Re: Park Seeds Tip of the Month/Foxglove

In a message dated 6/11/00 11:04:14 PM Central Daylight Time, Dean wrote:

>    Some author (and many gardening authors aren't even gardeners) 
>somewhere may have written down  in a book that D. purpurea is >"biennial" 
but that doesn't make it a
>  universal truth. 
...>> Sorry, but I let the plants show me
>  their life habits, I don't just mindlessly follow what's written in some
>  book.

Yes, it is sadly true that many gardening writers are not gardeners, but 
Allan M. Armitage IS a gardener, and he is, indeed, 'some' author.  He is a 
Professor of Horticulture who teaches, does research, and directs the 
horticulture gardens at the University of Georgia. The book I was quoting is 
widely used as a college textbook. He is the author of six books and over 500 
articles and papers and presents scientific and grower seminars throughout 
the world.  His awards include the National Outstanding Educator Award from 
the American Horticultural Society and the Alex Laurie Award for outstanding 
research in horticulture.  He is also an avid gardener who has extensively 
grown and evaluated herbaceous plants in Canada, Michigan and Georgia, which 
gives him a valuable perspective on growing in both the North and the South. 

I also checked my information in the Manual of Herbaceous Ornamental Plants 
by Dr. Steven M. Still of the Ohio State University Department of 
Horticulture, which was my college textbook.  Dr. Still also has impressive 
credentials and he is a gardener, too.  

None of the above means Armitage and Still are absolutely right.  No one is 
right all of the time.  You certainly have a right to disagree with them 
based on your own gardening experience.  You also have a right to disagree 
with me, and I will be the first to admit that I have been known to be wrong. 
 

However, you do not have a right to assume that I am just 'mindlessly' 
following what's written in 'some book'. My comments were based on my 
experiences in over 25 years of growing Foxglove in my own garden, my 
training and professional experience as a horticulturist, and  my research in 
books written by noted authorities.  That doesn't necessarily make me right, 
but it is not mindless.  Lighten up, Dean.  I was just trying to be helpful. 
--Janis



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