forth and nurtured by

Lisina and Frank Hoch: Foundation, Friendship, and Commitment to Science by Tim Boland

Frank and Lisina. Without their dedicationto that project, we would not have thiswonderful facility or the numerous plantsgrown over the past five years from ournational and international plant expedi-tions. The greenhouse also serves as an educational space where we teach courseson plant propagation.

When Lisina joined our board in 2005she did so with great enthusiasm, a strongpragmatic nature, and, again, a deep interestin our science and education programs. One vivid memory goes back to 2006 whenFrank and Lisina agreed to host Dr. PeterRaven, the world’s leading authority onplant biodiversity. A lovely dinner was heldat their home in Seven Gates Farm where

people from all the Island conservationgroups had gathered. Dr. Raven remarkedto me, “You really have something specialhere on Martha’s Vineyard, of course, it all starts with passionate people.”

“It all starts with passionate people.”That remark describes my feelings forFrank and Lisina Hoch—interested, pas-sionate, supportive advocates. I feel sograteful for their friendship, encourage-ment, and support, from our very begin-ning. To recognize both Lisina and Frank Hoch for their outstanding contribu-tions, an annual lecture (See article on page 3.) has been established in their honor.

It has been a busy year for PHA staff. InJune Volunteer Coordinator & PlantRecorder Nancy Weaver and collectionsmanagement intern Alyssa Janilla attendedthe American Public Gardens Association’s(APGA) annual conference in Philadelphia.In addition to attending workshops andreceiving an award, they connected with colleagues from the Delaware Valley.

In August while the rest of the stafffretted over the arrival of Tropical StormIrene, Collections & Grounds ManagerTom Clark was in sunny Rohnert Park,California, attending a plant explorationsymposium. Hosted by the APGA andQuarryhill Botanic Garden, the symposiumattracted colleagues from across NorthAmerica, Europe, and Asia.

In November Senior Horticulturist/Arborist Steve Masterson attended the TreeCare Industry Expo 2011 in Hartford,Connecticut. Education sessions focused on a wide range of topics from arborist safety and pruning to the latest researchconcerning insect and disease pests.Through these classes Steve gains credittoward maintaining his InternationalSociety of Arboriculture certified arborist

status. An associated trade show gave Steve the chance to talk “nuts and bolts”about new tools and equipment.

Executive Director Tim Boland pre-sented a wide range of lectures this year.On-Island he spoke to the West ChopClub on sustainable landscape practiceswhile a summer trip to Nantucket affordedan opportunity to speak on the natural history of MV at the annual meeting of the Nantucket Land Council. This fall Tim travelled coast to coast sharing his enthusiasm for stewartia with his talk“Stunning Stewartia: A Tree for AllSeasons,” speaking to the NorthwestHorticulture Society in Seattle and theMetro Hort Group of New York City.

In October Tim Boland and TomClark attended the first regional trainingworkshop for the Sentinel Plant Network(SPN). SPN contributes to plant conservation by engaging public gardenprofessionals, volunteers, and visitors in thedetection and diagnosis of potentially devastating pests and pathogens.

Through involvement in SPN theArboretum will have access to training anddiagnostic support to better monitor and

protect the health of our living collectionand to better educate and engage the community regarding the impact ofdestructive plant pests such as Asian long-horned beetle, winter moth, and emeraldash borer.

Funded through the USDA Animaland Plant Health Inspection Service(APHIS), the Sentinel Plant Network is acollaboration between the American PublicGardens Association and the NationalPlant Diagnostics Network (NPDN). This partnership enables NPDN to extend“First Detector” training expertise and public outreach programs to PHA andother public gardens across the country.Early detection of potentially dangerousexotic species is the first and best step in managing or eliminating their destructiveimpact.

Staff News

PHA Research Associate Shigeto Tsukie andCollections & Grounds Manager Tom Clark at theAPGA plant exploration symposium in California

8 – F R O M T H E V I N E Y A R D F L O R A

Every year at Thanksgiving a bowl of in-the-shell mixed nuts appeared on ourcounter. You know the mix: smooth oblongpecans; brown wedge-shaped brazil nuts;teardrop oval almonds; walnuts with thetiny red logo; and my personal favorite, little round filberts, also known as hazel-nuts. It was real work, plus real adventure,cracking them open and chasing after the nut bits flung free piñata style. Myaffinity for hazelnuts has only increased as I learn more about the other members of the genus Corylus.

About 20 species of Corylus, includingtwo natives, occur across the north temper-ate regions of the world—all deciduoustrees and shrubs. Both North Americanspecies, American and beaked hazelnut (C.americana and C. cornuta), are thicket-form-ing shrubs reaching roughly 6 to 10 feettall. Both occur naturally on the Vineyardwhere their likely haunts include mixed oakwoodlands and hedgerows. Fulling MillBrook Preserve is a prime area for trackingdown American hazel, and the ChappyCommunity Center is a good base fromwhere to explore the surrounding wood-lands for the less common beaked hazel.

Warning: This Article Contains Nuts! by Tom ClarkBoth hazelnuts are among the first

native plants to bloom, the flowers coincid-ing with the emergence of skunk cabbage in March. Like fellow members of the birch family (Betulaceae), hazels aremonoecious. This means separate unisexflowers appear on the same plant. Thefemale flowers, starry tufts comprised ofcrimson styles, appear on leafless stems at a time when there is little color in theVineyard landscape. This floral display is subtle at best, but the delight in spottingthese tiny blooms, anything but.

The male flowers occur in slender,cylindrical, pendant structures called catkinsappearing along the branches. Formed theprevious year and exposed throughout win-ter, they are a ready clue to the plant’s iden-tity. As spring arrives the catkins elongateand in March when the male flowers open,clouds of yellow pollen are borne away on the breeze. It’s no surprise this plant iswind pollinated.

Throughout the growing season bothnative hazels are cloaked in irregularlyshaped, coarsely toothed, medium greenleaves arranged alternately along the stems.Young stems and petioles are typically

Present throughout the winter, male flowers of both hazelnut species occur in catkins.

covered with glandular hairs that are frequently tinged red; leaves, too, generallyhave some pubescence at least along theprimary veins and especially when young.

By late summer when the fairgroundscome to life and Chinese lanterns adorn the cottages, the hazelnuts are quicklymaturing. The clusters of 2 to 6 nuts, stillpale green but nearing full size, are notice-able to those who look, yet they remainwell camouflaged among the leaves. Thenuts of both species are enclosed in distinctive, leaflike, glandular bracts. It is atthis point that the two hazels are readilydistinguished. In the case of the Americanhazel (C. americana) the bracts tightlyenfold each nut and meet atop clamshellfashion in a flattened, irregularly fringedruffle. The beaked hazel (C. cornuta) is sim-ilar but instead of a leafy ruffle, the bractsextend into an elongated tubelike beak.

In about another month the bracts turnyellowish, then brown, and the roundishnuts within turn tan or reddish brown savefor a paler disc where they were attached

Natural distribution in North America of Americanhazelnut (top) and beaked hazelnut (below). Maps courtesy of The Flora of North America

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Distinctly different fruits of American hazelnut (above) and beaked hazelnut (below) allow for easy identification. Fiery fall brilliance of American hazelnut

to the enveloping bracts. Another indica-tion of ripeness: the nuts will readily dislodge from their attendant bracts withlittle effort. Once fully ripe the race is on between chipmunks, squirrels, birds, and human foragers for the protein-richnuts. They are of a similar quality andflavor as the filberts of my youth and just as irksome to crack.

Though not a showy ornamental, asgarden subjects our native hazels have several worthy characteristics, not the leastof which is adaptability. Both grow readilyin drier, sandy soils as well as moist, richsoil, and in either situation they make an admirable component of a naturalisticplanting. If the plant gets out of hand, it can be cut back to ground level in winter or early spring; vigorous regeneration to follow. Although fuller in a sunny site, each will grow in fairly deep shade though the habit will be looser. In the fall theleaves can turn a pleasing yellow and insome years fiery shades of orange and red.

These native shrubs are often foundgrowing along the Island’s old stone walls.Trace along the course of one of these walls and you’re sure to encounter at leastone of the Vineyard’s two native hazelnuts.Whether it’s the earliest flowers or the distinctive nuts you seek, the search is a welcome diversion no matter the season.

10 – F R O M T H E L I V I N G C O L L E C T I O N

Autumn’s Sweet Surprise: Osmanthus heterophyllus by Alyssa Janilla

The opposite leaf arrangement of O. heterophyllus(left) distinguishes it from holly (right) which hasalternate leaves.

One o’clock moving clockwise: Osmanthus armatus,O. heterophyllus mature, O. heterophyllus juvenile,O. heterophyllus ‘Purpureus’ mature, O. heterophyl-lus ‘Purpureus’ juvenile, O. heterophyllus‘Rotundifolius.’ Center: O. heterophyllus ‘Gulftide’

For those fortunate to visit the Arboretumin the autumn, there are the obvious visualdelights—bronzy purples, dusky oranges,brilliant yellows, shining crimsons. A wander through the Dogwood Allée revealsa patchwork of flaking bark on every trunk;red fruit speckles the ground and rollsunderfoot. However, there are also moresubtle pleasures: as you reach the end of theAllée, an unexpected aroma permeates theair. Sweet, more akin to springtime than the earthy smells of fall, the delicateperfume beckons.

Against the stone wall overlooking theLittlefield House you’ll find the fragrancefactory: a large, evergreen, holly like shrub.

But instead of reddening berries, small clus-ters of white flowers originate from theaxils of its thick, waxy leaves. With closerinspection, you’ll notice the leaves areopposite along the stem, not alternate likethose of a holly. Surprise! You have just dis-covered the holly tea-olive, Osmanthus het-erophyllus.

Native to Japan and Taiwan, O. hetero-phyllus was introduced into cultivation in

1856 by Thomas Lobb, British botanist and plant collector for Veitch Nurseries. O.heterophyllus typically grows 8 to 10 feet tallwith a slightly lesser spread, but can attain20 feet in optimum conditions. Maturespecimens may produce ½-inch-long darkblue-purple fruits technically called drupes.The admirable individual near the Little-field House was received as a rooted cuttingin 1977 from Brookside Gardens inWheaton, Maryland. The little “ossie” wasplanted where it stands today and 34 yearslater has developed into an impressive specimen, 12 feet tall by 8 feet wide.

Each inflorescence of O. heterophyllusproduces its distinctive scent: a delicateinterplay of jasmine and orange blossomwith a hint of lilac. In late Septemberthrough early November this powerful, yet not overpowering, redolence waftsthrough the air, greeting a happy nose over25 yards away. This sweet-scented plant is a member of the olive family (Oleaceae).Other fragrant genera in the family includelilac (Syringa), privet (Ligustrum), and jasmine (Jasminum).

The scientific name Osmanthus heterophyllus is an apt one for this enticingevergreen. Osmanthus is a combination of the Greek words “osme” meaning fragrant and “anthos” meaning flower. Thespecific epithet heterophyllus is Latin forhaving leaves of more than one form. Thisrefers to the propensity of juvenile growthto be spiny with a triangular base andtapering tip while mature leaves becomeoval-shaped and smooth.

The holly tea-olive and its cultivars are simple and rewarding to grow. Select a location that offers part sun. If this is not available, O. heterophyllus will tolerate varying light levels; however, a shady, protected location is more suitable than fullsun. Plant in well-drained, fertile, acidicsoil; if growing in poor soil, amend withgood compost. These uncommon plantssuffer from few insect or disease problems.

Seven species of Osmanthus have been planted at the Arboretum, only two of which have proven hardy to the chill of

our Vineyard winters: O. armatus and O. heterophyllus. Three cultivars of O. hetero-phyllus stand proudly on the Arboretumgrounds. ‘Rotundifolius’ is compact andsquat, reaching only 5 to 8 feet. This selec-tion has distinct leaf margins as if someonehas clipped off the tips and upper edges to create a blunt pattern. The shiny andspiny leaves of O. heterophyllus ‘Gulftide’give this cultivar a hollylike look. ‘Gulftide’is narrow and upright, reaching 10 to 15feet tall. O. heterophyllus ‘Purpureus’ stands10 feet tall and is the hardiest of thespecies. Mature growth of this exceptionalselection is dark green while juvenile leaves don a coppery beet-purple tinge.

O. heterophyllus ‘Gulftide’ displays glossy foliagewith prominent spines.

Volunteer Robbie Hutchison enjoys fall at PHA.

Robbie Hutchison values her time spent as a volunteer PHA tour guide for manyreasons. First, it gives her a compelling reason for an Arboretum visit. “If I don’tschedule time to walk through this beautiful place, it just won’t happen,” shesays. “Signing up to give a tour on my free Sundays makes sure that it does.” A volunteer for over ten years, by nowRobbie has made countless visits to PHA.

As a landscape designer at Donaroma’sNursery in Edgartown, she finds her PHA visits also improve her design work.She says there is a lot to learn from the

Robbie Hutchison

Arboretum and she appreciates the oppor-tunity to observe plants throughout the seasons. She adds that Polly Hill was both a horticulturist and a designer who plantedwith intention. As a southerner, Robbie is impressed by the wide range of our plantcollection and is always pleased to seefamiliar southern species growing here. Sheplanted a southern magnolia at her home in Edgartown after discovering that Pollygrew one here.

In addition she finds her walks throughthe Arboretum refresh her educational training. Robbie has a graduate certificatefrom George Washington University’s landscape design program (in addition to a BS in environmental science fromUniversity of Virginia and a MS in com-puter science from George WashingtonUniversity). She says knowing plants is like speaking a language; if you don’t keepusing it, your knowledge gets dusty.

Robbie enjoys the people she meets on her tours and loves sharing plant information. She encourages interestedPHA visitors to just try gardening—startwith something small, choose the rightplant for the right place, and learn fromobserving what works for others.

Her advice to other volunteers is tocome and have fun. She adds, “Don’t be intimidated by giving tours! PHA hassuch great features and trees, such as the Dogwood Allée and the stewartia collection; it’s always easy to find somethingto talk about.” She adds that our labels help her sound super smart and thatNancy’s volunteer training is a great learn-ing experience.

With her passion for plants and for the Arboretum, we are lucky that Robbiemakes it a point to schedule time for us,and for herself, at PHA. For informationon becoming a volunteer, contact NancyWeaver at 508-693-9426.

Osmanthus heterophyllus is often used as a specimen planting and can also make an incredibly thick (and fragrant!) screen or hedge. It is an excellent candidate forespalier because of its flexible branches, tolerance of heavy pruning, and attractivecreamy bark. A delightful addition to anyUSDA Plant Hardiness Zone 6 through 8 garden, O. heterophyllus is a necessity for gardeners looking for an appealingalternative to holly. Its fragrance alone isreason enough to cultivate this plant—perfumed and promising—a sweet surpriseto carry us into the winter.

The purple growth and white flowers of O. heterophyllus ‘Purpureus’ create a stunning display in late October.

V O L U N T E E R S I N T H E A R B O R E T U M

MA I L I NG ADDR E S S

PO Box 561West Tisbury, MA 02575

508-693-9426 Tel508-693-5772 Faxwww.pollyhillarboretum.org

ADM IN I S T R AT I V E O F F I C E S

The Homestead809 State Road West Tisbury, MA 02575

V I S I T O R C EN T E R

795 State RoadWest Tisbury, MA 02575

A C C E S S I B I L I T Y

The Visitor Center is wheelchair accessible.

V I S I T O R C EN T E R HOUR S

Memorial Day weekend toColumbus Day: 9:30 am–4 pm

A R BO R E T UM GROUND S HOUR S

Sunrise–sunset, year-round

TOU R S

Memorial Day weekend throughColumbus Day: 2 pm daily

ADM I S S I ON

$5 suggested donationFree to members and children under 12

F R E E P A R K I NG

D R I V I NG D I R E C T I ON S

See www.pollyhillarboretum.org

mer.i.stem: n. botany. The growingpoint or area of rapidly dividing cellsat the tip of a stem, root, or branch.

The Arboretum’s open fields are thecenterpiece of our landscape. Polly’smother, Margaret Butcher, loved thesesunny open spaces as did Polly, who, despite her desire to add to hercollection of trees, vowed never to

plant in the fields. She felt the openfields honored the farmers who originally cleared this land to tendsheep. Polly also believed in the impor-tance of vistas and sited this swingingbench where a visitor could take in

the long view—across the field to theFar Barn. The bench, added in the late1960s, was made from granite poststhat were likely from a pile of quarriedrock left in the field since the Butcher’soriginal purchase of the land in 1926.

Today we continue to keep our fieldsopen through a program of mowingand controlled burns. And PHA visitors continue to enjoy the view from the bench at the corner of theWest Field.

T H E P O L LY H I L L A R B O R E T U M

T H E P O L LY H I L L A R B O R E T U M

PO Box 561

West Tisbury, MA 02575

www.pollyhillarboretum.org

A R B O R E T U M D E S T I N A T I O N S

NONPROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE

PAID TWIN CITIES, MN

PERMIT NO. 93723