Part 3

MOUNTAIN PEAT FERTILIZERS _Nursery Stock and Evergreens_

McCoy & Jensen

Nursery located 1 mi. west of South Wadsworth on the Morrison Road

Morrison, Colorado WAlnut 2-1176 and WAlnut 2-1177

The Denver Forestry & Landscape Company

Call us for your Tree Spraying, Trimming and Removal

In Denver Since 1918 1677 S. Clarkson PEarl 3-1929

AFRICAN VIOLETS

House Plants, Bowls, Planters, Plant Stands, Supplies. The New Book, "African Violet Variety List," Over 4000 Names and Descriptions, $2.50

CORYELL'S GREEN HOUSES 14,005 W. 64th (Hwy. 72) Arvada, Colo.

Mrs. F. C. Vetting has announced the following new Life Members to Membership in the Colorado State Federation of Garden Clubs:--

Mrs. E. R. Abbott, Littleton Mrs. C. C. Buckbee, Denver Mrs. Glenn Clayton, Englewood Mrs. W. A. Crabtree, Denver Mrs. J. B. Delano, Denver Mrs. H. D. Duston, (deceased), Lakewood Mrs. Owen Goodspeed, Aurora Mrs. C. A. Hedburg, Denver Mrs. E. F. Hennessy, Arvada Mrs. T. L. Lewis, Arvada Mrs. L. T. Mickle, Denver Mrs. John Nickels, Littleton Mrs. Albert Petrick, Englewood Mrs. W. Ed Searle, Aurora Mrs. G. A. Seastone, Englewood Mrs. John Scott, Englewood Mrs. S. A. Turner, Denver Mrs. Peter Van Uithoven, Denver Mrs. R. C. Wilson, Englewood Mrs. J. L. Woodman, Englewood

It is with great pleasure that I introduce to you your new "Garden Briefs" correspondent, the former Editor of _Colorado Composters_, Mrs. John Scott of Englewood. May she enjoy the association with the Editorial Committee of _The Green Thumb_ as much as I have.

* CHRISTMAS SHOPPING FOR A GARDENING FRIEND, A NATURE LOVER, A NEW HOME OWNER. GIVE A LASTING GIFT, GIVE THE GREEN THUMB MAGAZINE

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_Make Checks Payable to Colorado Forestry and Horticulture Association_

IN APPRECIATION OF RAY T. MILLER

By M. Walter Pesman

You could always depend on Ray Miller! We hear a great deal these days of "featherbedding", and we have seen some of it ourselves. I could only wish that those who are suspicious,--and the guilty ones as well, could have known Ray in his work, and in his attitude. He would always do his job well and conscientiously. Many of his horticultural accomplishments bear witness to his thorough way of doing things.

I first knew him as superintendent of Berkeley Park, at that time one of the outlying parks. He carried out many of the improvements planned by the newly appointed Parks landscape architect, S. R. DeBoer. Both worked together for at least thirty years on the Denver Park System. Ray became superintendent of City Park, later he was in charge of the western division of all city parks. Whatever job was given him to do, everybody knew it was going to be done promptly and properly, and with full knowledge of our unusual conditions of Rocky Mountain horticulture.

He became an expert on transplanting and on collecting native plant material. He'd always do just a little more than might be reasonably expected of him.

Born in Springfield, Kansas, he moved to Denver in 1905 at the age of twenty-six. His was a happy family. The two sons soon made a place for themselves, even if they did not remain with horticulture. His wife was active in many civic affairs.

When the Roadside Development program was initiated in Colorado, both Mr. Vail, the Highway engineer, and I, as landscape engineer, wanted Ray to take an active part as foreman and supervisor on the new jobs; a man was needed here who was familiar with nursery stock, including native plants, who could read blueprints with full understanding of what was planned, and who could deal with the public in many ways. Highway engineers are not always familiar with plants and their requirements. People adjoining roadside projects could not always see why they should cooperate in giving easements. Nursery contractors needed to be shown that the State Highways wanted to be fair and live up to specifications.

The new landscape supervisor soon showed that he could make friends with all, and gain their respect and understanding.

At times he had to carry out certain plans and specifications with his own crew. I remember one particular job in which he superintended the collecting, balling and burlapping of over a hundred rather large ponderosa pines in the midst of winter. They were planted just north of the Blakeland underpass: only one or two failed to survive the difficult ordeal. To this day they bear witness to his skill and know-how.

After the roadside program was discontinued, due to the war, Mr. Miller was wanted at various jobs where his skills, horticultural knowledge, and his enormous capacity for work were needed.

Not until recently was he willing to concede that a man approaching eighty ought not to attempt the physical labors of a younger man. Even then, he went on an arduous fishing trip after being an octogenarian!

To many of us, interested in horticulture, Ray Miller represents a symbol. If only we could train a hundred men in his attitude and pass on to them his knowledge of practical plant methods, we'd feel safer about the future of horticulture in the Rocky Mountain region. He has made a place in Denver and Colorado for himself, that will survive, and that will serve as an inspiration for all of us who strive for the best in horticulture.

COLORADO GARDEN SHOW APRIL 1-10-14 DENVER COLISEUM

Preliminary plans and drawings for the Spring Garden Show have been accepted by the Show committee. From the preview of these plans it is easy to see that the residents of this area are in for a garden extravaganza second to none. The committee has accomplished the basic ground work for this spectacular show and is now ready to proceed with the additional planning and staging necessary to make it a reality in April.

Featuring today's outdoor living, this show promises to be a great boon to gardening in the Rocky Mountains. Its success depends on the enthusiasm and cooperation of all the various gardening groups in the area. Your Association, confident of its success and recognizing its great educational value, is co-sponsoring this show with the Botanic Gardens. We urge you, as a member, to give it your enthusiastic approval and to pass the word on to your friends.

FERTOSAN compost accelerator

This bacteria concentrate will rot down leaves, garden waste, straw, etc., into valuable compost quickly. Free instructions.

1-ton unit $1; 4-ton unit $3 From Western Seed Co., and all good seedsmen. "Fertosan," West Jordan, Utah

JOHN VAN WYK LANDSCAPING Lawn and Garden Maintenance SK 6-0789 2101 So. Adams

_Seasonal Suggestions_

This is the month of Evergreens. Their color and place in the landscape bridge the winter gap between summer and spring. At this season they are not only the dominant feature in the garden, but in the home as well, when they stand bedecked with tinsel and lights at Christmas. This is their shining hour. Theirs is the symbol of Christmas.

It is also a time for gardeners to relax, that is if you haven't forgotten to hill up your roses or haven't had time to plant your spring flowering bulbs. Of course, Christmas preparations will take up some of the slack time, but a good gardener should find some time for reading, now and in the wintery months ahead. This is a gentle reminder that, as a member of the Association, you have lending privileges at the Helen Fowler Library at 909 York Street. This excellent library contains a great many books on all phases of gardening, and is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Whether you are interested in roses or iris, bugs or plant diseases, landscaping or rock gardens, you will find an appropriate book in our library.

To make your Christmas shopping easier, here are a few suggestions for your gardening friends. "The Green Thumb," itself, makes an excellent gift for the new home owner or novice gardener. Just use the gift blank on page 350 in this magazine. Good books on gardening, such as George Kelly's "Good Gardens in the Sunshine States", are welcome gifts. Your local garden shop is well stocked with tools and gimmicks that will make a hit with the weekend gardener. For the hard-to-please you will find gift certificates available at most of the nurseries and garden centers.

House plants become more noticeable and attractive now that outdoor plants have faded from the limelight. Like the plants in our gardens, they need some attention if they are to perform well. The addition, about once a month, of a soluble fertilizer to their water will take care of their mineral requirements. Check them occasionally for aphids and mealy bugs. If only a few are present, they can be removed with a cotton swab and alcohol. However if there is a heavy infestation, take them outside on a warm day (60-70°) and spray with malathion. Frequent syringing or spraying of the foliage is beneficial to most house plants. Take care not to overwater plants in ceramic or plastic containers without drainage. Small quantities of charcoal in the bottom of such containers helps keep the soil sweet.

While many of our birds have gone south for the winter, we find that many have taken up winter quarters here. When the weather is good, they seem to forage pretty well for themselves, but when snow covers the ground they are often hard pressed for food. Set up a bird feeding station in your yard and enjoy the antics of the different feathered personalities who come to take advantage of your winter hospitality. Some of the foods recommended for such a feeding station are: suet and fatty trimmings from meat; seeds of sunflower, pumpkin, millet, rye, barley, wheat, and numerous weed seeds. Most of the garden shops now carry mixed seeds for wild birds. In addition bread crumbs, popcorn, and nuts are welcome tidbits for the birds. Once you start a feeding station keep it filled. Birds learn to rely on finding food there and will suffer when you neglect it.

One word in regard to the weather, if it should stay dry for any long period of time, 3 to 4 weeks, get out the hose and give everything, particularly the evergreens, a good soaking.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year--

--Pat.

Can you think of a better gift for a new gardener or old than George Kelly's book, HOW TO HAVE GOOD GARDENS IN THE SUNSHINE STATES? It will be used and appreciated for many years.

Available at Botanic Gardens House, at book stores, or from the author at the COTTONWOOD GARDEN SHOP, 4849 South Santa Fe Drive, Littleton.

GEORGE and SUE Cottonwood Garden Shop 4849 South Santa Fe Drive PYramid 4-0430

1959 Index

ANNUALS

1959 All-America Selection, W. R. Hastings, Jan.-Feb., P. 21

BIOGRAPHIES

Passing of an Outdoorsman--Dr. R. Lanier, George Kelly, Jan.-Feb., P. 27 New Director Appointed for Denver's Botanic Garden, Fred Johnson, August, P. 221 Melanie B. Brown in Retrospect and Prospect, M. Walter Pesman, August, P. 238 Introducing a New Member of the Green Thumb Staff, Sept., P. 258. L. D. Hammer Employs Turf Expert, Sept., P. 264 Personal Item About Mrs. Sue McLane (Mrs. George), M. Walter Pesman, Oct., P. 302 The Extraordinary Apple Doll Lady, Lilygayle Fleischer, Nov.-Dec., P. 335 In Appreciation of Ray T. Miller, M. Walter Pesman, Nov.-Dec., P. 351

BIRDS

There's Something About a Waxwing, James B. Stewart, June, P. 174

BOOK REVIEWS

August, P. 243 In Our Library! Oct., P. 317 In Our Library! Nov.-Dec., P. 358

BOTANIC GARDENS

Denver Botanic Gardens, April, P. 78 Denver Botanic Gardens, May, P. 113 The Voice of a Layman, Mrs. Garrey, June, P. 166 The Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, M. Walter Pesman, July, P. 196 New Director Appointed for Denver's Botanic Gardens, Fred Johnson, August, P. 221 Iris Planting in the Botanic Garden, Mrs. Howard Housley, Sept., P. 268 Denver Botanic Gardens, Frances Novitt, Sept., P. 269 Progress at Botanic Gardens, Photos by Pat, Sept., P. 270 Denver Botanic Gardens Dedication, Dr. A. C. Hildreth, Oct., P. 293 Iris Planting at Botanical Gardens, Mrs. Howard Housley, Oct., P. 295 Denver Botanic Gardens, Nov.-Dec., P. 342

BULBS

Experts Recommend Locations for Dutch Bulb Planting, Sept., P. 259 Look Ahead to Next Spring--Plant Bulbs Now, Sept., P. 261

CENTENNIAL

The Ghost of a Past, Loay Winifred Boggess, June, P. 156 Centennial Musings on Agriculture, Lilygayle Fleischer, Sept., P. 272 Hail the Lowly Rhubarb, Helen Marsh Zeiner, Sept., P. 281 Those Colorado Spuds, Helen Marsh Zeiner, Oct., P. 316

COLORADO FORESTRY AND HORTICULTURE ASS'N

Operation 5000, Jan.-Feb., P. 5 Through the Garden Gate, S. R. DeBoer, Jan.-Feb., P. 20 Auld Lang Syne, March, P. 41 Historic Association Gavel Changes Hands, March, P. 42 President's Report, March, P. 43 Plant Auction, April, P. 77 Centennial Garden Tour, June, P. 149 Centennial Garden Tour, July, P. 185 Winners of Door Prizes on Look and Learn Tour, Aug., P. 250 Chuck Wagon Roundup, Vella Hood Conrad, Sept., P. 257 Board of Trustees, Oct., P. 304

CONSERVATION

Flowers Around the World, Olaus J. Murie, Jan.-Feb., P. 28 What Value Air Rights, Julia Jane Silverstein, March, P. 49 Wasteland, from "More in Anger," Marya Mannes, July, P. 187 Penstemons in Cultivation, Sue McLane, Aug., P. 223 Concerning Trees, Aug., P. 246 Mission 66 and Mesa Verde National Park, Mrs. Jean Pinkley, Oct., P. 296

CULTURAL PRACTICES

Plant Propagation Practices--Hardwood Cuttings, Bill Lucking, Jan.-Feb., P. 17 Living with Roses, Clyde Learned, March, P. 45 Seed Propagation, Bill Lucking, March, P. 53 Living Screens, Robin Long, April, P. 83 How to Start Your Own Plants from Softwood Cuttings, Bill Lucking, April, P. 89 Our Garden Lilacs, John Wister, May, P. 114 Propagation by Division, Bill Lucking, May, P. 121 Pruning Time for Roses, Clyde Learned, May, P. 134 A New Lawn-Patching Method, Robert Schery, June, P. 169 Timely Tips, June, P. 176 How to Make a Good Rock Garden, George Kelly, July, P. 188 Experts Recommend Locations for Dutch Bulb Planting, Sept., P. 259 Look Ahead to Next Spring--Plant Bulbs Now, Sept., P. 261 Dig In and See, George Kelly (Seasonal Suggestions), Sept., P. 285 "Mums" The Word, Mrs. J. R. Travis, Oct., P. 318 Operation Tree Salvage, Pat Gallavan, Nov.-Dec., P. 329

DO-IT-YOURSELF

Native Plant Material for Dried Arrangements, Sept., P. 267 Double Life of a Soap Sud, Cleanliness Bureau, Nov.-Dec., P. 339

FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS

Flower Arranging for the Beginner, Mrs. J. A. Seastone, Sept., P. 278

FORESTRY

The Colorado State Forest Service, Dale Shaw, April, P. 101 Diamond Jubilee of the Colorado State Forest Service, Fred Johnson, July, P. 207

GARDEN CLUBS

Garden Club Briefs, Mrs. E. Wallace, Jan.-Feb., P. 16 Garden Club Briefs, Mrs. E. Wallace, March, P. 67 Garden Club Briefs, Mrs. E. Wallace, April, P. 100 Garden Club Briefs, Mrs. E. Wallace, May, P. 136 Garden Club Briefs, Mrs. E. Wallace, June, P. 165 Garden Club Briefs, Mrs. E. Wallace, July, P. 212 Durango Garden Club Beautifies Town, Pat Gallavan, Aug., P. 230 Garden Club Briefs, Mrs. E. Wallace, Aug., P. 242 Garden Club Briefs, Mrs. E. Wallace, Sept., P. 266 Garden Club Briefs, Mrs. John Nickels, Oct., P. 311 Burlington Garden Club Landscapes Hospital Grounds, Bessie M. Wilson, Oct., P. 313 Garden Club Briefs, Mrs. E. Wallace, Nov.-Dec., P. 348

GARDEN SUPPLIES AND PRODUCTS

What's New? Pauline Steele, Jan.-Feb., P. 30 Easier Gardening This Summer, April, P. 87 What's New? April, P. 104 What's New? May, P. 136 What's New? June, P. 171

HERBS

Herbs and Barbecuing are Gourmet Partners, Mrs. Hayes W. Neil, July, P. 202

HORTICULTURE ORGANIZATIONS

Swingle Memorial Fund, George W. Kelly, Jan.-Feb., P. 32 Fifteenth International Horticulture Congress, March, P. 64 Rocky Mountain Chapter of Landscape Architects Joins National Group, Aug., P. 240 Spring Garden Show, Nov.-Dec., P. 352

HOUSE PLANTS

Orchids as House Plants, Rebecca Northern, Jan.-Feb., P. 7 Tropical Plants Add Interest Indoors, Jan.-Feb., P. 12 How to Care for Indoor Plants, Jan.-Feb., P. 14

LANDSCAPE DESIGN

How I Landscaped My Backyard, Clayton Greenleaf, Jan.-Feb., P. 24 What Value Air Rights, Julia Jane Silverstein, March, P. 49 Use Sense and Save Dollars, Julia Andrews, March, P. 58 Improve the Personality of Your House, March, P. 60 Tackle Your Garden Problems Systematically, April, P. 80 Living Screens, Robin Long, April, P. 83 Design in Flower Beds, M. Walter Pesman, May, P. 125 Garden Accents, Photos by Pat Gallavan, May, P. 130 A Game Court in the Garden, E. A. Johnson, June, P. 161 How to Make a Good Rock Garden, George Kelly, July, P. 188 Downtown's Barren "Wall Street" Green With Trees, Vivian C. Anderson, July, P. 204 Durango Garden Club Beautifies Town, Pat Gallavan, Aug., P. 230 Bathe Your Home With Light, Aug., P. 232 Scorecard for Judging Home Grounds, M. Walter Pesman, Aug., P. 244 Burlington Garden Club Landscapes Hospital Grounds, Bessie M. Wilson, Oct., P. 313

LAWNS

Lawn Grass Research, Jan.-Feb., P. 31 A New Lawn-Patching Method, Robert Schery, June, P. 169

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

August, P. 248 September, P. 284

LIBRARY

In Our Library! Oct., P. 317 In Our Library! Nov.-Dec., P. 358

MEETINGS AND REPORTS

President's Report, March, P. 43 Fifteenth International Horticultural Congress, March, P. 64 Centennial Garden Tour, June, P. 149 Centennial Garden Tour, July, P. 185 Rocky Mountain Chapter of Landscape Architects Joins National Group, Aug., P. 240 Winners of Door Prizes on Look and Learn Tour, Aug., P. 250 Colorado Forestry and Horticulture Association Board of Trustees, Oct., P. 304

NATURE TRIPS

You Can't Miss Them in August, M. Walter Pesman, Aug., P. 226 A Flower Trip and Contest for August, Moras Shubert, Aug., P. 228

ORCHIDS

Orchids as House Plants, Rebecca Northern, Jan.-Feb., P. 7

PARKS

Good Progress Has Been Made in Providing Better Roadside Parks, April, P. 97 The Tiger Is Through the Gate, Grady Clay, June, P. 172 Park Invasion Worries Group, June, P. 173 Mission 66 and Mesa Verde National Park, Mrs. Jean Pinkley, Oct., P. 296 Regional Parks Plan, Arnold Perretin, Oct., P. 303 A History of the Denver Parks, S. R. De-Boer, Oct., P. 305 The Widening of Colorado Boulevard at City Park, Dr. J. H. Belknap, Nov.-Dec., P. 345

PERENNIALS AND BIENNIALS

Iris Puts on a New Face, Ann Long, June, P. 152 Penstemons in Cultivation, Aug., P. 223 Hail the Lowly Rhubarb! Helen Zeiner, Sept., P. 281 New Bird Mums, Sept., P. 282 "Mums" The Word, Mrs. Jay R. Travis, Oct., P. 318

PLANT PROPAGATION

Plant Propagation Practices--Hardwood Cuttings, Bill Lucking, Jan.-Feb., P. 17 Seed Propagation, Bill Lucking, March, P. 53 How to Start Your Own Plants From Softwood Cuttings, Bill Lucking, April, P. 89 Propagation by Division, Bill Lucking, May, P. 121

POEMS

Anonymous, April, P. 106 Who Tends a Garden, Elizabeth Demaria, Sept., P. 280 Cedar Waxwing, L. Young Correthers, Oct., P. 315

ROCK GARDENS, POOLS, FOUNTAINS

How to Make a Good Rock Garden, George Kelly, July, P. 188 Water in the Garden, Julia Jane Silverstein, July, P. 198

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Dig These Questions, Helen Zeiner, Oct., P. 320 Dig These Questions, Helen Zeiner, Nov.-Dec., P. 347

RECIPES

Herbs and Barbecuing are Gourmet Partners, Mrs. Hayes W. Neil, July, P. 202

ROSES

Living With Roses, Clyde Learned, March, P. 45 So You Think the Price You Pay for a Rose Bush is too High? March, P. 50 Pruning Time for Roses, Clyde Learned, May, P. 134

SEASONAL SUGGESTIONS

January-February, P. 33 March, P. 69 April, P. 105 May, P. 141 June, P. 177 July, P. 213 August, P. 249 September, P. 285 October, P. 321 November-December, P. 353

SHRUBS

Living Screens, Robin Long, April, P. 83

SPECIFIC PLANTS

The Bug-Killing Daisies, May, P. 137 Voters Can Help Congress Pick National Floral Emblem, Oct., P. 300 Frankincense and Myrrh, Nature Bulletin, Cook County Forest Preserve, Nov.-Dec., P. 344

TREES

Dwarf Fruit Trees, Frederic Adams, April, P. 93 Wetwood, Charles Drage, May, P. 133 Concerning Trees, Aug., P. 246 Native Son, J. A. Bixby, Sept., P. 276 Why City Trees Die, Dorothy E. Hansell, Oct., P. 299 Operation Tree Salvage, Pat Gallavan, Nov.-Dec., P. 329 Tax Deductions for Trees Lost in Storms, Shade Tree Digest, Nov.-Dec., P. 333

TROPICAL PLANTS

Tropical Plants Add Interest Indoors, Jan.-Feb., P. 12 How to Care for Indoor Plants, Jan.-Feb., P. 14

VEGETABLES

1959 All-America Selections, W. Ray Hastings, Jan.-Feb., P. 21 Back to the Cabbage Patch, Herbert Gundell, April, P. 95

WILDFLOWERS

Penstemons in Cultivation, Sue McLane, Aug., P. 223 You Can't Miss Them in August, M. Walter Pesman, Aug., P. 226 A Flower Trip and Contest for August, Moras Shubert, Aug., P. 228 Mother Nature's Fancy Work, Marjorie Shepherd, Aug., P. 229 Wild Flowers from Seed, Helen Zeiner, Sept., P. 265

In Our Library!

_Christmas Lighting and Decorating--Outdoors and Indoors_, Theodore Saros. Van Nostrand.

"Here is a store house of ideas and suggestions the whole family can enjoy in preparing home Christmas decorations both outdoors and indoors."

"Tips for competing in Christmas lighting display contests are given and helpful hints on photographing decorations are included."

"Decorating projects utilize traditional materials but also emphasize the unusual." Publisher.

_Christmas Idea Book_, Dorothy Biddle and Dorothea Blom.

Interesting use of traditional Christmas materials and some other plant materials in arrangements and decorations for tables, mantels, doorways, and Christmas wreaths and trees.

_Decorating with Pods and Cones_, Eleanor Van Rensselaer. Van Nostrand.