No.1January 2007Vol. LIV

Bill and Mildred RobertsonRecipients ofthe Aces 2006 Award ofMerit

Atlantic CoastCame/llas

Journal of the Atlantic Coast Camellia Society

c

Show ReportMassey Lane Gardens

Fort Valley, GANovember 11, 2006

Jay & Debbie EllisChuck & Bey RitterJay & Debbie Ellis

Edna Bass Var.BLack MagicKiku-Toji

Japoniea, In OpenLMSJaponiea, ProtectedL Melissa Ann Steve & Gayle LawrenceM Grand Marshall Var. Steve & Gayle LawrenceS Kiku-Toji Buck & Tyler MizzellMin. Man Size John NewsomeRetieulata (includes hybrids with reticulata parentage), In OpenVL Frank Houser Var. Jay & Debbie EllisL Valentine Day Chuck & Bev RitterM June Normal Chuck & Bey RitterRetieulata (includes hybrids with reticulata parentage), ProtectedVL Trophy Steve & Gayle LawrenceL Tango Var. Steve & Gayle LawrenceM Black Lace Peony Steve & Gayle LawrenceHybrid (with other than reticulata parentage), In OpenL Mona Jury Esther LawrenceM Julie Var. Jay & Debbie EllisS Night Rider Chuck & Bey RitterHybrid (with other than reticulata parentage), ProtectedL Cite Mitchell Steve & Gayle LawrenceM JuLie Dave & Elizabeth ScheibertS Buttons & Bows Steve & Gayle LawrenceMiniature In Open Fircone Var. Chuck & Bey RitterMiniature Protected Little SLam Pink Ron & Elizabeth WolfeCollection of 3 In Open Kiku-Toji Chuck & Bey RitterCollection of 3 Protected Junior Prom Jim & Elaine SmelleySasanqua or other spec. Leslie Ann Tommy & Brenda AldenBest White In Open Melissa Ann Jay & Debbie EllisBest White Protected Mary ALice Cox Steye & Gayle LawrenceBest Small Bloom by Novice Chansonette Logan JohnsonBest Ville de Nantes Jay & Debbie EllisSweepstakes Chuck & Bey RitterBest Bloom In Open Tomorrows Dawn Bessie Chuck & Bey RitterBest Bloom Protected Pleasant Memories Steve & Gayle Lawrence

Bill and Mildred Robertson

Front Cover: Bill and Mildred Robertston

Atlantic Coast Camellia Society 2006 AwardofMerit

The 2006 Award of Merit from the Atlantic CoastCamellia Society is presented to Bill and Mildred Robert­son for their dedication and continued support of the Atlan­tic Coast Camellia Society, the American Camellia Societyand the Aiken Carnell ia Society. They are both chartermembers of the Atlantic Coast Camellia Society and Mil­dred is a past president and is presently serving as the sec­retary. Bill is a past president of the South Carolina Camel­lia Society and was a Director of the SCCS when the ACCSwas formed in 1980. Since the beginning, Mildred hasshared her many talents with ACCS from researching andwriting our history to decorating for the banquet. And asyou know, Bill is one half of the famous "Buck and BillShow". Bill and Mildred for many years have been a main­stay in the Aiken Camellia Society serving in many capaci­ties as show chairman and chairman of judges. Throughoutthe years they have also supported many shows in thesoutheast with their beautiful camellia blooms.

It is with great pleasure we present you with the 2006Award of Merit.

Reticulata (includes hybrids with reticulata parentage)In Open Frank Houser Val'. Jay & Debbie EllisProtected Pleasant Memories Richard & Katherine Mims

Hybrid (with other than reticulata parentage)Unrpotected Julie Val'. Jay & Debbie EllisProtected Delores Edwards Annabelle & Lew Fetterman

Show ReportGrand Strand Camellia Society, Brookgreen Gardens

November 4, 2005

C. Sasanqua-Other Species Star Above Star Jay & Debbie Ellis

Best White (in open) Charlie Betts Chuck & Bey Ritter

Best White (protected) Dorothy Chester Buck & Tyler Mizzell

Best Bloom by Novice Jane Dolan Lisa Bena

Best Miniature Fircone Val'. Chuck & Bey Ritter

In This IssueACCS 2006 Award of Merit inside front cover

ACCS Officers 2

Directors 3

ACCS Membership Form 4

Obituaries 5

President's Message 6John Newsome

Editor's Column 7Richard Mims

Camellias Are For Everyone 9Luther W. Baxter, Jr. (reprinted from Carolina Camellias Vol. XXV, Spring 1973, No.2)

Pruning 13Richard Mims

Letter from a Member 15John T. Gallagher

A Christmas Present for the American Camellia Society 16

South Carolina State Fair and the Mid-Carolina Camellia Society 17Richard Mims

An Appeal for Help In Getting Articles for Publishing 18Richard Mims

How Do We Use Camellias? Let Me Count the Ways 20Richard Mims

Recipe Corner: Squash Casserole 22Richard Mims

Pictures from the September 2006 ACCS Convention 24Photos courtesy of Warren and Cheryl Thompson

Show ReportsMid-Carolina Camellia Show 27Grand Strand Camellia Show ...•...................................... 28Massee Lane Gardens Camellia Show inside back cover

Annabelle & Lew FettermanAnnabelle & Lew FettermanBuck & Tyler Mizzell

Richard & Katherine Mims

Chuck & Bey Ritter

Edna Bass Val'. Geary & Bonnie SerpasMary Fischer Tyler & Buck Mizzell

Butchie Val'.My DebbieKiku-Toji

Lauren Tudor Jay & Debbie EllisEster Smith Ed & Lou PowersSomething Beautiful Val'. Jay & Debbie Ellis

Best Bloom, In OpenBest Bloom, Protected

Japonica, In OpenLNLMS

Japonica, ProtectedLNLMS

Sweepstakes Open: Gold Certificate

Sweepstakes Protected: Gold Certificate

28

Atlantic Coast Camellia SocietyOfficers 2005-2006

Show ReportMid-Carolina Camellia Society

The State Fair, Columbia, SCOctober 13 and 14,2006

Apple Blossom

Junior PromMagic CityKiku-Toji

Edna Bass Var.Tom KnudsenPink PerfectionFircone Var.

Betty Sheffield Var.Mathotiana SupremeMarie BraceyPink Perfection

Magnolia Gardens (Beach)

G.W. SuppleeHarvey StegnerLeland WilliamsPeggy Camp

Oliver & Tyler Mizzell

Richard & Katherine MimsRichard & Katherine MimsOliver & Tyler Mizzell

Oliver & Tyler Mizzell

G.M. SerpasEd & Lou PowersJohnnie WalkerJohnnie Walker

Japonica, In OpenLNLMSMin.Japonica, ProtectedL/VLMSReticulataProtected Valentine DayHybrid (with other than reticulata parentage)Protected Cite MitchellSasanquaBest BloomLocal AwardsOverall Best BloomBest LargeBest MediumBest Small

PRESIDENT John Newsome2405 Howell Mill Road, NW, Atlanta, GA 30318

404355-4478 (GA) 828526-5340 (NC)

2nd VICE PRESIDENT Mack McKinnonPO Box 91, Murrell's Inlet, se 29576

843 651-3363

1st VICE PRESIDENT Glenn Capps334 Devane Street, Fayetteville, Ne 28305

910323-9891

TREASURER Bonnie Serpas229 Green Street, Santee, SC 29142

803 854-3171

SECRETARY Mildred Robertson320 Baron Boulevard, Suffolk, VA 32435

757 488-0254

HISTORIAN Cheryl Thompson602 Forest Drive, Ft. Valley, GA 31030

478 825-2559

EDITOR Richard MimsAssistant Editor Mary K. Hall

409 Groves Street, Lugoff, SC 29078803 233-1833

WEBMASTER Miles Beach262 Alexandra Drive, Mt. Pleasant, se 29464

803 881-6420MrCamellia@aol.com

Aces website: www.atlanticcoastcamelliasociety.com

2

Peggy's Blushgrown by Bill Supplee, photograph by Anne Moore

27

There is a splendid kind of justice in the camellia's performance-itrarely permits us to reap where we have not sown. In short, learn howyour camellia was meant to grow in nature, try to give it those conditionsas nearly as you can. Then, sit back and enjoy your plants, for you can­not grow camellias-they grow by themselves.Mrs. W.A. Miller, Jr., Camellian, November 1956

Sergio Bracci5567 North Buston StreetSan Gabriel, CA 91776626 286-4338

Barbara Tuffli156 Selby LaneAtherton, CA 94027

Martin Harwood4505 Bay Woods CourtPensacola, FL 32504-6847850477-3625

Esther Smith12337 SE Terrace RoadBelleview, FL 34428-4642352307-9992

John GamblePO Box 1592Fort Valley, GA 31030478825-3749

Ronald Wolfe3019 Old Dominion DriveAlbany, Ga 31721229 883-2349

Marie Mizell929 Elmeer AvenueMetairie, LA 70005504 833-3970

Directors

Jim Smelley4831 Devon StreetMoss Point, MS 29563228475-9736

Clara Hahn2962 Selwyn AvenueCharlotte, NC 28209704 954-8799

Lou Bryant504 Francisca LaneCary, NC 27511-3746919467-6876

Jim Dickson1009 Stanton DriveNorth Augusta, SC 29841803 279-9451

Pat Pinkerton16 Kinloch RoadLugoff, SC 29078803 438-6486

Lawrence Barlow3591 Kentucky TrailChesapeake, VA 23323757487-6082

26 3

E-Mail:

City, State, Zip:

(Membership is a great gift for friends and family!!!)

$12.50Single or Double

Membership Form

9/1/05-8/31/06

ACCSBonnie Serpas

229 Green StreetSantee, SC 29142

Join NOW!

The Atlantic Coast Camellia Society

Name(s):

We are a society who wants more members to help us promotethe science of Camellia culture by exchanging knowledge andideas with Camellia specialists, provide information about showsand social events and join us at our annual meeting in MyrtleBeach in September or October each year. Annual dues are$12.50 per year for singles or couples. A membership entitlesyou to a journal published in Spring, Summer and Fall. To join,send your check and personal information for receiving commu­nications and journals to:

Address: -------------------

ACCS Dues

Telephone Number (include Area Code):

4 25

Pictures from the May 2006 JointMid-Carolina Camellia Society/

Atlantic Coast Camellia Society BarbequePhotos courtesy of Warren and Cheryl Thompson

24

ObituariesThomas Knox

Tom Knox established the Charlotte C. Knox Reticulata Award which is pre­sented by the American Camellia Society to the originator of an outstandingseedling of Camellia reticulata or hybrid with C. reticulata parentage. This is aplaque presented on the recommendation of the Exhibition and Awards Com­mittee. The permanent cup remains at the ACS headquarters.

Tom and his wife, Shirley, were also great supporters of the Mid-CarolinaCamellia Society. A highlight of the Mid-Carolina Camellia Society's springshow was the Charlotte Knox Memorial Award given by Tom and Shirley forthe best Valentine Day bloom.

(The following excerpted from The State, Tuesday, September 12,2006)

Thomas Pressly Knox Jr., 90, passed away Sunday, September 10, 2006, athis home, surrounded by his loving family.

Born Sept. 19, 1915 in Neeses, S.c., he was a son of the late Thomas PresslyKnox Sr. and Juddie Chaplin Knox.

His amazing life was filled with learning, adventure, music, reading, huntingand fishing, gardening and travel - all things he cherished and shared generouslywith his family and friends. As a child and young man, he played the violin.

Tom lived his life with the belief that he was extremely blessed and felt com­pelled, with a humble heart, to share his many blessings with others. He will beremembered and missed by all who knew him.

Jim HollerJim Holler (Dr. James Carlisle Holler, J1'.) of Rock Hill, SC died Satur­

day, December 23, 2006.The funeral service was held on December 27 at St. John's Methodist

Church.Jim was a member of the Atlantic Coast Camellia Society for many

years. He and his wife, Lura, were on judging teams as American Ca­mellia Society accredited judges for many years.

Not only will Jim be missed in his community but also by the manyboards and associations on which he served. We in the "camellia world"grieve the loss of a dear friend.

5

President's MessageJohn Newsome

Richard's Squash Casserole

Winter is approaching as Iwrite my first President's Mes­sage for the Journal. So far thefall has been very mild and theshows have been about par andthe quality of the blooms hasbeen outstanding. The drysummer hasn't had much effectexcept possibly slowing theblooming process.

As most of you know, whenwe were at Myrtle Beach for theSeptember meeting, we weresurprised to see that the Sand­castle property is being pre-soldfor condominiums and when80% are committed it will betorn down. We went ahead andplanned for the 2007 meetingsince the management feels itwill take that long or longer tocomplete the 80% process. Inthe meantime, we are looking atalternative locations in that area.It might be time for a changeand we wi II keep you updatedon the progress.

For those of you that arealso members of the Gulf CoastCamellia Society, their fallJournal listed the next AtlanticCoast Camellia Society Meetingas September 21-22, 2007.

6

These dates are incorrect. Thecorrect date for the ACCS meet­ing is September 13-14, 2007.Bonnie has notified their editorto please COlTect this in theirJournal in the next issue. TheGulf Coast had asked us tomove our date back one week togive two weeks between ourmeeting and their meeting. So,we moved back, to September13-14 and they moved forwardto October 5-6. Please markyour calendars for September13-14,2007 in Myrtle Beach. Ilook forward to seeing youthere. Please try to bring a newmember or two.

That brings up another sub­ject that needs a lot of attention.Membership. If we want tocontinue to exist and thrive as asociety, we must add some newmembers. Invite someone tojoin us for our September meet­ing!

Best wishes to each of youfor 2007 and for the best bloom­ing and showing season ever. Ilook forward to seeing you onthe Show Trail. We must re­cruit people to join and come tothe September meeting.

Ingredients:

Enough squash to feed everyone.A large onion or two (Two makes it better)Olive OilI can of mushroom soup (l use Campbell's)A generous portion of cubed or grated sharp cheese2 large eggs1 scant teaspoon salt

1. Preheat oven to 3500

2. Wash the squash well and boi I it for IS minutes. (Some people,who don't have enough to do, peel the squash first.)

3. Drain the water off the boiled squash and place them in a bakingdish.

4. With the point of a knife and a fork to hold the hot squash, sliceor cut them into bite-sized chunks.

5. Dice a large onion or two. (Two makes it better)6. Saute the onions in the olive oil until well browned.7. Mix the sauteed onions in the casserole dish with the squash8. Stir in the rest of the ingredients: the can of mushroom soup, the

generous portion of chopped or grated sharp cheese, two eggs,and the scant teaspoon of salt.

9. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.

(My daughter especially likes a layer of cheese over the top!)

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The Recipe CornerRichard C. Mims

Editor's ColumnRichard Mims

(Please send us your favorite recipes with a short"Story Behind the Recipe")

Story Behind the Recipe: I used to grow a large vegetable garden.With four growing, very active children playing in the marching band,soccer, football, baseball, etc., it was my job to put food on the table.Although they ate well, they were still "picky." Anything we put ingravy for flavoring had to be pureed-a sliver of onion could not even bevisible. We even had to call it "disappearing gravy" and would stir therice to show how the gravy "disappeared."

When you are talking about a vegetable called SQUASH?-what aname. The name itself turns most people off. Why couldn't it have beennamed saluenensis or yellow beauties or just something besides squash?When we hear "squash" it makes us think of squashing bugs underfoot.Anyway, I planted a whole row of squash. My father-in-law asked "Whyare you planting so much squash? I really didn't know what he meantuntil my fifty foot row started producing. I had squash "coming out ofour ears"-I've never seen so many squash. Now, what could I do to getall my children to eat squash-some would, some wouldn't.

Well, I thought about the onions in "disappearing gravy." Ijust hadto have have that good onion flavor-but pureeing them would onlymake the casserole juicier and not have the solidifying effect needed tokeep it from being squash soup. Well, what about sauteing the onions?Sauteing would shrink the onions about 75% and anybody enjoys sauteedor fried onions better than boiled or baked onions. Most existing squashrecipes called for grated or chopped onion added directly to the squashmixture and then baked as a casserole. The finished product still had theslippery, sliding onion pieces that many people don't enjoy. To cut along story short, the sauteing worked. Sauteed onions taste better thanbaked onions. Now my grown-up children always ask ifI'm makingsquash casserole when they visit. Now remember, sauteing the onions isa must for this recipe!

22

Exhibiting camellia bloomsand helping judge blooms inAmerican Camellia Societysanctioned camellia shows givesme pleasure. I eagerly look for­ward to the weekends in a faroff city, talking and socializingwith fellow hobbyists.

Hardly a week passes thatmy ears do not pick up a helpfultip or hint. Many time the hintor tip might be one I heard be­fore but lost from memory be­cause I didn't use the tip or putit into practice. You know theold saying, "Use it or lose it."

At Valdosta last week, MarkCrawford was showing a ladyhow to plant a camellia outsidethat is now growing in a three­gallon container. He told herthat after the planting site is pre­pared, to remove the plant fromthe container, put it in a holeonly as deep as the bottom halfof the root ball. Then mound agood porous plant materialaround the one-half of the rootball above the ground. Settlingover the next few years and thegrowth of camellia plant overthe next year or so make the"mounding" hardly noticeable.

What's new about 50%

7

above ground? Most articlestell you to put top roots atground level and I had alwaysthought one or two inches aboveground level. Obviously thisdoesn't allow enough for"settling."

In planting areas with poordrainage, beds or berms com­pletely above normal groundlevel would be best for plantingcamellias. While visiting SouthKorea, a common sight washuge squares of soil built upabout two feet above water inmarshy areas with magnificentstands of growing garlic. Whynot camellia islands in low ar­eas?

While talking to AnnabelleFettennan about minimum heattemperature in a greenhouse,she mentioned that she had sether thermostat for heat to comeon at 40° F and her camelliasseem to be doing better than inpast years when the heat cameon to keep her house at a highertemperature. "But," she said, "Idon't know whether or not theimprovement is because of thetemperature or other things Ihave done." Someone elsecame over and our conversation

Buck and Tyler Mizzell accepting the 2006 Award of Merit forBill and Mildred Robertson at the ACCS Convention in Myrtle Beach.

Presenting the award is John Newsome.

ended but my curiosity wasaroused. I wondered what otherthings Annabelle had done.

I called Annabelle on Mon­day and asked what besides acooler greenhouse she had doneto produce those beautifulblooms she had on the head ta­bles at Jacksonville and Val­dosta. She said, "1 have re­moved quite a few pine treesthat I think provided too muchshade." My curiosity here hascaused me to do a little researchabout shade.

When I built my green­house, I asked greenhouse

growers what percent shadecloth should I use because I hadno natural shade. I settled with50 percent and now have used itfor the nine years since 1 redis­covered the camellia growinghobby.

Some of the best commentswere in an article by the late Dr.Luther Baxter from Clemson.Dr. Baxter's article has so muchinformation that we have re­printed it following this arti­cle ... "Camellias Are For Every­one."

beautiful view from the one in theChurch.

Many growers have called at­tention to upcoming show datesby placing blooms in places ofbusiness who agree to put up anadvertising poster. 1 have alsoplaced blooms at local nurseriesthat put up posters.

A good place to get "blue ice"or "artificial ice" is from yourveterinarian. Animal medicine iskept cool during shipment withthese packets. My vet gave me agood supply a couple years agoand 1 "repaid" by putting a fewspecimen blooms on the recep­tion ist' s counter.

Formal doubles make excel­lent corsages to wear at Church.One of our members growsmostly formal doubles just for thispurpose. He takes blooms tochurch for distribution to the la­dies. They love it. (This is a tipfor you single camellia growers.)Excess and duplicate camelliasthat r have rooted have been givento camellia society auctions,friends, master gardener auctions,and door prizes, (We usually givetwo away at each Mid-Carolinameeting. A person has to be amember to be in the drawing.This drawing probably increasesmeeting attendance.

Probably the best reason forgrowing camellias is for the pleas­ure and enjoyment you get fromit. Grow them for the landscape

and for use in the house. Nothingmakes a house more inviting andpleasant than fresh flowers. Onebloom floating in water or manyblooms in an arrangement alwaysgets attention. During camelliaseason our kitchen is a depositoryfor blooms picked but not taken toa show. We enjoy them untilthey collapse. The kitchen tableis also a good place to study thatnew seedling flower and decidewhether or not to register it.

In looking at uses of camel­lias, in many cases the differentsize categories that set the camel­Iia apart from most other flowersis of utmost importance­boutonnieres take miniatures; cor­sages use miniatures, small, andmedium; flower arrangements, allsizes with small or buds at thetop tapered down with slightlyincreasing sizes and the giantsaround or near the base.

One of the best ways to usecamellias is to take them to ashow. As is at our state fair, theGeorgia National Fair, shoppingmalls Iiterally thousands of peopleget to see these magnificentblooms. Use these awesome ca­mellia displays to gain new mem­bers and new exhibitors for yourlocal club, the regional camelliasocieties such as the AtlanticCoast Camellia Society, and theAmerican Camellia Society.

8 21

How Do We Use Camellias?Let Me Count the Ways

Richard Mims

Camellias Are For EveryoneLuther W. Baxter, Jr.

(reprinted from Carolina Camellias Vol. XXV, Spring 1973, No.2)

I'll start with a personal obser­vation. I grow camellias because,in my mind, no flower in exis­tence equals their beauty. Themyriad colors are magnificent andthe forms fit any artistic design.The perfection of symmetry insome formal doubles such as "SeaFoam' boggles the mind. Thesimplistic beauty of some of thesingles and semi doubles such asthe Tamas and Red Hots makethem difficult for the eyes toleave. Sometimes I walk out on acold winter morning and see anewly opened surprise bloom sospectacular that I think to myself:"God, thank you for just lettingme see the flower." I share withmany of you a feeling that re­moves the stresses of work andcares of the world.

Because this article is some­what of a personal nature as ismost articles in this issue, perhapsI should start with ways the Mim­ses have used camellias other thanin camellia shows.

When our darling daughter,Mary Kay, the Assistant Editor ofthe Journal set her wedding datewe had a florist use camelliasto decorate Rutledge Chapel atthe University of South Carolina

20

for the wedding. Included werearrangements that were moved forthe reception to planned strategicspots in the nearby FacultyHouse.Another December, I was Chair­man of decorations for the Uni­versity of South Carolina employ­ees Christmas Gala. The tablecenterpieces included show qual­ity camellias gathered from all myfriends in the area. Pins wereavailable for the ladies to use thecamellia blooms as corsages.

For many years the Mid­Carolina Camellia Society hasfurnished camellias for the debu­tante Camellia Ball held in Co­lumbia each year. We furnishhundreds of camellias from ourcollections for decorating the hall.

The most beautiful casketsprays I have ever seen are madewith camellia blooms. This isdone for many of our societymembers whose last day occursduring the camellia season. Ithink most camelliaphytes holdoff our passing until camellia sea­son. The spray for Katherine'smother was made with beautifulassorted camellias. I had the fu­neral director turn the spray atgraveside for an entirely different

Camellias can be grown andcaused to flower in every yardin South Carolina! Most cer­tainly cultivars of Camellia sa­sanquas will bloom in the fallin the upper Piedmont, for atClemson such "varieties" asTexas Star, Cleopatra, Se­tsugekka, Maiden's Blush, JeanMay, Daydream and literallydozens of others perfonn beau­tifully every fall and occasion­ally Mine-No-Yuki, CrimsonBride, and other late bloomersdo very well.

Appreciation is extended tothe Horticulture Department,Clemson University, for makingthe facilities at the OrnamentalTrial Gardens available formany of the studies which con­tributed to the fonnulation ofthe ideas herein presented.

Cultivars of many C. japon­ica plants will survive our win­ters without injury to the vege­tative parts. Since our wintersare unpredictable, the probabil­ity of good flowers in Marchand April is not good. How­ever, many of these spring va­rieties respond well to"gibbing" and can be forced to

9

bloom in the fall. Among thesecan be listed Rose Hill Red,Rev. John Drayton, Pink Per­fection, Kumasaka, EmmettBarnes, Governor Mouton,Doctor Tinsley, Flame, Profes­sor Sargent, Gladys Wanna­maker, Lady Clare, and Debu­tante, to name a dozen. Thereare unquestionably many otherswhich respond equally well togibbing and which too can with­stand our temperature extremes.

One of the great delights inmy own garden has been theresults of gibbing the cultivarDebutante. Since it is inher­ently an early bloomer it re­sponds well by blooming within40 days after gibbing. Also thesize of the flower is enlargedand the color is intensified.This variety grows rapidly andsets buds in abundance. How­ever, it does put out new growthearly in the spring and thereforeis subject to late spring frosts.Also, the plant is subject torather severe foliage chlorosisand variegated flowers when itis virus infected. The chloroticleaf areas are prone to both sunscald and frost injury. There-

State Fair (continued from page 17)

Show dates and show reports in The Camellia Journal, an officialpublication of the American Camellia Society documents shows of theMid-Carolina Camellia Society in cooperation with The South CarolinaState Fair each year thereafter. This year's show was the 33 rd annualshow.

During the early years of the show, members stood watch to keepthe public from handling the flowers. We have found, however, thatvery few people, (mostly children) handle the flowers and very few aredamaged-not enough to worry about.

In the spirit of "competition for space" there is probably some re­sentment when camellia society members have to come in to get readyfor their show when rose society members are still there. When a ca­mellia society member, who needed to use a water faucet a rose societymember was using, made the remark that it would be nice for the rosepeople to also grow camellias, the rose society member said: "I've gotthree camellia bushes at home and I think I'm going home and pullthem up." Needless to say, the camellia member found another faucetto fill his cups.

fore, it is advisable to use virus­free plants when available.

Since Debutante variegatesexcessively, this cultivar can beused to index rootstocks for thepresence or absence of virus.For example, plants of Mine­No-Yuki, which usually fail toexhibit virus variegation in bothleaves and flowers, can be car­rying a severe strain of viruswhich mayor may not be objec­tionable in a rootstock, depend­ing on the variety. Ten totwenty cuttings taken from sucha plant and rooted can serve assuqsequent stock plants. If thescion shows virus symptoms,the cuttings then can be de­stroyed, while cuttings takenfrom another plant used as arootstock and not transmittingvariegation to the Debutantescion can therefore be in­creased. From a few knownindexed plants, virus-free Mine­No-Yuki plants could be propa­gated and serve as rootstocksfrom grafting purposes.

Plants of the cultivar Mine­No-Yuki would make excellentunder stock (except for the vi­rus) since it rarely is affected bydieback, it is resistant to rootrot, it roots easily, and it growsquickly. Furthermore it is win­ter hardy in the upper Piedmont.Since it blooms so late in thefall, it rarely performs well as a

specimen plant for us.One serious mistake some­

times made by camellia enthusi­asts is to select a camellia sitewith too much shade. With toodense shade, few flower budsare set, such as on the cultivarGovernor Mouton; drought maybecome a serious problem andthe wood tends to be leggy.One advantage of dense shade,however, is the protection af­forded against early or late lightfrosts by the heavier overheadcanopies. Some compromise inthe amount of shade thereforeseems to be necessary in orderto balance these opposing ef­fects. Many disease problemsare more serious in dense shadeand camellias are not an excep­tional plant in this respect. Forexample, Exobasidium leaf gallon Camellia sasanqua is moreserious in the shade. Also, ca­mellia flower blight and die­back are likely to be more seri­ous in dense shade which en­courages high humidity, a pre­requisite for spore dissemina­tion and survival.

The soils of the piedmontare not inherently fertile, butmost are adequate, with fertili­zation, to support excellentgrowth. Pines afford excellentshade for C. japonica cultivars.Some pine species, however,are subject to a root disease,

suggestions on improvements orspecial columns you would liketo read or write in any of theJournals, tell me (Chair of theACS Publications Committee)and we will try to find someoneto do it. Also, tell us what youwant to see on the WEB. ThePublications Committee wouldalso want to hear from youwhen you receive the next ACSJournal. Editor Ann Walton

wants to know if we are on theright track in making it a Jour­nal a person would join theAmerican Camellia Society toreceive. Our President HulynSmith and President Elect Bar­bara Tuffli are very eager to getthings going that will bring theAmerican Camellia society backto a the memberships it enjoyedduring its heyday.

10 19

An Appeal for HelpIn Getting Articles for Publishing

Richard Mims

Attending the meeting of theAmerican Camellia Society inPortland, Oregon this springwas indeed a pleasure. Al­though I was being seated asDirector at Large of the AtlanticCoast for two years, I would nothave been a participant with avote at that meeting but for thefact that Buck Mizzell, SouthCarolina Director decided on atrip to Australia during that timeand appointed me his proxy.

Buck had participated in andknew about all the plannedchanges for ACS and I knewvery little before receivingstacks of material to study forthe meeting. I thought at thetime that I should have optedAustralia with the Mizzells.

In actuality the planningcommittee had done an out­standing job. The more I readand studied planned changes themore I realized that in my ownmind I had wondered why cer­tain of those changes hadn'tbeen made in the past, (i.e. onegoverning board).

o attempt will be made topreempt ACS officials in telling

18

all the changes designed togrow a larger and better Ameri­can Camellia Society. Onechange, however, I really likeand want to point out. We wantthe publications of ACS and ourlocal club activities to appealnot only to the growers whoshow camellias but also to theaverage gardener who willnever exhibit nor even attend acamellia show-an average gar­dener who enjoys camellias intheir landscape for the personalenjoyment of the beauty of theirflowers. Many things such asshow reports, etc. and hopefullyall publications will eventuallybe at your fingertips on theWEB.

With this in mind, start writ­ing not only for the ACCS Jour­nal but also the ACS Journaland Yearbook. Send your arti­cles and ideas to me and I willedit, put them in proper fornland send to ACS for considera­tion of publication in the Jour­nal or Yearbook. These pagesin our publications must befilled and your editors need helpfrom our members. If you have

little leaf, which is caused bythe fungus, phytophthora cinna­momi, a soi I borne pathogen.Unfortunately, this same funguscauses root rot of many C. ja­ponica cultivars and so at timesthe pine roots support adequatequantities of this fungus whichcan damage roots of C. japon­ica plants when they are grow­ing on their own roots. Root rotof camell ias growing underpines is not a problem on allsites because drainage is a veryimportant factor governing itsincidence. In general, gooddrainage (or planting high) ei­ther reduces or eliminates rootrot of camellias so that evenvery susceptible cultivars, suchas Pink Perfection on its ownroots, can be successfullygrown. Occasionally there arecertain C. japonica cultivars,such as R. L. Wheeler, whichseem to perform well in spite ofan otherwise poor location,where other C. japonica culti­vars either die or are seriouslystunted.

Another serious mistakemade by some growers is to fer­tilize their plants too heavily.This burns the roots, whichmakes them susceptible todrought and, in severe cases, theentire plant may be killed. Ac­tually two applications of fertil­izer, the first about the first

11

week of spring and a second thefirst week of summer, are ade­quate. The amount should notexceed 500 to 750 lbs. or a 10­10-10 fertilizer or equivalentper acre (about I to 1 Y2 Ib per100 sq. ft) each time of applica­tion. Spread the fertilizerevenly over the area; do not ag­gregate large quantities near thebase of the plant. If fertilizationis to be done on an individualplant basis, spread I cup of fer­tilizer for each 1 inch of trunkdiameter around the drip line.

For many soils of the Pied­mont a method of transplantingcamellias I have used may be ofsome interest. After a site isselected (not too much shadewith adequate drainage) I do notdig a hole and remove soil andthen replace with a new mix­ture, but rather, with the aid of arototiller, mix into the top soilpeat moss, bark, sawdust, or acombination of these along withsome lime and phosphate. Thenet effect is to raise the areaslightly, depending on theamount of material added(about one bushel), which pro­tects against root rot. The limeand phosphate are thus workedwell into the soil where theroots can be encouraged to ram­ify through the soil. Caution!Do not set the new plant toodeeply and be sure to pack the

South Carolina State FairAnd the Mid-Carolina Camellia Society

llichard Mims

bottom of the hole so that theplant does not settle. Be sure towater the newly transplantedplants well the first year. Pref­erably transplant in either Octo­ber or early March althoughwith special care plants can betransplanted any time of theyear. Transplanting carnell iasbetween April 1 and October Iusually leads to severe droughtproblems, especially the firstyear until the roots become es­tablished.

Pruning camellias is some­times necessary to shape theplant and, on some of the moreaggressive cultivars, to keepthem restricted in size. Keep inmind however, that pruning,like grafting, creates a woundthrough which Glomerella, thecause of dieback, can enter. Ifpruning is required, it should bedone during August or Septem­ber for thinning-out type of dur­ing late March or early April forthe heading-back type. Thistiming will facilitate healingand thus maximize the probabil­ity of avoiding dieback prob­lems.

For satisfaction from camel­lias follow these few precau­tions:1. Select a good site in partial

shade and amend the soil.Do not space plants tooclosely.

12

2. Select a healthy dieback ­and canker-free cultivaradapted to your region.

3. Transplant correctly at theproper time or provide spe­cial care, (watering, shade,mulching in summer, etc.)

4. Fertilize with appropriateamounts at the right time.

5. Prune lower limbs of largeplants and keep weeds downto provide good aeration.This practice gives somehelp in the control of bothflower blight and dieback.

6. Irrigate liberally during hot,dry weather.

7. Control scale.8. Gib C. japonica flower buds

in August and Septemberfor October and Novemberflowering.

9. Avoid lawn mower andother implement wounds,and afford protectionagainst small animals.

10. Learn to graft and increaseyour favorite cultivars usingC. sasanqua seedlings asunderstock and then givethese to friends, schools,churches, municipal organi­zations, etc.

11. Give camellia plants asdoor prizes at meetings.

12. Think camellias and weara camellia smile!

The South Carolina StateFair and the Mid-Carolina Ca­mellia society began its associa­tion in 1973 when the late JackTeague asked the director ofhorticultural exhibits if the fairwould sponsor the annual fallcamellia show. After receivinga positive answer, Teague andthe President of the Mid­Carolina Camellia Society in1973, Richard C. Mims, placedthe matter before the Society.Excitement filled the air. Mem­bers knew that now thousandsof people each year would viewthe camellias rather than thehundreds that visited the showpreviously held at the SouthCarolina National Bank. Thenew site, The South CarolinaState Fair, was quickly ap­proved and planning began.

The Mid-Carolina CamelliaSociety held its first show inconjunction with the SouthCarolina State Fair on October20-21, 1973 in the Moore Build­ing. (This is documented in theFair Bulletin and Carolina Ca­mellias, Vol. X¥V, Fall, 1972,No.3) The show was co­sponsored by The South Caro­lina State Fair Association and

17

the American Bank and Trustwho paid the Society's ex­penses. The Lady Banksia Gar­den Club was in charge offlower arrangements then re­quired at all shows sanctionedby the American Camellia Soci­ety. Exhibitors were allowed topark and visit the fair withoutcharge. The show was held inthe Moore Building. It was esti­mated that 20,000 visitorsviewed this two-day show.

In the years after the firstshow, The State Fair Associa­tion agreed to help the club withexpenses and storage of flowershow materials. There has beenwonderful cooperation over theyears with Ms. Henriette Halland her staff. Mrs. Hall is incharge of the displays in theEllison building where theshows are presently held and theOctober 13-14, 2006 show hasjust been completed. The flow­ers were exhibited in this showand removed one by one whenthey died. The exhibit wascompletely dismantled on theseventh day after the flowerswere entered.

(Cont. pg 19 - State Fair)

ing was banned and they are a real menace in my garden here. Thisautumn I will have put up a deer fence if we are to continue garden­mg.

PruningRichard Mims

It is very good to hear from you and I will put my thinking cap onabout an article. I did do one some years ago about the late HarveyShortt and his camellias ....

With very best wishes and regards.

Yours sincerely,John

A Christmas Present for theAmerican Camellia Society

The ACS Executive Director Search Committee is pleased to announcethat we have a new Executive Director for the Camellia Society. She isSandra (Sandi) Byrd who comes to us with a wealth (we use the wordadvisedly!) offundraising experience as well as experience in success­fully managing staff and volunteer work.

We are absolutely delighted to welcome Sandi to the ACS. She will startwork sometime in January and will be with us in Orlando. There will besome transition time with our retiring Executive Director Ann Walton.

Sandi is uniquely prepared to help the ACS move forward as our newgovernance structure is put in place, and as we prepare to take new initia­tives to increase our membership, raise more funds, and serve the Camel­lia World more effectively.

Have a wonderful Holiday Season and be ready for action in 2007!

The ACS Executive Director Search CommitteeHulyn Smith, Barbara Tuffli, Deane Hall, Marie Mizell, Forrest Latta,John Newsome, and W.e. Wyatt. Committee Advisor: Maridel Moulton

16

Camellias are treasured notonly for the multiplicity of spec­tacular blooms in many formsfrom single to the formal doublebut also for cold weatherblooming, shiny leaves, land­scaping versatility and long­lived beauty of the shrub whichthrough the years grows into asmall tree. The words above,long-lived and tree, causes workfor most camellia growers-thework of pruning.

Many camellia owners have"happened" upon camellias bypurchasing or inheriting prop­erty with camellias planted bypast generations. Others havelived long enough to havetwenty to fifty year-old plant­ings. Generations ago in an ag­ricultural economy, land wasplentiful and yards were larger.Large camellias, then, were nota problem. In fact, value wasplaced upon size and ownerswere reluctant to cut any"wood" with the flowers. Evenprunmg was a no no.

In the present day, there arefarms and estates that arechopped up into lots with roomfor a home, usually a fence, anda "tight" landscape. Usually thelot with the old house is the lot

13

with the old, large camellias.(Note: For greenhouse grow­

ers, the greenhouse stays thesame size but the plants growand something has to give ...either build another house or getrid of plants, or prune.)

Naturally yards pleasing to theeye (good proportional land­scaping) are desirable. Hiredprofessional landscapers mostlywant old plantings "bull dozed"and recommend starting over.This is "bologna." I think ittakes two generations to make awell-landscaped yard, Look forthe "line" in the old planting. Aprofessional may have plannedit. Use the "line if possible andas many old camellias as possi­ble as background layers andspecimen plants. Consider thecamellias a heritage plant.

Large camellias can be cutdown for regrowing and kepttrimmed to a desired size. Infact, larger flowers may begrown because of a positive rootimbalance. The roots collectnutrients and water for a moremassive plant which pruninghas now made smaller and inturn provided more nutrients forblooming. This fact explainswhy growers who show flowers

prune out spindly, crowded, ex­cessive branches and twigs be­fore the blooming season in Au­gust and September. This alsogives more space for buds toopen without bloom damage.Drastic pruning should not bedone until spring - just a coupleof weeks before buds swell toproduce new growth. Researchhas shown that the mortalityrate for drastically pruned plantsis very high when plants arepruned before February. (Lightpruning may be done at anytime of the year. However die­back spores are more prevalentin hot weather.

During the few weeks preced­ing new growth, large camelliascan be cut completely off leav­ing only a foot or two of trunk.(I recommend two feet.) Newgrowth will come from the twofeet of trunk. Because of thepositive root imbalance newgrowth rather than growing theusual six or eight inches maygrow several feet. To keep thecamellia within the "bounds"you want, you might need tosnip the ends of the new growthwhich will not bloom the fol­lowing year anyway. If possi­ble, make drastic pruning a two­year project. Prune half of thebush the first year leaving theother half to bloom and sustainthe "shocked" half that was re-

14

moved. When the remainder ofthe bush is pruned the secondyear, the new shoots from lastyear's pruning will bloom thesecond year.

Before pruning, visualize thelandscape and try to leave asmany "camellia trees" as will fitin. Trim limbs from the bottomand grow them as "standards."These trees look very good atapproximately a 45° angle outfrom the front comers of ahouse.

r know that Clemson and pos­sibly your state agricultural col­lege have said that wound paintis useless and commercialwound paint just might be.However, I believe wound paintmixed with fungicide or "spinout" makes it difficult for die­back spores to enter.

Be certain when limbs aretrimmed, saw or lop closely be­side the "ring" at the trunk orother limb on which it is grown.If cut beyond the ring, the nubleft usually dies back to the ringand invites entry of disease.

Yes, pruning long-livedshrubs that eventually becamesmall trees is worth the trouble.Camellias' beautiful foliage andmagnificent flowers can alwaysbe made to "work" in your land­scape.

Letter from a Member

Editor's note: I corresponded with John T. Gallagherof England. He is receiving ACCS Journals and I

thought you would all enjoy reading his interesting reply.

15th August 2006-08-15

Dear Richard,

Please forgive me for being so slow in answering your letter andthanking you for the Journal. Yes, they do arrive safely .... Lastyear I did get across to see myoid friend Cliff Parks in the fallwhen all the sasanquas and his hybrids were in flower. With onething and another I had not been there for years, when the twoboys were children! How time flies!

Here the camellias are some size now and I am still grafting androoting cuttings of new things. Cliff has recently sent me scionsof his yellow species and although we are too cold to grow themout of doors I have rooted and grafted most of them to play within the greenhouse. I do a lot of work with the Royal HorticulturalSociety and they are building a new greenhouse at a cost of 7 mil­lion pounds in their grounds at Wisley. It will be opening to thepublic next year and they have been collecting plants to fill it. Ihave passed on some scions Cliff sent me, as it would be ideal tohave a yellow camellia there! These days all the gardens are fullof education as it is the easiest way of getting money, so the newgreenhouse has a very good section for education as well.

With the global wamling we are finding that it is reflected in theperfonnance of many of the camellias. C. sasanquas has neverreally done much good until about five years ago when old plantsin the collections are now beginning to flower in the fall. We alsofind that Magnolia campbellii has started for flower up country asopposed to only in Devon and Cornwall. Nothing to do withglobal warming - the deer have multiplied alarmingly since hunt-

15

prune out spindly, crowded, ex­cessive branches and twigs be­fore the blooming season in Au­gust and September. This alsogives more space for buds toopen without bloom damage.Drastic pruning should not bedone until spring - just a coupleof weeks before buds swell toproduce new growth. Researchhas shown that the mortalityrate for drastically pruned plantsis very high when plants arepruned before February. (Lightpruning may be done at anytime of the year. However die­back spores are more prevalentin hot weather.

During the few weeks preced­ing new growth, large camelliascan be cut completely off leav­ing only a foot or two of trunk.(I recommend two feet.) Newgrowth will come from the twofeet of trunk. Because of thepositive root imbalance newgrowth rather than growing theusual six or eight inches maygrow several feet. To keep thecamellia within the "bounds"you want, you might need tosnip the ends of the new growthwhich will not bloom the fol­lowing year anyway. If possi­ble, make drastic pruning a two­year project. Prune half of thebush the first year leaving theother half to bloom and sustainthe "shocked" half that was re-

14

moved. When the remainder ofthe bush is pruned the secondyear, the new shoots from lastyear's pruning will bloom thesecond year.

Before pruning, visualize thelandscape and try to leave asmany "camellia trees" as will fitin. Trim limbs from the bottomand grow them as "standards."These trees look very good atapproximately a 45° angle outfrom the front comers of ahouse.

r know that Clemson and pos­sibly your state agricultural col­lege have said that wound paintis useless and commercialwound paint just might be.However, I believe wound paintmixed with fungicide or "spinout" makes it difficult for die­back spores to enter.

Be certain when limbs aretrimmed, saw or lop closely be­side the "ring" at the trunk orother limb on which it is grown.If cut beyond the ring, the nubleft usually dies back to the ringand invites entry of disease.

Yes, pruning long-livedshrubs that eventually becamesmall trees is worth the trouble.Camellias' beautiful foliage andmagnificent flowers can alwaysbe made to "work" in your land­scape.

Letter from a Member

Editor's note: I corresponded with John T. Gallagherof England. He is receiving ACCS Journals and I

thought you would all enjoy reading his interesting reply.

15th August 2006-08-15

Dear Richard,

Please forgive me for being so slow in answering your letter andthanking you for the Journal. Yes, they do arrive safely .... Lastyear I did get across to see myoid friend Cliff Parks in the fallwhen all the sasanquas and his hybrids were in flower. With onething and another I had not been there for years, when the twoboys were children! How time flies!

Here the camellias are some size now and I am still grafting androoting cuttings of new things. Cliff has recently sent me scionsof his yellow species and although we are too cold to grow themout of doors I have rooted and grafted most of them to play within the greenhouse. I do a lot of work with the Royal HorticulturalSociety and they are building a new greenhouse at a cost of 7 mil­lion pounds in their grounds at Wisley. It will be opening to thepublic next year and they have been collecting plants to fill it. Ihave passed on some scions Cliff sent me, as it would be ideal tohave a yellow camellia there! These days all the gardens are fullof education as it is the easiest way of getting money, so the newgreenhouse has a very good section for education as well.

With the global wamling we are finding that it is reflected in theperfonnance of many of the camellias. C. sasanquas has neverreally done much good until about five years ago when old plantsin the collections are now beginning to flower in the fall. We alsofind that Magnolia campbellii has started for flower up country asopposed to only in Devon and Cornwall. Nothing to do withglobal warming - the deer have multiplied alarmingly since hunt-

15

ing was banned and they are a real menace in my garden here. Thisautumn I will have put up a deer fence if we are to continue garden­mg.

PruningRichard Mims

It is very good to hear from you and I will put my thinking cap onabout an article. I did do one some years ago about the late HarveyShortt and his camellias ....

With very best wishes and regards.

Yours sincerely,John

A Christmas Present for theAmerican Camellia Society

The ACS Executive Director Search Committee is pleased to announcethat we have a new Executive Director for the Camellia Society. She isSandra (Sandi) Byrd who comes to us with a wealth (we use the wordadvisedly!) offundraising experience as well as experience in success­fully managing staff and volunteer work.

We are absolutely delighted to welcome Sandi to the ACS. She will startwork sometime in January and will be with us in Orlando. There will besome transition time with our retiring Executive Director Ann Walton.

Sandi is uniquely prepared to help the ACS move forward as our newgovernance structure is put in place, and as we prepare to take new initia­tives to increase our membership, raise more funds, and serve the Camel­lia World more effectively.

Have a wonderful Holiday Season and be ready for action in 2007!

The ACS Executive Director Search CommitteeHulyn Smith, Barbara Tuffli, Deane Hall, Marie Mizell, Forrest Latta,John Newsome, and W.e. Wyatt. Committee Advisor: Maridel Moulton

16

Camellias are treasured notonly for the multiplicity of spec­tacular blooms in many formsfrom single to the formal doublebut also for cold weatherblooming, shiny leaves, land­scaping versatility and long­lived beauty of the shrub whichthrough the years grows into asmall tree. The words above,long-lived and tree, causes workfor most camellia growers-thework of pruning.

Many camellia owners have"happened" upon camellias bypurchasing or inheriting prop­erty with camellias planted bypast generations. Others havelived long enough to havetwenty to fifty year-old plant­ings. Generations ago in an ag­ricultural economy, land wasplentiful and yards were larger.Large camellias, then, were nota problem. In fact, value wasplaced upon size and ownerswere reluctant to cut any"wood" with the flowers. Evenprunmg was a no no.

In the present day, there arefarms and estates that arechopped up into lots with roomfor a home, usually a fence, anda "tight" landscape. Usually thelot with the old house is the lot

13

with the old, large camellias.(Note: For greenhouse grow­

ers, the greenhouse stays thesame size but the plants growand something has to give ...either build another house or getrid of plants, or prune.)

Naturally yards pleasing to theeye (good proportional land­scaping) are desirable. Hiredprofessional landscapers mostlywant old plantings "bull dozed"and recommend starting over.This is "bologna." I think ittakes two generations to make awell-landscaped yard, Look forthe "line" in the old planting. Aprofessional may have plannedit. Use the "line if possible andas many old camellias as possi­ble as background layers andspecimen plants. Consider thecamellias a heritage plant.

Large camellias can be cutdown for regrowing and kepttrimmed to a desired size. Infact, larger flowers may begrown because of a positive rootimbalance. The roots collectnutrients and water for a moremassive plant which pruninghas now made smaller and inturn provided more nutrients forblooming. This fact explainswhy growers who show flowers

South Carolina State FairAnd the Mid-Carolina Camellia Society

llichard Mims

bottom of the hole so that theplant does not settle. Be sure towater the newly transplantedplants well the first year. Pref­erably transplant in either Octo­ber or early March althoughwith special care plants can betransplanted any time of theyear. Transplanting carnell iasbetween April 1 and October Iusually leads to severe droughtproblems, especially the firstyear until the roots become es­tablished.

Pruning camellias is some­times necessary to shape theplant and, on some of the moreaggressive cultivars, to keepthem restricted in size. Keep inmind however, that pruning,like grafting, creates a woundthrough which Glomerella, thecause of dieback, can enter. Ifpruning is required, it should bedone during August or Septem­ber for thinning-out type of dur­ing late March or early April forthe heading-back type. Thistiming will facilitate healingand thus maximize the probabil­ity of avoiding dieback prob­lems.

For satisfaction from camel­lias follow these few precau­tions:1. Select a good site in partial

shade and amend the soil.Do not space plants tooclosely.

12

2. Select a healthy dieback ­and canker-free cultivaradapted to your region.

3. Transplant correctly at theproper time or provide spe­cial care, (watering, shade,mulching in summer, etc.)

4. Fertilize with appropriateamounts at the right time.

5. Prune lower limbs of largeplants and keep weeds downto provide good aeration.This practice gives somehelp in the control of bothflower blight and dieback.

6. Irrigate liberally during hot,dry weather.

7. Control scale.8. Gib C. japonica flower buds

in August and Septemberfor October and Novemberflowering.

9. Avoid lawn mower andother implement wounds,and afford protectionagainst small animals.

10. Learn to graft and increaseyour favorite cultivars usingC. sasanqua seedlings asunderstock and then givethese to friends, schools,churches, municipal organi­zations, etc.

11. Give camellia plants asdoor prizes at meetings.

12. Think camellias and weara camellia smile!

The South Carolina StateFair and the Mid-Carolina Ca­mellia society began its associa­tion in 1973 when the late JackTeague asked the director ofhorticultural exhibits if the fairwould sponsor the annual fallcamellia show. After receivinga positive answer, Teague andthe President of the Mid­Carolina Camellia Society in1973, Richard C. Mims, placedthe matter before the Society.Excitement filled the air. Mem­bers knew that now thousandsof people each year would viewthe camellias rather than thehundreds that visited the showpreviously held at the SouthCarolina National Bank. Thenew site, The South CarolinaState Fair, was quickly ap­proved and planning began.

The Mid-Carolina CamelliaSociety held its first show inconjunction with the SouthCarolina State Fair on October20-21, 1973 in the Moore Build­ing. (This is documented in theFair Bulletin and Carolina Ca­mellias, Vol. X¥V, Fall, 1972,No.3) The show was co­sponsored by The South Caro­lina State Fair Association and

17

the American Bank and Trustwho paid the Society's ex­penses. The Lady Banksia Gar­den Club was in charge offlower arrangements then re­quired at all shows sanctionedby the American Camellia Soci­ety. Exhibitors were allowed topark and visit the fair withoutcharge. The show was held inthe Moore Building. It was esti­mated that 20,000 visitorsviewed this two-day show.

In the years after the firstshow, The State Fair Associa­tion agreed to help the club withexpenses and storage of flowershow materials. There has beenwonderful cooperation over theyears with Ms. Henriette Halland her staff. Mrs. Hall is incharge of the displays in theEllison building where theshows are presently held and theOctober 13-14, 2006 show hasjust been completed. The flow­ers were exhibited in this showand removed one by one whenthey died. The exhibit wascompletely dismantled on theseventh day after the flowerswere entered.

(Cont. pg 19 - State Fair)

An Appeal for HelpIn Getting Articles for Publishing

Richard Mims

Attending the meeting of theAmerican Camellia Society inPortland, Oregon this springwas indeed a pleasure. Al­though I was being seated asDirector at Large of the AtlanticCoast for two years, I would nothave been a participant with avote at that meeting but for thefact that Buck Mizzell, SouthCarolina Director decided on atrip to Australia during that timeand appointed me his proxy.

Buck had participated in andknew about all the plannedchanges for ACS and I knewvery little before receivingstacks of material to study forthe meeting. I thought at thetime that I should have optedAustralia with the Mizzells.

In actuality the planningcommittee had done an out­standing job. The more I readand studied planned changes themore I realized that in my ownmind I had wondered why cer­tain of those changes hadn'tbeen made in the past, (i.e. onegoverning board).

o attempt will be made topreempt ACS officials in telling

18

all the changes designed togrow a larger and better Ameri­can Camellia Society. Onechange, however, I really likeand want to point out. We wantthe publications of ACS and ourlocal club activities to appealnot only to the growers whoshow camellias but also to theaverage gardener who willnever exhibit nor even attend acamellia show-an average gar­dener who enjoys camellias intheir landscape for the personalenjoyment of the beauty of theirflowers. Many things such asshow reports, etc. and hopefullyall publications will eventuallybe at your fingertips on theWEB.

With this in mind, start writ­ing not only for the ACCS Jour­nal but also the ACS Journaland Yearbook. Send your arti­cles and ideas to me and I willedit, put them in proper fornland send to ACS for considera­tion of publication in the Jour­nal or Yearbook. These pagesin our publications must befilled and your editors need helpfrom our members. If you have

little leaf, which is caused bythe fungus, phytophthora cinna­momi, a soi I borne pathogen.Unfortunately, this same funguscauses root rot of many C. ja­ponica cultivars and so at timesthe pine roots support adequatequantities of this fungus whichcan damage roots of C. japon­ica plants when they are grow­ing on their own roots. Root rotof camell ias growing underpines is not a problem on allsites because drainage is a veryimportant factor governing itsincidence. In general, gooddrainage (or planting high) ei­ther reduces or eliminates rootrot of camellias so that evenvery susceptible cultivars, suchas Pink Perfection on its ownroots, can be successfullygrown. Occasionally there arecertain C. japonica cultivars,such as R. L. Wheeler, whichseem to perform well in spite ofan otherwise poor location,where other C. japonica culti­vars either die or are seriouslystunted.

Another serious mistakemade by some growers is to fer­tilize their plants too heavily.This burns the roots, whichmakes them susceptible todrought and, in severe cases, theentire plant may be killed. Ac­tually two applications of fertil­izer, the first about the first

11

week of spring and a second thefirst week of summer, are ade­quate. The amount should notexceed 500 to 750 lbs. or a 10­10-10 fertilizer or equivalentper acre (about I to 1 Y2 Ib per100 sq. ft) each time of applica­tion. Spread the fertilizerevenly over the area; do not ag­gregate large quantities near thebase of the plant. If fertilizationis to be done on an individualplant basis, spread I cup of fer­tilizer for each 1 inch of trunkdiameter around the drip line.

For many soils of the Pied­mont a method of transplantingcamellias I have used may be ofsome interest. After a site isselected (not too much shadewith adequate drainage) I do notdig a hole and remove soil andthen replace with a new mix­ture, but rather, with the aid of arototiller, mix into the top soilpeat moss, bark, sawdust, or acombination of these along withsome lime and phosphate. Thenet effect is to raise the areaslightly, depending on theamount of material added(about one bushel), which pro­tects against root rot. The limeand phosphate are thus workedwell into the soil where theroots can be encouraged to ram­ify through the soil. Caution!Do not set the new plant toodeeply and be sure to pack the

State Fair (continued from page 17)

Show dates and show reports in The Camellia Journal, an officialpublication of the American Camellia Society documents shows of theMid-Carolina Camellia Society in cooperation with The South CarolinaState Fair each year thereafter. This year's show was the 33 rd annualshow.

During the early years of the show, members stood watch to keepthe public from handling the flowers. We have found, however, thatvery few people, (mostly children) handle the flowers and very few aredamaged-not enough to worry about.

In the spirit of "competition for space" there is probably some re­sentment when camellia society members have to come in to get readyfor their show when rose society members are still there. When a ca­mellia society member, who needed to use a water faucet a rose societymember was using, made the remark that it would be nice for the rosepeople to also grow camellias, the rose society member said: "I've gotthree camellia bushes at home and I think I'm going home and pullthem up." Needless to say, the camellia member found another faucetto fill his cups.

fore, it is advisable to use virus­free plants when available.

Since Debutante variegatesexcessively, this cultivar can beused to index rootstocks for thepresence or absence of virus.For example, plants of Mine­No-Yuki, which usually fail toexhibit virus variegation in bothleaves and flowers, can be car­rying a severe strain of viruswhich mayor may not be objec­tionable in a rootstock, depend­ing on the variety. Ten totwenty cuttings taken from sucha plant and rooted can serve assuqsequent stock plants. If thescion shows virus symptoms,the cuttings then can be de­stroyed, while cuttings takenfrom another plant used as arootstock and not transmittingvariegation to the Debutantescion can therefore be in­creased. From a few knownindexed plants, virus-free Mine­No-Yuki plants could be propa­gated and serve as rootstocksfrom grafting purposes.

Plants of the cultivar Mine­No-Yuki would make excellentunder stock (except for the vi­rus) since it rarely is affected bydieback, it is resistant to rootrot, it roots easily, and it growsquickly. Furthermore it is win­ter hardy in the upper Piedmont.Since it blooms so late in thefall, it rarely performs well as a

specimen plant for us.One serious mistake some­

times made by camellia enthusi­asts is to select a camellia sitewith too much shade. With toodense shade, few flower budsare set, such as on the cultivarGovernor Mouton; drought maybecome a serious problem andthe wood tends to be leggy.One advantage of dense shade,however, is the protection af­forded against early or late lightfrosts by the heavier overheadcanopies. Some compromise inthe amount of shade thereforeseems to be necessary in orderto balance these opposing ef­fects. Many disease problemsare more serious in dense shadeand camellias are not an excep­tional plant in this respect. Forexample, Exobasidium leaf gallon Camellia sasanqua is moreserious in the shade. Also, ca­mellia flower blight and die­back are likely to be more seri­ous in dense shade which en­courages high humidity, a pre­requisite for spore dissemina­tion and survival.

The soils of the piedmontare not inherently fertile, butmost are adequate, with fertili­zation, to support excellentgrowth. Pines afford excellentshade for C. japonica cultivars.Some pine species, however,are subject to a root disease,

suggestions on improvements orspecial columns you would liketo read or write in any of theJournals, tell me (Chair of theACS Publications Committee)and we will try to find someoneto do it. Also, tell us what youwant to see on the WEB. ThePublications Committee wouldalso want to hear from youwhen you receive the next ACSJournal. Editor Ann Walton

wants to know if we are on theright track in making it a Jour­nal a person would join theAmerican Camellia Society toreceive. Our President HulynSmith and President Elect Bar­bara Tuffli are very eager to getthings going that will bring theAmerican Camellia society backto a the memberships it enjoyedduring its heyday.

10 19

How Do We Use Camellias?Let Me Count the Ways

Richard Mims

Camellias Are For EveryoneLuther W. Baxter, Jr.

(reprinted from Carolina Camellias Vol. XXV, Spring 1973, No.2)

I'll start with a personal obser­vation. I grow camellias because,in my mind, no flower in exis­tence equals their beauty. Themyriad colors are magnificent andthe forms fit any artistic design.The perfection of symmetry insome formal doubles such as "SeaFoam' boggles the mind. Thesimplistic beauty of some of thesingles and semi doubles such asthe Tamas and Red Hots makethem difficult for the eyes toleave. Sometimes I walk out on acold winter morning and see anewly opened surprise bloom sospectacular that I think to myself:"God, thank you for just lettingme see the flower." I share withmany of you a feeling that re­moves the stresses of work andcares of the world.

Because this article is some­what of a personal nature as ismost articles in this issue, perhapsI should start with ways the Mim­ses have used camellias other thanin camellia shows.

When our darling daughter,Mary Kay, the Assistant Editor ofthe Journal set her wedding datewe had a florist use camelliasto decorate Rutledge Chapel atthe University of South Carolina

20

for the wedding. Included werearrangements that were moved forthe reception to planned strategicspots in the nearby FacultyHouse.Another December, I was Chair­man of decorations for the Uni­versity of South Carolina employ­ees Christmas Gala. The tablecenterpieces included show qual­ity camellias gathered from all myfriends in the area. Pins wereavailable for the ladies to use thecamellia blooms as corsages.

For many years the Mid­Carolina Camellia Society hasfurnished camellias for the debu­tante Camellia Ball held in Co­lumbia each year. We furnishhundreds of camellias from ourcollections for decorating the hall.

The most beautiful casketsprays I have ever seen are madewith camellia blooms. This isdone for many of our societymembers whose last day occursduring the camellia season. Ithink most camelliaphytes holdoff our passing until camellia sea­son. The spray for Katherine'smother was made with beautifulassorted camellias. I had the fu­neral director turn the spray atgraveside for an entirely different

Camellias can be grown andcaused to flower in every yardin South Carolina! Most cer­tainly cultivars of Camellia sa­sanquas will bloom in the fallin the upper Piedmont, for atClemson such "varieties" asTexas Star, Cleopatra, Se­tsugekka, Maiden's Blush, JeanMay, Daydream and literallydozens of others perfonn beau­tifully every fall and occasion­ally Mine-No-Yuki, CrimsonBride, and other late bloomersdo very well.

Appreciation is extended tothe Horticulture Department,Clemson University, for makingthe facilities at the OrnamentalTrial Gardens available formany of the studies which con­tributed to the fonnulation ofthe ideas herein presented.

Cultivars of many C. japon­ica plants will survive our win­ters without injury to the vege­tative parts. Since our wintersare unpredictable, the probabil­ity of good flowers in Marchand April is not good. How­ever, many of these spring va­rieties respond well to"gibbing" and can be forced to

9

bloom in the fall. Among thesecan be listed Rose Hill Red,Rev. John Drayton, Pink Per­fection, Kumasaka, EmmettBarnes, Governor Mouton,Doctor Tinsley, Flame, Profes­sor Sargent, Gladys Wanna­maker, Lady Clare, and Debu­tante, to name a dozen. Thereare unquestionably many otherswhich respond equally well togibbing and which too can with­stand our temperature extremes.

One of the great delights inmy own garden has been theresults of gibbing the cultivarDebutante. Since it is inher­ently an early bloomer it re­sponds well by blooming within40 days after gibbing. Also thesize of the flower is enlargedand the color is intensified.This variety grows rapidly andsets buds in abundance. How­ever, it does put out new growthearly in the spring and thereforeis subject to late spring frosts.Also, the plant is subject torather severe foliage chlorosisand variegated flowers when itis virus infected. The chloroticleaf areas are prone to both sunscald and frost injury. There-

Buck and Tyler Mizzell accepting the 2006 Award of Merit forBill and Mildred Robertson at the ACCS Convention in Myrtle Beach.

Presenting the award is John Newsome.

ended but my curiosity wasaroused. I wondered what otherthings Annabelle had done.

I called Annabelle on Mon­day and asked what besides acooler greenhouse she had doneto produce those beautifulblooms she had on the head ta­bles at Jacksonville and Val­dosta. She said, "1 have re­moved quite a few pine treesthat I think provided too muchshade." My curiosity here hascaused me to do a little researchabout shade.

When I built my green­house, I asked greenhouse

growers what percent shadecloth should I use because I hadno natural shade. I settled with50 percent and now have used itfor the nine years since 1 redis­covered the camellia growinghobby.

Some of the best commentswere in an article by the late Dr.Luther Baxter from Clemson.Dr. Baxter's article has so muchinformation that we have re­printed it following this arti­cle ... "Camellias Are For Every­one."

beautiful view from the one in theChurch.

Many growers have called at­tention to upcoming show datesby placing blooms in places ofbusiness who agree to put up anadvertising poster. 1 have alsoplaced blooms at local nurseriesthat put up posters.

A good place to get "blue ice"or "artificial ice" is from yourveterinarian. Animal medicine iskept cool during shipment withthese packets. My vet gave me agood supply a couple years agoand 1 "repaid" by putting a fewspecimen blooms on the recep­tion ist' s counter.

Formal doubles make excel­lent corsages to wear at Church.One of our members growsmostly formal doubles just for thispurpose. He takes blooms tochurch for distribution to the la­dies. They love it. (This is a tipfor you single camellia growers.)Excess and duplicate camelliasthat r have rooted have been givento camellia society auctions,friends, master gardener auctions,and door prizes, (We usually givetwo away at each Mid-Carolinameeting. A person has to be amember to be in the drawing.This drawing probably increasesmeeting attendance.

Probably the best reason forgrowing camellias is for the pleas­ure and enjoyment you get fromit. Grow them for the landscape

and for use in the house. Nothingmakes a house more inviting andpleasant than fresh flowers. Onebloom floating in water or manyblooms in an arrangement alwaysgets attention. During camelliaseason our kitchen is a depositoryfor blooms picked but not taken toa show. We enjoy them untilthey collapse. The kitchen tableis also a good place to study thatnew seedling flower and decidewhether or not to register it.

In looking at uses of camel­lias, in many cases the differentsize categories that set the camel­Iia apart from most other flowersis of utmost importance­boutonnieres take miniatures; cor­sages use miniatures, small, andmedium; flower arrangements, allsizes with small or buds at thetop tapered down with slightlyincreasing sizes and the giantsaround or near the base.

One of the best ways to usecamellias is to take them to ashow. As is at our state fair, theGeorgia National Fair, shoppingmalls Iiterally thousands of peopleget to see these magnificentblooms. Use these awesome ca­mellia displays to gain new mem­bers and new exhibitors for yourlocal club, the regional camelliasocieties such as the AtlanticCoast Camellia Society, and theAmerican Camellia Society.

8 21

The Recipe CornerRichard C. Mims

Editor's ColumnRichard Mims

(Please send us your favorite recipes with a short"Story Behind the Recipe")

Story Behind the Recipe: I used to grow a large vegetable garden.With four growing, very active children playing in the marching band,soccer, football, baseball, etc., it was my job to put food on the table.Although they ate well, they were still "picky." Anything we put ingravy for flavoring had to be pureed-a sliver of onion could not even bevisible. We even had to call it "disappearing gravy" and would stir therice to show how the gravy "disappeared."

When you are talking about a vegetable called SQUASH?-what aname. The name itself turns most people off. Why couldn't it have beennamed saluenensis or yellow beauties or just something besides squash?When we hear "squash" it makes us think of squashing bugs underfoot.Anyway, I planted a whole row of squash. My father-in-law asked "Whyare you planting so much squash? I really didn't know what he meantuntil my fifty foot row started producing. I had squash "coming out ofour ears"-I've never seen so many squash. Now, what could I do to getall my children to eat squash-some would, some wouldn't.

Well, I thought about the onions in "disappearing gravy." Ijust hadto have have that good onion flavor-but pureeing them would onlymake the casserole juicier and not have the solidifying effect needed tokeep it from being squash soup. Well, what about sauteing the onions?Sauteing would shrink the onions about 75% and anybody enjoys sauteedor fried onions better than boiled or baked onions. Most existing squashrecipes called for grated or chopped onion added directly to the squashmixture and then baked as a casserole. The finished product still had theslippery, sliding onion pieces that many people don't enjoy. To cut along story short, the sauteing worked. Sauteed onions taste better thanbaked onions. Now my grown-up children always ask ifI'm makingsquash casserole when they visit. Now remember, sauteing the onions isa must for this recipe!

22

Exhibiting camellia bloomsand helping judge blooms inAmerican Camellia Societysanctioned camellia shows givesme pleasure. I eagerly look for­ward to the weekends in a faroff city, talking and socializingwith fellow hobbyists.

Hardly a week passes thatmy ears do not pick up a helpfultip or hint. Many time the hintor tip might be one I heard be­fore but lost from memory be­cause I didn't use the tip or putit into practice. You know theold saying, "Use it or lose it."

At Valdosta last week, MarkCrawford was showing a ladyhow to plant a camellia outsidethat is now growing in a three­gallon container. He told herthat after the planting site is pre­pared, to remove the plant fromthe container, put it in a holeonly as deep as the bottom halfof the root ball. Then mound agood porous plant materialaround the one-half of the rootball above the ground. Settlingover the next few years and thegrowth of camellia plant overthe next year or so make the"mounding" hardly noticeable.

What's new about 50%

7

above ground? Most articlestell you to put top roots atground level and I had alwaysthought one or two inches aboveground level. Obviously thisdoesn't allow enough for"settling."

In planting areas with poordrainage, beds or berms com­pletely above normal groundlevel would be best for plantingcamellias. While visiting SouthKorea, a common sight washuge squares of soil built upabout two feet above water inmarshy areas with magnificentstands of growing garlic. Whynot camellia islands in low ar­eas?

While talking to AnnabelleFettennan about minimum heattemperature in a greenhouse,she mentioned that she had sether thermostat for heat to comeon at 40° F and her camelliasseem to be doing better than inpast years when the heat cameon to keep her house at a highertemperature. "But," she said, "Idon't know whether or not theimprovement is because of thetemperature or other things Ihave done." Someone elsecame over and our conversation

President's MessageJohn Newsome

Richard's Squash Casserole

Winter is approaching as Iwrite my first President's Mes­sage for the Journal. So far thefall has been very mild and theshows have been about par andthe quality of the blooms hasbeen outstanding. The drysummer hasn't had much effectexcept possibly slowing theblooming process.

As most of you know, whenwe were at Myrtle Beach for theSeptember meeting, we weresurprised to see that the Sand­castle property is being pre-soldfor condominiums and when80% are committed it will betorn down. We went ahead andplanned for the 2007 meetingsince the management feels itwill take that long or longer tocomplete the 80% process. Inthe meantime, we are looking atalternative locations in that area.It might be time for a changeand we wi II keep you updatedon the progress.

For those of you that arealso members of the Gulf CoastCamellia Society, their fallJournal listed the next AtlanticCoast Camellia Society Meetingas September 21-22, 2007.

6

These dates are incorrect. Thecorrect date for the ACCS meet­ing is September 13-14, 2007.Bonnie has notified their editorto please COlTect this in theirJournal in the next issue. TheGulf Coast had asked us tomove our date back one week togive two weeks between ourmeeting and their meeting. So,we moved back, to September13-14 and they moved forwardto October 5-6. Please markyour calendars for September13-14,2007 in Myrtle Beach. Ilook forward to seeing youthere. Please try to bring a newmember or two.

That brings up another sub­ject that needs a lot of attention.Membership. If we want tocontinue to exist and thrive as asociety, we must add some newmembers. Invite someone tojoin us for our September meet­ing!

Best wishes to each of youfor 2007 and for the best bloom­ing and showing season ever. Ilook forward to seeing you onthe Show Trail. We must re­cruit people to join and come tothe September meeting.

Ingredients:

Enough squash to feed everyone.A large onion or two (Two makes it better)Olive OilI can of mushroom soup (l use Campbell's)A generous portion of cubed or grated sharp cheese2 large eggs1 scant teaspoon salt

1. Preheat oven to 3500

2. Wash the squash well and boi I it for IS minutes. (Some people,who don't have enough to do, peel the squash first.)

3. Drain the water off the boiled squash and place them in a bakingdish.

4. With the point of a knife and a fork to hold the hot squash, sliceor cut them into bite-sized chunks.

5. Dice a large onion or two. (Two makes it better)6. Saute the onions in the olive oil until well browned.7. Mix the sauteed onions in the casserole dish with the squash8. Stir in the rest of the ingredients: the can of mushroom soup, the

generous portion of chopped or grated sharp cheese, two eggs,and the scant teaspoon of salt.

9. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.

(My daughter especially likes a layer of cheese over the top!)

23

Pictures from the May 2006 JointMid-Carolina Camellia Society/

Atlantic Coast Camellia Society BarbequePhotos courtesy of Warren and Cheryl Thompson

24

ObituariesThomas Knox

Tom Knox established the Charlotte C. Knox Reticulata Award which is pre­sented by the American Camellia Society to the originator of an outstandingseedling of Camellia reticulata or hybrid with C. reticulata parentage. This is aplaque presented on the recommendation of the Exhibition and Awards Com­mittee. The permanent cup remains at the ACS headquarters.

Tom and his wife, Shirley, were also great supporters of the Mid-CarolinaCamellia Society. A highlight of the Mid-Carolina Camellia Society's springshow was the Charlotte Knox Memorial Award given by Tom and Shirley forthe best Valentine Day bloom.

(The following excerpted from The State, Tuesday, September 12,2006)

Thomas Pressly Knox Jr., 90, passed away Sunday, September 10, 2006, athis home, surrounded by his loving family.

Born Sept. 19, 1915 in Neeses, S.c., he was a son of the late Thomas PresslyKnox Sr. and Juddie Chaplin Knox.

His amazing life was filled with learning, adventure, music, reading, huntingand fishing, gardening and travel - all things he cherished and shared generouslywith his family and friends. As a child and young man, he played the violin.

Tom lived his life with the belief that he was extremely blessed and felt com­pelled, with a humble heart, to share his many blessings with others. He will beremembered and missed by all who knew him.

Jim HollerJim Holler (Dr. James Carlisle Holler, J1'.) of Rock Hill, SC died Satur­

day, December 23, 2006.The funeral service was held on December 27 at St. John's Methodist

Church.Jim was a member of the Atlantic Coast Camellia Society for many

years. He and his wife, Lura, were on judging teams as American Ca­mellia Society accredited judges for many years.

Not only will Jim be missed in his community but also by the manyboards and associations on which he served. We in the "camellia world"grieve the loss of a dear friend.

5

E-Mail:

City, State, Zip:

(Membership is a great gift for friends and family!!!)

$12.50Single or Double

Membership Form

9/1/05-8/31/06

ACCSBonnie Serpas

229 Green StreetSantee, SC 29142

Join NOW!

The Atlantic Coast Camellia Society

Name(s):

We are a society who wants more members to help us promotethe science of Camellia culture by exchanging knowledge andideas with Camellia specialists, provide information about showsand social events and join us at our annual meeting in MyrtleBeach in September or October each year. Annual dues are$12.50 per year for singles or couples. A membership entitlesyou to a journal published in Spring, Summer and Fall. To join,send your check and personal information for receiving commu­nications and journals to:

Address: -------------------

ACCS Dues

Telephone Number (include Area Code):

4 25

There is a splendid kind of justice in the camellia's performance-itrarely permits us to reap where we have not sown. In short, learn howyour camellia was meant to grow in nature, try to give it those conditionsas nearly as you can. Then, sit back and enjoy your plants, for you can­not grow camellias-they grow by themselves.Mrs. W.A. Miller, Jr., Camellian, November 1956

Sergio Bracci5567 North Buston StreetSan Gabriel, CA 91776626 286-4338

Barbara Tuffli156 Selby LaneAtherton, CA 94027

Martin Harwood4505 Bay Woods CourtPensacola, FL 32504-6847850477-3625

Esther Smith12337 SE Terrace RoadBelleview, FL 34428-4642352307-9992

John GamblePO Box 1592Fort Valley, GA 31030478825-3749

Ronald Wolfe3019 Old Dominion DriveAlbany, Ga 31721229 883-2349

Marie Mizell929 Elmeer AvenueMetairie, LA 70005504 833-3970

Directors

Jim Smelley4831 Devon StreetMoss Point, MS 29563228475-9736

Clara Hahn2962 Selwyn AvenueCharlotte, NC 28209704 954-8799

Lou Bryant504 Francisca LaneCary, NC 27511-3746919467-6876

Jim Dickson1009 Stanton DriveNorth Augusta, SC 29841803 279-9451

Pat Pinkerton16 Kinloch RoadLugoff, SC 29078803 438-6486

Lawrence Barlow3591 Kentucky TrailChesapeake, VA 23323757487-6082

26 3

Atlantic Coast Camellia SocietyOfficers 2005-2006

Show ReportMid-Carolina Camellia Society

The State Fair, Columbia, SCOctober 13 and 14,2006

Apple Blossom

Junior PromMagic CityKiku-Toji

Edna Bass Var.Tom KnudsenPink PerfectionFircone Var.

Betty Sheffield Var.Mathotiana SupremeMarie BraceyPink Perfection

Magnolia Gardens (Beach)

G.W. SuppleeHarvey StegnerLeland WilliamsPeggy Camp

Oliver & Tyler Mizzell

Richard & Katherine MimsRichard & Katherine MimsOliver & Tyler Mizzell

Oliver & Tyler Mizzell

G.M. SerpasEd & Lou PowersJohnnie WalkerJohnnie Walker

Japonica, In OpenLNLMSMin.Japonica, ProtectedL/VLMSReticulataProtected Valentine DayHybrid (with other than reticulata parentage)Protected Cite MitchellSasanquaBest BloomLocal AwardsOverall Best BloomBest LargeBest MediumBest Small

PRESIDENT John Newsome2405 Howell Mill Road, NW, Atlanta, GA 30318

404355-4478 (GA) 828526-5340 (NC)

2nd VICE PRESIDENT Mack McKinnonPO Box 91, Murrell's Inlet, se 29576

843 651-3363

1st VICE PRESIDENT Glenn Capps334 Devane Street, Fayetteville, Ne 28305

910323-9891

TREASURER Bonnie Serpas229 Green Street, Santee, SC 29142

803 854-3171

SECRETARY Mildred Robertson320 Baron Boulevard, Suffolk, VA 32435

757 488-0254

HISTORIAN Cheryl Thompson602 Forest Drive, Ft. Valley, GA 31030

478 825-2559

EDITOR Richard MimsAssistant Editor Mary K. Hall

409 Groves Street, Lugoff, SC 29078803 233-1833

WEBMASTER Miles Beach262 Alexandra Drive, Mt. Pleasant, se 29464

803 881-6420MrCamellia@aol.com

Aces website: www.atlanticcoastcamelliasociety.com

2

Peggy's Blushgrown by Bill Supplee, photograph by Anne Moore

27

Reticulata (includes hybrids with reticulata parentage)In Open Frank Houser Val'. Jay & Debbie EllisProtected Pleasant Memories Richard & Katherine Mims

Hybrid (with other than reticulata parentage)Unrpotected Julie Val'. Jay & Debbie EllisProtected Delores Edwards Annabelle & Lew Fetterman

Show ReportGrand Strand Camellia Society, Brookgreen Gardens

November 4, 2005

C. Sasanqua-Other Species Star Above Star Jay & Debbie Ellis

Best White (in open) Charlie Betts Chuck & Bey Ritter

Best White (protected) Dorothy Chester Buck & Tyler Mizzell

Best Bloom by Novice Jane Dolan Lisa Bena

Best Miniature Fircone Val'. Chuck & Bey Ritter

In This IssueACCS 2006 Award of Merit inside front cover

ACCS Officers 2

Directors 3

ACCS Membership Form 4

Obituaries 5

President's Message 6John Newsome

Editor's Column 7Richard Mims

Camellias Are For Everyone 9Luther W. Baxter, Jr. (reprinted from Carolina Camellias Vol. XXV, Spring 1973, No.2)

Pruning 13Richard Mims

Letter from a Member 15John T. Gallagher

A Christmas Present for the American Camellia Society 16

South Carolina State Fair and the Mid-Carolina Camellia Society 17Richard Mims

An Appeal for Help In Getting Articles for Publishing 18Richard Mims

How Do We Use Camellias? Let Me Count the Ways 20Richard Mims

Recipe Corner: Squash Casserole 22Richard Mims

Pictures from the September 2006 ACCS Convention 24Photos courtesy of Warren and Cheryl Thompson

Show ReportsMid-Carolina Camellia Show 27Grand Strand Camellia Show ...•...................................... 28Massee Lane Gardens Camellia Show inside back cover

Annabelle & Lew FettermanAnnabelle & Lew FettermanBuck & Tyler Mizzell

Richard & Katherine Mims

Chuck & Bey Ritter

Edna Bass Val'. Geary & Bonnie SerpasMary Fischer Tyler & Buck Mizzell

Butchie Val'.My DebbieKiku-Toji

Lauren Tudor Jay & Debbie EllisEster Smith Ed & Lou PowersSomething Beautiful Val'. Jay & Debbie Ellis

Best Bloom, In OpenBest Bloom, Protected

Japonica, In OpenLNLMS

Japonica, ProtectedLNLMS

Sweepstakes Open: Gold Certificate

Sweepstakes Protected: Gold Certificate

28

Show ReportMassey Lane Gardens

Fort Valley, GANovember 11, 2006

Jay & Debbie EllisChuck & Bey RitterJay & Debbie Ellis

Edna Bass Var.BLack MagicKiku-Toji

Japoniea, In OpenLMSJaponiea, ProtectedL Melissa Ann Steve & Gayle LawrenceM Grand Marshall Var. Steve & Gayle LawrenceS Kiku-Toji Buck & Tyler MizzellMin. Man Size John NewsomeRetieulata (includes hybrids with reticulata parentage), In OpenVL Frank Houser Var. Jay & Debbie EllisL Valentine Day Chuck & Bev RitterM June Normal Chuck & Bey RitterRetieulata (includes hybrids with reticulata parentage), ProtectedVL Trophy Steve & Gayle LawrenceL Tango Var. Steve & Gayle LawrenceM Black Lace Peony Steve & Gayle LawrenceHybrid (with other than reticulata parentage), In OpenL Mona Jury Esther LawrenceM Julie Var. Jay & Debbie EllisS Night Rider Chuck & Bey RitterHybrid (with other than reticulata parentage), ProtectedL Cite Mitchell Steve & Gayle LawrenceM JuLie Dave & Elizabeth ScheibertS Buttons & Bows Steve & Gayle LawrenceMiniature In Open Fircone Var. Chuck & Bey RitterMiniature Protected Little SLam Pink Ron & Elizabeth WolfeCollection of 3 In Open Kiku-Toji Chuck & Bey RitterCollection of 3 Protected Junior Prom Jim & Elaine SmelleySasanqua or other spec. Leslie Ann Tommy & Brenda AldenBest White In Open Melissa Ann Jay & Debbie EllisBest White Protected Mary ALice Cox Steye & Gayle LawrenceBest Small Bloom by Novice Chansonette Logan JohnsonBest Ville de Nantes Jay & Debbie EllisSweepstakes Chuck & Bey RitterBest Bloom In Open Tomorrows Dawn Bessie Chuck & Bey RitterBest Bloom Protected Pleasant Memories Steve & Gayle Lawrence

Bill and Mildred Robertson

Front Cover: Bill and Mildred Robertston

Atlantic Coast Camellia Society 2006 AwardofMerit

The 2006 Award of Merit from the Atlantic CoastCamellia Society is presented to Bill and Mildred Robert­son for their dedication and continued support of the Atlan­tic Coast Camellia Society, the American Camellia Societyand the Aiken Carnell ia Society. They are both chartermembers of the Atlantic Coast Camellia Society and Mil­dred is a past president and is presently serving as the sec­retary. Bill is a past president of the South Carolina Camel­lia Society and was a Director of the SCCS when the ACCSwas formed in 1980. Since the beginning, Mildred hasshared her many talents with ACCS from researching andwriting our history to decorating for the banquet. And asyou know, Bill is one half of the famous "Buck and BillShow". Bill and Mildred for many years have been a main­stay in the Aiken Camellia Society serving in many capaci­ties as show chairman and chairman of judges. Throughoutthe years they have also supported many shows in thesoutheast with their beautiful camellia blooms.

It is with great pleasure we present you with the 2006Award of Merit.

No.1January 2007Vol. LIV

Bill and Mildred RobertsonRecipients ofthe Aces 2006 Award ofMerit

Atlantic CoastCame/llas

Journal of the Atlantic Coast Camellia Society

c