can cover the leaves. Frequently its appearance coincides with 

 dannp weather, especially warm humid nights. The good news is 

 that it is a superficial disease that will not harm a vigorous plant. 

 The bad news is that tests in Washington, D.C., have shown that 

 all lilacs can have mildew, but some are much more susceptible 

 than others and the problem can result in an unsightly plant, es- 

 pecially if it is to be viewed up close. Further north in New En- 

 gland, the problem is not so severe and some very resistant 

 forms are available. In general, the late blooming forms show the 

 least susceptibility. None of the cultivars introduced from UNH 

 ever have mildew in our climate and the disease is extremely 

 rare on the Tree Lilac in any climate. 



So, my advice to anyone interested in having a wider base of 

 lilacs for use or for sale would be to split the genus into two 

 groups, the S. wlgaris cultivars which everybody knows, and the 

 other bloom dates types (see Table 2) which can really extend 

 the time of bloom and offer a rich variety of plant form and foli- 

 age. Then, visit some of the large plantings to see specific culti- 

 vars. The two closest plantings are at the Arnold Arboretum (their 

 Lilac Sunday is the Sunday closest to the 20th of May) and the 

 Royal Botanical Gardens in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. From such 

 trips, a "short" list of types to fit your needs can be drawn up 

 and this can be followed by a talk with your wholesaler to see 

 which are readily available. 



The results will be worth the effort. There is a whole range of 

 lilacs out there which can expand your horizons and your busi- 

 ness. There are lilacs and then there are LILACS. ^ 



Dr. Owen M. Rogers is Professor of Piant Biology at the University of New 

 Hampshire- His address is Department of Plant Biology, Nesmitii Haii, 

 UNH, Durham, NH 03824; he is also a member of the International Lilac 

 Society, which is holding its annual meeting at UNH on \une 9-11. To find 

 out more about this meeting should contact Owen at (603) 862-3222. 



TABLE 2 



FIANCE OF BLOOIM 



Uluitrales the range of bloom available from other 

 species and cultivars compared lo Syringa vulgaris. 

 Bloom lime based on Ike common lilac. 



DRAGON 



PRODUCTS COMPANY 



Lawn & Garden Limestone 



Decorative Landscape Stone 



White Playsand 



Bagged Bark Mulch 



Robert F. Myers 

 28 Horseshoe Drive, Scarborough, ME 04074 



(800) 541-9127 





ESTERN 



INE NURSERIES 



■ ■VlM ESTABLISHED 1923 



MC. 



Box 250, One Evergreen Dr., Fryeburg, Maine 04037 



The proof is in 

 the planting. 



We could turn blue in the face 

 trying to tell you about the 

 superiority of our service 

 and conifer seedlings & 

 transplants. Here's a better 

 idea---call in your order and 

 prove it to yourself. 

 Oh, remember to ask about our 

 written warranty! 



Place your order or receive 

 our free catalog by calling: 



1 -800-447-474 



(or Fax 1-207-935-2043) 



'M 



■":•<>■> ' / 



"I've been a completely happy customer for 13 years, tn 

 my opinion, no better planting stock is available any- 

 where and I've never dealt with any organization more 

 devoted to customer satisfaction." -Peter MolUca 



Christmas Trees of Vermont, Springfield, VT 



16 



The Plantsman 



