The PX project takes inspiration from the work of landscape architect Alice Ireys, whose formal gardens, structured by HEDGES, graced the shores of Long Island for decades. Locales for which she designed were never far removed from a SALT MARSH, key to her selection of plant material.
At Rock Hall Museum, where the meeting will begin, Ireys employed ILEX glabra (Inkberry) and TEUCRIUM chamaedrys (Germander) for hedging in designs commissioned by the GC of Lawrence. She favored CLETHRA alnifolia (Sweet Pepperbush) and MYRICA pensylvanica (Bayberry) as massing plants for properties with direct water access.
These 4 plants were the original recommendations, but in light of the pandemic and consequent difficulty of conducting a propagation workshop, we would like to offer an expanded selection of plant material suitable for hedging or massing in the vicinity of a salt marsh:
- AUCUBA japonica
- ILEX aquifolium; I. x aquipernyi; I. crenata; I. opaca (Holly)
- LIGUSTRUM (Privet)
- OSMANTHUS heterophyllus (False holly)
- PHOTINIA x fraseri (Fraser photinia)
- PRUNUS laurocerasus (common Cherry laurel)
- VIBURNUM dentatum (Arrowwood viburnum)
All root from softwood cuttings, as do the original 4 selections, and are hardy in New York State. See Dirr, ‘Encyclopedia of Trees & Shrubs’, (2011), p. 921 for further suggestions.
We would like to add SEED sources which are available online:
Sheffield’s Seed Co.: Ilex, (Holly); Ligustrum, (Privet); Myrica pensylvanica, (Bayberry); Viburnum dentatum (Arrowwood viburnum)
Southern Seed Exchange: Teucrium chamaedrys (Germander) Toadshade
Wildflower Farm: Clethra alnifolia (Sweet Pepperbush)
Each club is asked to bring three shrubs from any of the recommendations above, ideally propagated by three different growers; material should be propagated by the end of October, 2020.
Enjoy propagating a plant close at hand or from seed; above all, please stay healthy and safe!
Jane Keegan & Anita Brickell Co-Chairs of 2021 Plant Exchange GC of Lawrence